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May 29, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationWords of Wisdom
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and
with all thy getting get understanding Proverbs 4:7 KJV My great
niece, Jordan will graduate from High School this Sunday afternoon. She's a home school student. She along
with her mom, April, has worked hard to get to this day.
As we prepare
for her Commencement Exercise, I thought it would be a neat idea to gather words of wisdom and advice from her family
and friends. Some have come by phone and others by text. There are some great ones and also some that are
so funny; they'll tickle your funny bone. I think these are all good advice for any graduate, as well as any adult.
Keep in mind though, these words of wisdom are man-made, the
best wisdom comes straight from God’s word.
Hope you enjoy!
Words of Wisdom:
· When in doubt, DON’T!·
Can’t Never Could!· You’ve got to be smarter than the thing you’re working with.· Wherever you go, there you are.·
Remember the Kiss rule: Keep it simple
stupid.· Where God’s Finger points, His Hand will lead the way.· Don’t squat with your spurs on!·
Always use the Win principle when making
a decision. W-I-N
(What’s Important Now?)· If God seems like He’s 1000 miles away, guess who moved?· Always follow your heart!·
Don’t trouble trouble until trouble
troubles you.· Don’t sweat the small stuff, cause in 5 or 10 years down the road, it just won’t
matter.· Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today and Hope for tomorrow.· Always focus on the task at hand.·
Always keep a box of tissues for life’s
issues.· You know you’ve got a problem, when you look in the mirror and know one
looks back.· The future that lies before you is a field of driven snow. Be careful how you tread on it, every step will show.· Where there’s a will, there’s a way.·
WWJD - What Would Jesus DO?· The day we were born, we start to die, so don’t waste one minute of this life.· You’ve only got one life, so soon it will pass, only what’s done for Christ will last.· You just can’t fix stupid!·
Whether you believe you can or whether
you believe you cannot, you’re probably right!· Can’t lives next door to just don’t want to.· Okay, let’s think of a few reasons why it can be done.·
Never love a man that doesn’t respect
his parents, cause he won’t respect you either.·
You can’t soar with eagles if you
run with turkeys.· Don’t cry over spilled milk.·
Pretty is as pretty does.· You’re known by the friends you keep.·
Don’t let the sun go down on your
anger.· Never eat yellow snow.·
If you run with dogs, you’re going
to get fleas.· Remember, puppy love only leads to a dog’s life.· Worry looks around, sorry looks back, but faith looks up!·
No matter what the weather may be, always
carry your own sunshine! · Save, Save, Save!·
Always listen to your mom, she’s
always right.· Never replace your couch or sofa, before checking for change. · The only place success comes first is in the dictionary.·
If you love your job, you’ll never
work another day of your life.· Always have an attitude of gratitude!·
Three
things you’ll always need to get you through life: God, a Bible and a roll of duck tape.
Dear Lord, Bless Jordan on her graduation day and all graduates. Help us to
live by Godly Words of Wisdom. Amen
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
May 28, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGod's Plans for Your Future
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and
come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah
29: 11-13 NIV One of my proudest moments came on May 30th,
1980, when I graduated from Snyder High School. My senior year of high school was a blast. My classes were easy and my grades were
good. I got out around noon every day to work through the DECA program.When the time came to order my graduation invitations and cap and
gown, I could finally see the end in sight. Then May rolled around and I, like all seniors was ecstatic. It was all we could
do just to get down the hallways of the school without shouting for joy. Then Friday, May 30th finally arrived,
my graduation day. I remember having to go to the Scurry County Coliseum that morning for rehearsal.
Later that
evening, I marched down the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance in the new green dress my Grandmommie bought me and my
cap and gown. As I sit in the audience listening to the speaker, I thanked God for bringing me to that moment in my
life. After all the hugs and congratulations from my fellow students, I went home to a graduation party given by my parents.
Once again, after
hugs and kisses and congratulations from family members, I decided to go stay the night with my sister and her husband. Some
of my cousins were staying at my their house and I wanted to go and visit.
As I drove
to my sister’s house out in the country, I suddenly felt alone. Fear started creeping in as thoughts of the unknown
future raced through my mind. “Now
what am I going to do?” I said silently to myself. “Do I go to college,
do I get a job, what am I suppose to do now? Please, Lord, show me.” Within seconds, God’s peace filled my heart. I remembered
my favorite scripture in the Bible and I began to quote it. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 KJV I knew as long as I continued to put my complete trust in God’s hands, I would be fine. This passage of scripture
found in Jeremiah reinstated the fact that my future was in God’s hands. Knowing that His plans for
me involved a hope and a future gave me the peace and assurance that I needed.
Friend, whether your graduating
or just changing seasons in your life, always remember that God has a plan for your future. Just call on His name and seek
Him with all your heart. You can always depend on Him to be there to direct your paths for a safe and prosperous future.Dear Lord, I trust your plans for my future
today and always. Amen
Until Next Time,
Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:47 am
May 27, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationSeventy x Seven = True Forgiveness
Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin
against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!
Matthew 18:21-22 AMP
Has
anyone ever hurt you or someone you love? Answer honestly! I’m sure a few faces and names probably just popped up in
that brain of yours. Those are the faces of the people that have caused offence, injury and emotional pain to you or someone
you care about.
When I was a teenager, I went to church with a young man that was a few years older than I was. I had known
him all my life and we were close friends. He married a young lady that he met from another town. Before long, they were expecting
a new baby. Then suddenly, their happy marriage began to crumble.
They soon separated and the trouble really began. The
young lady started seeing other men and started spreading lies. A battle in court over their young son ended with my friend
getting custody.
Several
months later, the young people from our church attended a youth rally in Lubbock, Texas. Before the service started,
we caught a glimpse of this young lady, the same lady that had caused so much heartache and pain for our friend.
I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was all we could do to not jump her and claw
her eyeballs out. Sounds real Christ-like, doesn’t it?
Within a few seconds,
our youth leader, Sandy, realized what was happening and she pulled us kids over to the side. I’ll
never forget the words she spoke.
“Okay kids, listen
up! If Jesus can forgive you and me for all the wrongs we’ve done, don’t you think we should also be willing to
forgive her?”
You could have heard a pin drop. Our heads slowly drooped as our anger turned
into shame. We took a deep breath and swallowed hard after hearing Sandy’s words of wisdom.
In this passage of scripture,
Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive someone that hurts or sins against us. Jesus answered him saying that we
should forgive seventy times seven.
I know even as a Christian, you might be tempted at times to get out the old calculator
and say something like, “Okay,
Lord, you said to forgive 490 times, but what about 491?”
Trust me when I say, there
have actually been times when I've felt like I was getting close to that 490 mark. I’ve learned that prayer is the only thing that helps me the most when it comes to forgiveness. I ask
Jesus to forgive me for all those I’ve hurt and then I pray for those who have hurt me.
Friend, when you
start praying for your enemies, Jesus begins to work on their hearts and yours.
1 John 1:9 says, If
we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Sandy was right! If Jesus can forgive us, surely we can forgive others.
Dear Lord, Thank you for Sandy, a special youth leader, who taught me years ago that I should always
be willing to forgive others, just like you forgave me. Amen
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May
the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:03 am
May 26, 2009
A Cup Of Cowgirl InspirationHelping Others
Never
walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor, “Maybe
some other time,” or, “Try me tomorrow,” when the money’s right there in your pocket. Proverbs 3:27-28
The Message
I’ll never forget
that Sunday afternoon, several years ago. The little house on the corner had what appeared to be smoke coming from the roof. At
first I watched not knowing what it was for sure.
Within a few moments, a dark puff of smoke
billowed from the roof as I saw a young teenage girl with two small children running from the house.
I ran as fast as I could to get to them.
The young girl had already called 9-1-1. She had been babysitting when one of the kids accidentally got a blanket caught in
a floor heater. The teenager was scared to death. One of the kids had on a diaper and the other was only
half dressed.
I tried
to calm them down as I walked with them to my back yard. My best friend, Cherilyn ran and grabbed a blanket
to cover the children.
A few minutes later the fire truck arrived as well as the children’s parents.
The young dad was ranting and raving as well as spitting out one curse word after the other. My heart broke for the teenage
girl and the small children.
The kid’s grandmother soon came and
took them to her home as their parents continued to talk with the firemen. I watched as they tried to salvage what they could
from the fire.
It was only a few months before, when my great nephews and their mother rented and lived in that same house.
After I remembered that, I took a deep breath and began to thank God that He had kept them safe, as well as, this teenager
and the two children.
It was clear to see that not much could be saved from the devastation of the fire. It was at that moment, God spoke to my heart.
I told Cherilyn that I knew God wanted us to give these people some money. Her reaction was like mine at first.
“Okay,
God are you sure you about this?”
After
all, they had only lived there a short time and we didn’t even know their names. We had $200.00 in cash between us and before we knew it, I was putting it in an envelope.
As we walked across the street, I called the young lady over to the fence. We told her how sorry
we were and then, we hugged her. I put the envelope in her hand and told her that we hoped that maybe that would help. As
we turned to walk away, we told her that they would be in our prayers.
Months
later, we saw the young lady at a garage sale. She explained that her boyfriend, the father of her children, was now in prison.
She was living across town in a rented trailer with her kids.
It was during that conversation
that I understood why God had told us to help this young lady.
This passage of scripture
from Proverbs is very clear and easy to understand. As a Christian, it is our duty to help those in need. I
like The Message translation of verse 27.
Never walk away from someone who deserves
help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.
Friend, you may never know the extent of how much you have helped others. When God tells you to help someone, do
it! Trust me when I say, you’ll be blessed and a few months down the road, God might even show you why.
Dear Lord, Thank you for protecting our loved ones and our neighbors. Please use my hand Lord, to help others
for your glory. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:31 am
May 25, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHAPPY
MEMORIAL DAY!
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. Psalm 135:13 KJV
Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember all the brave men and women who have served our country
in the armed services.
Many of these young men and women gave their lives to give us the freedom that we as American
Citizens enjoy today. Their service has given us freedom of speech, freedom to make choices for our careers, our homes and
most of all freedom to worship.
Pray for all the service men and women, who out of love for this country, sacrifice time with
their families and risk giving their lives for our safety at home and abroad.
As a Christian, the cross symbolizes a monument or memorial of
the life that was sacrificed for freedom for all from sin and death. God gave His only Son, Jesus, to die for you and me,
so that we might have forgiveness for our sins and live a life full of liberty.
Friend, remember our service men and women who have given their lives and those still fighting for our freedom.
Living in America, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, ensures our right to pray and read
God’s word.
Most of all, always take time to remember the life that was sacrificed on an old rugged cross to offer you and me
freedom and eternal life.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the brave men and women who have
and who are serving our country. Lord, today, I take the time to remember what you sacrificed, your life so that I may have
eternal life. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy
Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:26 am
May 22, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationNew Creations
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
My dad and brother-in-law, Gaylon, remodeled one of the bathrooms in my house today. The commode
tank was cracked, the vanity top was scratched up and the pipes under the sink were rusted out. The light fixtures needed
replacing, too.
Needless to
say, it was past time to do some remodeling. I had bought a new vanity, commode, light fixtures and flooring several months
ago to replace the old ones. I just needed dad and Gaylon to come and remove the old and replace it with the new.
The wall texturing and painting would be no problem. I could do those easy, but I’m
no carpenter.
For almost nine hours they worked with only a few breaks. Before
they left my house last night, the bathroom had been transformed into something new.
I know most folks wouldn’t get excited over a new
commode, but trust me, when I say that commode is a beauty. The vanity is dark brown, with a new shiny porcelain white top.
Did I mention the new floor? Wow! It makes my heart go pitter pat.
Everything is finished, except for installing two new light fixtures and finishing the painting. What a transformation and in less than a
day!
The
moment I met Jesus, there was a different kind of remodeling or transformation that took place in me. An
old life full of sin was replaced with forgiveness and a new beginning.
Friend, do you know someone who needs a remodeling job in his or her
life? Jesus can remove all the old and replace it with new. Hate will be replaced with love. Greed will
be replaced with a giving spirit. A life filled with confusion will be replaced with peace that passes all
understanding. A heart full of sadness will be replaced with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Jesus is waiting friend! Ask Him today to make all things
new in your life!
Dear Lord, Thank you for replacing all the sin and worn out
things in my life and replacing them with new eternal things. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
7:55 pm
May 21, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationJesus Chose You!
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring
forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16 KJV
I'm sure most folks remember being in gym or P.E. class during the school years. The teacher
would announce that there would be two teams with two captains. Immediately, everyone would scream and raise their hands
in hopes that they would be chosen as a captain.
After the captains were chosen, they each took turns choosing
their players for their team. If you were a good player, you were always some of the first to be chosen. The worst players
and possibly the unpopular ones were always in the bottom slots.
I was usually in the middle. Not the first or the last. I always
felt so sorry for the kids that were chosen last. I know that’s usually the way it goes, but to see the looks and sadness
on those kid’s faces always broke my heart.
Before receiving salvation, Heaven’s Team Captain, Jesus starts dealing with a sinner’s
heart. I believe this scripture found in Revelation sums it up best.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear
my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV
That knock
on the heart’s door is Jesus saying, “I have chosen you.” He doesn’t choose the best first and save
the worst for last.
A person is not chosen because of his or her ability or social status. Jesus
chooses people for one reason, because He loves us all so very much. So much, in fact, that He gave His life on
Calvary, so that we might have remission for our sins and eternal life.
After a person becomes a part of Heaven’s Team, Jesus wants His team players or His Church to be fruitful.
I believe being fruitful includes
having the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22.
A
Christian should have love, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. These
same qualities that Christ himself had should be a part of every believer. When these qualities are shared
on a daily basis, it helps win souls for Christ and His kingdom.
Friend, always remember how special you are to Jesus!
He loved you so much that HE CHOSE YOU!
Dear Lord, Thank you for loving me so much that you chose me. Help me Lord, to lead others to you.
Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
9:42 pm
May 20, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationRegular Cleaning Appointments With Jesus
His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk. Genesis 49:12
NIV
My best friend,
Cherilyn, has been a Dental Assistant for almost 30 years. I laugh at her often.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old
saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Cherilyn doesn’t actually judge a person by their teeth,
but trust me, when I say that teeth are the very first things she notices. She can tell when a person is wearing dentures or a partial. She
can spot gum disease or a cavity in a heartbeat. She can also tell you if a person has had their teeth bleached.
As you can tell, she is
very passionate about her job. She even got to teach a Dental Assistant Course at our local college, last fall. Those students probably notice teeth every time a person opens their mouth now, since sitting
in Cherilyn's class.
She wants everyone to have healthy
gums and teeth, which leads to overall good health. It's for that very reason, that she always makes sure
I keep my regular scheduled cleaning appointments.
Yesterday was no different. She made sure I was sitting in the Dental Hygienist’s chair for my
regular cleaning.
While the hygienist cleaned my teeth,
I started thinking about how important it is for Christians to keep regular scheduled appointments with Jesus.
Dental Hygienists use precise
instruments to scrape or remove plaque and tarter off of teeth.
When we ask Christ to forgive us for our sins,
He scrapes or removes the sin and defeat from our lives. He replaces it with forgiveness, victory and the
promise of eternal life with Him.
This scripture found in Genesis is referring to the “Coming Messiah.” The
wine represents the color of blood. The color of his eyes and teeth represent vitality and victory.
Friend, make sure you keep your regular dental appointments. But most importantly, keep those regular
cleaning appointments with Jesus. Prayer and reading the Word are the instruments needed to ensure a healthy clean heart
and a life full of victory that only comes through Jesus Christ.
Dear
Lord, Thank you for all dental assistants, hygienists and dentists that keep our teeth and gums healthy. Lord, most of all,
I thank you for cleaning away my sin and giving me eternal life. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take
a Liken to You.
1:34 pm
May 19, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationStand Up and Speak The Word!
No weapon that is formed
against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is
the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 KJV
I can remember many times growing up when the neighborhood kids
would all play together. We’d play ball or hide-n-seek. It was fun or at least it would start out
that way.
Before long,
there would be arguments and kids calling each other names. All of a sudden, this group of friends appeared
to be a group of enemies.
Oh, you better believe it, my sisters and I were usually right
in the middle of it, especially if involved any of the three of us.
“I’m rubber, you’re glue, what you say sticks to you!” Someone
would shout out.
Then the comeback was always,
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me!”
My all-time favorite was “Nana, Nana,
Boo, Boo!”
I admit it. I still use that one often,
even in my mature adult years. You know there are just some things we never grow out of.
As a Christian, I think of all the times in our lives when things are going great. Then
within a few moments, the enemy starts attacking. He may attack your thoughts, your health, your finances
and even your relationship with Christ.
What should Christians do when
the enemy starts attacking? In Matthew the 4th chapter, there is three times the devil attacked
or tempted Jesus. Did Jesus stand there and take it? No way! He put the enemy in his place.
But he answered and said, It
is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 KJV
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Matthew 4:7 KJV
Then saith Jesus
unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10 KJV
Friend, the next time the enemy
attacks you, don’t you sit there and take it. Stand up to him and start speaking the word of God.
“Hey you lying devil, my Bible says that no
weapon formed against me shall prosper and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
You may be like me and want to add your own personal message back to the devil when quoting
scripture at him. It's easy, “Nana, Nana, Boo, Boo, with Jesus on my side, there's nothing you can do!"
Dear Lord, Thank you for your Word that I can use on the enemy. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:24 am
May 18, 2009
A Cup Of Cowgirl InspirationLaunch
Out Into The Deep
Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon,
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have
toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. Luke 5:4-5 KJV
I’ve known since I was a teenager that God wanted
me to be a writer and speaker. However, I can’t say that the writing part came easy for me. I was
always too scared of failure; so I never made a total commitment to becoming a writer until last year.
Like a lot of people, I would ask the Lord and seek His direction for my life. But,
when He would show me the path to follow, I’d run in the opposite direction.
Last year, I once again started
seeking the Lord about writing.
I finally just told Him straight out, “Lord, I wish you would
deliver some clear instructions in my mailbox.”
A week or so later, I was on my computer, when God delivered those
clear instructions. It wasn’t by coincidence that I found information about a Christian Writer’s
Conference that was only 26 miles from my home.
I knew immediately that God made my path clear. Without even giving it a second thought, I registered and paid my
tuition to attend the conference.
I learned more about writing
in that two-day session than I had learned in my whole lifetime. I came home knowing in my heart that God
would make my dream of becoming a writer a reality.
Within a month and a half, I was signing a contract with a publishing company to write some devotionals
for an upcoming book. A few months later, I attended another Christian Writer’s conference, where I won an award for a poem that
I wrote.
Just like Peter, I took Jesus at His word and lowered my net. The Bible tells us that Peter and the other fishermen caught
so many fish that their nets began to break.
I didn’t catch fish, but I did learn quickly that trusting God’s direction and having the
faith to launch out into deep uncharted waters would bring me unlimited opportunities.
Friend, don’t ever give up! By faith, launch out into the deep, and get
your net ready. God will fill it full of answers to your prayers, opportunities, and maybe even some fish.
Dear Lord, I trust you with
my life to launch out into the deep and let down my net. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken
to You.
1:49 pm
May 14, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHowdy Friends,
Hope you had a wonderful and
blessed day!
I'll be back on schedule with my devotional writing on Monday, so please stop back by.
Again, please remember my great niece, Kallee in your prayers. She is 12 years old and having surgery tomorrow.
Hope you have a great week-end! Remember to invite someone to go to church with you on Sunday!
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken To you!
Tracy "Bobo"
10:57 am
May 13, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHowdy Friends,
YAHOO!!
I
got through with Kallee's new wesbite today. Kallee is my great niece. She will turn 13 on the 23rd of
this month. She 's so excited that she will finally be a teenager.
God has blessed her with
such a talent. She is a singer and songwriter. God has opened so many doors for her. It is so awesome to see someone
so young doing such amazing things for the Lord.
Please check out her website at www.KalleeRhodesMusic.com
Also, please remember Kallee in your prayers. She is having surgery this Friday in Shreveport, LA.
She is having her appendix removed.
I know I've lost a few days of my devotional writing, but being
a great aunt, I had to help my Kallee girl. She's an inspiration to me, and I love to support her
ministry in any way I can.
Until next time friend,
Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken To
You!
2:51 pm
May 12, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHowdy Friends,
I've been working on my great-niece,
Kallee Rhodes' new website today.
I'll try to get back to my devotional writing in the next few days.
Check
her website out at www.KalleeRhodesMusic.comUntil next time, Happy Trails and May the
Good Lord Take a Liken to You!
9:09 am
May 11, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationThe Greatest Example
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s
feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15 NIV
I’ll never forget that spanking Grandma gave my Aunt Debbie, my sisters, Tammy and Tonja and me. Being the
youngest of us four, I always followed their lead and example. Trust me, this was one time I wished I hadn’t.
It had rained earlier that afternoon
and us four girls were chomping at the bits to go outside. It was always a treat when it rained in the small West Texas town
of Snyder, where we lived. Nothing compares to the smell of rain in West Texas. It has the distinct odor
of fresh wet dirt. A person would have to experience it to fully understand.
Grandma’s house was on the corner, so every time
it rained; the water would run alongside the curb like a rushing river.
Grandma’s orders were quite clear that day.
“Girls, you can go outside, but do not play in the water
and get dirty.”
Grandma should have known better. After all, that was like putting a piece of candy in front of a child
and telling them not to eat it.
Nevertheless, we went outside to play. Before I knew it, I was following Aunt Debbie, Tammy and Tonja
into the street. Yes, you guessed it, right where the water was gushing like a roaring river.
The next thing I remember was
Grandma fussing at us for not minding and then feeling the stinging of what I thought could be a fatal blow to my backside.
I’ve got to tell you friend,
I was heart broken that Grandma spanked me. She should have known that a little seven-year-old kid would follow the lead of
her older aunt and siblings. I wasn’t just mad at Aunt Debbie, Tammy and Tonja, I was furious at them. They were older
and were supposed to be good examples.
Although, that happened a long time ago, for some strange reason, it still remains vivid in my mind.
For a Christian, there is no
greater example than that of Jesus. He taught the disciples by showing and encouraging them to follow His example in all things,
including loving and serving one another.
Friend, always follow in his footsteps. Jesus is the greatest example and role model of all. Let me
encourage you to likewise be good examples to all those you come in contact with. Let others see Christ in all that you say
and do.
Just a friendly reminder, be sure to follow only those people who are good examples to you also. Following
in the footsteps of a poor example could get you in trouble with Grandma or worse.
Dear Lord, Help me to always follow your
example and lead. Amen.
P.S. Lord, help my Aunt and sisters
to be better examples. (Just kidding!)
Until Next Time, Happy Trails
and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
2:50 pm
May 8, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28 KJV
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and to all mothers!
I always joke around with my two older sisters telling them
that mom and dad saved the best kid for last. Of course, mom would never agree to that, because she loves all three of us
girls very much. My sisters, Tammy and Tonja and I all love mom too. The truth is we’d be lost without her.
The words in this scripture
should be on the card we give to our mom on Mother’s Day. It says it all. Her children,
(Tammy, Tonja and Tracy) call her blessed. The truth is that her children are blessed to have her as our
mom.
Her husband, (our dad) praiseth her. Yes, they’ve been married almost 52 years and during that
time, he has always loved mom and taken good care of her. She’s the mother of his three children and dad knows that
he is blessed.
Take the time this Mother’s Day to stop and thank the Lord for giving you a loving Mother. Many
special women touch our lives in extraordinary ways, so be sure and wish them a Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day, too.
To all moms, Happy Mother’s
Day!
To my mom, “HAPPY MOTHER’S
DAY.”
I love you dearly and I’m so blessed that you are my mom.
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with the Best Mom
in the World. Bless all mother’s this MOTHER’S DAY. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:15 am
May 7, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGodly Mothers
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness
[giving counsel and instruction]. Proverbs 31:26 AMP
This Sunday
is Mother’s Day, so naturally I’ve been thinking about mom, momma or maw. Sometimes in a loud crowd, I even refer
to her as BETTY SUE BANKS, just to get her undivided attention. Since, I’m the baby of the family, I guess I’m
spoiled to getting mom’s attention quite often.
My mom and I are close. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t
talk to her on the phone, usually several times. I call just to see what her and dad are doing. I call to see how she’s
feeling. But, most of the time, I’m calling to get her advice or opinion on something.
The fact that I’m almost 50 years old doesn’t
stop me from calling on mom for her words of wisdom. Mom is full of good sense, judgment and knowledge. I think maybe Webster
should list the word Mother under the definition of wisdom.
My mom and I may not always agree on things, but I do respect her enough to listen and
to think on it. Sadly though and like most kids, there has been numerous times in my life that I wished
I had taken mom’s advice.
Along with mom’s wisdom, I know I can always count on her love and prayers.
As a Christian, I know how blessed I am to have a Godly
Mother, that raised me in church and taught me about Jesus. My mom’s continuous faith in God through many years of trials
and sickness has been an example to me. Mom has showed me that even through the midst of a battle, God’s grace is always
sufficient to see us through.
Friend, this Mother’s Day, take the time not only to tell your mom you love her, but also show her. In fact,
we should show our moms’ everyday how thankful we are to have them in our lives.
Dear Lord, Thank you for my mom, the woman
who continues to amaze me with her wisdom, faith and her love. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May
the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:04 am
May 6, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationSpending
Time at the Altar
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God. Psalm 43:4 KJV
When I read the 43rd
chapter of Psalm, verse 4 really stood out to me.
I can recall many times at the end of a church service, when the preacher gave an altar call. Sometimes,
it was for those who had never accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Other times, it was for those seeking a
closer walk with God or maybe for a special need to be met.
The altar call that changed my life was when
I accepted Jesus, at six years of age, as my Lord and Savior. Throughout my life, there have been many altar calls
that were given that I attended.
Sometimes, it was to seek a closer relationship with the Lord and His
will for my life. Then, there were times, I just wanted to kneel down and spend some quality time talking with my best friend,
Jesus. It’s like that special feeling you get when you visit someone that you truly love.
One of Webster’s definitions
of an altar is a place used as a center of worship. When I go to the altar and spend time with the Lord in worship and praise,
I always leave feeling such great joy and delight in my heart.
Friend, you can make an altar wherever you are when you need to spend some time with God. It
doesn’t necessarily have to be in a church or in your home beside your bed or chair. When you begin to pray and worship
God, He'll be there!
Let me encourage you today to spend some quality time at the
altar with God. I promise you friend, when you get up, your load will be lighter and your outlook will be brighter. Your heart
will overflow with joy and delight.
Dear Lord, Thank you for always meeting me at the altar and for
filling my heart with joy and delight. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
3:05 pm
May 5, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationThank God for Friends
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs
17:17 KJV
Having
a friend is one of the greatest blessings that God gives to His children. Some friends are brought into our lives for only
a season, while others may stay forever.
One thing I know for sure is that God brings them
all into our lives for a reason. Some may be there for encouragement; others may be there to teach us about
God and His love. God’s purpose for bringing them into our lives may be to help them also.
I’d
like to share this Friendship Prayer that I wrote several years ago. For all my special friends out there, remember you are
such a blessing and to all my new friends who visit my daily devotional blog, thank you so much for giving me just a little
bit of your time everyday. I pray you are blessed.
Friends, I love and appreciate you all. May God continue to bless
you is my prayer.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the love and
prayers of my dear friends. Bless them Lord! Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
4:49 pm
May 4, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationWhen Two Agree
Again I say unto you, That if two of you
shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19 KJV
My 9 year old great niece, Landry, has spent the
last several days with her great grandparents, my mom and dad. Last Friday, while at Walmart, dad and Landry
stopped to look at free puppies in the parking lot.
After picking out the cutest puppy, they went back home with Landry’s newest friend. She
called her mom and dad to share the exciting news, only to find out that her parents weren’t excited at all. In
fact, they let Landry know in no uncertain terms that the puppy was not staying at their house.
Of course, kids want to know why, when their
parents say no and this was no exception. Landry’s mom told her they already have three dogs and it
would cost more to feed another one.
Little Landry was heart broken
by her parent’s reaction. I asked her if she had learned a lesson through this, like maybe, next time,
she should ask her parents.
She began to cry and told me that she had prayed all day long Saturday. During
her sleep, she even dreamed that she was praying. Her prayer was simply that her parents would let her keep
her new puppy, Pearl. Landry picked out that name, because her puppy is white.
Listening to Landry cry over her puppy made this great aunt
sad, so like any great aunt, I tried to console her.
I told her that I would pray
with her for her parents to have a change of heart. I told Landry about this scripture that says, when two
people agree on something when they pray it shall be done. So, Landry and I agreed.
This morning I spoke on the phone to Landry’s mom, April. I proceeded to tell
her that Landry was really upset about her puppy. I went on to tell her that she had been praying
and now I was praying along with her. Before I hung the phone up, I could
tell Landry’s mom was softening, just a little.
As a Christian, all you have to do is get one other person to agree with you in prayer about any need you may have.
Jesus followed that scripture with this one.
For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 KJV
When there are two or more of you praying, Jesus is waiting to answer your prayers.
Do I think Landry will get to keep the puppy? I’m sure hoping and believing
with her. One thing is for sure; Jesus will answer Landry’s prayers in the best possible way.
Friend, is something weighing heavy on your heart today? Call a faith-filled family
member or friend and pray together believing that Jesus will meet your every need.
Dear Lord, please take care of Landry and Pearl, and thanks most of all for giving us loving family and friends that
will join us in prayer. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
1:50 pm
May 1, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationPray Without Ceasing
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians
5:17 NIV
Well, did you?
Yesterday, I encouraged my readers to join me in prayer. This scripture
simply says to pray always.
I hope you've taken the time today to do, so.
I feel so strong about this that I’m going to use the same scripture again. Sometimes, repetition
helps, so folks, let's pray. If you have a need, Jesus is there to hear it and to answer it.
Remember; pray for your family, your neighbors, your friends and America.
Today's devotion
is short and straight to the point. Friend, spend some quite time with the Lord and PRAY.
Dear
Lord, help me to pray without ceasing. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May
the Good Lord Take a Liken to You
10:29 pm
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