True Story Thursday

I was at the office and heard on the radio that Denny's had FREE Grand Slam Breakfast for everyone! I immediately went into my bosses office and asked if I could go get some free food. (My boss is also my mom) She said that would be ok, so off I went!



Anyone who has been around me for any extended part of time knows that I am HORRIBLE with directions. I depend on the sweet lady inside my Garmin to tell me how to get anywhere and everywhere.



I plug Denny's into my GPS and start following the purple line. I was so focused on which way it was telling me to go that I was not paying attention to my speed or the officer on a motorcyle up ahead. I fly by him. OOPS. Lights come on and here we go.


I pull over so depressed that this free breakfast was about to cost me a speeding ticket. The police officer gets off his bike and comes to my window.


He ask: "Do you know why I pulled you over?"


I say: "Yes sir, I'm pretty sure I was speeding."


He ask: "Why were you speeding?"


At this point I literally have a little debate in my head about what response to give. Make up something? Cry? Smile real big? Beg for forgiveness?

I say:" Well sir, Denny's is giving away free Grand Slams today and I really wanted to go, but I am horrible with directions and was concentrating so much on my Garmin that I honestly was just not paying attention."


I prepare for him to go ahead and write me a ticket.


He says:"Well all you have to do to get there is stay straight about a mile, turn right, and at the next light turn right again and you'll see it. Turn off your GPS and watch your speed. Have a good breakfast."

Seriously? Did that just happen? A police officer pulls me over for going more than 10mph over the speed limit and gives me directions to Denny's instead of a ticket??!!?

True Story. Can't make this stuff up.

(I got to Denny's and the line was wrapped all the way around the building. So I left and went to Ihop and bought the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity)

Wednesday. Word.

1Peter4 continued...

7... Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Be clear minded. So easily I read this and really don't think about what this means to be clear minded and self-controlled. It's easy to become distracted by worrying, relationships, friendships, how we look, and material things. When we do this we lose sight of what really matters.

Personally when I get distracted by these things my prayers become more of what I want right in that moment, and less of what Christ wants for me. My thoughts are filled with doubt, confusion, wanting more, not being satisfied, etc. I am definitely not clear minded to think about situations the way I should.

Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Be self-controlled. We know what is right and wrong. We know. We come up with excuses for our sins to try and justify why we do things that we know are not good for us or others. I'm definitely guilty of this. .

6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and SELF-CONTROLLED. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be SELF-CONTROLLED, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 5:6-9

Relating this to dating...

Example: I was talking to a friend one day about how I date. I was trying to justify getting to know someone quickly so that I'll know right away whether I should spend anymore time with a guy. See I don't want to waste anymore time. I found myself getting really defensive in this conversation about dating, and remember thinking my friend just doesn't get it. Finally, after I was done trying to justify and convince him to understand my perspective he said something that I consider profound :

So you've done it your way and how has that worked for you? Where has that gotten you?

Wow. I've never thought about it that way. When I've done it my way I have not been clear minded or self-controlled and this caused me to not protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23). When I've done it my way...well I'm still single so I guess that hasn't worked. There has been much heartache, pain, regrets, feelings of being unlovable, not good enough... the list could go on and on.

Why trust myself when I have a perfect and loving God who has a perfect will for my life?

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding"

2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, his way is PERFECT; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

I've definitely been that person that pretty much says:

"Hey God, I got this. If you wanna come along for the ride thats fine, but I got this."

Where has that gotten me? Nowhere good.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Looking back I remember times where I literally didn't pray because I didn't want to have to admit where I had been wrong. I didn't want to have to face the fact that I was really hurt and needed someone to help me...I needed Christ. So when this verse says "so that you can pray", that's what I think of. When I wasn't clear minded and had guilt of not being self controlled by making decisions that hurt me and others...I literally didn't pray. I didn't know what to pray or how to pray.

I'm starting to watch my thoughts because I know that my thought lead to actions. When I spend time in the word and prayer, focusing less on me and more on Christ my thoughts become pure and I start to find more discernment. I make less regrettable comments/decisions and become much more clear minded and self-controlled.

1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus

Hebrew 3:1

Prayer. God's Word. Community.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. - Proverbs 3:5-7

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8: 31-36


Like our Garmins & GPS let's use our 3 fixed points to make decisions. Our 3 points being: prayer, the Holy Spirit through scripture, and community. In doing this we put our trust in the Lord and not ourselves. Let us be thankful for the freedom we have in knowing Jesus Christ and believing in his truths.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Wednesday. Word.

While having my quiet time the other morning I decided to study 1 Peter 4. There are so many verses that really hit home for me that I've decided to spend the next couple weeks sharing this chapter.

1.Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

WOW. I am humbled when I read this. I've definitely fallen short and continue to fall short. So often I choose temporary happiness and desires, rather than God's perfect will for my life. We joke all the time about drunken debauchery, make jokes and comments about lust, and ALL of us have made something an idol in our lives. What I mean by that is we all have something that we chose before Christ, that we just can't seem to surrender and trust the Lord with.

It's amazing that this was written so long ago, but is still so true. Especially in verse 4 when it says that they think it's strange when you don't give into this debauchery with them and they will heap abuse on you. Most of the time when I've chosen not to drink or party I've definitely been rediculed by those who are doing just that. When I have chosen to party I end up regretting something. Whether that be because I waste away the next day being so tired, texting/calling people I wish I wouldn't have, saying things I wouldn't have said, aiding others to stumble in their walk as well, the list could go on and on...

I'm humbled because so quickly I seem to not think about the fact that Christ SUFFERED for ME and YOU. We've heard it all our lives, most of us, but take a minute and think about that....

If you think because you've fallen short so many times there is no hope, you are wrong. I've told myself that before. Then some amazing people brought truth to me. We are all imperfect people in need of a perfect savior. That is exactly why he sent his son. Christ is constantly in persuit of us no matter how many times we've fallen short. You see, Christ's love is unconditional. That's so hard for us to understand because everyone we've ever met has let us down in some way...

We will have to give an account to him. What are you going to say?

We are God's Workmanship...His Masterpiece.

For we are God's workmanship (HIS MASTERPIECE), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.- Ephesians 2:10

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. -1 Chronicles 22:13

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed...In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. -Proverbs 16: 3 & 9

We are His Masterpiece, CREATED IN HIS OWN IMAGE (Genesis 1:27) to do good works. Whever you are, whatever you are doing, commit to the Lord. Trust God.

-------------------------------------------------------
The Serenity Prayer has come up several times this past week and I would like to leave yall with just that:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Wednesday. Word.

Romans 12 has some of my favorite verses and I couldn't pick just one. Take time to read these and reflect on your own life. How you are living and treating others?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Things I've Learned Lately...

5 things I've learned lately...

1. I should have someone else do my laundry. I shrunk three brand new articles of clothing in the last wash.

2. I should not valet park at House of Blues. I went with $12 cash thinking $10 to park $2 tip. It cost $15 to valet there. So I had to go to the ATM and pay $3.99 to get $20 to pay for my $15 valet parking when I could have just walked 100 feet to begin with.

3. I should not hit snooze on my alarm. I never get up when I want/need to.

4. I should not workout legs on Friday. I hurt all weekend.

5. I should not go to the grocery store hungry. I buy way more than I need, and food that is not healthy.

True Story Thursday!

I once had a guy I was dating send me to the spa to get a massage. When I called him after to thank him... he broke up with me. Best breakup ever. True story.

Wednesday. Word.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16:18

The Porch @ Watermark yesterday was amazing! So often we lose our joy to little things that bother us. It could be: friends, family, work, co-workers, money, status, traffic, sickness, relationships, not having a relationship, etc.

We put our joy and hope in these things, and then when our expectations aren't met we are let down and so quickly lose our joy. Even when we get all that we have ever wanted we still are left searching for the next thing, or something even greater. Why do we continue down this pattern? I don't think there is a good answer.

The verse above is God's WILL for us. To be joyful ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. Not just the ones that bring us temporary happiness and pleasure. If we put our JOY & HOPE in the LORD, and not these other things, we will not be let down... We will not lose our joy. Let us be joyful always because of our belief in Christ.

Love & Prayers~

Ally

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