Last week was Valentine's Day and it was a CRAZY week! My daughter had the flu, my husband was out of town all week, I was double booked each night for meetings that one of us were supposed to be at and even though it could have been absolute chaos (at times it did feel that way), it all came down to Love.
When you are pulled in 15 different directions, you can only do what you can do. As I stepped onto Monday's doorstep at 5:30am, I surrendered that morning, that day, and the remainder of the week to God. Sunday evening, I had already begun to feel the pressure of keeping it together, having enough patience, having the energy needed to manage a full week without my helpmate and when my husband asked me, "How are you going to manage? Are you going to be okay?" I replied, "God will provide all that I need and I trust Him to do it." Being the great guy that he is, wanting to help, he did encourage me to call some maids to help me ready the house for our company that was arriving at the end of the week. That part could be delegated-meeting could not. No arguments there! Only I could care for my flu-stricken daughter and only I could manage the kids and make the meetings.
God did provide, as always He is faithful. I felt a peace throughout my days that was only from Him. He was my peace and strength in perfect portions. It was a busy week but I did not feel stressed. After such full days, the kids were exhausted and went to bed without issue and I was able to enjoy some wonderful alone time with my Father, in worship and word. Amazingly, I also awoke each morning without alarm at 5:30am. It is amazing because my honey usually wakes me up at 6am which by then, I have missed my morning quiet time. So for me to wake up on my own so early and consistently, was a GOD thing-no doubt.
It's funny how when you know you need something, it's easy to sacrifice. I think we have a less determined attitude when we think we can handle it ourself. I knew I needed God's grace and peace and strength this week, so I was willing to loose a little sleep in order to have it. But, don't we realize we need Him every single day? Just because we may not have any "issues" doesn't mean we don't need God.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned over the 2009 year was that I need God's grace every day that I had breath in my lungs. I had become so self-reliant for so many years, just calling out to my 911 Guy as needed, that I forgot to trust Him in ALL things. I managed my life well enough I felt that I would please God in how well I did in my matured faith, not needing to be so needy from Him. All the while, not realizing that I needed Him even more so as I slipped further way from Him.
I will never ever forget that season in my life where God removed Him covering over me (not lost salvation-but hand) and His presence was no longer felt and boy did I ever need my 911 Guy at this point in my life. The greatest lesson I learned from that is that God is our DAILY every thing. From glory to glory-He provides. The circumstance in my life was irrelevant to how much I needed Him. His portions are always perfect whether much or little.
God is more than just our Rescue. He is also our breath. He is our Daily Bread. He is the very air we breath and when He is not your source, you feel like you are suffocating. My greatest Love is my Lord and Christ Jesus!! The only One I receive pure, unconditional Love from- my trustworthy, faithful Father God. He is so much more than my Rescue from an eternity in Hell and moments that feel like hell. He is my Peace, Joy, Comfort, Endurance, Calm, Encouragement.
I encourage you that if you are running the show, falsely thinking that God is pleased how well you are doing on your own without needing Him, that you would find some quiet time in your week to seek after Him and ask Him to empty you of you and help you to surrender yourself completely to Him. May HE be your source of strength and joy for the day ahead of you. May you do all that you can do and allow GOD to handle all the rest. Satan would love nothing more than to get you walking through your own mud pit and spend countless energy and time trying to get out of it.
No matter what your week ahead looks like, won't you bow before Him now and ask Him to fill you, provide for you, Love you as only HE can. Receive His amazing Love.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Rainbow~ Pain to Praise
Have you ever had a "black eye?" I had not, until this week and what an ouchie!! I was helping my 5 year daughter roller skate and long story short, we fell and she was nearly my landing pad. My knee caught me so I didn't land on her but my forehead wacked the crown of her head. WHAM!!!!!
Within 30 seconds the golf ball sized knot ballooned on my eyebrow, including my eyelid. I made sure she was okay and quickly made my way to the Cafe to get some ice. I applied several drops of Lavender and Peppermint oil all around the area and iced it for 20 minutes. The initial hit was painful but the swelling actually numbed it after that, plus the ice worked in my favor. Within an hour, it had shrunk to a grape sized buldge.
Day 1
Seeing my daughter's great concern and guilt for feeling as if it was her fault, I was up and skating one last time before we went home. I knew I was okay, otherthan possibly a very slight concussion, but I wondered about what color my face would be in the morning.
I have enjoyed documenting each day with a picture of the bulging eye. It is difficult to get the depth of it. And so many have asked about the pain. I didn't know what to expect. From the looks of it, you would think I needed morphine. The eyelid itself, the most colorful part, doesn't hurt. Everything else, however, does! I still am not able to wash my face without caution. There are rolling headaches now and then, but for the most part, my main issue has been camoflague! Styling my hair just so the bangs would cover most of the eye.
Despite the crazy and colorful eye, I have not slowed down as far as my schedule. The very next night I would be leading a ladie's bible study group in my home, I had a hair appointment, the following night was church and AWANA's and Thursday morning I had agreed to do the welcome as well as the worship for the bible study. Walking in my flesh, I wanted to stay locked up until the crazy eye was normal again. I mean, how embarassing. Then I felt how vain. But I also didn't want to be a distraction during the study either. There was a day years ago, I would have stayed home. Not bound or lead by fear any longer, in Jesus name! amen~
God, once again with His visual applications with me, used this to teach me a few things. First, I should not keep my flaws locked away, but use them as testimony. So, I continued going and doing as normal, (but with bangs a little more flowing!!). I prayed that God would blind people from noticing it and for me to not be consummed by it. By the end of the week, I must have had over a dozen compliments on the color. I admit, it did look like a dark creamy shadow. I haven't worn eyeshadow or blush in years, so it was quite different for me.
Day 5
What God taught me:
Change is a process, one day at a time and we are not incharge of the timing. Although if you do your best to work with it and not against it, it will be more productive.
Sometimes change hurts.
Our hurts can hurt us in places we least expect it.
We are hurt when we least expect it.
Bruises come in all shapes and sizes and come from unexpected sources.
When we are bruised (physically, emotionally), God is Healer. He can change our pain to purpose.
Without the pain, we wouldn't understand comfort.
Without panic, we wouldn't understand peace.
We can do our best to be prepared and equipped but adversity still comes. That is what you are prepared for!!!!
When we see our bruises, we have a choice- dwell on the pain and the cause of the pain OR focus on the colors (rainbow) and be reminded of His promises, healing to come.
God will use our physical imperfections to reveal our spiritual imperfections.
God fixes our broken pieces.
Pain for pleasure, fair trade.
I have to CHOOSE to trade my pain for pleasure even when I am greatly pained.
My pain has turned to praise~ praise the Lord, amen!!!!!!! He is Healer and Comforter.
I wonder how many of us are walking around with bruised hearts, souls and minds? We can hide it so well with our facade that everything is alright. I used to be one of those type of people that didn't show pain or weakness. In the last 2 years, God has brought me to a place of security in Him that it doesn't matter to me what other people think about me. I used to. Sure, I don't care to be judged or fail but it no longer keeps me from stepping forward as it once did before. Fear and Worry controlled every decision. April 2009, God helped me break those chains and I am FREE from the bondage that Fear and Worry had over me for most of my life.
Yes, I still feel nervous, with tiny butterflies in me when I stand infront of others, but I am thankful for the tiny flutters that remind me about my inadequacy to do anything without God being in charge. I simply lay it before Him and ask for Him to lead through me. My biggest prayer used to be, God, Help me get this right. Now, my biggest prayer is, God, empty me and fill me with You. Lead for me. Help me trust You with this. There is so much more peace and joy when we surrender it completely before Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, all the while, working on us.
Black, blue, green, yellow, purple...whatever color I see, I will choose to see His rainbow of promises. This may have been my first physical black-eyed bruise, but it wasn't the first painful bruise on my heart. We all suffer a painful wack to our heart and soul over the course of our lifetime. When my heart changes colors, I am thankful that God is Healer over ALL things and He is faithful to keep His promises. He will never leave me. He will always love me despite my greatest flaws.
What color are your bruises? How old are your bruises? I encourage you to stop hiding them and hand them back over to God so He can begin the healing process in your life. Be encouraged, healing will come. Be patient, it is a process, work with it.
Within 30 seconds the golf ball sized knot ballooned on my eyebrow, including my eyelid. I made sure she was okay and quickly made my way to the Cafe to get some ice. I applied several drops of Lavender and Peppermint oil all around the area and iced it for 20 minutes. The initial hit was painful but the swelling actually numbed it after that, plus the ice worked in my favor. Within an hour, it had shrunk to a grape sized buldge.
Day 1Seeing my daughter's great concern and guilt for feeling as if it was her fault, I was up and skating one last time before we went home. I knew I was okay, otherthan possibly a very slight concussion, but I wondered about what color my face would be in the morning.
I have enjoyed documenting each day with a picture of the bulging eye. It is difficult to get the depth of it. And so many have asked about the pain. I didn't know what to expect. From the looks of it, you would think I needed morphine. The eyelid itself, the most colorful part, doesn't hurt. Everything else, however, does! I still am not able to wash my face without caution. There are rolling headaches now and then, but for the most part, my main issue has been camoflague! Styling my hair just so the bangs would cover most of the eye.
Despite the crazy and colorful eye, I have not slowed down as far as my schedule. The very next night I would be leading a ladie's bible study group in my home, I had a hair appointment, the following night was church and AWANA's and Thursday morning I had agreed to do the welcome as well as the worship for the bible study. Walking in my flesh, I wanted to stay locked up until the crazy eye was normal again. I mean, how embarassing. Then I felt how vain. But I also didn't want to be a distraction during the study either. There was a day years ago, I would have stayed home. Not bound or lead by fear any longer, in Jesus name! amen~
God, once again with His visual applications with me, used this to teach me a few things. First, I should not keep my flaws locked away, but use them as testimony. So, I continued going and doing as normal, (but with bangs a little more flowing!!). I prayed that God would blind people from noticing it and for me to not be consummed by it. By the end of the week, I must have had over a dozen compliments on the color. I admit, it did look like a dark creamy shadow. I haven't worn eyeshadow or blush in years, so it was quite different for me.
Day 5What God taught me:
Change is a process, one day at a time and we are not incharge of the timing. Although if you do your best to work with it and not against it, it will be more productive.
Sometimes change hurts.
Our hurts can hurt us in places we least expect it.
We are hurt when we least expect it.
Bruises come in all shapes and sizes and come from unexpected sources.
When we are bruised (physically, emotionally), God is Healer. He can change our pain to purpose.
Without the pain, we wouldn't understand comfort.
Without panic, we wouldn't understand peace.
We can do our best to be prepared and equipped but adversity still comes. That is what you are prepared for!!!!
When we see our bruises, we have a choice- dwell on the pain and the cause of the pain OR focus on the colors (rainbow) and be reminded of His promises, healing to come.
God will use our physical imperfections to reveal our spiritual imperfections.
God fixes our broken pieces.
Pain for pleasure, fair trade.
I have to CHOOSE to trade my pain for pleasure even when I am greatly pained.
My pain has turned to praise~ praise the Lord, amen!!!!!!! He is Healer and Comforter.
I wonder how many of us are walking around with bruised hearts, souls and minds? We can hide it so well with our facade that everything is alright. I used to be one of those type of people that didn't show pain or weakness. In the last 2 years, God has brought me to a place of security in Him that it doesn't matter to me what other people think about me. I used to. Sure, I don't care to be judged or fail but it no longer keeps me from stepping forward as it once did before. Fear and Worry controlled every decision. April 2009, God helped me break those chains and I am FREE from the bondage that Fear and Worry had over me for most of my life.
Yes, I still feel nervous, with tiny butterflies in me when I stand infront of others, but I am thankful for the tiny flutters that remind me about my inadequacy to do anything without God being in charge. I simply lay it before Him and ask for Him to lead through me. My biggest prayer used to be, God, Help me get this right. Now, my biggest prayer is, God, empty me and fill me with You. Lead for me. Help me trust You with this. There is so much more peace and joy when we surrender it completely before Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, all the while, working on us.
Black, blue, green, yellow, purple...whatever color I see, I will choose to see His rainbow of promises. This may have been my first physical black-eyed bruise, but it wasn't the first painful bruise on my heart. We all suffer a painful wack to our heart and soul over the course of our lifetime. When my heart changes colors, I am thankful that God is Healer over ALL things and He is faithful to keep His promises. He will never leave me. He will always love me despite my greatest flaws.
What color are your bruises? How old are your bruises? I encourage you to stop hiding them and hand them back over to God so He can begin the healing process in your life. Be encouraged, healing will come. Be patient, it is a process, work with it.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12
"Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."
Revelation 3:10
Revelation 3:10
" Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalms 28:6-7
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Seen a Hero lately?
This morning in my bible study, having a Hero was mentioned. It got me to thinking about Heroes- who are they? What makes them a Hero?
It's interesting how our definitions change as we change (aka-get older). What used to be considered "fun" at one time, is no longer how I would choose to "have fun" today. The goals I once had set for me to achieve are no longer the same goals. What I considered to be acceptable, I know question.
Even physically, it used to be all about the numbers and now, it's how I feel and how healthy is the inside of me; not so much the outside of me anymore. If you asked me to describe what defines a woman as beautiful years ago, I would point out her flawless skin tone, body shape, clothing style, manicured nails and flowing hair. It is not my definition today. Beauty is the heart, soul and spirit of a person. What's on the inside comes out and affects the outside and if it isn't true, it turns ugly quickly. A beautiful child of God radiates Love. There's just something about him/her.
So, what's a Hero...I think most of us would generally say a Hero is an adult-aged "someone" who helps others, fixes things, one who helps us get what we needed and steps up to save the day. As I reflect on this title of Hero, the attributes that come to mind are not grounded in outward traits or outward works. My definition of Hero is based on who the person is, not what a person does.
Someone who's courage is steadfast in the face of great temptation or trial is my Hero. The person who's life takes a tragic turn and where most would question God in anger, he/she maintains the faithfulness of hope. They trust when the rest of us doubt. They have joy when we have devastation. Their tears are wiped with peace while ours are wiped with grief. The answers to their questions can be found in The One who IS The Answer! How humbling.
My 4 year old son has been my Hero. My several Sisters in Christ who are facing cancers, young and old are my Heros. The encouragement and faith of my next door neighbor who recently had a stroke inspired me and challenged me. Those who have left the secular career world (money, family, familiarity, friends) to be full time ministers or missionaries, they are my Heros.
A Hero stands when others sit. They speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. When the rest of the world hates, they love. A Hero hugs the seemingly unhuggable.
Of course, those who serve our country, military, locally, fireman, police officers, etc are in a class of their own. Anyone who willingly puts their life on the line to protect another's, is certainly a Hero!!! We have one of those in my family too!!!
As I look at the people God has placed in my life, I certainly see a lot of Heros. All ages. Each one for a different reason. There isn't a Hero checklist, but these have certainly made their mark!!
Thank You Lord God for being our Ultimate Hero!!!! God, if Your Holy Spirit resides in those of us who believe in Your Son, then each of us have the ability to be a Hero. Will you help us have the confidence in You to allow You to be that Hero through us.
Help us to remain steadfast in You. Define for us what You want us to be and not what we think others want us to be.
Hoping, trusting, resting. Thank You that in You we have the honor and blessing to encourage others and be a witness of You. Thank You for placing Heros in our life to teach us what true strength and courage really means and what it means to live a self-less life by faith. Thank You Jesus.
It's interesting how our definitions change as we change (aka-get older). What used to be considered "fun" at one time, is no longer how I would choose to "have fun" today. The goals I once had set for me to achieve are no longer the same goals. What I considered to be acceptable, I know question.
Even physically, it used to be all about the numbers and now, it's how I feel and how healthy is the inside of me; not so much the outside of me anymore. If you asked me to describe what defines a woman as beautiful years ago, I would point out her flawless skin tone, body shape, clothing style, manicured nails and flowing hair. It is not my definition today. Beauty is the heart, soul and spirit of a person. What's on the inside comes out and affects the outside and if it isn't true, it turns ugly quickly. A beautiful child of God radiates Love. There's just something about him/her.
So, what's a Hero...I think most of us would generally say a Hero is an adult-aged "someone" who helps others, fixes things, one who helps us get what we needed and steps up to save the day. As I reflect on this title of Hero, the attributes that come to mind are not grounded in outward traits or outward works. My definition of Hero is based on who the person is, not what a person does.
Someone who's courage is steadfast in the face of great temptation or trial is my Hero. The person who's life takes a tragic turn and where most would question God in anger, he/she maintains the faithfulness of hope. They trust when the rest of us doubt. They have joy when we have devastation. Their tears are wiped with peace while ours are wiped with grief. The answers to their questions can be found in The One who IS The Answer! How humbling.
My 4 year old son has been my Hero. My several Sisters in Christ who are facing cancers, young and old are my Heros. The encouragement and faith of my next door neighbor who recently had a stroke inspired me and challenged me. Those who have left the secular career world (money, family, familiarity, friends) to be full time ministers or missionaries, they are my Heros.
A Hero stands when others sit. They speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. When the rest of the world hates, they love. A Hero hugs the seemingly unhuggable.
Of course, those who serve our country, military, locally, fireman, police officers, etc are in a class of their own. Anyone who willingly puts their life on the line to protect another's, is certainly a Hero!!! We have one of those in my family too!!!
As I look at the people God has placed in my life, I certainly see a lot of Heros. All ages. Each one for a different reason. There isn't a Hero checklist, but these have certainly made their mark!!
Thank You Lord God for being our Ultimate Hero!!!! God, if Your Holy Spirit resides in those of us who believe in Your Son, then each of us have the ability to be a Hero. Will you help us have the confidence in You to allow You to be that Hero through us.
Help us to remain steadfast in You. Define for us what You want us to be and not what we think others want us to be.
Hoping, trusting, resting. Thank You that in You we have the honor and blessing to encourage others and be a witness of You. Thank You for placing Heros in our life to teach us what true strength and courage really means and what it means to live a self-less life by faith. Thank You Jesus.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
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