Branded

Picture by Caprice Miller

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”  - Galatians 5:22-23

 

AAAHHH…. the brand of the Lone Star state.  I won’t deny it, I’m a proud Texas girl through and through.  As I’ve met people from around the country and even the world, I’ve noticed an interesting reaction when I tell them I’m a Texas girl, “born and raised”.  Some just seem to think “Uh, that’s great.” And move on to the next subject.  Others seem a little surprised and even more surprised when they find out I’m actually a 4^th or 5^th generation Texan.  When I go out of state or country, people seem to make a connection of “I thought you were a Texan” as we chat.  You would think it could be the accent that’s the dead giveaway.   However, I have much less of an accent than most of my family members.  (Although it does become stronger when we’re together.)  But it seems to be more of a collection of character traits that mark a Texan than an accent, I have discovered.  There is a sense that people get when they meet a Texan vs. what they think they know about a Texan.  There is just something that is expected to be “different” about us.

 It could be said that to know a Texan is to love a Texan.  (Disclaimer:  As with any family, there are….challenges to this statement.)   I can’t always pinpoint what it is, but I can say that my daddy would be that example of a good Texan.  He was a 6’4” teddy bear of a real man’s man.  He loved God, he loved his country and he loved his family. He could build a house, plant a big garden and brand a herd of cattle all in a day’s work.  (Okay, perhaps over a weekend.)  He was kind and gentle, but do NOT mess with his family.  He wasn’t arrogant, but he was the one everyone sought out for help and advice.  His wisdom was legendary.  You would come to him and pour out your problem and he would just listen.   After you were done he would draw a deep breath in and say in his deep, baritone Texas accent, “Weeeelll, I’ll tell ya….”  Followed by very wise and Godly advice.  Whether you took it or not would be up to you, but you knew he would still love you either way.  He also loved my momma deeply until the day the Lord took him home.  He was truly a man of great character. 

Come to think of it, the character traits in the verse above pretty much describe my daddy to a tee.  Hhhmmm,  I suppose that while you might think that he was just a great example of what a Texan should be, which he was, he was more of an example of what a Godly man should be.  Now, he would be the first to tell you that he was not a perfect man, but any credit given to him would be attributed quickly to what God did in his life.  Because of his and my mother’s love for God, it was easy for me to come to know and accept Christ into my own life.  I’m so thankful for such a great example of someone who allowed the Holy Spirit to develop those spiritual fruits in his own life.  He was known by them.  It really was like a brand on his heart.   I didn’t realize it at the time, but that example would hugely influence my own relationship with God.  I wanted that brand too. 

I’m so grateful for the brand my daddy had and taught me of.  You see, while he was a great example of those character traits and taught me about them, he couldn’t actually give them to me as part of my genetic makeup.  I had to make the choice to accept that gift of Christ in my own life, just like daddy did.  And each day I ask God to work in me so that His brand on my heart will shine, just like daddy did.   Daddy left a legacy to his family.  It inspires me every day to continue that legacy.  Not only with my own family but with others I meet too.  I want to share what I’ve been given so others can experience life change through Christ too – I want to share the brand.   I can’t help but think what might happen if each of us would allow God to work in us so His brand shines.  Imagine the life change we would experience.  Imagine the influence we could possibly have in the lives of others.    Sure, I’m a really proud Texan who is proud of her heritage, but the brand on my heart is not a lone star, it’s a cross.   I pray it shines brightly and that yours will too.        

Who's Thirsty?

Picture by Caprice Miller

“Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”” – John 4:13-14

I do like knowing where I am when I travel through a chain of small towns.  If you miss the town marker on the side of the road you can always look for the water tower to let you know where you are.  It’s funny how we think of these things as more of a town “identifier” than where their water supply is stored.  When you think about it most of the town’s people probably never even consider the water supply location as they turn on their faucets and find flowing water every time.  We live in a society that tends to take this basic commodity for granted.   It’s only when it stops flowing from the faucet that we realize how we could be inconvenienced without it.    In that moment we realize all the things we can’t do:  brush our teeth, wash clothes, wash dishes, wash our hands, bathe and/or shower, cook, clean, drink it, swim in it, water the lawn, wash the car, wash the pets – the lists goes on.  We forget so easily that we can live without water for only a few days.   Not to be overly dramatic, but we would literally die without it!   

I have to confess, I’m guilty of taking something so simple and yet so important for granted.  I turn on my faucet and never think twice about it.  I reach for a bottle of water when I get thirsty and never consider that I could be without.  But a lack of water can literally bring us to a life or death moment.  What would I do if I lived somewhere that I had to actually GO to get my water?  I know I would certainly not take my water supply for granted if I had to struggle to make sure my family had enough. 

It’s hard to think of Jesus as thirsty, but He was living in that human body in a time when people depended on the town well to draw their daily supply from.  In the verse above, Jesus was the thirsty one at that moment when the Samaritan woman came up and He asked her for a drink.  She didn’t know it, at the time, but she was really the thirsty one here.  Jesus drew her into conversation and gently let her know that He knew all about her.  She didn’t seem surprised though.  I’m sure the way she lived her life was not a big secret in the town.  But He didn’t judge her.  He just helped her understand how thirsty she was.  Not for the water in the well, but for “Living Water” that would never leave her thirsty again.  As He revealed that He, the Messiah, was the source of this Living Water, she left her water jar and RAN to tell others about Him. 

This Living Water is one that can be taken for granted too.  As Christians we have a way of going about our business feeling satisfied with the water Christ has given us.  Meanwhile, we live among so many who are in that life or death moment and need the water we can bring them by introducing them to what we have – Christ.  Perhaps it’s the simplicity of coming to Jesus that can cause us to become complacent and just forget to share that Living Water.  After all, we know where the supply is, why wouldn’t others know?  And wouldn’t they tell us if they needed it?   People don’t realize they are thirsty, they just know they are missing something really important in their lives.   We should remember that our relationship with Christ is not a “one and done” thing.  Once we invite Him into our lives, we called to share that water.  We are told in Matthew 28:19 to GO AND TELL.  (I paraphrase)   Jesus came for all of us, but not everyone understands that.   We can’t keep this water to ourselves while people are dying of thirst.  Please take a lesson from Jesus’ approach to the Samaritan woman.  Who do you know who needs this water?  Don’t be afraid to just open the door to a conversation.  It’s about introducing them to a relationship with Christ – the source of Living Water.  It’s important!

Dr. Pepper And Windshield Wipers

Picture and D.P. story by Caprice Miller

“ Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”  - Colossians 2:7

 

 

"During the 1920s and 1930's era, research was discovered proving that sugar provided energy and that the average person experiences a letdown during the normal day at 10:30a.m., 2:30p.m. and 4:30p.m..  A contest was held for the creation of an ad using this new information. The winner of the ad campaign came up with the famous advertising slogan, "Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4."  AND I LOVE IT! - Caprice Miller

 

It is so interesting to hear the back stories about iconic things.  Chances are you never put much thought into the “10, 2, and 4” picture on a Dr. Pepper can or bottle.  Who knew the story behind it went back so far?  Even so long ago someone was figuring out how important it was to take a break.  In this case, it was suggested to take a break to drink in some energy from sugar.  (Later, they would discover the “sugar crash”, but that’s a different subject.)  In any case, it causes you to stop and think.  As I do, I start noticing other things around me and wonder what the story is behind them.  So many everyday items have a backstory to the invention that we don’t consider.  For example, according to www.vehiclewatch.net , in 1903 Mary Anderson came up with the idea of a device that could be operated manually from within a car to clear water from the windows while driving in the rain.  Even though it was very effective, the windshield wiper design wasn’t actually adopted until 1922.  And aren’t we thankful they did!

How many things do we take for granted every day?  Today’s lifestyle is such that it is difficult to slow down at times.  As a result, we can forget how truly blessed we are.  But to truly get the effectiveness out of life that God intended us, we have to take time to slow down and take in our surroundings so we can be reminded of those blessings.  It’s important to look up from our phones and computer screens and take note of where we are and who we are with.  When we are intentional about doing this we might actually discover some things we have neglected being thankful for.  Things such as the simplicity of the air we breathe, the colors that make up nature itself, the smell and taste of the food we eat or the companionship and love of friends and family who are in our lives.  Recognizing these blessing helps to grow those roots the verse speaks of. 

Perhaps we should consider incorporating a little of Dr. Pepper and windshield wiper concepts into our lives.  Start with the concept of 10, 2 and 4 – be intentional at those times during the day about stopping to be thankful for something.   Ask God to clear the windows of your mind and eyes so He can show you the beauty of the world He has created for us.  Ask Him to clear your heart to appreciate the people He has put in your life.  By taking a break at 10, 2 and 4 we can begin a habit of slowing down and remembering to be thankful.  I’m pretty sure that the gratitude we experience will be so overwhelming that we can’t help but share the experience.  Soon we will be overflowing with thankfulness and realize how truly blessed we are.    

Wake up and Stand Up!

Picture by Caprice Miller

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.  This is why it is said:  “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” – Ephesians 5:13-14

What a happy face this guy has!  Someone really got their creativity on the day this piece was created.  It’s amazing what people can find to do with stuff anyone else would have thrown away.  But there are some that just look around at random pieces and parts and see…..well…..a colorful “Muffler Man” with a smiling face.  Their creative senses are awakened at that point and instead of just thinking about it, they actually make it happen.  That seems to be the most amazing part – putting a random idea into action.  That’s how inventions are born.  Someone sees something, their mind starts clicking with an idea and they can’t stop until they attempt the idea.  It’s as if their minds are always awake and working.  This is a person that could make the rest of us tired just watching them. 

Many of us would probably admit to being part of the group that may have an idea, but instead of going with it and doing something to make it happen, we stay put and just keep thinking about it…..dreaming about it….sleeping on it.  We are probably just tired of watching that other person working on their own idea.  But the reality is that life doesn’t always make it easy for us to put those dreams and ideas into action.  It’s easier to just not tax ourselves with anything additional on our “to-do” list.  So, we go about our day with our heads down and tail up just checking off the tasks at hand and eventually letting that idea or dream drift away.  It was just a random, passing thought anyway.

There are times when those ideas and dreams may not be as random and far-fetched as they seem though.  Because we were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), it makes sense that we would be creative ourselves.  Not all in the same manner, but in different ways from artistically to organizationally, musically to “culinary-ly”.  That is the beauty of God’s design and it makes life so exciting.  However, most of us miss this really exciting aspect of life because we don’t always see our creativity as such. Instead, we become complacent with our unique creativity and get stuck in the rut of tasks and sleep through the life that God has for us.  It’s time we take the verse above to heart and “Wake Up!”  God has put so many extraordinary things around us, but we take them for granted and have become increasingly “underwhelmed”.  It’s a shame that in order for us to be amazed at His wonders we have to be hit over the head with them at times.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

As you “Wake Up!” today, know that God would like to shed some light on you and your surroundings.  Stand and lift your head up so you can take in what He has placed around you.  Recently I had the opportunity to help, along with MANY others, with the world’s biggest chalk drawing of Jesus (17,000 sq. ft.) in the parking lot of Fellowship Church.  Jesus Chalk Drawing  I had been on my hands and knees diligently coloring in the square I was assigned to for some time.  It was a big square!  I finally took a moment and stood up to give my knees a rest.  As I did I looked around and realized how enormous this drawing really was and how small I seemed in that moment comparatively.  I literally stood in awe!  Sometimes we have to stand up and take notice of our surroundings in the midst of our tasks.  When we do, God will wake us up and open our eyes to what He is doing around us.  It may seem enormous and overwhelming in the moment.  But when we allow Him to take the lead, He makes it come together.  And when we allow Him to do that, it is always so much better and shines so much brighter.   Whatever that idea or dream is, step out to make it a reality and let God lead.  Let Him be glorified through it all and know He wants to shine on you.  And then be ready to stand in awe of Him and life He has orchestrated.

Let's Share

Picture by Caprice Miller

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” – Proverbs 27:9

The aroma of popcorn is immediately recognizable.  Just the scent is enough to help complete a movie experience.   Even if you don’t consume it yourself, you can still enjoy the buttery goodness just from the smell. The sense of smell can be so sensitive and can trigger a variety of emotions.  There are just certain things that are so pleasantly familiar that it kind of gives a sense of comfort just to recognize the smell.   For example, the smell of cinnamon and vanilla reminds me of Christmas and some amazing family memories.  And the smell of Old Spice reminds me of hugs from my daddy.  You’re probably thinking of your own “trigger scents” right now. 

In a similar way, time with friends also gives us that sense of comfort.  When we spend time with great friends we walk away with a renewed sense of joy.  We look forward to the next time we get together and we feel encouraged.  Time spent with great friends makes you want to be a better friend too.  The right friends in our lives should be reflective of what my pastor calls the “Right THEY”:

Tough – they’ve got your back and you can depend on them.

Honest – they will be honest and truthful even if it may hurt a little…in love.  Sometimes we need help hiding that little touch of crazy we might have.

Encouraging – they build you up and remind you of what’s important and what your blessings and gifts are.

Yielded – they are yielded to God’s direction in their lives, so it’s natural they will help you stay on track with God’s direction in your life too.

The right THEY in our lives are like the pleasant smell of “perfume and incense” the verse above speaks of.  These friends help us to maintain perspective when life may be spinning.  They share our joy when something great happens.  They share our sorrow when we need a shoulder to cry on.  When we can’t remember what our blessings are and what truths God has for us, these friends help us remember.  Yes, they laugh with us, cry with us, celebrate with us, encourage us and point us in the right direction when we might find it hard in the moment to hide our crazy. 

For some, you may have a whole group of friends that fit into this THEY category.  For others, there may just be one or two.  In any case, take a moment to thank God for them.  And then, take a moment to thank them for being that THEY in your life.  Perhaps this would be a great time to share some popcorn and create more memories.       

Frozen In Your Tracks

Picture by Caprice Miller

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  – Luke 6:45

It must have been REALLY cold on this day in order to freeze water like this in mid-stream.  What a great picture it made though.  It makes you wonder how long this water ran before it froze.  It almost seems like it could have been the work of a fairy tale character with special “freezing powers”.  I wonder if the character would be considered a hero or a villain.  A hero might have frozen the water they couldn’t get to the spout to turn the water off, so they just froze it to save time and more wasted water.  A villain may have frozen the water because they were just annoyed by the sound of running water or maybe wanted to stop the water supply of a village.  That’s just wrong!  These motives could tell us a little about the character of….the character.  Is the heart of the character good or evil?

What does your character say about you?  The verse above gives some insight to how we can recognize what kind of character a person has.  I wonder if the hero in the scenarios mentioned before ever had their character misjudged because of their actions or words in a heated moment.  Fear and anger can sometimes cause us to act out of our normal character.  Acting out of character could be enough to “freeze” those around you wondering “What in the world just happened!?”  In contrast, a person of a more “villainous character” doesn’t really worry about being misjudged.  They use a common practice of “freezing” those around them to maintain control.  Others are not sure what will happen or what will be said next.  Everyone else is in a constant state of “walking on eggshells” so that this person will not turn those freezing powers on them. 

We have all experienced times of frustration that pushes our buttons.  The difference is what the actions that occur from the button pushing say about the character of our hearts.  Do we feel a quick sense of remorse realizing that our actions have “frozen” someone in our lives?  Or have these actions and words become a common practice that is to be expected from us without remorse?  These questions will determine the next action that takes place – an apology that leads to a thawing and reconciliation or simply moving on deciding that others should just learn to stay out of your way….let them stay frozen. 

The thought that should really freeze us all in our tracks is something that Jesus warns us about in the following verse.  He expands on the message of what is stored in our hearts and warns us of the consequences: 

“³⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” -  Matthew 12: 35-37

Our words and actions are powerful and can be used to build others up or tear them down…freeze them.  Sure we can find ways to justify why a person may have needed to be “frozen”. But what we choose ourselves makes a difference in the lives of others. It also reveals what is truly in our hearts. 

Take a moment to rewind your mind and reflect on the words and actions of the past days.  What do they say about what’s stored in your heart?  Does it freeze you in your tracks to think you might have to answer for those words and actions?  If so, ask God to clean your heart and replace what is there with His goodness.  The result will be an overflowing of His love from a grateful heart.     

Vertical Value

Picture by Caprice Miller

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

AAAWWWEEE!!!!!  Just seeing these little guys makes me want to go into the little high pitched voice that we use when a baby is present.  They look so cuddly and cute….like a baby would be.  At first glance you would think they are all the same cute.  But it doesn’t take long to realize they are each unique in their own special way.  And each way is just as adorable as the other. 

It’s interesting to think about the differences though.  Being that these little guys are meant to be sold to an admirer, the subjective opinion of the potential buyer comes into play.  To take a page from the Toy Story script, what if they could hear what opinions were said about each?  “I don’t like red.”  “There’s too many hearts on that one.”  “The stitching on that one is messed up.”  Picky, picky people! 

Now, what if we do that to each other?  Oh wait….we do.   Social media has made it so easy to make derogatory comments about people with no thought that those comments might actually be seen by that person.  Out of sight, out of mind, right?  In this age of technology, chances are that people are searching for what is being said out there about themselves.  How many “likes” do we have or who commented on the post?  In essence, we are searching for our identity and value in the eyes of others, even if those others are strangers who know nothing of us. 

Sadly enough, before we even look at social media, many of us have a tendency to begin this type of dialogue with ourselves.  We deem ourselves not pretty, skinny, fat, talented, smart, whatever enough and stamp ourselves with a label of “not enough” and “unworthy”.   This usually is brought about by the comparison game we play with ourselves.  Once again, we look around at others for our identity….our value.  We determine our own worthiness and value simply by how we measure up to others from our own perspective or someone else's. 

It’s time for a new perspective.  The verse above is taken from Psalm 139.  If you read this short little chapter, there is verse after verse that tells us how special we are to God….The Creator of the Universe.  Think about it – He created the entire universe and as human beings, we are His most precious creation.  He created us to have a relationship with Him.  You are so precious that He knows your thoughts, when you get up and lie down.  (Psalm 139:1-4)  He knit you in your mother’s womb.  (Psalm 139:13)  He gave His Son for you. (John 3:16)  If we are created with such special care, how is it that we look at ourselves and see something so contrary to that? 

When we decide our value from a horizontal perspective – from those around us – we end up shunning God and His precious creation.  We are choosing not to recognize our uniqueness, the talents He has given us and His deep love for us.  Instead we choose to concentrate on the uniqueness and talents of others and wish we had what they have instead.  Chances are, they are doing the same thing.   But when we make a choice to look up and understand that our true value comes from a vertical perspective – from God - our world could be turned upside down.  We begin to view ourselves and our talents differently.  We begin to view others from this perspective as well.  A sense of gratitude starts to bubble to the surface – just like the writer of this Psalm.   We end up standing in awe of God’s unique and masterly designed creation.  Not in a boastful manner, but in thankfulness of life.  We discover that those “quirks” that we took for granted are really unique talents that were given to us.  We begin understanding and accepting His love for us. 

Change your perspective today.  Know that your “Vertical Value” is a much better and truer perspective than your “horizontal value” ever could be.  Take a moment to praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Now, tell someone else that they are too.  Accept the love God has for you as His unique creation and let that love overflow to the world around you.