~~~~~~Wayward Wasp ~~~~~~

I love how the Lord teaches me simple lessons through nature. This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table watching my bird feeders. Just then, I spied a wasp flying around the feeder. As I watched the wasp it would fly up and around and then land for a second and then fly around a little more. Once it landed on the opening of the finch feeder (which is rather small) and I watched it walk into the feeder. I said out loud “don’t go in there.” It was too late it was trapped. For the next ten minutes I observed the wasp trying to find freedom.

What are the lessons?

First, the wasp had no business being around a bird feeder. Just like Christians, there are places that we should never go around. It’s a trap that will ensnare us every time. It may look harmless enough and might even afford a little fun, but in the end it’s a trap.

Then once we are imprisoned, we frantically try to find our own way out. I kept waiting for the wasp to settle down and fly down and find the little opening that brought him into the place. But, to my dismay he did not ever settle down long enough to go back where he started.

Sounds like me sometimes, we I find myself in a self made prison. I am looking for the way out on my own strength and knowledge. I will calm down for a little while, only to find myself spinning out of control once again.

The wasp would stop and walk the sides of the bird feeder and almost get to the opening. And just when I thought he was finally going to find freedom, he would start flying all over again. I can so relate, always going back to what I thought works. Trying to find freedom, but when it does not appear to be happening, I lose patience, give up and go back to doing what comes natural. And usually that has something to do with walking in the flesh and not the Spirit of God.

Another thing I observed while the wasp was trapped. There were other wasps flying freely by the bird feeder. I’ve been there just like the wasp, in my self made prison; watching others operating in freedom. This place can make or break you. Meaning that when you see others being free, you will either have a desire to go after it or you will have disdain for the person that has freedom. But, what we all need to know is WE ARE CALLED TO BE FREE! Freedom is for everyone, but freedom ain’t free. It will cost you something.

So, are you wondering about the fate of the wasp?

Just like we have someone larger watching over us, the wasp did to. I waited about fifteen minutes before I approached the bird feeder. And then I unscrewed the top and lifted the lid and the Wayward Wasp was free at last.

Just like God did for me. He lifted me out of my self made prison and gave me freedom.And I love him for it, and try my best to stay away from the things that trap me up.

Many Blessings,

Sista Staci

BOOK SIGNING - LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN STORE

April 16, 2011
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LifeWay Christian Store
Mall of Georgia
Click HERE for directions

Would love to see you there!

God has been teaching me to yield to His ways. We have been in Disney World this past week. And I was continually yielding the right of way to baby strollers, wheel chairs, people in a hurry, people standing looking at maps, people not paying attention, little kids screaming, people pushing through the line and the list goes on. So here's the deal....God teaches me His ways through daily occurrences. I had to make a choice during the past week, actually several times. The choice to be kind and courteous or to demand my way. Since Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, the choice was obvious. But, I'm going to be transparent and honest here. Putting myself last has not always be my first choice. You see, Todd and I took our children to Disney in 1995; and I was one of those people in a hurry afraid I was going to miss out or yet, my "Children" was going to miss something or the ride would be gone before we got there. We watched our video from our trip and I was always 5 or 10 steps ahead of my family. Rushing around, stressed out and caught up trying to create the perfect Disney vacation, all the while I was making my family miserable.
I could not live in the moment. I did not yield my right of way to Jesus. Trusting him to direct my paths.

God has taught me so much over the past sixteen years. Yielding is Trusting. I'll share an example. This will seem very simplictic, but I believe it serves the point well. I was standing in a l o n g food line at Disney; hundreds of people all around with limited seating. I started getting that anxious feeling inside of me..."What about a table, What am I going to do...blah blah blah" - immeidtaely, I heard "Do you trust me?" Sure, I do Lord! "Well, don't you think I can have a table prepared for you?" "YES, I DO, LORD!!!" Instantly, my anxiousness was gone! Todd and I found the perfect table (in the shade) and enjoyed our lunch. Yet again....GOD is LARGE and in CHARGE!!

James 3:17 (New Living Translation)
¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Yield your Right of Way to JESUS! HE will never lead you wrong!

Blessings,

Sista Staci

Your Heart Matters Radio Show 2-13-11

On this show we discuss "Expectations" and what do you do with unrealistic expectations. With Valentine's Day tomorrow we all have "Expectations"....Listen in and hear Staci and Lisa share something from their sweethearts! Click Here to listen to the show. Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Your Heart Matters airs 8:00am Sunday Mornings on News Talk WCHM 1490

Thanks!
Sista Staci

Your Heart Matters - Debut Show 02-06-2011

You can listen to the debut show of Your Heart Matter - click here Let's us know what you think.

Listen weekly Sunday morning at 8am on New Talk 1490 am

Blessings! Sista Staci

Back Porch Blessing

Author Staci Pealock wrote most of Back Porch Blessings while sitting on her back porch, enjoying her early morning devotion time with the Lord.

The simplicity of the messages in this collection will encourage and motivate you. Each inspirational poem or story follows a scripture, and space is available for you to share your thoughts through journaling. Pealock wants you to know you’re not alone. She explains that death is not the ending for our loved ones, but they’re just truly beginning to live. She invites us to share a special memory of someone who has gone to be with Jesus so that we may remember this person with love and joy.

She also addresses difficult and emotional topics, such as the existence of God, turning hurt into peace, and the journey to Jesus. Back Porch Blessings is filled with poems and stories of faith. We all face difficult circumstances, but we are never truly alone. God is with us and brings us love—and hope.

I hope you enjoy my Back Porch Blessings<3>here to order your copy of Back Porch Blessings.

Luv Ewe,
Sista Staci

Book Almost Here

Hey Sistas!

For the past four months, I have been working with Crossbooks Publishing. Yes, I finally submitted my book. Back Porch Blessings - A Collection of My Writings and Your Thoughts; is in it's final publishing stages.

This has been a dream of mine in the works for ten years. God is a God of timing and He is always right on time.

To God be All the GLORY!