Tuesday, December 27, 2016
FAITH
I came across an old post that I had written almost a year ago. How fitting and perfect as today this is where I stand when troubling circumstances try to tell me to do otherwise. But I will remain to keep my feet firmly planted in FAITH.
The Merriam -Webster Dictionary defines faith as:
1 a: allegiance to duty or a person: LOYALTY.....
2 a: belief and trust in and loyalty to God
b: firm belief in something unseen [emphasis added]; complete trust
3: something that is believed with strong conviction; without question
Isaiah 7:9b declares that "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Think about it, as I had. Without Him we are nothing, and can't do anything. Without Him we are completely lost. Falling. Dying. Oh, we may not recognize it. We may even feel that we have it all under control, when in truth, we do not. Never have. Never will.
Here I am eleven months later unyielding in continual trust and reliance in the One who calls me into oceans deep, knowing full well that I will never drown. I choose to trust in a God that I can not see with physical eyes, yet see the undeniable proof all around me. "He is the ONE that even the winds and the waves obey!" Matthew 8: 27. The artist of Glorious Sunrises and Brilliant Sunsets. He is the lover of my Soul who resides within my heart. He is my Lord!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" ~ Isaiah 6:8
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Through His Eyes
Do you ever find yourself getting caught up in what others think of you as I do? That perhaps you don't quite measure up? This is something that I have struggled with most of my life and seems just at that very moment I believed to have conquered this battle, I find myself right back in the mire of it all. UGH!
Why is it that I care so? Was not the sole purpose of our Lord coming down to earth and taking fleshly form, later dying upon a cross to give us complete freedom in all areas that bound us? To give us life where there was death? YES!
So today I am making a choice and invite all to struggle in this area to join me. Do not get bogged down in trying to measure up in the eyes of those around you. To care so much what others may think. Look to the manger. Look upon the tiny finger of flesh that came to represent you and me. To take on our sin. The sin of the world. The suffering. He died so that we may have everlasting life. That we may begin to live it out presently. In the here and now. To view ourselves as He sees us through His eyes. And do you know what? I have a secret to tell. The ones that you are trying so hard to live up to their expectations, they probably already think the world of you! And the ones that don't, well it's alright. For the King of Kings, the Highest Ruler of all loves you more than you can fathom. More than there are stars in the heavens. Find peace and assurance this day. Find JOY!
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid! For behold, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!..." ~ Luke 2:10-11
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Our Hope and Refuge
When preparing and gathering items needed for the Christmas Tea and table I would be hosting, I came across a scripture verse that I had scribbled down ages ago upon the cover of a manila folder. As I read and then again slowly re-read the verse, I sat in amazement as how it could not be more fitting for tonight's theme of 'Hope & Celebrating Christ as our Refuge.' "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." says the Lord, who has compassion on you. ~ Isaiah 54:10
Two words stand out to me in glorious fashion. Covenant & Compassion. Tonight we support and help educate you on 'Preemptive Love' and how this amazing coalition provides emergency and ongoing relief to refugees and the victims of ISIS. More importantly we want to deeply impress upon your hearts just how Great our God truly is! I have chosen to represent the Country, Libya, and the brave souls who endured such unimaginable horrors and fled their once beloved homeland with only the clothes upon their backs, little ones alongside. Memories of loved ones, now perished, forever etched within their minds. These women were led by the Spirit of the One True God out of death and into life. As God has promised in ~ Hebrews 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." It is His covenant, which He made with each and every man, woman, and child who has given their life over to Jesus. What greater compassion is there than the ultimate sacrifice of God's precious gift of His only Son, Jesus? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16
Life can be difficult! However, after reading through these scriptures, and listening to their incredible testimonies, I am reminded of just how wonderful and precious our lives truly are. There were no tear stained faces nor remorseful words spoken. Only beautiful, radiant smiles that illuminated their saved souls.Salvation has more than one meaning now. Jesus is their Refuge as He is also ours. He came as a tiny babe, born into the humblest of stables, to bring Salvation to a sin, sick, weary world. Receive His Grace for it is yours for the taking. Lean upon His Strength when trials quake and the storms begin to take their toll. Look and see. He is there with you during the darkest of nights. He is our Hope that rises like the dawn. He is our GOD!
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Endures
There is another word that also comes to mind. Endures. "Praise the Lord, all you Nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 117. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ Psalm 118:1 [NIV]
The definition of Endures in the 'Oxford Dictionary' reads as: 2. remain in existence; last. Oh how this word brings great joy to my heart. A smile to my face and a spring in my step. He Was, Is, and will be Forever more. He is the rhythm in the rising and setting of the sun. He is the song in the wind as it blows to and fro. He is the lover of my soul. And no matter what may be prevalent in my life....good or bad, The story that He has written will continue to be seen along the journey ahead, "His Strength, Love, and Word endures in my life FOREVER.
" Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." ~ Matthew 6:10 [KJV]
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
My Part
There is a wonderful series that our ladies ministry did this past summer called, 'Restless', by Jennie Allen. I am reading her book now, flagging certain chapters that seem to apply more to me than others. On page 43, the last paragraph, Jennie penned, "There is only so much we can know, but we can leave the stuff we can't know to God and believe he has it all worked out. It may feel quiet, and we possibly even feel forgotten, but God is working out his plans all around us. What is our part? Trust." Thank you, Jennie! Even more so, Thank You, Lord!!! I may not have all, if any, of the answers at hand. But He does. and there is so much that I can and will continue to do with what little time I have here on earth.
I can invest more time in my relationship with my ailing mother. Continue to reach out to the recent widower who will spend his first Christmas in Sixty-Three years without his Beloved. Invite a grieving friend over for coffee. Dance with my husband, even if the only music that is playing is the love within our hearts. Continue investing time with the Lord, in whom I draw strength. Laugh more. Cry less. And keep my eyes open for whom He brings around the next bend. It may just be you!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~ Romans 15:13
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Thankful
How many times does my Heavenly Father go without even a whisper of thanks upon my lips for the countless moments He moves on behalf in my life. I wonder if He feels the disappointment that I or my husband feel when our hard work goes unnoticed?
The Lord has done so many Great things for me. How can I go without giving Thanks? I am not speaking of just the obvious but of the moments in my life left unspoken. Finances provided at just that instant of need. A hug given by a precious teen, unaware of just how much I longed for one. A familiar face who had once cared for me long ago gave up their precious time to sit awhile with me in the wee hours of the night, sharing their story with one longing for conversation.
So so so many reasons I have to be immensely thankful for this Season. Family. Friends. Laughter shared. Fond memories of a loved one's recent passing. And the gifts that continue to come our way. I speak not of the monetary but of those far more of value. Conversations with those whom I cherish will be shared around the dinner table. New memories to be made. The opportunity for me to love on those so dear to my heart. Precious moments that are few and far between. Oh how they will not be taken for granted for I am truly thankful for them. As I am truly thankful for each and everyone of you who have enriched my life tremendously and have helped make me the woman I am today.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. ~ Psalm 100:4-5
Monday, October 31, 2016
The Birthday Card
You see, I have been in and out of the hospital my Anna's entire life thus far. She knows many of my frailties, though there are some there is just no need to share. It is our job to protect. To know when to inform, and when to keep silent.
My child has witnessed my extremely bad days and has shared in the very best. She has seen how I handle those days. With either grace and dignity or falling down in self-loathing, discouragement and disappointment when the tears just don't seem to end. I have tried to hide such moments, but living in our home together they eventually see it all. The good, the bad, and the really ugly. I guess it is how I have continued onward and made the choice to grow in such times and to surrender all to Him that Anna has found more than appealing. As it is His life that I freely gave Him years past. It is His Divine Will that I only want prevalent in my life. Nothing more. Nothing Less. I have found peace in my darkest hours. Kindness and joy have come through many a people, even strangers. And I hope to have been just that to them. To forward all that He has placed within me. To be Heather Jean Rios!
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
As I waited
Many quietly kept conversations fill the waiting room where I anxiously await for my husbands return. I lean over to pick up his bible. I begin to skim through the crinkled pages and turn to a page marked with a yellow post it. Isaiah 6:1-8. The words seem to jump directly off the page and into my heart, much in need of conviction.
I read starting at verse 1 "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings.....3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty,
The whole earth is full of
His glory."
Moving on down to 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Warm, salty tears fill the corner of my eyes for my penitent soul has been forgiven. 8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
I am far from perfect. I talk too much. Listen less. Often selfish. And far more times than I'd like to admit my temper has gotten the best of me. But I know that I have been commissioned by God for greatness. Not within strength but through weakness. My life has purpose and meaning. It has been warped by sin, now redeemed by His precious blood. And I am ready! Are you?
I read starting at verse 1 "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings.....3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty,
The whole earth is full of
His glory."
Moving on down to 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Warm, salty tears fill the corner of my eyes for my penitent soul has been forgiven. 8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
I am far from perfect. I talk too much. Listen less. Often selfish. And far more times than I'd like to admit my temper has gotten the best of me. But I know that I have been commissioned by God for greatness. Not within strength but through weakness. My life has purpose and meaning. It has been warped by sin, now redeemed by His precious blood. And I am ready! Are you?
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
The acorn
The crisp air of night blows my dark blue drapes ever so slightly. I hear the faint whistle of a freight train cautioning us of its fast approach. It is 11:00 p.m. and most of the neighboring homes lay slumbering. I love our small country neighborhood. I like the quaint older homes. I have grown fond of our neighbors and welcoming kindness. I love the roomy [almost] acre that we have. I absolutely adore our 4 large oak trees that stand guard in front and back of our home along with the many many acorns that fall from their branches, however I am certain that my husbands feelings are the complete opposite when it comes to these tiny oval nuts.
You see the acorn is precious to me. It is a reminder of days long ago. I can remember a gentle hand reaching down to lovingly take hold of mine. I was much much younger then. Three or four maybe but can see it as if it were yesterday. My Grandpas hand, wrinkled and warn placed a small, bumpy object into my cupped palm. I squealed with delight when I saw my prize! An acorn. To this little girl it might as well have been a diamond. We continued on the wooded path to collect more of these gems.
He was like that, my Grandpa. He taught me to find joy in simplicity. He also exemplified what true love was made of. It is made without conditions, mixed with joy, mercy and acceptance. He was known all around town to be a man of exceptional character. One who cared about his fellow man and would do anything to help where need be. My Grandfather was a man that loved me but even more so loved the Lord.
I miss my Grandpa to this very day. He was my world while growing up. He died the winter of my Senior year of High School. Today I am passing down his legacy onto my children. Though, failing often, I hope that they see in me the love and compassion that he exemplified to so many others. I hope that they see Jesus.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us...." Ephesians 5:1-2
You see the acorn is precious to me. It is a reminder of days long ago. I can remember a gentle hand reaching down to lovingly take hold of mine. I was much much younger then. Three or four maybe but can see it as if it were yesterday. My Grandpas hand, wrinkled and warn placed a small, bumpy object into my cupped palm. I squealed with delight when I saw my prize! An acorn. To this little girl it might as well have been a diamond. We continued on the wooded path to collect more of these gems.
He was like that, my Grandpa. He taught me to find joy in simplicity. He also exemplified what true love was made of. It is made without conditions, mixed with joy, mercy and acceptance. He was known all around town to be a man of exceptional character. One who cared about his fellow man and would do anything to help where need be. My Grandfather was a man that loved me but even more so loved the Lord.
I miss my Grandpa to this very day. He was my world while growing up. He died the winter of my Senior year of High School. Today I am passing down his legacy onto my children. Though, failing often, I hope that they see in me the love and compassion that he exemplified to so many others. I hope that they see Jesus.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us...." Ephesians 5:1-2
Friday, September 23, 2016
Courage
When I think of courage I think of someone who takes a stand for what is right even if they are the only one standing. I think it is one who makes the choice to turn the other cheek when insults hurl. (Matt. 5:39) It is to have uncompromising faith. Unwavering to the end. It is choosing love over hatred. Peace rather than disharmony. Courage is never giving up when all odds are against you. And it is holding onto hope and taking that step of faith in a choppy sea of darkness.
I want to live like that! I want to live courageous through my faith that strengthens even when weak. I want to have the strength as Cassie Bernall who answered, "Yes.", to the question of her belief in God just moments before she was taken from this earth on April 20, 1999 in the Columbine High School Massacre. And I want to forgive with the enormous amount of Grace as the widows of Jim Elliot and four missionary friends who continued to try to make peaceful contact and eventually won the hearts of the tribe who had murdered their husbands. And I want to trust as Anne Graham Lotz, "If God can bring blessing from the broken body of Jesus and glory from something that's as obscene as the cross, He can bring blessing from my problems and my pain and my unanswered prayer. I just have to trust Him."
So on this damp Autumn day I choose the strength in which I stand in to take that leap of faith onto the bridge that leads into a future unknown. To trust in my God Whom always has my best interest at hand. Who has taken the ugly pains of yesterday and made beautiful situations of purpose. I choose to forgive the heartache of misunderstandings. And to once again live my life to the fullest and have the courage to face anything that may come my way.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:13
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Change
Are you one who embraces change? Or rather despise change? Chang is inevitable. It is all around us. Our children are returning to school. Some are beginning their years as a college student. Leaves have begun to change, bursting into brilliant colors of red, amber, and of deep purple. And geese have begun their long journey ahead in miraculous formation.
I find great enjoyment in small things, such as rearranging furniture or trying out a new hair style but it's more than that. I am one who embraces change no matter how difficult it may be. In fact I find change rather as a gift. [well, most of the time.] I don't want to remain still and in one place. As one can continue on their education, I long to do the same by studying the One Book that has been sold and read more than any other book throughout the world. I want to broaden my understanding of the Bible and the scriptures of truth that lie within. To embrace and learn the lessons of how to live a life of virtue, unconditional love, and humility.
Life through change is not always easy. Author, Gail Sheehy best describes it as, "If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." I absolutely LOVE that! Change can be down right painful at times but most likely for the best. It is in those tough moments that we can grow the most. They teach us what it is to empathize and how to relate to others. To help us become the individual that we were created to be. And if we listen closely to our Loving Creator we find insight and vision to a future yet seen.
Dear friends, as you witness the seasons change from Summer into Autumn, behold it as a gift. An opportunity to self-examine your life and to make any changes deemed necessary. For me it is to survey my heart and the things most important to me. To put down and to throw away. To be one who walks in complete honesty with myself and others. I want to be one who's word and bond is unshakable. To place all others before. To emanate a soul that is meek and pure. To continue to find joy and hope even in the darkest of days. To embrace life and all that comes along. To live as never before.
"When you're finished changing, you're finished." ~ Benjamin Franklin
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
He Prayed
My friends, I am going to challenge you as I. Pray with passion. Pray with such belief as never before. Hold fast to hope. Let it be the anchor for your soul. The 'Oxford English Dictionary' defines hope as 1. A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. 1.1 A person or thing that may help or save someone. 1.2 Grounds for believing that something good may happen. 2. A feeling of trust.
I do not know what tomorrow may bring. I do not know what may be around the next corner. But I do know that the Lord has been with me every single step through this walk of faith. This life that I have chosen to live. To believe in the God that created the Heavens and the Earth. The One whom I cannot see with my physical eyes. But know. Though I may not see the wind I certainly feel it upon my face. This is what it is to believe. To hope. To endure. To trust.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,.. ~Hebrews 6:19
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The World is a Garden
"If you look the right way, the whole world is a garden." ~ 'The Secret Garden'
"We are all different in some way or another yet we all need the same thing. Love" This is the profound statement that my youngest said to me as we were finishing the movie, 'The Good Dinosaur. "Why yes, Emma. This is very true!"
The next time you are out and about, perhaps the grocery store, shopping mall, or the local church you may attend, look around you and see. Look at all the unique faces. We all come in different shapes and sizes. From all sorts of walks of life. Different cultures. Different beliefs. And different backgrounds. If you listen carefully, you will hear that they all have a story to tell. There are multiple ways that they do so. Some speak through the lens of a camera. Some through poetic song. Even some through their silence. And others through the vivid artistry etched upon their skin.
I desperately want you to see them for who they truly are. Look closely into their heart. Into their soul. And if you quiet the thoughts of your mind, you can hear it, their silent cry. The cry that you and I can clearly understand, for it is the cry of every heart of mankind. "Love Me."
We have a choice to make. To look past the color of their skin, the ethnicity of their heritage, and their choice of style to see that they are just like you. Just like me. We are all in need for someone to love us. To accept us. To save us. We are all in need of Him. The Alpha and Omega. Savior. Deliverer. Redeemer. Immanuel. Yeshua. Master. Messiah. Teacher. King of kings. Prince of Peace. Lord of lords. JESUS.
"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." Mark 3:24-25 ESV
Sunday, July 31, 2016
The Voice on the Other End
But does my treasured friend know? Does she realize that the precious gift of time she extended to me created a smile to a solemn face and the lightening of a heavy heart? No. Not unless I convey it to her. To reach out a thankful hand and to take hold of hers. Will I cry? The answer to all who know me is, 'yes'! More than likely, yes. Should this cause apprehension to these simple actions that the Lord has gently placed on my grateful heart to do? No. My friend will not look at the tears as foolishness but will see through them to witness the deep appreciation that is within. Now an outpouring of gratitude.
Or are you the one who desperately needs a friend to talk to? To share your heart and all that is within? Then I urge you now to please pick up your phone and call that trusted friend who means so much to you. Please Do Not text but let them hear your precious voice on the other end. Trust me when I say that you will regret not this brave decision to do so. And neither will they.
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." ~unknown
"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." ~1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
My Treasure
Suddenly I am ten years old again and running carefree with the other neighborhood children. Those hot summer nights always included our prize at the end as we carefully placed our caught fireflies into glass jars with punctured lids screwed tight. Yes. Muddy feet and happy hearts. But the largest treasure of all were my friends. I had them and they had me. We were loyal to the end.
Loyal. There was a strong devotion to one another back then that seems lacking at times in this younger generation. I wonder why that is?
Oh sure the days are different now. Electrical devices are found in almost every hand you see. Young and old. Texting has taken the place of a phone call. A keyboard the place of a pen. Simpler ways equals simpler days. Not so many distractions I suppose.
One life can seem so small. So insignificant in this great big world. But when one has Christ within us who gives us life with meaning and purpose, we can touch lives. Without Him we are lost. Without reason. But He gives us a reason. Because of His love we are able to love. Because of His forgiveness we are able to forgive. And because of His example we can be an example to others.
There is a friend who comes to mind now. Ailing parents, an active three year old daughter, and full time job have filled her days without any room nor time to spare. Perhaps a card in the mail would bring a smile to her weary soul. A warm hug to a heavy heart. I want to bless her in the same way as she has blessed me. She has been my devoted friend. My gift. My treasure.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9
Monday, July 11, 2016
Count it all Joy
I believe that pouting is only 'adorable' when seen upon the face of a little child. Otherwise it just isn't cute to look at! I am sure that is what my Heavenly Father was thinking when I flopped down, face first onto my bed less than a week ago. And what made it so terribly ugly is what I mumbled as I did so. "I hate my life." The immediate shame that came over me was more than I could bare and I began to weep.
I don't hate my life. I actually feel that I lead a very fulfilling life with lots of love and laughter. I have a beautiful family, friends that have stood by my side, cheered my on, and love and support me wholeheartedly. Most importantly, My Lord has never given up on me and loves me without condition. What more could I ever ask for?!
You see, I forgot. I forgot to, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds," James 1:2. I allowed the circumstances of a broken ankle and another painful condition to overwhelm me. To steal my joy. And to feel sorry for myself. There are many, many, many others that are far more worse off then me. I know better.
My prayer to God has been, "Anything". I want to be obedient to whatever He may ask of me. That has not changed. But there is more to the above scripture. Important words that follow. "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".
Today I have JOY! I feel it deep down within. Yes, I am broken and flawed. I struggle with aches and pains and deal with ailments that continue to find their way back around. But God is using me. He uses me in ways that I never thought possible. I am learning compassion at a deeper level. I am building relationships in areas that I would have missed if 'healthier'. And it feels amazing. What more could I ask for than this. To be right where He wants me. To be in the Will of God.
"Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that the help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill us with His love." ~ Romans 5:2-5 NLT
I don't hate my life. I actually feel that I lead a very fulfilling life with lots of love and laughter. I have a beautiful family, friends that have stood by my side, cheered my on, and love and support me wholeheartedly. Most importantly, My Lord has never given up on me and loves me without condition. What more could I ever ask for?!
You see, I forgot. I forgot to, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds," James 1:2. I allowed the circumstances of a broken ankle and another painful condition to overwhelm me. To steal my joy. And to feel sorry for myself. There are many, many, many others that are far more worse off then me. I know better.
My prayer to God has been, "Anything". I want to be obedient to whatever He may ask of me. That has not changed. But there is more to the above scripture. Important words that follow. "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".
Today I have JOY! I feel it deep down within. Yes, I am broken and flawed. I struggle with aches and pains and deal with ailments that continue to find their way back around. But God is using me. He uses me in ways that I never thought possible. I am learning compassion at a deeper level. I am building relationships in areas that I would have missed if 'healthier'. And it feels amazing. What more could I ask for than this. To be right where He wants me. To be in the Will of God.
"Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that the help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill us with His love." ~ Romans 5:2-5 NLT
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
In the Trenches
My heart longs to be down in the trenches. Down in the muck and mire. In the filth of it all, helping my fellow man find shelter from the rapid enemy fire that surrounds us daily, growing greater as the days pass.
Now the enemy fire that I am referring to is not just the tangible. I am calling attention to the horrendous attacks that come through words of great hatred and condemnation. Hurtful words that cut straight through the heart causing considerable amounts of pain. Degrading those to a belief of insignificant worth. Lies. In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul beckons us to "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
What has happened to us? How did we get here? Since the fall of man found in Genesis 3, which dates as far back before 2500 B.C. [and is accepted by many scholars] we have fought one another with jealous, prideful hearts.
So how can we break this vicious cycle? As Theologian Albert Schweitzer poetically put it, "Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."
We must love without condition. To forgive those who have wounded us. To help those in need. To see others through the eyes of Christ. That is what we must do. To view each other through the lens of compassion. So I am trudging deeper and crawling further. I am looking for those to love. To befriend those who have been turned away. To show them Christ through me.
Do to others as you would have them do to you. ~ Luke 6:31
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
Now the enemy fire that I am referring to is not just the tangible. I am calling attention to the horrendous attacks that come through words of great hatred and condemnation. Hurtful words that cut straight through the heart causing considerable amounts of pain. Degrading those to a belief of insignificant worth. Lies. In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul beckons us to "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
What has happened to us? How did we get here? Since the fall of man found in Genesis 3, which dates as far back before 2500 B.C. [and is accepted by many scholars] we have fought one another with jealous, prideful hearts.
So how can we break this vicious cycle? As Theologian Albert Schweitzer poetically put it, "Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."
We must love without condition. To forgive those who have wounded us. To help those in need. To see others through the eyes of Christ. That is what we must do. To view each other through the lens of compassion. So I am trudging deeper and crawling further. I am looking for those to love. To befriend those who have been turned away. To show them Christ through me.
Do to others as you would have them do to you. ~ Luke 6:31
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
Monday, June 13, 2016
One word
I have always cared way too much of what others think of me. It is almost a disease really. I never quite understood why. The other day I stole a few minutes of peace and quiet behind closed doors. That is when it occurred to me. Mind you, I don't sit around all day pondering this. It came about through something that I was reading. A question stirred up memories that I had locked away for over 40 years. And then I remembered.....
The dreaded confirmation class. Not because of the material that was being taught, rather the pre-teens who attended the class with me. One very particular boy in fact.
Just before the class began, I went to the bathroom. When I returned, there it was. In black ink boldly scribbled out upon my clean white binder I read, "Heather is Dumb". I felt my heart drop down into the pit of my stomach as I could hear the snickering laughter of the boy and his buddy behind me. But do you know what was the worst part? I already believed that to be true.
When I was just the wee age of 4 years, I was enrolled in the afternoon kindergarten class at the local grade school. It was then that my struggles began and when the teacher was questioned by my mother, her reply was, "I expect more from Heather as she is the tallest one in our class." Really? How utterly moronic!! I continued to struggle off and on academically and socially even through High School. And moments such as the one in the basement of my Lutheran Church during confirmation class certainly worsened how I perceived myself.
So. What is the truth? It certainly is not that I am dumb. It has taken years for me to me come to that validity. Even today I have moments of insecurity. As I am sure we all do. But there is another word that has brought complete freedom and healing to my wounded heart. Salvation to a long weary soul. Rather it is a name. The name. And that name is, JESUS. Oh how I love Him! He is the lover of my soul. My Best friend. My Savior. He is TRUTH.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~John 8:31-32
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ~2 Corinthians 3:17
The dreaded confirmation class. Not because of the material that was being taught, rather the pre-teens who attended the class with me. One very particular boy in fact.
When I was just the wee age of 4 years, I was enrolled in the afternoon kindergarten class at the local grade school. It was then that my struggles began and when the teacher was questioned by my mother, her reply was, "I expect more from Heather as she is the tallest one in our class." Really? How utterly moronic!! I continued to struggle off and on academically and socially even through High School. And moments such as the one in the basement of my Lutheran Church during confirmation class certainly worsened how I perceived myself.
So. What is the truth? It certainly is not that I am dumb. It has taken years for me to me come to that validity. Even today I have moments of insecurity. As I am sure we all do. But there is another word that has brought complete freedom and healing to my wounded heart. Salvation to a long weary soul. Rather it is a name. The name. And that name is, JESUS. Oh how I love Him! He is the lover of my soul. My Best friend. My Savior. He is TRUTH.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~John 8:31-32
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ~2 Corinthians 3:17
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Trust
Do you find it hard to trust at times? To take hold of what the scriptures say as complete and utter truth? To grasp onto it and know that it is the only way you are going to make it through that illness? To trust that need will be met whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or the safe keeping of your child as they travel to that out of state college? Do you trust the God who, 'In the beginning created the heavens and the earth.' Genesis 1:1 Well do you? Do I?
I thought that I had. But after this morning's sermon I realize that I need much improvement in this area. Why do I strive so? I want to have the Faith as: Corrie ten Boom, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." or the astonishing faith of Elisabeth Elliot, the widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. Her undying Faith inspires me immensely. "If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things." And lastly, "We must cease striving and trust God to provide what He thinks is best and in whatever time He chooses to make it available. But this kind of trusting doesn't come naturally. It's a spiritual crisis of the will in which we must choose to exercise Faith." Charles R. Swindoll.
Tonight I knelt down in absolute surrender. No longer will I carry the burdens that weighed so heavily upon my shoulders. My cares have been lifted. It was, no it is that simple! I have not the slightest inkling of what tomorrow brings. I only have today. This exact moment in time. And I am alright with that.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proberbs 3:5-6
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Leaving the Nest
As I awoke this morning I was delighted to hear the sweet, gentle chirping of baby birds. Thanking their mother for the breakfast that she had found for them. The nest is safely tucked within the eves directly above my bedroom window. I recall being concerned with the location that the starling had chosen to build her nest. For when the rains fall would not her hard work be washed away into the downspout? So I had prayed. I prayed for protection for the nest and eggs that would soon fill it. And I prayed for the baby birds that would soon hatch from them. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them...." Matthew 6:26 Yes! I knew that my Father, whom hears all prayers, would hear mine. And the concern within my heart for this mother bird.
You see, I am a mother of four. A step-daughter who is 29. A son, who will be turning 18 in August. And two more daughters of the ages 14 1/2 and almost 9.
Brittany, my eldest will be leaving in June to attend a nursing program over seas. My husband and I are praying for complete protection as she travels. Even though she been an adult for over ten years, we continue to experience all the normality that goes along with parenthood. Mixed emotions that I believe will always linger no matter where her journey takes her. And I will always hold within my heart the image of the little nine year old girl that stole my heart those twenty years ago.
Tyler will be a Senior this fall. The last year of his High School career. This upcoming year will fly right by. I know this full well as the last 17 and 1/2 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. A major has been chosen. Colleges are being weighed and considered. My little boy has become a man. The life choices that he has made could not make his Dad and I more proud. And I pray that the fire within his heart will never die, but continue to grow in strength as the years unfold before him.
My Anna will be graduating from 8th grade in a few short days. The sparkle in her eyes and laughter within her soul are contagious to all who know her. We were watching the seasons last episode of, 'The Middle', which the youngest character was also graduating from Junior High. As they were showing clips of his younger years, I saw my Anna in them. She is no longer a little girl. Somehow overnight, she has grown into a young woman. And I am going to hold onto every moment that will now follow.
We received an invitation last week to celebrate our 3rd grader who is graduating from the little grade school in town. I had not really thought of it that way. Yet, it is true. Emma will be entering a much larger school where she will be a smaller fish in a bigger pond. So, I will continue to treasure our cuddle time, it is such a precious gift to this Mother's heart.
Soon the baby birds will grow feathers upon their wings, and with their mother's coaching will learn to fly. By late summer they will be full grown and leave the comfort of their nest behind. These once frail babies will journey into this great big world. They will have learned what they were created to do. They will Soar.
" Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior so are the children of one's youth. How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them." Psalm 127:3-5a [AMP]
You see, I am a mother of four. A step-daughter who is 29. A son, who will be turning 18 in August. And two more daughters of the ages 14 1/2 and almost 9.
Brittany, my eldest will be leaving in June to attend a nursing program over seas. My husband and I are praying for complete protection as she travels. Even though she been an adult for over ten years, we continue to experience all the normality that goes along with parenthood. Mixed emotions that I believe will always linger no matter where her journey takes her. And I will always hold within my heart the image of the little nine year old girl that stole my heart those twenty years ago.
Tyler will be a Senior this fall. The last year of his High School career. This upcoming year will fly right by. I know this full well as the last 17 and 1/2 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. A major has been chosen. Colleges are being weighed and considered. My little boy has become a man. The life choices that he has made could not make his Dad and I more proud. And I pray that the fire within his heart will never die, but continue to grow in strength as the years unfold before him.
My Anna will be graduating from 8th grade in a few short days. The sparkle in her eyes and laughter within her soul are contagious to all who know her. We were watching the seasons last episode of, 'The Middle', which the youngest character was also graduating from Junior High. As they were showing clips of his younger years, I saw my Anna in them. She is no longer a little girl. Somehow overnight, she has grown into a young woman. And I am going to hold onto every moment that will now follow.
We received an invitation last week to celebrate our 3rd grader who is graduating from the little grade school in town. I had not really thought of it that way. Yet, it is true. Emma will be entering a much larger school where she will be a smaller fish in a bigger pond. So, I will continue to treasure our cuddle time, it is such a precious gift to this Mother's heart.
Soon the baby birds will grow feathers upon their wings, and with their mother's coaching will learn to fly. By late summer they will be full grown and leave the comfort of their nest behind. These once frail babies will journey into this great big world. They will have learned what they were created to do. They will Soar.
" Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior so are the children of one's youth. How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them." Psalm 127:3-5a [AMP]
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