Archive for the ‘Life’ Category
Mama, I’m Tired Of Walking
Mama, I’m Tired Of Walking
Who’s that hollering out there? What is all the commotion about? Run outside and see what is causing all the noise!
The young girl ran to the door of the tent and looked out. Their tent door always faced the Tabernacle, and it’s shape stood high above the tops of their neighbors’ tents.
“It’s moved,” she exclaimed!
“What’s moved?” The girl’s mother wanted to know.
“The cloud has moved. It’s moving slowly to the East!”
Trumpets sounded and officially declared that it was time to take up their beds and fold up their tents.
Children ran to gather the animals and find their favorite items. It was time to go! The cloud never waited for anyone to catch up.
The raucous noise of the donkeys braying was almost overwhelming. The cows were complaining about the sudden moves. Those that had carts hitched them to their oxen. Dogs barked in all the excitement.
The cloud was not drifting with the wind. It moved at it’s own pace, regardless of the elements around it. The travel weary Israelites plodded forward, not knowing where or when they would stop next.
“Why does God make us do this, Mom?” The little girl asked as she walked by her mother’s side.
“Why does He make us do what?” The Mother wanted to know.
“Why does He make us just pack up all the time and move to strange places? How come we can’t have a house like we did in Goshen?”
“Baby, Be careful when you talk about God. We are not supposed to ask Him why. We just do what He tells us and we go where He leads us. Sometimes we like where He makes us stop, sometimes we are happy when we leave there.
The reason we don’t have a house like we did in Egypt, is that we don’t live here. We are on a journey to our new home. We are pilgrims and strangers in the land. We are passing through, and we are not home yet. Where we are going, is a land that flows with milk and honey. It’s not like the wilderness here.
“When will we ever get there?” The little girl wanted to know. “My feet are tired from walking already.”
“I know, my child, but God seems to know how much we are able to endure in one day. He always leads us to where He wants us to be. He has us stop and rest at just the right time.
“But I liked the last place we were at Mommy! I really didn’t want to leave there.”
“Hush child, don’t you ever talk like that again. God could have left us to die in slavery in Egypt. We would have spent the rest of our lives being beaten by the slave master every day. We lived where the slave master said and we ate what they let us. God delivered us from all that.
“Now we are the children of Jehovah. He doesn’t beat us and hurt us like the Egyptians did. We are not in bondage anymore. We follow God because He brought us out of bondage. Jehovah-Jireh supplies all our needs.
Do you remember the song that Moses taught us to sing?
Ex. 15:1…I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Ex. 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Ex. 15:3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Ex. 15:4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Our God fights for us. He takes care of us. Have you noticed that none of us ever get sick?
Look at Mama’s sandals. They still look new don’t they? I’ve had these since we left Goshen. The Lord Jehovah doesn’t even let our clothes wear out. Honey, He is good to us. Why not follow wherever He leads us?
We are following that cloud because that is the presence of the Lord. If it moves, we move too.
In the night-time, the pillar of cloud turns into a pillar of fire. It even helps us see in the dark night.
Every morning He gives us Manna to eat. He even gave us water out of a rock. He fights our enemies for us. Your Father and I follow where He leads because we choose too.
“I know Mama, I have heard you and Father talk. But we have been walking for years it seems like, and I am tired of walking, walking, walking. I wish we where there.”
“I wish we were there too baby, but just keep walking. We’re not home yet. We’ll get there!”
What Would It Take To Encourage You Today?
What Would It Take To Encourage You Today?
- A word spoken in faith?
- A pat on the back?
- A smile?
- A money gift?
- A present?
- A word of affirmation?
- A friend’s visit?
- A helping hand?
What makes you tick? What puts a smile back on your face that makes your eyes smile too? What would it take to make your heart feel uplifted?
If you are one of those people who has everything and is still not happy, I don’t think I can offer any help here.
I’m just asking those who have had some bad days lately, or maybe some bumps in your road. Maybe there has been a major disaster in your home, your health or your finances. What would it take to encourage you today?
I really wish I could offer everyone encouraging words that I have thought up on my own, but I cannot. The good news however, is that God’s Word always offers encouragement.
The Bible mentions that David even encouraged himself in the Lord. In your case, that might be easier said than done. My refuge and help most often comes from God’s Word.
I am one of those simple guys that from my youth visited the little box on our mantle that had God’s promises printed on little cards. I would draw one out and read it, claiming it as mine for the day. Did you ever do that?
Here, let me draw some out for you and I’ll look to see if I can see a smile of hope on your face again.
Isa. 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psa. 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psa. 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psa. 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Psa. 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psa. 37:23,24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa. 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psa. 9:9,10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
2 Cor. 4:8,9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Prov. 18:24 …and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Deut. 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
1 Pet. 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Ex. 15:26 …for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Thank God For His Promises!
Oh, And There All Yours Too, You Can Have Them All!
Streams In The Desert
Streams In The Desert
The weary traveler was hot and thirsty. His mouth was dry and his sunburned lips had not had water for more than a day. Hot wind seared his skin. His eyes were reddened from the sun and wind.
He could not see any shade in which to sit down and rest. There seemed to be no protection from the cruel elements. He was afraid. He had fallen twice already. If he fell again, he feared he would not have the strength to get up and go on. He could not stop. He had to get to the other side. The buzzards circled slowly over head watching his every step. They knew from experience, it was just a matter of time.
Crossing the desert in the summer was extremely dangerous. He knew that. Many men had died over the years trying to make it across in this heat. Skeletons by the trail was a harsh reminder.
His water was gone. His feet burned from the hot sand. The late afternoon sun was unmerciful. It was dangerously hot.
His eyes and mind had been playing tricks on him since mid-morning. The illusion of a shimmering water hole ahead had raised his hopes a few times. When he had gotten closer, he knew it was just a mirage. With dashed hopes, he still trudged on.
Although unsteady in his steps, he refused to stop. The strength he’d had yesterday was gone. He had walked through the night. He was tired. He was dehydrated. He knew that he was staring death in the face. But he kept walking. He had to make it.
With gritted teeth, he slowly climbed the small hill in his path. It took most of his remaining strength. He made it to the top, just barely.
Then he saw it. Unbelievable! A few trees, and some brush not far below. It looked like a stream of water too!
Surely it was just another mirage. There couldn’t be water flowing out here. Not here! Then by chance he saw a bee flying in that direction. Bees fly in a straight line towards water. He followed.
His hopes were raised. New vigor propelled him forward. He saw it! There it was, a stream a real stream.
The stream wasn’t noisy or loud. It was clear, it was cool, but most of all it was refreshing. The exhausted traveler fell to his knees and refreshed himself from the stream in the desert.
Is. 35:6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
All travelers in this life know the blessing of finding a “God provided stream” in their desert. If you will stop, drink and be refreshed. You can make it!
It’s Called Filth
It’s Called Filth
My mother was an expert on pigsties. She came into my bedroom one day when I was in the 7th grade and told me that my room looked like a pigsty. She ordered me to clean it up, in no uncertain terms. I did. Mama had zero tolerance for filth.
I recently went with a pastor to visit some sick people in the hospital. A small boy had contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. He was 4 years old and refused to wear shoes indoors or out. His constant hand contact with his feet and then his mouth was a major issue.
His feet were covered with blisters, as well as his hands. His mouth was full of them besides. The youngster was in a coma.
As I left the Hospital, I looked for the hand Sanitizer dispenser in the lobby by the front door. I used two dozes just in case one application didn’t catch all of the germs.
I shake dozens of hands before and after church. It’s important to me to be able to wash the fellowship off of my hands before sitting down to eat after service. I don’t want the germs from their unwashed hands in my mouth.
It doesn’t take much for germs to spread. I do not which to get germs nor do I wish to spread them.
There are times when I wish I could wash my mind and my thoughts because of what I heard or what I saw that day. We may call the influence of the world in our lives by nicer names, but I’m afraid that most of it falls under the classification of filth.
Sometimes I wish I could pull my heart out and put it on the scrub board of God’s Mercy and scrub it clean. I wish I could scrub it clean of all impurities and filth. I am not talking about immorality, I’m just talking about the filth of this generation that swirls around us everyday. It’s called Life.
David even spoke of the same desire to be clean in Psalms. He also wanted to scrub away the filth of life and be clean so that he might be acceptable in the presence of the Lord.
Psa. 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psa. 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Peter warned us all that there would be a constant need to protect ourselves for the present evils of the age.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
This indecent, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly world of ours freely spreads it’s filth around every day. It infiltrates our ears, our eyes, our minds, and most of all our hearts. We must work constantly to keep ourselves pure.
1John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
We have to do some washing ourselves. That is the reason why daily devotions and our prayer closet times are so important to keeping ‘disease free’ in a filthy and sick world.
Thank God for the altars in our churches. Thank God for a place where hearts can be scrubbed clean.
No Levite or Priest could enter into the Holy Place of God without first washing the filth off in the Laver, and neither can we. Every one of us needs to be washed on a daily basis.
Saints of old sang songs about being washed and being clean. I wish they still did.
Search Me, O God
James E. Orr, 1936
Copyright: Public Domain
- Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free. - I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name. - Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide. - O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
Young Person, Is That The Best Deal You Could Make?
Young Person, Is That The Best Deal You Could Make?
- Some People are just awful in Business.
- It’s just not their nature to bargain, barter, or make a good deal.
- They always seem to get cheated.
- They always lose money when they sell things.
- Others easily take advantage of them.
Imagine Then:
- Selling an heirloom at a yard sale for $1.00.
- Being happy to unload a treasure, at a give-a-way price, then get pressured to take $.50 and do.
- Later, you find out the real value and you are ashamed of your own stupidity!
- You realize you acted like you were an Idiot!
- You sold it too cheap!
- You’ll spend your life with that regret.
- You didn’t make the Best Deal You Could Make!
- Did you think you would never find another buyer? (Was it Seller’s Panic?)
- Basically, it looks like you were willing to give it away, or you didn’t care.
- To YOU it had no value, because you placed none upon it.
- Was it because you don’t know the value or worth of your possessions?
- How can you possess something for years and be clueless of its value?
- If you inherited something, you may or may not be sure of its value.
- That’s why you could always get an appraisal, or even a second opinion.
- You take what you have to a knowledgeable party and say:
- Tell me what it’s worth?
- Is this junk or real.
- An Heirloom or Trash?
- Then you believe what they said and never settle for less.
- Treat yourself the same way
What Am I Talking About? The Value Of You!!
- You.
- The Value Of You.
- The Business of You on the Open Market.
- And what worries me is that You may be settling for give-a-way price.
- If so, YOU must not have any respect for yourself.
- Or any hopes you have of ever doing much for God.
- Because you were willing to place an Heirloom in the same basket as the Trash.
- Too blinded by the flesh, to see the value of God’s gift (call) in your life.
I’m Always Amazed At Good Boys And Girls Settling For Spouses With:
- No spirituality.
- No personality.
- No signs of the Holy Ghost.
- No common ground but fleshly desire.
And I Say To Myself. “Was That The Best Deal You Could Make?”
- “Why didn’t you go to your Pastor and get an appraisal?”
- “ And then, believed him?”
- “Why didn’t you go to your Parents and get an appraisal?”
- “And then believed them?”
The Body’s Skin Is Only The Wrapping Of The Present.
- Only an idiot would so fall in love with the wrapping, that they never want to open the gift and see what is on the inside.
- It’s what’s on the inside that is of value.
- Shallow people fall in love with the wrapping and not what’s inside.
You Look In The Mirror, And…
- All you see of yourself is a nose you don’t like.
- Ears that somehow are all wrong to you.
- Zits that you just know will turn off the world.
- A Shape or Build that’s far from pleasing in your eyes.
- So you feel that because you are, for the moment unhappy with the wrapping, you think the inside must not be worth much either.
- So you De-value yourself.
- That’s the first step towards making a bad Business Deal in life.
- Settling for some Carnal Companion for a Marriage Partner.
- Settling for someone who is very wrong for you.
- I ask again, Was That The Best Deal You Could Make?
- I wish I could get you to believe that: “You are someone very special!”
Hey guys, if all you are interested in is a girls dress size, then that may be all you ever get. If you marry just for the wrapping, you might be disappointed with the present. But if you look deeper and marry what’s inside, you’ll not be sorry.
- What makes a person of Value & Worth settle for someone who is shallow and empty? (You are deceived if you think you will help them grow in God. Let them mature and grow in God first and then consider marriage.)
- What makes a person of Value marry some sorry outfit that won’t work and just sits at home plays his Sony Play Station or Xbox 360 all day and night?
- What makes a person of Value marry someone who is half Psycho? Was that the Best Deal they could make? Surely not.
- What makes a person of Value marry someone who would rather do drugs than live for God?
Maybe you’re in a small home missions church and you love God. But there are just not many boys in your church. You get desperate and feel like you are running out of chances to get married, so you grab the first person who smiles at you. Regardless if they are in church or out. Regardless if they are on fire for God or not. Don’t think you will marry them and then fix them or get them saved. The odds are against you.
What makes a person of Value meet some carnal Quail-head at a Conference or Camp, and fall for them. Then marry and leave a Great church to go to some dried up excuse for one. Their soul will not doubt dry up too, just because they thought this is the best they could do.
In my opinion, it’s better to be an old maid wishing you could get married, than to be a married woman wishing you were an old maid. It would be better to be a bachelor on fire for God, than to marry someone who will drag you out of church. Why would anyone want to spend the rest of his or her life saying, “Come on honey, go to church with me tonight. Pleeeeeze?”
God’s plan for your life involves great things for you and for His Kingdom. Don’t go hormonal stupid and mess up what Heaven has in store for you!
Let Me Talk About The Parents For A Minute!
Isaac and Rebecca set helplessly by as their son threw away his future and married women that brought grief to their hearts. Sadly, it still is happening today.
(Gen 26:34) And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
(Gen 26:3V) Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.
They were grieved because they knew Esau could have made a better deal and didn’t. But then again, this is the same man who made a bad deal in trading his birthright for a bowl of beans. Some people never seem to catch on.
I just happen to be the proud father of the most beautiful daughter in the world who is just as beautiful on the inside. She is married to a great pastor that makes my heart proud as well. They are a wonderful couple that brings great joy to our family and me.
When my daughter Marisa was still single and living at home, it was not uncommon for young men to travel long distances just to come and see her. Pretty girls are worth seeing. They all hoped for a chance to win her affection. She did a good job filtering out the bad ones. (She got that gift and her good looks from her Mama.)
One time though, I didn’t give my daughter a chance to say no to a potential suitor. As the father, I became the filter and her personal defender.
She was about eighteen when a knock came on our front door one day. I opened the door and was very surprised. I did not know the young man, nor had I seen him before. Neither had I ever heard him mentioned.
It looked like someone had set a bowl on top of his head and mowed around it leaving a black thick thatch of hair on top. He had a pierced lip, nose and an earring. His tongue was pierced too. His clothes looked soiled.
I nodded and said hello.
He gamely smiled and said, “Is Marisa Home.”
I looked him up and down real slow letting the smile leave me face. Then I looked him in the eye and with my no-nonsense voice I said, “Not to you, she’s not.)
The look of shock was still on is face when I closed the door.
Don’t even think about telling me I was rude or impolite. I am a Father. A Father’s job is to protect his family.
You don’t raise a daughter up to the age of eighteen and then throw her away to the first pair of britches that comes by. Neither do you raise up a son and throw him to the first skirt that rustles in his direction. Furthermore, you don’t let them throw themselves away either.
If all they hear from mom and dad is criticism and negativity about themselves, they may not value themselves very much either. You may have just set up your own child to make a bad deal in life.
Be thankful to God if your child is a good son or daughter. Brag on them, encourage them, guide them without nagging or harshness. Love them into making the right choices. Validate their achievements and right choices with praise.
Young Person. God did something special when He made you. Believe it, and never settle for anyone that would keep you from being what God meant you to be. His hand is on your life. Don’t take it off.
Her Name’s “Marcia June”
Her Name’s “Marcia June”
By Martyn Ballestero
She always wraps us up,
In the comfort of her home.
With smiles that hold our soul,
And won’t let it feel alone.
Nothing ever can compare
To her plates of comfort food.
Every heart and tummy knows,
With her cooking, it was wooed.
We are drawn into her den
Of coziness and rest.
There she warms our hearts with words,
It’s good living at it’s best.
Her couch and Queen Anne chairs
Soothe her guest’s attention spans.
Pretty pillows great and small,
Compliment the old Afghans
The fireplace is her love,
It’s warmed her heart the most.
There she likes to entertain,
She loves to be the host.
With calm and peaceful ways
She serves and pampers us.
Ever giving of herself
Without the muss or fuss.
She holds court upon her porch,
Where she reigns with cups of tea.
Making memories for life,
With folks like you and me.
Her husband beams with pride
Knowing she is just the best.
All her children quickly say,
Because of her, they’re blest.
Her front door stands open wide,
So friends can just drop by,
Just to get their daily dose.
That she’s loved, is not a lie.
Little children laugh and play
Glad to be at home with her.
With her gentle and calm voice,
She’s the one who they prefer.
All that know her love her dear.
(She can sing the sweetest tune.)
It’s with joy I tell you now,
Her name’s Marcia June!
The Broken Windows Of The Soul
The Broken Windows Of The Soul
The innocence of our youth is not prepared for the storms of life that happen in the adult world. Our sheltered inner self looks only through shuttered windows. We peer longingly at the outside.
We grow up sequestered and protected by those who love us. They provide for us. Gallant attempts are made by them to prepare us for adulthood.
Our young soul is climate controlled. We live in a private and comfortable world called Peace. Life couldn’t be better. It’s not that we are rich or poor. It’s that we are loved and sheltered.
As we grew older, we see those we know experience joy and sometimes even pain. We watch through the windows of our soul and see their successes and failures. We laugh easily with them. When they cry, we feel sympathy and even cry with them while they hurt. But still we don’t really know how they feel. We’ve lived a sheltered life. We are but young voyeurs gazing at those living life in the big world outside.
With maturity comes the privilege of independence. We merrily launch out on our own. Our hearts are filled with faith and hope. We are thrilled to finally live in the adult world. Yes, we still have our little inner sanctuary. It continues to be our respite from the hubbub. We come home and shut it all out. The windows and shutters are still in place. We are at peace.
Then news of an impending storm headed in our direction frightens us. We prepare the best we can, but we have no experience on preparing for storms. It makes a direct hit where we live. Our worst fears come true. It is fierce and powerful. The thunder is so loud and the lightning strikes too close for comfort. We huddle inside and pray for safety.
The winds of Disappointment loudly howl and the debris of Heartache blows upon the windows of our soul. The outside noise is deafening. A crash is heard. A window is broken. Shards of glass remain around the frame as a stark reminder of what used to be. Two windows are shattered, now a third one. Glass is everywhere. The flying glass cuts everything it touches. Oh how the wind howls!
For the first time, the storm of the outside world has gained access to the inside. The sheltered world of Peace has disappeared, all because of the broken windows of the soul.
Never before have we felt this vulnerable. Winds continue to swirl around the room. Treasured knickknacks and sentimental photos are knocked over. Rain blows violently in with the wind. The carpet and furniture are soaked. The lights go out and stay out. The air conditioning goes off. Desperation takes over.
The contents of the house are at risk. Everything of value must be protected. It is now at the mercies of the elements. The phone is dead. No outside help is immediately available. The temperature is hot and it’s still muggy. Sweat runs profusely. It is impossible to find Comfort. Now what?
After the wind finally settles down, the rain settles in. A few boards are found in the garage to cover up the broken windows. The windows are boarded up from the outside, even though it means getting soaked standing outside in the rain.
The covered windows are now dark. No light comes in from the outside. Looking at the damage done in the rooms, we find pieces of debris that broke our windows.
A chunk or two of Gossip sits by a piece of glass under the window. Splinters of Disappointment are scattered everywhere. A pile of Pain is strewn around the easy chair, staining the carpet. It looks like Failure probably did the most damage, but we can’t be sure until the Adjuster get here.
We busy ourselves trying to mop up and salvage what we can. In our efforts to survive the storm, we realize we tried to block out the noise of the outside world.
With a trash bag of broken things, we head for the backdoor. When we step outside, to our surprise, we see the rain has stopped.
The sun is shining almost apologetically through the clouds. Over there, to the west, is a big beautiful rainbow. It’s over, the storm is over, and God’s promise is still on display. Hope struggles free from the grasp of Fear.
Down the street a few friends and neighbors are seen coming. They saw what the storm did, and they want to help. They have their work clothes on and are carrying some tools with them. With looks of concern that only friends can have, a couple of them run toward the damage. The broken windows of the soul will soon be repaired with hands of love.
She’s A Lady!
She’s A Lady!
(From an old man’s point of view, with help from the two Beautiful Ladies in my life; my wife Marcia Starr Ballestero and my daughter Marisa Hartzell.)
MJB
÷÷÷
Marcia June Starr Ballestero
If you are a Lady, it is no accident. A lot of caring people got involved in the training process.
- A Lady is not born a Lady; she’s made into one.
- Someone had to help her.
- Her parents, her family, or someone close, participated in her education.
- If she is a Lady, it’s not an accident.
- A Lady conducts herself as a Lady.
- She expects to be treated like a Lady and she won’t settle for less.
- There are some things a Lady always does and some things a Lady would never do.
For Example:
1. A Lady Is Never Loud
- She uses her ‘inside’ voice when speaking.
- A Lady does everything to keep from being known as a loud mouth.
- She doesn’t scream and yell unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- She doesn’t rant and rave to get her way.
- She always strives to keep her composure and show calmness.
2. A Lady Watches Her Language
- She doesn’t use swear words.
- She lives so that if someone did swear around her, they would apologize.
- She doesn’t tell off color jokes.
- She avoids being around those that do.
3. A Lady Is Private About Her Personal Life
- She does not cheapen her life or others by passing along private information.
- She would never ask anyone else about their private life.
4. She Would Include The Pastor (And God) In Her Courtship
- She would ask the Pastor’s opinion of the guy she’s interested in.
- She would ask him if he would approve of you two ‘seeing each other.’
- She would invite him to pray with you about him.
- A relationship with a wrong person may destroy her.
- Someone worth marrying is most often found worshipping or around an altar, not hanging around the foyer.
- She would break up with him if her Pastor advised her to and be thankful that he was watching for her soul.
- She would be very worried if her friends didn’t like him.
- She would be very worried if her parents didn’t like him.
- She would honor her parent’s wishes and requests.
5. A Lady Always Tries To Be On Time
- There will always be occasions when things run late. She tries to make that the exception.
- A Lady has much more personal preparation than a man. That’s a given. She doesn’t abuse the privilege.
6. A Lady Pays Attention To Her Personal Hygiene
- She takes a shower or bath faithfully.
- She finds a deodorant that works for her.
- She brushes her teeth and uses mouthwash if necessary.
- She Keeps a supply of Q-tips .
- She knows Cologne can be smelled from afar and that it can be overwhelming. She is uses it with moderation.
- She knows that it’s not a substitute for soap.
- She shampoos her hair and keeps her scalp free of sweat and dandruff.
- She knows that just the word ‘Lady’ conjures up a picture of cleanliness and beauty in a man’s mind.
7. She Is Careful About Her Nose
- She excuses herself to blow her nose.
- She leaves the table to do it if possible.
- She turns her back to the table guests if she can’t leave to take care of her business and then places handkerchief in her purse or out of sight.
- She is aware that a wet nose is only tolerated on dogs.
- She keeps her finger out of her nose in public.
8. A Lady Pays Attention To Her Clothes
- She keeps her shoes polished.
- She cleans and trims her fingernails.
- She dresses with class.
- She does not wear revealing and formfitting clothes.
- She does not show cleavage.
- She does not dress so as to leave nothing to the imagination.
- She wears dresses that cover her knees even when sitting.
- She knows that she will not attract a Godly Husband by dressing like the world.
- She knows that if she doesn’t dress like the ‘world’ she won’t attract as many undesirables.
9. A Lady Is Gracious
- She says thank you when doors are opened for her.
- She says thank you when he pulls the chair out for you at the table.
- She says thank you when a Gentleman assists her with her coat. (On or off.)
- She says thank you when a Gentleman gives up his chair for her.
- She says thank you when a Gentleman picks up something she dropped.
10. A Lady Has Dining Manners
- She always chews with her mouth closed.
- She doesn’t talk with her mouth full.
- She takes modest sized bites
- She avoids ordering food with garlic if she is going to spend time with ‘him’.
- She never uses her finger to shove food onto her fork. She may use a knife or bread.
- She doesn’t place her elbows on the table.
- She places her napkin in her lap and not in her collar.
- She does not eat as if she were condemned.
- She knows a Gentleman is grossed out immediately by a Lady’s bad table manners.
- She does not burp, pass gas or spit in public.
11. A Lady Is Careful With Her Dating Conversation:
- She never mentions former boyfriends.
- She asks him questions about himself. (Maybe he’ll catch on and ask her.)
- She doesn’t yap on and on about herself.
- She will open up and talk if she cares about him.
- She doesn’t get too serious too quick.
12. A Lady Makes The Wedding Plans: (When you arrive at that decision.)
- She knows a Wedding is the ultimate social event in a woman’s life.
- She knows a Lady should have all the free reign she needs in it’s planning.
- She knows that He should follow her lead and if He does, He won’t be sorry.
13. A Lady Doesn’t Want To Sound Like A Control Freak To Him.
- She doesn’t try to change the music he’s listening to, even if it’s not what she likes.
- She knows there will be time to play hers.
- She doesn’t try to ‘change’ him as soon as he becomes hers either.
14. A Lady Keeps Her Ego In Check
- She never acts like the world revolves around her.
- She never pouts or throws a fit to get her way.
- She keeps her emotions in check in public.
- She will not participate in a ‘Cat Fight’.
15. A Lady Does Not Pursue The Man
- A Lady does not openly pursue the man
- She waits for him to make the initial call.
- She waits for the man to come to her.
- She does not cheapen herself to get his attention.
- She will not throw herself at a man.
16. A Lady Allows The Man To Pay
- She expects Gentleman pays for all the expenses.
- She also understands that just because he bought her a hamburger, it doesn’t mean she OWES him anything!
17. A Lady Has Phone Manners
- She takes time to speak to his parents or siblings when they answer the phone if she has to call.
- She will never just blurt just out, “Is _____ There?”
- She knows taking time to talk to the Mother or Father will go a long way in helping her future with the family.
- She will not spend her time texting other people when she is with Him.
- She will focus on who she is with.
- She shows those she is with how important they are to her by not texting or calling other people at the table.
- She wouldn’t think of texting in church.
- She would never be part of sending or receiving inappropriate photos and texts.
- She knows that if a guy is willing to send her an inappropriate photo or text, she has just been warned as to his lack of morals, consecration and his intentions.
18. The Lady Knows When And Where To Draw The Line
- She draws the line.
- She demands respect of her purity and honor.
- She would never make improper advances or say suggestive things.
- She would never allow herself to be touched in an inappropriate manner or place.
- She would never think of having to ‘Prove Her Love”
- She would respect his parents, her parents and their pastor’s guidelines for courtship.
- She means ‘NO’, when she says ‘NO”.
- She understands that after she says goodnight, if she has to repent before she goes to bed, then something is wrong with her relationship.
20. A Lady Doesn’t Stay Out All Night?
- She always honors her parent’s and the pastor’s curfew.
- She knows that she should be home before midnight even if there is no curfew. Just to protect her good name.
- She will protect herself and protect him, by not spending a lot of time alone together.
- She will inform her parents about where she plans to go and what she plans to do.
- She will make sure her parents have her cell number and invite them to call her if the need arises.
- She knows the Bible already said that flesh is weak. It is weak. She will not knowingly put herself or him in a position to be tempted. There is no guy worth going to hell over.
21. A Lady Will Never Let The Romance Die After Marriage.
- She will keep the courtship alive until her last breath.
- A Lady will always be loved.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 