Matthew 6:17-18 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
As God continues to reward me, my body feels cleansed and detoxified from the impurities and junk that I was shoving in my pie-hole! Over indulging was consuming my life and energy. I had developed a habit of eating for pleasure and entertainment; loosing site of the nutritional significance. At time, eating beyond the point of being full, not truly tasting or appreciating what I consumed. Guess that`s what addict do! What habit, hurt or hang-up was I feeding? I thank God, that he lead me to this 21 day fast and that I listened!
Twenty-one days, no meats, no sweets or sugar and no bread, except communion; I savored each morsel appreciating the true value of "the meal". Thank you, Jesus!
My prayer life has been invigorated, I hang on to each word of scriptures as never before; allowing each word to penetrate the walls of my heart and soul, giving new meaning to familiar passages. No wonder Jesus, when alone to pray to God for 40 days and nights, I can`t even fathom the impact!
Matthew 4:2-4 After fasting forty days and forty night, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written; "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that come from the mouth of God."
Instead of craving and desiring food, God has refreshed in me an intense desire for Him; my taste buds are now focused on His words. I can over-indulge on the word and won`t even feel bloated! Not to mention, I don`t have to lay on the bed to zipper my fat pants! Thank you, God why did I forget who is in control, do I have brain damage? Or was I in the valley merely waiting to climb the next peak of growth that God has planned for me?
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will succeed. Amen!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
God, Is that Really You? Day 267
I first met Tori when she came to Curves in 2006. She and her boyfriend, Miles where new to the area, she was hired by the local school system to begin her career as an art teacher. She and Miles moved from their families in Pennsylvania; wedding plans were in the near future.
Genesis 2:23-24 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Tori and I soon developed a bond of love and trust, as we shared the secrets of addiction. As a work in progress in my recovery, I opened the doors of my heart and soul, as I openly admitted the truth of my well keep secret. Tori was touched by my honesty, and shared that she too had connect to alcohol addiction; her future husband was also a recovering alcoholic.
Psalm 17: 1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips.
Knowing the death grip of this addiction, I wanted to scream to her, run for your life! Instead, God had a different plan. Miles was celebrating a short period of sobriety, when he was invited by friends to join them in a get-away guy weekend, celebration for a bachelor party. Tori feared that Miles was not prepared for this sort of outing; he assured her that he could handle it!
Even though I had not yet met Miles, his success and confidence in his recovery, gave me great faith and encouragement for my own recovery!
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Tori`s greatest fears were realized the night that she received the phone call, from Miles, as he sat in a small cell. No he couldn`t handle it! He allowed himself to join the celebrating with his friends, only to leave angry in a drunken stooper, to drive home. His vehicle was totaled, as it rolled in a one car accident, delivering him to a jail cell and his arrest.
Is it when we rely on our own strength that we open ourselves to lies and destruction that can ruin the plans that God has for us? However, this story does have a happy turn of events. As God so often does, He uses the events of our lives for His glory.
Philipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I finally met Miles after he and Tori were married; Tori introduced her husband the day they walked into church. Miles soon joined the worship team, formed a band, and now travels to churches near and far to share his music and incredible testimony for the glory of God the Father! God delivered Miles and Tori into the open arms of a loving church family, their new family.
Five years of growth and loved shared have quickly passed, Miles and Tori are ones again discerning where God`s is calling them. Miles has an interview for a associate pastor position. If he gets this position, it would mean moving and leaving the comfort zone of their church family and friends.
Miles and Tori are seeking prayers and discernment, as they desire to please God and live in His favor. Yes, it will be hard to bid them farewell, but knowing that God has amazing plans for their lives is so exciting! Is God moving them into the next season of growth for their young lives? Have they completed the work that God planned for them in this area? Will they listen to God`s direction? God often requires us to step out of comfort zones to fulfill His plans for our lives.
Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
It is my prayer for Miles and Tori to serve the Lord, wherever, whenever He leads them. My life and our community of faith, in Chesapeake City, Maryland have been truly blessed by their presence! Thank You, God! Amen!
Genesis 2:23-24 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Tori and I soon developed a bond of love and trust, as we shared the secrets of addiction. As a work in progress in my recovery, I opened the doors of my heart and soul, as I openly admitted the truth of my well keep secret. Tori was touched by my honesty, and shared that she too had connect to alcohol addiction; her future husband was also a recovering alcoholic.
Psalm 17: 1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips.
Knowing the death grip of this addiction, I wanted to scream to her, run for your life! Instead, God had a different plan. Miles was celebrating a short period of sobriety, when he was invited by friends to join them in a get-away guy weekend, celebration for a bachelor party. Tori feared that Miles was not prepared for this sort of outing; he assured her that he could handle it!
Even though I had not yet met Miles, his success and confidence in his recovery, gave me great faith and encouragement for my own recovery!
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Tori`s greatest fears were realized the night that she received the phone call, from Miles, as he sat in a small cell. No he couldn`t handle it! He allowed himself to join the celebrating with his friends, only to leave angry in a drunken stooper, to drive home. His vehicle was totaled, as it rolled in a one car accident, delivering him to a jail cell and his arrest.
Is it when we rely on our own strength that we open ourselves to lies and destruction that can ruin the plans that God has for us? However, this story does have a happy turn of events. As God so often does, He uses the events of our lives for His glory.
Philipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I finally met Miles after he and Tori were married; Tori introduced her husband the day they walked into church. Miles soon joined the worship team, formed a band, and now travels to churches near and far to share his music and incredible testimony for the glory of God the Father! God delivered Miles and Tori into the open arms of a loving church family, their new family.
Five years of growth and loved shared have quickly passed, Miles and Tori are ones again discerning where God`s is calling them. Miles has an interview for a associate pastor position. If he gets this position, it would mean moving and leaving the comfort zone of their church family and friends.
Miles and Tori are seeking prayers and discernment, as they desire to please God and live in His favor. Yes, it will be hard to bid them farewell, but knowing that God has amazing plans for their lives is so exciting! Is God moving them into the next season of growth for their young lives? Have they completed the work that God planned for them in this area? Will they listen to God`s direction? God often requires us to step out of comfort zones to fulfill His plans for our lives.
Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
It is my prayer for Miles and Tori to serve the Lord, wherever, whenever He leads them. My life and our community of faith, in Chesapeake City, Maryland have been truly blessed by their presence! Thank You, God! Amen!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
FAITH in GOD Day 266
It is with great despair that I share the latest news of my niece Kim, and her struggles while adjusting to her life of sobriety from prescription drugs. Actually, a red flag went up a couple of weeks ago, when I discovered that she had told me a "little white lie".
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
A lie, is a lie, is a lie, no shades of black, white or gray are acceptable; when we open the portals of our heart to lies and denial, once again we are giving the sin in us, dominion over our soul.
Kim lost her job at the Hope Center, without going into details, she obviously made some extremely poor choices. Did her poor choices and the lack of desire to face the consequences honestly, begin her downward spirals of lies. If the truth will set you free, then lies will devour and smother your hope.
As I approach the fifth anniversary of my sobriety on February 20, I thank God that after attending only 2 AA meetings, I heard the words that penetrated the ignorance of my addiction. You have to get really honest with yourself; hum, the truth will set you free! I got it!!
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Once again Kim`s entire family is drawn into the drama of her lies; questioning her thinking and her sobriety. I humbly thank God, that I can handle this drama; with God`s promises, the only assistance I can offer is to pray fervently. To me, this is validation of my faith and the advancement of my true intimate relationship with God.
Hebrew 10-38 But my righteous one, will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.
I pray that God will place someone or something in Kim`s life, that will once again, allow her to live in truth. I pray that God will soon be pleased with Kim. I pray that she will hear the same words of wisdom that saved my life from the grip of addiction and lies. You have to get REALLY HONEST with yourself! Amen.
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
A lie, is a lie, is a lie, no shades of black, white or gray are acceptable; when we open the portals of our heart to lies and denial, once again we are giving the sin in us, dominion over our soul.
Kim lost her job at the Hope Center, without going into details, she obviously made some extremely poor choices. Did her poor choices and the lack of desire to face the consequences honestly, begin her downward spirals of lies. If the truth will set you free, then lies will devour and smother your hope.
As I approach the fifth anniversary of my sobriety on February 20, I thank God that after attending only 2 AA meetings, I heard the words that penetrated the ignorance of my addiction. You have to get really honest with yourself; hum, the truth will set you free! I got it!!
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Once again Kim`s entire family is drawn into the drama of her lies; questioning her thinking and her sobriety. I humbly thank God, that I can handle this drama; with God`s promises, the only assistance I can offer is to pray fervently. To me, this is validation of my faith and the advancement of my true intimate relationship with God.
Hebrew 10-38 But my righteous one, will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.
I pray that God will place someone or something in Kim`s life, that will once again, allow her to live in truth. I pray that God will soon be pleased with Kim. I pray that she will hear the same words of wisdom that saved my life from the grip of addiction and lies. You have to get REALLY HONEST with yourself! Amen.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fasting and Praying Day 265
Daniel 9:3-4 So I turned to the LORD God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed............
On January 9th, I joined thousands of Christians in the 21 day Daniel Fast, I`ve waited 16 days into this fast to share it on the blog. Why, because it is so humbling and personal; I made a covenant with God to deprive my flesh the foods that hamper and restrict the true intention of my heart. I desire a closer more intimate relationship with God the Father.
After months of little to no physical exercise, I have abused this body, that is not my own but on loan from God. How can I expect to respond to God`s call and purpose for my life, if my body is not up for the call? Fasting and praying is a cleansing and restoration.
1Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Packing on 15 pounds since July, I have not honored God with my body! Yes, I had unsuccessfully half-hearted attempted to diet, but Christmas goodies soon overpowered my will power.
This fast is not about dieting, it`s connecting to the power of God through prayer and fast. What is the Daniel fast, it is not eating meats, breads, sweets, or drinking caffeine, eating only fruits, vegetables, beans, and brown rice, drinking water and juices. After 15 days I feel so much better, I had become a life-less slog; with no desire to change. Had I started using food to pacify my addictive traits?
I thank God for the scriptures and the nudge from my Emmaus friend Val, that prompted me to take action. Prayer, planning and preparation have allowed me to stand true to this commitment to Him!
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Hum, defile according to Webster--to make foul dirty or unclean, to violate the chastity of, to desecrate--the truth hurts, but I was defiling my body!
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Not, as followers and believers in Jesus Christ is the progression of our Christian walk hampered by old hurts, habits and hang-ups that lay hold on our lives?
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Amen!
On January 9th, I joined thousands of Christians in the 21 day Daniel Fast, I`ve waited 16 days into this fast to share it on the blog. Why, because it is so humbling and personal; I made a covenant with God to deprive my flesh the foods that hamper and restrict the true intention of my heart. I desire a closer more intimate relationship with God the Father.
After months of little to no physical exercise, I have abused this body, that is not my own but on loan from God. How can I expect to respond to God`s call and purpose for my life, if my body is not up for the call? Fasting and praying is a cleansing and restoration.
1Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Packing on 15 pounds since July, I have not honored God with my body! Yes, I had unsuccessfully half-hearted attempted to diet, but Christmas goodies soon overpowered my will power.
This fast is not about dieting, it`s connecting to the power of God through prayer and fast. What is the Daniel fast, it is not eating meats, breads, sweets, or drinking caffeine, eating only fruits, vegetables, beans, and brown rice, drinking water and juices. After 15 days I feel so much better, I had become a life-less slog; with no desire to change. Had I started using food to pacify my addictive traits?
I thank God for the scriptures and the nudge from my Emmaus friend Val, that prompted me to take action. Prayer, planning and preparation have allowed me to stand true to this commitment to Him!
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Hum, defile according to Webster--to make foul dirty or unclean, to violate the chastity of, to desecrate--the truth hurts, but I was defiling my body!
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Not, as followers and believers in Jesus Christ is the progression of our Christian walk hampered by old hurts, habits and hang-ups that lay hold on our lives?
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Amen!
Monday, January 24, 2011
An Evening With Ginger Day 264
Good food, good friends and play-off football games, what a fantastic way to spend an evening; actually our hubbies were more interested in the football than Ginger and I. We were more intent on spending quality time with one another.
If you are new to this blog you can search, Ginger and read her stories and her progression since the stoke she suffered 10 months ago. Ginger, my BFF, and I have been friends for over 50 years. Wow, do we have lots of history!
Ginger has been released by doctors to return to her job as a nurse, however; and what a big HOWEVER! Her skills are still somewhat limited, not permitting her to perform patient care duties. Filing and busy work seem to occupy her work day, calling the question, is she capable of retaining her nursing position. According to her supervisors, they feel that she should consider a new position, or consider early retirement.
Like many baby-boomer, financially early retirement is not an option. What are her options? After farther medical evaluation, it was discovered that the right side of her brain is functioning at a normal level, however the left side is below normal and requires more therapy and time for recovery.
My heart aches for Ginger and her family; more time, more stress, deeper in debt, where can I help? Job 16:20-21 My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man plead for his friend.
I was telling Ginger about my friend, Miss Jackie and their healing ministry, in Kent Island UMC; Ginger looked me square in the eyes, with child-like faith, asked if they could heal her brain?
1 Thessalonians 1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your works produced by faith, your labor prompted my love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our LORD Jesus Christ. Hebrew 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gift of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
It is my prayer to God, for my life-long friend, that according to His will, Ginger will continually be healed and embraced in the light of His healing mercy and grace. Amen!
PLEASE INCLUDE MY WONDERFUL FRIEND IN YOUR PRAYERS............
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
GOD CAN HEAL THE LEFT SIDE OF GINGER`S BRAIN!
If you are new to this blog you can search, Ginger and read her stories and her progression since the stoke she suffered 10 months ago. Ginger, my BFF, and I have been friends for over 50 years. Wow, do we have lots of history!
Ginger has been released by doctors to return to her job as a nurse, however; and what a big HOWEVER! Her skills are still somewhat limited, not permitting her to perform patient care duties. Filing and busy work seem to occupy her work day, calling the question, is she capable of retaining her nursing position. According to her supervisors, they feel that she should consider a new position, or consider early retirement.
Like many baby-boomer, financially early retirement is not an option. What are her options? After farther medical evaluation, it was discovered that the right side of her brain is functioning at a normal level, however the left side is below normal and requires more therapy and time for recovery.
My heart aches for Ginger and her family; more time, more stress, deeper in debt, where can I help? Job 16:20-21 My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man plead for his friend.
I was telling Ginger about my friend, Miss Jackie and their healing ministry, in Kent Island UMC; Ginger looked me square in the eyes, with child-like faith, asked if they could heal her brain?
1 Thessalonians 1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your works produced by faith, your labor prompted my love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our LORD Jesus Christ. Hebrew 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gift of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
It is my prayer to God, for my life-long friend, that according to His will, Ginger will continually be healed and embraced in the light of His healing mercy and grace. Amen!
PLEASE INCLUDE MY WONDERFUL FRIEND IN YOUR PRAYERS............
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
GOD CAN HEAL THE LEFT SIDE OF GINGER`S BRAIN!
Friday, January 21, 2011
My Testimony Day 263
I`ve been away from my computer for almost a week, I`m feeling the need to chat and share. Guess, I really need the laptop that my husband just ordered! A year ago, if someone had told me that I would be in need of a laptop to write a blog, I would have laughed in their face! I guess God had a different plan!
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man`s heart, but it the Lord`s purpose that prevail.
Over the weekend I helped my friend, Lisa conduct a training seminar for evangelism, she asked if I would be willing to share my testimony for training purposes. What is a testimony?
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart.
Where have I walked, how did I come into a personal relationship with God, and what is the difference since developing that relationship?
I believe with all of my heart, not just my head....but my HEART that Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgiveness of my sins, and that someday I will live eternally in heaven.
Coming to faith for many is a slow natural process; they were born into a family of believers; that was not the case for me. My mom and dad did not bring their five children up in the church. However, thanks to friends and neighbors, I did occasionally attend church. I know now, that there were seeds of faith planted during those childhood years.
My parents were good honest, hardworking people, we knew about God but had no intimacy or personal relationship with Him. God desires an up close personal relationship. Genesis 2:7 "The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." If God breathed life into our nostrils, I believe that He wants an in your face relationship!
It wasn`t until later in my life that I FINALLY heard and BELIEVED how much GOD loved ME. I truly opened my heart to receive His grace; allowing the seeds of my childhood to take root and blossom.
For nearly 50 years I lived, believing that I was in total control of MY life. I was a good loving, hardworking person with many friends. But the one friend that I didn`t have was Jesus. I had no idea what it felt like to be loved unconditionally by a loving, forgiving God. I JUST DIDN`T KNOW!
For years, I carried guilt and shame because of poor choices and decisions. Often weighed down, stumbling through life, nurturing an addiction to alcohol to pacify SOMETHING that was missing in my life!
I was married to a wonderful husband, had great step-children, grandchildren, and ran a successful business, we had a good life. Still there was SOMETHING missing and I had no clue what it was!
My alcoholism camouflaged the pain and empty feelings of my soul. I could put on the happy face, induced by alcohol and fool the world....life was great! Or was I merely hiding that GOD-SHAPED hole in my HEART?
Along with aging comes the wealth of personal history. We are blessed by events of our lives, the good and the bad. God uses our tests, trails and struggles to teach, nurture and instruct; directing our path of desire for JESUS!
I must admit that in my ignorance of His love; I required several good whacks in the head with His divine baseball bat before the scales were finally removed from my eyes. Eventually allowing my heart and soul to be healed by His unconditional love; HE LOVES ME JUST THE WAY THAT I AM!
On my hands and knees, I surrender my life to GOD begging Him to remove the burdens that I could no longer carry, I invited and received Jesus into my HEART. GOD heard my prayers!
I`m a working in progress and will be until the day that I die; slowly but surely He is peeling through the layers of my very being, restoring me to the daughter that He has ALWAYS loved and adored. I am the daughter of a KING; I am heir to the throne through Christ Jesus.
Psalms 116:1-6 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD; "Oh LORD, save me!" The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simple hearted; when I was in need, he save me. AMEN
Sounds like, Psalm 116:1-6 is MY testimony, written centuries before my birth! Thank you, God!!!!!!!!!!
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man`s heart, but it the Lord`s purpose that prevail.
Over the weekend I helped my friend, Lisa conduct a training seminar for evangelism, she asked if I would be willing to share my testimony for training purposes. What is a testimony?
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart.
Where have I walked, how did I come into a personal relationship with God, and what is the difference since developing that relationship?
I believe with all of my heart, not just my head....but my HEART that Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgiveness of my sins, and that someday I will live eternally in heaven.
Coming to faith for many is a slow natural process; they were born into a family of believers; that was not the case for me. My mom and dad did not bring their five children up in the church. However, thanks to friends and neighbors, I did occasionally attend church. I know now, that there were seeds of faith planted during those childhood years.
My parents were good honest, hardworking people, we knew about God but had no intimacy or personal relationship with Him. God desires an up close personal relationship. Genesis 2:7 "The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." If God breathed life into our nostrils, I believe that He wants an in your face relationship!
It wasn`t until later in my life that I FINALLY heard and BELIEVED how much GOD loved ME. I truly opened my heart to receive His grace; allowing the seeds of my childhood to take root and blossom.
For nearly 50 years I lived, believing that I was in total control of MY life. I was a good loving, hardworking person with many friends. But the one friend that I didn`t have was Jesus. I had no idea what it felt like to be loved unconditionally by a loving, forgiving God. I JUST DIDN`T KNOW!
For years, I carried guilt and shame because of poor choices and decisions. Often weighed down, stumbling through life, nurturing an addiction to alcohol to pacify SOMETHING that was missing in my life!
I was married to a wonderful husband, had great step-children, grandchildren, and ran a successful business, we had a good life. Still there was SOMETHING missing and I had no clue what it was!
My alcoholism camouflaged the pain and empty feelings of my soul. I could put on the happy face, induced by alcohol and fool the world....life was great! Or was I merely hiding that GOD-SHAPED hole in my HEART?
Along with aging comes the wealth of personal history. We are blessed by events of our lives, the good and the bad. God uses our tests, trails and struggles to teach, nurture and instruct; directing our path of desire for JESUS!
I must admit that in my ignorance of His love; I required several good whacks in the head with His divine baseball bat before the scales were finally removed from my eyes. Eventually allowing my heart and soul to be healed by His unconditional love; HE LOVES ME JUST THE WAY THAT I AM!
On my hands and knees, I surrender my life to GOD begging Him to remove the burdens that I could no longer carry, I invited and received Jesus into my HEART. GOD heard my prayers!
I`m a working in progress and will be until the day that I die; slowly but surely He is peeling through the layers of my very being, restoring me to the daughter that He has ALWAYS loved and adored. I am the daughter of a KING; I am heir to the throne through Christ Jesus.
Psalms 116:1-6 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD; "Oh LORD, save me!" The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simple hearted; when I was in need, he save me. AMEN
Sounds like, Psalm 116:1-6 is MY testimony, written centuries before my birth! Thank you, God!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Beautiful Flowers Day 262
I`m still unemployed, and loving it, this gift of free time allows me to ponder! In our hurried hectic lives, do we grants ourselves the time to consider any and all things carefully and thoroughly. Ponder, I like that word; you can ponder just about anything!
One of my favorite Christmas gifts to give or receive is an Amaryllis plant. Actually when you receive it, it`s not quiet the beautiful plant that`s pictured on the box. There are several steps necessary before this gift becomes the radiant flower, that is pictured.
The gift contains, a pot, compressed growing matter and a bulb. At first glance, there appears to be little or no life to this pathetic dry root dangling bulb. Upon following careful instruction, this lifeless bulb very quickly produces a 2 foot tall plant that brings to life 2 magnificent red Lily-like flowers.
The joy is watching the rapid growth that morphs this lifeless bulb into a plant of flowering beauty. Once given water and light the plant seems to grow inches over night; within a couple of weeks it explodes into flaming red blossoms.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I gave him will never thirst again. Indeed, the water I give him become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Now back to my pondering, as I glance at my 6 inch Amaryllis plant, on the window sill, my heart is filled with great joy, as I anticipate it`s growth and renewal of life to the once life-less bulb. I anxiously await the arrival of the precious life-filled blooms.
Then it hit me, how excited and full of divine joy, God must feel when His precious life-less sheep come into full bloom. Once we receive the incredible gift of His Grace, we produce the magnificent flowers of eternal life. God, renews, restores and refreshes our once life-less soul.
Wow, water me give me light, I like the thought of knowing that I make God smile!
Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I command the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Thank you God, for your love understanding and patience, as I continue to bloom into your precious flower of Jesus Christ. Amen.....
One of my favorite Christmas gifts to give or receive is an Amaryllis plant. Actually when you receive it, it`s not quiet the beautiful plant that`s pictured on the box. There are several steps necessary before this gift becomes the radiant flower, that is pictured.
The gift contains, a pot, compressed growing matter and a bulb. At first glance, there appears to be little or no life to this pathetic dry root dangling bulb. Upon following careful instruction, this lifeless bulb very quickly produces a 2 foot tall plant that brings to life 2 magnificent red Lily-like flowers.
The joy is watching the rapid growth that morphs this lifeless bulb into a plant of flowering beauty. Once given water and light the plant seems to grow inches over night; within a couple of weeks it explodes into flaming red blossoms.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I gave him will never thirst again. Indeed, the water I give him become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Now back to my pondering, as I glance at my 6 inch Amaryllis plant, on the window sill, my heart is filled with great joy, as I anticipate it`s growth and renewal of life to the once life-less bulb. I anxiously await the arrival of the precious life-filled blooms.
Then it hit me, how excited and full of divine joy, God must feel when His precious life-less sheep come into full bloom. Once we receive the incredible gift of His Grace, we produce the magnificent flowers of eternal life. God, renews, restores and refreshes our once life-less soul.
Wow, water me give me light, I like the thought of knowing that I make God smile!
Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I command the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Thank you God, for your love understanding and patience, as I continue to bloom into your precious flower of Jesus Christ. Amen.....
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