And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.- Philipians 4:19
Merry Christmas! I trust you are all keeping in mind the real reason for the season as we all scramble to finish up shopping and prepping! I have always loved Christmas and look forward to that exciting time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it always feels so magical! I remember how long it used to seem as a kid, waiting for Christmas to come.. it seemed like eons between the two Holidays.. boy does THAT change when you're an adult. Haha!
This year though, I'll admit I have been a little disconnected. I am not a lover of shopping.. spending money makes me feel ill and it also makes me feel guilty. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my son's face light up when Christmas morning comes, or my husband get excited over a new gadget.. but in the back of my mind something is always pulling my thoughts to those suffering. I hate how Christmas has become so stressful, I hate that I know people are destroying themselves financially and sadly some times ending up taking tragic turns. Admittedly, this year is a first since our son has been born that we haven't had to turn to credit cards, or struggled to buy gifts.. but in a way for me it's been harder. I feel wrong for having a little extra, for finally catching a break and I ask myself "why?" We are hard and honest workers, we are God fearing and thankful for what we have, so why the guilt? Then I came to realize, it's no so much guilt.. it's compassion. It's having been through those hard times, having walked across the hot coals. It's that still small voice saying "remember me". It's God reminding me where I have been, and why I am where I am today and giving me ways to help others in the place I once was.
I heard of a friend who helped another and she described the look of children's faces as they tore through boxes of shampoo and food with joy. It was not so long ago my family and I were there. It's foreign to some how much joy a simple box of essentials can bring to those in need. Just this past summer we had about $15.00 to feed our family of 3, for 2 weeks. It was that week I walked in to our hallway to find a big white box sent from my husband's co-worker, full of meats and wept in thanksgiving. God carried us, it wasn't an easy time by any means.. but some how our needs were always met.
Isn't that always like our God?
He supplies all we need. However, I don't think He ever intends us to have MORE than we need, and I think a lot of us desire that at times. He gives unto us, so that we can give unto others. He blesses us with gifts whether it be financially, spiritually, intellectually.. so that we may in turn bless others. THIS IS AN AMAZING GIFT! He wants us to share in His EXCITEMENT and JOY.. what else would these feelings be described as but heavenly? He gave the ultimate gift, His son and in that alone we should be overjoyed! We spread a little glimpse of that joy, in that same attitude of giving as He provides for us to give. This isn't limited to just Christmas, or just gifts. All year long we have the gift of giving hope and love; the simple things, the essentials. If your gift is encouragement, give it.. if you are given financial blessings, bless others.. or if the only possession you have is time, give it. WHY? Because God has blessed you with what you have, so that you can bless others.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.- Luke 12:48
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas <><
A Life Not My Of Own
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Think of others
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23&24
Sometimes I look around, and I see things that anger me. I see things I am doing, or ways I am thinking and need to fall to my knees once again. I see people hurting and I see nobody there to lift them up. I hear slander and gossip, I see so many pointing fingers and constantly searching for flaws. What are we creating by doing this? What do we hope to accomplish? Why do we constantly allow the urge of revenge to well up and take over our conscience?
It's so easy to put the blame on someone else for the way you are feeling. It's so easy to just blast another for the wrongs they have done, but what really happens is self destruction. We don't need to constantly rake through others lives to find the blood diamonds that stain their lives, we have plenty of our own. We should be constantly sifting through our own motives and finding the imperfections we need to improve on. We should be lifting up each other in prayer even if we don't agree with a particular person's standing. As we lift them in prayer, we're asking God to humble and heal us, and for His will to be done.
As we go about our lives, we need to be aware of our actions and words. There comes a time in Christian maturity where we "know better". Out of all the things that have come to pass, what bothers me the most is how we, as the examples we're supposed to be, have handled ourselves. We have thrown each other in to the pits, and laughed as we walk away, gloating of our supposed accomplishment. We have slandered and gnarled our teeth, we have lied and raised fists. Brothers and sisters, this has greatly affected those younger in faith. It has taught them to be hardened against the beauty of newness and hate growth that change brings. It has made us look no different than a group of drunkards brawling at a tailgate party. It's shameful and disappointing.
We are not gaining a gold star because we are finding wrong in others. We are not doing ourselves good by stepping on our brother or sister to make ourselves a pedestal. Be aware of how you perceive others, and do your best not to influence your opinion up on some one else. If someone wrongs you, sure call them out on it, but follow the protocol that was given to us in Matthew 18. Words are so easily spilled to intensify a problem, but it takes good character to conduct them to rectify one.
Think about it, it takes more effort to pull a trigger, than to hold out your hand in a peace offering.
Love in Christ <><
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.- 2 Corinthians 12:19-21
Sometimes I look around, and I see things that anger me. I see things I am doing, or ways I am thinking and need to fall to my knees once again. I see people hurting and I see nobody there to lift them up. I hear slander and gossip, I see so many pointing fingers and constantly searching for flaws. What are we creating by doing this? What do we hope to accomplish? Why do we constantly allow the urge of revenge to well up and take over our conscience?
It's so easy to put the blame on someone else for the way you are feeling. It's so easy to just blast another for the wrongs they have done, but what really happens is self destruction. We don't need to constantly rake through others lives to find the blood diamonds that stain their lives, we have plenty of our own. We should be constantly sifting through our own motives and finding the imperfections we need to improve on. We should be lifting up each other in prayer even if we don't agree with a particular person's standing. As we lift them in prayer, we're asking God to humble and heal us, and for His will to be done.
As we go about our lives, we need to be aware of our actions and words. There comes a time in Christian maturity where we "know better". Out of all the things that have come to pass, what bothers me the most is how we, as the examples we're supposed to be, have handled ourselves. We have thrown each other in to the pits, and laughed as we walk away, gloating of our supposed accomplishment. We have slandered and gnarled our teeth, we have lied and raised fists. Brothers and sisters, this has greatly affected those younger in faith. It has taught them to be hardened against the beauty of newness and hate growth that change brings. It has made us look no different than a group of drunkards brawling at a tailgate party. It's shameful and disappointing.
We are not gaining a gold star because we are finding wrong in others. We are not doing ourselves good by stepping on our brother or sister to make ourselves a pedestal. Be aware of how you perceive others, and do your best not to influence your opinion up on some one else. If someone wrongs you, sure call them out on it, but follow the protocol that was given to us in Matthew 18. Words are so easily spilled to intensify a problem, but it takes good character to conduct them to rectify one.
Think about it, it takes more effort to pull a trigger, than to hold out your hand in a peace offering.
Love in Christ <><
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.- 2 Corinthians 12:19-21
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mountain top by mountain top
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.- Romans 3:22-24
There is quite a lot about this scripture that has really just dug itself in to my heart. There's so much said in a profound yet simple way.. the most important of which is it's pointing that nobody gets to the kingdom on their own! Just as equally important, not one of us is more deserving of His grace than the other. In fact not one of us is worthy of His grace AT ALL. This is just another point that proves our God is GREATER. In His perfection, He has forgiven our flaws.. why should we not try to do the same? Because one of us struggles with something the other doesn't.. or has wronged a person who is dear to us.. doesn't make them less than us in His eyes. Who's to say you that you would have reacted differently if put in similar situation? Aren't we all victims of sin and bad choices? Haven't we at one point or another wronged another person or God Himself?
I believe in the saying that time heals... it takes time to close opened wounds. It also takes humility and surrender, even if it takes one day at a time. The important part is to keep walking forward. The past is a learning experience, and certain situations may trigger memories or past feelings. We are human and feelings are part of our nature, the crucial factor is what we do with those feelings. So what do we do when our past jumps in our face? Pick it up, and hand it back to God. (It's kind of like that annoying sock that seems to always fall out of the laundry basket on your way up the stairs.. you have to pick it up and put it back) Every time we overcome in Him, is another mountain top we have reached. Moving forward doesn't mean we will forget about the past, moving forward means we make a new beginning.
I think some times we think of ourselves as a surface. Like a counter-top perhaps. What do we do when some thing spills on a counter top? We clean it up... we use a sponge or paper towel and wipe it clean and the mess is gone. Our magnificent Lord made us with much more depth and much more intricate than a surface. We don't all work the same, therefore we are fixed differently. He knows our needs.. He knew before we even had a past. He is the only one who has the blue prints and tools to fix us up; if we allow Him to, He will.
In moving forward and healing, a huge reminder we all need is as sure as there is no God greater or higher than ours.. there is no brother or sister we are greater or higher than. Cancelled sin=cancelled social class. We were not meant to condemn one another, for only God holds the power and divine authority to do that, He is Ruler.
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.- Ephesians 1:6-8
There is quite a lot about this scripture that has really just dug itself in to my heart. There's so much said in a profound yet simple way.. the most important of which is it's pointing that nobody gets to the kingdom on their own! Just as equally important, not one of us is more deserving of His grace than the other. In fact not one of us is worthy of His grace AT ALL. This is just another point that proves our God is GREATER. In His perfection, He has forgiven our flaws.. why should we not try to do the same? Because one of us struggles with something the other doesn't.. or has wronged a person who is dear to us.. doesn't make them less than us in His eyes. Who's to say you that you would have reacted differently if put in similar situation? Aren't we all victims of sin and bad choices? Haven't we at one point or another wronged another person or God Himself?
I believe in the saying that time heals... it takes time to close opened wounds. It also takes humility and surrender, even if it takes one day at a time. The important part is to keep walking forward. The past is a learning experience, and certain situations may trigger memories or past feelings. We are human and feelings are part of our nature, the crucial factor is what we do with those feelings. So what do we do when our past jumps in our face? Pick it up, and hand it back to God. (It's kind of like that annoying sock that seems to always fall out of the laundry basket on your way up the stairs.. you have to pick it up and put it back) Every time we overcome in Him, is another mountain top we have reached. Moving forward doesn't mean we will forget about the past, moving forward means we make a new beginning.
I think some times we think of ourselves as a surface. Like a counter-top perhaps. What do we do when some thing spills on a counter top? We clean it up... we use a sponge or paper towel and wipe it clean and the mess is gone. Our magnificent Lord made us with much more depth and much more intricate than a surface. We don't all work the same, therefore we are fixed differently. He knows our needs.. He knew before we even had a past. He is the only one who has the blue prints and tools to fix us up; if we allow Him to, He will.
In moving forward and healing, a huge reminder we all need is as sure as there is no God greater or higher than ours.. there is no brother or sister we are greater or higher than. Cancelled sin=cancelled social class. We were not meant to condemn one another, for only God holds the power and divine authority to do that, He is Ruler.
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.- Ephesians 1:6-8
Thursday, October 13, 2011
God block
Psalm 15
A psalm of David. 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.
No person on this earth matches this to a "T". Many strive, but we are human and we fall short, it's life. I wonder though when it's evident that some of us have dismissed these virtues (consciously or not) and they're involved in a position that affects us, do we approach them about it? Serving in any capacity that puts you "in charge" comes with mass amounts of accountability and trust has to be earned. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but how do we get so easily rounded up, and put right back where we started? Where's the line between "God's plan" and "man's plan?" Do toes need to be stepped on to get beyond where we are? I get so stuck between what I see going on, and what is "right" as a Christian. The truth is, God is not going to wrestle us for control, He doesn't need to.. it's as pointless as arguing with a toddler. So when is it okay to NOT agree and be comfortable with the way things are going? I know God always takes care, but is it enough to sit back and say that, or do we at some point need to take action?
My friends, my heart is so broken and so heavy.. and some times I feel wrong for it. I feel wrong because I hear "there's unity" and "things are changing", but I don't see it and feel like I'm the only one. I feel like I've cried out to God so many times about the same thing over the past year, that He has me on "God block" (you know, like mom block when your kids are constantly calling your name?) I have had confirmations on some things, but I get insecure and wonder if they're my own thoughts instead. I pray that above anything God keeps me humble and helps me to be transparent, even when it's hard to be. If the change that needs to take place is in me, it is well and I embrace it.. but I pray for the wisdom and strength to not be cowardly or lead astray, but to stand firm in His truth and not be shaken.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.- Peter 5:6&7
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
“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
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
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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
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
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