I was given an opportunity to help with decorations for our church's upcoming Sportsman's Day event. Preparing has been exhaustingly FUN! You know what I mean? It's soooo fun but so much work! The JOY certainly has outweighed the "pain."
This morning, I was out scourering the woods searching for decorative pieces to use and in usual God-fashion as He seems to do with me, His visual child, He caused me say something that was obviously a lesson I needed to chew on as I was working. The most beautiful logs happened to be the trees, seemingly old trees that had long ago died. Their branches were full of texture and their color was a blend of greys and browns, simply aged perfectly. What I loved most was not only were they beautiful in color and years of twisting and turning had left them full of art-like designs....they were so delicate, it was easy to maneuver them, break them, carry them, to be able to use them for my project.
I said outloud, "Wow, it's soooo much easier to use these dead ones, than the live ones."
What a lesson of being "dead" to ourselves and alive in Him. Certainly if I died to myself, I have nothing to fight back with or resist, I can be easily carried by the One taking me.
It is only after I am exhausted, frustrated and plum worn out that I tend to take a step back and ask myself, "Why is this (whatever I am struggling with) so hard?" It is then that I realize I am working it myself, in my own strength, and sometimes even resisting. One of my issues is "staying in the moment," waiting and being patient. I tend to be a very organized planner, and I can be spontaneous, but I like to be prepared for "whatever!" God doesn't work like that in every way. He does tell us to be ready for battle, putting on our armor; however, we Go when and how HE says, not what we imagine or think and even attempt to prepare for. When we settle into our moment, it's amazing the peace and joy...AND ENERGY, flows through us. Not that everything is easy-cheesy-lemon-squeezy, but it's that inner strength, patience, perseverence and endurance flowing through.
I freely admit I am as equally easy-going as I am strong-willed! It's my Italian blood, or so I can blame anyway!! haha
Do you feel dead? If you have been saved you are ALIVE in Christ and have freely died to self, so if you don't feel dead, what are you clinging to? What "thing" are you struggleing for? God wants to be your Source, won't you allow yourself to be freely given to Him and allow Him to move you and use you on His planned project! He is the Potter and you are the clay.
The secondary lesson/application learned was the opposite is then true in spirit. Working this backwards, the truth is also, we are stronger when we are alive in Christ. When we are full of the Living, connected to a Living Source, we are strong. The more we pull away, the weaker we become. We may die a slow death or a quick one if we are chopped. (No need for theology debate here-once saved always saved, just referring to strength, ability to bear fruit and intimacy with our Father, NOT salvation.) A dead branch cannot bear fruit. The Master Gardner prunes His branches to they will have new growth.
In our flesh we are weak and yet we can make ourselves stronger by dieing to our fleshly desires. The closer we are to our Source of Living, The Lord God, we are refreshed, revived and alive. It is through the surrendering of self that God can most easily move us, mold us, lead us.
My hope for us as Believers~ may we daily die to ourselves, giving way of all control to be moved gently or abruptly for what God's purpose is for each of us, that we would trust that The Source will supply all our needs as we thirst after Living Water, and may we remain close to Him so that His strength will be ours, His joy will be ours, His love will be ours, His patience will be ours, His gentleness will be ours, His mercy will be ours and His goodness will be ours.
I hope you will dig through the familiar scriptures and ask Him to show you areas where you need to let go and die to self, becoming easily carried by Him. So that you may also feel alive and full....in your death.
John 15 & Isaiah 29
God, makes us faithful and obedient servants of Yours, not to ourselves or any other, but to You! In Jesus' name, amen!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
It was Him again!!!
What unexpected "fun" it is to serve a Living God! My Abba Daddy! My Very Best Friend! And also, My Disciplinarian.
Over the past several weeks, my spirit has been hypersensitive to issues of Trust. Therefore, my prayers have been centered around Trust. Am I trust-worthy? Do I trust myself? Do I trust The Lord my God? Songs, scriptures, and even conversations with others....and my two separate bible studies, have also penetrate my listening spirit as they relate to trust.
For those of you familiar with my relationship with God, you know that He is faithful to illustrate my lesson...a further confirmation that is where I need to be, tracking along in sanctification. I got my Trust Illustration yesterday.
For no particular reason, over the past several days, my 4 year old has been at my heels. My husband is also out of town, but not a real rare thing. Nothing comes to mind when I try to figure out why he is soooo clingy to me. The time of day does not matter. Who else is at home, does not matter. If I tell him I where I will be for the next few minutes, within the house/yard, does not matter.
If I run upstairs for something, within 30 seconds he is yelling, "Mom?!?!? Where are you?!?!" I even told him that I would be putting my laundry up in my room, or taking a shower for 15 minutes and he could finish watching his show and within minutes, he is upstairs looking for me. He has also asked me to take naps with him! This is just a sampling of the "on my heels." He acts as if he was left behind and traumatized from it last week, fearing to be forgotten.
Yesterday morning, he was playing in the bathtub as I took my shower (yes, same room and yes warm water and yes, about 3 inches deep). He enjoys playing even during the time I get ready and his little fingers wrinkle up like a raisin! He loves baths!! Knowing his recent issues with "separation anxiety" I was sure to tell him I was going to be right back, I needed to grab my phone next to my bed (15 ft on the other side of the door mind you). Just as I was returning, opening the bathroom door, he greeted me at full speed, dripping wet, with towel in hand. It was a COLD morning (the door was closed to contain our heater), and he had jumped out....WET!! This was CrAzY!!!! He has never done this before.
Quickly bundling him, I got down on my knees, and exclaimed, "What in the world are you doing Little Man?!? I told you I would be right back which I was, and you are perfectly safe." It was what came out of my mouth next that floored me....you probably already know, don't ya?! I stood up, with hand on my hip and said, "Don't you trust me?" Then, the rebuke came into my heart, spirit, mind...wherever "it" happens...as if an audible voice spoke it, I "heard" "He is just like you."
The night before, I had been talking with a friend, discussing how much my Little Man is just like me, similar in looks and personality and spirit. We talked about each of the kids and the similarities and differences of each one to my husband or I. So, when "it" came to me, it was significant as the "is" was emphasized. "He is just like you." Believe it or not, I actually huffed!!! Yes, an adult pout. What? Huh? Me? How am I like him relating to this repetitive, crazy, issue?
Well, it was clear. Trust. What God says in His Word, or through a divine Word, do I trust Him? It's not enough to believe it. We must trust it because we believe it. I believe God, now can I trust Him with what I know and believe? Having been betrayed a handful of times over the years, trust does not come easy for me to give. If we were all honest, I think most of us will admit that it is hard to walk through a trial or crisis, without questioning if God is still in control. "Surely, if God was God, He wouldn't allow this horrible thing to happen." This is our human logic as well as Satan's scheming to divert us from God's sovereign truth!!
The longer we walk with God and the more we know Him, with what we come to know about God, we could write in great lengths of His amazing grace, mercy and compassion for His children. He is a sovereign and loving God whose ways are not our ways. Our "why" is His way.
I wouldn't trade anything for the seasons of heartache and trials I have walked through in my life, although during these storms, my flesh and spirit battled of Who was actually in control of the situation. Trusting anyone is an area of weakness in me. Is God really there? What am I doing wrong? Only through His great, and I mean great patience with me, I have come to learn that God prunes us to bear more fruit (John 15) and He disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:5-7). He doesn't leave us to suffer, even though we can feel that way. Satan wants us to believe we are forgotten, planting seeds of doubt.
Commandment #1~ Love the Lord your God!!!!! With all you've got, love Him. Second, love others! When we fall deeply in love, our love deepens therefore our trust deepens. When we trust Him to be Who He says He is, we don't have to continue running back to Him in desperation, "soaking wet" in doubt, guilt, or shame. He is faithful, even when we are not.
Father God,
I bow my heart, soul, mind, heart, and spirit to Yours. Forgive my disbelief. Strengthen me in You. Help me surrender deeper, more completely to You alone. Not my will, but Yours. Shape my body, mind an soul, to one of courage, endurance and trust. I believe You Father, grant me confidence and passion to fully trust You. Bind Satan and his evil doers from their clever lies. Help me discern Your perfect will each day as I submit to You. I am Yours.
Thank You for blessing me with precious Brothers and Sisters in the faith who are beautiful examples of courage and love....and who are trustworthy persons. My spirit is sharpened by them. I receive tangible encouragement from them and thru them. I am blessed to be loved, help me to continue to receive Your love through them. Help me to receive Your love through difficult situations, things I don't understand. May my satisfied spirit overflow outwardly onto those who despite my flaws, can receive Your love through even me.
Thank You Jesus for loving me sooooo much more than I can wrap my brain around. Thank You for Your incredible patience with me each time I come running back in fear to search for You. Teach me to have a spirit of confidence, courage and rest in You. May my heels quit digging in and may they kick up and rest!! Sweet God, Enduring Friend and Loyal King over All. Praise Your Holy name, amen.
Over the past several weeks, my spirit has been hypersensitive to issues of Trust. Therefore, my prayers have been centered around Trust. Am I trust-worthy? Do I trust myself? Do I trust The Lord my God? Songs, scriptures, and even conversations with others....and my two separate bible studies, have also penetrate my listening spirit as they relate to trust.
For those of you familiar with my relationship with God, you know that He is faithful to illustrate my lesson...a further confirmation that is where I need to be, tracking along in sanctification. I got my Trust Illustration yesterday.
For no particular reason, over the past several days, my 4 year old has been at my heels. My husband is also out of town, but not a real rare thing. Nothing comes to mind when I try to figure out why he is soooo clingy to me. The time of day does not matter. Who else is at home, does not matter. If I tell him I where I will be for the next few minutes, within the house/yard, does not matter.
If I run upstairs for something, within 30 seconds he is yelling, "Mom?!?!? Where are you?!?!" I even told him that I would be putting my laundry up in my room, or taking a shower for 15 minutes and he could finish watching his show and within minutes, he is upstairs looking for me. He has also asked me to take naps with him! This is just a sampling of the "on my heels." He acts as if he was left behind and traumatized from it last week, fearing to be forgotten.
Yesterday morning, he was playing in the bathtub as I took my shower (yes, same room and yes warm water and yes, about 3 inches deep). He enjoys playing even during the time I get ready and his little fingers wrinkle up like a raisin! He loves baths!! Knowing his recent issues with "separation anxiety" I was sure to tell him I was going to be right back, I needed to grab my phone next to my bed (15 ft on the other side of the door mind you). Just as I was returning, opening the bathroom door, he greeted me at full speed, dripping wet, with towel in hand. It was a COLD morning (the door was closed to contain our heater), and he had jumped out....WET!! This was CrAzY!!!! He has never done this before.
Quickly bundling him, I got down on my knees, and exclaimed, "What in the world are you doing Little Man?!? I told you I would be right back which I was, and you are perfectly safe." It was what came out of my mouth next that floored me....you probably already know, don't ya?! I stood up, with hand on my hip and said, "Don't you trust me?" Then, the rebuke came into my heart, spirit, mind...wherever "it" happens...as if an audible voice spoke it, I "heard" "He is just like you."
The night before, I had been talking with a friend, discussing how much my Little Man is just like me, similar in looks and personality and spirit. We talked about each of the kids and the similarities and differences of each one to my husband or I. So, when "it" came to me, it was significant as the "is" was emphasized. "He is just like you." Believe it or not, I actually huffed!!! Yes, an adult pout. What? Huh? Me? How am I like him relating to this repetitive, crazy, issue?
Well, it was clear. Trust. What God says in His Word, or through a divine Word, do I trust Him? It's not enough to believe it. We must trust it because we believe it. I believe God, now can I trust Him with what I know and believe? Having been betrayed a handful of times over the years, trust does not come easy for me to give. If we were all honest, I think most of us will admit that it is hard to walk through a trial or crisis, without questioning if God is still in control. "Surely, if God was God, He wouldn't allow this horrible thing to happen." This is our human logic as well as Satan's scheming to divert us from God's sovereign truth!!
The longer we walk with God and the more we know Him, with what we come to know about God, we could write in great lengths of His amazing grace, mercy and compassion for His children. He is a sovereign and loving God whose ways are not our ways. Our "why" is His way.
I wouldn't trade anything for the seasons of heartache and trials I have walked through in my life, although during these storms, my flesh and spirit battled of Who was actually in control of the situation. Trusting anyone is an area of weakness in me. Is God really there? What am I doing wrong? Only through His great, and I mean great patience with me, I have come to learn that God prunes us to bear more fruit (John 15) and He disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:5-7). He doesn't leave us to suffer, even though we can feel that way. Satan wants us to believe we are forgotten, planting seeds of doubt.
Commandment #1~ Love the Lord your God!!!!! With all you've got, love Him. Second, love others! When we fall deeply in love, our love deepens therefore our trust deepens. When we trust Him to be Who He says He is, we don't have to continue running back to Him in desperation, "soaking wet" in doubt, guilt, or shame. He is faithful, even when we are not.
Father God,
I bow my heart, soul, mind, heart, and spirit to Yours. Forgive my disbelief. Strengthen me in You. Help me surrender deeper, more completely to You alone. Not my will, but Yours. Shape my body, mind an soul, to one of courage, endurance and trust. I believe You Father, grant me confidence and passion to fully trust You. Bind Satan and his evil doers from their clever lies. Help me discern Your perfect will each day as I submit to You. I am Yours.
Thank You for blessing me with precious Brothers and Sisters in the faith who are beautiful examples of courage and love....and who are trustworthy persons. My spirit is sharpened by them. I receive tangible encouragement from them and thru them. I am blessed to be loved, help me to continue to receive Your love through them. Help me to receive Your love through difficult situations, things I don't understand. May my satisfied spirit overflow outwardly onto those who despite my flaws, can receive Your love through even me.
Thank You Jesus for loving me sooooo much more than I can wrap my brain around. Thank You for Your incredible patience with me each time I come running back in fear to search for You. Teach me to have a spirit of confidence, courage and rest in You. May my heels quit digging in and may they kick up and rest!! Sweet God, Enduring Friend and Loyal King over All. Praise Your Holy name, amen.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
All that matters
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.
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.
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
Monday, January 31, 2011
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
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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!
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
"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
Monday, January 17, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, January 10, 2011
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!
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.
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.
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
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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.
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.
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
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