tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36468403792958698762024-03-12T19:43:37.695-07:00Lea Anne McCrory WoodA little look into my life's walk "in the exceeding greatness of His power" toward all of us
who...BELIEVELea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-86396633375246215852013-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:002013-03-17T17:03:31.025-07:00Setting Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Setting Vision was the theme of this week's Bible study for me and the topic of an inspired speech Friday morning by the owner of Jason's Deli, and I have to share what I received from God's Word about the importance of vision in your life to be successful!<br />
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In Genesis 30, Jacob begins to amass his wealth and fortune by what I find to be a supernatural means of influence. He took a poplar branch or almond branch and peeled back the bark so that it created a striped look and set those branches in front of the watering trough where the sheep came to drink because that is where they mated. By seeing the branches, they then produced offspring that were striped, speckled or black and he took those sheep as his payment.<br />
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Then I remembered in 2008 when God gave me a word about building the house on Woodside that I had put a picture of the house just printed out from the plans and posted it on my wall in my office that I saw everyday and by the end of 2008 the vision came to pass. You can read about that here if you'd like.<br />
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<a href="http://leaannemccrorywood.blogspot.com/2008/08/building-of-4109-woodside.html">http://leaannemccrorywood.blogspot.com/2008/08/building-of-4109-woodside.html</a><br />
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And then in 2010 God spoke again and set us on a new path with a new vision that I didn't quite understand. In fact I may have missed it at first but the vision stood for over two years before it was understood. I wish I would have written it on the blog to be able to refer back to it, but the new word spoken to my heart was Isaiah 58:12 <br />
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Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.</div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-58-12">Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-58-12">and a restorer of homes.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">This has since led me into the new career path of Real Estate. Even though it took two years to understand it, I'm walking it out and the vision is just starting to reproduce in my life and I'll continue to walk in this new vision until God says "It's Finished".</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">Oh what a difference a picture makes, what a great visual display through the sheep and the rememberance of my picture on the wall to remind me how important it is to keep the vision in front of us. God saw it already and is leading me to it. (I'm going to find a picture that clearly defines this new vision in my life and place it in my office so I can see it everyday!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">And the words of the owner of Jason's Deli, said that in order to be successful we need to Set Vision, Get Buy-In and Remove obstacles... this was so relevant to my life and it's what I'm striving to do.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">I hope this gives someone hope to start looking for the vision that the Lord has for you and to set that vision in front of you always...Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18)</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">I'll leave you with this scripture that I saw this morning in my bible study preparation... </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">2 Thessalonians 1:11b... May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do...Then the Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jes</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">us Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">Seeking Him,</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12">Lea Anne</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-58-12"> </span></span></div>
Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-80258600189934093932013-01-10T07:52:00.000-08:002013-01-10T07:52:08.431-08:00My word for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I began praying about my word for 2013 I was reading my devotional calendar and it talked about us needing to be spiritually anchored and focused on the One true God. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and I didn't think that I put anything ahead of Him, but in just the few short days of this new year, I've found myself pulled and stretched in so many different directions that it has taken a toll on my health, and mental state. I'm not handling things like I use to, I'm irritated too easily, and mostly, I'm just a little unsettled by all the changes taking place around me.</div>
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I've decided that my word is ONE. </div>
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I'll be more focused on ONE thing at a time...ONE job...ONE person at a time...more time with the ONE who gives life more abundantly. And certainly about the only ONE I can do anything about and that is me.</div>
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My devotional thought for today is very appropriate as I write these words...</div>
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We don't want to be women who hear the truth but seldom act in faith to appropriate it for our lives. We don't want to be forever grappling with doubt, fear, insecurity, and uncertainty. We want to live life <em>on</em> purpose and <em>with </em>purpose.</div>
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I choose ONE... </div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Lea Anne</div>
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Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-34369837417178540982012-05-07T15:08:00.000-07:002012-05-07T15:18:16.962-07:00Imagine... What do you see?What a great way to start a Monday. A good devotional thought that goes along with what I've been meditating on for over a week. <br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dear God, There are so many vocations in this world. There are so many ministry opportunities in this world too, in the workplace, home, neighborhood, church... Help me to see my special mission field. Where do You want me to serve? Am I in the right place? Am I taking advantage of every opportunity You have for me? Is there somewhere else You want me to exercise the spiritual gifts, natural talents, and heartfelt desires You have given me? Please open my eyes that I may see; speak to my heart that I may know. Thank You for guiding me and blessing me according to Your will. In Jesus' name I come to You, amen. </span></blockquote>
I have been thinking about change. Or at least a way to make a little extra money. Of course it involves sales because that is the area in which I've been gifted by God, but it also involves people and my passion for houses. I love looking at houses and magazines and pictures... It's my escape from the real world... to imagine a beautiful landscaped yard, a crystal clear swimming pool, nice wood decks and flowers... Lots of flowers... It has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I have magazines from back in the 1990's that I've kept as inspiration pages. (My children have TRIED to throw them away, but I keep them hidden so they can't)<br /><br />Anyway, the thing I love the most about how God reveals a path to me is in the still small voice that prompts me to check things out. Things I didn't even know that I wanted, but I believe with all that is in me was put there by God so that He could work it out in my life. The things that are always with you, yet you don't realize until they lay out like domino's and lead you to the next thing in God's plan for you.<br /><br />As I think this thing through, I'll be looking, no EXPECTING, God to show up in a mighy way to blow me over and affirm the decisions He planting in my heart. I love when he does that and I want that all the time, but if we had everything we wanted immediately, then where would our Hope be? How would we learn to depend on His leading and Guiding... If we could do it on our own, why would we need a Savior who wants to walk in relationship and trust with us? I much prefer doing it with God as my lead.<br /><br />Pray with me please as I seek the set-up that I know is coming. As I take a step of faith that brings me down a path of His choosing.<br /><br />I love this life of mine and I will follow you Lord...<br /><br />Walking in His abundant joy!!<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-32340472075210913172011-08-18T07:45:00.000-07:002011-08-18T12:09:00.819-07:00The Way He Wants You to Live<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4knVPndlFw/Tk0v49cpBRI/AAAAAAAADxE/o5i3a6zg_ng/s1600/happy%2Bliving.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642218563778970898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4knVPndlFw/Tk0v49cpBRI/AAAAAAAADxE/o5i3a6zg_ng/s400/happy%2Bliving.jpg" /></a>
<br />I've been meditating on a scripture a lot these last two weeks and it has come up in conversation a couple of times. I need to hear "Well, done... good and faithful servant," and I'm sure that other people in leadership need to hear it as well. However, a lot of the time we seem to only tell them about the bad stuff they are doing. This scripture spoke volumes to me and as I meditate on a few of the points of interest I hope it speaks to you as well.
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<br /><p><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!</span></em></p>
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<br /><p><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is
<br />that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers,
<br />and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with
<br />each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on
<br />each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each
<br />other, and always do your best to bring it out.
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<br />Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
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<br />Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's
<br />good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.
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<br />May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!
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<br />Friends, keep up your prayers for us. Greet all the followers of Jesus there with a holy embrace. And make sure this letter gets read to all the brothers and sisters. Don't leave anyone out.
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<br />The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! </span></em><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">1 Thessalonians 12-28 </span></em></p>
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<br /><p align="left">How do you overwhelm someone with appreciation and love? Is it just telling them you appreciate them or is it writing a note? </p>
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<br /><p align="left">How do you get along with others? How do you do your part? These are serious questions that need to be answered as we each try to spur the others along in the Christian walk and faith.</p>
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<br /><p align="left">Thank God for everything... even the people that get on your nerves. Always praying for others and asking God for guidance. Completely surrender to the Lord in every path you walk on. Knowing that you don't have to fix anything or that you aren't in control of anything. Just be thankful, prayerful and cheerful.</p>
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<br /><p align="left">This next part is the part that I'm meditating on... How do you know if something is good or not? How can you discern the good from the bad? The spirit is alive within us and it speaks to us and it protects us and it tells us things we could not possibly know on our own. So don't quench that spirit... Don't put out the spark of fire that ignites within us when there are red flags flying around.. test everything and see what is good... It says to throw out all the evil. If you have a red flag then address it... test it, ask questions... seek the answer then dig it out and throw it out...Not the person, but the thing that is evil. Sometimes we have answers from people who are gifted in discerning right from wrong... seek out good counsel. Don't try to be an island and do things on your own. Ask for help from others who walk with the Lord and seek his counsel. </p>
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<br /><p align="left">This book of Thessalonians was a letter written to the church of Thessalonica... It was asked that the letter be read and passed along to the members of the church... It was passed down for 2 thousand years...
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<br />Test and approve everthing and keep only what is good... Ask the spirit to help you discern what is good today.</p>
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<br /><p align="left">Lea Anne</p></blockquote>
<br />Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-59932968540702811692011-08-01T09:20:00.001-07:002011-08-01T10:09:46.104-07:00A little bit of a pity party...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V57sfaTspgI/TjbYVNMMTsI/AAAAAAAADw8/h3KFBCkNOMQ/s1600/pity%2Bparty.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635929842530406082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V57sfaTspgI/TjbYVNMMTsI/AAAAAAAADw8/h3KFBCkNOMQ/s400/pity%2Bparty.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I have to say that I was in a bit of a pit last week... doing a little self-pitying... and I allowed myself to go there for a day or so before I pulled myself out of it. The whole time I was in it, I kept saying that I know better... I kept telling myself to get over it... I knew better... But I can't deny that I was in it.<br /><br />Well, I have to say that when I began to feel my emotions and feelings trying to control me, that I go to the source of all my strength. I went to the Bible to hear what God had to say about it and I found him to be faithful, as He always is. I recognized that He cares about our feelings and I know that even if it's a self-imposed feeling of pit dwelling, not necessarily something someone does to you, He can pull us out of it if we let him.<br /><br />I came across the passage from Jeremiah where he is lamenting that he was ever born. He spoke about how everyone was against him, how he didn't have any friends, how he should never have been born, and it made me realize that I felt somewhat similar. The passage I'm referring to is Jeremiah 20:7-18.<br /><br />What stands out the most to me in this passage is the way that Jeremiah flips between the reason why he is the way he is and the feelings that he feels because of the way he is. What he knows to be true contradicts how he feels about it. This was a little confusing to me and the fact that the Lord didn't respond to him says a lot too. He basically overcame the issue of self-pity by realizing he was responsible for what he was called to do and by giving voice to how he felt about it, didn't change his feelings, but he understood that the Lord would take care of him.<br /><br />So when we find ourselves in a bit of a pity party, do we sit around and complain about it?<br /><br />Or do we withdraw into isolation and mope about it?<br /><br />What should we do to overcome it?<br /><br />How do we get over it?<br /><br />These are just a few of the questions I have for you. I know that for myself, I allowed myself to feel a little pity, but then I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and got over it. I can honestly say that I am over it and I hope to have a better understanding of who I am for having gone through it. I hope that I can always go to the source of all knowledge when faced with honest feelings of self-loathing or self-pity.<br /><br />I know who I am in Christ and will continue along the path that is laid out for me. I will be faithful to stay the course. I will press on. In the process, I hope to encounter little things about myself that will make me a better person when I incorporate them into my behavior modification plan. The only evidence that we are a living, walking-in-relationship-with-Jesus person, is a changed life.<br /><br />Is my life different than it was a year ago?<br /><br />Am I seeing things a little differently?<br /><br />We must always be evolving in our relationships, growing in our spiritual development, and loving just a little bit deeper as we allow Christ to work in our lives.<br /><br />So don't be embarrassed about having gone on a pity party trip. Embrace it and allow the Lord to heal you and grow you up.<br /><br />Love to you all,<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-28040410049259936682011-07-13T12:58:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:42:48.824-07:00Stop speaking worthless words and start speaking Good ones<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba8nH27KPws/Th4RTY6w7vI/AAAAAAAADw0/WCSSAgByRDc/s1600/words.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628955609063812850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba8nH27KPws/Th4RTY6w7vI/AAAAAAAADw0/WCSSAgByRDc/s400/words.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VK5CD9b4Ys/Th4RLUWL2bI/AAAAAAAADws/g1I19JSz9cI/s1600/words.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Have you ever felt like you were treated badly and because of all the work you've done for the Lord, that it shouldn't have happened to you the way it did. Did your feelings get hurt so bad that you wanted to quit what you know God has called you to do? Maybe you have quit but the pain of the insult is so bitter in your mouth that you spew forth poison every time you have the opportunity to "tell" someone what happened to you... Well this is an interesting passage from my study in Jeremiah where God honestly tells Jeremiah to stop his whining and complaining and just get about doing what He told him to do. If this is you and you are currently stuck in an offense, I pray that you receive this as it is meant. As a way out of the depression and insult and into forgiveness and full living.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Jeremiah 15:15-18<br />You know where I am, God! Remember what I'm doing here!<br />Take my side against my detractors.<br />Don't stand back while they ruin me.<br />Just look at the abuse I'm taking!<br />When your words showed up, I ate<br />them—<br />swallowed them whole. What a feast!<br />What delight I took in being<br />yours,<br />O God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!<br />I never joined the party crowd<br />in their laughter and their fun.<br />Led by you, I went off by myself.<br />You'd filled me with indignation. Their sin had me seething.<br />But why,<br />why this chronic pain,<br />this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight?<br />You're nothing, God, but a mirage,<br />a lovely oasis in the distance—and<br />then nothing!<br /><br />19-21This is how God answered me:<br /><br />"Take back those<br />words, and I'll take you back.<br />Then you'll stand tall before me.<br />Use<br />words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining.<br />Then, but only then,<br />you'll speak for me.<br />Let your words change them.<br />Don't change your words<br />to suit them.<br />I'll turn you into a steel wall,<br />a thick steel wall,<br />impregnable.<br />They'll attack you but won't put a dent in you<br />because I'm<br />at your side, defending and delivering."<br />God's Decree.<br />"I'll deliver you<br />from the grip of the wicked.<br />I'll get you out of the clutch of the<br />ruthless."<br /><br /></blockquote>The NLT version says:<br /><br />“If you return to me, I will restore you<br />so you can continue to serve me.<br />If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,<br />you will be my spokesman.<br />You must influence them;<br />do not let them influence you!<br /><br />God doesn't mean to discount your feelings or to make light of your offense. He just wants you to continue serving him whatever happens. Even if no one ever receives. Even if no one ever changes. He can't use you when you live in unforgiveness. He just can't.<br /><br />God gives us an important responsibility in the ministry and that is to keep on keeping on even when it gets hard. Even when there is an offense...<br /><br />Be the one to share about what Christ went through... How he suffered and was beaten, and how he was crucified and how he died that we may all have life. He did it willingly... he knew when he came to this earth that he would suffer injustice and that he would lay down his life for all of us who are so imperfect, but he put aside his rights to not be hurt. So why can't you. This is all about bringing glory and honor to the Lord... Not about your hurt feelings...<br /><br />I hope that this speaks to someone today that is holding on to a little injustice and offense today. Just lay it down and Get over it... God says to put away all that worthless talk and start talking good things today.<br /><br />Lea Anne</div></div>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-27511070700750389282011-06-30T07:36:00.001-07:002011-06-30T07:40:47.576-07:00A Blessed LifeI wanted to stop and take a minute to offer a little gratitude to the Lord for where I am in life. I have been very blessed and I want to express my joy for life out loud.<br /><br />Lord,<br /><br />I wanted to stop and say "Thank You" for all that You have brought about in my life and allowed to happen.<br /><br />I wanted to give credit where credit is due...<br /><br />I wanted to inspire hope in someone today that is feeling a little depressed or is waiting for an answered prayer.<br /><br />I wanted to remind myself and others that our hope is in the You, Lord.<br /><br />Rejoice and Be glad...<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-22122293616237682982011-05-05T07:26:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:06:03.294-07:00A Special Form of Communication<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDYM7WNUlFU/TcKzub97cGI/AAAAAAAADwg/BhrG0KHS42M/s1600/redbird%2Bbluebird%2B2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 412px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603238496765177954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDYM7WNUlFU/TcKzub97cGI/AAAAAAAADwg/BhrG0KHS42M/s400/redbird%2Bbluebird%2B2.jpg" /></a><br />Do you have a special form of communication between you and the Lord?<br /><br />Do you have a certain something that brings you instant peace and joy that you recognize as a sign of God's presence?<br /><br />Some people see a rainbow and are filled with peace.<br /><br />Some people see a star and find comfort.<br /><br />Others may see a feather or a leaf that floats in front of them and it reminds them of a promise that was spoken over them a long time ago.<br /><br />I have always found a sense of peace when I see a Bluejay or a Red bird. It's always made me stop and take notice of my surroundings and pause and give God some GLORY because I feel him near. That happened last Friday morning when I pulled out of my driveway. I saw a bluebird chasing a redbird and it instantly brought comfort to my soul.<br /><br />I felt the arms of the Lord wrap around me and say "Peace, Child, I am with you."<br /><br />I still feel that peace. That unexplainable peace that surpasses all understanding from the only source that can fill you with joy and comfort.<br /><br />Today I can say that God was establishing His peace with me where the decision of making an offer on a house was concerned. He said... "I've got this... you don't have to worry." And even though it turned out a little differently than I expected, I'm happy all the same. The Lord truly does know best! Trust him today for your decisions.<br /><br />I hope you have a special form of communication between you and the Lord. It's those moments of sight that give an infusion to your faith that is mostly unseen but oh so neccessary in how you deal with the everyday stresses of life.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><blockquote><br /><p><em><span style="color:#006600;">Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">revel in him!</span><br />Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side,<br />working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is<br />about to arrive. <span style="color:#cc0000;">He could show up any minute!<br /></span><br />Don't fret or worry. </span></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#006600;">Instead of worrying, pray. </span></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#006600;">Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, <span style="color:#cc0000;">a sense of God's wholeness</span>, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.</span></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#006600;">It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:4-8 (Message)</span></em></span></em></p></blockquote><br />I pray you can hear the whisper of the Lord in your life today.<br />Love,<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-56100930423722395852011-04-11T14:46:00.000-07:002011-04-13T06:34:01.470-07:00Just Make a Choice...No Guesswork involved...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCIO8KBow8/TaN2r1jEelI/AAAAAAAADwY/Sc8G3Og130c/s1600/door%2B1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594445657604913746" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCIO8KBow8/TaN2r1jEelI/AAAAAAAADwY/Sc8G3Og130c/s400/door%2B1.jpg" /></a>Have you ever watched the game "Let's make a deal?" Have you ever thought about decisions in life and what would happen if you had picked another path in life? How do we know what God's BEST plan is for us? <br /><blockquote><br /><p>This is God's Word on the subject:</p><br /><p>"As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before (translated as "At just the right time, not a second before"), I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—<span style="font-size:180%;">plans</span> (not just plan... but PLANS) to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. <span style="color:#ff0000;">"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. </span>"When you come looking for me, you'll find me.<span style="color:#ff0000;"> "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."</span> God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. Jeremiah 29:11-13</p></blockquote><br /><p>You see, I've been meditating on this thought for a few weeks now. It's not that we have choices or opportunities that we get to pick from... You see our paths are already laid out for us... As we walk, we learn things about ourselves and about God that make us into the person he wants us to be.</p><br /><p>But here is the gist of all the seeking and the path walking and the direction guidance we ask for... We must seek GOD, then all these other things will be added unto us. Seek Him first, seek Him and not direction... Seek God and you will find His will for you.</p><br /><p>You don't have to wonder what's behind all the other doors... just pick one and walk through it. Walk and seek the Lord and He will fill you with his glory and he will direct your steps. You don't have to know where you are going, you just have to walk along. Praying and seeking as you go, trusting and believing that what he's bringing you to is something good... something you are hoping for...</p><br /><p>Just wanted to share what I've been meditating on the past few weeks. What peace there is in not having to know where the path is leading, just knowing who's leading me...</p><br /><p>In Christ,</p><br /><p>Lea Anne </p>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-90951518285722909642011-03-17T10:09:00.000-07:002011-03-17T12:42:43.537-07:00Walking in Forgiveness<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne7leSibV6M/TYJkL7PM81I/AAAAAAAADwQ/Qp2xK7ahzT8/s1600/god%2527s%2Bpromises%2B1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585136643935630162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne7leSibV6M/TYJkL7PM81I/AAAAAAAADwQ/Qp2xK7ahzT8/s400/god%2527s%2Bpromises%2B1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnFQs1gz0pM/TYJj1oh1ZVI/AAAAAAAADwI/7R7fWEKNeW0/s1600/god%2527s%2Bpromises%2Bbook.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>I was taken aback the other day when a thought came to my mind about something I did about 23 years ago that was not quite reputable. A fleeting thought about a mistake I made even though I knew better. And something that I had already asked forgiveness for and from which I was walking in complete freedom. I hadn't even thought about it in 15 years, much less dwelt on it, so when the memory came to my mind, I felt an instant grip of regret... of guilt... of unworthiness to teach and witness and speak of the glory of God.<br /><br />I was preparing for my Bible Study class when this happened and it was a great lesson on advancing the Kingdom inspite of circumstances... inspite of limitations.... inspite of selfish motives... inspite of fears... inspite of dissatisfaction in other people... It was as if the enemy spoke this to my mind " who do you think you are? You have made so many mistakes... You aren't worthy to talk about "Godly" living... You aren't good at all... remember when you _________...<br /><br />And I did remember... I remembered when I said I was sorry... I remembered when I asked forgiveness... I remembered when I turned in repentance (and didn't do it again)... I remembered that I was forgiven and walking in grace... Even after I remembered all this, I needed to be comforted by Jesus and I went to his word in the little book of promises that I keep by my bedside table and looked up "regret" and this is what I found...<br /><br /><em><br /><br /><blockquote><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The high and lofty one who lives in eternity,<span style="font-size:180%;"> the Holy One</span>, says this:<br />“<span style="font-size:180%;">I</span> live in the <span style="font-size:180%;">high</span> and <span style="font-size:180%;">holy place</span> with those whose spirits are <span style="color:#ffff00;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">contrite</span><br /></span>and<span style="font-size:180%;"> humble</span>. I <span style="font-size:180%;">restore</span> the crushed spirit of the humble<br />and revive the<span style="color:#009900;"> <span style="font-size:180%;">courage</span></span> of those with<span style="color:#000099;"> </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#000099;">repentant</span> </span>hearts.<br /></span></em></blockquote></em><br />Isaiah 57:15<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>God spoke so clearly to my soul... the part of me that was sorry for the wrong that I had done... and told me very gently that HE had forgiven me and that HE knew I was forgiven because I had a repentant heart... I wasn't STILL walking in that sin or attitude of before... I had a changed heart that was healed and free and forgiven and that I had his COURAGE in me to boldly proclaim HIS GLORY to others. To teach others with the authority of one that was walking in freedom and forgiveness and to always know that I was WORTHY to be called a child of his.</p><br /><br /><p>This is the attack and the path that the enemy tries to take a person down. He tries to keep you from walking in forgiveness and freedom by reminding you of the bad things you've done. The sins that you've committed and the utter lostness of your past lives...</p><br /><br /><p>We are all sinful people and do things we're not proud of. But we have a righteous Father who convicts us of a wrong when we do it and when we come into agreement with Him that it is wrong he will forgive those sins if we ask him to. We then have to turn from the way we were doing things and choose not to do them again if we are in agreement with God that it is wrong for us. </p><br /><br /><p><br />The first part is confession and the second part is repentance... You can have confession without repentance, but God's word clearly spoke to me that I was FREE because of my repentance... Because I wasn't doing it anymore. That I don't even want to do it anymore. That I hadn't even thought about it in 15 years or longer... That's <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">WALKING IN FORGIVENESS</span>... That's Freedom... that's Abundant living and pleasing to God and it's stuff that the enemy hates... He has no power over a person that chooses to walk in Forgiveness... of yourself and of others... We have power to forgive because we have been forgiven...</p><br /><br /><p>Does this make sense?</p><br /><br /><p>I just wanted to share my experience of what happened to me and the way I chose to overcome it. I choose to walk in forgiveness and boldly profess the name of my savior, JESUS...</p><br /><br /><p>I hope you can walk in forgiveness too.</p><br /><br /><p>Lea Anne</p><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-77670279992850667712011-02-17T20:46:00.000-08:002011-02-17T21:25:17.666-08:00Sifted as Wheat"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31)<br /><br />I've never seen this verse before tonight and I came across it in my study of <em>Jesus the One and Only. </em>It stopped me in my reading of the Passover Supper when Jesus is about to be betrayed by Judas. He has just shared the last meal with the disciples, announced that he would be betrayed, and washed the disciples feet. Then Jesus spoke those words to Peter... Satan has ASKED to sift you as wheat...<br /><br />This was an answer to my prayer of the last 11 days in my life as I wondered why I was faced with a couple of seemingly bad circumstances. As I have learned in my walk with the Lord, if I seem to be under a little oppression or trouble seems to be brewing around me, I stop and check my fellowship with the Lord, then I go through a mental list of confessions as I seek the Lord for an answer in response to my unfortunate situations.<br />Here's a little of my confessional list that I sift through my mind and heart<br /><br /><ul><li>I first humble myself and realize that "who am I" that something bad SHOULDN'T happen to me. </li><li>Then I give my concerns and discernments to the Lord and ask HIM to bear them for me.</li><li>Then I watch! I stay alert!!! (Satan is the great enemy... not the people around me who I might feel the attack is coming from... It's ALWAYS Satan...He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.</li><li>Then I stand firm and Wait... Waiting isn't a passive thing for me... Waiting is SEEKING the Lord for comfort and understanding... I read the Bible to seek God's grace to deal with the unfortunate cirumstance... then I wait a little longer.</li><li>Then I stand firm on my belief that GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER ME... whatever the issue may be... I STAND FIRM in my faith...</li><li>Then I praise God for keeping me safe... even when I don't understand...</li><li>AND I ALWAYS THANK GOD for His GRACE to overcome the whatever... if it's a dishonor, or a slander, or a financial shortfall, or whatever it is... I KNOW GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME.</li><li>I then Wait some more because I know that after I've suffered a little while that God will restore me, support me, and strengthen me and bring me back into a firm foundation... HE IS ALL POWERFUL and nothing happens without HIS PERMISSION...</li></ul><p> </p><p>So with all that check list being checked off, I have peace...that surpasses all understanding... so that I can pass the test that I am called to take. This is what I KNOW and what I've walked out through the years with the Lord. So when I had a bit of a shake up last week, I immediately recognized it as a test and I have had several scriptures that have brought me comfort.</p><p>Hosea 10:12 Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord that he may come and shower righteousness upon you...</p><p>I read that verse on Saturday and I felt healed. But when I read the verse from Luke 22:31 tonight... It actually stopped me in my reading and I had to write this to give praise to the Lord. I'll try to explain what I mean but it's still fresh...</p><p>I actually felt honored... Honored to be ASKED by satan to be sifted... My checklist is right out of scripture if you'd like to read it yourself... 1 Peter 5:6-14 </p><p>This sifting is allowed by God because in his kindness he has called me to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. Because I am a follower of Christ, I can bring glory and honor to the Lord through my suffering and sifting. GLORY TO YOU, FATHER.</p><p>The very next thing Jesus said to Peter was this... But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again...Strenghten your brothers...</p><p>This is what is so amazing about this story...Jesus knew Peter would deny him...BUT he also knew that he would repent and be even STRONGER because of his faith and go on to do GREAT things for Christ...<br /><br />WHAT JOY!!! To know that we can be restored to fullness of faith with the simplest form of repentance and obedience to do what God calls us to do... Just Trust and Obey...</p><p>Again, I just say Thank you Lord. For revealing the purpose behind the bump in my path. That I stayed on your path for me and "after a little suffering, you will restore me, support and strengthen me... OH what a story to tell... Satan will be sorry he messed with me...</p><p>Please know that nothing happens without God's knowledge and permission... if we just humble ourselves and seek HIM instead of focus on the problem, HE WILL RESTORE US...</p><p>In Christ,</p><p>Lea Anne</p>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-19802116479996503672011-01-29T06:38:00.001-08:002011-01-29T07:50:33.853-08:00A Life of HarvestI woke up this morning with this thought on my heart...God blesses obedience... I couldn't lay there in bed I had to get up and write this note. I knew that I had to put it on paper in order to bless someone today. It sure blessed me. I realize that I talk about God in almost every one of my status updates. I kind of think I'm a little fanatical. I'm sure most of you think that I am. But I just can't help myself. I'm living a life of HARVEST. My life is full and abundant and overflowing and I want that so much for all of you who care to read this. And all of those who don't take time to read this. I don't know who reads this and when I write it's certainly not to receive a popular "LIKES" to be clicked, but I write in order to share with you the harvest in my life.<br /><br />It got me to thinking about Harvest... What does harvest mean. I looked it up. Here's what the dictionary said...<br /><br />HARVEST<br />1. The act or process of gathering a crop.<br />a.The crop that ripens or is gathered in a season.<br />b. The amount or measure of the crop gathered in a season.<br />c. The time or season of such gathering.<br />2. The result or consequence of an activity.<br /><br />I like the #2 definition in relation to my life. I am harvesting what I have already planted. The activity that is evident in my life is in direct relationship to the activity that I do on a consistent basis... It is the law of reaping what you sow...<br /><br />And I harvest in spring, summer, fall and winter because I am sowing in spring, summer, fall, and winter.<br /><br />I wanted to write this note to offer a little encouragement to those who are harvesting a "bad Season". You can change and start harvesting a good season by the things you choose to do daily. Today you can start choosing to live a life that is in DIRECT OBEDIENCE to the Lord. You may not even know what that consists of. You may never have read a word of the Bible in your life and haven't because some "Christian" turned you off to Jesus a long time ago. You may have to have proof that Jesus exists before you will even try to read the Bible. I don't know what stage of life you are in, I don't know what struggles you may currently be under. I just know that without God's word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, then we WILL take the path that looks right but ends in death...<br /><br />These last few sentences were all scripture, and because I have hid it in my heart, I live it... day after day after day...<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.<br /><br />Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end<br />it leads to death.<br /><br />Acts 17:31 For he has set a day when he will judge<br />the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this<br />to everyone by raising him from the dead.”<br /></blockquote><br />I've had many conversations with people who are turned off by the words that I speak. Some have even said, "Stop quoting scripture. Just tell me what you think." and I honestly can't do that. It doesn't matter what I think... Really it doesn't... It only matters what God thinks... And he has told us what he thinks on EVERY subject that is common to man...(another scripture)<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people.<br />But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities.<br />Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be<br />able to endure it.</blockquote>I just wanted to emphasize how real and true and vocal God is. His word is active, living, breathing, alive...<br /><br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.<br /><br /></blockquote><blockquote>Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the<br />sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and<br />marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all<br />creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,<br />and he is the one to whom we are accountable.</blockquote>Take a chance and try God for yourself. I want so much for you to walk in the fullness of his love and mercy. To receive the blessings for your obedience. God will not be mocked. He may not punish disobedience on this side of heaven, but he ALWAYS blesses obedience with a fruitful harvest on this side of Heaven. And to think of what our heavenly rewards will be is almost incomprehensible. I CAN'T WAIT...<br /><br />This may be long, but I wanted to end with an example of sowing and harvesting that God has revealed to me just last week.<br /><br />I've written before about my job and the way I felt God was leading me toward promotion.<br /><br />IE... Heb 5:4 No one can be promoted to the position on his own, he must be called by God.<br /><br />Ps 109:8 Let his years be few, let someone else take his position.<br /><br />The fact that corporate was talking about promotions and looking for those within the company who might be up for promotion...<br /><br />The fact that another person was put in a position that I was currently working and the same day Cecile announcing she was getting married and moving to New York and her position would be open...<br /><br />The fact that my bosses didn't post the job because they felt I could do it and they moved me right up...<br /><br />All these things happened in a way that God directed them. I just listened to him and followed him and stayed faithful throughout all of last year.<br /><br />Then in September when Life Action came... I was at the alter every night and I struggled with God about my job. I didn't want to give up my new position... I really liked it... And I felt God asking me to give it up... For a week I struggled with it. Then finally, on the 8th night of the revival, I surrendered it. I said... FINE GOD... you can HAVE MY JOB!!<br /><br />And I told him that HE was more important to me than my job and that I would go wherever he told me to...<br /><br />You see... He didn't want me to GO ANYWHERE ELSE... he just wanted to know if I was WILLING to go if he asked me to. My faithfulness was rewarded...<br /><br />Little did I know that at that same time, things were happening in the spiritual realm that I couldn't have orchestrated. God was arranging my favor with MEN because he was pleased with my surrender and obedience. All this to say that I was awarded MVP for third quarter sales in the ENTIRE Raycom company... 48 TV Stations... And all this because of three things...<br /><br />1... I sowed the seed of good work, EVERY DAY...<br /><br />2... I stayed faithful and faith filled EVERY DAY...<br /><br />3... I surrender COMPLETELY to the Lord my life and my work<br /><br />He blessed my obedience... and he hasn't asked me to give up my job. And I'm still sowing good seed... And I'm still staying faithful... And I am completely surrendered to the Spirit... Wherever he Leads, I'll go...<br /><br />I just wanted to share my faith with you today and give you a little look into my life's exceeding greatness...<br /><br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 98px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567635344882907458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TUQ22PqnuUI/AAAAAAAADv0/jmVR_TjUAII/s400/award.bmp" /><br /><br />I love you and wish a fruit-filled day!!!<br /><br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-67455056579938367622011-01-22T13:49:00.000-08:002011-01-22T14:37:54.705-08:00Object Lesson from a KumKwat TreeThis morning as Dana and I were cleaning the yard, he called me over to the backyard where he showed me this HUGE thorny bush growing in the Kumkwat tree. From a distance, you really can't tell the thorn bush is there. You can see the kumkwat are full and the tree looks healthy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV94awskI/AAAAAAAADvk/SEl4DIO-G34/s1600/tree%2B3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565136286151389762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV94awskI/AAAAAAAADvk/SEl4DIO-G34/s400/tree%2B3.jpg" /></a> Taking a step closer, you can see the sprout at the top of the tree is bare of fruit.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV4US5FiI/AAAAAAAADvc/J94ZZ58vTcw/s1600/tree%2B6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565136190555362850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV4US5FiI/AAAAAAAADvc/J94ZZ58vTcw/s400/tree%2B6.jpg" /></a> But as you look closer, you see that the fruit is almost smothered by the thorn tree. This is the lesson that Dana received from this thorn bush.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV0r-uJ2I/AAAAAAAADvU/zdXtuw-FW8U/s1600/tree%2B7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565136128193734498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtV0r-uJ2I/AAAAAAAADvU/zdXtuw-FW8U/s400/tree%2B7.jpg" /></a>The thorns represent the junk in our lives. This junk may not seem like it would hurt us, as you can see there is still fruit on this tree. But the junk is stuff that we allow to grow in us and can hinder our witness. It is thick and thorny and can cause us to become prickly and stubborn and smother the good stuff in our lives. The thornbushes are usually more sturdy than the fruit limbs and are very difficult to get rid of. We sometimes don't even notice the thornbushes that crop up in our lives because they sort of blend in. But they aren't healthy. They poke other people. It's a little irritation at first, then it becomes self-defense and it will usually result in a wall of bristly thorns that nobody wants to be around.<br /><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVxXCtRNI/AAAAAAAADvM/u9CsClLUVFM/s1600/tree%2B9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565136071033701586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVxXCtRNI/AAAAAAAADvM/u9CsClLUVFM/s400/tree%2B9.jpg" /></a> The only way you can deal with the thornbushes in our lives is to cut them out completely. We can't just prune them back and hope that they stay under control. We must uproot them until there is no thornbush enbedded in our lives.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVMEsmISI/AAAAAAAADvE/oX-P3fXbH18/s1600/tree%2B16.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565135430453960994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVMEsmISI/AAAAAAAADvE/oX-P3fXbH18/s400/tree%2B16.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Once we removed the thornbush from the kumkwat tree, I couldn't believe how BIG it was. It was over 10 feet tall and the thorns were over 2 inches long... This is how the junk in our lives begins to take over. Little by little. The only way we can keep the thornbushes from growing is with daily maintenance. We have to stop and take inventory of what our lives represent. </div><div></div><div></div><ul><li>What is filling up our day to day existence?</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Is it full of godly behaviors?</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Are you filling yourself up with the spirit through daily Bible study, worship and prayer?</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Do you surround yourself with Godly people and things?</li></ul><p>Taking inventory every day is the only way to recognize and maintain your godly life. If you see a stalk of sin like the thornbush below, then immediately CUT it out of your life. Don't let it take another day away from you. Start living in the Fruit of the Spirit.<br /></p><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVCG-MKYI/AAAAAAAADu0/2k37QetTDtU/s1600/tree%2B19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565135259265935746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtVCG-MKYI/AAAAAAAADu0/2k37QetTDtU/s400/tree%2B19.jpg" /></a> I wish I had a better picture to show you how pretty the kumkwat tree looks with the thornbush removed. I hope this demonstration of the object lesson of the kumkwat tree spoke to you like it did Dana and me.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtU59VDOKI/AAAAAAAADus/yGij9chQQMU/s1600/tree%2B20.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565135119238510754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TTtU59VDOKI/AAAAAAAADus/yGij9chQQMU/s400/tree%2B20.jpg" /></a><br />I love you and I love when the Lord reveals himself in nature. He is the creator and the maker of all things. He is LOVE and the fruit of the spirit is just waiting to grow in you like this tree. </div><div></div><div>Love,</div><div>Lea Anne</div></div></div></div></div></div>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-60010582115787369042011-01-08T08:09:00.000-08:002011-01-08T08:14:04.022-08:00Words are Mindsets...What is your mindset today?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TSiMRSkviuI/AAAAAAAADuY/ROL0PETQuAQ/s1600/strength%2Bcourage%2Bcollage.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559847968660490978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TSiMRSkviuI/AAAAAAAADuY/ROL0PETQuAQ/s400/strength%2Bcourage%2Bcollage.png" /></a> This collage spoke volumes to me this morning. I printed it out and framed it where I will set it beside my bed. If I ever feel depressed, or discouraged or a little blue, I can look at this and be reminded of who I am. These words are more than just words, they are attitudes... they are actions... they are emotions... and they can change my disposition by claiming them out loud. I hope that you will take the time to look over the words and claim one of them today.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-61012525340995574752010-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:002010-12-20T09:49:22.878-08:00Reality Check... Take 1 and 2...I had a pretty extraordinary week where I had the privilege of hearing from two people about what they thought our church should be doing, but wasn't doing. Each situation was an honest assessment of how they were basically let down by their fellow christian brothers and sisters. Our family of believers, who I believe really do love each other, sometimes just doesn't express that love through any particular action. I know that we are not saved by works. I know that we have eternal salvation through Jesus Christ when we place our faith in him. But the Bible also says in James 2:18-26 that "Faith without works is DEAD."<br /><br />So how do we put on Christ for those in need? How do we work as Christians to fulfil God's law of kindness...gentleness... tenderness...<br /><br />Colossians 3 spoke volumes to me this week as I tried to work through this devasting reality of how sad the situations of these two individuals were. Let us be reminded of what it really means to live out the Christian Life...<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">You are God's people, <span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Holy and loved</span>.</span></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><em>So put on</em> <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#009900;">tender mercy</span> <em>and</em> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">kindness </span><em>as if they were your clothes.</em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Don't be proud.</span></strong> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>Be gentle</strong></span> <em>and</em> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#993399;"><strong>patient</strong>.</span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Put <strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">up</span> </span></strong>with each other. </em></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#993300;"><em><strong>Forgive</strong></em></span> <em>the things you are holding against one another</em>. </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Forgive,</span></em></strong> <em>just as the Lord</em> <em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">forgave</span> </span></strong>you.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>And <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">above all</span></strong> those good things, <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>put on love</strong></span></em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></strong> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Love</span></strong> holds them all together perfectly as if they were one.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Let the<strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="color:#993399;">peace</span></span></strong><span style="color:#993399;"> </span>that Christ gives <strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#666600;">rule</span> </span></strong>in your heart. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>As parts of one body you were appointed to live in peace. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>And be <strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">THANKFUL.</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Let the message about Christ, in all it's richness,<span style="color:#3333ff;"> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">fill your lives.</span></strong></span> </em></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330099;">Teach and counsel</span></strong> <em>each other with all the wisdom he gives</em>. </div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>And whatever you do or say, do it as a <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">representative</span> </span>of the Lord Jesus, </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>giving thanks through him to God the Father.</strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div align="left">The fact that we are more socially connected now, with the invention of Facebook and texting and other social media networks, than ever before <strong><em>DOES NOT</em> </strong>give us an excuse to not get physically involved when we see someone hurting or in need. We must do the Christ thing and extend the hand of fellowship, or meet the financial need, or offer a helping hand, or cook a meal, or pick up kids, or send birthday wishes... We <strong>MUST</strong> get involved.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The Christian life is about sacrifice</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The Christian life is about service.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The Christian life is about self-<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">less</span></strong>-ness (thinking of yourself LESS and others MORE)</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">No wonder the world thinks it doesn't need a savior... The Christians aren't acting any different than the lost. We are as self-absorbed and self-serving, and selfish as everybody else. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">PLEASE... I'm begging the church to take notice of those that are hurting, that need a friend's shoulder to cry on... that just need to be remembered... Look for ways you can meet a need today.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I'm Looking...</div><div align="left">Lea Anne</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-3238930921435038222010-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:57:57.618-08:00Merry Christmas!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">The Wood's</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TQaWHIwqwnI/AAAAAAAADuM/jZY3BQmT72w/s1600/family%2B2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550288640135578226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_D9ygtVuqWkU/TQaWHIwqwnI/AAAAAAAADuM/jZY3BQmT72w/s400/family%2B2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Merry Christmas!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em>Glory to God in the Highest, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em>and on earth peace, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em>Goodwill, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><em>to men</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I am so thankful for what the Lord has done for me this year. One of the great mysteries of the Lord is how He can take the horrible, the tragic, the painful, the devastating, the embarrassing, and the ruinous experiences and memories of our lives and not only heal them, but use them for good. It's not that He will make you unable to recall them, but He will heal you so thoroughly from their effects that you no longer think about them with any pain. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">He did just that with me this past year. I did a lot of Waiting on the Lord... A lot of praying for direction... A lot of self-reflection in hopes that I become more like Christ and less like the old me. I want to be right with the Lord. I want to be right with others.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">God will never allow anything to happen to us that He doesn't already have a way to use it if we will let him. I just hope that whatever has happened to you this year, you will let God heal and use it for His glory. Don't hold on to the hurt or the pain... Let it go... Let GOD bring restoration and healing to your life... your marriage... your job... your children... your health... your ministry... your friendships... your "whatever" the enemy might have tried to steal from you this year. He can if you let him.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">In Christ,</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Lea Anne<br /></div></span>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-50337394875136668872010-07-23T07:35:00.000-07:002010-07-23T08:30:07.209-07:00A little Dream (and a little faith) goes a long way...I have had a pretty emotional couple of weeks and as I sort through my thoughts I wanted to bring you along this crazy little world that I live in.<br /><br />It started around January of this year.<br /><br />I was invited to a corporate meeting for the Internet Sales Directors of all of Raycom's TV stations, on January 24-26th. I met a lot of the people responsible for overseeing the budgets for the internet and how the website content helps the actual on-air element at KPLC. It was interesting and of course I never just listen, I talked and shared ideas and got to know a couple of the head dudes at Raycom Media. Never in my wildest imaginations did I think at that time that I was being prepared to take over the Internet Sales Director position... but that's just how God works...<br /><br />Anyway, when I came back from the seminar my boss told me that I had made a good impression on the corporate guys and that he thought about me as far as a general sales managers' position opening in another market. I was flattered by the suggestion and I hadn't thought of moving out of the market, but then I know how God works and I didn't discount the idea. I took it to the Lord and this is what I want to share with you that has been revealed to me over a period of 7 months.<br /><br />Dana was doing a lesson for the college department for the 5th Sunday Gathering on the 31st and he was reading out of Hebrews 4... where the word of God is alive and active... it cuts to the quick and speaks to us... I was meditating on those words and as I read a little further down in Hebrews 5:4 these words jumped off the page at me... No one can exalt himself to a position of honor... but it is the Lord who promotes you... (My paraphrase because this is what I interpreted from the Lord) Okay Lord, this is timely I thought. Even though I had not thought of the promotion on my own, I was listening to the still small voice that was guiding me down this path.<br /><br />The next thing that happened is a meeting of the corporate dudes here in Lake Charles where we discussed the launching of KPLC Connections to some of the very guys that I had met in January. Another divine set up in my mind.<br /><br />March offered another sign of God's guidance in a breakthrough for me with words from Psalm 109:8 ...May his days be few may another take his place of leadership...This came on a day that was very emotional for one of my managers. I didn't know what this meant at the time and I thought okay God, what are you doing here?<br /><br />I'm feeling the pull of going into leadership, I just didn't know what direction God was leading me in. Now it's May and my general manager announced that someone else in the station would be the new Director of KPLC Connections, which is basically what I've been responsible for over the last 2 years so needless to say, I was a little shocked... I mean, what does that mean for me? Right?<br /><br />But less than a hour later, Cecile announced that she and Bert were going to get married and she was going to leave Lake Charles and move to New York... this happened at the same time... Perfect timing... and needless to say... the job details for her job has been worked out with my management and they worked it out with Corporate that I didn't even have to compete for the job. They didn't have to post the position on the Raycom Media site that would allow other Internet Sales Directors to apply if they wanted to... It all worked out in perfect timing for me to be ready to step into this position. A position that would start on August 27th... which is also the same date as the closing on the house... Which is a whole 'nother story and thing that has been going on in my life since January...<br /><br />Abundant living... not being afraid of change... inviting the unknown into your life to allow a little dreaming to occur... Dreams I didn't even know I was dreaming but God was placing in my heart. He brought it to pass... It just brings the passage back to mind that started me on this path... Hebrews 5:4... No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God...<br /><br />When God brings you to it, he'll bring you through it...<br /><br />I'll let you know how it goes with the transition... I'm just living in obedience to the word of God and letting him direct my steps... Hope this offers a little hope to someone today who is a little lost as far as what direction you are going. Just trust and obey...<br /><br />Loving Life,<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-572322035955949512010-07-15T14:28:00.000-07:002010-08-12T06:37:07.060-07:00Want to know why your Prayers won't get off the ground?<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Isaiah 58</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><em>Wonder Why Your Prayers Won't Get Off the Ground?</em></div><div align="center"><br />1-3 "Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!<br />Tell my people what's wrong with their lives,<br />face my family Jacob with their sins!<br />They're busy, busy, busy at worship,<br />and love studying all about me.<br />To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people—<br />law-abiding, God-honoring.<br />They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?'<br />and love having me on their side.<br />But they also complain,<br />'Why do we fast and you don't look our way?<br />Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'<br /></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>The Bottom Line</em></div><div align="center"><br />3-5"Well, here's why:<br />"The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit.<br />You drive your employees much too hard.<br />You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.<br />You fast, but you swing a mean fist.<br />The kind of fasting you do<br />won't get your prayers off the ground.<br />Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after:<br />a day to show off humility?<br />To put on a pious long face<br />and parade around solemnly in black?<br />Do you call that fasting,<br />a fast day that I, God, would like?<br /><br /><em>This is the kind of fast day I'm after:</em><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">6-9 to break the chains of injustice,<br />get rid of exploitation in the workplace,<br />free the oppressed,<br />cancel debts.<br />What I'm interested in seeing you do is:<br />sharing your food with the hungry,<br />inviting the homeless poor into your homes,<br />putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,<br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff0000;">being available to your own families.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(knock, knock, as I was hit upon the forehead</em>)</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Do this and the lights will turn on,<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em><span style="color:#993399;">and your lives will turn around at once</span></em>.</span><br /></div><div align="center">Your righteousness will pave your way.<br /></div><div align="center">The God of glory will secure your passage.<br /></div><div align="center">Then when you pray, <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">God will answer</span>.<br /></span></div><div align="center">You'll call out for help and I'll say, <span style="color:#3333ff;">'Here I am.'</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><em>A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places</em> </div><div align="center"><br />9-12"If you get rid of unfair practices,<br />quit blaming victims,<br />quit gossiping about other people's sins,<br />If you are generous with the hungry<br />and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,<br />Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,<br />your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.<br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">I will always show you where to go.</span></em><br /></div><div align="center">I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—<br />firm muscles, strong bones.<br />You'll be like a well-watered garden,<br />a gurgling spring that never runs dry. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#009900;">You will rebuild those houses<br />left in ruins for years;</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />You'll be known as those who can fix anything,</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">restore old ruins,</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">rebuild and renovate,<br /></span></div><div align="center">make the community livable again.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">This is straight from scripture and I can't tell you how refreshed I feel as I read these words. I have a word from God after months of seeking his face. Of asking for answered prayer. Months of trusting and waiting and trying to remain faithful to his will. And he answered after I came to a place of brokenness in my life that I cried out to him in earnestness and with full surrender to the things that I had been trying to control in my life. He had the control the whole time and all he wanted was for me to let go of it. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">MAN, what a relief to know I don't have to wonder. I have heard from God and now it is just a matter of time that He will bring it to pass. I can boldly proclaim the word I received and speak it as if it were already in existence. We will sell this house and the plans he has for us to renovate and rebuild one that has been in ruins for over 5 years, he will give us... I just have to wait on his perfect timing and for the people he has waiting to buy our house here. God's WILL will prevail. It just so happens to be my will as well because he placed the desire in my heart. I didn't have it before but because I truly wanted to walk in his path for me, I asked him to give me the desire that he wanted for me and that's what it was... Now I just have to move toward that gift...</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">More to come as this unfolds...</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I love when I hear from the Lord and will gladly give him praise for it as long as I live... Thank you, Jesus...</div><div align="left">LeaAnne</div><div align="left">PS. As a reminder of what happened this day when I wrote this, we had a couple come see our house at 5pm this day, then come back for a second look on Friday, and they contracted our house that weekend. We closed on this Tuesday August 10th 3 weeks after the first look. Amazing Lord what you do in your perfect timing. Help me to always remember that you are always at work behind the scenes.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-74244185039645457672010-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:002010-07-14T17:33:49.335-07:00Be thankful for your spouse...My heart is so tender right now and I've had such a time of self-reflection over the last few days. Being vulnerable is very uncomfortable. It can be scary because by baring my soul, it may open me up to circumspect. It could cast doubts on my character. It could cause someone to question my walk. But I know that if I don't look deep into myself and view me as God views me, that I will never truly grow. I don't want to stay the same in my Christian life. I want to go deeper and wider with Christ. But that stretching... that pulling at my guts... that growth spurt... It hurts...<br /><br />Most of my pain has been as a result of major conviction from one sentence in Church on Sunday...<br /><br />There should be no secrets in a marriage<br /><br />Doesn't sound threatening... doesn't really seem to be scary at all when you speak it... but was. it. ever! the earthquake of emotion that I didn't see coming. A simple statement, but sometimes the most simplest of statement are the most convicting and life-changing. I have had a little bit of yuck in my past. And there is a limitation of opening up about the yuck that lies under the surface. I'm not needing confession therapy here, but I do have a few secrets in my past. Things that weren't beneficial to talk about. They wouldn't benefit anyone so I kept them to myself... But now I know that going deeper into where my heart is means digging out the yucky parts.<br /><br />And that statement...<br /><br />There should be no secrets in a marriage.<br /><br />It shook me a little to say the least. I don't want to go into detail and maybe one day I will, but right now I'm too tender. I'll just say that we should always be thankful for our spouses. We should always treat them with the respect and honor due them. We shouldn't take them for granted because it could be so easy to lose them. Someone else could come in and steal them away without either one of you realizing it. It could happen so easily...<br /><br />Breathe...<br /><br />Pray...<br /><br />Praise...<br /><br />Be Thankful...<br /><br />I am so in love with my husband and just want to shout it to the whole world. I want to encourage you to do the same with your spouse.<br /><br />Love him... Laugh with him... spend time with him... have fun with him...invest in him... encourage him... dote on him... seduce him... woo him... praise him... cherish him... allow him to lead you... submit to him... don't ever give up on him... tell him how much he means to you and how thankful you are for him.<br /><br />Only you can do that... that honor and privilege is yours to give... Don't waste the opportunity to share your life with him. Don't just live with him... abide in him... hold him close and never let him go...<br /><br />Hearing things about ourselves that seem hurtful at the time can really be a good thing if we turn that pain into a self-reflection and learn from it and grow into a better, deeper person. Someone who will encourage those around them and build them up and become the person that we are created to be. But only if we dig a little deeper and unearth some of the yuck and face things about ourselves that aren't pleasant... Then we can truly be free...<br /><br />I love you, Dana, and I'm thankful for the little reminder that you are my best friend... I look forward to a lifetime of tomorrow's with you.<br />Love,<br />your wife...Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-72589451289627329692010-06-26T18:32:00.000-07:002010-06-26T19:02:32.535-07:00Summer Siesta Bible Study... Ruth...I've just finished the first week's lessons of Kelly Minter's Bible Study... Ruth. I am loving it and already have learned some interesting things that I didn't know about the book of Ruth. This is a special season in my life where I feel like I'm just where I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Waiting on the next thing to happen in my life, but all in all feeling pretty stable.<br />That is not the case in a few of my friends lives. This week I have encountered three women who are at a loss as to what to do with their lives. Their marriages. Their jobs... My heart goes out to them.<br /><br />This statement from the bible study just keeps coming to my mind as if it's my duty to meditate on it. It's a quote from Matthew Henry reminding us that fleeing our circumstances doesn't necessarily remedy them. "It is our wisdom to make the best of that which is, for it is seldom that changing our place is mending it."<br /><br />I think this verse means that even if we find ourselves in a situation that seems hopeless, or desperate, or completely wasting our time, that we should learn to make the best of it. That changing the situation isn't going to fix the problem... Because, honestly, the problem we have with anything, be it another a person, a situation, a marriage, a job, a child, a sibling, a co-worker, a whatever, the problem is OURS... It's not anyone else's... And even if we leave that "thing" that we think is causing all our grief, we really don't leave it, because the problem is IN us... Unless we resolve the issue that we have a problem with in our own hearts and minds, we will always have the problem...<br /><br />Honestly, if we leave one situation, chances are we'd just find fault in another situation as soon as we got involved because again, the problem is IN us.<br /><br />We must choose to humble ourselves and lean not on our own understanding of things. Let God be in control of our comings and our goings. We have to turn to God for our daily bread. We have to seek him for our paths. Willful disobedience is a scary thing. It is choosing to not surrender to the Lord. It is trying to do things in your own might.. by your own willpower. God says that nothing is impossibly for him, and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... But it all must be done through Christ... Through a daily dependence upon Him. Oh, for those who struggle with depending on Jesus... If you only knew that there was FREEDOM through OBEDIENCE... It is for our blessed freedom that we learn to depend on Jesus...<br /><br />It's not just enough to know God's will, but we must DO God's will. We must actually follow him along the path he has laid out for us. The Bible Study gave two examples of men who wept and was asked to do the will of God. One did it and the other didn't... Paul in Acts 20:22, 34-36 knew God was leading him to Jerusalem where he may have to suffer tribulation and possibly jail... but he went... The other example was the Rich man in Mark 10:17-22. Jesus asked him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, and then come follow him, but the man wept because he had a lot of money and loved his money more than God... He walked away from what he knew the Lord wanted him to do... Willful Disobedience... What a scary place to be in... This is where the hardening of the heart comes into play... Once we start saying no to God, our hearts will become harder and harder to hear his voice and to do his will... Oh, my friends... listen and head the voice of God today. Turn from the path of selfishness, and thinking of only yourself, and heed the voice of the Lord... Let him love you into the fullness of his righteousness and surrender your heart to him today.<br /><br />Oh what peace we often forfeit because we don't trust and obey...<br /><br />What a lesson for me through the book of Ruth... I can't wait to see what God is going to do next in my life, but until then, I will fill myself up with his goodness and grace...<br /><br />Until next time,<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-12708332019909536862010-06-21T14:55:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:35:53.705-07:0040 years of the good life...I turned 40 last week and I have to say it's been a pretty good ride so far.<br /><br /><br /><br />I've been reflecting on the things in my life that have developed who I am...<br /><br /><br /><br />I've decided to put a few reflections down on paper and in no certain order so that I can measure my growth in the coming years. I believe the best is yet to come and I have a lot to learn yet.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. 19 was way too young to have a baby... but 44 seems just right to have all adult children... Perspective is important.<br /><br /><br /><br />2. What I know about God couldn't have been told to me at an early age, I had to live it to learn it.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. Childhood friends last a lifetime...<br /><br /><br /><br />4. You don't have to know what your career will be when you're 13... People change and likes and dislikes change also.<br /><br /><br /><br />5. You get out of life what you put into it.<br /><br />6. Faith is only grown when you trust in something bigger than your own ability to accomplish something.<br /><br />7. Prayer works!<br /><br />8. Attitude is everything. Talent is just added value...<br /><br />9. Live... Laugh... Love.... there's a reason this is on plaques!<br /><br />10. The joy of the Lord is my strength... Nehemiah 8:10<br /><br />These are just few reflections that have gotten me through the last 40 years. Important ones...Lea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-77018120956057142242010-04-09T07:28:00.000-07:002010-04-27T15:21:17.278-07:00Waiting on the Lord...<a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2010/04/27/tuesdays-unwrapped-6/">http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2010/04/27/tuesdays-unwrapped-6/</a><br />I'm linking to Chatting at the Sky Tuesdays unwrapped<br /><br /><br />I am gaining a new understanding of waiting on the Lord. As I was reading in Isaiah last night I was reminded of this verse...<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="color:#000099;">For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him Isaiah 64:4</span></blockquote><br />I received such a gift as I meditated on these words. God WORKS for those who wait on him. I have learned before that God is always at work. He is always aligning things around the unseen so that he can lay out the path for us to walk upon. At just the right time he shows us the next step. If we are listening and watching for the Lord to act, we are always walking along the path that he has directed us toward. He asks us to walk along, trusting that he has the next thing already in place, but that next thing might take awhile to bring to pass. The fact of the matter is, do we believe that God is always at work? I believe that he is. But the rest of the scripture is what impressed me the most in my meditation...<span style="color:#000099;"> "for those of us who WAIT for Him."</span><br /><br />How do we "wait" for the Lord?<br /><br />I wait by learning more about Him. I wait by praying for others. I wait by loving others more. I wait by being still and KNOWING that he is God. I wait as I tell others about what I'm waiting on. I wait by sharing my belief that God is always at work. As I wait, I am doing... Waiting is not passive... It is actively demonstrating my faith in the Holy God working on my behalf...<br /><br />I was sharing this with Keelea yesterday and she got frustrated about the house and didn't want to even talk about the showings. She said the whole thing just aggravated her. This was an opportunity to share with her how my faith was being developed as I waited. Waiting for God builds character traits in us that only faith in the Holy Spirit can do... Patience... Long-suffering... Peace... Goodness... The fruit of the spirit is developed as we Wait...<br /><br />If we were given everything that we wanted without having to wait for it, how would that grow our faith? That would make our faith useless and then we would think that it all depended on us. That we could bring to pass everthing we wanted. That's not faith... That's ego... That's not scriptural, it's self-empowerment. It's not believing in the One who orchestrates our life, it's just living by our own standards... Things do just happen and life does just exist... but without faith in the ONE TRUE GOD that works for those who WAIT for HIM, our life wouldn't have the same substance. It wouldn't be as astonishing for those that don't believe. There wouldn't be any meaning to life as we know it. It would just exist.... What's the meaning in that?<br /><br />Our meaning and purpose in life is to lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as the One TRUE savior. As the one TRUE source of life...<br /><br />That's why we're here... To proclaim the goodness of God. That's what I get to do as I wait. I get to praise God for his goodness and mercy and love.<br /><br />He's also been showing me about grace... That's for another post.<br /><br />Go WAIT for God today and bring praise to him through your waiting...<br />Love<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-55807465230233218292010-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:002010-03-24T15:23:21.814-07:00Life passing by... one day at a time...I've been thinking... or rather not thinking... I've let the whole day go by without much thought as to taking action... Taking responsibility for my tomorrow... I've just let the day pass by...<br /><br />I don't like when I do that.<br /><br />Life has a way of just happening without conscious thought. We don't have to even think about it and it just ticks along... second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour until you realize a whole day has been lost. That's how my today went.<br /><br />I don't like when I do that.<br /><br />Maybe we need a day to goof off... to not think... to not act... to just "be"...<br /><br />I'm trying to grasp the meaning of why it matters so much.<br /><br />What's one day to not be intentional about?<br /><br />Every second counts. I get that. Every decision starts with intentional effort to change your current situation. Every day is an opportunity to do it better than the day before. To be intentional takes motivation and inspiration. It takes action.<br /><br />I just have to forgive my wastefulness of today and decide to do it better tomorrow...<br /><br />Only tomorrow is not guaranteed... we only have today...<br /><br />I want to make the most of it...<br /><br />Reflection is a good thing... It keeps us honest... It keeps us open to change... It helps us be better... Take stock of your life and decide what it is you need to do to grow...<br /><br />I took a day off from life, but life keeps on ticking... I have to get back in there and remember my mission... Be intentional...<br /><br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-28534927864468521972010-02-26T09:04:00.000-08:002010-02-26T09:35:17.133-08:00Standing against the Wiles of the devil...<em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:10-11</span></em><br /><br /><br />What is wile(s)<br /><br />1. a trick, artifice, or stratagem meant to fool, trap, or entice; device.<br />2. wiles, artful or beguiling behavior.<br />3. deceitful cunning; trickery.<br /><br />He gets us EVERY TIME.... When will we learn that it is just the wiles of the devil playing us. He lies to us, wants to trap us, discourage us and snare us. He will do anything he can do with cunning satanic variety to weaken us and destroy us. He goes to work daily to produce discouragement, confusion, indifference and imbalance. He is our chief enemy, but deals in wiles and stratagems.<br /><br />It always happens in relationships. That's where he gets us. Even when we have great marriages, or great friendships, or a great workplace environment... He always tries to get in there and mess with our emotions.<br /><br />I fell victim to this attempt on Tuesday and it only took me a day to recognize that it was the "wiles of the devil". I refused to stay in offense. I refused to stay upset or defeated. I just overwhelmed the devils attempt to get me to stay mad or angry because I wanted peace and reconciliation more than I wanted to be right or indignant. Does that make sense. I wanted peace and I knew this wasn't about us.<br /><br />For Ephesians goes on to say in verse 12: <span style="color:#ff0000;">Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.</span><br /><br />So you know what I did... I prayed for humility and put on the armor of God. Then I went and talked it out and got over it. Score 1 for Lea Anne; zero for the devil... this week!!<br /><br />Here's the secret weapon!! Ephesians 13-19<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.</span><br /><br />We get to choose whether or not we will live in victory or defeat... Every day we get to choose. It doesn't matter what we did yesterday. Choose today to live in victory and stand up against the Wiles of the devil...<br /><br />Standing strong.<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646840379295869876.post-3347464765632647302010-02-07T04:54:00.000-08:002010-02-07T19:59:50.061-08:00The Excitment of a "First"This morning when I awoke, my first thought was about how anticipated this day has been for many people. For almost 2 weeks, our state mainly, but the whole nation has been waiting for the big playoff between the New Orleans Saints and that other team... Who is it again? Oh yeah, the Colt's. I've seen more Black and Gold for sale around town this past week than I've ever seen before. I have firmly resisted buying a "Saints" shirt but that's not to say that I won't buy one after they win today... just saying is all... Okay, back to the thought...<br /><br />The Superbowl is probably the only game in a year that I actually watch and I always enjoy the event, but this year it's a little different. This year is a "FIRST" for me. This year is the "FIRST" time that the New Orleans Saints has made it to the Superbowl.<br /><br />What is it about "FIRSTS" that are so appealing? Just think about how many "firsts" have already been experienced in your life...<br /><br />First day of school..<br /><br />First boyfriend/girlfriend...<br /><br />First kiss...<br /><br />First job...<br /><br />First paycheck...<br /><br />First car...<br /><br />First house....<br /><br />First child...<br /><br />First fight in a relationship...<br /><br />First love...<br /><br /><br />So then I thought, is it the actual EVENT that is so exciting? Or is it WAITING for the event that is so exciting?<br /><br />Why is a first "thing" so anticipated?<br /><br />Is it because we SEE others have it and we want it for ourselves?<br /><br />Is it because we have HEARD about it from others and we can't wait until it's "our turn?"<br /><br />What is it about "firsts" that make us almost crazy for the experience of it?<br /><br />1 Cor 2:9 says 'No Eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him'. This verse was quoted from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">scipture</span> in Isaiah 64:4 that ends it by saying "A God like you who works for those that WAIT for him!"<br /><br />Who "WAITS" on HIM...<br /><br />I think it's the WAITING that is more exciting than the actual EVENT. The WAITING is the fun part... Once the event happens, it will just be the "Next" time for that thing... not as much fun as the waiting on the first time... and sometimes the thing you waited for may not be what you expected. Some "THINGS" have a way of disappointing us that way.<br /><br />So...What are you waiting for? I hope you are waiting on the Lord. I pray that you are seeking HIM before you act... Remember, once you take action on that "First" thing, whatever it is, it might not be as exciting as the waiting was. Don't place your hope and faith on the EVENT...<br /><br />When we place our hope in the Lord and wait on Him, on His timing, on His guidance, on His go-ahead, we won't be able to imagine the goodness He has prepared for us.<br /><br />Have fantastic, fun-filled, expectation fulfilled day today.<br />Lea AnneLea Anne McCrory Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904000940962329219noreply@blogger.com0