This morning in a phone conversation with a man I really respect, he shared that some have said that I intimidate them. Here is the definition of intimidate...frighten or overawe (someone), especially to make them do what one wants. I once had a dear friend tell me that she did not want to do what I do. I get that. I love accomplishing things that better the community. I'm an organizer that enjoys bringing in new team members. My mantra is, "anything I can do, you can do better. You can do anything better than me." I love plugging people into where they want to serve. I am focused and often pushing through to get the task accomplished. Things do not have to be my way, but they need to get done. So, yes, I am sure that I come across as a strong force. The man also shared that he knows me and knows my heart. I think this is the answer to the equation, knowing me. In my Asperger's wiring, I process information totally different than most. I know the process and the people that are needed to complete the project at hand. God is instrumental in me stepping into a project because I prefer to stay home with the doors closed or be in the car shooting pictures. I love solitude. Asperger's is a social wiring situation that does hinder my ability to be the person others might think I need to be. God opens doors for me and allows me many wonderful relational opportunities as I work alongside Him in ministry. He is preparing me. He is growing me and molding me, and if you can stand me long enough to get to know me, you will know my heart. If not, that is okay, too. I apologize to those who feel intimidated by me or if I have hurt your feelings to where you would share these words with others. There is plenty of room in God's work for everyone. I know that I am blessed every day through so many that God puts in my path. I realize that I have opinions that most don't want to hear, but I also know that I do not have the power to make anyone do anything. We all have a choice. I chose joy and keeping my goals eternal. I'm running the race and every day is one that I value. Getting to experience the greatness of others makes me smile. So proud of so many!

No matter who we are, we sin. We hurt others (I hope unintentionally). Most of us don't think before we react. It seems like most everyone thinks of themselves and, on occasion, others. There is a verse set that is one of my favorites. It is a favorite because when I am there, I am free.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

This year, God and I have been pretty serious, growing a deeper understanding of what one might expect from love and what another can give. Of course, I can't understand the sacrificial love that Christ bled for me, but if I am to live his example into others, I must do it without placing expectations.

No matter what, there is forgiveness in every failure from my Savior. God knows me way better than I know myself and understands my willing heart, and moves generously within me. People think they know me, but only God really does. It's the same with everyone. Humans are very judgemental, even the people we see deep in a faith walk...because we are sinners. We fail, seek forgiveness, grow (I pray), and get back up. We don't know what the person in front of us is experiencing unless we take the time to care truly.

No matter what, you are worthy. I pray you to feel this in your core. Let's not dwell on what others say, but be diligent in who God says we are. Start with the firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to lay the pavers. 

Examples of living out faith are Clinton's mother, Peggy, and his father, TC.

I'm not sure why I write here each day. I'm guessing it has to do with the habitual nature of Asperger's. I sometimes think that our great-grandchildren will come across a blog in their genealogy search that will help them understand who they are connected to, but I can't know this for sure. So there are days when I ponder the thought of not writing either one of the daily blogs; Exploring Plainview and In His Hands. A few might miss them, but the majority would go on with their day just like I would. But it is the few that matter. The one that might need anything, I might say. The ones that God brings to the page. That one is the most important. I love how God works, weaves our lives. If by chance, you read this, I may never know it, but what I do know is that I desire to have time for you. You are important. Regardless of the worry of the world, there is calm in the arms of Jesus.

Be the one serving the One.

I'm so thankful for smart friends who bring a coffee and help a girl out with the Roman Numeral filing of the Hale County History journals. What troopers these two are! 

A day in the life of a blessed old lady! This morning, I got up early and started packing boxes for the big Hale County Historical Commission move this afternoon. I have been moving what I could all week but had many boxes to pack with history books and clippings albums.

After the big move, we did a thing...

Can you guess what Clinton and I did from the picture?  It was a perfect evening to finish off an amazing day!!! God is so very good to me!!! 

Hint: baseball

There are always those who are outstanding in their field. They are taller than everyone else. They are like a sweet cream that rises to the top. Successful people have a team. Their team is working with them to achieve success. A good leader surrounds themselves with an outstanding team and includes them in the process. We sure live in a great community filled with outstanding individuals!!!

There are always those who are outstanding in their field. They are taller than everyone else. They are like a sweet cream that rises to the top. Successful people have a team. Their team is working with them to achieve success. A good leader surrounds themselves with an outstanding team and includes them in the process. We sure live in a great community filled with outstanding individuals!!!

Thinking back to fun times with these two, Fusun Yildiz & Carolyn Fuson Andrews. Miss their sweet smiles. Thank full for Facebook connectivity, emails, and texting (not that I'm terrific at any of these forms of communication)!!! I still think about them and pray for them, though :o)

Thinking ...

Let's stop calling our places of worship church. It is confusing, especially to non-believers. There is one Church, and all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior find belonging there.

• Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20

The Church is made up of sin-filled humans who have placed their trust in Jesus for redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of Eternal Life. It is overwhelming, miraculous, humbling, and joy-filled to think that our worthiness, love, and assurance are God's gift to His greatest creation, humankind.

To celebrate the joy together in praise and worship, encouraging one another, we have come to know and have grown through gathering together in worship as members of the Body of Christ. We gather together to honor His Great Name. Let's call the gathering places the Lord's House. It doesn't matter where we gather together, but that we do. 

We, Believers, are the building and His very nature ... wherever we are or go, we are representing God's plan of Salvation through the great sacrifice of Christ's love for us.

• For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Through God's great love, he understood that we are His needy children, always learning and growing, but not without purpose. Therefore, we must remain steadfast in the power of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Head of the Church (and our house of worship). It's through the Church that we are fed through the Word to allow us the ability to move forward in His name as we gather.

• All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We ALL have a place in the Church to serve and be served. Where we are called to ministry, as the Church, will look different for each one of us. We are linked together through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our story, our journey, is a tapestry of weaving that begins as we become submissive to the Savior's call. 

• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

The Church, the House of Worship, the Body, serving together in every place and circumstance!

Show God's abundant love this new week...