SPEAKING OF MOVING MOUNTAINS

Why do I pray for God to move mountains in my life that overwhelm and scare me? Jesus told His disciples that even if they use a tiny dab of the faith they have been given, they could speak to mountains and they will move out of the way! I've been going about it all wrong. Matthew 17:20 states that I  cannot just sit and pray, "Lord, come fix this for me," then just wait anxiously hoping He will do something soon. He has told me that I am to use the faith He has given me to move these mountains in my way. Of course, the Lord isn't saying, "Bobbi, you're on your own on this one, I'm too busy." He is saying, "Bobbi, I am your Power. Rely totally on me, step out, be open to follow my leading, and start moving that mountain."

I may have to get on that mountain and start moving it with a teaspoon, but with every spoonful, the mountain has moved further than the teaspoonful before. This tells me that at times my efforts will seem small and pointless. At other times I will be elated at the progress. As long as I move the mountain out of obedience, that mountain will move. My Lord said so.

So, I will grow and learn to enjoy the huge task of moving mountains. It is like taking a journey. I can't keep focusing on the destination, I have to take in the scenery, the beautiful things and the sad things of life along the way. This is what will make me grow and become more like my Lord. Maybe I will find someone along the way that hasn't quite caught on about mountain moving yet and I can let them come along in my journey. Maybe I will come across someone who has moved many mountains and will show grace to me by teaching me.

Regardless, I have the rest of my life to move the mountains of living in this world. The Lord will keep me on task. And, I will have my teaspoon handy, just in case.

Bobbi J. Craigmyle, Psy.D. 01/11/2015Matthew 17:20

NOT A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION AT ALL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This is sharing how our God honors and works through a seeking heart that is humbled and hungry for Him. You see, that is part of what I need from writing this down. I need to get my cloak of humility back on the way it should be and to get so hungry for God that my life changes in the way it needs to do. Only the Lord can do that for me. I have to obey, but he leads. My prayer and purpose here is that something the Lord imparts to me through this might touch the heart of someone else and spark a fire.

 

If you care to follow along with me in this not quite a New Year's resolution, that is wonderful. This is more of a new start with a new year kind of thing. It's not a resolution, it's a lifestyle change. Feel free to comment. If not, I pray that the Lord will fill your hearts with the fire to seek Him above all else.

 

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First of all, here are some things I believe the Lord has shown me as I prepared for this 2015 lifestyle change. I am typing it here as it came out of my heart and onto paper with pen.

 

To walk through this life only taking steps where my finite mind safely leads me, is to live a life of control by the world of circumstances around me. I am allowing myself to be carried along by this vast ocean of a world cursed and out of control. In the middle of this, I am asking God to bless my choices, fix my disappointments and unexpected trials. What I am seeking to change is my source of control from my own idea of what I should do, to walking one foot in front of the other trusting the Lord to lead me through all of the unpredictable ups and downs of this life. He is in control of all this cursed world that surrounds me and covers my path. In letting Him be in control, I will step forward in places that will cut away parts of that veil that cover my spiritual eyes. I will recognize His power within me to gladly follow and experience the good and the bad. He knows where my feet need to step. I am content and praising Him for every blessing regardless of how deep the water is. After all, He is in control of my life, not the ups and downs of this world, not the feeble attempts of my own design. This can only lead to a joy that cannot be stopped.

 

In seeking to be a spiritual leader, I have somewhere along the line lost sight of the fact that my faith is just as faulty as anyone else's. I pray with all this "perceived" faith to move mountains for Him, while in reality I am afraid to even go near or look at the mountain. The Lord has never told me to sit in my comfortable pew and pray orders to Him to move these mountains for me. He has told me in His Word that if I have even a tiny bit of faith, I can tell a mountain to move and it will move. (Matthew 17:20) I don't think I've moved many mountains, so how do I use the faith I've been given to do this kind of thing? He might want me to climb up a mountain and move it with a teaspoon. Abraham climbed a mountain. God never failed him. Peter took his eyes off Jesus walking on the water, and he fell into the waves. My faith will be strengthened by keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, not looking at how high the mountain is or deep the water is. He will get me there. I just need to learn and enjoy the journey.

 

Well, all that is very noble and deeply spiritual and it requires a lot of commitment and perseverance. I'm not so sure that's meant for me, after all, I am an elderly woman, (I have a business to run, I have small children, I have poor health, I am just to be a watcher at the gate, I'm just not qualified to deal with that sort of thing.) What a blatant lie from Satan himself!

 

What has happened to me? Those rough unlearned fishermen were faced with the worst demons from hell, the impossible of situations. After Jesus went back to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit, these men did not cower back and say, "Well, someone more qualified, or has more time, or whatever, needs to take care of this!" NO! The gates of hell could not stop these men and woman. They no longer said, "Lord this situation is really bad and we can't seem to take care of it." They did what Jesus told them to do to have this kind of spiritual ability. He said, "Fast and pray."

 

 





DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAD AND A FATHER

 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAD AND A FATHER

Excerpt from Daniel Ruyter blog Memories of a Single Dad

 

The words ‘dad’ and ‘father’ are very similar on the surface and yet, I think to many people they hold very different meanings. Father’s Day seems to ignite something in a lot of people as it did with me as well.

What’s the difference between the words “dad” and “father”? Can they be used interchangeably? Are they basically the same thing?

I say NO, they are not the same thing and I’ll tell you why. Whether you agree or disagree on what I see as the difference between a dad and a father, I’d love it if you would share your thoughts in the comments below.

First, Let’s Define Dad

Here’s Google’s definition of “dad”:

I disagree, Google. There is a difference between being a dad and a father.
A dad is someone that is there for his children.  A dad watches and actively participates in their lives.  A dad helps them grow up, raises them, nurtures them, attends dance recitals and baseball games and is present.

Next, Let’s Define Father

A dad is someone that is there for his children. A father is something else; a father is more of a biological term than a role or relationship.

On the surface you’d think the definitions between dad and father would be the same – but they’re not. They are very different, in fact.
A father is something else; a father is more of a biological term than a role or relationship.  A father is a the birds and bees version of a parent. They are a reproductive assistant, if you will.  Father’s need only contribute the biological components necessary to produce the child.  After that, the their role and obligation to the child is over.

A father doesn’t need to be present to have a have a child.  They don’t need to participate to make their biological contribution.  A father doesn’t need to be present to be a father. Therein lies the difference when attempting to define the difference between a dad and a father. Of course, this distinction is my own and you may or may not agree or buy into my differences. Though, I know there are single moms out there that know there’s a distinctive difference between the two. They see every single day what the differences are between being a dad and being a father mean to their child’s life.

SATURDAY QUESTIONS FROM COLLETTA'S KITCHEN SINK

1) Do you know how to water ski?

Yes. Only tried it one time, age 12. Got up first time and went for a long while. Surprised me so much I fell and didn't let go of the rope, ouch. But I skied.

2) Do you have 2014 vacation plans? 

Nope, not at the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Do you have a passport?

Yes I do.

4) If you took a 7-night cruise, could you completely unplug -- no phone calls, no texts, no internet?

Yes, but I would want my Kindle so I could read.

5) Do you own a travel alarm clock?

No not exactly. I have my cell phone with an alarm clock on it.

6) Though the Go-Gos broke up in 1985, they frequently reunite for live performances. What's the last concert you attended?

Casting Crowns! An awesome event!

7) Their first hit was "Our Lips Are Sealed."  Can you be trusted with a secret? 

Most of the time. Just being honest. But with my profession, absolutely.

8) In 1982, when this song was popular, the comedy Tootsie was in theaters. What movie makes you laugh?
  

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, with John Candy and Steve Martin

 

 

 

9) Sam is chewing on a Tums as she composes these questions. What's the last over-the-counter that you took? 

 

Gaviscon! Works great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I CAN SAY NOW WHAT I COULDN'T THEN

 

Dear Mr. Ward,

I'm coming to you many years past the time I could talk to you face to face, but never to late to express what I wanted to say. The day you announced who the majorettes would be my senior year was one of immense pain and discouragment for me. I understand now that it was a consolation prize to offer me the position of "Head Pom Pom Girl."

Being a majorette was a very prized and prestigious position at our school. I longed and waited patiently to get a position on that team all the way up through my senior year. I don't understand why I was passed over that day. Of all the students in band, I was of the most faithful, dedicated, and serious band members from the time I was in the 4th grade. Playing my trumpet, showing up by bus at 6 am three to four times a week during school to practice was something I never missed. There wasn't a parade or concert I ever missed or came unprepared with my part.

I was not the most beautiful nor the most graceful girl in band. By no means was I as popular. But I cannot fathom why I gave so much to your expectations, Mr. Ward, and so much love and dedication to music and our band, that I was denied one thing I needed you to say to me that day, "You have been faithful and you deserve to be on the majorette team."

Here is the respone I know now I should have given instead of silently dying inside and passively accepting the consolation position:

Mr. Ward, I have wanted to be a majorette since the day I started band in the 4th grade. I have served contently three years of high school now as a second rate pom pom girl. I now have enough self esteem and a sense of fairness to tell you that I decline the position of "head pom pom girl." I will put on the old hot wool uniforms along with my other band members, and march with my trumpet, proud that I have done a darn wonderful job for 9 years with passion, purpose, and dignity.

Your music student, Bobbi Jo

RAMBLING THOUGHTS ON MY POLITICAL VIEW

I am a Christian first of all. My conscience and intent will always defer to the Word of God, the words of Jesus Christ. I am a politcal conservative and I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights on which this nation was founded. I believe that drastic change in our political environment is needed, which all those with political interest will agree. However, I believe the necessary and successful change can be brought about without disregard and revocation of our Constitution and patriotism. Why throw out the baby with the bath water?

I believe I am being stereotyped as a Christian conservative because I do not agree with our President of the United States, Barach O'Bama. I am convinced he is a narcissist with his own agenda which is not in the best interest of America. I am not a racist. I love and befriend people of any gender, race, creed, or orientation. The fact is, Barach O'Bama is not African-American at all. He is Bi-racial, just as much Caucasian as he is African. If he were totally Caucasian my opinion of him would not be any different than it is at this moment. I was profoundly disappointed when Herman Cain was blasted out of the GOP running for past moral indisgressions. Like no other political figure has ever committed such an atrocity! I would have voted for him had he been nominated as the GOP candidate. I am now praying that Mitt Romney will choose Condoleezza Rice as his running mate for the 2012 election. Let's get real here, whether we like it or not, this would be a "racial" advantage because the current administration, all of it, and voters alike have made much of the political issues about race.

I remember in December of 2008 when George Bush was speaking at a press conference in Bagdad, Iraq at the Prime Minister's Palace. An Iraqi journalist took off both his shoes and threw them at George Bush, who had to sway and duck to keep from being hit in the head. This action of throwing one's shoe at another in the middle east region is a derogatory gesture meaning "You dog." Muntadhar al-Zaide, the Iraqi who threw the shoes was taken to the floor by another Iraqi journalist and then removed from the building and let go. Later George Bush was asked to comment on the incident. He said, "I didn't have much time to reflect on anything, I was ducking and dodging. I'm not angry with the system. I believe that a free society is emerging, and a free society is necessary for our own security and peace"; he added, "I don't think you can take one guy throwing his shoes as representative of the people of Iraq." I wonder what would happen if someone threw a shoe at Barach O'Bama as he spoke in a public press conference. More than likely it would be seen as a "hate crime." The responsible party would be taken into custody and several million dollars or more would be appropriated to increase security for Mr. O'Bama and his family. Same act, two different American presidents, two very likely different responses.

I am disappointed that I am stereotyped as an O'Bama hater, NoBama, Bible thumper, rebeller against change, supporting inaction rather than change, being a racist because I do not think Barach O'Bama is a good president, being supportive of protecting the rich elite, and being responsible for the tragic state of the decaying American society. I am seen as one who has been duped by right wing scare tactics like I don't take the time to educate myself on all political views.

I respect the right of every American to have a political view, even if it differs from mine. I'm just asking that mine be respected. Isn't that what Democracy is all about? Or am I being pigeon holed by far left liberals who want to live in a Socialist society?

Thanks for letting me ramble on with my thoughts and beliefs. God bless America!



MOM, I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU

 

I know I always use the same picture of my mom for Mother's Day. I have later pics prior to her passing on New Year's Eve 1992. Those pictures make me sad. I watched this beautiful woman get overtaken by Rheumatoid Arthritis throughout her body. She would cry out in pain. I stood by her side when my dad left her for another woman after 32 years of marriage. I saw her lose all but about 30% of her vision to Glaucoma back in 1969. She lost 75% of her hearing from a fungal ear infection that was treated wrong. She was riddled with Osteoporosis and started breaking bones in her 50's. By the age of 65 she had Dowager's (sp) Hump so bad it looked like her head was coming out of her chest. She went from a walker to a wheelchair. Then in 1990 she had a severe stroke that left her paralyzed totally on the right side. She spent the last two years of her life in a nursing home that she hated because she needed 24/7 medical care. Through all of that, over all those years, my mom never lost her faith in God. She never complained and never asked God "why." She never let a day go by that she didn't pray for all of us kids and grandkids. My mom taught me to trust God no matter what comes my way, good or bad. She left me the greatest legacy a mom could leave. Total faith in a God who never leaves or forsakes us. I miss her now, but I will see her again and we will be together forever. Happy Mother's day Mama, from your baby girl, Bobbi