Friday, March 5, 2021
The Journey
Invasion conference has started at my church. It's an annual gathering that is powerful and I look forward to it every year.
Yesterday during the day, I was thinking and talking to God about how I just want to touch his hem, like the lady with the issue of blood. I wanted instant answers, instant healing, instant results. But then I went to service and was listening to the speaker. He was teaching on Jairus (daughter was dying, got Jesus and was taking him to his house to heal his daughter when the woman touched His robe).
Then the speaker says - sometimes we want the instant relief, when God wants to see if we will stick with him through the journey....
WOW
Am I praying for instant relief, when God wants to see how I will stick with Him through the journey????
And how am I doing with that? Am I frustrated bc it's not happening on my timeline? Am I drawing closer to God through the journey or am I pulling away? Am I looking more at my problems than to the Holy One? Am I distracted bc I lost my focus?
God orchestrated the night. He knew what my thoughts and prayers would be and then gave the speaker a word - for me.
You see, Jairus' daughter was worse when Jesus "finally" got to the house, but God did a greater miracle - he rose that girl from the dead. He didn't forget that Jairus had a need, a desire, he took Jairus on a journey and bc Jairus didn't quit, didn't get distracted, didn't lose focus, Jesus did greater things than Jairus thought.
Don't lose hope if the journey is long, or you feel like you're overlooked....keep your focus on Jesus and stay the course. He has great things coming your way - just hold on!
“But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.””
Mark 5:36 NLT
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Friendship 1
God sometimes has to tear down something before He can rebuild it the way He wants it to be built. Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn
How can something written in a fiction novel move me to tears? I love to read, Christian fiction, in the summer or winter ot fall or spring. It is a great way for me to relax while the girls are playing or hanging out. I get to sit in a chair under my umbrella and relax listening to my girls have fun. I am the type of reader that can just into a book and really feel apart of the story. Seriously, I find myself speaking German-Dutch after reading an Amish themed book. :P
Anyways, back to my original thoughts...
The hardest thing that I've had to deal with is ending friendships. I don't make friends easily. I am not the type of person others are drawn to. I have many acquaintances, but not many friends. I am normally okay with that. But recently I've felt a tug towards cutting loose a few people. This is hard. But in reality I haven't felt 'safe' in these relationships in a long time. I know that God is leading me this way, but it would be nice if he could just send one person I can confide in, trust in, be myself in. Someone who doesn't feel threatened when they don't know all. Someone who won't run and tell the others the things spoken in confidence. Someone who won't ignore you when someone better is around.
You see, I know people who have hurt others by their actions, who up until recently I thought were victims, but it has been revealed that they were really the cause.
I ask God - send me a friend! He responds - no earthly person can fill that role.
Philippians 1:15-18 "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but other out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in everyway, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice."
How can something written in a fiction novel move me to tears? I love to read, Christian fiction, in the summer or winter ot fall or spring. It is a great way for me to relax while the girls are playing or hanging out. I get to sit in a chair under my umbrella and relax listening to my girls have fun. I am the type of reader that can just into a book and really feel apart of the story. Seriously, I find myself speaking German-Dutch after reading an Amish themed book. :P
Anyways, back to my original thoughts...
The hardest thing that I've had to deal with is ending friendships. I don't make friends easily. I am not the type of person others are drawn to. I have many acquaintances, but not many friends. I am normally okay with that. But recently I've felt a tug towards cutting loose a few people. This is hard. But in reality I haven't felt 'safe' in these relationships in a long time. I know that God is leading me this way, but it would be nice if he could just send one person I can confide in, trust in, be myself in. Someone who doesn't feel threatened when they don't know all. Someone who won't run and tell the others the things spoken in confidence. Someone who won't ignore you when someone better is around.
You see, I know people who have hurt others by their actions, who up until recently I thought were victims, but it has been revealed that they were really the cause.
I ask God - send me a friend! He responds - no earthly person can fill that role.
Philippians 1:15-18 "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but other out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in everyway, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice."
Friday, January 4, 2019
2019 - New Year
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His PURPOSE."
2019 is here and I am asking the Lord what He has for me. This is where I was lead, with the emphasis on purpose.
Purpose....intentional....focus
This year I need to live with purpose, live intentional and FOCUS!
Where is my focus? Am I self-focused or God-focused?
To say I am easily distracted, is an understatement. No matter how hard I may try, there are too many times I lose focus. For example-I may have started working on laundry, then see the dishes, then a project I MUST finish.....before I know it, I have a wrinkled mass of laundry hanging out in the dryer, dishes soaking in now cold water, and more of a mess than masterpiece. (not to mention the countless started posts that never get finished or published on here....)
This year, I need to put away all distraction and learn to set my sights on what God has planned. No more rabbit trails, no more forgotten priorities.
It's hard. Already I have struggled with anxiety over situations I have no control over, over-analyzed things I have said or done, and wished for a redo. It is only day 4. [sigh]
Lord, I know I am called for a purpose. Help me to focus on you so that my purpose is fulfilled. Keep the distractions few, but when they do pop up, help me to withstand my fleshly desire to chase after it. This year I am expecting things to be refreshed in my walk with You....a new fire, new desire, greater intensity to know more of You. Thank you for taking time to listen to me, know me, love me.....I declare 2019 a year where my focus is redirected back to You, back to my first love.....
2019 is here and I am asking the Lord what He has for me. This is where I was lead, with the emphasis on purpose.
Purpose....intentional....focus
This year I need to live with purpose, live intentional and FOCUS!
Where is my focus? Am I self-focused or God-focused?
To say I am easily distracted, is an understatement. No matter how hard I may try, there are too many times I lose focus. For example-I may have started working on laundry, then see the dishes, then a project I MUST finish.....before I know it, I have a wrinkled mass of laundry hanging out in the dryer, dishes soaking in now cold water, and more of a mess than masterpiece. (not to mention the countless started posts that never get finished or published on here....)
This year, I need to put away all distraction and learn to set my sights on what God has planned. No more rabbit trails, no more forgotten priorities.
It's hard. Already I have struggled with anxiety over situations I have no control over, over-analyzed things I have said or done, and wished for a redo. It is only day 4. [sigh]
Lord, I know I am called for a purpose. Help me to focus on you so that my purpose is fulfilled. Keep the distractions few, but when they do pop up, help me to withstand my fleshly desire to chase after it. This year I am expecting things to be refreshed in my walk with You....a new fire, new desire, greater intensity to know more of You. Thank you for taking time to listen to me, know me, love me.....I declare 2019 a year where my focus is redirected back to You, back to my first love.....
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Time Flying By
It started Sunday with my youngest giving her first sermon in our church's family service. This brought so many thoughts to my head. This was not my shy little girl.
When she was around 3, I remember hearing her passionately praying that she becomes a preacher, but if not, could she at least marry one.
Then there was May 20, 2012, her and her best friend both went to the altar during an outpouring service and asked Jesus into their hearts. This was so special because it was not anyone's idea, but their own. They made the decision that it was their time. (They were both baptized together a few years later.)
Fast forward to May 20, 2018 and there is my baby standing behind a makeshift pulpit (music stand), and giving her first sermon. Not to kid's church, not just to our congregation, but to everyone who also tuned in to see service that day and the days to follow on the website.
Who would have thought, six years to the day of her salvation, she would be getting up in front of thousands to speak what God had placed on her heart.
She spoke on choices and how we need to be sure to base our choices on God's word. It was a great word and spoken from the heart. She spoke with confidence and no one realized that on the inside she was a nervous wreck. Why? It was because she was speaking what God told her, and He had sent His Holy Spirit to give her confidence.
I have spoken in front of the congregation and I know how hard it is. I am beyond proud of this little girl.
Of course, I am proud of both my girls. My oldest is developing a love for photography and I am trying to find ways to help her, although I am not a photographer. Maybe one day she will allow me to share her work on here or maybe you all will be paying to have her pictures hanging in your house.
She has the sweetest heart and I love that the little children are drawn to her no matter where she is. She treats them with a respect, love, and kindness that so many tend to forget to show the little ones. Little hearts matter as much as a big hearts.
What blows my mind is how she is officially a teenager. It amazes how she has grown and how fast the time has flown. Cherish all the moments you have with your babies because those moments don't last forever.
I pray that my girls will always seek to nourish the bond we have, that no matter where they go, their momma will be praying and loving and proud of all they are.
When she was around 3, I remember hearing her passionately praying that she becomes a preacher, but if not, could she at least marry one.
Then there was May 20, 2012, her and her best friend both went to the altar during an outpouring service and asked Jesus into their hearts. This was so special because it was not anyone's idea, but their own. They made the decision that it was their time. (They were both baptized together a few years later.)
Fast forward to May 20, 2018 and there is my baby standing behind a makeshift pulpit (music stand), and giving her first sermon. Not to kid's church, not just to our congregation, but to everyone who also tuned in to see service that day and the days to follow on the website.
Who would have thought, six years to the day of her salvation, she would be getting up in front of thousands to speak what God had placed on her heart.
She spoke on choices and how we need to be sure to base our choices on God's word. It was a great word and spoken from the heart. She spoke with confidence and no one realized that on the inside she was a nervous wreck. Why? It was because she was speaking what God told her, and He had sent His Holy Spirit to give her confidence.
I have spoken in front of the congregation and I know how hard it is. I am beyond proud of this little girl.
Of course, I am proud of both my girls. My oldest is developing a love for photography and I am trying to find ways to help her, although I am not a photographer. Maybe one day she will allow me to share her work on here or maybe you all will be paying to have her pictures hanging in your house.
She has the sweetest heart and I love that the little children are drawn to her no matter where she is. She treats them with a respect, love, and kindness that so many tend to forget to show the little ones. Little hearts matter as much as a big hearts.
What blows my mind is how she is officially a teenager. It amazes how she has grown and how fast the time has flown. Cherish all the moments you have with your babies because those moments don't last forever.
I pray that my girls will always seek to nourish the bond we have, that no matter where they go, their momma will be praying and loving and proud of all they are.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Free
Last Wednesday we sang a praise song with the lines:
"Just a moment there
Set me free"
It was after a couple times thru that a realization came to me. It doesn't say 'for' a moment, it says 'just' a moment.
For a moment means you go back to bondage, back to old ways, back to being captive. It gives a time constraint to the freedom God promises. That you can be free, but only for a time limit, that's it.....no more freedom after that. For a moment means temporary not forever.
Just a moment means it only takes a moment, a second, to be forever set free. The freedom doesn't expire, doesn't go away, doesn't disappear.
There are times we come to God and we need to linger in our prayers......there are times we come and our prayers are answered almost immediately. But no matter if we linger or not, as soon as we come before God - He sets us free from the worry, concern, pain, the chaos of uncertainty.
How many times have I gone to the altar or my prayer closet, felt the freedom of my requests/burdens be lifted, then left and that weight come back? More times than I should..... You see, I didn't give those to Jesus, I didn't release my hold on them. I laid them down, then picked them back up again. Why? Probably bc I have control issues and the thought of not knowing was worse than carrying them. WOW! Do I know better than God? Do I have my best intentions in mind? Ummmm.....no.
That is selfish of me to even think that. It is time to step into the presence of God and be completely free.
Give your life to Jesus, everything you have and witness a freedom you've never felt before.
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
"Just a moment there
Set me free"
It was after a couple times thru that a realization came to me. It doesn't say 'for' a moment, it says 'just' a moment.
For a moment means you go back to bondage, back to old ways, back to being captive. It gives a time constraint to the freedom God promises. That you can be free, but only for a time limit, that's it.....no more freedom after that. For a moment means temporary not forever.
Just a moment means it only takes a moment, a second, to be forever set free. The freedom doesn't expire, doesn't go away, doesn't disappear.
There are times we come to God and we need to linger in our prayers......there are times we come and our prayers are answered almost immediately. But no matter if we linger or not, as soon as we come before God - He sets us free from the worry, concern, pain, the chaos of uncertainty.
How many times have I gone to the altar or my prayer closet, felt the freedom of my requests/burdens be lifted, then left and that weight come back? More times than I should..... You see, I didn't give those to Jesus, I didn't release my hold on them. I laid them down, then picked them back up again. Why? Probably bc I have control issues and the thought of not knowing was worse than carrying them. WOW! Do I know better than God? Do I have my best intentions in mind? Ummmm.....no.
That is selfish of me to even think that. It is time to step into the presence of God and be completely free.
Give your life to Jesus, everything you have and witness a freedom you've never felt before.
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Odd-Man Out
A feeling I know way to well. From an early age I always felt like I was on the outside looking in.
When your little, you just dream that one day you will find that friend or group and never feel alone. You may find a friend or group for a few years then almost feel pushed out. As you age, you realize that those groups are already formed and no matter how hard you try, you aren’t breaking into it.
Hurt radiates off every part of you, but you mask it. Maybe you make jokes, portray false confidence in your independence, make yourself ‘busy’ or just isolate yourself.
It's not easy on a person to feel left out. Lonely is a feeling that no one wants to have. It can overtake your life if you allow it.
When that feeling tries to overtake me, I find it best to remember that I am not alone, I always have Jesus. It may sound cheesy, but it's true.
He is the only one who can fill the emptiness that is there when you don't fit in. My husband and kids can't, and it's not fair to them for me to try to make them.
I was once told if I put God where he needs to be in my life, then everything else will fall into place. It was then that I knew that I needed to readjust my focus. Am I giving Him my first? my best? Am I looking to Him for guidance? direction? love? Why have I allowed myself to take my eyes off the one who truly sees me for who I am?
No matter where you are, or lonely you are, you are just a pray away from being overwhelmed by God's unending love. Let Him be the friend or group you long for.
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
When your little, you just dream that one day you will find that friend or group and never feel alone. You may find a friend or group for a few years then almost feel pushed out. As you age, you realize that those groups are already formed and no matter how hard you try, you aren’t breaking into it.
Hurt radiates off every part of you, but you mask it. Maybe you make jokes, portray false confidence in your independence, make yourself ‘busy’ or just isolate yourself.
It's not easy on a person to feel left out. Lonely is a feeling that no one wants to have. It can overtake your life if you allow it.
When that feeling tries to overtake me, I find it best to remember that I am not alone, I always have Jesus. It may sound cheesy, but it's true.
He is the only one who can fill the emptiness that is there when you don't fit in. My husband and kids can't, and it's not fair to them for me to try to make them.
I was once told if I put God where he needs to be in my life, then everything else will fall into place. It was then that I knew that I needed to readjust my focus. Am I giving Him my first? my best? Am I looking to Him for guidance? direction? love? Why have I allowed myself to take my eyes off the one who truly sees me for who I am?
No matter where you are, or lonely you are, you are just a pray away from being overwhelmed by God's unending love. Let Him be the friend or group you long for.
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Early Mornings
Quiet moments....
5:30 am, every morning for the last several weeks I have been awakened. Just a soft nudge, a gentle push to open my eyes and begin my day. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I fight it.
I have found that when I listen, I don't necessarily have to even rise from bed. It is quiet and I just listen to the soft chirping of birds, the stirring of our dogs.....the soft calling of the Lord. I will spend time praying......thanking God for a new day, asking for peace, and pleading for the needs of others. As I finish the time in prayer, I sometimes even fall back to sleep and rest for a bit longer. My day is calm, my energy is great, my attitude is pleasant.
When I fight bc my flesh is weak.......I toss and turn, spend the day tired, exhausted and grouchy.
Over the years, when my heart is drawn into prayer in the wee morning hours......it is almost always for others.....there was the 36 weeks I awoke at 4am every morning to pray for my dear friend....I don't remember God ever waking me to pray in the wee hours for myself......it is for others.
I have come to the conclusion that if I am awaken by God......it is a call to pray and He will reveal who and what to pray. Maybe just a name, a situation, but I have learned to listen.
Today I challenge you to listen to the one who made you, the one who loves you more than anyone else.......tune your heart to His. He will not leave you disappointed.
"Let my prayer be set before You as incense. The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." Psalm 141:2
5:30 am, every morning for the last several weeks I have been awakened. Just a soft nudge, a gentle push to open my eyes and begin my day. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I fight it.
I have found that when I listen, I don't necessarily have to even rise from bed. It is quiet and I just listen to the soft chirping of birds, the stirring of our dogs.....the soft calling of the Lord. I will spend time praying......thanking God for a new day, asking for peace, and pleading for the needs of others. As I finish the time in prayer, I sometimes even fall back to sleep and rest for a bit longer. My day is calm, my energy is great, my attitude is pleasant.
When I fight bc my flesh is weak.......I toss and turn, spend the day tired, exhausted and grouchy.
Over the years, when my heart is drawn into prayer in the wee morning hours......it is almost always for others.....there was the 36 weeks I awoke at 4am every morning to pray for my dear friend....I don't remember God ever waking me to pray in the wee hours for myself......it is for others.
I have come to the conclusion that if I am awaken by God......it is a call to pray and He will reveal who and what to pray. Maybe just a name, a situation, but I have learned to listen.
Today I challenge you to listen to the one who made you, the one who loves you more than anyone else.......tune your heart to His. He will not leave you disappointed.
"Let my prayer be set before You as incense. The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." Psalm 141:2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
