It's Been Awhile Since I've Been Controversial, So.....

"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  ... Philippians 2:13

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Today I completed Phase 1 of my kitchen wallpaper project and --as I imagined--this wall surely does look happy. Perhaps even downright delirious. heh.

The wallpaper even seemed to stretch the extra needed inch across. (I'd forgotten that wallpaper can do that.) Or perhaps it was Grace. But whatever, I'm happy with the result and--hopefully--I'll wallpaper the small side section this week. Those Baker Boys will look nifty against a new backdrop.

I stood back, gazed at the finished project and knew that--mostly--I'd done my best, especially given this typical 'summery, it's-just-too-humid' way that I feel. 

And that reminds me of something which will sound rather controversial, but here goes.

Sometimes people tell me that their parents who called them put-down names and yelled, seldom attended their school programs nor spent much time with them, 'did the best that they could.' You know, because of The Times and ways their parents had been raised, themselves.

I used to nod my head and agree with them, but these past few years I've stopped. 

Why? Because I know myself.

Often I've taken the easy/lazy/non-confrontational route instead of giving my true best. I know deep inside when I've 'felt the burn' and shone with excellence and when, instead, I resorted to floating downstream with the rest of the slackers.

I know when I've chosen to obey good teachings and the Holy Spirit is leading and energizing me--- and when I'm just choosing to do things my own sloppy way.

I know the difference. It's not difficult to see it--but it can be hard to confess it (the slothfulness) aloud.

When I stand before God? I am positive He will not say, "Debra, you were born during a decade when laziness and tv-watching and living wild was rampant, so I'm gonna let you slide. You couldn't help becoming an undependable adult/parent, given your environment."

Uh, no.

No, God will remind me that Jesus died thousands of years ago to make us more. More like Him. More loving and courageous. Strong, but gentle. Wise and holy and a bright light to a sad, dark, dark world.

No matter what type of behavior was popular during whatever decade, always He's been there for those who sought His help, His ways, rather than their own. And whenever we've done our truest best, it was Grace and God who did it through us, our meekness, in our humanity.

It was (and is) God who empowers us to live our best life, become godly, and may we all have the humility to confess when we're doing less... and then march forward to becoming more.

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"Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him."   ... Daniel 6:3



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Remember Tarek ElMoussa from HGTV's, Flip or Flop? Here's what he wrote on his and Christina's Facebook page yesterday. His search for excellence is inspiring!

"Each and every day we must remember that life is about progression and change. Sometimes you get so caught up in life you never take a second to ask yourself if you are a better person than the day before. I truly believe that in order to be the best person possible you must be better tomorrow then you were today. As people, we learn something new every day. The key is to learn from your mistakes so you don't make the same ones tomorrow. Recently, I have been asking myself the same questions every morning that are listed below.

1. Am I better father than I was yesterday?
2. Am I a better husband than I was yesterday?
3. Am I a better son than I was yesterday.
4. Am I better friend than I was yesterday?
5. Overall, did I learn from yesterday and am I a better person than I was yesterday?

Try asking yourself these questions and have an amazing week!"

...Tarek

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