Jeremiah...
God used this man to present a message to a people who thought they were religiously sound. His message came and was not understood, considered, and became a mockery to society. "We are following the laws and using the name of God. How could we be doing anything wrong? Jeremiah is one man and must be crazy!" Poor people...as we read in chapter 7...Jeremiah is warning the people saying they will be destroyed...their entire way of life will be uprooted because of their idol worship. You would think they would have listened... maybe even taken a moment to think about it... but they did not because they were all following the rules set before them by Moses.
How easy it is when we read the Bible to look at the people in question and condemn. How easy it is to see what they have done and think we would have been different. Some of us can be at the same crossroads now. We go to church, we are in a small bible study group, we are serving, we give to the poor, and most important...we know how to speak of being blessed. There is no real heart, just mere robotic movement.
It reminds me of driving....Have you ever taken the same route so many times, you really don't even need to think about which road to turn on? That's what Jeremiah is talking about...going to church for the sake of going...using words without emotion behind them, and the rest of the week, following the things of the flesh.
When we live our lives, we need to include God in every part...not just reading about HIM, going to church and being blessed....Our lives need to be a complete reflection of God. Our purpose in life is not just to raise and teach our children, but rather to seek and fulfill Gods will. For each of us, the picture varies....but the main goal is the same....seek Him and allow HIM to lead us on the journey.
So what are you doing today?
Are you just following along, doing what you think every "Christian" should do?
Or are you truly seeking HIM, making following God and sharing the Gospel your life's purpose?
If you are just following rules and have lost your passion, just start reading and praying more.
If you forget to pray (like me... :0)...), then write a note on your hand, put a string on your finger, or draw a heart with a sharpie on your hand to remember how much God loves you and how HE longs to hear from you... start to rekindle the fire you once had or you desire to have from your Father in heaven...
He loves you!!
He has never left!!
HE is waiting for you!!
I am praying for you...
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Sunday, June 30, 2013
God's words for me this morning...Keeping Our Eyes open
I recently had this dream...
I was being given 3 magazines; one was about animals, the other about money, and not sure about the other. They were great magazines and I had bunched them up to buy them. The person said I will give them to you for free. My shock for these magazines since they were expensive. I remember questioning, "FREE?? REALLY?" It was at that moment the person held the magazines by the ends and said an awkward statement, "Well that should be enough to keep your eyes open." As I stood there staring at the hand of this man I noticed he was holding the edge of the magazines allowing just the corner to peek out. And I began repeating the strange statement...enough to keep my eyes open...
As the days draw closer to the calling of those who have put their trust in Jesus, the message of being ready will be ever increasing. Many things will begin happening the Bible says in Matthew 24:6-7: "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.." Many of these things have been going on for year; wars, famine, disease, plague. But, during the last season prior to the Lord's return it will be ever increasing.
The funny thing is, everything in life seems normal. Life is continuing on. But if we take a step back, and look at the amazing occurrences happening in our world today....The earthquakes that are larger than they have been and so close together. Some experts say the "Big One" could happen at any time. Famine has poured out across the world. I have read of some countries putting rations on food while other are without so they have begun making dirt cookies and they have become the new staple in the marketplace. Disease and illness are everywhere. The new statistic for people to die because of cancer in America is 1 in 3. Financially, our country is working on loans and does not have enough money to keep itself afloat. We are depending on other large countries like China to help us remain in business because America's economy is the backbone to the global economy; if we go bankrupt, the world will as well. Such sad news. And the worst is we have not even scratched the surface to the true problems we face in our society today. This is just a general view.
What now?
Are your eyes open?
Can you see this happening?
Can you see the despair in people's eyes?
Can you see everyone grasping onto things that bring them happiness because they have no hope in anything else?
Do you see people desperate for a change?
God has said in HIS word all this will happen. But we often ignore. We can explain all these events as acts of nature. But what is it really? The world is keeping us so busy...we can barely keep our eyes open to what is really happening and accepting the world's reasons for all these events. The truth is we are going down a dead end road. A road that is leading us to the world's total destruction.
It has been said that the person with the most toys wins...But I ask you...what does it matter if we can't take anything with us when we leave this life? Should we keep our eyes so focused on financial status, academics, employment title, that we fail to see what is happening? Are we keeping our eyes open for the spiritual things happening all around us?
Sometimes I find myself looking at my own situation so closely, I fail to keep my eyes open looking at the bigger picture. I just see what's in front of me, which is usually laundry! I become so involved in my own situation that looking out and thinking about our coming Savior seems unfathomable. Daily schedules and maintaining some type of order in our home becomes such a daunting and time consuming task, I often find myself not truly praying, or reading HIS word with a passionate heart, rather out of duty. My eyes are not really open but rather squinting. God wants our eyes open and our ears listening to HIS word, to the truth of HIS love. Matthew 11:15 says, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!" We need to read, hear, and understand not out of duty, but out of love.
Keeping our eyes open and our hearts ready to hear and understand the truth of God's word, understanding those who have put their hope in Jesus will be raptured. But if you are just doing the minimal, making the Christian life a routine, are you keeping your eyes open? If you are just waiting until this season of life is over and then you will start to go to church or begin to read your Bible, or pray more regularly....Are you keeping your eyes open?
I challenge you today to not just do the minimal; just enough to keep your eyes open. Dive in, wholeheartedly, making your eyes wide open to see HIS truth unfold. God does not want you to miss it!
I was being given 3 magazines; one was about animals, the other about money, and not sure about the other. They were great magazines and I had bunched them up to buy them. The person said I will give them to you for free. My shock for these magazines since they were expensive. I remember questioning, "FREE?? REALLY?" It was at that moment the person held the magazines by the ends and said an awkward statement, "Well that should be enough to keep your eyes open." As I stood there staring at the hand of this man I noticed he was holding the edge of the magazines allowing just the corner to peek out. And I began repeating the strange statement...enough to keep my eyes open...
As the days draw closer to the calling of those who have put their trust in Jesus, the message of being ready will be ever increasing. Many things will begin happening the Bible says in Matthew 24:6-7: "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.." Many of these things have been going on for year; wars, famine, disease, plague. But, during the last season prior to the Lord's return it will be ever increasing.
The funny thing is, everything in life seems normal. Life is continuing on. But if we take a step back, and look at the amazing occurrences happening in our world today....The earthquakes that are larger than they have been and so close together. Some experts say the "Big One" could happen at any time. Famine has poured out across the world. I have read of some countries putting rations on food while other are without so they have begun making dirt cookies and they have become the new staple in the marketplace. Disease and illness are everywhere. The new statistic for people to die because of cancer in America is 1 in 3. Financially, our country is working on loans and does not have enough money to keep itself afloat. We are depending on other large countries like China to help us remain in business because America's economy is the backbone to the global economy; if we go bankrupt, the world will as well. Such sad news. And the worst is we have not even scratched the surface to the true problems we face in our society today. This is just a general view.
What now?
Are your eyes open?
Can you see this happening?
Can you see the despair in people's eyes?
Can you see everyone grasping onto things that bring them happiness because they have no hope in anything else?
Do you see people desperate for a change?
God has said in HIS word all this will happen. But we often ignore. We can explain all these events as acts of nature. But what is it really? The world is keeping us so busy...we can barely keep our eyes open to what is really happening and accepting the world's reasons for all these events. The truth is we are going down a dead end road. A road that is leading us to the world's total destruction.
It has been said that the person with the most toys wins...But I ask you...what does it matter if we can't take anything with us when we leave this life? Should we keep our eyes so focused on financial status, academics, employment title, that we fail to see what is happening? Are we keeping our eyes open for the spiritual things happening all around us?
Sometimes I find myself looking at my own situation so closely, I fail to keep my eyes open looking at the bigger picture. I just see what's in front of me, which is usually laundry! I become so involved in my own situation that looking out and thinking about our coming Savior seems unfathomable. Daily schedules and maintaining some type of order in our home becomes such a daunting and time consuming task, I often find myself not truly praying, or reading HIS word with a passionate heart, rather out of duty. My eyes are not really open but rather squinting. God wants our eyes open and our ears listening to HIS word, to the truth of HIS love. Matthew 11:15 says, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!" We need to read, hear, and understand not out of duty, but out of love.
Keeping our eyes open and our hearts ready to hear and understand the truth of God's word, understanding those who have put their hope in Jesus will be raptured. But if you are just doing the minimal, making the Christian life a routine, are you keeping your eyes open? If you are just waiting until this season of life is over and then you will start to go to church or begin to read your Bible, or pray more regularly....Are you keeping your eyes open?
I challenge you today to not just do the minimal; just enough to keep your eyes open. Dive in, wholeheartedly, making your eyes wide open to see HIS truth unfold. God does not want you to miss it!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Waves & Unwantd House Guests
Have you ever wanted to go away?
I always joke and tell everyone, "Right about 9am every morning when i realize what God has asked me to do..." Everyone laughs and we go on joking about the million of impossible things we do before breakfast each morning.
But really, are there ever moments where you start to question God and what HE was thinking when HE called you to do what HE has asked you to do?
I am here more often than I would like to admit.
When these alone and desperate times come; they hit me like a wave.
The wave you look at and think you can jump over it, quickly realizing as you are almost drowning, your perception of the wave was wrong. Now you are stuck with lungs full of water, almost throwing up sea water, embarrassed that you thought you could make it, and hating the beach, wishing you would never even see it again!
These times normally come when I have big spiritual changes or big life changes.
I start to panic, then my buddy, overwhelmed, decides he is going to come and stay for awhile. Followed by his friends exhaustion hopelessness. This is the time I should take a time out and really pray. But sometimes, I forget about that and keep trying to kick my unwanted house guests out on my own. They never leave because they are overpowering and bring more friends like desperation, depression, and loneliness. This is about the time my heart feels like it is going to stop. I literally feel like I am dying inside. This is when I shut down. All thoughts and living stops. I can't do much because my house guests have eaten up all my food and have run up my electricity and water so high, I could not pay the bill, and now they have shut off my service. Bummer...
At this point...I have no fight left in me.
This is when the final guests arrives attacking me physically. It feels like a small troll takes residence on my chest, beating it every now and then to remind me of his presence and domination.
Unwanted house guests have taken over, they have trashed my house, they have turned off all my utilities, and now I am starved along with my family because they emptied my frig.
UGH...I hate when life gets to this point of despair.
Have you been there??
Are you there now??
Now I know not everyone is as lucky as I am; to have raving house parties with party crashers like my little troll beating on my chest like Tarzan. Not everyone can have their not so very nice friend depression eating away at every emotion you have, replacing them with false feelings of sadness, despair, or anger. But everyone does have uninvited guests, and whoever they are, the sooner they leave, the better life will be for everyone in your home.
So how do we avoid unwanted house guests all together?
Pray
Not just little prayers....I am talking down on your knees praying, offering your praise & petitions up to the Lord. I find when my prayer life is lacking and when I am whimsically praying, my heart is not truly focused on the Lord, on HIS desires for me, on HIS blessings of life, salvation, etc and I get stuck trying to make life happen all on my own. This is when I end up forgetting to lock my back door and those pesky house guests sneak in.
Read
Read HIS Word. EVERYDAY! I am not saying to do this because I am the amazing Holy Momma who reads everyday at dawn. Yes, I often miss my quiet time because I overslept, or the day was packed and time slipped away from me. It is vital to our souls to fill up with spiritual food. When we don't eat a meal, how do we feel? How about a full day of meals? Even more so for our spirit! It craves spiritual food daily. So feed your soul! Not only does it keep your soul full but it also keeps our perspective focused. We can see reality, and the enormity of the situations of life, and will be ready to take a few steps back if need be to avoid drowning. It keeps our eyes focused on our FATHER in heaven and HIS hand reached out to us; rather than trying to jump over this wave we clearly will not be able to get through without a helping hand. Acts 15:31 says, "And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message." HIS word brings encouragement to the believers living in a sinful world; a world not our own. I NEED HIS WORD DAILY TO BE ENCOURAGED! How blessed are we to be able to read HIS word! If you don't understand bits and pieces, don't lose heart. Just keep reading and the Holy Spirit will minister to you because HE is faithful to the faithful... 2 Samuel 22:26
Share
So often we are the embarrassed half drowned person on the beach. So why are we pretending we are well? Why do we sit there, pulling a lobster out of your suit while throwing up sea water, and telling everyone we are fine? WE ARE NOT FINE! We are dying inside! Lets start asking for help! Ask people for prayer! Tell people a wave just overtook you! Share with people your house is messy and you need some help cleaning up! God never made us to be on our own people!! HE made us to have partners. This is why HE made Eve for Adam, Sarah for Abraham, sons and daughters to be cared for and learn from their parents. HE created the family so they can take care of their elders. HE created tribes of people so they could live in groups and build their own communities and take care of one another. Yet here we are, on the beach, alone. Or we sit in our trashed house alone with a handful of uninvited house guests, and no strength left to throw them out. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." When we ask for help from a friend, we are partnering with a fellow believer, who will help us to watch out for those overwhelming waves and remind us to lock our back door so the enemy cannot sneak in.
Also, don't limit your friendships to merely a prayer life preserver. Start to dig deeper in your relationships. Seek out things to pray over specifically with friendship; being more candid about who you just let in your home....whether it be depression or sadness. Begin to rejoice together! Truly rejoice! Let your heart sing with gladness! Don' hide it and be reserved! Begin to create a community of friends around you who will support and encourage you, and you the same for them. Let us be who God intended us to be; passionate bond servants of Christ, overjoyed about life, friendships, and dedicated to a life of service and love in our community!
So...after this wave hits you, and you pray, read, and share, does this mean those pesky guests will pack up and go right away? Sometimes it is a process. We must get away from the feeling of sitting on the beach of life, hating every moment, and get ready to jump back in the water. There have been times this has taken longer than I wanted it to, but the truth of God's word has helped to encourage me and the Holy Spirit within gives us all we need to get up and try again. It has never been an easy process but God has always been faithful. I am happy to say that the little troll has never taken on a permanent residence on my chest. And I have been back in the water of life, catching the waves.
I encourage you today...draw closer to God. Ask HIM to handle all those impossibilities for you. Ask HIM to remove your unwanted house guests. Ask HIM to give you the courage to jump back in the water. HE is always waiting, with HIS hand held out to you...
Bless You!
I always joke and tell everyone, "Right about 9am every morning when i realize what God has asked me to do..." Everyone laughs and we go on joking about the million of impossible things we do before breakfast each morning.
But really, are there ever moments where you start to question God and what HE was thinking when HE called you to do what HE has asked you to do?
I am here more often than I would like to admit.
When these alone and desperate times come; they hit me like a wave.
The wave you look at and think you can jump over it, quickly realizing as you are almost drowning, your perception of the wave was wrong. Now you are stuck with lungs full of water, almost throwing up sea water, embarrassed that you thought you could make it, and hating the beach, wishing you would never even see it again!
These times normally come when I have big spiritual changes or big life changes.
I start to panic, then my buddy, overwhelmed, decides he is going to come and stay for awhile. Followed by his friends exhaustion hopelessness. This is the time I should take a time out and really pray. But sometimes, I forget about that and keep trying to kick my unwanted house guests out on my own. They never leave because they are overpowering and bring more friends like desperation, depression, and loneliness. This is about the time my heart feels like it is going to stop. I literally feel like I am dying inside. This is when I shut down. All thoughts and living stops. I can't do much because my house guests have eaten up all my food and have run up my electricity and water so high, I could not pay the bill, and now they have shut off my service. Bummer...
At this point...I have no fight left in me.
This is when the final guests arrives attacking me physically. It feels like a small troll takes residence on my chest, beating it every now and then to remind me of his presence and domination.
Unwanted house guests have taken over, they have trashed my house, they have turned off all my utilities, and now I am starved along with my family because they emptied my frig.
UGH...I hate when life gets to this point of despair.
Have you been there??
Are you there now??
Now I know not everyone is as lucky as I am; to have raving house parties with party crashers like my little troll beating on my chest like Tarzan. Not everyone can have their not so very nice friend depression eating away at every emotion you have, replacing them with false feelings of sadness, despair, or anger. But everyone does have uninvited guests, and whoever they are, the sooner they leave, the better life will be for everyone in your home.
So how do we avoid unwanted house guests all together?
Pray
Not just little prayers....I am talking down on your knees praying, offering your praise & petitions up to the Lord. I find when my prayer life is lacking and when I am whimsically praying, my heart is not truly focused on the Lord, on HIS desires for me, on HIS blessings of life, salvation, etc and I get stuck trying to make life happen all on my own. This is when I end up forgetting to lock my back door and those pesky house guests sneak in.
Read
Read HIS Word. EVERYDAY! I am not saying to do this because I am the amazing Holy Momma who reads everyday at dawn. Yes, I often miss my quiet time because I overslept, or the day was packed and time slipped away from me. It is vital to our souls to fill up with spiritual food. When we don't eat a meal, how do we feel? How about a full day of meals? Even more so for our spirit! It craves spiritual food daily. So feed your soul! Not only does it keep your soul full but it also keeps our perspective focused. We can see reality, and the enormity of the situations of life, and will be ready to take a few steps back if need be to avoid drowning. It keeps our eyes focused on our FATHER in heaven and HIS hand reached out to us; rather than trying to jump over this wave we clearly will not be able to get through without a helping hand. Acts 15:31 says, "And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message." HIS word brings encouragement to the believers living in a sinful world; a world not our own. I NEED HIS WORD DAILY TO BE ENCOURAGED! How blessed are we to be able to read HIS word! If you don't understand bits and pieces, don't lose heart. Just keep reading and the Holy Spirit will minister to you because HE is faithful to the faithful... 2 Samuel 22:26
Share
So often we are the embarrassed half drowned person on the beach. So why are we pretending we are well? Why do we sit there, pulling a lobster out of your suit while throwing up sea water, and telling everyone we are fine? WE ARE NOT FINE! We are dying inside! Lets start asking for help! Ask people for prayer! Tell people a wave just overtook you! Share with people your house is messy and you need some help cleaning up! God never made us to be on our own people!! HE made us to have partners. This is why HE made Eve for Adam, Sarah for Abraham, sons and daughters to be cared for and learn from their parents. HE created the family so they can take care of their elders. HE created tribes of people so they could live in groups and build their own communities and take care of one another. Yet here we are, on the beach, alone. Or we sit in our trashed house alone with a handful of uninvited house guests, and no strength left to throw them out. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." When we ask for help from a friend, we are partnering with a fellow believer, who will help us to watch out for those overwhelming waves and remind us to lock our back door so the enemy cannot sneak in.
Also, don't limit your friendships to merely a prayer life preserver. Start to dig deeper in your relationships. Seek out things to pray over specifically with friendship; being more candid about who you just let in your home....whether it be depression or sadness. Begin to rejoice together! Truly rejoice! Let your heart sing with gladness! Don' hide it and be reserved! Begin to create a community of friends around you who will support and encourage you, and you the same for them. Let us be who God intended us to be; passionate bond servants of Christ, overjoyed about life, friendships, and dedicated to a life of service and love in our community!
So...after this wave hits you, and you pray, read, and share, does this mean those pesky guests will pack up and go right away? Sometimes it is a process. We must get away from the feeling of sitting on the beach of life, hating every moment, and get ready to jump back in the water. There have been times this has taken longer than I wanted it to, but the truth of God's word has helped to encourage me and the Holy Spirit within gives us all we need to get up and try again. It has never been an easy process but God has always been faithful. I am happy to say that the little troll has never taken on a permanent residence on my chest. And I have been back in the water of life, catching the waves.
I encourage you today...draw closer to God. Ask HIM to handle all those impossibilities for you. Ask HIM to remove your unwanted house guests. Ask HIM to give you the courage to jump back in the water. HE is always waiting, with HIS hand held out to you...
Bless You!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Life is an Adventure
Life always seems to be an adventure with a new bend and twist around the corner. I can't wait to see whats on the other side of this situation. Sometimes it is something that brings us joy or heartache, but either way, the Lord is stretching us, shaping us, breaking, us, and healing us, all to become more like HIM.
But I don't always view it that way!! Come on' I am human!! How easy is it to be involved in a car accident and jump out and praise the Lord right away while you are looking at your trashed car?!?!? It takes a moment for you to gather yourself together and then you change your perspective as you recognize that you are not DEAD, and that the other dirver is not, and that maybe it is not as bad as it oculd have been. This is a moment when you recognize that OUR FATHER in heaven is bigger than the car you hit, and HE has been watching over from you since before you were born.
Does it feel good to be broken? NO!! I have never broken a bone but my brother has and it was incredibly painful for him as he healed. The same as our Father breaks our pride, or when He allows us to fall, He wants us to get back up so we can learn that scrapes, bruises, and breaks heal. He desires for our will to strengthen so in the future we will not be broken by the same situation, we will have learned from the times in the past that He is our strength and rock that we can depend on. Praise the Lord for HIS security as we go through this amazing adventure.
But I don't always view it that way!! Come on' I am human!! How easy is it to be involved in a car accident and jump out and praise the Lord right away while you are looking at your trashed car?!?!? It takes a moment for you to gather yourself together and then you change your perspective as you recognize that you are not DEAD, and that the other dirver is not, and that maybe it is not as bad as it oculd have been. This is a moment when you recognize that OUR FATHER in heaven is bigger than the car you hit, and HE has been watching over from you since before you were born.
Does it feel good to be broken? NO!! I have never broken a bone but my brother has and it was incredibly painful for him as he healed. The same as our Father breaks our pride, or when He allows us to fall, He wants us to get back up so we can learn that scrapes, bruises, and breaks heal. He desires for our will to strengthen so in the future we will not be broken by the same situation, we will have learned from the times in the past that He is our strength and rock that we can depend on. Praise the Lord for HIS security as we go through this amazing adventure.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms....
What things make you smile?
What things bring joy to your heart just by looking at them?
For some it could be a candle, a cup of tea, a good meal, delicious smells. I have several: seeing my kids laughing together, roses or a note from my husband, a clean house....But today, its cherry blossom trees. I have always wanted to have some in my own yard but have never had the opportunity. When i see them along the road, for some reason their fresh color and simple beauty warms my heart. These simple things in life help me to remember what is important and who is in control. I needed that today.
Some days, we have a difficult time just trying to breathe. It feels like the enemy is no longer throwing arrows as the scriptures reference to, but rather nuclear bombs; wrenches in your well oiled machine. This week I had a certain amount of time and about a thousand tasks on my list prior to the end of the week. The pressure grew day by day, as I realized my checklists were remaining unmarked and the days were flying by. So here we are now, when my checklist should be in the trash because it should all be done, and in reality, I am still working on day 1 and it is day 7.
I would like to say, I looked at my checklist and gave it over to the Lord, reevaluating daily, and making adjustments where necessary. It would bring me joy to say that i stopped and remembered the new changes I have been making in our schedules and lives this past week, and that it takes time to transition through the changes. I really wish my relationship investing, teaching, tining, and foundation building took precedence over my lists. Honestly, today it didn't.
My morning today consisted of a few hours of freaking out over spilled milk and sticky floors, dirty laundry on the sofa, and dirty bathrooms. After attempting to use my microwave that broke 2 days ago and realizing I will need to use the stove to cook breakfast, a morning full of tantrums and time outs from my little 2 year old, trying to finish up some schoolwork, trying to find some clothes that fit, and put my face together so I don't look like a zombie, I am brought to a place of insanity that is indescribable. My heart ends up in this place often; a place of total chaos and panic. It is in this horrible dark and lonely place I begin to question the hidden pockets of my heart and find even more feelings of condemnation and utter failure.
Ugh....I hate this place. It is painful and emotional. In this crazy place; fear grows and overtakes me. I end up missing out on the simple joys of life. Anger out pours from the depths of my wicked flesh and I take it out on everyone around me.
Sitting in a comfortable chair, munching on a family size bag of potato chip, fighting back the tears while trying to keep my mouth from saying words that will tear down all who are around me is where my heart was this morning. "Lord, how did I get here? And how do I get out of it? Where do i turn now? back to my lists?" The questions begin to flow and my emotions rage and this is when I discover the only anecdote for my sickness; time. I need time to refocus. I need time to hear from my Abba Father. I need time to praise HIM for life, children, a home filled with stuff I enjoy to use, a dirty home because it means people were enjoying life while making things dirty. Then begins the fight; if I take the time, my lists will remain unchecked and may actually never be completed. That's when I look up from my chair and see cherry blossoms. My favorite tree! God reminds me how much HE treasures me by putting this tree right outside my kitchen window so i can look at it while i do dishes, schedule my life, and make new lists. HE has put this tree there so i can always remember HE loves me and desires for me to be filled with joy through all stages of life; big or small. HE reminds me HE is always in control. HE comforts me by gently putting on my heart: if I never complete my checklists, I am not a failure. I have chosen to put things which are eternal ahead of this temporal life; relationships and the ministry of family.
The real problem is, in this face paced world, who has time? We never have the time! Our world keeps spinning so fast that merely holding on so we don't fly off into outer space takes all our effort and focus. Trying to really read and study HIS word or taking time to sit is just not an option for most people these days. But this is one place where God shows how real HE is. When we take the time and become obedient; looking to HIM for our issues, HE rewards with peace. He hears us, and grants us with... guess what.....more time!! He grants us with clarity of mind and a calm heart so we can tackle so we can gain an eternal perspective and let go of the things that hinder us from truly trusting and leaning on HIM. HE gives us discernment so we can recognize if those things on our checklist were things that really needed to be done anyway. Because sometimes, these things we allow our selves to be consumed by end up not being what we need to lay our focus on.
Here is where I am at, taking time to sit next to my son while he watches a movie. I stopped my lists for a time to write as God had instructed so i can encourage you to make time and enjoy the cherry blossom tree HE has put in your yard to remind you of HIS live for you! As I reevaluate my lists, gather my coupons, and prepare for the weekend duties I have with the household, church, lesson planning, friends, I am going to start looking to my cherry blossom tree. Enjoying its fresh pink color while watching the buds blossom and remember when I am always looking at my lists I will be looking down; missing out on the things that make my heart sing when I look up.
What things make you smile?
What things bring joy to your heart just by looking at them?
For some it could be a candle, a cup of tea, a good meal, delicious smells. I have several: seeing my kids laughing together, roses or a note from my husband, a clean house....But today, its cherry blossom trees. I have always wanted to have some in my own yard but have never had the opportunity. When i see them along the road, for some reason their fresh color and simple beauty warms my heart. These simple things in life help me to remember what is important and who is in control. I needed that today.
Some days, we have a difficult time just trying to breathe. It feels like the enemy is no longer throwing arrows as the scriptures reference to, but rather nuclear bombs; wrenches in your well oiled machine. This week I had a certain amount of time and about a thousand tasks on my list prior to the end of the week. The pressure grew day by day, as I realized my checklists were remaining unmarked and the days were flying by. So here we are now, when my checklist should be in the trash because it should all be done, and in reality, I am still working on day 1 and it is day 7.
I would like to say, I looked at my checklist and gave it over to the Lord, reevaluating daily, and making adjustments where necessary. It would bring me joy to say that i stopped and remembered the new changes I have been making in our schedules and lives this past week, and that it takes time to transition through the changes. I really wish my relationship investing, teaching, tining, and foundation building took precedence over my lists. Honestly, today it didn't.
My morning today consisted of a few hours of freaking out over spilled milk and sticky floors, dirty laundry on the sofa, and dirty bathrooms. After attempting to use my microwave that broke 2 days ago and realizing I will need to use the stove to cook breakfast, a morning full of tantrums and time outs from my little 2 year old, trying to finish up some schoolwork, trying to find some clothes that fit, and put my face together so I don't look like a zombie, I am brought to a place of insanity that is indescribable. My heart ends up in this place often; a place of total chaos and panic. It is in this horrible dark and lonely place I begin to question the hidden pockets of my heart and find even more feelings of condemnation and utter failure.
Ugh....I hate this place. It is painful and emotional. In this crazy place; fear grows and overtakes me. I end up missing out on the simple joys of life. Anger out pours from the depths of my wicked flesh and I take it out on everyone around me.
Sitting in a comfortable chair, munching on a family size bag of potato chip, fighting back the tears while trying to keep my mouth from saying words that will tear down all who are around me is where my heart was this morning. "Lord, how did I get here? And how do I get out of it? Where do i turn now? back to my lists?" The questions begin to flow and my emotions rage and this is when I discover the only anecdote for my sickness; time. I need time to refocus. I need time to hear from my Abba Father. I need time to praise HIM for life, children, a home filled with stuff I enjoy to use, a dirty home because it means people were enjoying life while making things dirty. Then begins the fight; if I take the time, my lists will remain unchecked and may actually never be completed. That's when I look up from my chair and see cherry blossoms. My favorite tree! God reminds me how much HE treasures me by putting this tree right outside my kitchen window so i can look at it while i do dishes, schedule my life, and make new lists. HE has put this tree there so i can always remember HE loves me and desires for me to be filled with joy through all stages of life; big or small. HE reminds me HE is always in control. HE comforts me by gently putting on my heart: if I never complete my checklists, I am not a failure. I have chosen to put things which are eternal ahead of this temporal life; relationships and the ministry of family.
The real problem is, in this face paced world, who has time? We never have the time! Our world keeps spinning so fast that merely holding on so we don't fly off into outer space takes all our effort and focus. Trying to really read and study HIS word or taking time to sit is just not an option for most people these days. But this is one place where God shows how real HE is. When we take the time and become obedient; looking to HIM for our issues, HE rewards with peace. He hears us, and grants us with... guess what.....more time!! He grants us with clarity of mind and a calm heart so we can tackle so we can gain an eternal perspective and let go of the things that hinder us from truly trusting and leaning on HIM. HE gives us discernment so we can recognize if those things on our checklist were things that really needed to be done anyway. Because sometimes, these things we allow our selves to be consumed by end up not being what we need to lay our focus on.
Here is where I am at, taking time to sit next to my son while he watches a movie. I stopped my lists for a time to write as God had instructed so i can encourage you to make time and enjoy the cherry blossom tree HE has put in your yard to remind you of HIS live for you! As I reevaluate my lists, gather my coupons, and prepare for the weekend duties I have with the household, church, lesson planning, friends, I am going to start looking to my cherry blossom tree. Enjoying its fresh pink color while watching the buds blossom and remember when I am always looking at my lists I will be looking down; missing out on the things that make my heart sing when I look up.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Found a cure for heartache
How is your heart???
Mine is having issues...I don't mean physically, but emotionally. This devastation from Hurricane Sandy, our election, world hunger hitting not just the world but now hitting here; in the US...My heart is just aching...
People are running around trying to store up food and emergency supplies for whatever may come next....
They are praising this new leader who clearly is a confised and self motivated individual who cares about his own concerns rather than ours...
We are in the worst financial crisis...almost equal with the great depression...
Hunger and homelessness are no longer a problem but becomig more like a lifestyle choice for so many due to the lack of employment, sufficient pay, and laziness of the American people who on another note...have chosen to be expecting and demanding of funds, goods, and services without adequate labor or effort...
Our children are suffering...they are growing up in a world where TV and teachers have become the parents for the majority and being a good parent no longer means disicplining but rather compromising....Where taking a stand for "moral" values has become a mere thought and a part of history as society is teaching our children to embrace a more liberal attitude; doing whatever feels right.
The natural disasters plaguing our world have been to difficult to bear...as people cling to the hope of man, and dependance on man's decent moral character....
How ironic when society is telling our children to do whatever feels right...
People remain without basic necessities and we hear from the media not to worry because man has it all under control...when another media source is revealing the worry and fear the people have due to the lack of resources and the time to wait for them is greater than they can bear.
Not to mention war....it is rampid...countries all over are in a constant battle for political gain, wealth, and power...people are dying every day...and yet...there is no end in sight...heartbreaking...
So...I ask you again...How is your heart???
You think possibly because these things are not under your control why bother to think about them? Maybe your life is peachy and although bad things happen...they are not happening to you; why consider any of this relevant?
Well...what about the new promise to increase taxes to pay for whatever the govt. deeems appropiate?
What about the secret plan of our health care system and how not only will your healthcare plan increase dramatically, but the threat to our freedom by inflation of insurance cost, due to penalties if you choose to not be a part of this new health care plan? What about the several thousand page document that uses your increased tax dollars to fund programs like chip development and placement within humans, secret abortions by minors, free abortions which would acutally be used as a new form of birth control, birth control to any individual asking for it despite their age, one man to be put in charge of the entire global economy if the world is in a crisis?
What about the massive debt we have incurred; putting several generations ahead of us in debt without hope of paying it down?
What about a country screaming tolerance and bulldozing over anyone who mentions the name of Jesus...Seems to me tolerance should be in all areas...
Is your heart aching yet??
The sad part is...I could continue on...writing pages of the current situations but my heart is sick and writing in agony over this world and their decisions, their lack of a need for a higher power...their desire to eliminate all morality and their confusion when they desire American people to take a stand and the youth reply, "How do we do that? We were never taught...we just go with the flow..." My tears are shed for our youth who are being lost in the madness our leaders and the world calls a "future"...
But I do have hope...
Hope in Jesus...
Hope in the one and only Son of God in Heaven...
He came down as a man by a plan from HIS father to take away this lack of better judgement, this lack of desire to follow down the path of righteousness, HE came to remove sin.
We are born into it from the time the fibers began weaving together, forming life in our mother's womb.
Jesus came, lived a perfect life, and was then ridiculed and tortured to death...
He then beat death and rose from the dead on the third day...
Only preaching God's message and how easy it is to ensure you have a place in eternity
By confessing with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, apologize for your sinful life, and believe in your heart that God raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved from an eternity of hell....the Bible describes hell as a place where there will be "weeping and nashing of teeth"....This is a place where God will not be with you because you have chosen the things of this world over HIM.
SO where is the hope...
It is in knowing that those who have accepted HIM and believe in HIM will be taken to heaven...
We will also live a life more abundantly while living here on earth because we will have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts; leading and guiding our steps as we learn to live for HIM and trust HIM with our lives...
My hope is heaven and a heart filled with joy despite the circumstance.
In a God who loves us everyday despite ourselves, and loved us so much while we were in sin, HE died to take away all our sin at our worst moment.
HE is preparing a place for me in heaven.
He left instructions for us which we can read easily in the Bible.
So there is my hope...
There is my answer for everything in life...
HE is my strength...
He heals my broken heart while reminding me to pray for those who are choosing everything else but HIM...
So...does your heart ache??
You now have the solution for repair...it is up to you to believe it...
I am praying for you...
Mine is having issues...I don't mean physically, but emotionally. This devastation from Hurricane Sandy, our election, world hunger hitting not just the world but now hitting here; in the US...My heart is just aching...
People are running around trying to store up food and emergency supplies for whatever may come next....
They are praising this new leader who clearly is a confised and self motivated individual who cares about his own concerns rather than ours...
We are in the worst financial crisis...almost equal with the great depression...
Hunger and homelessness are no longer a problem but becomig more like a lifestyle choice for so many due to the lack of employment, sufficient pay, and laziness of the American people who on another note...have chosen to be expecting and demanding of funds, goods, and services without adequate labor or effort...
Our children are suffering...they are growing up in a world where TV and teachers have become the parents for the majority and being a good parent no longer means disicplining but rather compromising....Where taking a stand for "moral" values has become a mere thought and a part of history as society is teaching our children to embrace a more liberal attitude; doing whatever feels right.
The natural disasters plaguing our world have been to difficult to bear...as people cling to the hope of man, and dependance on man's decent moral character....
How ironic when society is telling our children to do whatever feels right...
People remain without basic necessities and we hear from the media not to worry because man has it all under control...when another media source is revealing the worry and fear the people have due to the lack of resources and the time to wait for them is greater than they can bear.
Not to mention war....it is rampid...countries all over are in a constant battle for political gain, wealth, and power...people are dying every day...and yet...there is no end in sight...heartbreaking...
So...I ask you again...How is your heart???
You think possibly because these things are not under your control why bother to think about them? Maybe your life is peachy and although bad things happen...they are not happening to you; why consider any of this relevant?
Well...what about the new promise to increase taxes to pay for whatever the govt. deeems appropiate?
What about the secret plan of our health care system and how not only will your healthcare plan increase dramatically, but the threat to our freedom by inflation of insurance cost, due to penalties if you choose to not be a part of this new health care plan? What about the several thousand page document that uses your increased tax dollars to fund programs like chip development and placement within humans, secret abortions by minors, free abortions which would acutally be used as a new form of birth control, birth control to any individual asking for it despite their age, one man to be put in charge of the entire global economy if the world is in a crisis?
What about the massive debt we have incurred; putting several generations ahead of us in debt without hope of paying it down?
What about a country screaming tolerance and bulldozing over anyone who mentions the name of Jesus...Seems to me tolerance should be in all areas...
Is your heart aching yet??
The sad part is...I could continue on...writing pages of the current situations but my heart is sick and writing in agony over this world and their decisions, their lack of a need for a higher power...their desire to eliminate all morality and their confusion when they desire American people to take a stand and the youth reply, "How do we do that? We were never taught...we just go with the flow..." My tears are shed for our youth who are being lost in the madness our leaders and the world calls a "future"...
But I do have hope...
Hope in Jesus...
Hope in the one and only Son of God in Heaven...
He came down as a man by a plan from HIS father to take away this lack of better judgement, this lack of desire to follow down the path of righteousness, HE came to remove sin.
We are born into it from the time the fibers began weaving together, forming life in our mother's womb.
Jesus came, lived a perfect life, and was then ridiculed and tortured to death...
He then beat death and rose from the dead on the third day...
Only preaching God's message and how easy it is to ensure you have a place in eternity
By confessing with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, apologize for your sinful life, and believe in your heart that God raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved from an eternity of hell....the Bible describes hell as a place where there will be "weeping and nashing of teeth"....This is a place where God will not be with you because you have chosen the things of this world over HIM.
SO where is the hope...
It is in knowing that those who have accepted HIM and believe in HIM will be taken to heaven...
We will also live a life more abundantly while living here on earth because we will have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts; leading and guiding our steps as we learn to live for HIM and trust HIM with our lives...
My hope is heaven and a heart filled with joy despite the circumstance.
In a God who loves us everyday despite ourselves, and loved us so much while we were in sin, HE died to take away all our sin at our worst moment.
HE is preparing a place for me in heaven.
He left instructions for us which we can read easily in the Bible.
So there is my hope...
There is my answer for everything in life...
HE is my strength...
He heals my broken heart while reminding me to pray for those who are choosing everything else but HIM...
So...does your heart ache??
You now have the solution for repair...it is up to you to believe it...
I am praying for you...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Another Year...
In January of 2011, I began to pray over my word for the year. What word did I need to learn above all others? What word could the Lord teach me all that I need to grow closer to HIM. His answer....ENDURANCE.
Endurance is a funny word. I only thought it meant to trudge through the daily battles of life;
As I am beginning this new turn of events in life, I begin to wonder: what's next? We are constantly bombarded with life issues, leaving little room for any serious down time. Often times this leaves Rich & I (me more than him) overworked & tired. Yet each and every day we continue on; attempting to pick up our exhausted and worn bodies, and face another day.
Battling through life.....Yuck!
So, recognizing that has been my attitude and perspective for the past few years; I desired to have something different this year. I desired more passion and zeal for God. I long for a true love for HIM that could match no other. Most of all, I was in desperate need of changing this life of battle, to a life of joy, peace, and to finally live in a true and sweet relationship with God.
Endurance is a funny word. I only thought it meant to trudge through the daily battles of life;
As I am beginning this new turn of events in life, I begin to wonder: what's next? We are constantly bombarded with life issues, leaving little room for any serious down time. Often times this leaves Rich & I (me more than him) overworked & tired. Yet each and every day we continue on; attempting to pick up our exhausted and worn bodies, and face another day.
Battling through life.....Yuck!
So, recognizing that has been my attitude and perspective for the past few years; I desired to have something different this year. I desired more passion and zeal for God. I long for a true love for HIM that could match no other. Most of all, I was in desperate need of changing this life of battle, to a life of joy, peace, and to finally live in a true and sweet relationship with God.
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