Gratitude Archive

I am constantly reading and learning to growing in my faith.  I recently came across a story not in the Bible but about Jesus and His disciples.  I found it very compelling because it is about a stone and my ministry is centered on stone gratitude hearts.  Maybe you have heard the story, if not I will tell it to you now.

Jesus was walking with his disciples and stopped and asked each one to pick up a stone to carry for Him. He then said, “Follow Me.”  The disciples chose stones of good size. Peter being a more practicle and rebellious type of disciple decided to pick up a small rock so it would be easy to carry.  Jesus gave no specifications on size, shape or color.

As the day went on and they arrived on a mountain top around the time to eat lunch.  Jesus had all the disciples pull out their stones place them on a large rock. He waved his hands over the stones and He commanded the stones into bread for lunch.  All the disciples had chosen a good size rock so they had plenty of bread to fill them.  Peter had very little bread because of his small choice of a stone.  He was disappointed and hungry.  He thought to himself, “If I had known the purpose of the stone I would have chosen differently!”

After lunch, Jesus again asked the disciples to carry a stone for Him and said again, “Follow Me.”  This time Peter found a small boulder that he could manage to carry. Peter knew he would have a satisfying dinner with this stone.  The group walked with their stones and Peter’s shoulders became sore and he struggled from the weight of the small boulder he had chosen.

Jesus didn’t take them to the top of the mountain this time but instead to a riverbank.  “Throw your stones into the river.” He commanded and said again, “Follow Me.”  He began to walk.  The disciples were obedient and threw the stones into the river.  They turned and waited for a miracle but there was no miracle. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, “For whom did you carry the stone?”

I have always believed that God brought the stone hearts that I give in my ministry to me for a reason.  I have always felt connected to the hearts because of their weight and comfort when holding them.  They way they fit into the palm of the hand always amazes me because no matter which heart someone chooses it fits their hand.  I know that is God’s blessing on the hearts and for the person holding it.

There are many teachings in the Bible regarding stones.  Stones were used to build churches.  Stones represent stability and solid foundations.

1 Chronicles 22:2 
So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew (cut) out stones to build the house of God.

This verse shows stones in rebuilding and recovering.

Isaiah 9:10 
“The bricks have fallen down,
But we will rebuild with smooth stones;
The sycamores have been cut down,
But we will replace them with cedars.”

A stone being rolled away from the tomb signifies Jesus ascension and new beginnings.

Mark 16:1-5

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, they *came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”  Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed.

David took out Goliath with a stone.  No giant is too big for us.

1 Samuel 17:49

David reached his hand into the bag and took out a stone. He slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank deeply into his forehead, and he fell down with his face to the ground.

Stones also represent the twelve tribes of Israel moving to the promised land.

Joshua 4:8-9

So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down.  Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.

I pray that as you see stones throughout your life that you will pick them up and hold them in Jesus name.  As I give each stone gratitude heart I tell the person receiving it to hold it and know that God loves you and is with your each and every day.  I ask them to hold it when they become anxious or worried trusting that God will move them threw that time and to hold it and give thanks and praise.  The stone is their anchor to our Heavenly Father.

I love each of you and pray for your daily.-LoLo

I, like most of the world have been in my home for an extended period of time.  I have baked, read books that were piled up by my bed, cut my own hair (I was a hairdresser many years ago), cut my husband’s hair, organized closets, planted plants in our small garden…….the list goes on.  The thing that bothers me is these are things I should have already been doing in my “normal” life because they are things I love to do!

I was so guided away from these things because of my need to be “busy” with work and my ministry that I had forgotten what I enjoyed doing.  I also recognized that even though I was in God’s Word daily I wasn’t absorbing it because of my “busyness”.   I decided after a month in isolation to reminisce about God’s Promises and to look at a few of them each day.

The first one I really focused on was the promise that God delivers us through trials.  I looked again at 1 Samuel 17, the story of David defeating Goliath.  I likened Goliath to the Coronavirus, our giant of today.  The story shows how the littlest man defeats the biggest giant with a simple shot of a stone.  David was patient and took his shot at just the right time.  We need to be patience with our physical separation at this time in order to allow God to take that shot at the virus. We can’t control it so we need to let God handle it and bring us through. He has the slingshot for this problem we don’t.

God promised to bring us through this.  God cannot lie so we know this to be true.

1 Samuel 17:50  So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

Another promise is the Holy Spirit will dwell in us as a gift from God.  Simply this means that God has gifted us with His presence always in our hearts and bodies. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reads:

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

The Holy Spirit is a gift we receive because God loves us. It includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.  All qualities I need during this time of isolation.  I need to stand in my faith, be kind to my husband instead of being short, I need to give and donate to others that have lost jobs and most of all I need to practice self-control and not be impatient because I want to go and do things that are currently prohibited.  I need to feel and listen to the Holy Spirit guiding me through this time.

Let’s also remember the promise that God provides for our every need.  People panicked at the beginning of this crisis hording things like toilet paper, flour and other things I didn’t understand.  Fear plagued many and they rushed out to get what they needed causing us to think only of ourselves first.  They took everything they could carry and didn’t leave supplies for their neighbor.  I too was fearful at the beginning since I have seen many days in Illinois that if heavy snow was in the weather forecast all the weatherperson had to say was, “Folks we are going to be stuck inside for several days!” and the milk, bread, diapers, etc. would vanish immediately from store shelves.  Most of the time the snow didn’t come in a heavy downfall and people had bread molding and milk spoiling.  Waste because of fear.  I wonder how many garages and storage units are filled with toilet paper, paper towels, cleaners and masks?

I never have understood the shortage of toilet paper since this isn’t an intestinal virus.  I hope to understand that someday.  We have been fortunate in my household that we can find anything we really need with the exception of disinfectant sprays which are being prioritized to medical facilities.  In the beginning we did see some food shortages in the first few weeks. There are many things to be grateful for during this period in time.  We have food in our pantry and refrigerator, received a stimulus check, we remain healthy and I stand in faith that God is providing for my family.  We actually have received some very special blessings during this time that weren’t expected showing us God loves us and blesses us no matter what the situation is.  I do know there are people suffering during this and I pray daily for them and give to the food banks and donate to our local efforts to help our community.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Another promise is that God has angels watching over us.  Psalm 91:11 says:

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

I have had anxiety flares several times during this last month of isolation.  Fears of my parents becoming infected, fearful my husband would lose his job, fearful that people are suffering and I can’t reach out to them like the domestic abuse victims as cases are skyrocketing in our community. I am reading a book right now called, “Saints and Angels” and I am learning how angels are placed with us by God for guidance and comfort among other things.  It helps me to understand these workers of God and how to notice their help when I need comforted.  I personally have always been connected spiritually to the number 11.  Every time I see an 11 I feel God’s warmth in my heart and know He is with me along with His angels.  Maybe you see a cardinal or a certain flower as a special symbol that may represent your angels being with you.

Lastly I would like to speak of the promise that God will never leave me.  He loves me unconditionally and understands I will fall in doubt and sin because I am human yet he always loves me and welcomes me back after a quiet period of not being in His Word.  I know during this time my mind has wondered and I lost valuable time watching TV or playing Candy Crush (yes I am one of those people).  I now do feel His prod daily to get off the couch and spread His Word through social media or Zoom.  I need to proclaim His Goodness to those falling away and becoming distant by whatever means I can so here I am friends, reminding you of God’s beautiful plan for us to have amazing and abundant lives.

Deuteronomy 31:8  It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

If this virus and isolation is taking a toll on your, please study God’s promises for you.  He has over 700 promises he shares with us in faith.  I promise there is one for anything you are going through whether it is financial, in your relationship, your health, your future or a myriad of other things remember there is a promise from God to handle it for you.  I am blessed with each of you that read my blogs, listen to my podcast or see my Facebook scripture every morning.  I am grateful for you and pray daily for you-love LoLo

I have said in a previous blog that I believe that God has placed us where we are with all our limitations because we need to change and turn back to Him.  We are a world that has become more racist and hateful than ever before.  We are allowing more abortions to be performed as well as very late term abortions.   We have become fixated on having more, more, more including coveting money.  The list goes on.

When we move away from God and what His will is then He will draw us back by whatever means necessay.  This can include shutting down the world and putting us together in small family units or by ourselves to give us time to reflect on our lives and create new habits.

It took me a while to surrender myself to the understanding that COVID-19 was real in in my backyard.  I didn’t ignore it but I didn’t accept the severity of the spread of it or the importance of being away from other people.  I did follow the guidelines since the beginning and only had contact with family members I needed to help or drop off supplies to.

Being a person of faith and my heart devoted to God I looked at what all this could mean.  I know in my heart this is God bringing family back together,  allowing us time to get deeper in His Word, to focus our thoughts on helping others and serving in His name.

I know in my own life my 9-5 job has stopped since it relies on public events and those are not currently allowed so clients aren’t purchasing promotional products.  In my ministry I can’t give people hearts, hug them or pray with them because of the guidelines so that has also stopped.  So really every aspect of my business and ministry is on hold.  I knew I needed to use this time to focus on reflection and learning more on how to serve in the future.  How can this shutdown of my normal life change for the better?

I quickly realized that I was at a standstill for everything I was doing in my day.  No more orders coming in, no more sharing hearts, no more running to have coffee with friends, no more easy access to everyday things at the grocery store.  How was I going to adapt?  I was going to turn to what I know.  My Heavenly Father.

In times of crisis we run many times to anxiety, worry and fear.  All of these things are not what God has taught us.  They are the absolute opposite of what Jesus said.  “Fear not” are the words Jesus said repeatedly as he walked on this earth.  Did you know that “Fear not” has been counted in the Bible 365 times?  One for every day of the year so you don’t have to go one day living in fear.  I hope that comforts you.

Isaiah 35:4 “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.”

Daniel 10:19 “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

I also thought about my finances.  My paycheck would stop since I work only on commission of sales without a salary.  My ministry relies on donations and the intimate contact with people to understand my work.  Both of these sources or revenue were gone during social distancing.  I turned to God and was comforted that He would take care of me.  That same day it was announced Americans would receive stimulus checks, extended unemployment benefits as well as loans and grants for non-profits.  All an answer to what I needed.  I also had people asking to buy our candles and hearts through Venmo with porch pickup at my house.  Thank you Father.

Philippians 4:19 
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I also know in my heart we will have a new normal coming.  Everyone says they just want things to go back to normal.  I don’t.  I want a better and new normal.  I want a  normal that includes families taking time for each other.  I want a normal that people choose to serve humanity first in God’s name instead of serving themselves.  I want a normal that reminds everyone that life is precious whether it is for the unborn, the elderly or those just trying to survive.  I want a normal that is not filled with greed, social media, busy times or  turning the other way.  What do you want for a new normal?  Now is the time to create your new normal.

I feel there will be many good things come from this crisis.  Medically maybe we will wear masks during flu season after learning how viruses are spread.  Spiritually maybe we will spend more time with God in prayer after having so much downtime. Emotionally maybe we will appreciate our bothers and sisters more after coming together like we have.  Physically maybe we will go outside more and appreciate God’s creation as we exercise more.  Mentally maybe we will be stronger knowing we all turned to God together to get through this.  Financially maybe we will trust in God more to provide for us as we have had our income reduced or taken away and were okay.

The most important thing to remember as we move through the COVID-19 crisis is that God always brings us out of darkness better than we were before the darkness.  Trust that He is building something better for us.

Romans 8:28 
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Ephesians 5:13  
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Below is a picture I posted to show how God helped me still do my ministry in this time of no contact.   Thanks to antibacterial wipes.

As we move through these week of not our known normal, let’s be creative and figure out what we need from God to have a new more beautiful normal in the days to come.  Ask big and ask often for His guidance and blessing for this new normal.

All my love and gratitude.   LoLo

We are all tired, weary and weak right now with the stress of COVID-19.  Tired, weary and weak emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.  We question why we are sitting where we are right now with the world soaked in a virus, shutdown and locked inside.  As a gratitude coach people ask me why this is happening and how can God  do this to us.  My response as a woman that practices gratitude in everything and always stands in faith answers, “Because God feels it is necessary.”  Let me explain this further.

Have you ever heard the saying, “God will put you flat on your back to get your attention and slow you down.”?  I have referenced this saying many times in many situations.

When we begin to distance ourselves from God He will create a situation that forces us to draw back to Him.  Many times this is through crisis, illness or economic defeat.  We have all now.

Deuteronomy 4:36 
“Out of the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you; and on earth He let you see His great fire, and you heard His words from the midst of the fire.”

We have so many factors today in the world that is so against God’s Word that I personally feel that God is saying that we need to be shut down to slow down and come back to Him.  We are living in a country that allows late term abortions, mistreatment of immigrants, racism, loss of faith just to name a few.  This all goes against God’s Word and we all know it yet we allow it to happen.   Have we forgotten we are all created in God’s image or “Imago Dei”.  Imago Dei signifies the symbolical connection between God and humanity.  As humans we are to act as God would.

More specifically as  Christians we are to work for God here on earth as He would.  We are to fight for the impoverished and starving, protect the rights of the unborn, uphold the dignity of the elderly, stop the  oppression of immigrants, uphold religious liberties, strengthen marriage and promote racial unity.  When we look at what we are supposed to be doing in God’s Name we see how broken this world is and how we are not advocating for all of His people.  Do you blame God for shutting the world down to bring us back to Him?  I don’t.

Philippians 2:4 
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

When you look today at our isolation ironically called “social distancing” it put us in the situation to be farther apart.  Will you use this period of time to grow closer to God and be more like God?  Imago Dei?  Will you reflect on where you are at in your life and see if it fits God’s plan?  Are you one of the wanderers that is off course?

If you are looking at this time in worry and anxiety I would ask you to quiet yourself and look again. The news and social media want’s to inflame and add to the panic.  I shut it off and look at what is truly happening around me.  I live in a community of 100,000 people and I have been amazed what is happening in Imago Dei and our loving God’s image.  We have medical people, first responders, delivery drivers, grocery stores all working tirelessly to keep things going.  I applaud, praise and am extremely grateful for all these people in my town and  around the world.

I want to show you other amazing things being done where I see God’s people coming back to Christianity and faith in our Father.  In my community restaurants are prepackaging food bundles that can be purchased reasonably and given to immune compromised residents.  Our city has created an Allen, TX Cares formed by our CERT team (Community Emergency Response Team) that handles emergency response in hurricanes, tornados and other natural disasters. They are checking on elderly, sick, handicapped, and many more people to make sure they have food, medicine and other basic needs during this time.  Chick-fil-A  offers free meals everyday at a local church where people can pick up meals in a drive through parking lot setting.  They have donated thousands of free meals.

1 John 3:17-18 
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Prayer drive thru is available.  Online church is available.  My church is https://www.chaseoaks.org/sermons-current-series/ if you want to watch some recorded sermons.  Telemedicine is available.  Pharmacies are delivering medicines.  We have another restaurant that you can donate online and first responders or medical personal can drive up and get a free drink of choice which are all immune boosting fruit/veggie drinks.  Another nonprofit I partner with is helping financially with bills and groceries.  God is good in Allen, TX.

God has asked us to come together to love our neighbors, our brothers and sisters and to work for His good.  God blesses all of us each day in so many ways we don’t stop to appreciate like hot water, shoes, food, sunshine, not to mention His Word in the Bible.  We should be doing acts of kindness in His Name every day and shouldn’t have to be reminded.  Look for the goodness in others during what is happening today.  Relish and live in the love being shared by strangers to care for each other.  We are good people and God creates all of us to care for one another.

My prayers and gratitude for each of you. LoLo