Wednesday, May 16, 2012

2 ears ...

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15 NIV What causes us to sin and how to cure it? Bitterness was only one of three areas on which I'd like to focus on at the moment (because I'm a bit overwhelmed now!). For BITTERNESS is the one that touched my heart deeply. I had to look within to see what was causing my anger and critical spirit. Why was I not trusting that God's plan is best? Sin is what you do when you don't believe God's plan is adequate or best, is what I heard ringing in my ears. The cure for the sin sickened heart is THANKSGIVING, was emphasized. In Ephesians 5:3-4 we learn, that Paul told us the way to not sin is to give thanks instead. Also Psalm 103:2; Jeremiah 31:14; and Psalm 107:8. So I list my thankfulness within my heart and brain! These last six months I have allowed bitterness to grab hold of my heart. I knew the Lord was speaking to me but little did I know that He would call on me today to let go of the hurt and pain and focus on the joys. When conversations were misunderstood today or when hurtful words were hurled into the air, I recalled this THANKSGIVING and asked for the Holy Spirit's help. I'd love to tell you I passed with excellent obedience and flying colors but that would be the biggest lie ever. I failed miserably and will probably fail again. However, the Lord nudges me "dear child O' mine, I created you and with My help and My love this will be conquered also." (big sigh) Okay Lord, tomorrow ... My heart and brain reflects upon all the blessings (so many to recount!!) for God is good to me, even in my failings. Noting that tomorrow God's grace will light my way and with Him I can do all things (Phil. 4:13). 2 ears ... to help me listen twice as much and definately MORE than my mouth moves!!

Floor E Da = Florida

Well, we are here. On the other coast now. Unpacked, doing life, found a great church, go to the library weekly with baby, ... and life goes on in Floor E Da!! Had to put a few things in storage and haven't even touched all of THAT stuff yet. Sooooooo much to do and ... you know how it goes relocating. Different location, different dynamics ... and I remind myself to B R E A T H E

Monday, April 23, 2012

God's unmerited favor = GRACE

Grace is an amazing gift from God.
We can’t save ourselves or make us worthy of God. But God.
He arranged everything so that we can just receive his grace by faith in Jesus and be made right with him. Grace truly is God’s unmerited favor for all who are ready to receive it.
You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives. (Eph. 2:8-10, CEB)
Today I’ve been reminded that we need to receive grace daily.
Not just for our eternal salvation. But for our daily needs.
We can’t earn salvation but we can reject it.
The same way we can’t earn God’s daily help but we can reject it!
Let’s not put God’s grace in vain!
Let’s receive what God wants to give to us!
How do we do that?
Finally, let’s draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help. (Hebr. 4:16, CEB)

The same way we live in grace. By drawing near to God. By receiving grace upon grace.
By interacting with God. By asking and receiving help. By lifting up our gaze from ourselves and our problems to Jesus. By asking the Holy Spirit fill us and show us how to go about our lives.
By living out loud our faith in Jesus.

Dear Gracious God, Giver of all good gifts ~
Give us not only our daily bread but also our daily grace!
In Jesus’ name, Amen

psssssssssst ~ I know I am preaching to myself!! It's always me that seems to be slow in the go. KWIM?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Resurrection changes EVERYTHING

What difference does it make that Christ rose from the dead? It makes all the difference for everyone and everything throughout eternity! It is the single most significant, paradigm-changing, earth-shattering event of all time. Because He is risen, we can live with Him forever! The center of our Christian faith is knowing not only that Jesus, Son of God and God Himself, died on the cross to pay our sin debt, but that He rose again to give us eternal life. That is the heart of the Gospel, or Good News (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4). Christianity is unique among the religions because we serve a risen Savior! The leaders of all other religions are dead and there is no claim of their resurrection.

The list of appearances of the risen Christ is to dispel all doubt that He not only rose from the dead, but that He appeared in a resurrection body for more than 500 witnesses to see at different times and places (1 Corinthians 15:5-8; Acts 1:3).

The resurrection of Christ proves His deity (Romans 1:3). The resurrection of Christ completed the work God the Father sent Him to do; namely, as God the Son, to be the perfect, holy sacrifice that paid for our sins. When that was finished, He returned to His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 1:1-3).

The resurrection of Christ is essential for us to have eternal life and for our salvation (1 Corinthians 15:12-20). It is evidence that when God looks at each of us as believers, He sees not our sins, but the pure holiness of His Son who gave us His righteousness by taking on our sins (Romans 4:24-25).

The resurrection of Christ is the proof that He is the righteous Judge to whom all must give an accounting one day (Acts 17:31)

The resurrection of Christ is the reason believers have hope (1 Peter 1:3-5). All believers in the resurrection who, through faith, have accepted Christ as their Savior, are saved and are eternally secure in their salvation (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:33-39).

The resurrection of Christ is the reason believers can be confident in receiving glorified bodies at the Rapture and spending eternity with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4: 14-17).

Praise God that we serve a risen Savior! May the power of His resurrection inspire your daily life, secure your salvation, and guarantee your eternal destiny in Heaven as a child of the King! He died for you, and because He rose, you can live with Him forever! Trust Him today!

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

I saw the dead come to life today ... and was amazed, thrilled, elated (emotional to say the least) ... ALIVE in Christ. Never thought it would happen, and now to await it's fruitfulness!! Yay God

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

blah blah blah ... weary!

Weary...but...
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Ok ~~ But what happens when I AM weary, whether I like it or not? I ask myself this because I am weary!!! Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But I've found that some clarity comes from the later part of the verse ... "do not give up". I am not giving up.

"To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."
~~ Colossians 1:29

This I can do ... only be God's grace and His power that works within me. I know that my power will not ever work no matter how much faith I have ~ for it's not about 'trying' harder! But in my weakness that feels nearly overwhelming at times, I see God's perfect grace and love. I hear Him rejoice over me with singing, not because of anything I've done, but just out of His beautifying love. How great His grace. All is grace. Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me!

Harriet Crosby said "Simple gratitude helps us experience God at work in every moment of every day." LQQking for simple things TODAY!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Yoked and Un Burdened! I so wanna be that!!

Yoked but Unburdened ~~~~ I absorb and soak in Christ’s words in Matthew 11: 28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus invites us to rest in Him. But it’s not resting from life. It’s resting in life.

It’s resting from 'doing life' our way and learning to 'do life' God’s way. I fail at this often, DAILY even and make life waaaaay to hard for myself and the ones closest to me.

When we do it our way, our burdens wear us out. How often have I been totally worn out, frustrated,infuriated and just exhausted? Too too many times!!When we do it God’s way, we still have burdens. We even have a yoke.

But we’re yoked to Christ which means we can let the heaviness of the burden rest on His shoulders. Really? Seriously?? Lord, you want my junk and crap. It's ugly and heavy, very heavy and You want it?! Yes ... so then Lord, here please take it; help me learn how to do it Your way.

If you’re feeling weary and heavy burdened, go to Christ today and take His yoke.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

keep me in your heart!

 
Well, I've been missing a bit and I am so sorry. LIFE got busy with moving .. yes, moving from Coast to Coast. And it's just about here. Packing this week and heading out next week ...
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

facebook

 
I have shared this verbally over & over but it's worthy of a blog post. I HATE FACEBOOK. With that said, I know that I know that I know (understand?!) God has me on Facebook for Him. I've been apart of miracles, I've been able to pray at a drop of a hat. I've been able to be a part of things long distance and have seen the hand of God. So ... I facebook. Posting scripture is fun, blips & blurbs that you know some one else could use/need. So, what's your status? Is there a photo burning in your head? A recent photo and older photo? Places that you've gone?

Happy facebooking ~ leave me a note and just say hi!
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Sunday, January 22, 2012

LIVING & LOVING & LEARNING ...

 

From Romans ~ it's the way the apostle Paul lived, loved and learned .... me too THIS IS what I want!
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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Well, I'm in a funk ... and a bit bewildered. Angry ~ a tad! Sad ~ a LOT! and TIRED ~ I did something so out of character for me yesterday and it made my mind race all night as I heard things in the dark ALL NIGHT LONG. A few of my middle names are: sale, frugal, safety, organized ... but yesterday I threw safety out the window with the babies bath water and Uuugh! Deseparately, wanting to sell my home, ME ~ Mrs. be safe ALWAYS, let strangers into my home to tour without the assistance of a realtor. Don't beat me up ... I'm bruised enough from my own words!!
So ... re-focus ~ 2012 ...
First let's start off with OLW. One Little Word is the inpirational idea that Ali Edwards started. I love the challenge of finding a word to live by for a year. I thought I had my word but it just didn't feel like the right one. The more I pondered, thought, prayed ... it came to me = EXPLORE! I think that is the next step to take. Wellness was last year ... and what a craaaaaZy year 2011 was. So this year I am ready to EXPLORE! EXPLORE whatever comes my way. EXPLORE the journey this year will take me on. EXPLORE my new surroundings (if & when this house sells)! EXPLORE these emotions that trip me up ever so often ... yep it feels right!
Second, I have to confess. Pinterst in a full addiction. I find myself searching through pinterst any time I have a chance. Have you joined Pinterest yet? It is amazingly fun, full of inspiration...but fair warning highly addictive!
And Last, I have a project to share. I've been invited by Miss Kim to send a postcard weekly (YES, WEEKLY ... something of interest to me, her etc.) and I've taken the challenge!! So your input on interesting postcards, creative ones to possibly make would be ever so joyfully received. I've sent 2 and received 2! and YES it's the second week of 2012! Wondering what I might do with all of them at the end of this new year 2012. Happy 12 ... would love to hear from any of you ~ possibly a comment or two? and your prayers ~ for God to lead, and protect and to guide and for me to be obedient in this journey of life.

All because of Christ, m

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

{heart} broken ...

heart broken ... have you ever had a broken heart? If not, you ain't alive! It happens to all of us, for different reasons ~ a heart broken is a heart broken! And it hurts, hurts in different ways depending of who broke it, when and the capcity of the brokeness. And yet, we all want to avoid this ~ it can't be avoided. What I do know it that God designed ALL OF US (you & me!) for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 "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." So brokeness is apart of Gods design so that we realize the 'need' for Him, ~ a Savior, a Redeemer, a Friend, a Love, ... and that everything (that is pure, honorable, right, true) is beautiful for His glory. This tantilizng BIG world is beautiful, yet the worlds satisfactions are too small for any of us. We think "if I was richer, thinner, smarter, prettier, etc." my world would be fine (hunky dorie!) ~ NOPE. Why? I'll tell you why, as I am unpacking this one small verse ~ eternity ... the things of time and of this world WILL NOT, CANNOT fully & permanent satisfy. Time spent with a beloved (priceless), figuring out how to build whatever with someone (isn't about the project but the investment of TIME you've done with that person). What satisfies you? truly satisfies? Possibly a divine appointment that you know than you know (YES! I repeated that 2 times for emphasis) that only God Himself orchestrated to remind YOU of Who He is ... the Lover of your soul, your Friend, your Redeemer, your Savior, your All in All. And my broken heart ... God uses everything for His glory! Then Lord do it! His timing is NEVER late or in error. Okay, then Lord ~ Your will be done ever timely and perfectly. I know I'm preaching to the choir hear (I think I can even hear them sing!!) ... just searching for some, a tad bit of relief of my broken heart.

All because of Christ, m

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Gaining .... in 2012

This New Year GAIN something ~ why not try making recovery resolutions (positive words to get thru the day) rather than the same old New Year’s resolutions? Developing positive achievable goals ... "read more books, smile at everyone, experience JOY, interact more, LOVE ...using inspiring words, instead of numbers, to measure what appears on the scale. I’m gravitating and owning “EXPLORE.” What about you?

RESPECT, GLOW, JOY, CONFIDENCE, SPARKLE, SEXY, EXCITEMENT, JOURNEY, COURAGE, SATISFACTION, HOPE, MOJO, DRIVE, SHINE, PEACE, SPUNKY, RESOLVE, COMMUNICATE, PRIDE, GARDENING, CALM, FANTABULOUS, FUNNY, MOMENTUM
... just to name a few!!

I saw a commercial today from Special K encouraging a National Weigh In -


at first I was shocked and concerned. Then I watched further. This commercial encouraged women to “weigh-in” on a scale that says what they may want to gain this year. The scale read words such as satisfaction, joy, interaction, etc. What an amazing idea!! Why not stop trying to LOSE but rather work towards what we want to GAIN! Gaining ... in 2012!!!

Make a list of goals you want to achieve this year and focus on what you want to GAIN rather than what you want to lose. Your list may look something like this:

1. Spend more time with loved ones and developing authentic relationships
2. Practice listening to my body, what it needs for balance, health, rest, and nourishment.
3. Work on developing more insight and mindfullness in my daily life.
4. Read a good book
5. Take a great vacation
6. Go to the movies
7. Go for coffee with a friend ... Your list can be more specific, and you might even consider putting various interventions you would make towards accomplishing those goals!

Even, start a gratitude journal ... grateful DAILY for the simplest, even tinyest things!! Get help creating your list of intentions and what you want to gain! Get creative .. use the computer, magazines, crayons, markers ... use scripture to guide you, to heal you, to transform you and to GAIN in 2012!

Monday, January 2, 2012

listening ...after a TOTAL & COMPLETE meltdown!!!

“Listen to the quietest whispers of your mind. They are telling you the choices that will help you the most.”
~ Unknown

I’ve always had a temper, but with the Lord’s grace, I usually control it. But yesterday (of all days? really?? seriously??), the old ME raised her ugly head and reminded me she still wants control. TOTAL & COMPLETE ~ added stress didn't make it any sweeter just bitter!!

She’s does this occasionally, but this time I welcomed her for awhile. And wept, and wept ... I couldn't see straight!

I repented a lot afterward, and I was disappointed. I didn't know the old ME still had such power!

Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (NIV)

Yesterday was a reminder that I mustn’t let my guard down (NOPE, NEVER EVER EVER - oh and keep my mouth shut would be best!!). I must continually renew my mind, dwelling on God's Word (Colossians 3:16). When I do, the old ME never sticks around.

I think this is where I messed ME up, I've been reading through the Bible using Life Journey 2011 on my SmartPhone ... and yesterday, I had nothin' to read. Well, I had something to read, but did I? Nope!! Well there is my ME problem. Lord, will I ever learn this lesson. So .. onto a New Year to Explore. To Explore your Word, explore my world, explore some more!! And what I know that I know that I know ... to be grateful, gratitude OVER & OVER ... throughout all of my life. Will you join me? in a year of eXploring and gratitude?