Monday, January 7, 2013
2013 You tell me!
I am looking for input about your interests and concerns. Are you listening and what can I do to encourage you? We will be exploring the topic of Anew You for awhile. What would you like to learn from this theme?
Friday, November 2, 2012
ANEW!
Pondering this morning the concepts of remodeling, reconstruction, renewal etc. All are processes that can be either voluntary or involuntary. IE. by choice or by constraint. These circumstances may or may not always be under my control or timing I would choose.
Several scenarios come to mind... a shattering or sudden violent destructive occurrence, a gradual deterioration, or a desired plan to replace the present with something better...Sometimes it may start with one and involve all of the others!
(Thinking especially of the hurricane this week even though I penned the above about a month ago! Wow I marvel when God does the timing!)
In the case of a natural disaster, we think of roads, homes, businesses, and buildings and facilities of all kinds that are affected. The outreach of such devastation is unimaginable and so laborious, time-consuming, and expensive!
But what about the people connected to this devastation?! How will they react to a destroyed or heavily damaged home or business. Perhaps even an injury or death may occur as a direct or indirect result of this disaster. There may be a prolonged time of grieving or inconvenience that is almost unbearable!
How about those, like one I heard of, who are already in a very difficult personal situation that is out of their control? Those in the process of rebuilding their personal lives from heartache or physical illness, or financial ruin may reach the depths of despair. Or...? what is their alternative?
Amidst the overwhelming circumstances of life, there are steps to be taken. We will start here to lay out a plan for overcoming the "quitter or bitter factor" in such situations that we may face.
1. Survey the damages! LOOK at the true devastation! You may want to run away or look away or not think about it, but truly you must examine it in all its facets to know what the real situation is! You cannot make any progress toward "anewal" without this first step. Decide what is broken. No situation is without hope, but the only answer is to really look and see what needs to be removed, replaced, or repaired. Most people who cannot recover from devastation have refused to look hard at the problem and make assessments.
FACT: It is alright and actually normal to be upset about times of devastating disappointment. But it is not alright to refuse to deal with what you have personal responsibility for.
You know that I am going to remind you right now that you don't need to be alone facing your devastation whether it is intensely personal and painful, or openly revealed to others. GOD has the power to give restoration or renewal. He will help you do the things that you need to do to bring this about. His love will be revealed by guiding and giving inspiration and strength. If there is anything you need to do, you will know. And HE will never leave you or forsake the project. Because His project is You. Ask for His help. Slowly but surely you will see Him working in your life. If you don't know or trust God,this is your opportunity to become acquainted with His ways. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!
My prayer: "Dear GOD, there are so many suffering people at this moment. They may be confused and bewildered. They may be disappointed and angry or bitter. LORD help them now to realize that you are there and wanting to help them. I think of your grief when you looked out over Jerusalem and wept, because your people would not accept your help. They were like sheep without a shepherd or chicks without their momma hen. Totally without guidance or direction and no one showing them the right way. Lord I pray right now that you will prove yourself to those that read this. May they take you at your Holy word and accept the above promises. Make you their Shepherd. Make you their Lord. Show yourself to them and may they know you as I do. A loving, wonderful, and true God that they can depend on. For those that have little faith, may they be strengthed after reading this. In Jesus Name, Amen".
Several scenarios come to mind... a shattering or sudden violent destructive occurrence, a gradual deterioration, or a desired plan to replace the present with something better...Sometimes it may start with one and involve all of the others!
(Thinking especially of the hurricane this week even though I penned the above about a month ago! Wow I marvel when God does the timing!)
In the case of a natural disaster, we think of roads, homes, businesses, and buildings and facilities of all kinds that are affected. The outreach of such devastation is unimaginable and so laborious, time-consuming, and expensive!
But what about the people connected to this devastation?! How will they react to a destroyed or heavily damaged home or business. Perhaps even an injury or death may occur as a direct or indirect result of this disaster. There may be a prolonged time of grieving or inconvenience that is almost unbearable!
How about those, like one I heard of, who are already in a very difficult personal situation that is out of their control? Those in the process of rebuilding their personal lives from heartache or physical illness, or financial ruin may reach the depths of despair. Or...? what is their alternative?
Amidst the overwhelming circumstances of life, there are steps to be taken. We will start here to lay out a plan for overcoming the "quitter or bitter factor" in such situations that we may face.
1. Survey the damages! LOOK at the true devastation! You may want to run away or look away or not think about it, but truly you must examine it in all its facets to know what the real situation is! You cannot make any progress toward "anewal" without this first step. Decide what is broken. No situation is without hope, but the only answer is to really look and see what needs to be removed, replaced, or repaired. Most people who cannot recover from devastation have refused to look hard at the problem and make assessments.
FACT: It is alright and actually normal to be upset about times of devastating disappointment. But it is not alright to refuse to deal with what you have personal responsibility for.
You know that I am going to remind you right now that you don't need to be alone facing your devastation whether it is intensely personal and painful, or openly revealed to others. GOD has the power to give restoration or renewal. He will help you do the things that you need to do to bring this about. His love will be revealed by guiding and giving inspiration and strength. If there is anything you need to do, you will know. And HE will never leave you or forsake the project. Because His project is You. Ask for His help. Slowly but surely you will see Him working in your life. If you don't know or trust God,this is your opportunity to become acquainted with His ways. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!
To be continued: Today's assignment : Survey the damages. Pray for GOD to help you through this painful task. Here's some promises:
- "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!" Jer.33:3
- "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you". I Pet. 5:7
- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and earth. Psalm121:1,2
- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil.4:13
- "Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa.49:10
My prayer: "Dear GOD, there are so many suffering people at this moment. They may be confused and bewildered. They may be disappointed and angry or bitter. LORD help them now to realize that you are there and wanting to help them. I think of your grief when you looked out over Jerusalem and wept, because your people would not accept your help. They were like sheep without a shepherd or chicks without their momma hen. Totally without guidance or direction and no one showing them the right way. Lord I pray right now that you will prove yourself to those that read this. May they take you at your Holy word and accept the above promises. Make you their Shepherd. Make you their Lord. Show yourself to them and may they know you as I do. A loving, wonderful, and true God that they can depend on. For those that have little faith, may they be strengthed after reading this. In Jesus Name, Amen".
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Writings on My Heart
PART 1
At times I have read or listened to someone try to explain something which they really did not understand themself. How frustrating for them as well as those trying to learn or at least try to get their point!
After much prayer and consideration, I will begin to share some of what GOD has been showing me these months. Remember GOD teaches in several ways.
1.Through His Eternal Word 2.Through Life itself and our experiences 3.Through the Biblical counsel and teaching of Godly people 4.Through the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Word of God is Supreme and anything God teaches through any means will never contradict His Word. So the undergirding of all my life is the truth that God tells me in His Word.
The events that have unfolded in my life this year were not anything I could have imagined the likes of. Much was unexpected, unwanted and at times unbearable. A wilderness, an untravelled and perplexing pathway to an unknown end. At the very beginning, the Lord reminded me of two things:
His unending love for me. And His knowledge of my circumstances. He told me from His Word in John 13:1...."Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them to the end...". Then in Deut.2:7, "...for the Lord Thy God knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness." Promises of God to me!
On the authority of the truth of God's Word I can tell you that whatever YOU are facing, HE loves you and always will. Do not doubt His love ever, whether sunshine, shade, or darkest night! Believe Him!
92212gtd
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Waiting
This is an article from an email newsletter created especially for my children a decade ago. I have been wanting to republish these so from time to time I willl share one.
9:01 AM 04/08/2001
Mom's Musings.....Thinking on Things
"And therefore, will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait upon Him." Isaiah 30:18
It seems that there is always some area in our life that we are learning to wait on the LORD. He uses this as a discipline in our lives continually. Although it is trying for us, He is a good God and withholding the answer is part of the best plan he has for us.
His ideal for us is that we would learn from each waiting experience that His way is best, and that as we are waiting, we can look forward to the conclusion with absolute confidence that His way is perfect. During the waiting times, He offers grace and peace for the asking.
As a woman, I have personally experienced what is one of the hardest experiences in life...awaiting the birth of a child. How Satan would torment me with fearful thoughts and anxiety during those months!
At that time I did not know the promises of God, so just cowered at these attacks and hoped and yes prayed that everything would turn out right! The aspect that probably bothered me most during those times was my total lack of control.
As Christians, we can face life's earthly uncertainties knowing that GOD is always at work....that He is in absolute control, and that He is withholding the conclusion to present it in His perfect timing. His way is best...He does this to prove His compassion, grace and mercy in our lives, to glorify Himself, and for other reasons to be revealed in eternity. However we can be sure that all is done with His Perfect love toward us.
No Greater Joy !!!
lll John 4
Rev.Sat.Jan 15,2010
9:01 AM 04/08/2001
Mom's Musings.....Thinking on Things
"And therefore, will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait upon Him." Isaiah 30:18
It seems that there is always some area in our life that we are learning to wait on the LORD. He uses this as a discipline in our lives continually. Although it is trying for us, He is a good God and withholding the answer is part of the best plan he has for us.
His ideal for us is that we would learn from each waiting experience that His way is best, and that as we are waiting, we can look forward to the conclusion with absolute confidence that His way is perfect. During the waiting times, He offers grace and peace for the asking.
As a woman, I have personally experienced what is one of the hardest experiences in life...awaiting the birth of a child. How Satan would torment me with fearful thoughts and anxiety during those months!
At that time I did not know the promises of God, so just cowered at these attacks and hoped and yes prayed that everything would turn out right! The aspect that probably bothered me most during those times was my total lack of control.
As Christians, we can face life's earthly uncertainties knowing that GOD is always at work....that He is in absolute control, and that He is withholding the conclusion to present it in His perfect timing. His way is best...He does this to prove His compassion, grace and mercy in our lives, to glorify Himself, and for other reasons to be revealed in eternity. However we can be sure that all is done with His Perfect love toward us.
No Greater Joy !!!
lll John 4
Rev.Sat.Jan 15,2010
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thinking on Things January 2011
Do you make lists? I tend to do that, especially as I get older. It does help me to not forget what needs to be accomplished, or attained. Somehow I am impressed to go toward a simple list for this New Year. I believe this list will guide me in the days ahead to remain focused on what is important. To assess things of true (value) it is necessary to judge by THE TRUTH, God's Holy Word to me.
1.Recognize my purpose: To love God, to be devoted to Him. He wanted someone to love and be loved by Him. He loves me because I am His child. What I do is noted by Him, but that is not why He loves me. He has goals for me, but that is not why He created me. If I love God the way He desires to be loved I will be fulfilling the desire of His heart! It will lead to the acts of love and obedience that my being is equipped by God for.
Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive Glory (praise and adoration), and Honour (respectful obedience) and power (my strength and ability): for Thou hast created all things and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."
2.Recognize the plan: To love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. It is an intentional, fervent love, that will involve my emotions, my physical body, and the submission of my will (willing to, wanting to) do the things of His good pleasure. This is a constant,trusting love that He actually develops in me as our relationship grows. This is a wonderful, mysterious love unlike any earthly relationship, since it is built on trusting my all-perfect and truthful God Who will never break a promise to His child!
Luke 10:27 "Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heat, with all thy with all thy soul,; and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."
3.Recognize the priorities: Next, to impart His love to others. Only by developing my relationship with Him, will I then love and help others the way He wants them to be loved. Unconditionally. In this sharing of my beloved, I cannot hold myself back. My motive will be love. Jesus personified this example for us.
John 17:26 "And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith Thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."
4.Recognize His presence and power: God Himself is ever-present with me as the Holy Spirit. He is within and without. He guides,leads,and empowers me. How I thrill as I write this because God alone knows the path ahead this year. It may be a dark path that He will enlighten, or a steep path that is hard and rocky. It may be that He will need to carry me. His loving care for me will never fail.
Ephesians 4:30 " And grieve not the Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own,? Ye are bought with a price...therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit, which are God's." "...for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God and they shall be my people.
" I Corinthians 6:19,20,2 Corinthians 6:16 "Greater is He that isin you than he that is in the world."I John 4:4
1.Recognize my purpose: To love God, to be devoted to Him. He wanted someone to love and be loved by Him. He loves me because I am His child. What I do is noted by Him, but that is not why He loves me. He has goals for me, but that is not why He created me. If I love God the way He desires to be loved I will be fulfilling the desire of His heart! It will lead to the acts of love and obedience that my being is equipped by God for.
Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive Glory (praise and adoration), and Honour (respectful obedience) and power (my strength and ability): for Thou hast created all things and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."
2.Recognize the plan: To love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. It is an intentional, fervent love, that will involve my emotions, my physical body, and the submission of my will (willing to, wanting to) do the things of His good pleasure. This is a constant,trusting love that He actually develops in me as our relationship grows. This is a wonderful, mysterious love unlike any earthly relationship, since it is built on trusting my all-perfect and truthful God Who will never break a promise to His child!
Luke 10:27 "Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heat, with all thy with all thy soul,; and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."
3.Recognize the priorities: Next, to impart His love to others. Only by developing my relationship with Him, will I then love and help others the way He wants them to be loved. Unconditionally. In this sharing of my beloved, I cannot hold myself back. My motive will be love. Jesus personified this example for us.
John 17:26 "And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith Thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."
4.Recognize His presence and power: God Himself is ever-present with me as the Holy Spirit. He is within and without. He guides,leads,and empowers me. How I thrill as I write this because God alone knows the path ahead this year. It may be a dark path that He will enlighten, or a steep path that is hard and rocky. It may be that He will need to carry me. His loving care for me will never fail.
Ephesians 4:30 " And grieve not the Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own,? Ye are bought with a price...therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit, which are God's." "...for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God and they shall be my people.
" I Corinthians 6:19,20,2 Corinthians 6:16 "Greater is He that isin you than he that is in the world."I John 4:4
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Enjoy a Thankful Thanksgiving
Have a thankful Thanksgiving!
That is what I have decided must be the correct holiday greeting.Tomorrow will be the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday.Whatever the day may bring, it will probably bring comparisons to other years, other Thanksgiving dinners. Whether it seems better or worse, it will be original. Practically almost
the same or possibly very different.
What will your Thanksgiving day be? Will it be in the same location as always with the same people as always? Maybe new acquaintances will be at the table. Perhaps others may be gone, either just this time, or from now on.
Will you be thankful for the changes as well as the expected? Major changes may be at the least unsettling, possibly devastating were it not for the unchanging Christ Who is always with us. He will ease us into a new situation with His comforting and encouraging presence.
You can have a Thankful Thanksgiving because you are not alone
and can be grateful for the constancy of His
love.
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever."Heb.13:8
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:18
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Mountaintop or Valley
Mountaintop or Valley?
Isn't it interesting that we usually remember circumstances only if they fit in one of two categories: really good or really bad. Think about it and I believe you will agree. In fact it is quite difficult to remember the details of an ordinary day, since many times they just don't really register.
Do you ever say "Well, I guess nothing important happened that day because I don't remember anything outstanding." Or, "it couldn't have been that important if I can't even remember it!"
There are many benefits and disadvantages about the high days (mountaintops) and the low days (vallies). There is an awful lot to meditate on here. But I want to focus on one thing. If we wake up at all in the morning that is the main thing. Either God's not ready for us or we aren't ready for Him.
No matter what type of day's circumstances occur, every day of life is an extraordinary gift from God and by following His leadership it becomes the best day it can be. What more could we ask for?
"This is the day which the LORD has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!"
"Rejoice in the LORD alway, and again I say Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 
Isn't it interesting that we usually remember circumstances only if they fit in one of two categories: really good or really bad. Think about it and I believe you will agree. In fact it is quite difficult to remember the details of an ordinary day, since many times they just don't really register.
Do you ever say "Well, I guess nothing important happened that day because I don't remember anything outstanding." Or, "it couldn't have been that important if I can't even remember it!"
There are many benefits and disadvantages about the high days (mountaintops) and the low days (vallies). There is an awful lot to meditate on here. But I want to focus on one thing. If we wake up at all in the morning that is the main thing. Either God's not ready for us or we aren't ready for Him.
No matter what type of day's circumstances occur, every day of life is an extraordinary gift from God and by following His leadership it becomes the best day it can be. What more could we ask for?
"This is the day which the LORD has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!"
"Rejoice in the LORD alway, and again I say Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
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