Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV) Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Within the pages of God's Holy Writ generation after generation can see and feel the Lord's love, guidance, and laws. Words to reach, to teach, and to bless. The God who created everything; names, planets, stars, the hair of our heads, trees, flowers,...all of it, also wanted to communicate with us.
My greatest prayer and hope is "that the next generation may know".
Lord, in this crazy life, yet still, we are so blessed. You are faithful. You are God alone. Please let the JOY of your SPIRIT rise up in my daughter's heart today. May she know the fullness of joy that is only found in Your presence. You are our Heavenly Father. Thank you for being the best Father to the most precious, earthly gift You could've ever given me. I thank you for her. I thank you for the opportunity to be her Momma.
I love you.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sacrifices of Joy
Psalm 27:5-6 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
So many times when in days of adversity it is hard to find our joy. Or, to keep our joy active. I'm not sure how it works for everyone else, but just as I think life is going pretty well, some (forgive me if you must), but some stupid thing happens that pulls me away from the peace and joy that I so desperately seek to dwell.
And it seems the enemy of our souls knows just the thing to trigger the sorrow too!
David found himself being wickedly pursued by Saul many times. David understood what the word "Bullying" meant. He ran for his very life, hiding in caves.
If there is one thing that gets my ire up it is this. I do not understand why people can not leave others well enough alone. Why thy can not enjoy the life that they have been graciously given, and leave others alone. After all, there are so few hours in a day to take care of personal need and responsibility. There really should be no time for as my family calls it, "nib-nosing".
But, adversity, it has been here pretty much since the foundation of human existence. There are plenty of examples in Scripture which teach us that there will be adversity in life. And it comes in many forms.
I'm so thankful for the ROCK of my salvation. Aren't you? He has lifted me up. He has been my Friend. My Comforter. My strong habitation. So many times He has hid me in His secret place. He lifts us up, He does not tear at us. He is wonderful.
For this reason I know that, even in the midst of chaos, un-necessary hurts, and in affliction, I can bring to His tabernacle sacrifices of joy! In times of pain and confusion, I can open my mouth and sing!!
Yes, I will sing praise unto my God. He deserves my highest praise.
Did you know that singing your way through a hard task can give you the strength to get it done?
So many times when in days of adversity it is hard to find our joy. Or, to keep our joy active. I'm not sure how it works for everyone else, but just as I think life is going pretty well, some (forgive me if you must), but some stupid thing happens that pulls me away from the peace and joy that I so desperately seek to dwell.
And it seems the enemy of our souls knows just the thing to trigger the sorrow too!
David found himself being wickedly pursued by Saul many times. David understood what the word "Bullying" meant. He ran for his very life, hiding in caves.
If there is one thing that gets my ire up it is this. I do not understand why people can not leave others well enough alone. Why thy can not enjoy the life that they have been graciously given, and leave others alone. After all, there are so few hours in a day to take care of personal need and responsibility. There really should be no time for as my family calls it, "nib-nosing".
But, adversity, it has been here pretty much since the foundation of human existence. There are plenty of examples in Scripture which teach us that there will be adversity in life. And it comes in many forms.
I'm so thankful for the ROCK of my salvation. Aren't you? He has lifted me up. He has been my Friend. My Comforter. My strong habitation. So many times He has hid me in His secret place. He lifts us up, He does not tear at us. He is wonderful.
For this reason I know that, even in the midst of chaos, un-necessary hurts, and in affliction, I can bring to His tabernacle sacrifices of joy! In times of pain and confusion, I can open my mouth and sing!!
Yes, I will sing praise unto my God. He deserves my highest praise.
Did you know that singing your way through a hard task can give you the strength to get it done?
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Hope In The Deliverer
For in Thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord, my God. -Psalm 38:15
There were several things/situations this week that I totally had to hope in God for. Also, there was something awesome that happened this week of which had been great concern to me for a year now. And, as He is so faithful to do, He delivered! It is good to trust in Jesus.
This past week, my only daughter--only child--went to the beautiful country of Cozumel, Mexico to vacation with her daddy and family, along with another family (who I don't know). She had to get Passport and she flew to another land.
Although I was excited for her to have this opportunity, I was some worried on a whole lot of levels over this too! But I decided that this would be perfect opportunity to put my faith and trust in the One who gave her to me, and so, with the enlistment of a few friends to help me pray, I took the journey of hope and faith this past week. There were a few days I didn't believe I was doing so well, but hopefully I didn't allow it to show TOO much.
She came back happy, tan, and telling me of her adventures...along with the reminder...She will go back at the next opportunity. :) She absolutely LOVED it.
The other thing that has been on my mind for quite some time has been my finance. I lost a job that I had held for nearly 10 years last year and, with the Lord's gracious help, I landed another 3 months after being told of my layoff. God was good. But, with the new job, I took a significant pay cut. The commute was longer too. Meaning more gasoline burning, more dollars spending. The job has great opportunity and potential though, so I felt it was worth it! But, I still had the finance issue.
Well, this week God graciously blessed me. And now I wonder why I ever worried. God is so good!
Then, 2 days later, my daughter was blessed at her job. God is good!
When we give our worries, and I'm so apt to have them, but, when we give them to the Lord, He will take good care to lay them to rest. We can safely dwell in His arms of refuge and find peace that is past our understanding. He is able--and will work as long as we allow Him--to keep our hearts and minds. He is a loving God.
Months or even years may go by without an answer, or at least not the one you hope for, but trust Him anyway. He is listening. And, He WILL deliver! Oh, yes, somehow He will deliver.
There were several things/situations this week that I totally had to hope in God for. Also, there was something awesome that happened this week of which had been great concern to me for a year now. And, as He is so faithful to do, He delivered! It is good to trust in Jesus.
This past week, my only daughter--only child--went to the beautiful country of Cozumel, Mexico to vacation with her daddy and family, along with another family (who I don't know). She had to get Passport and she flew to another land.
Although I was excited for her to have this opportunity, I was some worried on a whole lot of levels over this too! But I decided that this would be perfect opportunity to put my faith and trust in the One who gave her to me, and so, with the enlistment of a few friends to help me pray, I took the journey of hope and faith this past week. There were a few days I didn't believe I was doing so well, but hopefully I didn't allow it to show TOO much.
She came back happy, tan, and telling me of her adventures...along with the reminder...She will go back at the next opportunity. :) She absolutely LOVED it.
The other thing that has been on my mind for quite some time has been my finance. I lost a job that I had held for nearly 10 years last year and, with the Lord's gracious help, I landed another 3 months after being told of my layoff. God was good. But, with the new job, I took a significant pay cut. The commute was longer too. Meaning more gasoline burning, more dollars spending. The job has great opportunity and potential though, so I felt it was worth it! But, I still had the finance issue.
Well, this week God graciously blessed me. And now I wonder why I ever worried. God is so good!
Then, 2 days later, my daughter was blessed at her job. God is good!
When we give our worries, and I'm so apt to have them, but, when we give them to the Lord, He will take good care to lay them to rest. We can safely dwell in His arms of refuge and find peace that is past our understanding. He is able--and will work as long as we allow Him--to keep our hearts and minds. He is a loving God.
Months or even years may go by without an answer, or at least not the one you hope for, but trust Him anyway. He is listening. And, He WILL deliver! Oh, yes, somehow He will deliver.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Don't Pop Your Top Too Soon
Psalm 121:8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
God is our ever-present help. We are especially helped when we observe to follow after Him. He does not forget those that keep His ways, to those who observe to do His commandments.
Today my mind goes to the word: Preserve.
When it comes to food there are many forms of preservation. Food preservation usually involves preventing the growth of bacteria, and also can include processes to help visual deterioration (thinking cut apples, here), which can occur during food preparation. Many processes to preserve food involve a number of methods.
But, when I think of preserving food my mind goes to one particular method called, "Canning". That glass and lid that encapsulate the food that, in time, will nourish the body.
For example, Jam-Making...it involves boiling, to reduce the fruit's moisture content and to kill bacteria, yeasts, etc. It involves Sugaring, this prevents regrowth of bacteria. And then, finally, the Sealing, which prevents recontamination. This also maintains nutritional value.
In Canning, it involves cooking food, sealing it in sterile cans or jars, and boiling the containers to kill or any remaining bacteria. Lack of quality-control in the Canning Process may allow the formation of micro-organisms. Which is, of course, something nobody desires.
On a spiritual level, it is really no different.
When it comes to the preservation of our soul, God also has His method. Our flesh tends to produce the "bad bacteria" while the trials of life and a good, solid relationship with Christ tends to be a huge part the process which is used to prevent the growth or re-growth of said bacteria.
Nobody likes the 'boiling process", but we sure don't mind the "sugaring part". We tend to want to shield our self away from that which brings heat and pain and lean more toward those things that make us happy. The more "sugar on top", the better. But we have to have all the parts for the making of good quality in our life.
God uses all of it to make something of perfection. Then, as we allow our self to be sealed by His Word, we are then made more ready to serve Him for His purpose.
You may have endured much and now feel that you're the forgotten "can" sitting on the back of the shelf of God's pantry, but take heart. He knows exactly where you are! He has not forgotten you. In His own time He will hand-pick you to serve His purpose. Be still in the waiting, don't allow yourself to fall of the shelf and be shattered. Don't pop your top yet. Wait for God's timing before you pour out the contents He has preserved in you. For, just as in preserving, the protecting, of natural things, God too, will protect that which concerns you.
From this time forth and even forevermore.
God is our ever-present help. We are especially helped when we observe to follow after Him. He does not forget those that keep His ways, to those who observe to do His commandments.
Today my mind goes to the word: Preserve.
When it comes to food there are many forms of preservation. Food preservation usually involves preventing the growth of bacteria, and also can include processes to help visual deterioration (thinking cut apples, here), which can occur during food preparation. Many processes to preserve food involve a number of methods.
But, when I think of preserving food my mind goes to one particular method called, "Canning". That glass and lid that encapsulate the food that, in time, will nourish the body.
For example, Jam-Making...it involves boiling, to reduce the fruit's moisture content and to kill bacteria, yeasts, etc. It involves Sugaring, this prevents regrowth of bacteria. And then, finally, the Sealing, which prevents recontamination. This also maintains nutritional value.
In Canning, it involves cooking food, sealing it in sterile cans or jars, and boiling the containers to kill or any remaining bacteria. Lack of quality-control in the Canning Process may allow the formation of micro-organisms. Which is, of course, something nobody desires.
On a spiritual level, it is really no different.
When it comes to the preservation of our soul, God also has His method. Our flesh tends to produce the "bad bacteria" while the trials of life and a good, solid relationship with Christ tends to be a huge part the process which is used to prevent the growth or re-growth of said bacteria.
Nobody likes the 'boiling process", but we sure don't mind the "sugaring part". We tend to want to shield our self away from that which brings heat and pain and lean more toward those things that make us happy. The more "sugar on top", the better. But we have to have all the parts for the making of good quality in our life.
God uses all of it to make something of perfection. Then, as we allow our self to be sealed by His Word, we are then made more ready to serve Him for His purpose.
You may have endured much and now feel that you're the forgotten "can" sitting on the back of the shelf of God's pantry, but take heart. He knows exactly where you are! He has not forgotten you. In His own time He will hand-pick you to serve His purpose. Be still in the waiting, don't allow yourself to fall of the shelf and be shattered. Don't pop your top yet. Wait for God's timing before you pour out the contents He has preserved in you. For, just as in preserving, the protecting, of natural things, God too, will protect that which concerns you.
From this time forth and even forevermore.
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