“I am the Lord, and I do not change."- Malachai 3:6

 I've come to learn that there are 2 types of change. Some times we are asked to stand still as things change around us, and some times we are asked to change while things around us stay the same. Neither sort of change is better than the other.. but more often than not, they serve a greater purpose. Changes are stressful, and can be scary.. but they are necessary to fulfill plans God has for each of us. This word has come up in so many of my conversations and just in my life in general over the past few months. It's for this reason I love talking to people and learning about them.. people of all ages and backgrounds. It's the one thing we ALL have in common, the one thing we ALL face from time to time.. change is a never ending learning experience for everyone. It stretches us, molds us and keeps us fresh.

   Whether we are happy, angry or sad about the change that lies ahead of us.. there's one thing I have observed about change.. we always get through it. It seems at times, like it has taken half a life time to get through it.. but we just do. WHY? There is one thing about change we can't see.. and never will understand.. it has always been "part of the plan". God composes love songs for each of us, and He already knows where the next note lays, and one after that... and the one after that. The composition may be difficult at different measures, but is always written flawlessly and played out in His time. 


  Change is a constant struggle because we're human, we don't like feeling out of the know.. but if we knew ahead of time, how many shorts cuts would we take? How many precious moments would we have missed out on? Change is scary and uncomfortable.. sometimes excited and needed as well.. but if you really embrace it and cling to God who is constant through it all, there are so many blessings in store! So today, I'm choosing to cling to His word and His promises.. and letting His love song for my life, ring in an unheard melody of praise to Him! To God be the Glory, great things He has done, and is doing and will forever continue to do!  



 ¹¹ But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
      his intentions can never be shaken.- Psalm 33:11

Forgiveness walks with Compassion

   Forgiveness is important... and though compassion is needed to forgive, the act of forgiving ensues compassion. In many ways forgiveness opens the doorway to healing, to rebuilding. It's not until the most pivotal moments that this compassion bears it's heels down and gives you a swift kick of realization. It caught me off guard this past week.. it gave me a jolt and opened my eyes to the precious blessings we receive when we allow ourselves to be free and open portals of His love. It was indeed a precious moment that broke my heart yet gave me such a feeling of victory and freedom. Not because this other being was visibly broken, but because I had victory over the feelings of bitterness and anger. When we learn the way of Christ and become more like Him in the way we act and live, the more we stomp on the head of the enemy. When we forgive we rid ourselves of the poison it produces, our hearts can once again be clean and in one accord. Compassion enables us to grieve for one another, to love in humility and with kindness. Forgiveness isn't something you do to make yourself or the other person feel better.. it's something you do so you can move forward. 



¹¹ Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
 ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 
Colossians 3:11-13

Masquerade

                                     Masquerade
Stepping in to a crowd of fabricated smiles. Lined up in two rows, waiting to being.
The strings sing a sad song, a melody so sour. The dancing begins as all feelings dim.
The crowd becomes a mass of voices turning. So fast, so strong the walls turn to stone.
Spinning 'round and 'round in circles the colors start to blend, until everyone's painted the same.
We all play a guessing game, in this masquerade. - Jackie Kimball 2006 


  If there's one thing that wears on me in life, it's this game we all seem to play of masquerade. We put on these hideously designed masks of pure lies and self-hardened expressions. It's so painful and empty, and there's no contrast to our emotions. We are not cookie cutter people. We have been individually molded to be apart, but as one. Think about when you get a paper cut on your finger, you slap a band-aid over it and go on with your day; but it's so uncomfortable and distracting to wear. It's easier to leave the band-aid off, and use that finger more gently, and work with the others. Why is this not so in our lives? 


  Day in and day out, we call people friends. We are always running up to hear the story and give our advice, and while that's good, do you stop and think about that person after? How deep do you really take the words "I'll pray for you." when a friend says it to you, or you say it to them? Do your friends even REALLY know you? We need to share each-others burdens; Show mercy to another when we know they're going through hard times.


  It's sad to me that people get so caught up in knowing the problems of everyone else's life, but don't spend time being part of the solution. There are hurting people among us, some who have stories they're afraid to share and be judged about. They don't need your sympathy, they need your compassion.. spend time listening and offering advice, but when you go home remember them. You can spew out words that make them feel encouraged, but when you're done speaking, remember them. Remember them and take time to let them know and more importantly be an intercessor for them. Take your needs to the cross, take theirs too. 


  I feel like we think we're all supposed to have these fairy-tale lives, and it's simply not true. Everyone one of us has a personality flaw, or financial problems or just life troubles in general. But God's words commands us to lay our burdens at His feet. Why should we act as if we don't "need" to do that? We should be so grateful to have a God who is willing to acknowledge us, and take our sorrow and fears. We need to kill our pride, and wash ourselves from this game of "perfect world" and just be real. Don't wallow in self-pity, but ask your friends to pray for you.. and pray for them as well. 


 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.  Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,  for each one should carry their own load.  Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.- Galatians 6:2-6




  

Putting it before Him, or laying it before Him?

 Throughout our lives we question why certain aspect of our lives have gone awry, or haven't happened at all. Why has this happened for so and so, but not for me? We wait and writhe in the misery of feeling defeated, and feeling "it will never happen". For some, it's financially, relationship wise or a multitude of other things that are important to us. We forget that it's His timing, not ours. He has our best interest at heart, He see the whole picture. I believe in some cases, it's a result of sin by or or against us.. for finances it could be spending issues, in case of relationship it would be trust issues, whatever it may be. Then there are times we just feel stuck. What about those times?


  In the book of Exodus, we learn about our God in a different light.. He is jealous for us. You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.- Exodus 34:14 Have the very things you've been waiting for become "god" in your life? Do you find yourself living for this object, person or aspiration? Does it consume your thoughts, and make you thirsty for just a sip? 


  I have found myself sinking in to daydreams and planning for things that aren't even reality yet. While it's okay to dream and think about "one day", it is poisonous to let it consume you. It's a dangerous thing when you approach the line of putting this aspiration or desire between you and Him. You can be sure that He will remove it to get to you, and some times it means destruction. Be careful of the things you long for, they may be the very thing making the road longer. Be aware of your weaknesses, and resist temptations. Keep in mind the words in Jeremiah (29:11) "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." 


   I am a dreamer, I love nothing than to think about the future and the things I hope to accomplish in life. Everyone needs a dream to make a reality, but dreams can become a curse when you long for them to happen, instead of taking action. How can I expect to see the directions and provision God is giving me, if I am building a statue blocking my vision? We all need to step back from the things we hope for and ask ourselves "Am I PUTTING it before Him, or LAYING it before Him?" 
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.- Luke 12:31

"Play date" with Jesus

I never thought I would cry over a child pretending.. but when your son pretends he is watching Jesus on the cross, and he is on the verge of tears himself, it does some thing to your heart.

   Kai and Alyssa were playing quietly in the living room, when Kai picked up a piece of paper and pretended to read it. He turns to his cousin and says "Lyssa! We have to go to the Kingdom! It's far far away." I immediately thought he got it from the movie Shrek 2. So off they went into the" Kingdom", which just so happens to reside in my kitchen. I hear him whispering, and asked him what they were doing (it's a mom thing) he told me "shhh we're hiding in the Kingdom". Assured that they weren't trying to escape, I sat back and just listened from the other room. I heard Kai whisper "see? see the angel lyssa?" Then a few moments later he whispered "let's find Jesus.." So they walk slowly in the living room in search of Jesus. Malakai then changed the story saying, "Look! There's Jesus! He's up there on the cross! That guy's gonna hurt him.." While Alyssa lost interest being the younger one, Kai turned to me and said "Look mommy! Jesus is on the cross!" As he told me, his eyes filled with tears, that he tried to smile away. He started to rub his eyes and walk over for a hug. Of course I reminded him of the rest of the story as he walked over.. and he joyfully told Alyssa "Look! He's alive!" He told me that Jesus was going up to Heaven, and pretend to wave and say good-bye. Then he asked Jesus "Can I go with you??" and pretended to hold Jesus' hand and took Alyssa's hand and they walked together to "the Kingdom". 

I wanted to share this because it's amazing to me that Jesus gives us ALL understanding. He knows exactly how our minds work.. He can give wisdom and understanding even to a child. The message of salvation is so simple.. He makes it so easy and we complicate it with fear. Fear to share, and fear to believe.. all He asks is we acknowledge Him and ask for forgiveness. Why is it so hard to explain as adults, when a child can play it out? I pray that I can truly acquire a child-like faith. What an awesome thing to see your son "play" with Jesus :)

Psalm 116:5-7

 ⁵ How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
      So merciful, this God of ours!
 ⁶ The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
      I was facing death, and he saved me.
 ⁷ Let my soul be at rest again,
      for the Lord has been good to me.

My thoughts on Bin Laden..

   We have defeated a great enemy, are you rejoicing?


   I began to but like other friends of mine, a lot of thoughts went through my mind. First off, is this a hoax for political gain? Seeing as how it's the headline around the world, I'm going to say no it's not a hoax. It's hard to trust the media, but even though I don't care for him as a President, I don't think Obama is foolish enough to hit a new low and announce such a sensitive subject for our country, without cold hard facts. 


  Next I thought, am I wrong to rejoice with my country? I don't think God rejoices in seeing men fight each other, or seeing a man die without knowing Him. However, I don't think He is against war.. He himself ordered Israelites to go to war against other nations. He used war more than once to dissolve powerful leaders, and as awful a person he was, Bin Laden was powerful. I also thought about in the book of Exodus, and how God Himself allowed Pharaoh's heart to harden. Am I saying God allowed Bin Laden's heart to harden? Not necessarily. Maybe Bin Laden never heard of Jesus? The fact is we will never know. But God took Pharoah from the face of the earth with a hard heart, he needed to be removed in order for other things to take place. 


"And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.- Exodus 14:4


  Lastly, what is going to happen now?? We aren't sure, and it is worrisome. I've decided to do nothing but follow His word on this one. If we sit here and think of all the possibilities, good and bad we will drive ourselves mad! I pray for all the muslims in our country, that they won't have to face discriminatory remarks and stereotypes like after 9/11. The more we worry, the more chance for skepticism and with that I believe we nurture the beginnings of hatred. "


So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."- Matthew 6:34


  I can't speak for you, but I know I will be rejoicing with my country. Not because a man has died, but because as a nation under God, we have been able to conquer! Remember David and Goliath.. Israel and Judah rejoiced in their victory, and though Bin Laden wasn't physically a giant.. he was a powerful giant as a leader. Our God is greater, and stronger.. and though it is sad to see souls die without knowing Christ.. we are not wrong in my opinion, to rejoice in conquering a giant!     


1 Samuel 17:51-54
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. ⁵² Then the men of Israel and Judah gave a great shout of triumph and rushed after the Philistines, chasing them as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron. The bodies of the dead and wounded Philistines were strewn all along the road from Shaaraim, as far as Gath and Ekron. ⁵³ Then the Israelite army returned and plundered the deserted Philistine camp. ⁵⁴ (David took the Philistine’s head to Jerusalem, but he stored the man’s armor in his own tent.)


God Bless America and thank you to our troops for defending us! 



 

Nothing is impossible

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” - Mark 10:27

    There have been many things in my life that I have deemed impossible. Over and over I think and say "I can't do it" or "that will never happen". I'm not normally a pessimistic person, but there are some dreams I give up on because I attempt to pull my "dreamer" mentality into a "realist" mentality. I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing. If I put limits on the things I am passionate about or would like to see happen, then maybe I am putting limits on God? 

    I believe we are all made in accordance to His perfect will. I believe that He works miracles as means to encourage us, to remind us He is still a living God. I believe if He calls, He will equip. But I also believe we all come across our equipment in different ways, and always at the perfect time! Our equipment can be anything we need to further His kingdom in the way He has required us. For some, it's a life-changing miracle (or maybe many!) for some it's finances and for others it may be people to keep us accountable. There are so many ways God can equip us. I also believe He allows us to go through situations, to allow a little bit of breaking down so He can build us up into some thing better. 

    These things in my life I thought I "let die" and gave up dreaming about, I have felt God digging out of me. It's like watching a child put a puzzle together, and not finishing it because it's too hard. God is telling me to pick up the pieces and continue trying. It may take me a week, a year, the rest of my life.. but I know I don't want to miss out and be left with a missing piece in the beautiful life He has blessed me with! It's not always going to be easy, and we're not always handed the things we need.. but we are blessed with abundance as we work in our obedience. No where in the word does it say He is the God of the easy.. but it does say He is the God of the impossible!!!