tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302695769046169972024-03-05T08:25:16.342-08:00God Craft LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-88045166994861212782013-07-30T08:29:00.002-07:002013-07-30T08:29:52.805-07:00Converting to Wordpress!You can see my new Wordpress blog over at <a href="http://godcraftlife.wordpress.com/">http://godcraftlife.wordpress.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-12637089779375955502013-07-27T07:37:00.002-07:002013-07-27T09:03:31.853-07:00Beyond the Woods- Emotional healing and the Power of GodI have been linking up with <a href="http://creativechristianmama.com/weekend-whatever-link-up-79/">Creative Christian Mama at her Whatever Weekend link</a> up with my <a href="http://linda-healthjournal.blogspot.com/">Healthy Living blog</a>, but decided to link up from here today instead.<br />
<br />
So about a year ago I started with brokenness, went on to mending and now I feel like I am at a point where I am out of the woods of hurts and healing. Like I am on the edge of the woods, entering the clearing. Its different here because I feel stronger. I feel like I have a new beginning but I am a bit cautious. I step out and take a chance but a little leery to go out too far. Life sometimes feels like it will never change and sometimes I do glance back. Sometimes something comes up to bring its usual sting from the past but it doesn't debilitate as it once did.<br />
God has walked me through and brought me to this moment. He has held my hand. He has picked me up after I fell, too many times to count. When my heart hurt He was there whispering encouragement. Keep walking. Get up again. Keep going! His love carries us through.<br />
<br />
Really? After all these years, I can have a new beginning? At forty, suddenly life begins again?<br />
<br />
God answers "<b>Behold, I make all things new."</b><br />
<br />
<b>2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
</b><br />
<br />
Don't believe the lies that it's too late. That nothing will change. I just looked back on previous posts here on this blog and I see the progression of healing. I am overwhelmed by God's grace toward me. I am amazed by His overwhelming, unending love for me. It's the same love He feels for you. The same healing he offers to you.<br />
<br />
Here I am, I felt like it was too late, but yet God redeems the time. God redeems the time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creativechristianmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/WWButton2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5954 alignleft" title="WWButton" src="http://creativechristianmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/WWButton2.jpg" alt="" width="125" height="125" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-82909285055695733722013-07-13T10:04:00.000-07:002013-07-13T10:04:07.119-07:00God has to be my sourceGod has to be my source. He is my only strength and the one who justifies. I would be so lost without Him.<br />
<br />
Staff may judge me at work. Even after working with some for years, I realize they just don't know me. On the other hand I realize they are unable to think without negativity because they are not free. Once Jesus comes in and frees you, your mind becomes free also. You no longer have to be bogged down with the past.You no longer have to be confined by your disappointments and hurts.<br />
I am good as long as I keep going with God.<br />
<br />
<br />
Got this from<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TGIFTodayGodIsFirst"> TGIF, Today God Is First</a><br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-55328596266423632312013-06-30T08:21:00.000-07:002013-06-30T08:21:24.754-07:00God's guiding handMy apologies, I haven't written much here lately. God has me on a growing, and healing journey that has lead me to a promotion at work and one to get a handle on my health.<br />
I have been on a journey lately regarding my health and started a blog for it. That's where my time and energy has been spent recently. Well truth be told I had started the blog a while back but never did much with it until now. I have revisited and revised it.<br />
As far as my health it has been one step forward and three steps back. I learn something new each day and sometimes it feels as though I will never get a handle on it.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for God's leading. I am a little overwhelmed at the moment with my promotion and have to take things day by day. I am learning and as with everything, I really have to rely heavily on God to get me through. I will make it.<br />
God told me once that I would be doing more at my workplace. I was reluctant to believe it partly because I didn't really want the responsibility. As a manager I have to oversee the workings of the home, the workers and the clients we serve. I love the clients like family. They are the main reason I took the position.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I will get to a place where I will feel some semblance of normalcy and routine but so far at work and with my healthy eating choices its been trial and error. Nothing has been routine or normal.<br />
<br />
God's advice is not to worry about tomorrow, today is enough to deal with. That is why he only gave us one day at a time. We couldn't handle more. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-22255455586453963082013-04-11T08:37:00.000-07:002013-04-13T07:26:03.320-07:00Perfecting out hearts toward God -Our Weakness, His StrengthI have gotten behind on my reading of Mended. I will be catching up tomorrow.<br />
God has been good and is working in my life in different ways.<br />
<br />
This verse hit me this week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2 chron 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to
shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] <u><i>whose heart [is] perfect
toward him</i></u>...</b><br />
<br />
I had a friend say that our perfection is God's love in our hearts. It's not about us what we do or what we say.<br />
I had to minister at a convalescent home last week and I felt like I was just rambling but gave a little of a testimony on how God worked in my marriage. I felt like what I said was just ...eh. I didn't think it was all that powerful or significant what I said. and I was shaking like a leaf. I felt like a weakling and was a little embarrassed, but the person I do the ministry with said that she felt the anointing of God when I spoke. Which took me by surprise.<br />
It's funny how I perceived things and it turned out to be just the opposite. I think it's proof that the Devil wants to keep us feeling like we have no impact and no power as Christians. It's also proof of the verse...<br />
<br />
2 Cor. 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.<br />
<br />
It made me reflect on the verse from 2 chronicles again. Perfecting out hearts toward God to me means having that childlike faith. The type that has a quiet confidence in our Daddy God. The one that unquestioningly yields to God's authority, trusts in his promises, and just knows without a doubt that God is and the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. To know nothing but Christ (1Cor 2:2). Without pride in us, but proud of God and His strength.<br />
<br />
I remember working in childcare and overhearing kids boasting of their father's strength, intelligence, and ability to handle anything. " My dad is stronger than your dad" kind of boasting. That is the childlike faith in God, I am talking about.<br />
<br />
"I know my Daddy God can do it" kind of thinking is what he desires. Just read that 2 chronicles verse again. It says God searches to and fro for someone to have that kind of faith where God can prove His strength. Show Himself strong. It doesn't say that we have to show ourselves strong.<br />
<br />
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We aren't perfect but God is. We are weak vessels, but God... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-79893485296702386852013-03-28T07:23:00.001-07:002013-07-27T08:08:42.312-07:00Resisting the rewriteOnce again what God has been speaking to me about has been reconfirmed through different things. One being chapter 18 "Sketched" from the book Mended by Angie Smith.<br />
I was just writing in my spiritual journal about my always trying to control my life. I thought about how God refers to us as sheep and he the Shepherd. I have resisted that idea of being likened to a seemingly mindless and stubborn animal who doesn't know what to do or where to go without someone telling it what to do.<br />
I have considered myself to be a fairly intelligent person who has a creative knack for figuring things out. I am the one people come to when something breaks or they don't know how to work something. I just have this knack for figuring it out.<br />
So to think of myself in a way that says I can do nothing without someone else's help... well I guess it prickles in my pride side.<br />
I also have used fear as an excuse to try to do it my way. Cue Frank Sinatra.<br />
If I don't know what's ahead I tend to dig in my heels and resist the whole way.<br />
Stubborn. So yea a sheep! Bah Bah Bah!<br />
<br />
God has challenged me to a wrestling match of sorts for the last few years. I resist, I move in the opposite direction and only when He really hits hard do I stop to take a breath. Stubborn . Bah, bah!<br />
<br />
The rod and staff he carries can hurt quite a bit but the lessons don't sink in the first time around.<br />
I finally capitulated on Sunday at church and told God I would be his sheep. Then I read chapter 18. Reconfirming what God had spoken to my heart already.<br />
<br />
In chapter 18 Angie talks about trying to sketch her own life. She had
to go speak in my language. I love to draw, paint, crochet,etc ...If
it's creative I will try it. So this just jumped off the page for me.<br />
I have always been a dreamer and dreamed of my life and how I wanted it
to be. Perfect of course. Perfect marriage, perfect family...My sketch,
my dreams, my plans. Get the picture?<br />
<br />
Control.<br />
<br />
I talked before about God being the author and finisher of my life. I have never had control of my life I just wanted to feel like I did. I keep resisting, then God to do some serious editing, and I try to do my own rewrite again, more editing...<br />
<br />
Its a tiring cycle and it's time to hand over the pen. It's time to submit and give up my plans. It's time to admit I am just a sheep.<br />
<br />
"I just want to be a sheep, bah, bah, bah, bah!"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-38146018893863379682013-03-21T08:31:00.001-07:002013-07-27T08:35:25.529-07:00Meet Him at the shore of forgivenessThis week Chapters 13 an 14 spoke the loudest to me in the book<i> Mended</i> by Angie Smith.<br />
<br />
Peter was a man of action and tended to speak first and think later.<br />
Yes I am a good one to act like that. I have put my foot in my mouth too many times to trust myself to speak my mind first thing. I tend to stay silent and not say anything at all, or until well after the fact when it's not relevant.<br />
There were many times that I have acted first and suffered the consequences for it later. Like Peter ready to walk out on water without thinking to only panic after I realize "Yikes, them waves are way over my head". Those were early learned lessons but now I have gone to the opposite end of the spectrum and am too tentative when it comes to following God's lead. I sometimes feel I have gone too far and God can't use me. I have made too many mistakes that others around me have seen and I am the last one they should look to as an example of Christ. Who am I to speak to others about Christ when I am such a horrible example?<br />
<br />
So I come back for forgiveness time and again only to falter again, and so on...<br />
<br />
I guess if nothing else I am an example of God's longsuffering. His patience with me is just truly amazing.<br />
Will I someday have the boldness and faith of Peter after Pentecost? I guess I need to get to that place where I meet Jesus back on the shore of forgiveness first.<br />
<br />
John 21:15-19<br />
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;
thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.<br />
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest
thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He
saith unto him, Feed my sheep.<br />
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou
me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest
that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep...<br />
"Follow Me" <br />
<br />
What was the significance of asking three times? Jesus was letting Peter know that each denial that Peter spoke was now replaced with Love. :Love forgives all. A clean slate is offered. Fresh and new creature step out and follow Him.<br />
<br />
. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-9196100668019677692013-03-19T07:42:00.003-07:002013-03-19T07:42:46.753-07:00Weeding the mindIn the book Mended ch 12 Angie talks of weeds in our lives and taking them out by the roots.<br />
<br />
My biggest weed problem is in my thoughts. I let the negative thinking take over too often. A lot of my thinking stems from negative messages of the past.<br />
<br />
They whisper<br />
"Why bother to try, you will never change"<br />
"God doesn't want you to have peace and happiness"<br />
"Something bad will happen to you, your family, etc..., something always does."<br />
"You have nothing of value to offer to anyone."<br />
" You will fail. You wont make it."<br />
<br />
I tend to accept those thoughts as my own and don't question them. I have heard them most of my life and far more often than I have ever heard anything positive. This is not something I can heal from in an instant. It takes time and a great deal of Holy Ghost power.<br />
<br />
Only the Holy Ghost can get at the roots of my negative thoughts and help me pull them up. I had gone to Christian counseling a few years back and one of the methods was praying and asking the Holy Ghost to show me where the roots were. I know it helped because certain memories no longer sting, that once had me bound in hopelessness. I need to go back to that kind of prayer.<br />
<br />
If you struggle with this also then pray with me. <br />
<br />
God of Hope grant me your Holy Ghost power to get to the roots of my negative thinking and remind me of your promises and what you see in me. Replace those negative thoughts with your love and light. Shine in my heart and fill me with your peace. In Jesus name. Amen<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-22912324843659404682013-03-18T18:34:00.002-07:002013-03-18T18:34:37.721-07:00Right Now Belief<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">Just posted this in the (in)courage to Mend group on FB</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">"I
think God is bringing me back around to hope. </span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">I was concentrating on my
heart sickness from the first part or <b>Prov. 13:12 Hope deferred maketh
the heart sick</b>: and forgetting that there is a second half <b> but
[when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree</b></span></span><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"><b>
of life</b>. It says "when" it comes, not if. </span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">Sometimes waiting on
Him to move is hard, and I have been waiting for some things for so long.
I was getting heart sick and wallowing in it.</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> But God! </span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">He is showing me
signs of his working behind the scenes. He is the God of hope.</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Ghost."</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> </span></span></span></span></span></b> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">He will fill me with all joy and peace <b>in believing</b></span></span></span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">. </span></span></span></span></span></b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">That is the key, believing. Trusting. Knowing it will come to pass and having peace that it is right around the corner. The problem for me is my right around the corner and God's are two different things. His timing is perfect and mine is "right now!"</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">"Right now if you believe God will do a miracle for you." </span></span></span></span></span></b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">That is how the song goes. It's not saying the miracle will come right now, but it is saying if you believe right in this moment then it will come to pass. The important thing is to keep having right now belief, each moment.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment340619289391006_343401702446098}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-61178158222227208022013-03-08T07:57:00.001-08:002013-03-13T08:36:06.142-07:00Mending JourneyGod has had me on a mending journey for a couple of years now and I know that being led to the (In)courage group on FB was God's doing. Everything works together for good with God. So many things that He has shown me are being reconfirmed through reading the book Mended.<br />
<br />
There is a song called Mercy Rewrote My Life. This is a work of God, the author and finisher, to rewrite our lives that have been sin scarred.<br />
I know I am a sinner and have made wrong choices, but its the sins that have been done to me that have left deep scars that I have had a difficult time healing from.<br />
<br />
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:<br />
And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.<br />
<br />
I realize the past has held me back. God showed me in Psalm 139 that wicked way, according to the concordance, meant pain, sorrow or idol. I realize I have made my fear of being hurt again bigger than God. Anything that stands between me and God is an idol. I heed and yield to my fears and hurts instead of following God's leading. As Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt, I look back and am immobilized by fear. The past though it has been painful, is familiar to me. It is what I have known. The future and God's ways are frightening to me. His ways are not my ways, and the fear of the unknown paralyzes me. So I stick to the familiar even though it keeps me bound.<br />
<br />
God is in the redeeming business. Why hold onto the broken pieces, allowing them to continue to cut me and cause me to bleed over and over? I need Mercy to rewrite my life. I need to release those broken shards into God's mending hands. I cannot do this on my own. He can, with His healing love, take the sharp pieces and tenderly place them in a design that will serve a purpose. I have to concentrate on the fact that He loves me and his purpose is a good one. His design for me is a redeeming one. Trust in His love.<br />
<br />
Edited to add this thought:<br />
Those last four words "trust in His love" came back to me as I was about to go to bed. The one thing I do know and believe without doubt, is His love for me. Life may not have gone the way I wanted it to. The future may have me scared, but I do trust in His love for me. It is fact. I don't really question it because of all that He has done for me. <br />
I forget where to focus. I think of the past and future. I think of people, either in comparison, or in fear of getting hurt. I think of the trials. What I forget to do is think on His love.<br />
I have that one thing to stand on. It is a foundation to build on and move forward. I can stand on the fact of His love toward me, and let that be my anchor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible"><tbody>
<tr id="Eph_3_16_1100016"><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_17_1100017">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_17" valign="top" width="57"><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_18_1100018">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_18" valign="top" width="57"><br />
<span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=3&t=KJV#imgs/18"></a></span></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><span class="nowrap"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=3&t=KJV#comm/18"></a></span><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_19_1100019">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_19" valign="top" width="57"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/tsk/tsk.cfm?b=Eph&c=3&v=19&t=KJV"></a><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=3&t=KJV#conc/19"></a></span><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_20_1100020">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_20" valign="top" width="57"><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_21_1100021">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_21" valign="top" width="57"><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible"><tbody>
<tr id="Eph_3_16_1100016"><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
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<tr id="Eph_3_17_1100017">
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<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible"><tbody>
<tr id="Eph_3_17_1100017"><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_18_1100018">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_18" valign="top" width="57"><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_19_1100019">
<td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_19" valign="top" width="57"><br /></td>
<td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><br /></td>
<td></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr id="Eph_3_20_1100020">
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<td><br /></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br /></td>
</tr>
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</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-29343473781984342112013-02-22T08:04:00.005-08:002013-02-22T08:05:00.259-08:00BrokenI recently was overwhelmed by a sense that I will never heal, never
get to where I feel whole. I felt completely alone and thoughts of " you
will never change" came in waves. I was getting discouraged and felt
like a failure. <br />
I am on a journey. Reading through the book <i>Mended</i> by Angie Smith. I had joined an (in)courage group and we are working through the book.<br />
<br />
Last
night I was thinking on my discouragement and realized that everyone
has experienced brokenness in some form or another and at some time or
another. Not that I didn't know this before, however I tend to focus on
others strengths but focus on my weaknesses. I play the dangerous game
of comparison. <br />
<br />
What struck me was the thought that we
are all broken but some of us have Jesus to go to to be healed. We may
never be the same with the hurts and brokenness in our lives, but with
God's help we are mended. And though there may be those broken places
that still show in the mending, It is a testimony to say "this is what
God brought me through". I am still here. I am still standing. I stand
in His grace because without Him I cannot stand at all.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I lose site of where I used to be and only see where I think I
should be. That is when I need to be reminded of the past and see where
I came from so I don't go back.<br />
<br />
I would not want to
give up. I wouldn't make it if I did. I know where I was before God
stepped in and lifted me out of the mess I was in. I would never want to
return to that state. I am truly far better off living in the mending
process with Jesus then remaining broken with no hope.<br />
<br />
Mending
is a life long process and it may get frustrating at times. I may fail
to see how much I have been changed by God (Not that I changed in and of
myself ). I thank God for the reminders.<br />
<br />
See what God has brought me through. I may still hurt but God is shining through the cracks of this broken life.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-16214019213977053692013-01-18T07:35:00.000-08:002013-01-18T07:35:01.597-08:00Poured outI have looked for filling and completion in so many ways and in people. I have tried to fill empty moments so I don't hear my own hearts cry.<br />
Move, keep busy, don't think too much.<br />
My heart aches for fulness but nothing satisfies. My joy slipped out of my fingers somewhere between busyness and fatigue.<br />
The cycle is a moment of returning and joy, energy and motivation only to have it melt into exhaustion and struggle, ache and disappointment.<br />
I seek solace in quick fixes like television or the next motivational Christian book, but it only lasts a while.<br />
The only times I ever feel that are real or where I feel whole are at church at the altar. God's presence fills and surrounds. He lifts and comforts. I feel like I am almost home, but then I get homesick.<br />
I can do nothing without God. Why do I try?<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
Is 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and
rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your
strength: and ye would not.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black;">"And ye would not"... that is me. I return and forget to rest in Him com</span><span style="color: black;">pletely. I forget to quiet myself and let God do the work</span>.<span style="color: black;"> I don't put my confidence in God because life is not happening the way I want it to. His ways are not my ways. His timing is not my timing. I wait, but like Saul of the old testament I move before I am supposed to because I feel like I should be doing something. I rely on my own strength and wisdom once again. Then I fall. God takes the struggle for control out of my hands once again and I sit there dumbfounded. I never had control but bought into the illusion that I did. Oldest trick in the book and I fall for it so often. My flesh is so quick to go back to </span><span style="color: black;">that old routine</span>.<span style="color: black;"> I</span> <span style="color: black;">cant seem to get the lesson. I am frustrated at my own thickheadedness. What does it take to get it?</span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black;">I am empty, I have nothing left. I am poured out. What else is there to do but seek forgiveness and try again to seek God. Giving up. Not on life, just on me. Me, the one who thought she had it together and had the answers. Me who forgets where my strength comes from. Me who can't get it right.</span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black;">Him, He is, and He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. He is the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end. He is the start of the day and the end of it. No one else to turn to. No place else to go. Nothing else will fill, just God. Simple.</span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black;">Like a child. Return, rest. Be still, be quiet. Trust.</span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-10728832737692393832013-01-08T05:43:00.001-08:002013-01-08T05:45:01.323-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8361547850_c96bb69707_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8361547850_c96bb69707_m.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My latest crochet design.</div>
Looking to name this one. I am thinking something to do with crown. As christians we all have heard of earning our crowns for our Godly service. So I am thinking of a name that has to do with that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-14703192862507047582013-01-05T15:50:00.003-08:002013-01-05T15:50:31.982-08:00And God speaks- on IntroversionI had posted this elsewhere but realized I should put it here on my blog since it speaks to what I posted previously.<br />
So God has been speaking to me about the trials I have been going through lately. Especially on how I handle stress. Wed night at church the sermon was about his refining fire. One of the things that was said is that He uses his refining fire to get out the impurities in our character and personality.<br />
I always thought that being an introverted, quiet, and a very sensitive person was a negative thing. I can get easily overwhelmed and stress out easily when I am. <br />
<br />
God reminded me of a verse last night in Isaiah<br />
Is 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not<br />
.<br />
I ended up looking up the words returning, rest, quietness, confidence, saved, and strength in this verse<br />
returning-retirement, withdrawal <br />rest-quietness, quiet attitude <br />quietness-be tranquil, be at peace,still, be undisturbed, allay <br />confidence-trusting, <br />strength- might, valour, bravery, strength, power, force, mastery , victory<br />
<br />
I had just read about introverted personalities and the need to have time to myself more to gain back energy from being out in the world. I haven’t been doing that much lately and have been constantly tired and didn’t know why. I need that returning and rest with God to keep going. It’s not a weakness, it is how God created me. Even Jesus needed time to withdraw and be alone with God to restore himself. It’s only when I don’t go to God on a regular basis that I have problems with stress.<br />
<br />
Withdrawing and abiding in God and quietly resting in Him brings me restoration. <br />Real quietness requires me to go to God in trust, having confidence in Him, to be at peace, and let Him allay my fears and frustrations. <br />Then and only then will I have power, mastery of my emotions, and victory in my life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-6717233481403444872012-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:002012-12-30T07:43:32.954-08:00Highly Sensitive/ IntrovertWow it's been a while since I last posted. <br />
<br />
I have been reading two books that were on my Chirstmas list.<br />
<em>Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking</em> by Susan Cain<br />
Here is her website for more info <a href="http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/">The Power of Introverts</a><br />
<br />
<em>Also Intorverts in the Church: Finding our Place in an Extroverted Culture</em> by Adam S. McHugh<br />
His website <a href="http://www.introvertedchurch.com/">Intorverted Church</a><br />
<br />
I have found both books to be very interesting. There were certain things I didn't realize about my own intorverted tendancies.<br />
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I had, years back learned about <a href="http://www.hsperson.com/pages/hsp.htm"><em>The Highly Sensitive Person</em></a> from Elaine Aaron's book and <a href="http://www.hsperson.com/index.html">website</a>.<br />
which explained a lot about my own personality and sensitivities.<br />
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What I am learning is that I need time to myself a lot more than I realized. I get run down all to easily which in combination with physical fatigue, I also get emotional fatigue. Now I understand that I need to give myself some time to recouperate when out in the world. I go through these phases of energy and then times where I just can't seem to get myself going. I really crash hard when there is extra stress in my life too. I've wished at times, this wasn't the case. I have often thought myself weak and wondered what was wrong with me.<br />
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In ministry I find this to be a huge challenge. I have had people make comments that made me feel less because I wasn't doing as much as other people. Churches tend to be geared more toward extroverts. You have to be outgoing, and a person of constant action or you are not doing your part. <br />
God has helped me get to a better place where I feel comfortable doing convalescent home services as a ministry but I still am learning and have had a slow learning progression over time. I had to get over a lot of fears and hang ups to get where I am at this point. I am doing as much as I can handle and God knows that. When He wants me to do more, is the right time for me to do it, not when others think I should.<br />
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I am grateful for these resources to help me understand myself better and understand who God made me to be. I am sensitive, thoughtful, creative, and empathetic toward others. These are good qualities to have, but I need my down time or I burn out. It's ok to say no to extra things and to take a rest. I don't have to be up and running all the time. If I do I am no good to anyone after a while. I need to recharge my batteries often and that is ok. I need my space sometimes and that is ok. <br />
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I do, however, need to learn balance. It's easy to get caught up in a downward spiral of exhaustion and retreat to the point where I get lost in it and become lethargic and depressed. I need to learn to schedule mini breaks at work to chill for a few minutes. I am not sure this will go over well with my co-workers but I need it. No wonder I get so grumpy and can't deal with things well at a certain point. I also need to learn to not issolate myself completely when I am going through something or on a rest/retreat cycle. That is where the depression comes in.<br />
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I am praying for people to be patient with me and understanding. I am praying I can find balance and be able to recognize better what times to act and what times to rest. I also pray that I will be able to recognize my limits and not be so hard on myself when I can't do what others find easy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-290437197789687022012-12-10T07:21:00.000-08:002012-12-10T07:21:00.180-08:00amazing video<object width="640" height="360"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10151279562307432"></param><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10151279562307432" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-875964457388428822012-11-14T18:32:00.000-08:002012-11-14T18:32:07.922-08:00Promise<br />
<li>“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (psalm 32:8). He continues to grant me understanding and wisdom when I ask.</li>
<li>The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry . I have cried out to Him and he has answered me. During marriage problems. When I needed Him to move on a situation with my grandmother. When I needed Him to move on a situation at work.</li>
<li>And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 When Dad was dying you gave me such amazing peace</li>
<li>In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, which is to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (8:28-29). This seems to be my life's verse. He keeps turning things around for good</li>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-68414446467303930282012-11-14T06:43:00.001-08:002012-11-14T06:43:53.680-08:00count the promises keptI am not only journaling and counting my blessings but I am counting His promises kept.<br />
God has brought me through valleys and trials through to victory.<br />
I can only say Wow, Lord! I am in awe of who you are!<br />
Sometimes I would get discouraged as the valley experience seemed to go on so long. But God delivered me.<br />
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Hang on to Jesus with everything you have. He will not dissapoint you. He will bring you through.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-39894606672367099082012-11-10T06:29:00.000-08:002012-11-10T15:24:48.589-08:00Psalm 121- the answer to yesterdays question-God the promise keeper[[A Song of degrees.]] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.<br />
My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.<br />
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.<br />
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.<br />
The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.<br />
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.<br />
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.<br />
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.<br />
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God had made me a promise a few years ago from this psalm. I knew one aspect of it at the time but I realize it goes for any part of my life. <br />
He promised that He would keep me. He would preserve me from evil and preserve my soul. He would preserve my going out into and coming in from the world.<br />
Some of the things that happened at work made me have to realize I can trust God, but not neccesarily people, especially if they are not saved. Sounds sad but the reality is they are getting tossed to and fro and are not people to let yourself become attached or anchored to. To have had co-workers and a manager against me, made me come to a place where I did not rely on them. I would not put my spiritual life in their hands. I would not hang out with them or try to form friendships with them as a result. <br />
God preserved me from having their influence in my life. I was kept sepparate. I know I tend to be a people pleaser and maybe little by little these people would have worn me down to give in here or there. I see how that could have happend. I was in a more vulnerable place a couple of years ago.<br />
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God is a promise keeper!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-7807143321895254532012-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:002012-11-09T17:43:44.773-08:00Thank You LordI havent blogged in a whole week. <br />
Started a prayer and thanksgiving journal. I am up to 37 in the thanksgiving. I don't know if I will get up to 1000 like the book it is inspired from. 1000 Gifts. <br />
This week was a week of trials it seems. Have a new manager at work. She seems like a good person. I feel like I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop though, after two years of having a manager who dragged everybody's name through the mud at one time or another including mine. I didn't realize how much tension this carried through the two years. I feel like I need to relearn how not to be paranoid about what is being said and done behind my back.<br />
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I know God sends trials to teach us. I am still trying to figure all that out though. What did I learn from this? It certainly humbled me and made me have to totally rely on God to redeem the situation and turn things around. I realized today I am still hurting from a lot of it. I was the one the managers loved because they knew I was honest and responsible. Maybe this went to my head some. Maybe that was the whole point. God had to take me down off my high horse a bit.<br />
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This world is full of sinful people who chose to do terrible things. I know that, so why would I be surprised when it hit me at work? I am still trying to figure it all out God. Forgive me if I can be a bit dense for not getting why this all happened. <br />
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I shared in suffering. We all will share in it and in different ways. The main thing was trusting God completely to take care of things. He did it. Not in the timing I would have prefered but He did it. <br />
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Thank you Lord for your discipline and teachings in my life. Sometimes they hurt but I know you take what is meant for evil and turn them for good. Help me to see the good and let go of the hurts so I can grow from this experience.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-10595460169105218652012-11-02T07:22:00.001-07:002012-11-02T07:23:45.574-07:00Day 29-30- Walking after the Spirit-We're still in the classrooomThis week was about working out your salvation. I realize God had some things he showed me this week that I need to work on. Trust, thankfulness, understanding His power in my life...<br />
I cannot live out my faith in a tangible way without those things. This is not the end of my journey it is just the beginning. I need to challenge myself on a regular basis to dig in deeper with God. To really rely on Him and listen to what lessons He has to teach me.<br />
I had a dream recently that I was in a room with a dome ceiling. There was purple colored fluid showering down from the ceiling. I asked God what it was and why it was purple. Jesus answered me and said it was His blood and the color purple stood for His royalty. I said ok and stepped into the blood flow. In the next room was a classroom. I could not enter without going through the blood first. Then I saw Jesus asscending up through the dome roof and He said "I am with you always even unto the end of the world."<br />
I am in the classroom always, through the blood of Jesus. He is my access and I will learn from Him how to live the abundant life He has planned for me. I must persevere. Without Him I can do nothing.<br />
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Rom 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:<br />
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. <br />
And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; <br />
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:<br />
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. <br />
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Our life teaches us to keep our hope in God. Trust Him and His love. He will always be with us through to the end.<br />
I wont be posting tomorrow. So I am leaving it at this. <br />
I will continue to journey forward. I pray you will keep hope, persevere, and continue on your journey.<br />
<br />
"I can't go back. <br />
I wont go back.<br />
to the way things used to be,<br />
before your mercy came and saved me."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-80693133978025294012012-11-01T06:41:00.002-07:002012-11-01T17:27:21.344-07:00Day 28-Walking after the Spirit-TrustReading a chapter in 1000 Gifts on trust. <br />
Yup trust is a problem for me. It seems no matter how many times God has proven his love and care toward me I still get caught up in worry.<br />
I keep having to pray " I believe, help me in my unbelief". I apparently need a lot of help in this area. I do know I have come a long way though. I can see the hand of God in my life looking back. I can see although the trials overwhelm at times God works it for the good. But in the midst I still have my moment of "Jesus How can you sleep while the storm is raging?" thoughts.<br />
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Its a working out your salvation daily issue for me. Each day I have to choose to place my life in God's hands even when I don't know what will come my way.<br />
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Years ago as a teen at the worst of my depression, sometime after the second time of almost taking my life, I had a dream.<br />
God showed me my whole life. I felt all the emotions of what I would go through. <br />
Then God asked me a question. Would I accept this life and live it? <br />
I was overwhelmed with emotion of what I had seen and experienced, but I didn't really hesitate. I said yes. <br />
I said yes because through all I had seen, even in the worst of it, I understood that it would all be worth it.<br />
I don't remember what He showed me but sometimes I get deja vu and think, yup, God showed me this.<br />
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Still even with this dream I worry, but I remember what he did for me and that I said yes. This was a gift of life. He didn't have to show me all of that, but He knows me all too well and how much help I would need to get through. <br />
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"Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, Oh, for grace to trust Him More" is my constant plea.<br />
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His hand is there through it all and underneath are the everlasting arms that I find time and again to lean on.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-53468762515795816062012-10-31T06:18:00.000-07:002012-10-31T06:29:52.654-07:00Day 27- Walking after the SpiritToday my challenge is to find ways to reverance and be encouraging to my husband.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible" style="font-size: 125%;"><tbody>
<tr id="Eph_5_33_1102033"><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top">Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband. <br />
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Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord</td></tr>
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I am really under convition that my walk is not what it should be in my marriage. My attitude and gratefulness would be a good start. I am supposed to be his helpmeet but how many times have I been that grudgingly?<br />
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God created the husband and wife unit in the beginning. This was the message that was preached on Sunday night that really helped and encouraged me. God meant for this bond between husband and wife to be the strongest and most important relationship of human relationships. God didn't create children first. He created man and woman so they could then have children. The family comes after the husband and wife bond. It is where all other relationships come from. We tend to react to all our relationships in life based on how we were taught through our parents example. <br />
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The Bible says we are to reverance and submit to our husbands <strong>as unto the Lord. </strong><br />
I know I need to seriously work on the reverence. I love my husband, he is a good guy. I sometimes get frustrated with our relationship because we don't have a strong spiritual life in our marriage. God is there but Dh doesn't share too much of what God is doing in his life. I crave more.<br />
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Praying of course is key, and after the message Sunday I am encouraged that He wants the same for us. To be spiritually united and on the same page.<br />
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As I said the marriage relationship is supposed to be the strongest relationship we can have with another human being. Two become one flesh. That is pretty amazing. There is some kind of soul union that occures that should never be broken. What God puts together no one should tear apart. It is a sacred covenant. That is why the Devil, the flesh, and the world fight so hard to destroy it. <br />
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We rebel against the sacred in our flesh. We want to be independant of responsibility and life long commitment. We're tied down, That is what our flesh will tell us. The truth and reality is so much the opposite.<br />
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God created husband and wife so, together, they can be more than conquerers. We are made to subdue the earth together. We weren't supposed to be this broken, dysfuntional, "sort of, if I feel like it " union. We are meant to put the other's needs first and lift each other up. <br />
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The key, of course is if we are both putting God at the center. Nothing can withstand the threefold cord of God, husband, and wife.<br />
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Praying together would be a good start. We had started doing that at one point but somewhere along the way got too busy. Time to get that up an going again.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-75478041781891654832012-10-30T06:21:00.001-07:002012-10-30T06:22:40.225-07:00Day 26- Walking after the Spirit- PowerWe have POWER! <br />
Literally I have power after the storm Sandy hit. I admit I got a little nervous with this storm<br />
After last year having two storms that left us without power we were a little more paranoid this time around. We had water, hubby bought a gas can, and we had extra food etc that we could eat without a stove. <br />
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Praying for those that were hit hard by this storm.<br />
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Spiritually we have POWER! With God everything can be an object lesson. My brain cant get past its fleshiness sometimes, so God has to show that he is the shelter in the time of storm. Sometimes like a two by four hitting me over the head he teaches me His truth... God, our Father, does not leave us without His love and protection...Every waking moment is wasted without God in it. <br />
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That being said, I was struck this morning with the thought again that we must be about our Father's business with so much conviction and power behind it, that it made me weep with regret for so much time wasted not putting my hands to the work of God at every opportunity. Sometimes the mind resist the truth because it does not want to face the truth and have regret and the conviction to change. Change would mean stepping out of our comfort and relying on God alone.<br />
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What held me back was fear. But I have no excuse, for letting that be an excuse, because we have power. Jesus said it, so why do I doubt it (LK 10:19)? Power to tread-To walk. To tread on-To walk on. To step on, to crush. Power to walk each step. Power to walk on when we've fallen. Power the step on and crush the flesh, the enemy, the excuses, the fear. Get it Linda? Do you really get it this time?<br />
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Walking after the Spirit means walking after God's power. There is power in Him and through Him. Not me. I can do nothing... So true... but it's not by (Linda's) might nor by (Linda's) power but <strong>by</strong> <strong>MY</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> <strong>saith the Lord.</strong><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05581047514781789044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730269576904616997.post-35594249982506551372012-10-29T05:00:00.002-07:002012-10-29T05:00:47.329-07:00Day 24 and 25- Walking after the Spirit- His hands extendedI didin't get a chance to post yesterday. Church was amazing yesterday. God really spoke to some things in my heart that I was being impatient with. He is such a personal God and knows exactly what is in my heart.<br />
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I just wanted to say that I may not be able to blog when hurricane Sandy hits. Depending on if we loose power.<br />
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This is the perfect opportunity to talk about being His hands extended in the time of storms. We have the opportunity to provide a light and an anchor for those caught up in trials in their life. You never know who is going through one at any given moment. You may see someone who is acting unkind or just apathetic. We may assume they are unkind people but we don't know what storm they may be caught up in.<br />
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I had overheard my father once say, when I was a teen, to another family member that I was just not a nice person. What he did not know was that I was in the deepest darkest depression at the time,and had planned on taking my life. I was misserable and therefore could not act in a way that would be deemed nice.<br />
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We dont know the torture someone may be going through even when someone is smiling. Some people put on a good show and we are shocked to find later that they were going through something horrible.<br />
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The point of this is we need to reflect Jesus at all times as much as is possible. You just never know when your light will help chase away someones darkness. Assume at all times,that the people around you need Jesus. It's is the truth. <br />
Be ready to be His hands extended.<br />
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