For Judy,.

A Mother's Love

A mother's love does not exist in a physical laugh or cry
nor does a mother's love ever fall away or die.
Time may pass
and life's journey may move on
but, a mother's love continues like the coming of a new dawn.

So in those times of solitude, hurt or despair
there is no need to go looking for it is always there.
A mother's love will continue to grow and live on,
long after this life is all but gone.

her love is in the peace you are able to give,
the morals she taught,
the smile you inherited and the lessons you fought.

She lives on and spreads her love deep and wide
throughout the generations with her example as our guide

So, as we prepare to say good-bye for just now,
we struggle to go on and may wonder how?

Just remember....

A mother's love does not exist in a physical laugh or cry
nor does a mother's love ever fall away or die.
Time may pass
and life's journey may move on
but, a mother's love continues like the coming of a new dawn.

I don't know why I get caught up in thinking that I have to have things all figured out to take them to God in prayer. You know, having all the words or knowing how to pray? I fall so short in my prayer life when I am confused or faced with an obstacle that I can't figure out. Or even more so, if I am hurt. I know that when I am hurt about something I close up and shut down, usually my words are "I am done". So, after all of the head knowledge that I have and believe wholly and the written truth why is my heart so slow or unwilling to prayerfully respond in times like these?
Like last week, I went through a time of deep depression. I was not sure exactly why I was sinking but it was clear to me, that something was not right and I couldn't help it. Did I pray through it? Nope, I tried to no avail to wade through it myself knowing that prayer was the answer but not going that route. I spent about 5 days wallowing in whatever it was until I looked around and saw what I was doing... God is always faithful to send me reminders and I finally grasped at one and started out of the pit. All I had to do was talk it out with God, I KNEW He was the answer but I just can't figure out why I did not go to Him first. Maybe I wanted to wallow? Maybe it was more comfortable than working it out... I don't know the exact answer yet but by God's grace and faithfulness... I am out off the pit (again) :)

My answer lies in Psalm 71:14 - 14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

So, I praise in all things, when I know and when I don't. It's not a new word... it's not profound but it is the way out of hopelessness.

A Simple Manger

A Simple Manger

Since the beginning of time God has provided all of our needs,
He created a way to Him despite our selfish and sinful deeds.

A girl He chose innocent and pure,
a calling that held a world for her to endure.
He chose her knowing that she would be true,
she would bare he Messiah, no matter what she might lose.

She rejoiced and sang to the one and only Lord,
Not once looking back but obediently moving forward.

Joseph was a man with a great mind and much honor,
He took some time to make this decision he thoughtfully pondered.
He thought that he would do what was best,
but found that his spiritual belief would be put to the test.

God sent His angels to prepare the way
for the Holy Messiah's coming birthday.

Time came to travel long and far for the census.
Behold, in the town of Bethlehem, born the Savior, God sent us.

Everyone knew that this was like no other night,
for the star of the North had continuously shone bright.
Shepherds and kings had traveled on long journeys to see,
The baby, the Son of God and all he was here to be.

There were those whose intentions were all be true,
but already the baby Jesus, His prophecy He knew.

A tiny babe sent from God's loving hands
to come down to earth and teach us to take a stand.

Our Savior born in a humble manger stall,
came to wash us clean and to deliver us all.

He was sent to us from God's grace filled heart,
to make a way from His love never to depart.
This awesome gift given with out string from up above,
sent to guide us, lead us and show us God's pure love.

God made sure that there was just one way,
it would stand forever no matter where we might stray.

So if in this season you are finding yourself lost,
go back to the debt... The birth, life and ultimate paid cost.
Think about and remember why God sent His son in the flesh,
to renew us, love us, so we can walk with Him washed and refreshed.

He chose us way before it was our time,
to care and strengthen us to walk a fine line.
He gives us absolutely everything we need,
He asks us only to plant a seed.

A seed planted in the heart of those without His love,
A miserable life to live without the hope that is God above.
He calls us and woos us close to His side,
forever with Him we are now able to abide.

Again take a moment to re-live the awesome wonder,
Of the life of Jesus Christ and all that falls under.

Let that voice that tends to grow faint deep inside,
overcome us and teach us never again to hide.

Oh Lord; today please let your glory show,
that through these words all will know.
We will feel your call and the living hope,
that comes day by day as we learn to cope.

Let us see your passion and divine love,
That flows freely from the heavens above.

Show us, make us let us wholly understand,
the gift of life that was sent by your loving hand.
Let us take in, the grace that you showed us that day,
in a tiny baby, a simple manger... Making the way.

El-Shaddai -- The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People!

El-Shaddai -- The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People! Sufficient, meaning: Being as much as is needed. So, God provides exactly what we need, when we need it and how we can receive it. How wonderful is a Father that knows and cares about every intimate detail of our life?

For a long time I thought that God was responsible for my pain. I placed blame on everyone and I felt like since I hurt so bad, I was owed something... I was "due" anything because I endured the constant pain that I did.

Was my pain real? An emphatic Yes! Was God the one who placed it on me? No, I do believe that spiritual growth is accomplished through the struggles and pain that come along with some of life lessons and submission. However, in my case... I was responsible for a great deal of my own pain from my own decisions. I had some things that were naturally against me like; being adopted, adopted again, a volatile home, a mentally ill sibling, abuse and divorce. What most of this stuff said to my heart was: you are unloveable. So I became unloveable, I was bitter, angry and I resented anything pure and good because I did not feel pure or good - I didn't understand it nor did I think that I was capable of it.

How did I answer the lie that I was unloveable... Besides fulfilling that prophecy, I began using mind numbing drugs, seeking attention form guys, being the "badest" girl that I could and living for hurting those that I felt had wronged me. When I look back I almost laugh, I see it now, God drew a line and I never crossed it, not of my own will but His. I had already crossed every line drawn before me but, this one I didn't see nor could I comprehend.

What made me different than the girl who overdosed in 10th grade or the many kids that went to jail, lost their future or did something that they could never undo to themselves or someone else... What's the difference? I don't understand it but it's love. Does God love me more than those others? No, so what is it?

When people say I live because He lives... I KNOW that, not only as fact but, also as God's truth. If it were not for God seeing something in me, knowing that one day I would be used by Him or caring enough to never give up on me.. I would not only be physically dead, I would be lost forever.

Not too long ago, I told my husband that something in me was broken and I couldn't do anything else.. I could not change. I was unable to help myself or save my marriage because I believed this lie. I thought that if anything, anything else came out and I had to speak it, re-live it or talk about it, that I would permanently lose my mind, I would just shut off. I really thought that if I let go and just pulled out the junk, I would be unable to function forever, I would be too broken to fix.

Can you believe that lie? Do not be fooled, satan is just waiting to tell you the mother of all lies and he's good, it will be one that pierces your heart and feels like truth. Maybe you already have some lies in your heart... I am unloveable, I am ugly, too stupid, too fat, too broken? Take a moment and just ask God if there is a lie that needs to be uncovered in your heart. This process was one of the hardest things I ever had to do because I really believed that I was too broken and I would never be able to hold it all together.

Guess what? El-Shaddai -- The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People, SHOWED UP! Little by little with the help of many different people God began to reveal to me that I was not too broken and that I was deceived. He began to shed some light on who He was and how much His love changed everything for me. I began to talk about my hurts, my habits and my (many) hangups. It wasn't easy, in fact it was pretty ugly and at times still is but, I began to see that there really was more to me than my pain. Having hope that there is an end to the pain was what I needed to spark my curiosity. People say that believing in God, accepting Jesus is the end to life... it's''s been an adventure like none I have ever seen or heard of for me. It has been more than just my life, it's a mosaic of: every sister and brother that has called me friend, my family, every class, teacher, every person who has encouraged me, every hand that was extended, every single person that God provided for me to help me heal. God never failed to provide what I needed, when I needed it and how I could receive it. He is faithful!

Is my healing over? Nope, but the difference is that I know who He is better and I trust Him. I know that I have a god-given purpose and those things that broke me... They are now some of my strongest areas of belief. I don't just believe in God, that might be boring but, believing him... Now, that's the journey! He is El-Shaddai: Sufficient for the Needs of His children!

Why do I write stuff like this? Because what God whispered to me in my darkness, I can't do anything but shout from the roof tops. This is my roof top.

All praise and glory unto you God, for you are worthy!

Reflecting on the season and realizing how far I am from that person I want to be is: at the same time defeating and exciting. I am discouraged because I know the only thing holding me back is me BUT I am encouraged and excited because I know, in every part of me I know, that God loves me. He alone is constantly molding and changing me to be more of who He created me to be. If I am not willing to go along peacefully, He makes a way and I still go along... Sometimes it is much harder and a much longer journey and sometimes I don't even know it's happening. What I do know is, He will never stop creating in me a pure heart as long as I am willing to ask.

That covers it all, I once craved and flourished in the darkness of a sinful heart and now I live for a God that can create in me a heart of the purest love I ever imagined... And now I can't live without praising Him.

Thank you God, for the gift of being able to hear my heart. I had shut it out for so long until, You came and spoke hope in and enabled me to hear.
For awhile all I heard were breaks and cracks but, you never planned for that to be all there was for me. The hurt was something I had to live through to fully grasp your love and healing. Now I can hear the beauty of who you are in me and the sound of other broken hearts. I can hear with ears that have been deaf and a heart that has been broken so now I too can proclaim the goodness of my father. Now, I hear the binding up and heartbeat of hope birthed in others as you begin to restore their hearing. Thank you Father for the honor of being a chosen child of the one that is the beginning and end to all, everything, forever... Amen.

Most high Father,
I humbly come before you with a pure heart and praise on my lips.
You alone are holy. Father, I thank you.
I thank you for those thing that hurt me so much I thought I could not take another breath. Because of those things I am stronger, more humble, more understanding, more compassionate, able to forgive and able to love deeper.
I thank you for those times you let me make my own mistakes and didn't save me instantly but let me learn the lessons of life. I thank you because every time I did learn a lesson, you were there to confirm that I was still you child no matter what.
I thank you for each tear that I have cried because without them I would not know that your grace is sufficient.
Thank you for the people you chose to surround me with, that they are all gifted and love me in ways that I need and have grown from.
I thank you that I am forgiven and that Jesus is real and alive in me.
I don't know how to say thank you with words, I don't think there are words enough recorded in all of history to tell you but, I lay my heart before you open and bare for you to search and know that you own this child, I am yours, all of me. Without you and your ways I would be forever lost, let me not ever forget the darkness you snached me from. May I be a light in someone else's path to you as you provided for me.

Driving today I was enjoying the beauty of the world around me and I remembered that the streams of sunlight that bound out from the clouds are my reminder of how mighty you are. Those streams are one of the first ways my children began to know who you are... We would talk about how after the storms God was faithful to give us a showing of his power to overcome by shining through and burning through the grey to shine out the silver lining. I didn't realize it but what a way to see God's glory and pass it on to little minds then in the power of who God is. Thank you God that I can know, that I can see, that I can proclaim and that I can teach my children just who is the sustainer of all things and how to call on Him... May you be glorified in the life of this child and may I be wiling to go and do every time you call me.

In the highest adoration and love of Jesus, Amen

What would have been if I had not chosen life?
I remember so clearly it all cuts through like a knife.

I was so lonely and empty nothing was there
I had been hurt too much to continue to care.
I went about my days like a leaf in the wind
just waiting around for it all to finally come to an end.

I had managed to fake a picture that sold
but on the inside all I felt was bitter and cold.
I set my mind on returning the pain
I tried everything I thought might help but it was all in vain.

Then that night in the crossroads of my life
I heard a voice call to me that there was an end to my strife.
for some reason this voice cut straight through
and to choose life is what I knew I had to do.

you see, I knew I was dying and it would not be long
but within that voice, was the sound of my lifesong.
right then I was given a hope that there was more
It rocked my foundation and shook my core.

I received that night a gift unparalleled in worth
what I heard next was the sound of my soul's rebirth.
In that moment so small, everything changed in me
I caught a glimpse of what it was that I could be.

I was no longer the "slow" one or the "fast" one nor was I the pretty one or the empty one
Now I belonged to the only one, the present one and the unconditionally loving one.
I had hope that the pain would end and love really would conquer all
and I understood that I would have to take down the wall.

I still have a hard time letting my guard down
but now I know that to it I am no longer bound.
Thanks to my king, my Father above
I can do all things with Christ's all encompassing love.

raising hands
thankful heart
worship at its best

tearful joy
pure adoration
worship at its best

entering in
thanking Him
its worship at its best

Romans 8:38-40

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Doesn't that soothe the soul... No matter what, we are in the only permanent position we will ever hold as believers in Christ Jesus.

You'd think it would all be settled and easy with that known, written in truth and proven to our hearts daily. So why can't I love others like I am called to? What is it in me that I can wrap my arms around a stranger that is dirty, on the streets, capable of whatever... just completely unknown and love them, truly love them, but I can't find that flow of love for some of those close to me?
Why am I unwilling to just let God be that love for them too? What if Jesus had this struggle over loving me?
Okay, I know that history plays a huge part of why and how we react to things but when is the history excuse expired? When is history actually history, forgotten and forgiven? I have had to forgive my abuser and that was very hard but God made it possible and somewhere I became willing and now it is a strength instead of a wound. So, as I am taking you through my thoughts in this I am stumped as to why this is a re-occurring issue for me. Somewhere I am unwilling and rebellious. If I am God's child, I am called to love others, honor others and serve others. Honestly, I feel like blowing a raspberry at some of those that I am called to love. How do I suffocate out the bad with the over abundant flow of great when I am deceived in that area? I can't see the knob to turn the foutain on, I have cut the main line off and am at a loss as to how to restore full capacity in this area. I am truly stumped.
What I know... I won't stay stumped because I know my heart is honest before Him and He is always faithful. I know that this too is a growing pain to be endured and stronger from in the end. God knew I wasn't perfect, He accepted that in me and adores me as His child, therefore He loves me too much for me to be left this way.
I am assured of my permanent position that does not concern me it my carrying on the name that brings me to my knees. I feel so unworthy at times (all the time), I feel like I have no ability to bring honor to God when I have these struggles. Then... God steps in and says (something like...), it's the struggle that honors me, I know your heart and you are willing to grow in me, if there were no struggle... Then, that would be a shame. So, would God rather I come along peacefully and quietly? I bet so, but I believe that as long as I am willing to come along... He is smiling with joy.
Well, so I am still here in this place of confusion and struggle but I have just talked myself through the part that was lonely... now, He goes with me! That was it... I put Him out of the struggle and was trying it on my own... I should know better than that but That was my area of blindness. Now, I see!

What am I learning?

Well, what a loaded question... that is exactly the thing I have been sorting through for the last few months. God has revealed so much goodness over the last year or so as well as some areas of disobedience, blindness and rebellion. He is teaching me to be silent more often. In this, I am seeing more clearly that I can not make decisions for anyone else or try to make them see it my way. I hate to say that I have had a touch of arrogance to think anyone should see anything My way... Instead If I am seeing it God's way I have no pressure, no worries because then I am where I am supposed to be and not dragging anyone down with me when I see MY way is better than God's way..
I am understanding more about lifestyle evangelism and the entirety of that saying. My responsibility is to be God focused, God lead and God fearing. If I am doing this, then I am fulfilling my purpose as God's child.
Sounds like I am getting it pulled together doesn't it? NOPE! I struggle each day to give God the bare minimum of me and some days I fail at that. I could live ashamed but I know that in my heart something is turning and changing. I don't know when it won't be a constant struggle for me to give God my whole days and for him to become my true everything, all the time, no matter what. What I do know is that my goal and my hearts desire is to know him and honor him more.
I am learning discipline and I see how I used to think it was OK that I didn't have it... I usually got me responsibilities done. God is showing me that discipline is something more it is a commitment to follow Him in all things not just what I pick and choose upon how I feel at the time. I don't know if this make a lot of sense to you that may see this but, to me, it is another blind spot being wiped clean to begin to see clearly some truth not there before.
As, for specifically what am I learning from my burden for the inner city? That I don't listen to God's urging nearly enough. That I still feel totally unworthy and ill-equipped to minister to anyone especially those who have already been hurt for a lifetime and struggle daily to survive. However, I do know that I am very well equipped to tell of who saved me from not only a sure physical death at a young age but picked me up and gave me hope. I guess if anyone would ask me what changed that night on that dark road where, for me, life and death came to a crossroads and I had to choose... it was hope (which is something I had learned not to have in anything). Standing there in my pit of mire I felt a glimpse of hope in that voice that called to me and I had to choose hope, I had to see if this was it or if there was more. So in writing this I am learning that I am as well equipped as anyone, because I have a God that took this loveless, hopeless, empty shell and filled it with everything that He planned and knit in me. He showed me that in the mire there was a treasure and it would prove to stay in the test of time... Where did the pit and the mire go? Unfortunately, not far enough for me not to fall into every now and then (sometimes I jump in) but now I have hope to give me a hand out and that's everything to me.

meditation moments...

Meditate on the moment that you realized God loves you more than you could ever love him back and accepted it. Many times people confuse being saved with this process and salvation alone is the one moment that changes everything forever. This moment can be later or maybe now… it’s when you began to understand the priceless gift of love, life eternal and accepted it into your heart. Did you know that you can be saved and not accept the wholeness of your salvation? Think about it, have you accepted that God chose you (not everyone, thgis IS about you) you alone, that He loved you, or even that the thought of you apart from Him for all eternity pained Him so much, that He sacrificed His Son Jesus to make a way to be with you? Jesus (God with skin on as Eli says) loved you and was literally torn in flesh for you, accepted each nail for you and in His last breath prayed a blessing for you… can you take that in? Can you accept that you are worthy, you are precious, you are beautiful, you are adored, you are cherished and you are complete in Him. He has a plan for you, has given you gifts to share and made you exactly the way He needs and wants you to be. He cares enough for you to provide all of your needs, give you all the wants He knows you can handle and loves you enough to make sure that you are disciplined, grown and stretched to His glory.
What God isn’t… is everything else.
He alone is pure, holy and worthy of our adoration. He gives freely, loves without condition and provides hope in all situations.
I have struggled with the worldly views of that I have placed on God from my life experiences, my earthly father and hurts in my life. I viewed God as a performance-based God. As long as I was happy and successful on the outside nothing else mattered it was the outside picture I thought God cared about but now to His glory, I know that he cares only about my insides and the condition of my heart.
I urge you to evaluate your views and let God show you if you have expectations, worldly views or a distorted view of God. Let Him reveal Himself in His ways and in His glorious appearing in all situations.
I pray that we all will know Him as He wants us to and that we will long to be with Him more and more each moment. That we will strive to learn His ways and love with His love, receive his peace and bask in His joy. That we all would live complete in His lavish gift of our personal salvation.

Stepping out

Stepping out of what is comfortable is hard at times because you are going somewhere new. I don't know about you, but new is always hard for me no matter what. I am a creature of habit however, God is teaching me that habits are better left alone because once picked up, they are really hard to break, most of them are bad and a lot of times habits stand in the way of growth.
So maybe you know where God is leading you or maybe you are just following close and waiting. Either place you are can be exciting, new, scary and lonely. Sometimes, it is a virtually painless process and others, it seems, are all pain (growing pain). Sometimes comfortable is different and God provides an adjustment period to help us along and sometimes He calls us to just step out on faith.
It's funny, everyone can have an opinion and we so often forget that nothing matters but our kingdom view and where He is leading us. Our very own steps is all we can take or be responsible for, so those opinions are worthless and should be weightless too. I tend to get caught up in the weight of decisions and usually it's not my weight, it is what others think or what I think they might think... How wasteful of my time is that?
Anyway, stepping out in obedience is one of the most exhilarating moments in life because you are glorifying God by going just because He said so, without a reason or maybe without a place but, going to His glory and not ours... Anything suffered in the process I consider pure joy!

Blessings from you...

Although my birthday has come and gone God prepared my heart for the blessings that He had for me personally weeks before. As we know, I had a bit of freedom released just before that day, in which, I was so wonderfully taught that obedience comes on all different levels. I had a dear friend who reminded me that age is not a number but a new opportunity and season of growth. The last week before I turned 37, God planned for me to see several areas in which I am abundantly blessed and others that need my attention. He prepared me and made sure that I felt loved and at peace on this birthday. I did, this is the first birthday that was about celebrating God's creation of me and what that means and how far that I have evolved by knowing Him. I was doing a mental inventory of my friends and loved ones, comparing what I am now as a friend, wife, mother, sister and daughter as to what I want to be. It was just so nice to know that I am loved by my loved ones and that it can only get better as we grow.
Now that does not mean its easy, I have some really hard to love folks in my circle and it stretches me thin to love them because, at times, I honestly don't want to. But, my present from God is a gentle reminder that I can not love enough in and of myself, I will always run dry and weary. My love has to come from the eternal fountain of love in me that is Jesus Christ. I am reminded that not so long ago I was a horribly hard child to love, it was my mission. Then I began to understand that maybe as with grace, you can't love out more than you can accept in your own heart. You just have to let love overcome all pain and fear away and overflow into others. It's the same with grace it covers all sin and shame, what a wonderful present... I was brought back to the beginning, God's love for me and Jesus' gift of life all wrapped up in beautiful love and amazing grace.

Thank you Jesus for each drop of blood that was shed by you, may not a drop be wasted. With each day, may I understand a little more of the gift of my salvation and how to live that out visibly on a daily basis. May I be forever reminded of the immense love that covers me. Jesus may I learn that you are my portion, you are all I need without exception. I praise you Jesus, thank you for the life you gave and the love you pour out so freely on me.
In your most precious and holy name I pray, Amen.

Sometimes I get stifled...

Sometimes I hear the words and they just flow through my mind. At times, faster than I can write them down and I never know when it might happen, in the car, in a group, in solitude or at the store? But, there are also times that I just run dry and I have had a week or so of that here lately. I know that when this happens that I am most usually, in a different place than where God has been leading me to, somewhere down the line I stepped off the journey and lost my focus. Being who I am and the personality type that I am... that is very true to my nature and easily done.
So, what do I do? I try to place my focus on God and and kingdom thoughts. I surround myself with Godly music, like-minded friends and books that say something to my heart. I pray but usually it's a bit different a waiting and praise prayer, thanking Him for the unknown to come. God is always faithful to show me, teach me and discipline me if I am willing to receive Him. Even though the words don't flow my soul is still moving and growing because I no longer want nor am I bound by fear to stay the same. My Father loves me too much to let me wallow, be overcome by bitterness or hate, he cares for me in the ways that fit me perfectly and completely. So, the point is this... Something GOOD is on it's way!

mighty God in heaven, hear my prayer

Mighty God in Heaven hear my prayer,
you are the:
Alpha and Omega,
Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)
Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8)
Our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Word of Life (1 John 1:1)
Eternal life (1 John 1:2;5:20)
Advocate (1 John 2:1)
True God (1 John 5:20)
Shepherd and Bishop of souls (1 Peter 2:25)
Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)
Ransom (1 Timothy 2:6)
King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelations 17:14)
Blessed and only Potentate (1 Timothy 6:15)
savior (2 Peter 2:20;3:18)
Lord of all (Acts 10:36)
Prince of life (Acts 3:15)
Just One (Acts 7:52)
Messiah (Daniel 9:25; John 1:41)
Chief Corner-stone (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6)
Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18)
I AM (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58)
Angel of the Lord (Exodus 3:2; Judges 13:15-18)
Renown (Ezekiel 34:29)
You are so much more than I can fathom, more than I can take in. Father, forgive me for how I fall short in my praise and worship of you. How you lift my soul and bring joy to my burdened heart. Thank you for believing in me and showing me that I am your child and you love me whole-ly, completely and perfectly. You are all I need, may I grow more and more each day in the knowledge of that truth.
Father may we as your people grow and accept your love so that we can give it freely to others. I pray that our (my) thoughts would turn from self thought to thoughts of others and where we can be your hands and feet and touch their lives. May we (I) hear and obey when you call us to go.
Father, I ask for more understanding and wisdom so that I can know your character more. I ask that in my life you would be seen long after I am gone, that you would be remembered not me. I lift up my face and look to you, for you are holy. God teach me to bring joy to you through my obedience to you in my daily life. When I feel ill-equipped may I remember that is not in me, it is you in me. May I have the willingness of flesh to step aside and let you shine out of me.
Father be glorified in me, that's all I want. In the most high name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen

Finding freedom

There are so many different facets to freedom and today I found another. I have this blog so I can write what I feel God lays on my heart because I believe that if he wants me to hear it, then someone else could use it too. However, I am registered as hischild because I fear rejection, constructive criticism and cower at the thought of someone judging my words, so I write anonymously and tell just a few so I am not vulnerable.
The freedom I found is this... If I am seeking God and I feel He has laid something on my heart to share, then in obedience to Him I should then pass it on. In Matthew 10:27 it says "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs". This says to me... They are not my words to be judged nor my ideas to be rejected. They are a platform on which you can stand or not, they are an opportunity to seek Him more and they are a glimpse of just who God is in us. We all have our gifts, those things that bring us joy to do and therein lies freedom. Freedom from everything except the knowledge that God loves us enough to make us unique and hand crafted by His design. He planned us specifically to accomplish His works and knows the day, time and minute that we will give in and walk along with Him. I have thought about this before but never heard God say... "You should have no fear but of Me, the rest I will handle on my own". Okay, so maybe not those exact words but I get the picture so.... Wonderfully blessed by His grace and abundant love~ Cyndi Smith

What's in our eyes...

Living out what I believe in my heart is such a struggle for me. I believe with all my soul, that God loves me so much, that He could not stand to be separated from me for eternity. So, He provided a perfect lamb to take all of my sin and shame and bear it on the cross in my place.
While there is still so much about that statement that I have yet to fully grasp, I know it is true and I try daily to live that out through the things I do and the word I say. Lately, I have been bombarded with issues that bring out behaviors of regression in me. I mean instead of turning directly to God in a crunch, I run for the nearest unhealthy manner of coping that I can. I don't fully comprehend where that falls exactly... With the whole Living out what I believe. I am assured that this is another way for God to refine me, those hidden issues that I have not dealt with or things I have not yet identified as issues that need to be resolved.
I guess living out what you believe is not always saying the exact perfect thing or never making a bad choice... It's the faith and knowledge that God loves us and will not let us stay unchanged, if we are willing, He will use our experiences to mould us to be in His image, we can not do it in ourselves. With that said, I will still strive to live out what I believe and honor God with my daily sacrifices however, I will not let the deceiver fool me into thinking that is defined by perfection... Again, a victory of truth over the (now powerless) lie!
Thank you Jesus for thinking of me and loving me enough to accept imperfection in my body but willingness in my heart.

Stained Glass

Father God, as I arise
I pray that you would open my eyes.
As I take a step this day,
be my lamp and show me the way.

I long to know more about you
and all the ways your hands soothe
I want to know your strength and love
so I can mirror what comes from above

I want to know how to praise
to humbly honor you with hands raised.
To sacrifice to you my will
and empty my heart ready for you to fill.

I want my life here and now
to live in you boldly and out loud.
I want to show all those around
the joy in you that I have found

Father Abba, teach me to love
the kind that flows only from above.
may my life be a lesson not only for me
but shared freely around for all to see.

that anything I do is not me at all
for I am that man sinned at the fall.
Let all know that look in and see
it's only by you living here in me,
that I can have the will to love at all
it comes directly form the grace given to us at the fall.

See, I know that I am set apart and given a purpose in life
and it's not to suffer in pain and to face constant daily strife.
It's to grow in Jesus, live outloud, love abundantly and not to waste this life.

So see, I know where I belong... here living out my life's song.

Until one day, it's time to go
To see everything I ever wanted to know
home I will be forever taken up
the thought of it overflows my cup.

So if you don't know this Jesus that changes it all
get on your kness and give him a call.
He is mighty and quick to save
just tell him that you have decided in Him to bathe
let go of the past and let Him lead
straight to your heart where He planted a seed.

Walk in your days with Him by yourside
forever in you will He now abide.
remember that you are only created man
but now in your life you can take a stand

Be sure to step out in faith and share
your heart and soul to others lay bare
Then, just maybe we will all know
just where our life's song will show...

In the smile of a stranger, a good deed done
are things that shine through us the life of the son.
It's exciting to see how a life grows
just in the words of these few rows

My hope in this is to encourage my sisters and brothers to live
learn to overflow from Him in love, hope and to selflessly give
Then, I think we all will see just who it is that holds the key
our eyes will be open opened and we will finally see.... what it is that we were created to be.

Stained glass am I

Have you ever thought about stained glass? Do you appreciate the beauty when you see it or have you grown cold to it's wonder? In talking with my husband tonight, He brought up how many different facets there are in a stained glass window. It made me think about myself as a beautiful window... and I wondered... am I lit?
Well, I don't know much but I assume that stained glass is very hard to make. You have to peice it together to make it into what you want it to be. You have to have just the right pieces of glass and colors to complete your work. Then you have to fit it all together and seal it to make sure it is strong enought to withstand the life of a window.
Stained glass is beautiful but, it has to have light behind it to see and apprecitate it and at night time no one can see it bacause no one knows it is there, it appears as just another window... what a shame, to have somethiing so beautiful and useful but no one ever gets to see it.
Stained glass is a bit like people, we are useless without the light of the Son in us to shine out the beauty within. Before we have the light to shine, only God appreciates us because He is he only one that knows the beauty is there. We can be beautiful masterpieces, creeated and designed uniquely by God, or we can be "just another an unlit window"....

What do you want to be? A beautiful stained glass masterpiece or an unlit window?

“I don’t know” is where I am…

Today it just struck me that I am fearful of so much more than I should be. As a child of God, my only fear is to be that of God and nothing else because the things of this world are not my concern.… What brought this thought on is, the ride to the hospital this morning to see my ill grandmother. She has been ill for the past 4 days and I knew that but I didn't go see her until she took a turn for the worst (FYI: no, she did not die, she is better now). As I drove and prayed I was at a loss as to how to pray for her. I actually thought that maybe it would be better if God just went ahead and took her to heaven... then I realized, who would that be better for?
I can name 5 legitimate reasons why couldn't go see her this week but, the truth is much more clear. I am fearful of illness and death. I think that for many reasons I associate all manners of departing, whether it be by death, moving, divorce or whatever, I see it as abandonment and that is my biggest hurt ever. So I am very guarded around my relationships that illness enters into. I used to think it was just my poor time-management but I know now, that it is rooted in fear and causing a stumbling block in my ability to support and serve those that are ill, in the love of Christ.
Fear has even has corrupted a most special relationship of mine with a friend because she got ill. I pulled away probably when she could have used my help and support the most, so I prayed... God, what is it in me that clings to this fear? Am I scared that if one more person passes or moves that I will be broken into tiny pieces? How do I doubt you and your ability to take care of me after everythingyou have brought me out from. How can I have one little bit, much less a mountain, of fear? And why would I rather hold on to that fear instead of bringing it to you and living free?
There are so many things that I just don’t have the answer to and coming to the realization of that is half the battle. Now it’s consciously seeking God and changing my actions in these situations that will help me handle what I can and to be still when I can’t. So, “I don’t know isn’t a horrible place… it’s a starting place.

Waking up thankful...

Today as I woke I didn't think about Jesus or Beauty. I was focused in on how much I did not want to get out of bed and how much longer I could stay in bed without effecting others in my family, then... I had a thought rush over me and I was smiling. I often think of the many reason that I do not deserve to be blessed or receive God's grace but today I just felt loved and cared for. Today is not a special day, nothing out of the ordinary happening but... I am prepared for this day because I believe my heavenly Father hugged me. I am jus so thankful for a Father that loves me and knows everything about me and stills longs to hug me through my day.

Dear Father God, Thank you so much for your unquenched desire to be close to me. I pray that as I focus my eyes on you today that my life will mirror what I believe in my heart. Today may my steps be bold, my thoughts be clear and you be my first priority in every step I take, word I speak and decision I make. Father, I do want to walk beside you in your work I want to know you more, lead me and teach me what all that takes from me. May today be a day that I truly seek you and your will.
As a wife Father, I ask that you just place gentle reminders in my path of the wonderful blessing that I have in my husband. May I desire to serve him in the ways that you want me to Lord and may I bow my will to him and learn true Godly submission. I praise you Lord for the loving, patient, whole-ly completing Father that you are.
I pray that as parents, we would be focused on you, strong in each other and able to lead our children in your ways. Thank you for the precious blessing of each of their individual gifts and characters, teach us and provide clarity in our discipline of them. I desire for them to be and fulfill your plans for them and to be the best children of God that you created them to be. Help us to accomplish your will in them and not ours.
Father God, you are wonderful, majestic and unparalleled in might, you are love, hope, acceptance and freedom help you children to grasp hold of the life you have chosen for us and live in the victory of our salvation.
I love you and praise you in the most high name of Jesus Christ, I do pray to you Amen

Being content...

You know, I just get so confused about cherishing what I have verses what I want. God has undoubtedly blessed me beyond what I am deserving of (that's a given). However, can you fully appreciate and be content with what you have if you still want something more? This argument could go for just about anything but for me, at this time, it's about a house. I remember when we first moved into this home, we would just lay in bed talking about how cool and unbelievable it was that we actually owned this house. I still feel that way to an extent but I want more room and I think we could do it but... We don't NEED it. So, what is that? Well, in studying Timothy chapter 6 I find that there is still a fine line but, it is pretty clear. Be obedient to God's call, He will provide all things for my enjoyment and He will be faithful to me (a very BAD paraphrase). Anyway what I got was this... I need to think less on more and more on God, He will provide all things and the calling to them. So I wait or learn to wait for his coming call.

Why a blog...

I love to talk so writing should come naturally right?... So I chose a blog to come out in. I want to try my hand and stretch a little by putting my thoughts out there for whoever wants to see and let (what I hope is) nature take place.
A little about me... well, first this isn't a sex, drug or fetish thing so if that is what cranks your boat skip this and move on.
I focus most of my writing on prayers and encouragement OR maybe something that has struck me as profound.
So, me... I am in my late thirties, married to a wonderful husband for almost 16 years and we have three children together. I have spent the last 15 years pouring into my kids and now little by little I am going to pour back into my self. Writing just makes me feel good so now, I am going to take time to do it.

Just visiting a few web sites today made me think: why do we (I) let fear into our possible success? Why don't more of us just put ourselves out there and see what happens? For me, it's because I am so scared that God might bless me more and I will lose my focus and perspective... I guess at times I feel like I am barley holding on to what I have and if anything shakes me up then I will lose it all. Isn't that crazy? I can see it but, that doesn't change my feelings or fear. Just something in my head crying out for prayer...

If in reading this you would like me to pray for you, you need to know that I pray to my Father God in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ because Jesus died for me (and you too). If you do not agree with me that is OK, just don't bother posting a nasty message because I am firmly founded in my faith. You can be too, I don't want to offend anyone. I'm just here to see what happens.
Anyway, I would love to pray for you I will do so mostly at night but will make a commitment to do so if asked.
That makes day 1, have a blessed night!