I just got back from a seven day Caribbean cruise with my husband. The most fascinating part of being away for me is the search for what I get to bring back.
I usually always try to focus in on finding the ‘one thing’ that will make me smile over and over again after I am long away from the blue waters of the Caribbean. Though many people do not collect ‘things’ I have always been a collector of amusing and eccentric toggles that make me smile. I love to smile at the joy of someone’s creation. One mans creation is a thousand smiles, later.
This time, my heart leaped when I saw my first stuffed big eyed sea turtle. I of course thought of my six year old niece and my mother who I get my ridiculous joy of ‘things’ from. This little guy took my mind back to the experience I had when watching real live sea turtles hatch and run for the waters of the shore while vacationing in Cancun Mexico almost nine years ago. I never forgot the cherished courage those babies had to run as fast as they could to the waters edge, only to be engulfed by the very nature of their existence. It was incredible and it was the most fascinating experience I can vividly remember with nature. God is so amazing. They knew exactly where to go.
Side note: God created us with a purpose. I was thinking while driving down the street today how our world is such a rat race. We think our business and our efforts are the most important thing in the world, and yes those things are valuable, but God purposed for us to do great and wonderful things for Him as well as doing great and wonderful things for ourselves. While I was on this cruise I thought a couple of times how meaningless it was to pamper myself with such wonderful retreats of life when so many are suffering in other places. In fact, I was certain that there was someone suffering right on the ship I was on. I found that I was right. On the last day of the cruise I decided to (indulge further) get a massage because of the pain I was experiencing in my left shoulder which was not getting better but worse, since the trip began.
I was assigned to a massage therapist who was from somewhere in Europe. (I picked up on her accent) She was about mid 40’s and very sweet and accommodating. I asked her how long she had been doing massages and she said 23 years. I said; ‘That is how long I did hair when I was in the profession.” She said, “Our service is not as respected by other job descriptions, do you think?” I said; “Serving is the highest honor one could ever do, but few see it as noble.” She just looked at me with a puzzled look. She was suffering. She wanted out and expressed that one day she too would be free from ‘service’.
We do not ask to come into this world. We were created to come into this world. Was it to do the mundane, maybe? Or, look at it this way; we were created to come into this world so that we can fill the rush of the excitement that God has placed us into and then figure out the patterns of this life. It’s a fact that we will suffer the effects of the very experiences of life and hope like the sea turtles we make it to the tide before a seagull takes us for lunch or a seal or big fish eats us for dinner. Regardless, we were created for a purpose. Our purpose is to set our sights on the greater picture and grow bigger with the changing of the tides and the times. Have you ever seen a hundred year old sea turtle? I have. Who in there right mind would ever attempt to eat such a beast? How did he get so big? He dodged the big guys, relied on his intuitions and learned to lean on those that had greater knowledge and strength. He rules the ocean floor.
Our God is fascinated with us. He created us. He knows that if we do what it is we are created to do, which is to acknowledge Him as our Lord and lean on him in every and any situation, then we will swim the oceans of life until He decides we are finished. Truly, we were created to go with the ‘flow’…….but we usually fight the tide.
I went on a Caribbean cruise, and on it I saw the massive waters that house a zillion living things. The earth is big; the lands are covered with God creations. I cannot meet all the people or the living creatures but I know for sure that the sea turtles are something that have spoken to me in my lifetime and I believe that God is smiling at HIS toggle which he found sheer delight in creating.
Though I came home with six stuffed turtles to share with my loved ones, my delight is mostly in the joy of their faces when they gaze upon the big eyes of such a cute little creature. Creation makes me smile.
My six year old niece’s face was precious, when I pulled the baby sea turtle out of the bag. Then I told her the story of the turtles. Our hearts leaped.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:20 says and “God said let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures.”
He collects toggles. He has an ocean full of them. God and I,……..we smile!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
'Tangible Tuesday'
Tangible: capable of being understood and evaluated, and therefore regarded as real.
Every Monday night I share my home with at least 10 women who choose to come to my house for Bible study. The moment is surreal. After two years and seven months now of opening my home, one might think that I am quite familiar with the lessons, I have studied throughout the entire day, with an assuming ease. The fact is; it is still very difficult. But there is something about the “tangible.”
I was raised with the Word of God (the Holy Bible) spoken over my life. I recall my daddy becoming more and more involved with a non-denominational prayer group who actually led him further into the desire of knowing Jesus more tangibly. I was twelve years old. He had a relationship with Jesus, and he began talking to him as if he was sitting in the seat next to him in the car. I remember one time my dad began to say out loud, while I was in his car, “I love you Jesus” and “you are so good to me.” He went on to say; “I praise you and I adore you.” He attempted at times to make his words a song, though he could not carry a very good tune. My favorite words I heard him say were; “I am so glad that you love me, and you supply all my needs.” He believed everything he said. He knew his friend Jesus heard him. You could almost sense he spoke right back.
It was common for me to hear daddy talk to Jesus. It was as if Jesus was a ‘tangible’ member of our family, and he didn’t just come around at dinner time, he was with my dad every where he went. He never tired of his friend Jesus. He was always aware of his presence.
I picked up on it.
I liked the relationship my dad had with Jesus so much that I wanted to see and hear him, just like he did. I began to talk to my friend Jesus too. He began to speak back. I heard HIM through His “Word” and sometimes I heard him within the years of listening to my dad teach. Training is an exercise of the Spirit-Soul and body. I feel fit, in Spirit and the soul arena of my life. I have had to use the strength I obtained from knowing him, many times. Though I fail also, I know exactly where to place my attention when I get up.
Last night, before my Bible study was about to unfold, I started to speak. All eyes were on my face and all ears were tuned to whatever in the world I was about to say. I felt my friend Jesus. It was as if just He and I were in the room for a moment and they waited a few minutes before I could articulate what it was I would say and do.
Suddenly all of my studying I did began to avalanche into my heart.
All the words I read and all the little secrets He had shown me throughout the day began to invade my space. I did not want to begin to gather my thought; I wanted to just talk to my ‘friend’ Jesus. However when people are waiting on you to open your mouth to share in this Bible we love so much, you have to pull it together and make it all line up and regain the focus to deliver the message. Though it seemed like this could have be ‘routine’ I recognized the tangible. But I moved forward in the preparation I did, but I heard his voice all throughout the hour an a half.
The Word of God is transforming. The Power that it has to move you from the inside out is like none other. When you are transformed, you are changed from within and it shows outwardly. When you are changed you are ignited for a greater purpose than when you were just common without this power. Only a relationship with Jesus can give you an authentic tangible experience that supersedes the common. This is why ‘most’ charismatic Christians are ridiculed. I never really cared. I am charismatic in my love for him. I was used to being ‘strange’……my dad never seemed to mind.
If you would begin to walk and talk and speak to this friend you might have met many years ago, or maybe you have never met him at all, you could begin to feel the change. This is the tangible. To be evaluated and then actually understood is the meaning of tangible. Are we really understood? Maybe not or maybe so, but is Jesus really understood? He is alive and few still remain to know. Allow me to introduce you to him.
I may not always make a whole lot of sense with my ability or lack of, to instruct or to guide others in this fascinating Word, but when I begin to feel those Words flood my heart, I can’t help but share it. Simply put, He is my friend.
See, I was raised full gospel and full gospel people like feeling the tangible. We are certainly laughed at and even doubted as if they are suspicious of this relationship being real, but the fact is, when you have a relationship with someone, it is real. When your relationship begins to grow, you then want others to meet your ‘friend.’
I have a tangible friend, not just on Tuesday’s after Monday nights Bible study group is long gone, but I have a friend that waits on me till I re-introduce His relevant Works all over again next Monday night.
Every Monday night I share my home with at least 10 women who choose to come to my house for Bible study. The moment is surreal. After two years and seven months now of opening my home, one might think that I am quite familiar with the lessons, I have studied throughout the entire day, with an assuming ease. The fact is; it is still very difficult. But there is something about the “tangible.”
I was raised with the Word of God (the Holy Bible) spoken over my life. I recall my daddy becoming more and more involved with a non-denominational prayer group who actually led him further into the desire of knowing Jesus more tangibly. I was twelve years old. He had a relationship with Jesus, and he began talking to him as if he was sitting in the seat next to him in the car. I remember one time my dad began to say out loud, while I was in his car, “I love you Jesus” and “you are so good to me.” He went on to say; “I praise you and I adore you.” He attempted at times to make his words a song, though he could not carry a very good tune. My favorite words I heard him say were; “I am so glad that you love me, and you supply all my needs.” He believed everything he said. He knew his friend Jesus heard him. You could almost sense he spoke right back.
It was common for me to hear daddy talk to Jesus. It was as if Jesus was a ‘tangible’ member of our family, and he didn’t just come around at dinner time, he was with my dad every where he went. He never tired of his friend Jesus. He was always aware of his presence.
I picked up on it.
I liked the relationship my dad had with Jesus so much that I wanted to see and hear him, just like he did. I began to talk to my friend Jesus too. He began to speak back. I heard HIM through His “Word” and sometimes I heard him within the years of listening to my dad teach. Training is an exercise of the Spirit-Soul and body. I feel fit, in Spirit and the soul arena of my life. I have had to use the strength I obtained from knowing him, many times. Though I fail also, I know exactly where to place my attention when I get up.
Last night, before my Bible study was about to unfold, I started to speak. All eyes were on my face and all ears were tuned to whatever in the world I was about to say. I felt my friend Jesus. It was as if just He and I were in the room for a moment and they waited a few minutes before I could articulate what it was I would say and do.
Suddenly all of my studying I did began to avalanche into my heart.
All the words I read and all the little secrets He had shown me throughout the day began to invade my space. I did not want to begin to gather my thought; I wanted to just talk to my ‘friend’ Jesus. However when people are waiting on you to open your mouth to share in this Bible we love so much, you have to pull it together and make it all line up and regain the focus to deliver the message. Though it seemed like this could have be ‘routine’ I recognized the tangible. But I moved forward in the preparation I did, but I heard his voice all throughout the hour an a half.
The Word of God is transforming. The Power that it has to move you from the inside out is like none other. When you are transformed, you are changed from within and it shows outwardly. When you are changed you are ignited for a greater purpose than when you were just common without this power. Only a relationship with Jesus can give you an authentic tangible experience that supersedes the common. This is why ‘most’ charismatic Christians are ridiculed. I never really cared. I am charismatic in my love for him. I was used to being ‘strange’……my dad never seemed to mind.
If you would begin to walk and talk and speak to this friend you might have met many years ago, or maybe you have never met him at all, you could begin to feel the change. This is the tangible. To be evaluated and then actually understood is the meaning of tangible. Are we really understood? Maybe not or maybe so, but is Jesus really understood? He is alive and few still remain to know. Allow me to introduce you to him.
I may not always make a whole lot of sense with my ability or lack of, to instruct or to guide others in this fascinating Word, but when I begin to feel those Words flood my heart, I can’t help but share it. Simply put, He is my friend.
See, I was raised full gospel and full gospel people like feeling the tangible. We are certainly laughed at and even doubted as if they are suspicious of this relationship being real, but the fact is, when you have a relationship with someone, it is real. When your relationship begins to grow, you then want others to meet your ‘friend.’
I have a tangible friend, not just on Tuesday’s after Monday nights Bible study group is long gone, but I have a friend that waits on me till I re-introduce His relevant Works all over again next Monday night.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"The Eyes of believing"
I woke up this morning to more beautiful-incredible-pure snow. I could write so much about the greatness of its purity and its power of how it covers something flawed and makes it appear innocent. But this is not what this thought/blog/story is about. It is more about the fact that I am home "again" and my husband and my dog are tucked in the bed, and I feel as if times like these are to be cherished and we should find what is waiting in the edges of this moment we are about to experience. I felt I should see more than just another snow day, so here I am writing about what just happened. I rarely, ever turn on my television during the day, but I was hoping to catch something on TBN which would inspire my heart, while I folded the clothes left in the dryer from last night.
I found this: I saw a precious little Muslim lady and her husband attending a Benny Hinn crusade. (I’m not a big fan of Benny’s but I believe any body that is radical about Jesus is doing more than most. To touch a heart of anyone who needs to tap in with God, it’s possibly ordained by Him—so, I watched.) Benny called them up to the front and on the stage. They stood before him and at least 15 thousand other people, and the couple seemed reluctant, but expectant. Benny asked them why they were here, and then he told the audience that they are Muslim. Her head covering and her approach and her conservative nature were a dead give away that they were Muslim, but Benny shared it anyway. In her eyes was sadness due to pain. She had a shy reluctance, but a willingness to receive. Her husband stood next to her in a very vague belief. He too had the same reluctance, but wonderment if this was really going to have a positive outcome. Benny told the audience that the man said he brought his wife, because he heard that his wife could be healed from pain she had suffered in her back, neck and spine from an accident. There they stood—waiting. I too was anticipating.
This is what touched my heart. Benny never asked if they knew Jesus, he just simply began to place is hand softly on her head and on the back of her neck and prayed that Jesus would do the healing in this woman’s body. This image I was looking at, of Benny simply praying for a sick woman, could only take me to the most recent revelation I read in the Bible. It was as if the pages illuminated off the page. John chapter 9, when the blind man stood before Jesus and his disciples asked him if the man was blind because of his sins of his parents. Jesus said; “it’s not because of the sins of his parents, he was born blind, it is so the POWER of God could be seen in him.” Jesus knew he would heal the blind man. What He really wanted was to have the DOUBTERS see that He is the Messiah.
This picture I was looking at, hit me as this Muslim woman was standing before a man with Faith, and hearing that Jesus will heal because He wants the greater work to be found in more than just the miracle itself. He wanted them to see that BELIEVING that Jesus Christ is the healer and not Benny, and then they will have more than just a cure for the physical, but an eternal hope as well. What was so frank for me was that Benny did not say, First you need to be saved, before Jesus can heal you. He just simply said; “Jesus will heal you.” After he prayed for the woman and she fell slain by the Spirit of God “Jesus has healed you” he said. Then the ushers who caught her, helped her up and Benny prays again, and she falls back again, all the way to the ground, straight out. The ushers help her up, and Benny prays again and she again falls by the precious power of the Holy Spirit. (every time she was getting up from the ground, with no pain) It was evident that this was something neither of these two Muslims had ever expected. But you could tell that there faith was changing. But much like the blind man in John 9, we never know when God will allow His power to touch a life, in order to change theirs forever. But this is what I do know; God will do what He does so that the perfect work of Jesus Christ will be glorified.
The Muslim woman and her husband stood as Benny explained that He was not the healer, Jesus Christ was the healer. Then he said; “Jesus is alive” and He is not dead. Then he asked them to pray to Jesus and not Mohammad or Islam. They prayed. Another delightful part of this story is after he saw his wife fully healed and bending over touching her toes and bending her neck from side to side, he then believed that Jesus healed. I think I even saw a hint of a smile, which was not evident prior. The man said; “you know I have had headache off and on for many days.” Then said; “I did not want to ask for myself, but for my wife.” Benny laid hands on the man and he too was healed. He did not fall slain, he just stood and received.
The greatest part of this story is that the two Muslims were introduced to the healer, the deliverer, and the redeemer Jesus Christ. That is the portion that caused me to wish I was more radical!
The blind man in John chapter 9 was healed, but the greatest portion of that story is that Neighbors and disciples and Religious leaders called Pharisee’s, and even the blind mans parents SAW what Jesus had done. They believed, not just in the SIGHT, but in the one who gave him the sight. Jesus, the Messiah, the living one is the Healer. (Read it for yourself—John chapter 9)
But much like the Muslim woman and her husband, they had to untie themselves from tradition and from doubt, to even show up at a JESUS meeting. Jesus may not be walking around in sandals and with his finger writing in the dirt or causing water to turn into wine, but He is however still using Man to show His divine power. We trust who He is and then use what He gives us to triumphantly “see” people to Jesus. Radical, maybe, but I would love the chance.
When I saw the story in John chapter 9 almost for the first time of the many other times I read it, all I could really see was the whole intention of Jesus healing the blind man is so that His identity would be established throughout the scripture, and throughout the earth. I see the Messiah and His name is Jesus. Never in history had anyone ever been healed of sight. Jesus makes us see, in more than one way. His plan is that we SEE HIM.
The Muslim woman walked away—healed, but eternally saved. And her journey begins. HALLELUJAH! Jesus is alive, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mohammad is dead. Jesus—he lives in you and me. Receive HIM.
I found this: I saw a precious little Muslim lady and her husband attending a Benny Hinn crusade. (I’m not a big fan of Benny’s but I believe any body that is radical about Jesus is doing more than most. To touch a heart of anyone who needs to tap in with God, it’s possibly ordained by Him—so, I watched.) Benny called them up to the front and on the stage. They stood before him and at least 15 thousand other people, and the couple seemed reluctant, but expectant. Benny asked them why they were here, and then he told the audience that they are Muslim. Her head covering and her approach and her conservative nature were a dead give away that they were Muslim, but Benny shared it anyway. In her eyes was sadness due to pain. She had a shy reluctance, but a willingness to receive. Her husband stood next to her in a very vague belief. He too had the same reluctance, but wonderment if this was really going to have a positive outcome. Benny told the audience that the man said he brought his wife, because he heard that his wife could be healed from pain she had suffered in her back, neck and spine from an accident. There they stood—waiting. I too was anticipating.
This is what touched my heart. Benny never asked if they knew Jesus, he just simply began to place is hand softly on her head and on the back of her neck and prayed that Jesus would do the healing in this woman’s body. This image I was looking at, of Benny simply praying for a sick woman, could only take me to the most recent revelation I read in the Bible. It was as if the pages illuminated off the page. John chapter 9, when the blind man stood before Jesus and his disciples asked him if the man was blind because of his sins of his parents. Jesus said; “it’s not because of the sins of his parents, he was born blind, it is so the POWER of God could be seen in him.” Jesus knew he would heal the blind man. What He really wanted was to have the DOUBTERS see that He is the Messiah.
This picture I was looking at, hit me as this Muslim woman was standing before a man with Faith, and hearing that Jesus will heal because He wants the greater work to be found in more than just the miracle itself. He wanted them to see that BELIEVING that Jesus Christ is the healer and not Benny, and then they will have more than just a cure for the physical, but an eternal hope as well. What was so frank for me was that Benny did not say, First you need to be saved, before Jesus can heal you. He just simply said; “Jesus will heal you.” After he prayed for the woman and she fell slain by the Spirit of God “Jesus has healed you” he said. Then the ushers who caught her, helped her up and Benny prays again, and she falls back again, all the way to the ground, straight out. The ushers help her up, and Benny prays again and she again falls by the precious power of the Holy Spirit. (every time she was getting up from the ground, with no pain) It was evident that this was something neither of these two Muslims had ever expected. But you could tell that there faith was changing. But much like the blind man in John 9, we never know when God will allow His power to touch a life, in order to change theirs forever. But this is what I do know; God will do what He does so that the perfect work of Jesus Christ will be glorified.
The Muslim woman and her husband stood as Benny explained that He was not the healer, Jesus Christ was the healer. Then he said; “Jesus is alive” and He is not dead. Then he asked them to pray to Jesus and not Mohammad or Islam. They prayed. Another delightful part of this story is after he saw his wife fully healed and bending over touching her toes and bending her neck from side to side, he then believed that Jesus healed. I think I even saw a hint of a smile, which was not evident prior. The man said; “you know I have had headache off and on for many days.” Then said; “I did not want to ask for myself, but for my wife.” Benny laid hands on the man and he too was healed. He did not fall slain, he just stood and received.
The greatest part of this story is that the two Muslims were introduced to the healer, the deliverer, and the redeemer Jesus Christ. That is the portion that caused me to wish I was more radical!
The blind man in John chapter 9 was healed, but the greatest portion of that story is that Neighbors and disciples and Religious leaders called Pharisee’s, and even the blind mans parents SAW what Jesus had done. They believed, not just in the SIGHT, but in the one who gave him the sight. Jesus, the Messiah, the living one is the Healer. (Read it for yourself—John chapter 9)
But much like the Muslim woman and her husband, they had to untie themselves from tradition and from doubt, to even show up at a JESUS meeting. Jesus may not be walking around in sandals and with his finger writing in the dirt or causing water to turn into wine, but He is however still using Man to show His divine power. We trust who He is and then use what He gives us to triumphantly “see” people to Jesus. Radical, maybe, but I would love the chance.
When I saw the story in John chapter 9 almost for the first time of the many other times I read it, all I could really see was the whole intention of Jesus healing the blind man is so that His identity would be established throughout the scripture, and throughout the earth. I see the Messiah and His name is Jesus. Never in history had anyone ever been healed of sight. Jesus makes us see, in more than one way. His plan is that we SEE HIM.
The Muslim woman walked away—healed, but eternally saved. And her journey begins. HALLELUJAH! Jesus is alive, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mohammad is dead. Jesus—he lives in you and me. Receive HIM.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day two of Twenty-eleven.......feelin' fine.
I am not going to bore you with journal-ing all the details of my very eventful two days of this new Year. I am blogging to tell you that if you are not on a road to "somewhere", then you will probably deny your possibilities for the "out there" chance of this new year.
What's out there? I do not know all that is in store for you, but I will share with you one very important dream I have, and I know that it is "out there" for you.
It has only taken me two days to determine that we only have one chance to do something fulfilling. I am not talking about accomplishments in the successes of this World, I am not even talking about loading a bank account with money or paying off every credit card, (though getting out of debt is necessary for freedom) nor am I talking about riding on the waves of some great adventure. I am simply coming to you in this moment to refresh you with an almost forty-eight hour ago awakening I had in the very sweet moments of this New year. This is the WORD to you, the reader.
Keep FAITH alive!
Keep Faith alive is what I heard in the hours of pre-celebration/and celebration and the hours of "saying good-bye" to what is left behind. Keep faith alive, by crossing the finish line or dotting the last I. Just keep moving.
In the movie "Iron Will" I saw a determined heart. This spoke to me as I sat for the second time to watch a young man, who lost his daddy in a river and made friends with enemies and even beat the brutal winter storm to find determination in the heart of not only himself, but on lookers who cheered him to the finish line. The reward was not to just suffice himself, but more so for his widowed mother. He inspired me. Though the movie takes place so very long ago, the contents of it's expression is much like all of us at some time or another in our lives. We either give up the fight and we think we can't weather the storm or we allow the enemy to defeat us, or we just can't keep going, because we don't see our dream or any hope of reaching that goal. What is that goal really? Why do you really think you are here?
Keep the Faith alive!
How do we do this, you might ask. By exercising your belief in living with hope and realizing that it really does exist. Faith according to Hebrews 11:1 says this: "Now faith is, The substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." God is the same for us. We hope in Him though we do not see Him. He has always been with us. Genesis to Revelation. He is with us.
We do not see that we have faith to get through to almost forty-eight hours into a new year, but we keep standing on the hope that we will see another day. In TWO days it will be day four of 2011. Will you find answers after day four?
When I was five years old sitting on the floor with my barbies, playing make-believe with my sister, I did not doubt a future with a husband or a home or even a car or a job. I knew that it would happen at five years old in my creative mind. FAITH WAS ALIVE and I didn't have to hope that it would be; it was just as a matter of fact, alive! When did we stop creating new ideas to bring hope to others as well as ourselves?
That was 44 years ago. I have made it through many New Years and even ran a few races and have encouraged a few widows and cradled someones child, of which I have held right out of his mothers womb.
The miracle of keeping Faith alive is to love the life you have been given and then enter into its GRACE, with all the hard turns or exciting adventures.
I borrowed ideas from the heart of others many times in my life, but I now make ideas a reality as I venture into the unknown and..........believe!
Day 2 of 2011 is ending in four and a half hours. It is only day two. Make the next 363 days you have left in this year, to be a place of determination in your heart. Why not do; Hebrews 11:1--hope for what you do not see. It's "out there"..........somewhere!
What's out there? I do not know all that is in store for you, but I will share with you one very important dream I have, and I know that it is "out there" for you.
It has only taken me two days to determine that we only have one chance to do something fulfilling. I am not talking about accomplishments in the successes of this World, I am not even talking about loading a bank account with money or paying off every credit card, (though getting out of debt is necessary for freedom) nor am I talking about riding on the waves of some great adventure. I am simply coming to you in this moment to refresh you with an almost forty-eight hour ago awakening I had in the very sweet moments of this New year. This is the WORD to you, the reader.
Keep FAITH alive!
Keep Faith alive is what I heard in the hours of pre-celebration/and celebration and the hours of "saying good-bye" to what is left behind. Keep faith alive, by crossing the finish line or dotting the last I. Just keep moving.
In the movie "Iron Will" I saw a determined heart. This spoke to me as I sat for the second time to watch a young man, who lost his daddy in a river and made friends with enemies and even beat the brutal winter storm to find determination in the heart of not only himself, but on lookers who cheered him to the finish line. The reward was not to just suffice himself, but more so for his widowed mother. He inspired me. Though the movie takes place so very long ago, the contents of it's expression is much like all of us at some time or another in our lives. We either give up the fight and we think we can't weather the storm or we allow the enemy to defeat us, or we just can't keep going, because we don't see our dream or any hope of reaching that goal. What is that goal really? Why do you really think you are here?
Keep the Faith alive!
How do we do this, you might ask. By exercising your belief in living with hope and realizing that it really does exist. Faith according to Hebrews 11:1 says this: "Now faith is, The substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." God is the same for us. We hope in Him though we do not see Him. He has always been with us. Genesis to Revelation. He is with us.
We do not see that we have faith to get through to almost forty-eight hours into a new year, but we keep standing on the hope that we will see another day. In TWO days it will be day four of 2011. Will you find answers after day four?
When I was five years old sitting on the floor with my barbies, playing make-believe with my sister, I did not doubt a future with a husband or a home or even a car or a job. I knew that it would happen at five years old in my creative mind. FAITH WAS ALIVE and I didn't have to hope that it would be; it was just as a matter of fact, alive! When did we stop creating new ideas to bring hope to others as well as ourselves?
That was 44 years ago. I have made it through many New Years and even ran a few races and have encouraged a few widows and cradled someones child, of which I have held right out of his mothers womb.
The miracle of keeping Faith alive is to love the life you have been given and then enter into its GRACE, with all the hard turns or exciting adventures.
I borrowed ideas from the heart of others many times in my life, but I now make ideas a reality as I venture into the unknown and..........believe!
Day 2 of 2011 is ending in four and a half hours. It is only day two. Make the next 363 days you have left in this year, to be a place of determination in your heart. Why not do; Hebrews 11:1--hope for what you do not see. It's "out there"..........somewhere!
Monday, December 27, 2010
When we say good-bye
I thought I would write a blog since it has been almost one month from the last writing.
I just want to speak from my heart. (not unlike the other times I have written. I just want to write from a different prospective.)
When we say good-bye was a thought I have had about my husband when he says good-bye to me in the mornings, when he leaves for work. I have often wondered when he leaves the house; "will that be our last good-bye?" I have thought; "Was I happy with that good-bye?" This morning, we did not have a very heartfelt good-bye. In fact we did not have a very heart felt good-night.
The gesture of a formal good-bye is the essence of a warm hello. This means we are really saying to the other person; "I will always be here." But, when the good-bye is empty and void of emotion, so is the hello. I think we should say good-bye to ones we love with sheer abandonment of love, as it may be the last.
Please understand, I am not being morbid, I am being real. We do not know when we will say good-bye to someone for the last time. Think of a favorite movie that has touched your heart. Although I am a sucker for great romance movies that have endings with the happily ever after, I also have seen the other side of the "Happily Ever after", with "The way we were" --Yental and that Richard Gere movie with Diane Lang.....(the one where he DIES!) and other movies which did not leave me smiling, but rather crying.
When we say good-bye is on my heart for the season and year we are about to walk away from. 2010 has been a very unusual year for many reasons.
I have skimmed through my old calendar and have seen so many various things I have done in this year. I see how many times I was fearful over a speaking engagement or excited over a short trip to Florida with my husband. I have made note of birthday's that I wouldn't forget, yet forgot and made notes of what I was eating, so I would not over eat. I've seen how every Monday when accessible to life's schedule, that I held a Bible study in my home.
I looked at the visit's I had from friends or loved ones who came to my house and how many times I groomed the dog. I went to many retreats, even spoke for my first Singles Retreat. The funniest thing I wrote, was in the month of May when I told myself to buy Kimberly Ann ferns for my front porch when I got back from San Antonio with my mother for Mothers day. The things we do in a year.
I had portions of my house painted, my bathroom shower redone and even started hormone replacement therapy. (I do feel better!)I went to Altoona, Kansas for a campmeeting only to leave my diamond earrings in the Hotel and experience that there are really good people in the world; THEY CALLED ME TO TELL ME I LEFT MY EARRINGS! Wow!
Yes, Garage sale shopping in the summer time and dining out with old friends only about three times. The most admired note on my calendar is the one reminding myself to keep a secret about an 80th birthday party I was attending for an ole friend. I have known her since moving to Wichita, Kansas eighteen years ago. She was so surprised. The month of December alone is full of scribble, not to nibble, but events that I needed to partake in. The monumental one was a wedding of a couple who were engaged for eight years only after dating fifteen! They tied the knot.
Kansas city to another wedding. A Christmas musical with my church. A "party bus" to look at Christmas lights, with 70 to 90 year old women, and I was the only one in my forties! But the final and most significant date was my 49th birthday December the 19th! On that particular day, I submitted my second manuscript for my second book. Yes, on my 49th birthday, my Publisher/printer was given my work of my mind and heart and am looking forward to holding that second baby in my hands in the year 2011.
So, here I sit on the 27th day of December with nothing on my calendar, but rather many thoughts in my heart as we approach the ending of a really unusual year.
When we say good-bye we should do it with much love and passion only to hope we will be holding that love and passion again very soon. I look forward to 2011 as it will be another great year to fill a calendar with the events that fill our space and time here. I pray you embrace the day and the ones you choose to "say good-bye to and......... HELLO!"
I just want to speak from my heart. (not unlike the other times I have written. I just want to write from a different prospective.)
When we say good-bye was a thought I have had about my husband when he says good-bye to me in the mornings, when he leaves for work. I have often wondered when he leaves the house; "will that be our last good-bye?" I have thought; "Was I happy with that good-bye?" This morning, we did not have a very heartfelt good-bye. In fact we did not have a very heart felt good-night.
The gesture of a formal good-bye is the essence of a warm hello. This means we are really saying to the other person; "I will always be here." But, when the good-bye is empty and void of emotion, so is the hello. I think we should say good-bye to ones we love with sheer abandonment of love, as it may be the last.
Please understand, I am not being morbid, I am being real. We do not know when we will say good-bye to someone for the last time. Think of a favorite movie that has touched your heart. Although I am a sucker for great romance movies that have endings with the happily ever after, I also have seen the other side of the "Happily Ever after", with "The way we were" --Yental and that Richard Gere movie with Diane Lang.....(the one where he DIES!) and other movies which did not leave me smiling, but rather crying.
When we say good-bye is on my heart for the season and year we are about to walk away from. 2010 has been a very unusual year for many reasons.
I have skimmed through my old calendar and have seen so many various things I have done in this year. I see how many times I was fearful over a speaking engagement or excited over a short trip to Florida with my husband. I have made note of birthday's that I wouldn't forget, yet forgot and made notes of what I was eating, so I would not over eat. I've seen how every Monday when accessible to life's schedule, that I held a Bible study in my home.
I looked at the visit's I had from friends or loved ones who came to my house and how many times I groomed the dog. I went to many retreats, even spoke for my first Singles Retreat. The funniest thing I wrote, was in the month of May when I told myself to buy Kimberly Ann ferns for my front porch when I got back from San Antonio with my mother for Mothers day. The things we do in a year.
I had portions of my house painted, my bathroom shower redone and even started hormone replacement therapy. (I do feel better!)I went to Altoona, Kansas for a campmeeting only to leave my diamond earrings in the Hotel and experience that there are really good people in the world; THEY CALLED ME TO TELL ME I LEFT MY EARRINGS! Wow!
Yes, Garage sale shopping in the summer time and dining out with old friends only about three times. The most admired note on my calendar is the one reminding myself to keep a secret about an 80th birthday party I was attending for an ole friend. I have known her since moving to Wichita, Kansas eighteen years ago. She was so surprised. The month of December alone is full of scribble, not to nibble, but events that I needed to partake in. The monumental one was a wedding of a couple who were engaged for eight years only after dating fifteen! They tied the knot.
Kansas city to another wedding. A Christmas musical with my church. A "party bus" to look at Christmas lights, with 70 to 90 year old women, and I was the only one in my forties! But the final and most significant date was my 49th birthday December the 19th! On that particular day, I submitted my second manuscript for my second book. Yes, on my 49th birthday, my Publisher/printer was given my work of my mind and heart and am looking forward to holding that second baby in my hands in the year 2011.
So, here I sit on the 27th day of December with nothing on my calendar, but rather many thoughts in my heart as we approach the ending of a really unusual year.
When we say good-bye we should do it with much love and passion only to hope we will be holding that love and passion again very soon. I look forward to 2011 as it will be another great year to fill a calendar with the events that fill our space and time here. I pray you embrace the day and the ones you choose to "say good-bye to and......... HELLO!"
Monday, November 29, 2010
“At Whose feet do you sit?”
“At Whose feet do you sit?”
The Apostle Paul speaks out, toward his authentic love for God and gives tribute to his teacher, Gamaliel.
In Acts 22:3—Paul speaks.
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. At his feet I learned to follow our Jewish laws and customs very carefully.”
Paul was a Pharisee (a self righteous hypocritical person.) He was a persecutor to Christians, and so much more, in the latter part of his life. (His name was actually Saul….before his conversion on the road to Damascus, when the Lord changed him.)
But that is not what this is about. I want to look at Paul when he was only 13 years old.
What Paul learned as a thirteen year old boy stuck with him throughout the course of his life.
Paul was from Tarsus. (Ancient city in Turkey) Taurus, in Paul’s day makes me think of Grove, Oklahoma, and what I remember feeling as a child, while living there. It was at that time a small resort town, with fewer than 3,000 in population during the early 1970’s, possibly less than that, now that I think about it.
Kids from Grove would grow up only wanting to move to the “bigger city.” We would set our sites on Tulsa, as the flourishing city with wisdom (many churches) and even successful lifestyles. To a small town girl it was wonderment.
So, like Paul setting his sites for Jerusalem, he finds a Holy City. I set my sites toward Tulsa prior to sitting under the teaching of my Pastor/Daddy for many years. Paul was only 13 years old when he trekked to Jerusalem, to learn the Jewish laws. I was 23 and married, feeling like I already “knew” the law of the Lord and soon realized I didn’t. When I moved to Tulsa, I sat under the teaching of Pastor Bob Yandian, and my ‘wisdom’ grew even more as I had more attentive ears. His words, like my daddy’s still penetrate my heart. I did not know the Law of the Lord until I had to use it daily in my, then, adventurous time of my life.
Paul learned later, the Law he was taught at the feet of Gamaliel came a more suited practice when he was forced to address the “council” who wanted to kill him. Acts 21:31. Thank God, I never got into a riot about whose I was, or what I believe, though my faith was tested many times throughout my adult life. But none like Paul.
Why do I write about Paul? (That could be a very big blog, since he is one of my favorite stories.)
I am actually smitten by the person who taught Paul all the laws which accommodated him in the growing balance of his converted life. Gamaliel. We have all at some time in our life needed a Gamaliel.
I like Paul, have learned the Word, to bring balance and most of all to bring conversion to my life.
I sat at many Pastors’ feet and now I have an occasional few who sit at mine. I would only hope that one day; one would find my teaching worthy of Jesus’ glory! I only hope to do HIM justice.
Thanks Gamaliel—I am forever inspired.
The Apostle Paul speaks out, toward his authentic love for God and gives tribute to his teacher, Gamaliel.
In Acts 22:3—Paul speaks.
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. At his feet I learned to follow our Jewish laws and customs very carefully.”
Paul was a Pharisee (a self righteous hypocritical person.) He was a persecutor to Christians, and so much more, in the latter part of his life. (His name was actually Saul….before his conversion on the road to Damascus, when the Lord changed him.)
But that is not what this is about. I want to look at Paul when he was only 13 years old.
What Paul learned as a thirteen year old boy stuck with him throughout the course of his life.
Paul was from Tarsus. (Ancient city in Turkey) Taurus, in Paul’s day makes me think of Grove, Oklahoma, and what I remember feeling as a child, while living there. It was at that time a small resort town, with fewer than 3,000 in population during the early 1970’s, possibly less than that, now that I think about it.
Kids from Grove would grow up only wanting to move to the “bigger city.” We would set our sites on Tulsa, as the flourishing city with wisdom (many churches) and even successful lifestyles. To a small town girl it was wonderment.
So, like Paul setting his sites for Jerusalem, he finds a Holy City. I set my sites toward Tulsa prior to sitting under the teaching of my Pastor/Daddy for many years. Paul was only 13 years old when he trekked to Jerusalem, to learn the Jewish laws. I was 23 and married, feeling like I already “knew” the law of the Lord and soon realized I didn’t. When I moved to Tulsa, I sat under the teaching of Pastor Bob Yandian, and my ‘wisdom’ grew even more as I had more attentive ears. His words, like my daddy’s still penetrate my heart. I did not know the Law of the Lord until I had to use it daily in my, then, adventurous time of my life.
Paul learned later, the Law he was taught at the feet of Gamaliel came a more suited practice when he was forced to address the “council” who wanted to kill him. Acts 21:31. Thank God, I never got into a riot about whose I was, or what I believe, though my faith was tested many times throughout my adult life. But none like Paul.
Why do I write about Paul? (That could be a very big blog, since he is one of my favorite stories.)
I am actually smitten by the person who taught Paul all the laws which accommodated him in the growing balance of his converted life. Gamaliel. We have all at some time in our life needed a Gamaliel.
I like Paul, have learned the Word, to bring balance and most of all to bring conversion to my life.
I sat at many Pastors’ feet and now I have an occasional few who sit at mine. I would only hope that one day; one would find my teaching worthy of Jesus’ glory! I only hope to do HIM justice.
Thanks Gamaliel—I am forever inspired.
Friday, November 12, 2010
"A Promise not forgotten"
I am so encouraged by Isaiah 43. For many reasons I can see the Promise of God toward us, His people, when I read this passage. This chapter allows me to not only be reminded that I am a child of God, but I am not abandoned ever, because I am a part of HIS divine plan for HIS people.
I would like to show you a little of the contents of Isaiah’s Words to us, which were actually Gods Words to us. They are still speaking to us after thousands and thousands of years. (well, they are deeming in my eyes anyway.)
Why, because we are still being created by the same God who was then and remains to be, today. When Christians (those who accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior) hear the words “O Israel” this means us! According to Romans 11:19 we have been grafted in, this means we were able to become a part of Gods plan through Jesus Christ’s redemption blood, long before Jesus ever walked this earth. God always has a plan and purpose. As it was with Adam and Eve, so it is with us today! He is the God of yesterday, today and forever.
Isaiah saw and knew and heard the plan of God years before Jesus ever came into the earth, to become our redemption for eternal life. The prophet Isaiah knew what God was speaking to him through “O Israel.” Isaiah declares in chapter 43 that God, who formed us and created us into life, is showing us that He also is redeeming us from our own selves, just like he was explaining to the Israelites when he said not to be afraid.
Sometimes we just need a HOPE that everything is going to be OK. Well, Isaiah is reminding us through ‘O Israel’ that everything is going to be OK.
Isaiah 43:1-7 in short says; “Don’t be afraid for I have ransomed you.” “I have called you by name, you are mine.” “When you go through waters, deep, and great trouble, I will be with you!” “When you go through fire of oppression, you will not be burned.” Then in the middle of these promises of God through Isaiah, he clarifies His promise and says; “I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Then he goes on to tell “US” the “land” he has given to us. (meaning, the Word covenant to Israel, His people. Also meaning us, his people.—grafted in remember?)
“Do not be afraid for I am with you” he says.
This is a promise you can count on, even in times of trouble, He is with you. Trust that and rely on that and remember that "this momentary light affliction is working on you, and ETERNAL weight of Glory." (II Corinthians 4:17)
Until we blog again; "Have a wonderfully blessed and prosperous day!
I would like to show you a little of the contents of Isaiah’s Words to us, which were actually Gods Words to us. They are still speaking to us after thousands and thousands of years. (well, they are deeming in my eyes anyway.)
Why, because we are still being created by the same God who was then and remains to be, today. When Christians (those who accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior) hear the words “O Israel” this means us! According to Romans 11:19 we have been grafted in, this means we were able to become a part of Gods plan through Jesus Christ’s redemption blood, long before Jesus ever walked this earth. God always has a plan and purpose. As it was with Adam and Eve, so it is with us today! He is the God of yesterday, today and forever.
Isaiah saw and knew and heard the plan of God years before Jesus ever came into the earth, to become our redemption for eternal life. The prophet Isaiah knew what God was speaking to him through “O Israel.” Isaiah declares in chapter 43 that God, who formed us and created us into life, is showing us that He also is redeeming us from our own selves, just like he was explaining to the Israelites when he said not to be afraid.
Sometimes we just need a HOPE that everything is going to be OK. Well, Isaiah is reminding us through ‘O Israel’ that everything is going to be OK.
Isaiah 43:1-7 in short says; “Don’t be afraid for I have ransomed you.” “I have called you by name, you are mine.” “When you go through waters, deep, and great trouble, I will be with you!” “When you go through fire of oppression, you will not be burned.” Then in the middle of these promises of God through Isaiah, he clarifies His promise and says; “I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Then he goes on to tell “US” the “land” he has given to us. (meaning, the Word covenant to Israel, His people. Also meaning us, his people.—grafted in remember?)
“Do not be afraid for I am with you” he says.
This is a promise you can count on, even in times of trouble, He is with you. Trust that and rely on that and remember that "this momentary light affliction is working on you, and ETERNAL weight of Glory." (II Corinthians 4:17)
Until we blog again; "Have a wonderfully blessed and prosperous day!
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