Hi. I'm Laura. I'm a Think-A-Holic.

Let me introduce you to this passage and then talk about it.  It was part of my devotions today:

REFLECTION FOR THE DAY:  All of us are faced with the troubles and problems of daily living, whether we've been at life 20 years or 100.  We'd sometimes like to believe we could take care of all our problems right now, but it rarely works that way.  If we remember the slogan "Easy Does It" when we are ready to panic, we may come to know that the very best way to handle all things is "Easy."  We put one foot in front of the other, doing the best we are capable of doing.  We say "Easy Does It" and we do it.  Are the scriptures growing with me as I grow with God?

TODAY I PRAY:  May even the words "Easy Does It" serve to slow me down in my headlong rush to accomplish too much too fast.  May just that word "Easy" be enough to make me ease up on the whips that drive my ambitions, ease up on the accelerator which plunges me into new situations without enough forethought, ease off on the number of hours spent in materials pursuits.  May I hark to the adage that Rome wasn't built in a single day.  Neither can I build solutions to my problems all at once.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER:  Easy Does It.

So, would you believe that the above devotion (or meditation) is from Alcoholics Anonymous?  Only the underlined words were changed from The Program and from slogans rather than scriptures.

Please don't get me wrong.  I am not an alcoholic.  I have no interest in alcohol.  I didn't have my first drink until I was in my 30's and I guess by then, it just didn't matter.  I am also not saying we should all attend an A.A. meeting, although I have gone with a friend a few times and it is extremely inspirational and I left in a better place each time.

What I am saying is, there are so many people out there looking for direction, guidance, a way out....Along with my Bible, I have used A.A. books for a while, to put a lifeplan together.  Sometimes when you are at your worst, ANYTHING that can get you started for the day is a blessing.

I find that this works for not only Alcoholics but Overeaters too.  Don't deny it.  Denial is telling yourself a lie.  Why lie to yourself?

I have also realized that I can put other issues in the same place and the direction is still the same.  When I asked my A.A. friend what was wrong with me?  I was told that I seemed to have resentment still against my former husband.  (I hate saying ex-husband.  It sounds so ugly.)  Anyway, the first words out of my mouth were, "Oh no.  That's not it.  I have forgiven him and I can even say I love him."  Can you say DENIAL?

So my A.A. friend, who knows me so well, said I should be putting the word Think instead of Drink in the verbage. 

"Hi.  I am Laura.  I am a Think-A-Holic."  Yep.  That made perfect sense.  It's true.  I overthink and try to fix and think everyone else should be and do just like me.  Oh Geez.

In closing, another A.A. slogan is :  Accept others and things as they are.

On second thought, maybe we SHOULD all attend an A.A. meeting. 

Dear God:  Thank You for showing me that You love everyone else as much as You love me.  I am not the only one who deserves grace and mercy.  I am not the only one who should get a second chance.  I must allow for others to walk their path to You just as I have.  Each journey will not look like mine and mine won't look like theirs.  Thank you for being God of everything. ~Laura

Do You Need a Super Hero?

Today at lunch I was reviewing a sort of history of my life.  And while there have been many trips, slips and falls, (some of them quite literally), I was reminded of all the times that God showed me He was there, with me.  And He comforted me.

He was there when the size small sweatshirt miraculously fit my girth when I was cold and alone; He was there when I saw the sign in an unexpected place that said "God Loves You"; the inexplicable way that I knew His presence was with me on that drive from Medford to Sunriver and I found self-forgiveness for the first time; the time I knew He answered my prayer, not because it was what I prayed for but because it was what I hadn't prayed for and it healed my hurt; the moment I first knelt in my corner at Meadowood Church and gave my heart to Him.

We are human.  To make it more personal, I am human.  Mistakes abound.  Sins occur.  Hiding in a blanket of sorrow and shame has its place. 

I need a Super Hero.  A Champion.

Friends, whatever cross you carry, no matter how heavy the load, You Have a Friend.  Your own personal Super Hero.  Your Champion.

From the beginning of your life to the end, He is there!  The only Friend on whose name you can call and He always answers.  You don't get put on hold, or asked to wait until the tv show is over, or asked to make an appointment...

If you need a Guardian Angel; He answers "I AM."
If you need a Warrior; He answers "I AM."
If you need Someone to dry your tears; He says "I AM."
If you need a Healer; He says "I AM."
If you need an Employer; He says "I AM."
If you need a Song in your heart;  He says "I AM."
If you need Someone to hold your hand;  He says "I AM."

He is there from your beginning to your end.  Always.

There is no problem so big, God cannot solve it.  There is no wound so great He cannot heal it.  There is no sorrow so big that He cannot soothe it.

I have been listening to a song called, "People Get Ready."  My mom tells me it is an oldie but it is new to me.  It says:

"People get ready, there's a train a coming.
Don't need no baggage, just get on board.
If you have a little faith, you can hear the diesel humming.
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord."

I have been so touched and moved by the words that I don't need any baggage.  So throw down those suitcases of guilt, depression, resentment, sorrow, regret!  And I don't need a ticket.  It's free!  Just THANK THE LORD! 

Just like when you go to your mom's house and she makes that yummy dinner.  No charge.  She's just thrilled to see you.  Just say thank you!

His love is a gift and it doesn't cost a thing.  Just say Thank You.  No need for baggage.  So throw it out.  And don't forget to thank your Super Hero.

Dear God,
Thank you for today...for the walk down memory lane; for the reminder of all the times You have been there for me.  I have never known a Friend like You.  I want to be thankful and share my Friend with others.  You are my Super Hero, my Best Friend, my Champion.  You always believe in me.  You are the reason I am told I have Hope in my face.  You want the best for me.  You are working ALL things for my good.  I wholeheartedly put my trust in You.  Amen.  ~Laura