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.

"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



Smiling on the 14th Floor

January 2011 marked our 18th Wedding Anniversary!! It is hard for me to believe that I have been married for that long...I don't feel like I could be old enough?! The season of life we are in, we are not able to simply pick up and go away for a weekend. This year, we did managed to get away for one night as we stayed local.

To our surprise, as we checked into the beautiful hotel, they placed us on their top floor....the 14th floor! When I head those numbers my heart skipped a beat~ both joyful and fearful at the same time. Many of you may remember that in December 2008, I had "hotel issues" causing a season of panic attacks. In the first hotel, we were on the 13th floor I believe and had to move to the 2nd floor (which didn't really make a difference). Weeks later on a trip to Austin to see family, we stayed in a gorgeous hotel, I believe on the 10th floor, and again, there were panic moments in this torturous season. The next morning, we attended a large church as a family and even there...panic. This was quite the Season of Hell to say the least. I was so consumed by fear and anxiety that I did not have hope or understanding. I was afraid.

The following April of 2009, God had delivered me from the bondage of fear. My birthday was certainly a celebration of Life! We stayed on the top floor of our hotel which only happened to be the 9th floor but that was a huge moment of victory for me! Fear had no hold on me!! Life was good, full of hope! Life to be lived fully in Christ, with great hope and anticipation. Since then, we have not stayed in a "big" hotel.

We walked over to the elevator, pushed the Up button and waited. The doors glided open and we stepped inside. My heart jumped, but I was ready, willing and knew with God, I was able!!! This was not an issue for me. What a moment to treasure!!! A Blessing counted and remembered.

Side note: I don't know why there has to be a chime at every floor passed, kinda reminds you how high you are going, and really...is anyone counting to know? They should do away with the chimes~ not good for anxious riders!!
 
Anyway, After the first few seconds of taking a deep breath and believing...celebrating this victory, my heart was glad. Just 2 years ago, I thought I would never be able to stay comfortably in a hotel again and yet, here I was rising to the 14th floor!!! And of course, our room couldn't be the first door, but it was at the end of the hallway! Funny God!! Walking it out in joy.

 
  Our room was beautiful and the view was awesome!!! I have never liked edges, and even now, I will not be the person leaning against the windows or rails, but I did walk straight up to it and look down. The smile was for the victory more than the view. God is sooooo good!

 
The hotel gifted us with flowers, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries! (What a wonderful distraction too!) I haven't had a drink since 1994, but I sure loved the strawberries!! We enjoyed several rides up and down the elevators as we visited the pool area and restaurant. No issues, amen!

 
When we are in the middle of the storm, it is hard to imagine ever getting out of it, and very difficult to see anything good in it. It is soooo important that we have two things~ confidence in God through our faith and the love of others. God is our Potter and He is in the business of defining and shaping us to be more like Him. In the same way we bless and correct our own children, so God does with us. It takes good times and bad times to teach us. Some things are only learned through trials.
 
Before you find yourself in the midst of a trial, be ready! Work out those spiritual muscles so that when it is time to be strong, you are! Also, ask God to place others who are deeply in love with Him around you, for such a time as this. We are made to live in community with each other and God uses others to help us in our time of need. "Encourage one another, love one another." I am thankful for the sweet sisters God has placed around me. It has been through them that God has been that hug, that word of hope, the focus and perspective. To each a season and to each a specific reason. We should all be a sharpening to one another and not dull each other out.

I am also thankful to be married to my man who has reminded me over and over that he will never leave me or walk away from me. He is committed to walk over the mountains with me and even the valleys. Boy has he!!! I appreciate him more and more every year.
 
Wherever you are in your walk today, I encourage you to go further. Keep walking. Don't stop learning and especially don't stop believing. Trust that God is who He says He is. He is able to do more than we could ever imagine! (Eph 3) He wants our joy to be full! (John 15:11)
 
Blessing and smiles, from the 14th floor!!!
 
 

 
To GOD be the GLORY for He has done, and is STILL doing GREAT and MIGHTY things!!!
 
AMEN!!!!



Michele
 
 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

 

 

 

Drink More Water!!!

God really does crack me up. He has brought me to tears, both happy ones and sad ones. Today was a day of joyful tears. Like I have so many times, I am just a visual learner and God certainly teaches me and talks to me often through visuals. In recent days I have been praying for affirmations of His will in my life, to make sure I am on the right path. Am I reading what I need to be reading, doing in my day what I need to do and am I receiving what He is giving and am I giving where and how He is asking.

This is a time of study for me. I am preparing to lead a Mother's bible study and yet I have this sense of rest and peace. Shouldn't I be doing more Lord? The answer has been No, rest in me. There are seasons we go through where our service or ministering is something you sign the dotted line for. Other times, in our "off season" we are to rest and minister as we walk through our day, to whom ever God places there, in whatever circumstance we find ourself. Of course, we are never "off" from ministering or serving Him as far as being lazy but resting in Him is an important season. It is work to rest. We can minister one step and need at a time. No Sign Up Sheet needed.

Timely words...somedays when I am really seeking after God, I feel like I am on a treasure hunt of sorts. He will show me something that leads me to another treasure which leads to another and another. All throughout the day, His message strings together into a specific message to me. It may sound weird, it is weird to try to explain it but point is...God speaks sometimes briefly and other times throughout divine moments.

Today, my IPod was downloaded with some of my favorite pastor's and the one I chose happened to be about waiting on God, taking time to rest. When the fishermen were casting their nets, they had to stop to mend their nets. That's where I find myself, mending my net, to be stronger.

Then, the next treasure came once I got home. I was doing a quick vacumm and just as I was finishing, "something" said to get down on my hands and knees on the floor. I really wasn't planning on it, just needed a quick run over, but I felt the need to so I did. When I was down on hands and knees looking under the couch, I noticed the dropped popcorn. Lesson- there are some things that can only be seen when you get down on your knees. Applying this spiritually- we must go where He leads, His plans are not always ours, even when we don't understand, we must trust and obey. There will be things revealed that can only come from being on our knees before God.

Then, I am laughing as I write this...I won't say names to protect the identity of the person. Someone has been struggling with constipation in our house and therefore going to the bathroom has been a little painful. I know, how is this a treasure moment...I am laughing too...don't worry. I told this person that it was important to drink lots and lots of water to make the poop softer, thus making it easier to get out. Well, today, my toddler was helping me make our lunch and he said to me, "Mom, I am going to drink this big water so I can get the big poo-poos out cuz if I drink little water, it won't all come out and it will hurt." I replied, "Yes, we need to be filled with water to get the poop out." You can probably see where I am going with this one. Spiritual Lesson- being filled with the Living Water is what gets rid of our poop, junk inside our hearts, mind, sould and spirit. The more water we drink, the easier it will be and also, more consistant and less painful. When are body (spirit) is dehydrated, things don't work like they should making it more painful of an experience.

It is funny, I know, but the lessons are there. This is what I have asked God for and He has heard my prayers. I want to walk my day out with God and I want to hear Him as I walk, not just at the end of my day. As much as I experience "serious" holy moments with God (prayer time, worship, meditation, stillness), He sure has given me practical (normal, every day examples, teaching moments) holy moments with Him. God can use any thing and any one to speak to us. Just this past Sunday, a question I had been asking God, a dear Sister affirmed the decision I had made, not even knowing I has posed the question to God. His word is always timely and true and they do not come just Sunday mornings through the Pastor.

He uses any circumstance, any hour of the day or night (I have had several beautiful 3am moments), any place through any means-sermons, KSBJ, friends, books, fellowships, over coffee, at the park, making lunch. :) He is talking. Are we listening?

Are you on the look out for the treasures, lessons, opportunities to hear Him today? At home, in the car, at the office, in the gym, at the grocery store, in the carline, in the bathroom.

Drink more Water~ it will help you get the poop out!

" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." John 4:13-15


 "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:16-17

Let them Scribble-Scrabble

This morning, my 4 year old told me that he didn't like to go to school. I asked him why not and he replied, "My Friend always scribble-scrabbles on his paper and I don't like to." I couldn't help but giggle at that reasoning but it was something I reflected on later after I spoke the words, "Honey, you cannot let other people dictate how you feel or enjoy something. If you like doing it, then do it! Don't worry about what they do. Maybe you will even be able to teach them how to color inside the lines." (Obviously this is not a permissison to sin, not going down that road. I am simply talking about letting someone else's actions change what you do. I am also not saying that a person is wrong for doing things differently than we do.)

The point is~ We have the ability to impact just as much as we can be impacted.

This was a good reminder for me as well. It is hard when those around us are disrespectful, negative and hurtful. Not only does it affect our enjoyment of the shared activity but it also gives us an opportunity. We have the opportunity to stand tall and not flee. God has called us as Believers to teach, encourage, love others, not becoming like them or by avoiding them, but patiently through His enabling of the Holy Spirit, reflect Him to the watching world.

Just this past week, our Pastor preached about knowing God's will. Two things struck a cord with me. 1.) We need eachother. We need 2-3 Believers in our life that are willing to speak truth, GOD'S TRUTH, into our lives. Therefore, we must be willing to open our hearts up, which is a vulnerable place, and allow these few precious ones in so that God can speak into our lives. We must risk being hurt. I thank God that He has blessed me with a precious few Sisters that love me just as I am and yet have my persmission to speak truth. The other is 2.) Attitude~ having the right attitude that pleases God. The fruit of the spirit is a good check list to see how we are reflecting His love to others around us. Am I also aggrivated, negative or joyful and encouraging? I have a choice. Satan would prefer that I sucumb to the stress of the world, but through God's power and might, I can carry His love out.

We are one body and we are all gifted differently. We must too be careful of comparrisons. Just as each body part has a specific function so do each of us in the body. None is exactly alike. Satan seeks out to destroy and distract and there are going to be times of distraction. So, all we can do is remain focused on our part, stay inside our own lines and let God change the scribble scrabblers. Maybe He will use us to teach, encourage, or mentor someone else but that is for God to know.

I choose my behaviors and am not responsible for someon one else's. All I can do is go where God leads, do what God tells me to do and do it the way God shows me. I am certainly not perfect, no one is, but I can say this, I am intentionally and prayerfully asking God to empty me of me and fill me with more of Him! I will mess things up. I do mess things up. God's grace however, fills me. His love is enough for me.

I could go on each of these somewhat same but seperate issues, but I won't. Today's point is simple....

You are free to be Imperfect You and I am free to be Imperfect Me!!!! WHAT FREEDOM!!!!

Let God work His prefection through us to bring to completion the work He began. He is the Alpha and Omega! The Author and Perfector of our Faith!

"Do 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." Romans 12: 2

 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." I Peter 1:6-9

Praise~ Glory~ Honor~

AMEN!

The Seasonal Squeeky Wheel

This past Christmas Eve, our family made the old traditional drive to Luling, Texas to celebrate with my Husband's-Dad's side of the family. It had been 4 years since we last made the large family gathering. All things were cheerful, light-hearted, until...Great-Grandpapa felt led to say his good-byes to the family.

Grandpapa is an 89 year old retired Preacher and has lost 2 of his 6 children and his wife in the past several years. He is blind in one eye and the hearing is limited even with the ear piece. His mind is as sharp as ever. I love our conversations about the world, life, family and the Lord. He is an amazing, generous and kind man! What I admired the most about him is his committment to prayer. Grandpapa faithfully prays for each person in the family by name and he even will send ocassional cards to remind us throughout the year.

Saying Good bye is never easy. One thing is for sure, when you are reminded about the fragility of life, your next day not being guaranteed, a fresh zest for life is ignited. Needless to say, Grandpapa got some extra hugs and lots of pictures were taken with him. Who knows, it may not be his last Christmas with us, but I am not going to make a gamble for "next time around" for our tomorrows, no matter your age, are numbered precisley by the One who created us. God holds our calendar dates. All we can do is live each day as our last and cherish each moment we are given. We loose this as our busy lives consume us. To Do's a mile long hurry us through our days.

Just this past year, I have had three friends face cancer and several who have lost loved ones. To say the least, not that I love them more than I did before this season in their lives, but I certainly appreciate them more. Days become more valuable and precious when you see each one as a gift.

During times of struggle, I find my heart is tuned in more closely to their needs~ whether emotional, physical and spiritual. If an opportunity comes up to be a help, then I am more than willing to help. As I pray for them in their time of need, my spirit is sensitive and humbled to stand in the gap for as long as God calls. Sometimes it may be a day to months to years. However the Spirit leads, what an honor to follow.

I didn't come to realize how important this was until I was on the receiving end for a season. Prayer is the most precious, practical and proactive thing another Brother or Sister in the body can give to another. It is the calling out to a listening God and caring Father. This is one huge way we can love eachother.

Each of us goes through trials. We will experience stormy seasons and lovely seasons full of rainbows and roses. Seasons can be 24 hours long or years at a time. Some as simple as mild irritations or they can be debilitating. For however long and for whatever it is, one thing is for sure...God's grace will take us through it one day at a time. AMEN!!! God is faithful and His promises are true, and kept!

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live." Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 

I have noticed the wonderful ebb and flow even between my Husband and I over the nearly 18 years we have been married. It never fails that when one of us is going through a stressful time in life, things seem to be steady in the other's and he/she is able to give "more than" for a bit of time. Of course, there are times when he is the source of the stress in my life (or like wise for him) and what a blessing to have friends to encourage, support and help with love.

And it goes both ways in any realtionship. When one of the partners, whether marriage or friendship or even co-workers, there will be times when one person will need an extra measure of grace, mercy, compassion as they walk through "whatever." There are many different ways we can minister. A simple meal can seem like a golden feast to an exhausted person. When we walk through a tough day, our energy seems to hit all time lows and the thought of making a meal, ontop of the house, work and the kids can nearly push us over the edge of despair. Sure, they can call Domino's for a delivery or drive thru a fast food restaurant, but I could also just double my family's dinner recipe and drop it off as a blessing to their family. I could spend the day cleaning my house or helping a hurting friend clean hers. When I pick up groceries, it's easy to grab a needed item for my friend as well. Giving does involve sacrifice of self. It doesn't mean giving up self, but giving from self, funneling God's love to another.

I have been so blessed by those who have stepped out with a meal, running an errand, help with the other kids and met a practical need for me when I have been sick or one of my children were. Most often it was the simple phone call with a caring, encouraging voice on the other end to lift up the spirits!

Sometimes the simpliest forms of ministries is just loving simply. Not that we don't love everyone equally, but we cannot be best of friends with everyone we have ever met. We ought to love everyone with the Love of Jesus. Some are harder to love than others, sure. Each person placed in our life is for a reason. Maybe it is for them or maybe it is for us, or maybe both! Maybe becuase of our relationship with someone, it touches another person's life. Ministry happens where Love is. Loving others happens when we step out of our normal, self-revolving routine and step into the lives of others. Of course we should pray for each other but we are also called to be His hands and feet here on earth.

Next time you feel discouraged, look around you. God has given you extra measures of love and grace to carry you through. Look past the giant waves. Blessings will come in a million different forms from provisions, change of circumstances, timely, loving words, new friendships, and strengthening of seasoned friendships. When things are great, it seems every one is our friend but when times get hard, here is where you find the strength of those who are willing to continue to stand by you in the valley. Not everyone is "that" kind of friend. The friends who last the longest in the dessert are the ones who drink of the same Living Water as you. God supplies all that we need when we need it, in good times and bad, and that includes companionships.

During the last "season from Hell" I went through, I had never felt so alone and although I am blessed to know many wonderful and Godly people and have a family, including in-laws, that love me...I had never felt so lonesome. When I found the courage to cry out for help, I could count on one hand the number of those whom I felt would still love me, accept me and support me through this very painful and embarassing time in my life. God has blessed me with wonderful, Godly Sisters in Christ!! I am so very blessed. Over the years, their faithfulness and acceptance and encouragement have meant so much to me. It has been out of this overflow that I am then blessed to love, support and encourage another in their time of need.

We are not called to meet every person's needs, there would be no way even if we wanted to. Our broken world is full of pain. We serve a mighty God who has unlimited resources. Each of us are equipped with our own gifts and abilities to use in the Kingdom. We are called not to do every thing for every one. We are called to do our part. If we each covered the path He set out for us individually, imagine the amount of territory that would be covered?! Our lives would no doubt intertwine with one another's, making a strong cord of two or more gathered in His name!


We will love everyone but we will love everyone differently. And each person that we love, even that love will change in form as the seasons change. One will need more in the ebb and flow.

Life is our training ground~ God is training us to know how to be more like Him and Love Him and He is training us to share His Love with others. We are never to stand still. We are never to be self-sufficient or absorbed.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:1-2

Your life is not about getting what you want. It is loving God and loving others. Maybe the squeeky wheel does get the grease. When something is squeeking, it's needs our attention. That doesn't mean that all other wheels become unimportant, it just means that for a while, this squeeky wheel needs our extra love and attention for a bit. And it could very well become you favorite wheel because for a second, you thought you might loose it; therefore, all wheels seem to be a little more special and appreciated too.

Love God. Love others. Do not take advantage of the fact that there is always "next time." Do not love less, love differently, each according to their needs. What a joy to share His Love for the seasons!


Thanking God for not being a Seasonal God, but a God for all seasons.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind....

 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and

continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—

he will be blessed in what he does. "    James 1:2-6...22-24



HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!!

What an amazing year we made it through! For me, 2010 was a year of blessing and love. I'd do it all over again!! As I look ahead to 2011, I can honestly say I have absolutely NO IDEA what God has planned with me. I don't know if this is just me, but I usually know what's generally ahead, be it real activities that will be planned out throughout the year, or the emotional journey of being totally excited or dreading an upcoming season, knowing some good and bad will be dealt with and spiritually, I most often have sense of what is being work on, refined or a new level I am headed towards,.....but not this year. I am a planner and right now, I am not seeing "The Plan!!!!" "The Planner" wants A Plan!!!

Day One of 2011 began with tears of joy and tears of sadness. I have no idea what 2011 holds for me with God. I feel almost as if I have on a blindfold and by faith, I can only enter each day as if it was a door to be opened. Sounds kinda faithful and courageous, but I promise you that is not how I feel. I am trusting Him completely to work all things out for the good (Romans 8:28) and yet, I am nervous, or maybe it's anxious. Or maybe I am anxiously excited!? I don't know.

This January, I will be leading a bible study here in my home, actually in a few weeks and although I know God has handed this opportunity to me, of which I am honored to have been asked, I do not yet have the curriculum. The Planner is getting anxious, a bit nervous in my flesh, but my spirit is calm and trusting. I am not confident in my ability to lead, teach, encourage or help but I am confident that God will lead, teach and encourage through me...despite me. I am nothing, just merely a vessel. Of course, I must trust, take a "risk", have faith in His abilities, not mine.

I know, I know. I hear myself telling this to myself, " Self, there is nothing God asks you to do that He will not equip you to do. Keep trusting Him and do not worry about it. It will be okay."

What it comes down to is the lack of control. We want everything to be planned out on the calendar. We hope to have just the right amount of money saved up for the thing we need to get this year, only for something else to happend causing us to dip into that saved amount. We want our jobs to go smoothly, raises to be given and respect shown. We expect our children to be perfect represenatives of their family. We pray for a surrounding of amazing friends who will keep intouch, look past our flaws and love us forever.

There is no control with "risks". Every day and every thing has risks involved. Activites get cancelled, finances can quickly come and go, jobs can be stressful or worse-lost, children will misbehave and talk back, and some seasons will be lonely. All things involve risks.

Even walking with God.

When we choose salvation in Christ, we choose to follow Him~ dieing to self, letting go of control, not knowing what lies ahead. It is no longer about controlling ourself, it is self-control in the Spirit. Handing over complete control of my imperfect self to a perfect God. I'd much rather He lead than I lead. Who am I to know where He is taking me? I don't. I have gone through seasons where I can clearly see the process, peeling back one layer at a time, knowing which layer we were working on and seeing which was next. I am learning about trust this New Years' and as I attempted to figure out the impossible, I realized I it was a waste of time for how can I know the plans of God? He knows the plans for me. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I am much better off taking a risk with God than with myself. He knows me better. He loves me more than I love myself. Who better to trust than He? With risks, I think the fear arises because there is an unknown outcome. Why do we get bent out of shape? Because we are anticipating failure in some way. If we had hope and believed in a favorable outcome, then we would gladly take the risk. So, when we hand ourselves over to a perfect God, loving Father, The Rock and Refuge, Ever Lasting Lord....will I believe in Him? Will I look forward with hope, by faith that He is going to lead me beside still waters through valleys and mountaintops in 2011? Will I risk my human failure, my feelings, in order to gain rewards and blessings?

One of my mentors in the faith taight me the concepts which are so very true~without pain, how can God be Comforter? Without the heartbreak, sadness or anger, how will we understand Joy and Peace? Without trials and failures, how would we understand Grace, Mercy, Compassion.

Maybe this is what 2011 is for me...a year of "risks." I actually don't think it should be called a "risk" with God. In the human-sphere, yes, going into an unknown is a "rick." With God, it's "faith." Maybe a year of strengthening my faith, gaining courage and going past comfort levels is coming...it's here! Alrighty then...if God is for me then who can stand against me? I will trust in the Lord. I will work out my salvation. I will stretch and build my physical, emotional and spiritual muscles.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. " Hebrews 11:11

Each year carries it's highs and lows. The unpredictability is what should be keeping us clinging to the Lord over all, the Creator and Establisher of all things. May the Love we have from God be the glue that binds our faith and hope close.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible,the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 11:15-17

What leads you?

Today's devo:" The more completely you devote yourself to Me, the more freely you can love people....Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with my Presence. ENJOY THE ADVENTURE OF FINDING YOURSELF through LOSING YOURSELF in Me."

Isn't that the truth. It is only through God's love that we are able to love others, especially certain "others." Our human love only wants to love what or who we like and distance ourselves from what we don't. We have don't love "them" for lots of varying reasons (aka: excuses). We are afraid of being hurt, betrayed, judged, condemned~just to name a few.

Probably more often then we realize, we allow fear to direct us where to go, how to go and even if we go. Rather, we should follow after Love, in Love and love through Love's lead. When we let go of the fear and trust God, this adventure called life's journey becomes a path lined with blessings vs. chaos. No, being a Believer does not exempt a person from experiencing heartache but you can be sure that when Love resides within you, you will have access to peace, joy and comfort through any and all trials because "all things work together for the good for those who love Him."

Two years ago, I did not enjoy the adventure of losing myself. It was frightening, lonely and torturous. I feared losing control. I feared being judged and condemned. Through this process, through desperation, I let go. One lesson at a time, one day at a time and frequently...one breathe at a time...I surrendered to God. I completely devoted myself to His will and eventually....to His way.

In this process where I felt something was taking me away, I was losing myself without control or permission which terrified me, today, I marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with His Presence. I ENJOY THE ADVENTURE OF FINDING MYSELF through LOSING MYSELF in His Love.

I trust God. I do not trust myself. For a long time I didn't like losing myself. I really thought I was alright. As I reflect two years later, I was not okay. I feared love. Fear lead my way. Today, God used others to love me freely and through their prayers, mentoring, bible studies, timely words and encouragement, He showed me what it meant to love freely so that I in turn would learn how to live out my faith, showing me what it looks like to enjoy the adventure. Love leads today.

Self control is good...it's a fruit of the spirit, but do not mistake self-control and self-controlling. Won't you allow God to control you. Remember, He created your adventure just for you. No one's journey will be the same. So it would be wise to follow His lead, losing yourself to Love.

As the new year approaches, would you take a step back and reflect at yourself? Who are you? What are you made of? Do you allow your human spirit to lead~be it good, bad or down right ugly? Can you loose these things and receive God's beautiful, purposeful, refining love? You are filled with the spirit, therefore, favor, acceptance, joy, peace, glory fills you. You are God's temple. Can you let go of you (your likes and preferences) and surrender to a life intertwined with His Presence, absent of fear?

Marvel at His love. Marvel at His ways. Do not live out each tomorrow controlled by fear. Enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Love's arms. You will surely find God!

God Bless You in 2011!!! It's a new year and today is a new day. Love today!

Michele

Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. Luke 7:33

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Going Home

Cancer has taken friends and family members. Accidents have taken friends. Times of crisis make us want to be taken. No matter how it happens, there comes a day when we no longer walk on this land. Following the Christmas season of birth, and a recent loss of life and a personal season of crisis, the conversation is fresh in my heart. With the hustle and bustle of each day, life gets overwhelming. What are we doing? What are we here? We are here for a reason, not simply to work, play, have good and bad days, be happy and sad, then die. Full schedules and demands of life pull us into repetition and endless cycles of exhaustion. Sometimes we wonder if the hamster wheel of life has any meaning at all.
Opposite of our birth-date, our death-date is not a hot topic and yet it should be. We are not going to live forever. Deciding where we will live, raise our family, work are important decisions but even more so is the decision we need to make of where will spend eternity. It is our choice. One day, we will be moving on and only God knows how and when.
I imagine God's outstretched hand, a Gentlemen's gesture of leading the way, and my hand will join with His and a new walk shall begin as He escorts me Home. When this day comes, there will be nothing left of me but my legacy and my stuff. It makes you think about what you will leave behind on "That Day." Are there words that need to be said in love and/or forgiveness? Is there that one thing you wish you would have made right? Did you share all the love you had with those God strategically placed on Your path? Family, Friends, Strangers?
This place of land and sea is not our Home. We are citizen of Heaven if we are Believers and this is simply our temporary dwelling place, placed here with purpose and intent to one day return back Home. For those who choose not to fulfill their purpose and reject God's love offering in Jesus Christ, it means living all eternity in Hell, for the only way to Heaven's eternal resting place is through Jesus Christ.
There are not Do-Overs in life. You are born, you live one day at a time until God says you are done! We are not merely existing, searching for the next greatest accomplishment. We spend so much of our time working, gaining, sacrificing precious time and energy for "stuff." I wonder if Jesus sent an email just to let you know He would be returning back in a week if any of those things matter anymore. What would you change on your calendar? What would you do more of or less of? You and I have a purpose. When we surrender to the will of God in our life, we represent a moment by moment, day by day trust in the One who plans our steps despite how we feel. Be anxious for nothing!
As I reflect back even today on my life, there are plenty of Do-Overs I wish for. Since it is impossible to go back in time, I recognize I have the opportunity here, today, to change my attitudes, my behaviors, my stuff, my legacy. Have I been the perfect Mom every day for 14 years? No, but I did my best. I have I been the perfect Wife for 18 years? No, but I did my best. Have I been the perfect Christian for 24 years? No, but I did my best. Have I been the best Friend I could? No, but I did my best.
No one is perfect, other than God, and we all know that. However, He instructs us to do all things in excellence, to be holy as He is holy. All we can do is all we can do. If we trust God with our life, we must allow Him to lead us through it in word and deed, serving how He says to serve, loving others with His love and encouraging others towards Him. This is the legacy we leave behind. What mark on this world am I leaving? What treasure am I storing up in Heaven that moth and rust cannot destroy?
As a Mom~ will my children know how much I love them? Did they not just hear me say it every single day, but did they believe it? Did they see it in my love for them as I took care of their needs, their aches and scrapes. Did they recognize the twinkle they put in my eye when they hugged me and said "I love you Mama." Could they feel my heart leap with theirs? Will they recognize my song or my laugh in Heaven? In their spirits, could they feel my prayers as I laid my hands on them and prayed over them? Will they remember my instructions, wisdom and training as I shared my walk with the Lord? Will there be any doubt how much I loved them? Even when they got a "No" or a "Sorry, that is my decision", did they rest safe knowing I was not rejecting them, but protecting them. Did they trust me? Do my children know my heart? My spirit? There is not enough money in the world to prove love or express value.
Most importantly, do they know how much Mama loved the Lord and how much He loves each one of them? Did they see my worship? The greatest gift, legacy I can leave my family is knowing that Mama loved Jesus deeply, so very much and she showed them how to love Him back.
Will Friends, Neighbors, Strangers notice something different  about me? Did they see the peace I had in crisis, the trust and hope in adversity, joy regardless of circumstances? Do they know that they were loved, forgiven, and accepted by a loving Father? Was I a blessing or burden? Was it clear that my intent was always pure and good? Was every encounter weak or ordinary or did they see God's extrodinary power despite my own efforts? Was His Light evident or did my skill and hard work get all the credit for something accomplished?
When I take my last breath and the Lord grabs hold of my hand, will this earthy path bear the marks of a Christ Follower who left a legacy of Love? Will those who knew me take comfort knowing I have gone Home to the place I have longed for with my greatest Love and Best Friend? Will His Peace and Love be the blessings of legacy for future generations on my little patch of earth or did I leave a debt to fear and unbelief? May they know without doubt, all my heart was His and I lived to worship Him in every part of my being, as imperfect as it was, His grace was sufficient at all times. With my first breath and after my last, all that remains is faith, hope and love, forever and ever, amen.

Father God,
There are so many things I wish I was better at in this life. There are things I wish I wouldn't have said or done, but what is done is done. God, help me to let go of all the "stuff" and hold on to living and leaving a legacy of You.You hold each of our breathes; therefore, who am I to know what is best for today, or what I can wait and do "when I am good and ready?" You, God, know the number of my days. With Your eternal calendar insight, Father, I am asking You to lead me day by day. I desire to rest in Your presence, learning to function in Your grace and not my strength.
Help me accomplish today what You need done. Guard and strengthen my faith to trust You and hope for Your best. As I walk about my day, show me how to effectively and purposely minister to my family, my friends, strangers, the Kingdom. Quiet my mind, rest my soul and sync my spirit with Yours.
There is nothing I want to do better than to Love You Jesus, to receive Your love and embrace Your acceptance of this pitiful human fleshness. The more I love You, the more I desire to serve You and the more I serve You, Your love is multiplied through the overflow, and in that overflow blessings arise. Dry soil is replenished. Seeds are harvested and love continues on.
Help me today Father to follow Your straight, unwavering path marked out just for me. This is where You have me. This is my path, intertwined with the ones You intentionally cross with mine. I am asking for Your wisdom, discernment, courage, truth, compassion, boldness to fill my voids and mark my path, leading the way and leaving the way to Your Eternal Home. When the path before me looks frightening and too long, capture my thoughts and help me trust You, knowing "all things work for the good."
May all those left behind me, see my footsteps, and when they follow them along the path, may they be led to You, the Most High, Loving God, Beautiful Savior, our Redeemer and Gracious Father.vGuard our hearts and minds to be kept by You.
You, O Lord, are all I need. Till the day I see Your hand grabbing mine, they will be lifted to You. I love You Jesus, Father God. Lead me, protect me in Jesus' name. amen.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

The "BFF" Friend

A friend of mine is patiently and courageously undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for her cancer. I could not even begin to imagine how much this is affecting her physically, emotionally and spiritually...and not even just for her but for her family, and surprisingly, each of us, her friends. Who knew that your friend's illness could touch your life too?

From a friend's perspective, you cannot imagine how you would respond or feel if something tragic were to happen to a loved one. When the difficult news arrives, you can count on being affected. Your relationship with that friend will change, practically/physically, emotionally and spiritually. You have a choice, you can either walk away or walk with. For me, I have found myself to be a person who walks with. My Mom was a nurturor and care-giving type, so I get that from her for sure. It's almost as if God lights this little fire under your booty and you cannot help but jump up! For the family in crisis, it is out of necessity that they must join forces, work as a team to get things done. The mentality is different. Family must learn how to function amongst their crisis. Friends must learn how to minister to the friend in crisis. (Worthy and enough for a whole another blog, but I will say this:)

Practical changes are realized when the calls for a last minute run to grab a morning coffee or enjoy a spontaneous lunch in town turn into runs to the store for meds, groceries, supplies, doctor appointments and prepared meals brought over for the family. Before, it was easy to overlook the toys scattered on the floor, clothes in secret places, not-so-delicious food discoveries in the couch cushion and a game of tic-tac-toe possible on the dust lined shelf. It didn't phase you, until now. Now, you see the toys, the dust, the clothes and your heart goes out, your hands and feet want to get busy. No judgement, but compassion. Practical help. The Giver cannot give unless the Receiver receives. Do you know how to give? Do you know how to receive? There will come a day when you will experience both. God is kind.

Emotionally, speaking for myself personally on this one~crisis changes you, in ways you like and ways you don't like. In my season of crisis (not comparing to this friend's great challenge), my emotions went from controlled and predictable to all over the place, as if they had their own way about them. I tried to remain focused, calm, hopeful, happy, positive and yet it didn't always work out the way I wanted. I found myself angry, thankful, discouraged, strong, weak, scared, safe, exhausted and desperate....all in an hour's time! There is such a gift in a timely word. I had friends who would call at just the right time in my day with encouragement, prayer, distractions, and counsel. Seeds of much needed nourishment in a desperately desolate land. God is Gracious.

Spiritually, oh the journey He takes us on. When we are the one in crisis, you can easily feel overwhelmed with all the mounding decisions that need to be made, medications taken, activities and responsibilities delegated out, etc. You know God is near and yet there are those lingering moments that you wonder "Is He going to rescue me today?" "Will He stay with me to the end of this?" The answer is YES! His promises are true and it becomes a great blessing and necessity for the family of God to surround this loved one, praying without ceasing, revealing and speaking truth into their heart, mind and spirit. I would even go as far as to say it is our responsibility to encourage one another, pray without ceasing and love without ending.

What a blessing, honor and privilege to stand in the gap for another. Prayer is a powerful tool. God listens. It is not always warm and fuzzy. I have felt such great heaviness in my chest when I have prayed for a burdened Sister in Christ that it ached. I have felt my heart literally leap for joy in good news shared and victories won and sink in the weight of a situation. The more we ask God to use us He will. His family should help us put on our battle gear when war breaks out in our life. God is Refuge.

Won't you ask God to use you to bless another, to stand for and with them? To help them believe until they do for themself? With God's help, it is not about anything you can or will do for them. Just be that vessel. We cannot possibly know what it is their spirit needs, so we must just be available. He may call you to pray, help, feed, or simply be there. God is Merciful.

(If you are the one in crisis, and you feel as if you are alone and you do not feel like you have any one near to help you, pray and ask God for help. He cares for you and He will provide for you. He will be that BFF you are looking for. He will send you rescue, peace and comfort. Be patient. Be strong and courageous.)

My friend is one of those people that says what they mean, charges ahead full speed with life and you don't have to wonder what she's thinking cuz she tells ya! Although she is still that same girl on the inside, her outside is painfully different. Her weight has changed drastically, the way she must eat, the many limitations she has due to lack of strength and energy. And yet, on the inside, she is still one strong and courageous woman of God! God is our Rock.

Recently I was blessed to have the honor to pray over her with a few close friends. Many of us have brought meals and given support with practical needs, including taking up love offerings to help offset the mounding medical bills, but to pray with and for your friend....that's a blessing.

Because of the location of her treatments, it has caused her to loose her voice. She is able to push out a strong whisper however. As we asked her for updates on how she was feeling, how was her husband doing, the kids...she would get out a few words and then signal to her closest friend, we'll call her her BFF to finish for her. Her BFF had been at her house each time I had stopped by, so it is evident that she has been a strong, caring and consistent support for our mutual friend.

With just a look or a gesture, the BFF was able to communicate on behalf of our friend with detail. From info on the treatments, medications, her family, her needs, her fears, her prayer needs, the BFF just knew. This only happens one of two ways: either she had written down all the Q&A's for the BFF or the BFF had spent so much time caring for her, that she simply knew. She knows the needs. She sees the needs. No doubt tears and laughter has flowed between them back and forth.

My heart left so full. What a blessing to pray for another, and even more so to witness tender-loving care between two people. I also recently witnessed this between a husband and wife as he cared for her as she underwent a double mastectomy. The look in their eyes towards each other, of deep care, sincere love, steadfastness, concern, hope and strength...you could see it and feel it in the room. They deeply trusted and depended on God's help and strength through each other. (Ok, that was a little warm-fuzzy, I must admit!!)

I am blessed to have been a part of witnessing such beautiful displays of real love. Love for another. What a reflection of God's love for us. That deep sense of compassion, strength, comfort, security that He gives us when we are in His Presence. A dear friend of mine reminded me of God's rod and staff, comforting and leading us through the valleys. What Peace to know He goes before us.

Just as my courageous friend and her BFF shared such a strength and closeness of familiarity between each other that is a result of time spent together, so it is between us and our Father and Friend. The more time we spend talking with Him, sharing our moments with Him, taking Him wherever we go, allowing Him to share the tears in sorrowful hours as well tears of rejoicing that come with each milestone crossed..until we cross that finish line and God says we have completed the race, He will walk with us hand-in-hand, sharing our walk as we approach the gates of Glory.

God wants to be your BFF. Have you been talking to Him about your day? Did you tell Him about the time you felt hurt, pain or grief? Did you thank Him for the favors, gifts and blessings He placed in your day today? He wants to hear from you. He is there. By the way~ He knows your thoughts before you, so it's not like you have the ability to hide from Him. He is all-knowing, all-seeing and all-loving! His grace is more than enough. God is Sufficient.

He will meet you right where you are.

Seek Him.

Trust Him.

Be still, rest in Him, and let Him give You the rest.

Be joyful always;  pray continually;  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not put out the Spirit's fire; I Thess 5:16-19

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thess 5:11

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18

Thank You Lord Jesus, Abba Father for Your tender-loving care. You are more than sufficient to meet any need we encounter today. God, thank You for the favor and blessings You have placed in our day, our week, our heart, our spirit. Today, we just thank You for Your Presence that will never forsakes us, is never disgusted, or exhausted. Your love endures forever, praise You Lord Jesus!

With a grateful heart, I thank You for the privileges you give us as Family of Your Family, to be able to share burdens, tears, heartaches, anger, temptations and at the same time, be encouraged, strengthened, inspired, and lifted up in Love, Your unexplainable Love. Thank You for the workings of Your hands and feet here on earth. Help us to recognize, see and feel it within our souls. Help us to receive Your love so that in our overflow, we may receive the blessing of being Your hands and feet as Giver of tender-loving care for another who needs Your strength, courage and Love.

God , draw us close to You and never let us go. Loosen our grip on any temporary thing we are holding on to and tighten our grip on Your Rock Eternal. Receive our Praise. Help us to receive all of You. In Love's precious and beautiful Name, Jesus, amen.

It's Harvest Time. You Ready?

Recently I was reminded of the Prayer of Jabez. I was thanking God for increasing my territory to include the zip code of precious friends and then I feel like He showed me something. It has been a long time since I have read Prayer of Jabez (the book) so I know my thoughts may not be the same as what is taught, but God showed me something else.


After going through a very difficult and refining (felt more like a plowing season) season in my life, I could not imagine keeping this to myself. I believe that what we go through is not purely for our own benefit but God intertwines our lives through others, mixing up the batch of harvest seeds. God had and has done such a mighty work in my life that I simply cannot contain Him.


With fear and faith, I prayed, "God increase my territory. Let me touch other's spirits and share hope and Your Love." I literally imagine more land, area, numbers, to help me spread the Word and Love of God to more women/people. Increase my circle of influence.


But this morning He spoke something into my spirit, it was a beautiful "ouch." The Lord said, " I want to increase the terrirtory in your heart where I reside. Increase My borders." Ohhhh.....ouch. My heart's knees just fell, Forgive me Lord.


The more and more God increases within us, the further our strength, courage and faith carries us out to share hope and love with others. We don't need more people to cross our paths, we need more of God so that our overflow spreads further. We are already standing in a depleated land full of hurting hearts and souls.


Sigh.....................................gentle God, so lovingly revelaing the areas that need truth.


This was just my revelation for me and I pray God gives you His personal revelation in this area for you as well.


I pray that within each of our refining processes with Him, we would be open and willing to allow Him to increase His borders within our guarded hearts so that as we learn to trust Him, we will also begin to increase the borders for "other love" ~His love sent to us from others.


It amazes me, at least true for me, that we allow a handful amount of people who have hurt, betrayed and devestated us to ruin it for the hundreds more that are in our life to love us. I have been asking myself this for a while now as I work on trusting others and letting them in. It is a challenge. I have been blinded long enough. His Light always exposes the darkness. To be honest, I am tired of letting those few have that on-going confining power in my life. It's time to break free from the chains that lock me down! Faith must cut through one link at a time with scissors of Hope.


It can only be through God's love and trusting Him more and more, knowing He works all things for my good, I must trust Him with those He gives me and if I am hurt, He will heal. There is a reason He allowed it, something to learn from, as well as receiving the blessings of real love and being more than blessed through another, for there is something to be learned here too. No matter, He is in the business of growing us, sanctifying and refining us and if it takes pain or if it takes joy, all ways~glory to Him. I can open my heart and allow everyone in and take a chance on being hurt, or allow no one in and...still hurt. What are the odds of being hurt vs. blessed. Is it worth the risk to experience more of His love....


I pray your borders increase where He is. The bigger He is in you, the less you can contain Him. He is a Mighty Huge God, Creator of ALL the Universe...how much space are you giving Him within you? If He is mighty to give, are you ready to receive? Do you have enough space behind your mask or walls for gift placement? Today is a new day. Today is the day you and God can begin the process of preparing your soil to be plowed. It is Harvest Time! Are you ready?!


"That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then He told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  He who has ears, let him hear."


"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.  But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:1-9, 19-23 

Praise You Lord for Your patience and grace, moment by moment, in perfect portion to my need, for EVERY season!!! AMEN!