Friday, September 27, 2013
Today, for some unknown reason I was in one of those icky funks. You know, the one were you are just kinda cranky, kinda unsettled and blue....no real reasons, but anyway there I was. As I was driving to feed my cats (here, there and everywhere!!), I thought to myself, well, you know I can choose to praise and get myself out of this sour mood. So, I did just that, just a short "I praise You Lord, I love You, thank You for blessing me" kind of thing, and not even 1 minute after that one of my favorite songs came on the radio. Sooooo cool!! The dark cloud lifted and I had a really peaceful rest of the day. It's amazing what a "choice" can do!!!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
I thought this was worth sharing. It is really something to think about.
BANK ACCOUNT!!!
This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember.
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait..'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;
I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life..
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait..'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;
I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life..
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!
It is amazing what choosing the right attitude can do for us.
God Supplies
I didn't receive my VOM supplies for the CFC luncheon on time. I did have some things, but I didn't feel I had enough and was a little concerned.
That day on my In Touch calendar it said:
I didn't receive my VOM supplies for the CFC luncheon on time. I did have some things, but I didn't feel I had enough and was a little concerned.
That day on my In Touch calendar it said:
God never sets up a situation or creates a circumstance without also building in the full provision, expressions, or potential for success in that situation or circumstance. God creates situations so that we might trust Him...Any lack in our lives is an opportunity for us to grow in our relationship with God, and an opportunity for us to grown in our abilities and in our faith so that we can be even more effective servants of God and witnesses to God's love and grace.
Thankfully, God already had it all planned out. Another Area Rep, Robert came through with all His extra supplies and even manned the VOM table with me too!! Thank You Lord for once again showing Your faithfulness and thank you Robert for coming through and sharing all great stuff you had, especially the table banner, ( I must get one of those) !!! It was awesome to see our table filled with materials for people to take so the story of our brothers and sisters who suffer so much for their Christian witness could be told.
I pray Lord, that their stories would be heard. I pray that hearts would be moved to support them. Wrap them in Your arms today. I pray especially for Pastor Saeed, who has spent exactly one year today imprisoned for being Your child. Lord continue to strengthen and use Him. I do pray that He would come home to his family. But I also pray that until that time he would shine your light in the darkest of places. Encourage him and all our brothers and sisters who suffer for Your names sake. And please open the eyes of their persecutors Lord, that they may come to know the one true living God and Savior. In Jesus most precious and holy name, AMEN
See, it worked !!
Yesterday was my first CFC event of the season. (combined federal campaign--it's a way for federal employees to have charitable deductions taken right from their paychecks and given to the charity of their choice) It was a kick off luncheon, where representatives from all the area federal agencies come to get materials from the non-profit organizations to hand out at their offices. Voice of the Martyrs is one of the organizations represented.
Anyways, I walk in to set up the table for VOM and the room is huge, there is probably 50 or so tables all lined up along the wall and in the center creating an aisle for the reps to walk through to pick up their supplies. As I looked around, I just took a second and asked God to pick where I was to set up. And the table right as you walked in the door was available and the lady who was set up at the next table said, "this one must be for you." Let me tell you this was "prime real estate" as far as these tables go !!
I believe just taking a second to invite God into my situation was all it took to get the best possible place for me to set up. And thus, the Voice of the Martyrs table was front and center as people walked in !! Way to go Lord !!!
Yesterday was my first CFC event of the season. (combined federal campaign--it's a way for federal employees to have charitable deductions taken right from their paychecks and given to the charity of their choice) It was a kick off luncheon, where representatives from all the area federal agencies come to get materials from the non-profit organizations to hand out at their offices. Voice of the Martyrs is one of the organizations represented.
Anyways, I walk in to set up the table for VOM and the room is huge, there is probably 50 or so tables all lined up along the wall and in the center creating an aisle for the reps to walk through to pick up their supplies. As I looked around, I just took a second and asked God to pick where I was to set up. And the table right as you walked in the door was available and the lady who was set up at the next table said, "this one must be for you." Let me tell you this was "prime real estate" as far as these tables go !!
I believe just taking a second to invite God into my situation was all it took to get the best possible place for me to set up. And thus, the Voice of the Martyrs table was front and center as people walked in !! Way to go Lord !!!
My visit to God?
This blog is all about the times God "visits" me. In daily life, in study/prayer time, whenever and wherever those special visits occur, it's all about recognizing and celebrating them. And seeing and trusting in God's faithfulness.
But listening to Joyce M. the other day, something occurred to me. She was talking about taking God into all our day to day life stuff. So I thought to myself (or more likely the Holy Spirit just put a little seed into my brain), 2 things: one, how about me visiting with God, and two, how about inviting Him into everything happening in my day, even the mundane and commonplace.
Here's what I mean. I head off into the grocery store. Well instead of just plunging ahead, checking off the list as I go through the store, why not go to God (and here is where I visit with Him), and ask Him to walk with me (and now here is me asking for a "God visit") through this routine everyday task? See what I am saying?
Perhaps He will lead me to the better prices, bigger bargains, or will show me someone that may need help or encouragement, or even to share the Gospel with. Maybe He'll help me get through the store faster, thus redeeming my time. Whatever happens, I know that with Jesus in it, it has to be better ! And I absolutely love this idea.
Thank You Lord for this amazingly profound yet simple idea. Imagine, inviting You into every aspect of my day. Help me to do just that. Help us all to do just that. And then let's watch and see what happens!!
This blog is all about the times God "visits" me. In daily life, in study/prayer time, whenever and wherever those special visits occur, it's all about recognizing and celebrating them. And seeing and trusting in God's faithfulness.
But listening to Joyce M. the other day, something occurred to me. She was talking about taking God into all our day to day life stuff. So I thought to myself (or more likely the Holy Spirit just put a little seed into my brain), 2 things: one, how about me visiting with God, and two, how about inviting Him into everything happening in my day, even the mundane and commonplace.
Here's what I mean. I head off into the grocery store. Well instead of just plunging ahead, checking off the list as I go through the store, why not go to God (and here is where I visit with Him), and ask Him to walk with me (and now here is me asking for a "God visit") through this routine everyday task? See what I am saying?
Perhaps He will lead me to the better prices, bigger bargains, or will show me someone that may need help or encouragement, or even to share the Gospel with. Maybe He'll help me get through the store faster, thus redeeming my time. Whatever happens, I know that with Jesus in it, it has to be better ! And I absolutely love this idea.
Thank You Lord for this amazingly profound yet simple idea. Imagine, inviting You into every aspect of my day. Help me to do just that. Help us all to do just that. And then let's watch and see what happens!!
Guilty !! Another day of living with the companion of guilt. I get so tired of walking with this. Never enough, never enough. I can never meet the needs around me. Never be what others want. Weariness sets into my soul, covering me in dark despair. Some days, I am ok--I know this is not a burden I am meant to carry, but today is not one of them....
So I get in my car, starting another busy day of appointments, work...Once again, I cry out to Jesus. He's heard this story before. (I wonder, does He ever get tired of hearing my sad stories, the same ones time after time). But like so many times before, He is patient and comforting.
I turn the radio on and "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant comes on ( I posted it separately, take a listen). God, you just meet me right where I am. And I am so grateful.
And that is not all....Verse of the day from Hope Radio (I listen on 105.1, but they have other stations on Long Island, check them out) was
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
I know, one of the verses everyone knows and loves, myself included, but it was the timing, God's perfect timing that brought me the comfort I needed. The radio announcer went on to expound on the verse with things like: "God doesn't want to put us down. Whatever we are going through God has already planned ahead for our good. The same God who was with me when I went in, will be with me when I get out. (of the problem), He won't let me be destroyed", and on and on in this line of thinking.
These words, all met me right where I was at that exact moment in time. The exact need of my heart was met by our Savior. When you think He doesn't see, when He doesn't care, think again. He is there in the midst of your hurricane. How many places in the Bible does it say He will never leave us? Sometimes, like this day, He reaches down His hand of comfort and compassion and makes His presence known and felt. Other times the heavens are silent and we feel isolated from Him, but that is never true. And through this blog I am learning this, and I hope others are too.
Joyce M.'s new book title "God Is Not Mad At You" keeps coming to mind these days. I think we all need to remember that little phrase. He loves us with an everlasting love. As a Father pities His children so our God has mercy on us. Thank You Lord for being who You are. Help us to hold on with a heart of faith and strength that comes from Your Word and Your Spirit.
So I get in my car, starting another busy day of appointments, work...Once again, I cry out to Jesus. He's heard this story before. (I wonder, does He ever get tired of hearing my sad stories, the same ones time after time). But like so many times before, He is patient and comforting.
I turn the radio on and "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant comes on ( I posted it separately, take a listen). God, you just meet me right where I am. And I am so grateful.
And that is not all....Verse of the day from Hope Radio (I listen on 105.1, but they have other stations on Long Island, check them out) was
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
I know, one of the verses everyone knows and loves, myself included, but it was the timing, God's perfect timing that brought me the comfort I needed. The radio announcer went on to expound on the verse with things like: "God doesn't want to put us down. Whatever we are going through God has already planned ahead for our good. The same God who was with me when I went in, will be with me when I get out. (of the problem), He won't let me be destroyed", and on and on in this line of thinking.
These words, all met me right where I was at that exact moment in time. The exact need of my heart was met by our Savior. When you think He doesn't see, when He doesn't care, think again. He is there in the midst of your hurricane. How many places in the Bible does it say He will never leave us? Sometimes, like this day, He reaches down His hand of comfort and compassion and makes His presence known and felt. Other times the heavens are silent and we feel isolated from Him, but that is never true. And through this blog I am learning this, and I hope others are too.
Joyce M.'s new book title "God Is Not Mad At You" keeps coming to mind these days. I think we all need to remember that little phrase. He loves us with an everlasting love. As a Father pities His children so our God has mercy on us. Thank You Lord for being who You are. Help us to hold on with a heart of faith and strength that comes from Your Word and Your Spirit.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Purity of heart and peacemaking.
This has been a busy week for me. But the whole thing of purity of heart has been playing on my mind. As most of you know, work is a struggle for me. The environment is negative, and having a natural bent in that direction, I find it difficult to rise above and be the light God asks of me.
God's visit have been more of a "constant" than a specific moment in time. As I am doing my job, I usually try to do my best. But over the years I have come to understand this is more about pride than anything else. It's more about me. This, to me is not pure motive. Questions arise: Am I honoring God with this? Am I being a blessing with this? Is my attitude delighting my Lord? And all of the answers would have to be no.
So of course, in doing my work, I tend to get stressed, sometimes even cranky and the next section in the "Set Apart" study is Blessed are the Peace Makers, which because I am acting out of impure (self, me me me, it's all about me) motives, I fail to be because now, when things go right, I am anything but peaceful (think, stressed, cranky, snippy, complaining....).
Well, this week the Lord started seriously convicting me on this, AT WORK. This isn't the first I've heard of this from Him. But generally it's been in my prayer closet, during my study time and then forgotten as I got about the busyness of the day, only coming up occasionally as a radar blip in this thick head of mine.
Many, many times this week, as I started stressing over something or other at work, I heard God say "you're to do this as unto me". Over and over this happened. And I am so grateful. I really want this to be my motive. I know if I am doing things just to please God, not myself, my pride, my reputation, then I will truly start to become more peaceful inside, and then my words and attitude will start to change on the outside. Not only will I operate out of the pure heart the Lord calls us to, but I will become the peace maker that He desires. Instead of joining in on the complaining and griping, I can speak words that bring peace to the atmosphere around me.
I know this won't happen right away, but I believe this "God visit" has begun a new thing. And I am thrilled with it. And am looking forward to see where it takes me.
Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
19
Lord, thank You for the new thing You are doing. Please help me to hear Your voice, every second of every day and obey quickly. I want to be Your light in the darkness, to bring the river of Your love to dry places.
This has been a busy week for me. But the whole thing of purity of heart has been playing on my mind. As most of you know, work is a struggle for me. The environment is negative, and having a natural bent in that direction, I find it difficult to rise above and be the light God asks of me.
God's visit have been more of a "constant" than a specific moment in time. As I am doing my job, I usually try to do my best. But over the years I have come to understand this is more about pride than anything else. It's more about me. This, to me is not pure motive. Questions arise: Am I honoring God with this? Am I being a blessing with this? Is my attitude delighting my Lord? And all of the answers would have to be no.
So of course, in doing my work, I tend to get stressed, sometimes even cranky and the next section in the "Set Apart" study is Blessed are the Peace Makers, which because I am acting out of impure (self, me me me, it's all about me) motives, I fail to be because now, when things go right, I am anything but peaceful (think, stressed, cranky, snippy, complaining....).
Well, this week the Lord started seriously convicting me on this, AT WORK. This isn't the first I've heard of this from Him. But generally it's been in my prayer closet, during my study time and then forgotten as I got about the busyness of the day, only coming up occasionally as a radar blip in this thick head of mine.
Many, many times this week, as I started stressing over something or other at work, I heard God say "you're to do this as unto me". Over and over this happened. And I am so grateful. I really want this to be my motive. I know if I am doing things just to please God, not myself, my pride, my reputation, then I will truly start to become more peaceful inside, and then my words and attitude will start to change on the outside. Not only will I operate out of the pure heart the Lord calls us to, but I will become the peace maker that He desires. Instead of joining in on the complaining and griping, I can speak words that bring peace to the atmosphere around me.
I know this won't happen right away, but I believe this "God visit" has begun a new thing. And I am thrilled with it. And am looking forward to see where it takes me.
Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
19
Lord, thank You for the new thing You are doing. Please help me to hear Your voice, every second of every day and obey quickly. I want to be Your light in the darkness, to bring the river of Your love to dry places.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
More on the heart !!
A busy morning for me and Jesus. The "Set Apart" study I am working in has really got me thinking this morning. In it Jennifer compared the 2 scriptures:
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
and
Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the the earth. The earth was formless and empty and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
The author told about how the same Hebrew word for create (bara) is used in both verses. She spoke of how before God steps in things are formless and empty and after there is order and light.
Well, I got to thinking about this and what it must have been like before God created and after He created.
BEFORE AFTER
cold warmth
dark light
void filled
empty closeness/relationship
shapeless beautiful
nothingness life
barren fruitful/purposeful
This is the transformation of our hearts as well. A picture of what happens when God steps in. I was so amazed at this revelation. Isn't our God amazing? I thank Him for this study I am doing, the wisdom He gives people to share with one another is wonderful. And I am thankful for His teaching me all the time.
A busy morning for me and Jesus. The "Set Apart" study I am working in has really got me thinking this morning. In it Jennifer compared the 2 scriptures:
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
and
Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the the earth. The earth was formless and empty and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
The author told about how the same Hebrew word for create (bara) is used in both verses. She spoke of how before God steps in things are formless and empty and after there is order and light.
Well, I got to thinking about this and what it must have been like before God created and after He created.
BEFORE AFTER
cold warmth
dark light
void filled
empty closeness/relationship
shapeless beautiful
nothingness life
barren fruitful/purposeful
This is the transformation of our hearts as well. A picture of what happens when God steps in. I was so amazed at this revelation. Isn't our God amazing? I thank Him for this study I am doing, the wisdom He gives people to share with one another is wonderful. And I am thankful for His teaching me all the time.
Purity of heart--continued
In the Sunday's post i wrote about loving God with all your heart. And I so desire my heart to be pure and wholly devoted to Jesus. While working on "Set Apart" during my time with the Lord this morning, I came across this scripture, and while not jumping off the page at me as some say, it stirred something inside and I knew that God was visiting once again.
Psalm 86:11-12 Teach me Your way, O Lord and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
The author (Jennifer Kennedy Dean) went on to say "This is the summation of the law. If the law were to be condensed t one thing it would be to love the Lord with everything you are." As Jesus said in Matt 22:37-40, "...You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these tow commandments."
And this is exactly what I've been praying for. And exactly what God desires of and for me. ANOTHER CONFIRMING VISIT FROM THE FATHER
I know changes don't take place overnight (wishful thinking, where's that magic wand God?), especially, it seems, for me. I am so glad thought that God is working on me in this area. It has given me this desire. Lord, give me faith to trust Your timetable and strength and will to be obedient to Your leading. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, with every bit of me. Forgive me when I fall short and help me to have patience with myself and others.
Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit in me (Ps. 51:10)
In the Sunday's post i wrote about loving God with all your heart. And I so desire my heart to be pure and wholly devoted to Jesus. While working on "Set Apart" during my time with the Lord this morning, I came across this scripture, and while not jumping off the page at me as some say, it stirred something inside and I knew that God was visiting once again.
Psalm 86:11-12 Teach me Your way, O Lord and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
The author (Jennifer Kennedy Dean) went on to say "This is the summation of the law. If the law were to be condensed t one thing it would be to love the Lord with everything you are." As Jesus said in Matt 22:37-40, "...You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these tow commandments."
And this is exactly what I've been praying for. And exactly what God desires of and for me. ANOTHER CONFIRMING VISIT FROM THE FATHER
I know changes don't take place overnight (wishful thinking, where's that magic wand God?), especially, it seems, for me. I am so glad thought that God is working on me in this area. It has given me this desire. Lord, give me faith to trust Your timetable and strength and will to be obedient to Your leading. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, with every bit of me. Forgive me when I fall short and help me to have patience with myself and others.
Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit in me (Ps. 51:10)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Small miracles
Last night at work was another frustrating night. Everything I did seemed to work out wrong--I dumped over a pallet (thankfully a small one), splitting the pallets (this is the process of separating 2 pallets that are stacked atop one another) was nothing but troublesome. And every time I would start to make progress on the mounds of work I had, I would have to stop for another delivery !! The last straw came when I had to open a truck and put up the dock plate. Of course the plate decides it doesn't feel like working properly. GRRRRR!!! The darn thing did not want to flatten out. Now I was going to have to take the time to find someone to help me. So of course in true Madeline fashion I complained "God can You just let something go right tonight!!" So one more time I tried the plate, and yes, you guessed it, the thing worked just fine. A small miracle in my book !!
Now, I know this may not seem like a big deal. But it's just these small miracles, these little helps that make up so many God visits of our day. And it's these that I think we so often miss (I know I do). I really want to see each one. I want to notice every time God shows up in my day.
Lord, please open our eyes to Your care for us, both in the big things and in the small. Thank You for loving us and taking care of us each day.
Last night at work was another frustrating night. Everything I did seemed to work out wrong--I dumped over a pallet (thankfully a small one), splitting the pallets (this is the process of separating 2 pallets that are stacked atop one another) was nothing but troublesome. And every time I would start to make progress on the mounds of work I had, I would have to stop for another delivery !! The last straw came when I had to open a truck and put up the dock plate. Of course the plate decides it doesn't feel like working properly. GRRRRR!!! The darn thing did not want to flatten out. Now I was going to have to take the time to find someone to help me. So of course in true Madeline fashion I complained "God can You just let something go right tonight!!" So one more time I tried the plate, and yes, you guessed it, the thing worked just fine. A small miracle in my book !!
Now, I know this may not seem like a big deal. But it's just these small miracles, these little helps that make up so many God visits of our day. And it's these that I think we so often miss (I know I do). I really want to see each one. I want to notice every time God shows up in my day.
Lord, please open our eyes to Your care for us, both in the big things and in the small. Thank You for loving us and taking care of us each day.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Love
Luke 10:27 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.
I pray this would be my heart. I always feel so inadequate in this area. I'm too cranky, too self-centered, too impatient... But my heart wants to love like God loves.
On the way to church this morning I was praying for my heart to be filled with His love. Praying to love God and others as I am meant to.
And then....God visits. On the radio came one of my favorite songs. The Proof of Your Love. I posted it on the blog if you want to give it a listen, it's a great song and something to really think about. This song so speaks to what I want my life to be.
The love theme continued when the verse in Romans that speaks of the sacrificial love of God came up during service:
But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
I believe God is pleased with my desire to love, and is willing to answer this prayer of mine. I believe that by sending all these confirmations, He was letting me know that I was on the right track and He is going to fulfill this yearning in my heart to be filled with His love.
Lord, fill us with Your love.
Luke 10:27 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.
I pray this would be my heart. I always feel so inadequate in this area. I'm too cranky, too self-centered, too impatient... But my heart wants to love like God loves.
On the way to church this morning I was praying for my heart to be filled with His love. Praying to love God and others as I am meant to.
And then....God visits. On the radio came one of my favorite songs. The Proof of Your Love. I posted it on the blog if you want to give it a listen, it's a great song and something to really think about. This song so speaks to what I want my life to be.
The love theme continued when the verse in Romans that speaks of the sacrificial love of God came up during service:
But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
I believe God is pleased with my desire to love, and is willing to answer this prayer of mine. I believe that by sending all these confirmations, He was letting me know that I was on the right track and He is going to fulfill this yearning in my heart to be filled with His love.
Lord, fill us with Your love.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Agitation. That was the word of the day yesterday. I felt so stressed and agitated for no apparent reason. Everything was getting on my last nerve.
When I left for break, I was quite relieved to get away from all the noise, the activity, the frustration that was my night at work. I sat in the car, and decided and was going to play a game on my phone, hoping to just decompress. But I heard the little voice inside saying to pick up "The Focused Life." Guess God knew I needed to be refocused on HIM. I was on Psalm 33 and the 1st five verses were just like a balm to my spirit.
Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for Him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to Him; pray skillfully on the harp and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything He does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
and Psalm 34:14--Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.
Peace and quiet seemed to surround me as I read these words. It was time to turn away from the frustration and agitation and go after peace. Time for praise instead of complaining.
Did I do this, well, let's just say I was better than before break. Not perfect, but better.
I am so grateful to the Lord for this sweet break in my day. I so desperately needed it and it got me through the rest of my night.
Lord, let us seek to praise You, seek Your peace and abide in Your love.
When I left for break, I was quite relieved to get away from all the noise, the activity, the frustration that was my night at work. I sat in the car, and decided and was going to play a game on my phone, hoping to just decompress. But I heard the little voice inside saying to pick up "The Focused Life." Guess God knew I needed to be refocused on HIM. I was on Psalm 33 and the 1st five verses were just like a balm to my spirit.
Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for Him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to Him; pray skillfully on the harp and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything He does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
and Psalm 34:14--Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.
Peace and quiet seemed to surround me as I read these words. It was time to turn away from the frustration and agitation and go after peace. Time for praise instead of complaining.
Did I do this, well, let's just say I was better than before break. Not perfect, but better.
I am so grateful to the Lord for this sweet break in my day. I so desperately needed it and it got me through the rest of my night.
Lord, let us seek to praise You, seek Your peace and abide in Your love.
Friday, September 13, 2013
The Lord desires our presence.
Ps 27:8 My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Spend time with Your heavenly Father today. He wants to be with You.
Here are some scriptures for when we think God doesn't see us:
Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you. Is. 43:4
13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”[a] She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” 14 So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. Gen 16:13-14
28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Luke 12:28-30
Ps 27:8 My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Spend time with Your heavenly Father today. He wants to be with You.
Here are some scriptures for when we think God doesn't see us:
Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you. Is. 43:4
13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”[a] She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” 14 So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. Gen 16:13-14
28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Luke 12:28-30
VICTORY !!
This journal has bore fruit !!!
On Sept 11, while spending time with God at lunch, I was reading "The True Vine" by Andrew Murray. I was up to the chapter called "Abide In My Love"
In it it says:
"Abide in my love. We speak of a man's hoe as his abode. Our abode, the home of our sou is to be the love of Christ. We are to live our life there, to be at home there all day"
What an awesome concept. You know that feeling of coming home after a long day (and especially frustrating one like I had yesterday). That feeling of aaaaahh, peace, comfort, relaxing....home. That is to be what abiding in Christ's love is. Comforting homeness. I am at peace because I am in Him.
So last night, after another early, busy day, then a difficult night at work, I came home to have to clean out the frig, throwing a lot of food away because the refrigerator decided it didn't want to be a refrigerator anymore, but instead to be a big silver and black box sitting in my kitchen !!
Normally I would have been murmuring and complaining, most likely accusing God of not caring, blah blah blah. But---and here is the victory---I didn't !! I reminded myself of His care that I have been recording in the journal and here in the blog. I remembered I abide in His love. And I didn't get angry or irritated. I just quietly did what need to be done. Yaaay. Thank You Jesus !!! Praying that when the repair man comes it won't cost too much to fix.
Oh and btw, both mine and my Mom's vacuum have gone on strike as well. Can someone please tell me why appliances always have to break en masse ???
But praise God, He who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field will care for me.
You know Lord, how big a victory this is for me. Thank You for compelling me to do this journal and blog. Please help others to see Your care in life so they too can abide in Your love and be at peace. And Lord, please let everything be fixed without costing a small fortune.
Ps 28:7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
I just want to take a moment to pray for those who lost loved ones on 9/11, that they may be able to remember them and smile, for those who responded to the call to help, that they may find healing and peace in our Lord, and for those involved in planning and carrying out this horrific attack, that they may come to repentance and hear the voice of Jesus calling them out of the darkness. In His most holy and precious name, amen.
And now I am almost up to date, as this is from yesterday's journal entry !!
Today's visit: let's call it asked and answered.
In "31 Days of Praise" today's subject was thanking God for the things that bother me in my life partner, or loved ones, those close to me.
I was immediately convicted in this are. Complaining, especially out loud about others is tantamount to cursing them. And even though this is never my heart's intent, I am still speaking ill over them and their lives. And I am deeply sorry for this.
I went on to reading "The Focused Life", (remember this is the little book with Psalms and Proverbs broken up into daily reading segments put out by Turning Point Ministries). And me, being me was in the middle of a Psalm the last time I finished reading (why stick to the prescribed schedule? LOL). Anyways, I picked up at Psalm 25:4. As I read through to verse 11, I knew knew knew this was meant specifically for me at this specific time.
Thank You Lord for bringing conviction and encouragement to me, Your child. Please help all of us to hear when you call us to repentance and to respond with submissive hearts to Your voice. Your Word tells us: You lead the humble in doing right, teaching them Your way (verse 9). Thank You that You are always willing to correct and guide us.
Today's visit: let's call it asked and answered.
In "31 Days of Praise" today's subject was thanking God for the things that bother me in my life partner, or loved ones, those close to me.
I was immediately convicted in this are. Complaining, especially out loud about others is tantamount to cursing them. And even though this is never my heart's intent, I am still speaking ill over them and their lives. And I am deeply sorry for this.
I went on to reading "The Focused Life", (remember this is the little book with Psalms and Proverbs broken up into daily reading segments put out by Turning Point Ministries). And me, being me was in the middle of a Psalm the last time I finished reading (why stick to the prescribed schedule? LOL). Anyways, I picked up at Psalm 25:4. As I read through to verse 11, I knew knew knew this was meant specifically for me at this specific time.
Thank You Lord for bringing conviction and encouragement to me, Your child. Please help all of us to hear when you call us to repentance and to respond with submissive hearts to Your voice. Your Word tells us: You lead the humble in doing right, teaching them Your way (verse 9). Thank You that You are always willing to correct and guide us.
Psalm 25:4-11
New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O Lord,
forgive my many, many sins.
forgive my many, many sins.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
This post is from journal entry dated Sept. 5, we are almost caught up to real time!!
GOD VISIT!! As I drove home last night, the low gas indicator beeped at me, and me, true to form, decided I would just stop before work the next day. Anyone who knows me know I absolutely HATE stopping for gas. It's just one of the chores.....
well let's just say that I ever win the lotto or something I will pay someone to do it!!! LOL.
Fast forward to today (9/5)--I leave for work, and of course getting gas has totally gone out of my head (selective memory?? blocking out the unpleasant??)Well thank God as I was talking to a friend on the phone they mentioned that they need to stop for gas----Ding ding ding---REMINDER !! Thank Your Lord!!! If He didn't remind me I would have ended up stuck on the parkway flipping out because I had run out of gas!! I am soooooo grateful for this God Visit !!
Lord, thank You for the ways that you take care of me in the practical, everyday stuff. I have to go back to the post of Your interest in me as an individual and caring about even the small details of our lives. Lord open our eyes to see the small things You do for us every day. Help us to not miss them.
GOD VISIT!! As I drove home last night, the low gas indicator beeped at me, and me, true to form, decided I would just stop before work the next day. Anyone who knows me know I absolutely HATE stopping for gas. It's just one of the chores.....
well let's just say that I ever win the lotto or something I will pay someone to do it!!! LOL.
Fast forward to today (9/5)--I leave for work, and of course getting gas has totally gone out of my head (selective memory?? blocking out the unpleasant??)Well thank God as I was talking to a friend on the phone they mentioned that they need to stop for gas----Ding ding ding---REMINDER !! Thank Your Lord!!! If He didn't remind me I would have ended up stuck on the parkway flipping out because I had run out of gas!! I am soooooo grateful for this God Visit !!
Lord, thank You for the ways that you take care of me in the practical, everyday stuff. I have to go back to the post of Your interest in me as an individual and caring about even the small details of our lives. Lord open our eyes to see the small things You do for us every day. Help us to not miss them.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
And moving on to the Sept. 3 entry, "I am willing" continues some more !!
My morning prayer time began with "31 Days Of Praise" by Ruth Meyers, (a great little book containing 31 passages with specific themes for daily praise). Today's subject was "people in life who seem to bring more pain than joy."
I have a friend who is struggling so much. I see the pain in their life and it breaks my heart. Yet I know that like most of us, a lot of their pain is in some ways self-inflicted. As I was led once again to pray for this dear friend, I asked the Lord to help them, to soften their heart to change their way of reacting and looking at things (and do many of us need that, I know I do !!).
Next, I moved on to my Bible study--"Set Apart" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. The section I am on started out with a leper coming to Jesus for cleansing. The Bible verses is was based on----Matt 8:1-3. And what did it say in verse 3??? You guessed it; I AM WILLING.
Time elapsed between my prayer for my friend and the loving reply from Jesus? About 15 seconds !!
I was pretty amazed, still am and comforted as well. I can't believe this verse has "coincidentally" popped up yet again in esponse to prayer.
Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.
Jesus offers mercy and compassion, not rejection. Sometimes it seems like He doesn't hear, but He does. And when we don't feel Him, or see Him, help us to remember that You are good and mean only good toward us. Help us to know You do answer prayer, and let us trust Your timing and Your answers.
My morning prayer time began with "31 Days Of Praise" by Ruth Meyers, (a great little book containing 31 passages with specific themes for daily praise). Today's subject was "people in life who seem to bring more pain than joy."
I have a friend who is struggling so much. I see the pain in their life and it breaks my heart. Yet I know that like most of us, a lot of their pain is in some ways self-inflicted. As I was led once again to pray for this dear friend, I asked the Lord to help them, to soften their heart to change their way of reacting and looking at things (and do many of us need that, I know I do !!).
Next, I moved on to my Bible study--"Set Apart" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. The section I am on started out with a leper coming to Jesus for cleansing. The Bible verses is was based on----Matt 8:1-3. And what did it say in verse 3??? You guessed it; I AM WILLING.
Time elapsed between my prayer for my friend and the loving reply from Jesus? About 15 seconds !!
I was pretty amazed, still am and comforted as well. I can't believe this verse has "coincidentally" popped up yet again in esponse to prayer.
Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.
Jesus offers mercy and compassion, not rejection. Sometimes it seems like He doesn't hear, but He does. And when we don't feel Him, or see Him, help us to remember that You are good and mean only good toward us. Help us to know You do answer prayer, and let us trust Your timing and Your answers.
God continued to visit with me on Sept 1. Here's the rest of the story:
I was in service and as I opened up my Bible in preparation to hear the teaching, I "happened" upon Luke 5 and highlighted was verse 13, "I am willing" (I don't usually go for this Biblical "dice throwing" way of Scripture reading, but this time....it seemed to jump out at me).
It doesn't get more personal than that. I believe that the Lord absolutely was answer the cries of my heart. My individual heart.
So during the communion meditation, I gave God my dreams, and my heart because even the best of my dreams cannot compare to Him. Like the song we sang says, "and nothing I desire compares to you."
God answers us individually. Lord help us to be listening, and then help us to trust and believe. Open our hearts to hear You. I know I have missed so much because I just wasn't open, just wouldn't believe you would actually take time to speak to me personally. I pray that each of us would believe this, not just in our heads, but in our hearts.
I was in service and as I opened up my Bible in preparation to hear the teaching, I "happened" upon Luke 5 and highlighted was verse 13, "I am willing" (I don't usually go for this Biblical "dice throwing" way of Scripture reading, but this time....it seemed to jump out at me).
It doesn't get more personal than that. I believe that the Lord absolutely was answer the cries of my heart. My individual heart.
So during the communion meditation, I gave God my dreams, and my heart because even the best of my dreams cannot compare to Him. Like the song we sang says, "and nothing I desire compares to you."
God answers us individually. Lord help us to be listening, and then help us to trust and believe. Open our hearts to hear You. I know I have missed so much because I just wasn't open, just wouldn't believe you would actually take time to speak to me personally. I pray that each of us would believe this, not just in our heads, but in our hearts.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Psalm 13
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
Hi all
This post is from journal entry Sept 1.
I was praying that I didn't want to give up my heart and my dreams, wondering if God sees me, individually, me. My mind was heading to that place, you know the, "God doesn't really worry about my insignificant (in the grand scheme of the universe and His big plan for the world) life and issues" place. I imagine we all go there, but I seem to do it a lot. My heart was becoming so heavy, thinking about giving up its needs, and desires, I just wanted to weep and never stop. Well I've been reading a little book put out by Turning Point Ministries called, "The Focused Life." Basically, its just praying through the Psalms and Proverbs on a daily basis. In today's reading was Ps. 11 and Ps. 13.
As I read through Ps. 11, verse 4 jumped out at me:
But the Lord is in His holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. HE WATCHES EVERYONE CLOSELY, EXAMINING EVERY PERSON on earth.
Wow, God does take notice of me. It really couldn't be said any clearer. Struggling daily with sorry and anguish, feeling forgotten seems to be the norm for me these days. Psalm 13 expressed my heart perfectly. I then I came to verse 6.
But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.
The Lord reminded me that He does see me (El Roi-the God who sees me), He is good and His love for me is unfailing. And through this journaling I see, I realize and am becoming more aware that I truly am not forgotten. Life still hurts, but I know God is watching and involved and righ by my side--at least I am starting to see that.
As I continued the reading for today (I am now in Proverbs 3) I am seeing a God who is personal, one who is interested in me as an individual as well as His "big picture" plans for the universe.
Thank You Lord, that through this you are making this more real and more clear to me. Please help me to share this with others that they too may start to look around in their own lives for Your visits. Remind us of Your forever care and love.
This post is from journal entry Sept 1.
I was praying that I didn't want to give up my heart and my dreams, wondering if God sees me, individually, me. My mind was heading to that place, you know the, "God doesn't really worry about my insignificant (in the grand scheme of the universe and His big plan for the world) life and issues" place. I imagine we all go there, but I seem to do it a lot. My heart was becoming so heavy, thinking about giving up its needs, and desires, I just wanted to weep and never stop. Well I've been reading a little book put out by Turning Point Ministries called, "The Focused Life." Basically, its just praying through the Psalms and Proverbs on a daily basis. In today's reading was Ps. 11 and Ps. 13.
As I read through Ps. 11, verse 4 jumped out at me:
But the Lord is in His holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. HE WATCHES EVERYONE CLOSELY, EXAMINING EVERY PERSON on earth.
Wow, God does take notice of me. It really couldn't be said any clearer. Struggling daily with sorry and anguish, feeling forgotten seems to be the norm for me these days. Psalm 13 expressed my heart perfectly. I then I came to verse 6.
But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.
The Lord reminded me that He does see me (El Roi-the God who sees me), He is good and His love for me is unfailing. And through this journaling I see, I realize and am becoming more aware that I truly am not forgotten. Life still hurts, but I know God is watching and involved and righ by my side--at least I am starting to see that.
As I continued the reading for today (I am now in Proverbs 3) I am seeing a God who is personal, one who is interested in me as an individual as well as His "big picture" plans for the universe.
Thank You Lord, that through this you are making this more real and more clear to me. Please help me to share this with others that they too may start to look around in their own lives for Your visits. Remind us of Your forever care and love.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
From journal entry of Aug. 31
Out early for food shopping. My days seem to start too early, too much !! But then a "God Visit." One of my favorite songs came on the radio...Revelation Song. It just brought me to a beautiful place of worship, somewhere I don't often get to go. But it was so enjoyable. Thank You Lord.
Out early for food shopping. My days seem to start too early, too much !! But then a "God Visit." One of my favorite songs came on the radio...Revelation Song. It just brought me to a beautiful place of worship, somewhere I don't often get to go. But it was so enjoyable. Thank You Lord.
Today's post is from journal entry Aug 30. Eventually I will be caught up and the dates will coincide !!
Today we had a "guest speaker" at Ladies Bible Study. It was our very own Ron!! Marie has been leading us in the study of kindness---part of the fruit of the Spirit study we have been doing. Ron told the story of Mephibosheth and how David was looking for someone from the house of Saul that he could show God's kindness to. Ron explained how when Mephibosheth sat at David's table, his lameness wasn't noticeable at all. (Mephibosheth was crippled in his feet due to the fact that when he was a child a servant carrying him off to safety fell with him. You can read the story in 2 Samuel). In the same way, when God invites us to His table, He does not see any lameness. No matter what cripples me in my life, God does not notice my disability. There is no list for me to live up to in order to gain the Father's acceptance.
This is always such a struggle for me to accept and believe. I, like most people are performance oriented. It's hard to believe someone would love me just because that is what they do. But that is our God.
Jeremiah 31:3 Long ago, the Lord said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."
Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love and acceptance of Your children. Please help us to learn to accept and believe this is true whether we feel it or not.
Today we had a "guest speaker" at Ladies Bible Study. It was our very own Ron!! Marie has been leading us in the study of kindness---part of the fruit of the Spirit study we have been doing. Ron told the story of Mephibosheth and how David was looking for someone from the house of Saul that he could show God's kindness to. Ron explained how when Mephibosheth sat at David's table, his lameness wasn't noticeable at all. (Mephibosheth was crippled in his feet due to the fact that when he was a child a servant carrying him off to safety fell with him. You can read the story in 2 Samuel). In the same way, when God invites us to His table, He does not see any lameness. No matter what cripples me in my life, God does not notice my disability. There is no list for me to live up to in order to gain the Father's acceptance.
This is always such a struggle for me to accept and believe. I, like most people are performance oriented. It's hard to believe someone would love me just because that is what they do. But that is our God.
Jeremiah 31:3 Long ago, the Lord said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."
Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love and acceptance of Your children. Please help us to learn to accept and believe this is true whether we feel it or not.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Journal entry from Aug 28th
Something I forgot to write about...On the day Tonto died she was unable to kiss me good bye (Tonto always liked to give kisses to her Mom). All she could manage was to sniff my face a little. That night, as I was laying in bed reading, Spot (our other cat) jumped up and my face a few times. Spot has never done this in the 2 yrs we have had him. I believe he may have licked my hand or arm once. LOL. I believe, and many people may not agree or think I am nuts (not the 1st time on either of those things, haha), that it was God's way of letting her say goodbye to me. And I am so grateful to Him for it.
Today, Sept 4, Vinny picked up her ashes from the vet. I still miss her so much. My grumpy little girl.
Thank you Lord for giving us our pets. They are definitely gifts from You. They add so much to our lives, fill our homes with their presence, bring us laughter and love. You knew what You were doing when You made them !! I pray for all the homeless animals Lord, that You would find the perfect loving home for them, a place where they can be loved and love in return.
Something I forgot to write about...On the day Tonto died she was unable to kiss me good bye (Tonto always liked to give kisses to her Mom). All she could manage was to sniff my face a little. That night, as I was laying in bed reading, Spot (our other cat) jumped up and my face a few times. Spot has never done this in the 2 yrs we have had him. I believe he may have licked my hand or arm once. LOL. I believe, and many people may not agree or think I am nuts (not the 1st time on either of those things, haha), that it was God's way of letting her say goodbye to me. And I am so grateful to Him for it.
Today, Sept 4, Vinny picked up her ashes from the vet. I still miss her so much. My grumpy little girl.
Thank you Lord for giving us our pets. They are definitely gifts from You. They add so much to our lives, fill our homes with their presence, bring us laughter and love. You knew what You were doing when You made them !! I pray for all the homeless animals Lord, that You would find the perfect loving home for them, a place where they can be loved and love in return.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A "visit" from Aug 27
I've heard a new song called "Remade" by Tenth Avenue North ( I tried to share it on here, hope it came up). It talks about how all the mistakes and problems--self created are not "who I am". God keeps bringing up restoration to me, like at Ladies Bible Study when I was told that my restoration is already done. And God has been sending me this song for the last few days, like every time I turn on the radio !!
Thank you Lord for communicating with me and encouraging me and reminding me that YOU make all things new, even me. YOU do it !!
I pray that we all would remember that You, our Lord are in the business of restoration. That we would be encouraged knowing that You never leave us in the messy state we are in. Even when things seem at their worst, You are at work. Help us to hang on to that truth.
I've heard a new song called "Remade" by Tenth Avenue North ( I tried to share it on here, hope it came up). It talks about how all the mistakes and problems--self created are not "who I am". God keeps bringing up restoration to me, like at Ladies Bible Study when I was told that my restoration is already done. And God has been sending me this song for the last few days, like every time I turn on the radio !!
Thank you Lord for communicating with me and encouraging me and reminding me that YOU make all things new, even me. YOU do it !!
I pray that we all would remember that You, our Lord are in the business of restoration. That we would be encouraged knowing that You never leave us in the messy state we are in. Even when things seem at their worst, You are at work. Help us to hang on to that truth.
Another "visit" on Aug 23rd.
Here's an OMG, how great and kind and loving You are God moment.
So many sad and bad things have been happening lately, so of course the question coming into my head is "Are You mad at me God?" Knowing my self as I do (all the sins, faults, shortcomings, attitude problems...) my mind just has to go "there", to that place that God must be mad at me. Well, I go out for a run and put on my Joyce Meyer podcast, and what are they advertising, but a new book and guess what the title is.....GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU. Oh my, I just cried when I heard this. It was as if the Lord just came right out and answered the deepest hurt in my heart. Thank You my loving Father for meeting me just where I was today.
Lord, please meet my brothers and sisters wherever they may be. Help them to know You are for them and not against them. That You are always on their side.
Here's an OMG, how great and kind and loving You are God moment.
So many sad and bad things have been happening lately, so of course the question coming into my head is "Are You mad at me God?" Knowing my self as I do (all the sins, faults, shortcomings, attitude problems...) my mind just has to go "there", to that place that God must be mad at me. Well, I go out for a run and put on my Joyce Meyer podcast, and what are they advertising, but a new book and guess what the title is.....GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU. Oh my, I just cried when I heard this. It was as if the Lord just came right out and answered the deepest hurt in my heart. Thank You my loving Father for meeting me just where I was today.
Lord, please meet my brothers and sisters wherever they may be. Help them to know You are for them and not against them. That You are always on their side.
Hello again. Today I will be posting a "visit" from Aug 23, I call it "God's comfort."
Yesterday we lost our precious 14 yr old, 1st ever cat, Tonto. She was momma's baby girl. As we sat in the vets office, waiting to go in for the procedure to let her go, my Mom looked up and noticed a painting (more like a print, but whatever) and the way the artist signed their name, it looked like it spelled out Tonto ! The picture showed a cat and a dog, almost looking like they were done in patchwork fashion. The cat had her eyes closed and a pleased, contented "smiley face", and the dog was looking upward, smiling as well. They looked completely happy. I believe this was God's way of letting us know Tonto was now reunited with her brother Sam (who we lost on the 25th of April). Thank you Lord for this picture.
Yesterday we lost our precious 14 yr old, 1st ever cat, Tonto. She was momma's baby girl. As we sat in the vets office, waiting to go in for the procedure to let her go, my Mom looked up and noticed a painting (more like a print, but whatever) and the way the artist signed their name, it looked like it spelled out Tonto ! The picture showed a cat and a dog, almost looking like they were done in patchwork fashion. The cat had her eyes closed and a pleased, contented "smiley face", and the dog was looking upward, smiling as well. They looked completely happy. I believe this was God's way of letting us know Tonto was now reunited with her brother Sam (who we lost on the 25th of April). Thank you Lord for this picture.
Monday, September 2, 2013
This "visit" occurred on Aug 20th, as I was running that morning (yaaay for me--exercising !), I was listening to Joyce Meyer's podcast. She was doing part of her Battlefield of the Mind series. As she was speaking, I heard the old thoughts coming into my head "God won't bless me, that's for the 'good' ones..." and so on. And right away Joyce starts saying very firmly. "God wants to bless YOU. Heal YOU. Prosper YOU." Emphasis on the YOU, hers not mine. Hmmmm, message loud enough for me?
After listening to the podcast I prayed. I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the idea of being "the branch". This is something I have been reading about in Andrew Murrays's "True Vine" And as I walked along He showed me the tress. Branches were attached, and they stay attach. They don't jump off and on at whim (picture that in your head LOL). They produce leaves, flowers, fruit just by staying attached to the trunk. Then I saw a dead treat with dead leaves, He told me this was a tree of Satan, from a distance it looks like something is there, but it is false fruit. Then I saw a tree that was dead, with nothing on it, and this tree was representative of those who are attached to the world. There is only deadness, emptiness when the world crowds out God in my life.
Lord, thank you for revealing Your plan to bless us. It is because of who You are, not because of what we do. Help us to stay attached to You.
After listening to the podcast I prayed. I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the idea of being "the branch". This is something I have been reading about in Andrew Murrays's "True Vine" And as I walked along He showed me the tress. Branches were attached, and they stay attach. They don't jump off and on at whim (picture that in your head LOL). They produce leaves, flowers, fruit just by staying attached to the trunk. Then I saw a dead treat with dead leaves, He told me this was a tree of Satan, from a distance it looks like something is there, but it is false fruit. Then I saw a tree that was dead, with nothing on it, and this tree was representative of those who are attached to the world. There is only deadness, emptiness when the world crowds out God in my life.
Lord, thank you for revealing Your plan to bless us. It is because of who You are, not because of what we do. Help us to stay attached to You.
Let's start with my first entry in the God Visits Journal on Aug. 20th. The" visit actually happened on the 18th.
Today's reading at church was John 11:30-46, but the key verses would have to be John 11:21--Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died", and verse 32--When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, "Lord, if only You had been here, my brother would not have died."
Accusatory? Maybe. "God if you had done this, or not allowed that... God if You just did things the way I want, the way I think is right..." Sound familiar? Jesus' answer to them and me comes in John 11:40--"Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
So, on with the "visit". Through the story of Lazarus God reminded me He had a better plan, a bigger plan, it is hidden, waiting to be revealed. No matter how dead, how bad, how much things stink--God resurrects. God has more than just healing planned--He has new life, complete restoration (this was also the theme of words spoken to me by the ladies of my Friday morning Bible study--restoration. He reminded me that just like Noah, I am remembered by Him, only I must stay on the ark. Don't give up. My restoration is already done in Jesus Christ)
When my father was diagnosed with cancer years ago, the Lord could have healed him, but instead planned something better. His plan was to give my dad eternal life.
Anyway, at the same service, I was scheduled to serve communion and as I stood there (like I had 100x before) I looked up and immediately my eyes fell on the "Footprints" story. I had never really paid attention to the tapestry hanging there before. But my eyes went right to the verse where Jesus responds that through hard times is when He carries us. I knew knew knew that He was speaking to me. And maybe I can't feel it at those rough times, but that does not make it any less true.
I am so sad with all the circumstances in my life, and in the lives of those I care about. I see no answers or relief, like God doesn't hear or care. But this is all part of His plan, not just for healing, but for abundant life. This is what He assured me He has in mind.
Thank You Lord, for your visit. Thank You for reminding me that You have a better plan, a wonderful plan. Please encourage Your children who are struggling with the rough times in life. Be with them and help them to see Your love today.
Today's reading at church was John 11:30-46, but the key verses would have to be John 11:21--Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died", and verse 32--When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, "Lord, if only You had been here, my brother would not have died."
Accusatory? Maybe. "God if you had done this, or not allowed that... God if You just did things the way I want, the way I think is right..." Sound familiar? Jesus' answer to them and me comes in John 11:40--"Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
So, on with the "visit". Through the story of Lazarus God reminded me He had a better plan, a bigger plan, it is hidden, waiting to be revealed. No matter how dead, how bad, how much things stink--God resurrects. God has more than just healing planned--He has new life, complete restoration (this was also the theme of words spoken to me by the ladies of my Friday morning Bible study--restoration. He reminded me that just like Noah, I am remembered by Him, only I must stay on the ark. Don't give up. My restoration is already done in Jesus Christ)
When my father was diagnosed with cancer years ago, the Lord could have healed him, but instead planned something better. His plan was to give my dad eternal life.
Anyway, at the same service, I was scheduled to serve communion and as I stood there (like I had 100x before) I looked up and immediately my eyes fell on the "Footprints" story. I had never really paid attention to the tapestry hanging there before. But my eyes went right to the verse where Jesus responds that through hard times is when He carries us. I knew knew knew that He was speaking to me. And maybe I can't feel it at those rough times, but that does not make it any less true.
I am so sad with all the circumstances in my life, and in the lives of those I care about. I see no answers or relief, like God doesn't hear or care. But this is all part of His plan, not just for healing, but for abundant life. This is what He assured me He has in mind.
Thank You Lord, for your visit. Thank You for reminding me that You have a better plan, a wonderful plan. Please encourage Your children who are struggling with the rough times in life. Be with them and help them to see Your love today.
I begin this project, I will have to go back over the last couple of weeks, when I was first encouraged by the Lord to start my God Visits Journal. I will post those and try to stay in order of date that He has come to visit, eventually catching up with the present day. So many times in my life I have felt God isn't interested in my life as an individual, He is too busy with the big picture to worry about my "little world". Now I know God has spoken, comforted and sustained me in the past, but since I never really "feel" His presence, I tend to forget these instances when the next trial comes along. And lately there have been a lot of trials. Health, finances, coping with an aging parent losing both my precious dog and cat within the last 5 months, emotional trials...I really need to focus on the times God says, "Hey, I am here, I love you and I have this covered."
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