Second Chances

Yesterday on our way back from New Orleans,we saw a beautiful rainbow. I was reminded of God's promise never to destroy the earth by water again. The flood was an opportunity of second chances.

Today was Father's Day. We went to Journey Fellowship Church, close to where we are staying.
The sermon was another reminder of God's love and the opportunities for second chances.
It came from Jonah 3:1-10

Vs 1-- God is the God of second chances and do overs.... never think or believe that you have gone too far to be forgiven. If you think that, you're not too far. God gave Jonah a second chance and He will give you one too.  Just go to Him.

Vs 2-3-phrase a city so large---sometimes what God gives us to do seems so large. We feelings of inadequacy and inability to carry out His plan. It could be as a mom, dad, leader, CMA chapter member, Sisterhood leader or member, church member,  or employee. It's okay to feel inadquate because we have the Lord you will give you what you need when you need it. Run to HIM!!!

Vs 4--shouted to the crowds- Jonah went to the city and shouted the message God gave him for the  Ninevites. Don't be afraid. Whatever He has asked you to do or say, go do it or say it. Trust in the Lord!!  Give value to your family, your kids, your friends, your co-workers. God says they are worthy and are we!! Tell them the Good News of God's love and mercy and grace and hope.  They are waiting to hear it!!
The enemy is out there to steal, kill and destroy. We have the One who is all powerful!

Vs 5-6-- It says in these verses that the people of Nineveh believed Jonah's message. The folks you talk to will believe your message too. Because it is not your message, it is the Lord's.
Share your story. Someone needs to hear it. They need to know they can rise from ashes to beauty. God can take the messes of your life and use them for good. He can turn them into a ministry or use them for divine opportunities.  Look for ways to share your best times and your lowest..

Vs 7-8--Remember that your words are powerful!  Words are a tool that God can use or the enemy can use. You are the only one that can decide which one!! You have a powerful voice with God on your side.

Vs 9-10-- God sees your heart and knows you. He can use you to effect a job, a city,  or a generation.  Take heed and go forward.

Look for those divine appointments to share your story and what God has done for you.  Think about sharing some of the low times and how God redeemed them for His glory.

Saturday
We started the day with a New Orleans specialty called a beignet.  Don't ask !! It was so far away from what I should be eating, but it was divine.  It is a pastry with powdered sugar on it. I can't wait to get some from Publix and fix them at home..They are not for the weak hearted.

 We rode on a Hop on Hop off bus for a tour of the city of New Orleans. That gave us a great overview of the city and the many sights to see.
Norm and I walked down to Bourbon street. What a sight to see. God touched me afresh with a renewed sense of the urgency to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ.
Later we met some friends from Charleston who live in Houma for a late lunch at a restaurant called Mother's. It was scrumptious. They had grilled shrimp, friend shrimp and much, much more...choices on the menu. Some of the vegies were potato salad, cabbage, red beans and rice, and turnip greens.  Not the typical choices we see at home.  We had a great visit with our friend and her son Travis.  It was so good to see them.

Sunday,
 We took a Jazz Steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. What fun! We saw some great sites on the harbor and heard some Jazz music.
Then Norm and I walked about 8 blocks to a Jazz Festival in Louis Armstrong Park. What fun the folks there were having... There was alot of art, food and music.  It was a huge park with people everywhere!!