Integrity comes from the Greek words ‘integritas’ and ‘integra’ meaning whole. It’s a belief system without faltering no matter how dangerous, how unpopular the person makes themselves to others. It includes things such as: sincerity, keeping one’s word, honesty, truthfulness, ethics, fairness and justice, punctuality and never faltering for what you believe in.

Dictionary.com says that integrity means “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”

How often do Christians not live in a state of integrity?

We assume that because we’re Christians, people will let things “slide” in a business sense.  We assume that people know we’re Christians, so we can get away with being unfair. We play our “God Card” and think that will automatically get us in the clear.  Integrity is a foundation that we build on, we can’t just keep assuming. We all know what assuming does

As Christians, we should set the standard, not fall under the world’s standard. I believe that living a life of integrity is one of the greatest ways we can set ourselves apart and stand out in a positive way. Integrity is something that I always strive for, but not sure I always uphold.  It’s the times when I find myself forsaking what I believe in just for the sake of not wanting to stand out. I should want to stand out!

I encourage you live a life of integrity. Of honesty. Above reproach.  Different.

God has given each of us unique gifts. Sometimes I worry that I’m not using mine to the best of my ability. Do I sink into what is “easy” for me, and not step up and use what He’s given me? The great thing is, He gives everyone different types of gifts to use in different ways.  Thankfully we don’t all have the gift of teaching (ok…at least I don’t!). Thankfully we don’t all have the gift of serving or prophecy.  I think it would get a little crazy if we did!

I’ve been thinking about how my life is about to drastically change and how my role is about to change. I’m praying that God will continue to use my strengths He’s given me and open doors for me to use those gifts. As well as being a great mom and focusing on my family. Not always an easy task in our busy world, but I figure it’s what HE has called me to do and put in me and it would be a waste to ignore that!!

My top 3 Spiritual Gifts: Mercy, Serving & Administration

I encourage you to pray about what your gift are and seek God on how you can use them. Or you can go here and take a quick test to figure out what they are!

I’d love to hear your feedback.

• What are your spiritual gifts, and what are some ways you are currently use them or would like to use them better?
• If you’re a busy mom/pastor’s wife, how do you find ways to still use the gifts God has given you and focus on your family?

Why don’t we get more excited about Worshipping our God?

I can’t stop watching this video. It’s so cool to see how thousands of people can come together and get so excited about something! Wouldn’t it be great if the church looked more like a Black Eyed Peas concert?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9CmZXSSYmc]

Let’s get excited about what our God is doing!!!!!!!!

I’ve found it difficult to blog lately. Yes, I’ve been busy.  But it’s more than that.  When I start to write, I’ve been finding myself staring at a blank screen and struggling to put words on it. I wasn’t sure I’d come to a point in my life where I would be speechless, but I think I’m there.

I am so taken back by how much I am loved by a God who created the universe.  He has so many things and people to care for, and still loves me so personally.  That’s a hard fact to grasp.

We have a lot of exciting and wonderful things happening in our lives and so much to look forward to.  We are thankful that God provides for us, cares for us and has wonderful plans for us!!

I wish I had more to say, but there are no words.  I am loved.  I am blessed.  And for that, I am thankful.

How is God blessing you today?

I am overwhelmed with blessings.  I am overwhelmed with a God who loves me more than I can understand.  I am overwhelmed by the beauty He gives and shows us. 

We serve a God SO big and so mighty.  He shows us such grace and compassion.  He is the ultimate picture of love.  My hubby has been blogging about a song called “How He Loves”, and I too cannot get this song out of my head and can’t stop praising a God that is the giver of all things beautiful and perfect!

He knows us. He loves us.  He makes us perfectly in His image.

Psalm 139: 13-18

14 I thank you, High God — You’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration — what a creation!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps]

Lord, thank you for your GRACE.

Nope, I didn’t stutter.  I don’t.  I did for years.  Many many years. But as I get older and grow in my relationship with Christ, so changes my daily routine with Him. 

I read my bible this way:

Ok Ok…I know, I tricked you.  I DO still read my bible, just not in the conventional way.  I’ve read my bible A LOT.  I’ve read many different versions, in many different ways.  I’ve studied, I’ve bled (paper cuts), I’ve highlighted. Been there, done that. 

I think Christians get into the mindset that they have to spend a certain amount of time sitting in the quiet reading Leviticus everyday.  If that’s the place you are in, and the relationship you have with Him…more power to you.  It’s just not me. 

I’m in a stage of learning to really depend on God.  I’m learning to pray in a whole new way.  I’m walking into a whole new level in my relationship with Him.  It’s exciting, it’s difficult, but it’s the best place I’ve ever been in. 

Where are you in your relationship with Him? What can you do to freshen it up and make it deeper and more relational?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing.

Ouch.

I’ve found myself complaining a lot lately. We’re a complaining people.  It’s just never good enough, and we are never happy enough.  But if you keep reading…

Philippians 2:18 Yes, you should rejoice.

You should REJOICE. Even when everything is not going your way.  There is always a reason to rejoice no matter the circumstance.

I want to complain less, and rejoice more.  Our Savior deserves that much from us at least!

What can you rejoice in today and complain less about?

I love Jesus.  I love showing Jesus to others.  But sometimes Christians annoy the heck out of me.

Yeah yeah yeah.  Go ahead…judge me.  But it’s true. 

We live a couple blocks from the beach in the coolest little downtown area.  When we walk to the beach, there are lots of “entertainers” at the pier doing their thing.  There’s this group of break dancers, they’re actually pretty good.  There are some really good artists, my favorite is a guy that paints a beautiful picture using cans of spray paint.  Very impressive. 

Then there’s always that guy.

The guy standing up on his soapbox (literally), telling everyone they’re going to hell.  He stands there,  condemns and tells everyone what they’re doing is wrong.  Part of it is true, we are all sinners.  We all fall short. 

But is this really the way to let people know it? Are lost people really drawn to this fanatic lifestyle?

What always gets me, is that people stop and listen.  The crowds really gather.  As I read the stories of Jesus’ ministry, the crowds gathered for Him too.   What hurts my heart, is that typically these soapbox preachers aren’t showing the true love of Jesus.

Jesus was real.  He met people where they were, and showed them love no matter what.  He spoke of hope and forgiveness. He didn’t rub it in their faces, he was simply there and almighty.

Why can’t we be more like Jesus? I know I want to be.

I encourage you to be REAL and reflect Christ for who He is.  Your thoughts?

Ever have those days where everything around you tests your patience? People won’t get out of the way on YOUR freeway, nothing seems to go right at work, the dog forgets how to use the bathroom outside and you get a lovely treat when you wake up. 

It can take one tiny thing to ruin your day, and then nothing goes right. 

Today is one of those days for me.  Maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or maybe I messed up in my “morning routine”  to throw me off…but it was just one of those days. 

A Monday. 

On days like today, I pray for patience.  Mostly for others who have to put up with me… but a lot for myself.  I wonder if Jesus ever had a case of the Mondays.  I wonder if his disciples ever annoyed him to where he just needed to get away and roam around Target for a while to calm his nerves.  Hmm…I doubt it.

Thank you Jesus for giving me your patience on the rough days where I can’t do anything right.  Through Him, I’m made perfect. And that makes any bad day turn out to be a good one. 

How do you handle a ‘case of the Mondays’?