Memorial Day Moment

But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. 
I will remember the works of the Lord. Psalm 77: 10-11

When you think of Memorial Day what comes to mind? Maybe you're thankful for a day off of work or school. If you love to shop, Memorial Day might remind you of the sales at the mall. What about family barbeques and picnics? Is this all there is to Memorial Day... relaxing, shopping, family and friends? 

Let's take a trip back in time. Before you begin reading ask the Lord to open your heart to the real meaning and purpose for this day of honor.


General John L. Logan is credited for naming May 30, 1868 as the first Memorial Day. This day, dating back as far as The Civil War, is observed in the United States as a commemoration of those members of the armed forces killed in war. Allow these quotes to soak in...

• They fell, but o'er their glorious grave floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.  ~Francis Marion Crawford
• For love of country they accepted death... ~James A. Garfield
• A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.    ~Joseph Campbell

These brave men and women sacrificed their lives for the freedoms and liberties of this great nation. As we remember these fallen heroes we must never forget America is still One Nation Under God! What a blessing knowing God is in charge of all creation, life, history, and the future of America.

Likewise, we must not forget the ultimate hero... Jesus! He died so that we could have eternal freedom from the bondage of sin. He won the battle with Satan at the cross. He conquered the grave. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Read the words from Psalm 77:10-11 with a heart-felt praise to God...

But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord. Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary... Who is so great a God who does wonders. You have declared Your strength among the peoples. Ps. 77:10-11

Challenge for the Week... Thank God for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom to prevail in America. Thank Him that we are "One Nation Under God" and pray for this motto to live on for years to come. Praise God for the Prayer Heroes who through out history sacrificed their time to serve the Lord as they prayed for America. I feel certain a Medal of Honor is reserved for them in heaven! Let's keep this prayer chain alive... Pray for America!


From My Heart to Yours,


Carla McDougal

To Mom, With Love

Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. 
She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: "To you, O men, I call and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. 
Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth." Proverbs 8:1-7

As Moms, we long to connect to our children. Just a hug, a smile and a laugh embeds an unexplained comfort in our hearts. It's funny how moms continually attach themselves to the Memory Recall Button - I remember your first step..., I recall that vacation when you..., It seems like yesterday when... Do you know what I mean? If an X-ray could be taken of a mom's soul unconditional love would overflow in the picture. We long for a peek inside the hearts of our children. It is exciting when God opens a window to their souls, offering us the opportunity to view the scenes and smell the freshness of their spiritual growth.

Senior Graduation Celebration

Carly Jo, our baby who graduates from high school this month, recently shared with me an essay she wrote for English. As her sweet voice read the words my eyes filled with tears. Love and wisdom, poured out on a 8x10 piece of paper overwhelmed me. In that moment, I realized God continually writes His love and wisdom on the tables of our hearts. Without further ado, here is Carly Jo's essay...

"Love, it's more than just a word or statement. Love comforts the lonely. Love feeds the hungry. Love saves a life. A child without love is like a heart without blood. How can a child know how to love, if they're never shown love themselves? Parents are the vessels used to show real love to their children.

Normally, a child's first words are "mama" or "dada." Oh, what pride a parent experiences when they hear these words. Parents make the difference in a child's life. Involved parents are dedicated to teaching their children wisdom as they grow in life. They are there for them when they scrape their knees, for soccer games, piano recitals and theater performances. They help their child realize she is a priority and special. Parents teach their children how to make wise choices early in life.

In actuality, the love shown by parents is so important for nurturing a child in life. But, ultimate love comes from the Father above when He gave His son Jesus to die for us and redeem us. He has such unconditional love; our human minds can't fathom how deep and how wide His love is for us. He will never leave nor forsake you. You may leave Him, but He will always be waiting for you with open arms. Allow God's love to shine through you as parents. The Ultimate Gift... God's love."

Again praises flow as I copy her essay for this blog post - To Mom, With Love. From a teenage heart, Carly Jo recognizes God is the ultimate Gift Giver of true love. His wisdom abounds throughout her essay. Read Proverbs 8:1-7 once again...

"Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: "To you, O men, I call and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth."

Fred and I are on the horizon of a new season - The Empty Nest. Questions arise: Did we equip her for the real world? Will I be able to walk into her room once she leaves? I've never experienced emptiness, yet fulfillment all at once. This is the goal of parenting. For them to enter the world armed with Jesus' love, wisdom and truth. To love Him with all their hearts, souls and minds. You go, Carly Jo! Your commitment to living life sold out to Jesus shines brightly.

Do you long to see inside your children's hearts? Ask God to open a window to their soul so you can view the scenes and smell the freshness of their spiritual growth.

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

My Car is My Prayer Closet

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, 

and serve Him in truth with all you heart, for consider what great things 

He has done for you. 

1 Sam 12:23

A brief encounter. For a moment in time. Never to be forgotten. A lump forms in my throat. Humbleness envelopes my heart. Let me set the scene.

It was one of those Saturdays. Errands filled my agenda. Pulling out of the driveway I began praying, Lord, I don't want to miss a moment with You. This prayer continued to marinate in my heart as I blurted out, What do you have planned? I can't wait to find out! 

Within minutes I approached a busy intersection. Noticing the light turning yellow, I slowed down. All of the sudden, out from nowhere two ladies wearing bright yellow shirts bolt in front of my car. Shock electrified me from head to toe. After a quick recovery, I noticed the first woman running to the car beside me. And, the other women approaching my door. I hesitated for a split second then rolled down the window. I must admit I was not thrilled about this situation. I mean, come on I was at a red light with a number of cars lined up behind me. 

Something quickened within me. Immediately, when my eyes met hers I knew she and I were sisters-in-Christ. In this brief encounter she shared her testimony...

"Hi! My name is Crystal Williams. Jesus saved me from the pit of drug   addiction. I represent Restoration Houston Ministry, a faith based Christian organization, that reaches out to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. A place addicts can be rehabilitated through the power of Jesus."

Our conversation continued, "So Crystal, are you a believer?" Radiance glistened from her face as she replied, "Yes Mam' my Jesus set me free! He's my Lord and Savior." Tears welled up in both of us. Without realizing it, I grabbed her hands and pulled her head into the car window. An outpouring of prayers gushed from my lips, "Thank You, Jesus, for saving Crystal. I praise you for rescuing her from drugs. I ask for Your protection over her and that the enemy never get a foothold again in her life. And... " By this time she was praying in her own special language. It was then I realized God answered my earlier prayer with a brief encounter at a red light.

Don't forget, all of this took place between a red light and a green light. To my speculation about three minutes. Hmm, I can't help but wonder if God tweaked the timing of that light for a special appointment He planned. The light turned green, we hugged and I proceeded through the intersection. Oh, and of course I gave to the ministry with a full heart of love.

Glancing into the rear-view mirror I saw a sight I will never forget. Crystal jumping into the air with her arms reaching to the sky as if to say, "Praise you Lord Jesus. Thank you for loving me enough to allow a special brief encounter with a sister-in-Christ!" Needless to say, a smile adorned my face, a warmth embraced my soul, and praises filled the car.

Immediately, thoughts rolled in like Did anyone else notice this moment? If so, what were they thinking? Tears gently softened my cheeks. Realizing how God answered my prayer in almost seconds overwhelmed me. My car is my Prayer Closet! 

Challenge... Is your car your Prayer Closet? Are you ready to experience a sweet brief encounter that can change your for life? Pray while in your car. Use this time to spend in communion with the Lord. Pray this prayer and then watch what Jesus does today... Lord, I don't want to miss a moment with You. What do you have planned? I can't wait to find out! 

Be ready. Be willing. Be watchful! 


Oh, did you happen to see this brief encounter on Saturday, April 28th? If so, I would love to hear what you thought.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

carla@reflectivelifeministries.org

Stand Amazed... Live for Him!

... But my heart stands in awe of Your Word. I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. Psalm 119:161-162

The more I read His Word, the more I know Him...

                        The more I know Him, the more I love Him...

                                                      The more I love Him, the more I understand...

Life is not about me, but all about Him! 

Do you hear His voice? Can you describe the sound? Is it quiet, gentle, and soft? Or sharp, clear, and definite?

I must admit often my prayers consist of talking rather than listening. Almost as if it's a one-sided conversation. You know the kind that reflects an "all about me" attitude? Trying to get a word in is like halting a train traveling one-hundred miles an hour.

Together let's practice discerning the voice of God. Reread the verses above, Psalm 119:161-162. Now let's break it apart... 

But my heart stands in awe of Your Word... 

When is the last time you stood in awe, amazement, or trembled at God's Word? I don't want to miss one "Awe-Ha" moment! Asking the Holy Spirit to make each word come alive in our hearts is vital to discerning God's voice. He brings freshness to spiritual truths in God's Word.

I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure...

As the ultimate teacher and counselor, the Holy Spirit constantly points us to Jesus. Revealing truth. Communicating wisdom. Divulging conviction. Ask for a heart of understanding. Look for the spiritual nuggets God lavishes on us through His Word. Praise God for intimate moments with the Savior!

             The more I read His Word, the more I know Him...

                                   The more I know Him, the more I love Him...

                                                      The more I love Him, the more I understand...

                                                 Life is not about me, but all about Him! AMEN.

                                                                                    

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

carla@reflectivelifeministries.org

 

Prayer Imprint

Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord 

by failing to pray for you. 1 Samuel 12:23 

I will pray for you!

How many times have you said these words? Do you actually follow through? Or has it become a statement used as a conversation piece to make someone feel better? How serious is this phrase to God?

As you read the verse above who does Samuel say we sin against when we fail to pray for one another? The Lord! God calls us to pray for each other, lift one another up, and to cry out in pray for the needs of others. This was instilled in Samuel at an early age. Hannah, his mother, was unable to conceive a child. She cried out to God for a son and made a vow to Him...

If You will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life. 1 Samuel 1:11

God heard her cry. Answered her prayer. And, she followed through with her promise to God. Samuel's mother's example left a "Prayer Imprint" on his heart. Throughout the scriptures we find example after example of Samuel praying for others. I love the fact that when he says he will pray, he did it right then... read 1 Samuel 7:5.

Understanding the importance of following through with "I will pray for you" is the beginning. Now, do you believe your prayers make a difference? Do you mean what you pray or do you just say the words out of duty? Get ready to be blown away...

 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Pray for each other so that - you - may be healed? Praying for others heals me? How? This word, healed, in the Greek actually means, to make whole; to free from errors and sins. Wow! I never thought of that before. When I take the time to pour out my heart on behalf of others, I am affected. A prayer imprint is forever embedded in my heart. My relationship with Jesus deepens. Oh Lord, remind me to pray for others!

Challenge for the Week... When you tell someone that you will pray for them... Do It! Follow through with that commitment to pray. In fact, here is a Double Challenge... when you tell someone you will pray do it right then... in the grocery store, on the phone, at work, at church, during exercise class, in the yard. I find if I pray right then I am more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's nudge to pray later! Almost as if it becomes a Prayer Imprint reminding me to continue that prayer commitment.

__________________________________________

RLM News...

• Reflecting Him Kickoff's - We are scheduling for the fall. If you are interested in a Live Kickoff please contact us at info@reflectivelifeministries.org
• Reflecting Him E-Book - Amazon and Barnes and Noble now have RH E-book available to purchase!
• New RLM Movie Project - YES! We are producing our 2nd movie! It is a powerful story. More to come in the near future! Yes, we will have a "Red Carpet" event. Can't wait!

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla

Tsunamis in Life... Live for Him!

Psalm 69:1-3

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing. I have come into deep waters, where the floods over flow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry. My eyes fail while I wait for my God. 





Tsunamis = Tidal waves = Devastating Disaster!

What is a tsunami? What causes a raging storm? How does one prepare for this engulfing disaster? Today, in "Science 101" we will explore the characteristics of these devastating situations. Take mental notes as you read through the lesson making comparisons to the Christian life. Prepare to be amazed! Get ready for God to show you something incredible about Himself!

Tsunamis 101...

A tsunami is a series of waves generated when a body of water, such as a lake or ocean is rapidly displaced on a massive scale. Causes can range from earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and more. The effects range from unnoticeable to total catastrophe. 

The word "tsunami" is Japanese for "harbor wave", because tsunamis cause little or no visible effect in deep sea, and often Japanese fishermen would be out at sea fishing in deep sea when a tsunami came, and in the evening they came home and found their home village devastated by the tsunami, and thus they theorized that tsunamis only happen in harbors and elsewhere close inshore.   

Read each step in the picture below...

Imagine... It's a beautiful Saturday morning on the beach. The shore is crowded with people. The warmth of the sun is felt by all. Relaxation is the goal. But, emerging beneath the ocean waters is a rumbling. A reverberation echoing through the silence of the waters. 

From the shore no one notices. Who could image such a thing happening. All of a sudden, someone points to a very large wave on the horizon. Surfers dash to grab their boards in hopes of catching the ride of their lives. In a moments notice, water at the shoreline is sucked into the depths of the ocean. Someone screams, Tsunami!

Like ants rushing to protect their bed, people begin scampering to and fro. The commotion shifts the sand in all directions. Children cry. Parents move in high gear. Some paralyzed due to shock. Others don't care who is in the way. A stampede escalates. A rush of water over takes the shoreline, engulfing the land. In an instant, destruction occurs. Devastation is felt by all. The world is impacted by this disaster - Tsunamis in Life!

How do we relate a tsunami to our own life? Look at the pictures above. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a spiritual truth. 

Sometimes on the surface everything appears in order. But, underneath an earthquake emerges. Possibly in the form of a relationship, financial crisis, a death, divorce, loss of job, health issues, or a rebellious child. We try to hold it inside. Suppress it. Stuff it. But, like a tidal wave it rushes to the surface when least expected. Flooding our thoughts. Crashing expectations. Turning the ordinary into chaos. 

How do we recover from utter confusion? Out of control circumstances? Let God's cleanup team help you. Just like a natural disaster has a relief team to help with the aftermath, so God sends His rescue team out. Sometimes this is in the form of a prayer warrior, the Holy Spirit's intercession, a miracle, a meal, a change of heart or attitude, financial help, the right doctor, an encouraging word, and so much more. Recognize Jesus in the midst of all. He is there. Give it over to Him. 

Reading the end of Psalm 69, brings comfort... Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.

                                                                            

 

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

Cord of Three Strands: Husband, Wife, Jesus!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion...Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9,12

Twenty-Seven years of marriage? No way! Where did the years go? Reflecting back, I am humbled at all the Lord has done in our lives. Let me set the scene...

Our Love Journey began when we were teenagers. By the hand of God, I moved to Abilene, TX where I ended up spending my senior year at Wylie High School. We were in "Home and Family Living" class together. I should have realized right then his "family man" potential because he won the top award that year, "Whose Who for Home & Family Living." The year was half way over when he finally asked me out. I knew at the Merl Haggard concert that something was different about this guy. Not only was he cute - today girls would say "hot" - his sense of humor captivated my heart. There was something different about him! Time moved forward and I followed this man to Texas A & M University. We married the summer before our senior year in college with enough money to make it through the year - or so we thought! The funny stories we have of "making it" are foundational for strengthening our marriage.

From the moment of our dating - our wedding - our four children - 27 years of marriage - Jesus is our anchor. He is our rock through the wonderful times and through the tough times. Honestly, when I think of a our marriage and a Cord of Three Strands tears emerge. Its Fred, me, and the Third Strand - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - All in One!

Oh, intertwine your marriage with the "Third Strand!" This is the strength needed when the world, the enemy, and the things of the flesh are working to pull it apart. It is exciting to know He is the one holding the marriage together. AMEN! 

Try this experiment... Take one strand of thread and hold it with both hands - pull as hard as you can. What happens? It easily breaks in half. Now, twist 2 stands of thread together and pull. What happens this time? Again it's easily broken. For the ultimate challenge... twist 3 strands of thread together and give a big pull. What happens? Why does that 3 strand make a difference?

                                                                                        

To Fred, the Love of my Life... I celebrate with you these past 27 years, as well as the years ahead of us. Thank you for your unconditional love that flows so freely from your heart to mine. Every time you say, "I treasure you" - which is daily - reminds me of your commitment on our wedding day to love and cherish. The laughter through the years is medicine to the soul. Thank you for your humor that you bring to our home. Mostly, I thank you for spiritually leading our family. Not by rules or regulations, but by a heart of love for the Lord - a relationship with Him. You were who I prayed for long ago when God directed my path to Wylie High School.

I love you dearly!

Carla