The Window View

The view from the window is beautiful. The sun shines on what is now a land of vibrant color. The birds fly by and the squirrels jump along the ground giving more evidence of the season. Cars are in their usual rush and occasional walkers can be spotted enjoying their stroll through a park or down a sidewalk.

There are also faces, many faces. There is the woman who looks tired from whatever controls her time and the man who appears in a hurry to meet a deadline. A teen can be seen driving too fast and an elderly one who obviously needs a hand. Then there is a man, soiled and mismatched, holding a sign that pleas for help. Faces of joy, faces of pain, faces of grief and stress; if we take notice they can be seen all around.

The window has another view. This is the one that looks inside of you. What do the people around you see?

Is it Jesus that appears when they look in you? Do they see love and joy and gratitude? Is it there but sometimes hard to view, because of something that is bothering you. Whatever it is, give it to God, so that others will see him, too.


Lord help me to keep the window of my heart clean, so the others may have a clear view to see you.

Blessing to all,

Blindness

It is dark, extreme darkness. At least that is what they tell me. I having nothing to compare. I don't know what light is like. They say it is very bright, but then I don't understand bright either......

I was trying this morning to imagine what it would be like to be completely blind. I have been in complete darkness before, but I knew it was darkness and I knew what to expect when it was over. I have never before really thought about the fact that a blind person can't imagine what light and brightness are like.

As a sinner we live in darkness. However, we only realize the darkness when God calls us to see the light. When we realize our sin and our need for a Savior, it is then we begin to see the light.

As the light gets brighter, the former darkness becomes more apparent. With each comparison we become more thankful for the light.

As I reflect on the darkness of my past, I am more than ever thankful for the present light.
I was blind but now I see. I was dead but now I live.

Thank you Father, you are the light of this world. You are the great physician and healer. You provid food for the hungry soul. You are awesome God!

".... one thing I do know, I was blind but now I see!" John 9:25

Blessing to all,

Blessings Here, Treasures in Heaven!

It' s pretty bad when going to work on Monday is a relief! Sometimes the weekend is so busy it is kind of nice to get back into your routine.

I was very busy in the house Saturday. Eric and Amanda did the yard work,which to me was a fair trade. I had much rather be in the house working and they would much rather be outside. Amanda was so funny. She was actually excited to mow the yard. After years of helping her dad do landscaping, she said our small yard was just enough to enjoy without using up your whole day.

Sunday Amanda and I made a trip back home for a special occasion. Our bodies wanted to be home but our hearts led us to make the 2 hour one way trip. We wouldn't have missed seeing Hayden baptised for the world. It was also great to worship again at IBC. I love my new church, but every time I go back home my heart is pricked because I do miss it there so much. But we get back for church here on Sunday night and have that "there's no place like home" feeling. I think I am so blessed to have two churches that I love so much!

This morning I read Psalm 73. It speaks of how it seems so unfair that those who live such worldly lives often seem to live such carefree lives, so to speak. Many times in my life I would dwell on these things. But when I really grasp the fact that my treasures are not of this world it seems to not bother me anymore. Envy is never healthy anyway. It just works on you from the inside out.

It was great to get to see many of you this weekend. Some of you I saw at a distance but never got to speak to you. I love you all!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne


Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73: 27-28

Seasons Come and Seasons Go

One of the greatest things about living in the south is the opportunity to experience every season. I'm one of those people who are always ready for the next season. Spring is by far my favorite and the only reason I ever rush summer on is due to the excitement of a planned vacation.

Today being the first day of Spring makes me want to buy flowers, but wait, every time I do that it turns cold again. I think I will wait awhile longer and not risk a frost.

Spring is such a beautiful time. I love to see the new life it brings and how beautifully it paints our drab leftover winter canvas. It is like God is painting a picture and daily you can see the colors and textures he adds.

The warmer weather is wonderful, too! It is so much better for my 40ish bones and muscles. I have really hurt a lot this winter and look forward to a little relief. I think the warm weather makes me feel about 10 years younger. Now if it could just do something to make me look 10 years younger. LOL

Springtime, just another one of God's awesome blessings! As new life buds outside it makes me thankful also for the new life I have in Christ Jesus. My life before Christ was like constant winter, ugly and dead. Thanks to the saving power of Christ my life is made beautiful and alive!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1: 3-5

Through the Fire!

You know how you find a movie that you just love and can watch it over and over again and never get bored. Isn't that how it is with God's word? I love how I can read something that I have read many times before and always find a blessing. Sometimes the same blessing over and over and sometimes the blessing of " seeing " something in the passage I have never seen before.



I know I have read Daniel many times, but I love to read again the faithfulness of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Mostly I love the reminder of God's greatness and faithfulness that is revealed in the book of Daniel.



God doesn't just watch over us when we are in the fire but he walks with us in it. He is so awesome and so trust worthy. I praise him this morning for the love he shows me. I praise him for the fires he has walked through with me. I praise him for his faithfulness.



God you are almighty! The one true living God! I love you Lord! I praise you Lord! Thank you for all your blessings. Lead me Lord in your ways that I might always be what you want me to be.



Join me this day in praising our most awesome God!!



Leigh Anne

Our Personal Defender

Last Saturday we made a trip to the theater to see Madea Goes to Jail. I love Tyler Perry's movies, but this was probably my least favorite. Don't misunderstand, I did laugh, a lot. I think it's probably hard to make sequels and have them be as good as the first.

As usual, Madea is in trouble and back in court. Defending her is her sweet nephew lawyer. He goes before the judge for her or should I say he trys. Madea is not very good at being quiet and letting her defense speak for her. She is however very lucky to have a lawyer that cares about her and that she knows she can trust.

Although we are Christians and try to live holy lives we are not exempt from sin. There are many times we mess up. Daily for me. We are so blessed to have a defender who speaks for us to our judge. Not just any defender, but a holy spotless one. The very one who knew no sin and died for ours is our mediator. He loves us and he can always be trusted. He will always do what is best for us.

Thank you Father for sending your only son to die for me; that I may experience your love while here on earth and know that someday I will live with you forever.

....;But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
1 John 2: 1

Blessings,

Leigh Anne

Walking in the Light

Light? What is light? What do we gain from light? This mornings devotion brought these questions to my mind.

Light helps us find our way. It may be a small flashlight to help see down a dark trail or a candle used to see when there's no electricity. Thankfully the sun gives us light so we don't have to always be in the dark. For someone trapped in a cave or a mine, the smallest ray of light showing through gives hope of being found.

Light from the sun gives us warmth. Even on a cold winter day the sun on our face warms us. There is a comforting feeling when pulling up to your home at night and seeing that amber color glowing in a window.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1: 5

Light represents the honesty, goodness, and purity of God. There are no shadows or dark sides to God. He is light!!

Just like the light, God helps us find our way. Through his love we find hope in a dark world.

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Blow Your Trumpet!

Are you a trumpet blower? Does your trumpet blow a tune of warning to the lost? I think my trumpet needs repairing. What?

I read in Ezekiel 33 this morning. Ezekiel is telling about the watchman, who should blow his horn to warn the people of the approaching enemy. In that day, if the watchman fell asleep and allowed the enemy to invade, he would be executed.

Are we not responsible for telling others about Christ? Shouldn't we be blowing our trumpet to warn the lost about hell. The enemy is not just approaching our camp. He is here and actively seeking to devour the citizens of this world.

Although we wont be executed for failing to tell others about Christ, we will stand someday before a holy God. We will be held accountable for those we should have told.

God has really convicted me this morning. I have failed to witness many times even when I felt the Holy Spirit moving me to do so. I also let fear keep me quiet; always afraid I will say the wrong thing or turn someone the other direction.

Lord,
Give me the courage to witness to the lost. Help me to remember that my strength comes from you. I want to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me and lead me to tell others about you and their need for salvation. Amen.


But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.
Ezekiel 33:6

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Jesus is Coming!!!!!!

The IBC choir sings a great song arranged by Mike Speck called Jesus is Coming. Wow how I love to sing that song. I hope my new church choir will sing it as well. It has a powerful message and reminder that Jesus is coming back!

Peter also reminds us in 2 Peter chapter 3. He warns us to be ready for Christ return. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

I have often heard preachers say we should live everyday like it was the day of Christ return. Because it has been over 2,000 years we tend to not expect it when we should be looking for it.

I don't want to be caught off guard and living an unholy life when he comes back. It is my prayer that I will always live a life pleasing to him.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 3 Peter 3:14

Leigh Anne

False Teachers

I read this morning from 2 Peter chapter 2. In this chapter Peter gives warning against false teachers and their destruction.

My Bible notes that false teachers often camouflage their lies with truth, making it difficult to catch their errors. I think we are seeing this more and more today. Some religions claiming to be Christian are using common language of Christianity but underneath are teaching far from Biblical truths.

Sadly, many Christian churches are watering down the truth. They are not preaching sin and not preaching the consequences of sin. We see the New Age religion that teaches freedom in believing what is "right" for you. This belief is filtering into many denominations causing church and denominational splits.

How do we protect ourselves from false teachers? We must have a firm foundation. We need to walk daily with God and daily in his word. Being saved will get us to heaven, but we also need protection from the evil one who wars against us every day.

If we are not firmly planted in God's truths, we can be easily mislead by the false teachers of this world. Knowing His word and praying for wisdom will help us be prepared to recognize the lies presented to us even when camouflaged by familiar teachings.

Leigh Anne

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 2 Peter 2:1-2

Humble, I Need To Be

Please don't see me,
Don't see the things I do.
The words I speak ,don't listen,
Unless He speaks to you.

I don't want to be a distraction,
that you might fall away.
I want to be a vessel
filled by Him each day.

Call me if you need me.
I want to be a friend.
I need to show you love,
not mine, but what comes from Him.

Humble, I want to be,
so He will sure use me.
I want to do His will,
So others too will live.

I want you to see Him
in everything I do.
Please see the love of Christ
not the pride of man.


Leigh Anne

...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

Husbands, Gotta Love 'em

God's word is so awesome and so full of direction. There are some scripture that you just can't read and study enough and I think 1 Peter 3 is one of those kind. How appropriate that my reading schedule would fall around our "Love" holiday.

Now 1 Peter 3: 1- 7 may not be every one's favorite reading, but it speaks so much truth in just a few verses. God speaks to wives and husbands with a plan that leads to a successful marriage. I'm sure some of you will think it odd that I would write on this subject. But can I tell you that since I was a young child I have always seem to learn best through my mistakes. My Daddy always said I was hard headed and I'm sure he was right.

While denominations have different opinions on these verses, I like to think of it in the words of Aretha Franklin..... R-E-S-P-E-C-T ( and yes I had to sing it to spell it! LOL)

I try to make sure that I respect my husbands opinion even though it may be quite different from mine.
Here are some ways I am trying to respect my husband:

1. Although at times I may make suggestions about his attire I try to remember that it really doesn't matter what he wears.
2. I quit telling him to slow down when he's eating because he has done it for 39 years and he can't change. It doesn't hurt anybody.
3. I don't ask him to stop listening to his kind of music so that I can listen to mine. Its his truck and his radio.
When we are in my car we listen to my music.
4. I try not to fuss when he leaves a mess. Sometimes I just pick it up. ( I'm not completely cured here) LOL
5. I always attempt to laugh at his jokes even if they are not funny.
6. I try very hard to pay close attention when he tells me about his day.
7. I tell him how much I love his blue eyes, especially when he is wearing blue.
8. I thank him and brag on him when he helps me with chores even when I ask for the help.
9. I say "I love you" many, many times a day!

My husband is so sweet and loves me so much. He respects me for who I am. He loves me even though I am very far from perfect. It is my prayer that we will always love and be kind to each other even when we don't agree.

Leigh Anne

Proud to be an ALIEN!!!!

I was at home for several years when my girls were younger. During this time I became very involved in church and spent more time in Bible study than I had previously. Once I returned to work outside the home I was in shock. I learned quickly what it was to be an "alien" in this world.

One day at work years ago, a man's comment about God literally made me sick at my stomach and brought me to cry right in front of him. I will never forget it as long as I live. I have to this day never experienced anything like it. I really felt like I was looking Satan in the face that day. I know these may seem like harsh words but it felt that bad.

Most of the time what we deal with in our everyday world is not as drastic as this experience. But we do have to love others and often hold our tongues to keep from being a bad witness. The pagans in our world are looking for us to slip up, mess up, or just completely fall.

I am so thankful for the Christian co-workers God has blessed me with over the years. How hard it would be to work each day without their support. Most of all I am thankful that at anytime I can approach the throne of my Lord and ask for his strength and grace.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2: 11-12

(Oh my goodness, just as I am writing I can hear my Manager and Sales Agent talking about scripture and the blessings of God. Praise the Lord for righteous conversation!)


Love,
Leigh Anne

Be Holy

Sunday morning my pastor ask for the lights to be turned off and the spotlight to be placed on him. This was a great visual as to how it will be when we stand before God. As he stated, there would be no one to hide behind. Comparing ourselves to others won't be an option. It will be totally about Me, You, etc... Each individual will be alone in the spotlight!

First Peter 1: 13-25 instructs us to live holy lives. For it is written: " Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

Living holy lives calls us to really examine ourselves. "Ouch"!! Verse 13 instructs us to be self-controlled. "BIGGER OUCH" !!! This is really where I struggle. Whether it's food, time, TV (anything fun) I really have a hard time controlling myself. Although my uncontrolled problems aren't "evil " they can interfere with my daily living and filter into other areas. God doesn't expect me to never have fun , but he does desire a deeper relationship with me and I believe being more self- controlled would bring me closer.

I desire more than anything to become closer to the Lord everyday. I am thankful that this is not a game of solitaire, but a team effort as I know God desires the same and will be with me throughout the journey.


Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1: 13


Leigh Anne

When All Else Is Gone!!

It seems almost every thing we see on the news lately involves money. Either we are hearing about people not getting a pay check because their company is closing or we hear of the financial investors in this country who have swindled millions from their clients.

Some politicians are being impeached while others are withdrawing their names from nominations all in the name of money.

Athletes are making millions for playing a game they love and would have played for a lot less if the middle man ( their agent) wasn't making a percentage.

What good is it all when you are in prison for embezzling money or a professional career ends due to an injury?

Don't get me wrong. I am no Saint giving every penny I make to the needs of others. I love to shop with the best of 'em. Money is a necessity for us to live in our culture and can be a whole lot of fun when there is a little "fun money" left over.

I started thinking about all this today and decided that if I lost "everything" what would I still possess that could not be stripped away.

My salvation is sealed!! It has already been paid for by the blood of Jesus. No disaster or drop in the stock market can take that away.

I would still have my faith, though I'm sure it would be tested.

What else would I need?

Wisdom!!

I desire to gain wisdom from God and not to depend on my own understanding. Oh my that has gotten me in enough trouble. I could write a book on that!


I read Proverbs 3 today and was blown away by it's instruction. It is like it's own little book for success! Of course depending on your definition of success.

Read it today. I hope you find the blessing in it that I did!


Leigh Anne


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3: 5-6

Forgiveness

What!!!!!!

Forgiveness must be one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the life of Christians or I quess I should say some Christians. Why is it that we whom have experienced the greatest forgiveness of all, that being through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, can often harbor so much resentment toward others.

An infection in the body, left untreated, will eventually get into the bloodstream. Once this happens it is very hard to treat and often leads to death. Likewise, our hearts can be attacked by the nasty virus of "unforgiveness". Not treating this virus can lead to a bitterness that will consume us. While it may be deep inside us in the beginning, if left untreated it will someday surface and be obvious to others.

Pain and disappointment come to us any various ways in life. We must ask God to help us deal with our heartbreaks and let Him lead us toward forgiving those who hurt us.

There is nothing like the breath of fresh air you inhale when you find it in your heart to forgive someone. Whenever possible tell that person you forgive them and let the healing begin!


"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you" Matthew 6:14

Leigh Anne

My Heart Sings Because...

All my life I have loved music and especially singing. While I am not a "singer" I have been blessed over the years to be a church choir member. Many friends, especially my Chattanooga nurse friends , can testify to my ability to finish someone's statement with a familiar song. My oldest daughter often ....rolled her eyes....at the sound of my youngest daughter and me singing harmony with commercials on TV. Oh she did it too, just tried to be a little less obvious.

Through life circumstances I have found myself in many valleys especially over the last ten years. Though my song may have been less audible it was still there. There was nothing better than to feel that song begin to once again surface as God lifted me from the despair I was experiencing.

A more recent event in my life (not in the valley) was marrying my sweet husband Eric. Along with marriage and a new address also came a new church. I never realized how hard it would be to attend a new church. The church is awesome but I found this "shyness" I never new existed. ( ok I know that must shock some).

I so wanted to join the choir and knew that God wanted me to but I couldn't bring myself to talk to the choir director about it. There were many missed opportunities ( all my doings and excuses). I felt many tugs from the Holy Spirit and the last tug was entering the church a few Sunday night ago and hearing the choir practincing " I am on a Journey" from the same book my Ider Baptist Choir used. I was so exited. I attended choir practice the next Sunday afternoon and sang in the Choir for the first time Yesterday morning.

Now, once again, My Heart Sings .... and I can praise my Lord!!!!!

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual song. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord..." Ephensians 5:19

Leigh Anne