Come and Eat

"Come to the table and eat" is a phrase that has called families together for years. Growing up, I loved to hear those words at Paw Paw’s house. We spent most holidays there before he passed away. We’d gather around his table to enjoy the delicious foods they had prepared for us. As Cajuns, food was important to my grandparents not only in its quantity but in its rich flavor. No one could BBQ quite like him and Eunice’s desserts were to die for. But if truth be told, my favorite was always the bread. If you’ve never had true French bread, you’ve missed out on a treat.



The secret, he once told me, was the oven used to bake the bread. It took a wood-burning stone oven, like the one at his local bakery, to reach the temperature needed to lock in the moisture yet not burn the crust. He’d go in the morning and buy several loaves. If I was really fortunate, we’d be there when he brought them home still warm from baking, the smell permeating the house as soon as he stepped in the door.



To get evenly spaced slices from an oblong loaf of French bread, cut it with a knife but if size doesn’t matter just take it in your hands and snap off a piece. You’ll know it’s fresh when you hear the crunch of the crust breaking. It’s paper thin and crispy. When it does, your nose is treated to a burst of sweet aroma that makes your mouth water. The inside is fluffy white and nearly melts in your mouth. Pawpaw often teased me that all I ever ate was bread. But why fill up on something less, when the best was an option? Of course, I’d eat other things too; meat, dressing and always dessert but they were all lagniappe, something extra. For me the best and most important part was the bread.



As delicious as French bread is, there is bread even more fulfilling. It’s readily available with no need to wait for a bakery to open. Provided freely to all by our heavenly Father, it is the Bread of life. Yet so often we reach for other things to fill us instead- family, careers, accomplishments, hobbies, and even belongings. These may be good but they all leave us hungry again, wanting more. Why attempt to fill up on anything less when the best is offered freely? Partake of His bread first, then all else will be lagniappe. Won't you come to the table and eat?



Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35



Let's Play Follow the Leader

Recently someone commented about the religious affiliation on my Facebook profile. I’ve have it listed simply as Christ-follower. That is who I am today. My aim is to walk in His way on the path set before me. But there was another time in my life when it would have said something entirely different.


I first came to know Christ as a child. My sister and her husband had me over every weekend for many years so that I could go to church with them. It was under their care that I first began to know the Lord and took that fateful walk to the altar to give my life to Him.


I gave Him my life, but I didn’t truly follow Him. Instead, I followed church leaders and Sunday school teachers who I thought knew the way. But as a young teen, the teacher I was following made a turn I knew to be wrong. I stopped following his lead but I didn’t look to see where Christ was to follow Him. I simply determined no longer to follow man but to follow Ann. I lived many years that way until our paths crossed again and I discovered Him fully.


Have you ever tried to follow someone through a group of people? It’s not always easy. It's an adventure every Sunday trying to navigate through the exiting mass after church and stay together as a family. To follow my husband through the throng, I must first keep my eyes on him. I still have to watch out for obstacles in my path, but without knowing where he is, I can lose him in the crowd. When I am the one leading the family out, I keep a watchful eye on them so that should they get off track I can go to where they are. Eventually, we all make it out together and begin our search for the car.


My life with Christ has been much like that. When I was following Ann, Christ kept an ever watchful eye on me. Because I was already His child, He would often come to where I was. I see this pattern so clearly in retrospect. While I was choosing the path to walk upon, He never lost sight of me and was never very far away.


As I strive to follow Him today, I need to keep my eyes upon Him, not on the world, nor religion, nor myself. There are still times where I let my eyes slip away and begin to follow a path that looks fine only to be led away from Him. Realizing that where I am is not where I want to be I’ll turn my eyes back to Him. But it takes so much more effort to go off-trail, cutting through the underbrush and tangles I’ve created, to where He is waiting on the right path.


The paths of life are much easier to traverse when I keep my eyes on Him. When He leads, I can be confident that the way He has chosen is the best possible path to navigate the current terrain. It may still be rocky, or steep, or even extremely challenging at times, but I can trust that His way is the safest and the best. He knows what lies ahead. He never promised that His way would be easy, just that we'd never have to do it alone.


Do you remember the scene in Peter Pan where the children are playing Follow the Leader? As they play, they sing a song, “We’re following the leader, the leader, the leader; following the leader wherever he may go”. My prayer is for both the wisdom and courage to model those children and follow my Leader wherever He may go.


While negotiating through life, we all follow something. Even when we think we are leading, we are really just following trends, values or social norms. Who are you following today? Is Christ your leader or have your eyes turned elsewhere?


Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace

All for a Drop of Water

Water is the elixir of life. In it is the power to both give life and to change the world. Great civilizations have risen from barren deserts only where man has discovered the ability to move it from where it was to where it was needed. Without the construction of aqueducts across the centuries, cities, as varied as acient Rome to modern day Los Angeles, would have remained little more than small settlements surrounded by parched desert lands capable of supporting little to no life. In our day to day lives, we often give it little thought as water is so plentiful here. It is as simple as turning on a faucet and out it flows. But when you travel to where there is no running water, be it another country or out in the desert, you quickly remember how essential it is for survival.

Through Jesus, we receive living water; water that has the power to both give eternal life and to change the world. Yet just as an oasis in the desert needs an aqueduct to carry water to those in need, we must become spiritual aqueducts bringing the love and blessings of living water to parched souls everywhere. We are created to be rivers not reservoirs.

Scientist tell us that by the time we feel thirsty we have already begun to dehydrate. We aren’t consciously aware of it though until it becomes dire enough to trigger a reaction in our bodies. Our relationships too can become dehydrated without warning if the love from living water is not carried to them. Too often, we forget to check the water level in our marriage and family relationships taking them for granted just as we do the water that flows freely in our pipes.

As children of God, we focus the spread of love to all people. But we must be especially sure to include our families. For just like our bodies, a relationship can only go so long without replenishment before it will perish. Could your most important relationships be suffering from dehydration? Be sure to water yours today.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:38

Spearmint, Spirits & Praise

Last weekend while pulling up spent plants at the end of the year’s growing season, I was reminded of my first adventure into gardening. At our previous house, I had several beds of roses and decided to venture out and add a few herbs to the beds. I planted several varieties and then added spearmint. It smelled so good and while all the new plants did well, the spearmint really took off. Its aroma was delicious and the rich green of the leaves was lovely, but it began to get out of control. It kept growing and growing, crowding out the other herbs and it even tried to hone in on the roses. I kept cutting it back but that didn’t solve the problem so eventually I pulled it up, roots and all. But spearmint is tenacious. Every time I turned around, a new shoot was springing up. I’d pull the new one out, yet before long another would sprout somewhere else in the bed. Even two years later an occasional shoot of spearmint would appear.


When we became God’s children, He placed His Spirit inside us, to teach and guide. But our old nature still exists. Even if it was pulled up by the roots, remnants of it remain. It is more tenacious than spearmint. In Luke, Jesus tells us that as a tree is recognized by its fruit, the words we speak reflect which spirit is active in our heart. When we are living in the Spirit, our words, both audible and those we think, reflect His fruit. They are words of love, peace, gentleness and joy. But when we are not, our words reveal another spirit living in us, competing to produce fruit in our lives.

Are you like Jenny?
Jenny seems to have a ‘yes, but’ response to everything. If she was told the sun was shining she’d add that it would still likely rain on the parade. If she came into a financial windfall, she would complain about having to pay the taxes. Jenny is the type of person who sees the glass as half empty all the time. Her words reveal what lives in her heart: a negative spirit.

Are you like Frank?
Frank hones in on the one wrong thing in any situation. When his son studies hard and brings home A’s and one B on his report card, Frank is upset it was not perfect. During a presentation at work he notices only the one mistake in the document making certain that everyone else is aware of it too. His words reveal what lives in his heart: a critical spirit.

Are you like Lisa?
Lisa worries all the time. If her children want to play at their friend’s homes she tells them no because they might get hurt. She worries about their development; always comparing them to her other children. She worries to her sister that her husband won’t find her as attractive as the women at work. Her words reveal what lives in her heart: a fearful spirit.

Are you like Bob?
Bob is controlling. He has his five year plan charted and knows exactly where he is on it at any time. He seeks to continually improve- his education, his looks, and his earnings. He is always focusing on what he needs to do to get further ahead because he can't count on anyone but himself. His words reveal what lives in his heart: a doubtful spirit.

Are you like Jason?
Jason is jealous of his co-worker’s promotion at work. He feels that he should have gotten the assignment instead. He hates the fact that things seem to come so easily for some people. He has had to work hard all his life yet he believes he is never appreciated. His favorite saying seems to be “it’s not fair”. Jason’s words reveal what lives in his heart: a resentful spirit.

God did not give us His Spirit so that we would live in fear, doubt, selfishness or resentment. He gave us the Spirit to produce sweet fruit as a blessing for others. When sprouts of other spirits creep into your heart, turn away from them and toward praise for your God. As we give Him praise, He fills us anew for God inhabits the praises of His people. Through praise, you'll pull out the unwanted seedling and once again live in the Spirit. 



The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

The Battles in Becoming

You fell madly in love with the person of your dreams, stood before God and man vowing to love, honor and cherish them for the rest of your life and then one day… reality sets in. You fight over money, he isn’t as attentive as before, she nags all the time, there is little time for intimacy and sometimes you just don’t like each other very much. What happened to your “happily ever after”? Quite frankly, there is no such thing. But shouldn’t it be different in a Christian marriage? Shouldn’t it always be filled with joy and happiness and be immune from the problems of the world? After 25 years of marriage I can honestly say, "Are you out of your mind?"

Christian marriages experience the same problems as any marriage. In fact, Christian divorce rates are no different than that of everyone else; about 1 in 3. This is because all marriages are comprised of two very imperfect people. But divorce is not what God desires for marriages, in His word He tells us that He hates it.

The source of problems we experience can be found in God's directive that two shall become one. We start with two of us and by marrying want to be one; but its in the becoming where things get problematic. Becoming one requires putting what's best for the marriage ahead of the wants and the needs of two. And let's face it; becoming one is counter-intuitive to our humanness. We all naturally want our desires met and as long as that happens there's no problem. It's when it doesn't we first encounter struggles. But God's word gives us tools to help us navigate the becoming. Let me share a few that have helped our marriage.

Be as nice to your spouse as you would be to your friends.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) says “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” With this verse at the heart of marriage, we can avoid many battles altogether.

Keep everything in perspective and seek to not be offended.
If it won’t matter in five years, let it go. Does the fact that he squeezes the toothpaste in the middle instead of from the bottom matter? Proverbs 19:11(NIV) says “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” If it continues to drive you crazy, buy separate toothpaste. Do whatever it takes to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Always, always remember why you married them in the first place.
Don’t get hung up on their imperfections. If you are honest, you have plenty of flaws too. Ephesians 4:2 (AMP) says “…bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another”.

Don’t say it just because you think it.
Sometimes the biggest blessing we can give our spouse is to keep our mouth shut. Remember Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Don’t be passive in your marriage.
Love is so much more than a feeling; it is an active choice. Colossians 3:14(NIV) tell us “And over all these virtues, put on love”. It takes action to get dressed, to put something on. Emotions are fickle. Even when you don't feel it, treat your spouse as if you love them.

• Invite God to be a full part of the marriage.
Pray with and for your spouse….not for them to change but for God to change you to be their perfect partner. Romans 12:12 (NIV) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.”

Attitude Makes It Happen

Self-conviction is the key to acheivement. History abounds with tales of experts who were convinced the ideas, plans and projects of others could never be achieved. However, success came to those who said, "I can make it happen".

Other master sculptors worked diligently on a particularly difficult piece of marble but all gave up saying they could do nothing with it. All that is but one. Michelangelo visualized the possibilities in this same stone and from his convictions came one of the world's masterpieces, the statue of David.

Even Thomas Edison discouraged Henry Ford from pursuing his idea of a motoried car. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, he invited Ford to come to work for him. But Ford remained committed. Even though his first attempt resulted in a car without a reverse gear, he didn't give up. He believed and made it happen.

God has given all of us gifts. Don't let the doubts of others or the little voices in your head stop you from putting those gifts to use. You don't want to face the Master as the servant who buried the talents. Just what was the difference between that servant and the other two? It was his attitude of fear and uncertainty just as it is your attitude that will make the difference. The good news is attitude is completely within our control. God does not give us a spirit of fear, so resist it. Believe in yourself; God made you for a divine purpose. Have faith in God and work hard toward the goal. Together you can make it happen.

 If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b

Don't Forget Your Vaccination

If you have children or have ever traveled out of the country, you're likely familiar with many of the vaccines currently available. You may have had one for tetanus, small pox, measles and even the flu. But there is one vaccination that you may have overlooked. It is for a debilitating ailment and could even save your life. But you won't find it in any doctor's office.

There is a virus that has done more broad scale damage than any other. It has existed since the creation but little research has been done to find a cure. Like many viruses, it is highly contagious and easily spread. It can wipe out individuals, families, teams and even entire congregations or businesses. Studies show that it weakens the immune system and diminishes quality of life. What is this virus? It is simply a negative attitude. While there is no cure, there is a vaccine to fight its spread.

Gratitude is the powerful medicine to combat this disease. With it, you surround your positive attitude with a shield. When exposed to the virus, this shield strengthens your resistance and helps you avoid infection. For those squeamish about shots, there are no needles to contend with. All you have to do is stop and reflect on the many blessings that God has provided you, big and little alike. The time investment is small but the rewards are great.

But even the best vaccine can't completely protect you from the negativity bug. The best course is to prevent contamination in the first place. Avoid the constantly complaining person and the commiserating crowd. Instead, surround yourself with people who choose to see life as full of possibilities. You'll thank yourself in the long run.


"Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God hath done"
       Lyrics from the hymn "Count Your Blessings" first published in 1897