Recently I was asked to provide my testimony. After praying about it and asking God to help me share but not write a novel because to share all that God has done in my life truly would be a novel. I felt lead to post this here for others to see just how amazing our God is! if you have questions please contact me, I would love to share a conversation with you about how you can also have this kind of an amazing change in your life. To experience a relationship that will be the most amazing relationship of your life.
At the age of 16 at a Fall Youth Retreat, with my local church, the Evangelical Covenant Church in Royal Palm Beach Florida and through the ministry of a College group called Heart Song, from North Park College, and a drama production they did at that retreat, I came to realize in a very real way that it was my sins that helped nail Jesus to the cross.
I also understood that He allowed it and did this willingly because of His love for me and because He desired a relationship with me that was impossible due to the sin that separated me from a perfect and holy God. I was undone by this knowledge that I (because of my sins) was just as guilty of His death as the Roman Centurions who nailed his hands and feet to the cross and stabbed him in the side to hasten his death. I understood King David’s cry to God that it was against Him and Him only that he had sinned. (although it would me many years before I would ever read that verse, i fully understood the concept) I spent time that evening with one of the youth workers. Through prayer, I confessed my sins to God and repented by making a decision to change my behavior and lifestyle to make God the LORD of my life. I wanted to become a follower of His. For many years after, I did not have the discipleship necessary to become the women God had created me to be. I also struggled with who was going to be in control of my life, me or God. God in His relentless pursuit of me finally helped me to understand just how much He Loved me, that He was trustworthy, and truly wanted only the best for me. I learned that He desired that I take my relationship with Him to a much deeper level and now through that process, and the lessons I am still learning from Him, He has placed in my heart a passion to share with women the lessons He has taught me. Like Titus 2: 3-5 says to teach the younger women. So I feel God’s call to teach, mentor and encourage those who may profit from all that Christ has taught me about His Love and provision for his daughters. There is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to do this. I know I would never choose the difficult task of encouraging those who truly find themselves and their children in desperate situations and without hope. However, when I am actively engaged with one of these young moms, or even with a teenage young women trying to figure out what now? I come away from those encounters energized and full of Praise for My God who delights in his daughters and has made extravagant promises to them to protect and provide. He has even mapped out a future full of Hope and purpose for them and their children. When I see one of them, though a series of activities and answered prayer, where the Holy Spirit brings them to an understanding of what that purpose is and then they start taking steps to become all that God created them to be. Then I find myself standing in amazement of my God, and find it is a privilege to walk along side these women and watch God draw them close to Himself and do amazing things in their lives!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Who me?
Here is a quote I would love for you to ready and then think about for a few minutes... I recently read this and was amazed at how this impacted me.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
Ok, so I don't know about you, but this did something pretty amazing to me. I felt as if it was giving me permission to become all that God wants me to become. To take a few risks, to be willing to jump when God says jump and not even think about how it will impact me or others. Wow! don't you just LOVE how this makes you feel?
Let me know your thoughts... Did it have the same kind of effect on you as it did me?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
Ok, so I don't know about you, but this did something pretty amazing to me. I felt as if it was giving me permission to become all that God wants me to become. To take a few risks, to be willing to jump when God says jump and not even think about how it will impact me or others. Wow! don't you just LOVE how this makes you feel?
Let me know your thoughts... Did it have the same kind of effect on you as it did me?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Long Overdue Update
I will not try to offer excuses. I will however tell you I have been unbelievably busy and I wish I had posted before now. For that I apologize.
I cannot believe all that has happened in the past two months. To hit a few highlights, I am still not smoking! I pray I never will again! I no longer need any dental work done! I still have one more visit to the dentist chair on January 16th to finalize everything however no more drills or needles! Praise God what an ordeal! God is so awesome to allow me this opportunity! I am still so amazed at all the ways He has and continues to show His love and provision for me! I am humbled and try to understand why He has chosen me...
I have enjoyed the first "vacation" in years. during my few days away. I had the oppertunity to be a small part in preparing a couple for a missions trip to St. Lucia. I was able to help them prepare materials for the conference and coordinate the presentation pieces and prepare a blessing for the women they would be ministering to. Then was able to spend a couple of days enjoying some time on the beach! God arranged for me to have free use of a beachside condo for a couple of days where I was able to spend some time praying, and writing, and making some decisions regarding my future ministry direction. These were decisions made as I believe God is leading. I still am not sure of details however, I started working on materials for a teen girls program. a few days later received a call from an area director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Osceola County who would like to meet with me to discuss working with the teens at the local center. If this happens it would be a pilot project for this county that would possibly be taken state wide or even nationally. Please keep this in your prayers. I also need prayer to finish my website. I know what look and feel I am wanting however need help in making that a reality.
lots more going on however, once again running out of time. Please keep me in your prayers. I still have some pretty big decisions to make and so desperately want to be in the center of God's will for my life and this ministry He has called me to.
Blessings to all of you!
I cannot believe all that has happened in the past two months. To hit a few highlights, I am still not smoking! I pray I never will again! I no longer need any dental work done! I still have one more visit to the dentist chair on January 16th to finalize everything however no more drills or needles! Praise God what an ordeal! God is so awesome to allow me this opportunity! I am still so amazed at all the ways He has and continues to show His love and provision for me! I am humbled and try to understand why He has chosen me...
I have enjoyed the first "vacation" in years. during my few days away. I had the oppertunity to be a small part in preparing a couple for a missions trip to St. Lucia. I was able to help them prepare materials for the conference and coordinate the presentation pieces and prepare a blessing for the women they would be ministering to. Then was able to spend a couple of days enjoying some time on the beach! God arranged for me to have free use of a beachside condo for a couple of days where I was able to spend some time praying, and writing, and making some decisions regarding my future ministry direction. These were decisions made as I believe God is leading. I still am not sure of details however, I started working on materials for a teen girls program. a few days later received a call from an area director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Osceola County who would like to meet with me to discuss working with the teens at the local center. If this happens it would be a pilot project for this county that would possibly be taken state wide or even nationally. Please keep this in your prayers. I also need prayer to finish my website. I know what look and feel I am wanting however need help in making that a reality.
lots more going on however, once again running out of time. Please keep me in your prayers. I still have some pretty big decisions to make and so desperately want to be in the center of God's will for my life and this ministry He has called me to.
Blessings to all of you!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Coincidence? God's Plan? Ya, I thought so...
Have you ever had a moment when you literally can almost see the lightbulb go on over your head as you realize something profound? Maybe your profound moment is when you realize something about the nature of God and how He has been working in your life in a way you had not noticed before.
I had one of those moments just a few minutes ago and had to sit down and write about it! I was trying to put together a timeline of my life. For those of you who know me well, you know first how difficult this is for me on an emotional level, however I am also finding out this morning how difficult it is for me on a physical level. (the memory is not what it used to be!) LOL Anyway due to the memory skipping a few beats I went to the kitchen to pull a magnet off the fridge to see if there was a date on it. I was attempting to remember what year I was first involved with the Women's ministry at my church. we hosted a ladies retreat that year for all the churches in the Southeast Conference of the Conservative Baptist Association. I suggested the theme and our supporting scripture reference for that weekend retreat. When I pulled it down off the fridge I did not find a date, however I admired the handiwork and the beauty of this item and finally i allowed my eyes to read the verse, I had so carefully chosen to represent the theme of our weekend so many years ago. ( when I figure that out i will let you know) As I read the words of this scripture I caught my breath, and was stunned! then I started to laugh hysterically! I could not help it, My God has such amazing ways of showing us somethings. OK, stay with me here. like I said I was at the end of a very difficult and emotionally charged couple of hours of putting into outline form a timeline of my life showing all the significant things that I have lived through... well when I went to the kitchen and found this magnet on my fridge the scripture on it was... are you ready for this... Ephesians 2:10 from the NLT it reads, "For we are God's masterpieces. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I was overwhelmed. here for the past several hours I have emotionally relived some pretty awful stuff. I found myself wondering why it was all necessary? Why did God allow it? I know that alot of it was poor decisions on my part but a lot of what led up to that was not. There were alot of things that were out of my control. I believe in the Sovereignty of God I believe He is fully in control. He either causes things to happen in our lives or He allows them to happen. Either way He is in complete control. So that left me wondering why. I know that he had His reasons and I know that without those things happening I might not have made the decisions I made and I would not be who I am today, with the ministry He has given me and the amazing story of His love and grace. Although He does not have to share anything with me, He in his love for me allowed me to forget the date and year we did that retreat and caused me to remember this possible place of information. I believe that this verse was His way of reminding me that he loves me and He has a plan for my life. something I desperately need to be reminded of just then. It was almost like a great big hug from my Heavenly Father!
This is a real life example of Romans 8:28... "for we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."
How awesome is my God to Love me so much. That He wants to remind me of who I am and who He is and that He has plans for me, good Plans!
I had one of those moments just a few minutes ago and had to sit down and write about it! I was trying to put together a timeline of my life. For those of you who know me well, you know first how difficult this is for me on an emotional level, however I am also finding out this morning how difficult it is for me on a physical level. (the memory is not what it used to be!) LOL Anyway due to the memory skipping a few beats I went to the kitchen to pull a magnet off the fridge to see if there was a date on it. I was attempting to remember what year I was first involved with the Women's ministry at my church. we hosted a ladies retreat that year for all the churches in the Southeast Conference of the Conservative Baptist Association. I suggested the theme and our supporting scripture reference for that weekend retreat. When I pulled it down off the fridge I did not find a date, however I admired the handiwork and the beauty of this item and finally i allowed my eyes to read the verse, I had so carefully chosen to represent the theme of our weekend so many years ago. ( when I figure that out i will let you know) As I read the words of this scripture I caught my breath, and was stunned! then I started to laugh hysterically! I could not help it, My God has such amazing ways of showing us somethings. OK, stay with me here. like I said I was at the end of a very difficult and emotionally charged couple of hours of putting into outline form a timeline of my life showing all the significant things that I have lived through... well when I went to the kitchen and found this magnet on my fridge the scripture on it was... are you ready for this... Ephesians 2:10 from the NLT it reads, "For we are God's masterpieces. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I was overwhelmed. here for the past several hours I have emotionally relived some pretty awful stuff. I found myself wondering why it was all necessary? Why did God allow it? I know that alot of it was poor decisions on my part but a lot of what led up to that was not. There were alot of things that were out of my control. I believe in the Sovereignty of God I believe He is fully in control. He either causes things to happen in our lives or He allows them to happen. Either way He is in complete control. So that left me wondering why. I know that he had His reasons and I know that without those things happening I might not have made the decisions I made and I would not be who I am today, with the ministry He has given me and the amazing story of His love and grace. Although He does not have to share anything with me, He in his love for me allowed me to forget the date and year we did that retreat and caused me to remember this possible place of information. I believe that this verse was His way of reminding me that he loves me and He has a plan for my life. something I desperately need to be reminded of just then. It was almost like a great big hug from my Heavenly Father!
This is a real life example of Romans 8:28... "for we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."
How awesome is my God to Love me so much. That He wants to remind me of who I am and who He is and that He has plans for me, good Plans!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Oh how He Loves you and me...
I readthe caption below this morning and I cannot stop rereading it in my mind... I will let it speak for itself. See if you can easily forget this image. I hope not, my friends.
Love ya,
Dan Haseltine, of Jars of Clay, wrote in Relevant magazine, "Look at the marriage of Jesus… the one with the bride who sleeps around, never listens, disowns, scorns, dishonors, runs away, intentionally proves to be more interested in anything but her husband, is selfish and bears the children of every affair and the scent of every escapade. It was a marriage that killed Jesus. And it was the Gospel that brought Him back to life to love once more."
Love ya,
Dan Haseltine, of Jars of Clay, wrote in Relevant magazine, "Look at the marriage of Jesus… the one with the bride who sleeps around, never listens, disowns, scorns, dishonors, runs away, intentionally proves to be more interested in anything but her husband, is selfish and bears the children of every affair and the scent of every escapade. It was a marriage that killed Jesus. And it was the Gospel that brought Him back to life to love once more."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Transformation
Philippians 3:12-21 is about pressing on towards the goal to acheive what?
...who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies...
Romans 12:2 transforming what? How?
Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
2 Corinthians 3:18 transformed into what? how?
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Ok, so I know that God used lots of different parables and exaqmples to try to convey to us a concept. I also know that somethings in the Bible are meant to be taken as an example or concept and some things are to be taken literaly. I believe that even in the examples though that there is a literal translation that can be gleened from it. like in these verses. I know that in the Philippines verses there is the concept of training for and winning the race. resulting in a transformed body, is an example used to describe the transformation that takes place in us when we practice living the Christian lifestyle God wants us to live, when we spend time in the spiritual disiplins we become more like him. Which leads to the verses in Romans where it is saying do not do like the heathens do if you refrain from that and instead think of the things of god and fill our minds with His words it is mentaly and emotionally change our thinking, and all of that will bring us to the Corinthins verses where it shares it will be a changing or ever-increasing transformation to be more like Him. However the principals are all correct when used out of context if you physically change to start training you will see your body change physically. (loosing weight... fat... and gaining muscle) and if you hang around with people who think differently and spend all your time listening to them and their thoughts within a short time you will start thinking like them. actually beliving what they believe and liking the things they like. God designed us this way so that He could transform us, He knew we would need a transformation in our lives.
So all of that to say Although I said at the beginning of this year that this would be the year I got healthy, I don't know if I really expected it to happen. kind of like the new years resolution that 90% of the people forget about or quit by the 13th of January. However God does not forget. He allowed me to drag my feet about it for the first 6 months of the year and now is kicking my butt into high gear! I am still smoke free! five weeks no cigarettes... I am looking forward to the day I can say 5 years no cigarettes! God is so AMAZING!
This week I get serious about some other things the physical appearance things in my life. I have started the first processed yesterday, Hugh hurdle overcome in a huge fight between me and the enemy... he really did not want me to take that step and tried several things to derail me. Praise God for His love and compassion and provision of exactly what I needed when I needed it, so I could take that step. There wil be one more step before the week is done. Then the process of that area will be well under way. I also realize that I need to make plans for the other changes. I know that I want this even if I cm scared of and dreading the process. Please just keep me in your prayers. this journey is is a wild one!
blessings everyone!
...who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies...
Romans 12:2 transforming what? How?
Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
2 Corinthians 3:18 transformed into what? how?
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Ok, so I know that God used lots of different parables and exaqmples to try to convey to us a concept. I also know that somethings in the Bible are meant to be taken as an example or concept and some things are to be taken literaly. I believe that even in the examples though that there is a literal translation that can be gleened from it. like in these verses. I know that in the Philippines verses there is the concept of training for and winning the race. resulting in a transformed body, is an example used to describe the transformation that takes place in us when we practice living the Christian lifestyle God wants us to live, when we spend time in the spiritual disiplins we become more like him. Which leads to the verses in Romans where it is saying do not do like the heathens do if you refrain from that and instead think of the things of god and fill our minds with His words it is mentaly and emotionally change our thinking, and all of that will bring us to the Corinthins verses where it shares it will be a changing or ever-increasing transformation to be more like Him. However the principals are all correct when used out of context if you physically change to start training you will see your body change physically. (loosing weight... fat... and gaining muscle) and if you hang around with people who think differently and spend all your time listening to them and their thoughts within a short time you will start thinking like them. actually beliving what they believe and liking the things they like. God designed us this way so that He could transform us, He knew we would need a transformation in our lives.
So all of that to say Although I said at the beginning of this year that this would be the year I got healthy, I don't know if I really expected it to happen. kind of like the new years resolution that 90% of the people forget about or quit by the 13th of January. However God does not forget. He allowed me to drag my feet about it for the first 6 months of the year and now is kicking my butt into high gear! I am still smoke free! five weeks no cigarettes... I am looking forward to the day I can say 5 years no cigarettes! God is so AMAZING!
This week I get serious about some other things the physical appearance things in my life. I have started the first processed yesterday, Hugh hurdle overcome in a huge fight between me and the enemy... he really did not want me to take that step and tried several things to derail me. Praise God for His love and compassion and provision of exactly what I needed when I needed it, so I could take that step. There wil be one more step before the week is done. Then the process of that area will be well under way. I also realize that I need to make plans for the other changes. I know that I want this even if I cm scared of and dreading the process. Please just keep me in your prayers. this journey is is a wild one!
blessings everyone!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A day to celebrate!
I just wanted to share a couple of things this morning as I sit here praising God and celebrating my one month anniversary of not smoking! That is right no cigarettes for a full month! God is so awesome! I know and have known since the beginning of this amazing journey that I could not do this. It is only by the grace of God and Him intervening in my life in such amazing ways that this would ever be possible. The truth is this journey did not start a month ago but many years ago. God is still in the business of transforming lives. (some of us just need lots more work than other and take a lot longer!) As most of you know about 2 1/2 years ago God turned up the speed on that process in my life and things have pretty much been on a much accelerated program since then. Well for those of you who I have not spoken to or shared with in a while things are pretty much moving at warp speed (or so it seems to me) right now. God is just so amazing and is so faithful to complete His work in us. I praise Him for being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That no matter how much we want to change we do not have it within us to do so. It is only though the power of Jesus Christ that we can truly be transformed. Praise God with me today. Send up a word of thanks and praise to Him today for what He is still doing in the lives of those who love Him! God does have a plan and a purpose for each of us and He is faithful to bring us to the place we can and will be able to complete it.
I also wanted to share with you one of the things that I believe is truly making a difference in this part of my journey right now. There is an amazing website that has kept me in the word of God, that has kept me accountable during this process and has encouraged me and established a mentor in my life to walk along side of me. The web site address is
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
this website has many online classes available these classes deal with just about every kind of addictive problem out there. From Drug and alcohol abuse to sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, smoking, and gluttony. They even offer some of the courses in other languages. I just felt that God wanted me to share that with others. It may be that you or someone you know that is in need of this very ministry. They also may feel that they are living in a state of captivity and truly desire a way out. Please share this with others as well.
blessings to each of you!
I also wanted to share with you one of the things that I believe is truly making a difference in this part of my journey right now. There is an amazing website that has kept me in the word of God, that has kept me accountable during this process and has encouraged me and established a mentor in my life to walk along side of me. The web site address is
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
this website has many online classes available these classes deal with just about every kind of addictive problem out there. From Drug and alcohol abuse to sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, smoking, and gluttony. They even offer some of the courses in other languages. I just felt that God wanted me to share that with others. It may be that you or someone you know that is in need of this very ministry. They also may feel that they are living in a state of captivity and truly desire a way out. Please share this with others as well.
blessings to each of you!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
God's Plans vs Our Plans
I just love it when you can see God's hand at work in peoples lives. I was having a conversation last night where we were discussing how awesome it is when we have confirmation in our lives and the lives of others that our God is Alive, and Actively involved in the lives of His people. I work in a global company and have opportunity to interact with many people from around the world who have different beliefs and even worship other gods. What to me is so sad is that they cannot make the same statement about their god. Only the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. the God who created the heavens and the earth, the one who sent his son Jesus to earth to become a perfect sacrifice for our sins, allowing us to have an intimate relationship with the Living Loving God is active and alive in the lives of His people.
Well to make a long story not so long... I just finished a conversation with someone that God has recently brought into my life. I always get excited when god brings new people into my life becasue I know He is up to something. I know that there are no mistakes, this person is in my life for a reason. Well during this conversation I got the strongest impression that this person is going to play a big part in my future. I asked a few leading questions to see if what I was thinking was something that might fit in with what God was leading in this other persons life. Was I surprised when that was confirmed? No of course not! I committed to be in prayer about her future plans and that God would guide and direct and at the same time committed to myself to be in prayer about all that God was doing in my life right now. It may just be that God is up to something big here. So my point is two fold. I am so overwhelmed by my God that He would look to me and see something of value to Himself and His plans for us His creation is just mind boggling. Then to know He takes that further by wanting to spend time with me to share His plans and to ask me to be a part of them. To serve as His ambassador to my circle of influance, to know that He is expanding that circle of influance... I am so humbled and amazed.
Oh, that the whole world would know My God and discover the wonder of His love!
Well to make a long story not so long... I just finished a conversation with someone that God has recently brought into my life. I always get excited when god brings new people into my life becasue I know He is up to something. I know that there are no mistakes, this person is in my life for a reason. Well during this conversation I got the strongest impression that this person is going to play a big part in my future. I asked a few leading questions to see if what I was thinking was something that might fit in with what God was leading in this other persons life. Was I surprised when that was confirmed? No of course not! I committed to be in prayer about her future plans and that God would guide and direct and at the same time committed to myself to be in prayer about all that God was doing in my life right now. It may just be that God is up to something big here. So my point is two fold. I am so overwhelmed by my God that He would look to me and see something of value to Himself and His plans for us His creation is just mind boggling. Then to know He takes that further by wanting to spend time with me to share His plans and to ask me to be a part of them. To serve as His ambassador to my circle of influance, to know that He is expanding that circle of influance... I am so humbled and amazed.
Oh, that the whole world would know My God and discover the wonder of His love!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
unexpected appointments
I just love it when God blesses me with an unexpected appointment. Especially if it is with a friend.
Yesterday was just such a day. I had to make an unexpected trip to Tampa. It was a trip over, stay 20 minutes to deliver something and then back. When I found out I would need to make this trip. That very morning... I was sitting at a table full of women from my church at our monthly Ladies Prayer Breakfast. I leaned over to the one on my left and wrote a quick note asking her if I needed to make the trip over would she be able to go with me to keep me company and more importantly keep me accountable as this would be my first road trip without my faithful companion of cigarettes. And well, quite frankly, I had been having a very challenging day the day before. I had not given into temptation. However, I felt this might be my undoing. so.... Thankfully she did not hesitate she immediately said yes,
Well God has a way of helping us sort things out in our minds by being able to share with a friend and provides just the right friend at the right time when we need to get completely honest and just spill our guts. Well... that is what happened on the ride over. I was able to share with this precious friend not only the events that have been happening in my life but also my fears and my discoveries and my challenges. It was an amazing hour and a half that flew by as she listened and questioned me and caused me to dig deep into my heart to find some of the answers. I just love it when my heavenly Father knows just what we need even when we don't.
So what are the things making you restless, and frustrated and unsure of your next steps in your journey of faith? cry out to God and ask Him to show you the best person and the best time to share these things with that person. And do not be surprised when He provides it in the most unusual person, place and time!
Yesterday was just such a day. I had to make an unexpected trip to Tampa. It was a trip over, stay 20 minutes to deliver something and then back. When I found out I would need to make this trip. That very morning... I was sitting at a table full of women from my church at our monthly Ladies Prayer Breakfast. I leaned over to the one on my left and wrote a quick note asking her if I needed to make the trip over would she be able to go with me to keep me company and more importantly keep me accountable as this would be my first road trip without my faithful companion of cigarettes. And well, quite frankly, I had been having a very challenging day the day before. I had not given into temptation. However, I felt this might be my undoing. so.... Thankfully she did not hesitate she immediately said yes,
Well God has a way of helping us sort things out in our minds by being able to share with a friend and provides just the right friend at the right time when we need to get completely honest and just spill our guts. Well... that is what happened on the ride over. I was able to share with this precious friend not only the events that have been happening in my life but also my fears and my discoveries and my challenges. It was an amazing hour and a half that flew by as she listened and questioned me and caused me to dig deep into my heart to find some of the answers. I just love it when my heavenly Father knows just what we need even when we don't.
So what are the things making you restless, and frustrated and unsure of your next steps in your journey of faith? cry out to God and ask Him to show you the best person and the best time to share these things with that person. And do not be surprised when He provides it in the most unusual person, place and time!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
update and a spiritual principal
First a quick update... I am still cigarette free! God is so good! The past week has been for many reasons one of the most stressful weeks I have had in years. Yet though even that God has been faithful to uphold me and keep me from even experiencing major craving. So I am praising Him for His faithfulness and stand in awe of the truth "when the Lord sets you free you are free indeed"!
Now for my thoughts on a spiritual principal or truth that I had not understood before and to be honest never even gave thought to... for the past several days there has been, like I mentioned above, a lot of additional stress in my life due to a specific incident that transpired last week. the other day when driving home from work and praying about this and in the course of my conversation with God I was mulling this all over I realized something that was quit shocking. Now several days later I realize it should not be shocking to me but it was. I realized that what was happening was part of a larger spiritual battle that was taking place and in one fell swoop it had transformed from just the spiritual to a physical manifestation of a real life incident where "my enemies" were all clearly tipping their hands in a huge way. Now let me clarify here that these are individuals none of whom are Christians and who I have always seen more as a thorn in my side. you know the kind who just always seems to be on the other side of almost every issue and just tend to rub you the wrong way. But nevertheless I had never put the label of "enemy" on them. Until now. Now, through this, I truly see them for what they are according to scripture. I also see God's hand of protection through this situation. So my question was in that moment of enlightenment, is there some principle of God's love and protection at work in my life? Does God really do that? you know the vanquishing the foe thing? isn't that what He does when they stand before Him in the day of judgement? Is not the promises of vengeance reserved for after the great battle in revelations? I was more than a little "in fear of the Lord" that evening as I tried to come to grips with this. I even made a few calls to "Godly men of Wisdom" asking them about this spiritual principal theory. It was interesting though that as I tried to explain to them what I was seeing or thought I was seeing that it was almost like they had blinders on and did not hear or see what I was talking about. I love these men and hold them in high regard and value their council yet I hung up from the calls and surrendered to God and said OK, this is between us isn't it... you are not allowing me to articulate to them so they have understanding of this are you? I realized there was more than one principal of my faith playing out before me now. God has me in a very real spiritual training program that is the most amazing thing. I could not have even imagined such a thing before... I want to shout from the roof tops and write it all down so I never forget. yet every time I try to put it to words it just comes out garbled and not making sense... So I would ask that you keep me in prayer. That I be open to and willing to listen and learn. to keep my eyes and ears wide open so I don't miss anything God is tryin to teach me.
Psalm 34:4-7 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
hummmmm well I don't know about you, but this pretty much answered my question... God is so awesome! It truly is better than any princess fairy tale of the knight in shinning armor come to rescue his princess from the evil forces. Do you ever wonder where those stories got started? LOL.
Now for my thoughts on a spiritual principal or truth that I had not understood before and to be honest never even gave thought to... for the past several days there has been, like I mentioned above, a lot of additional stress in my life due to a specific incident that transpired last week. the other day when driving home from work and praying about this and in the course of my conversation with God I was mulling this all over I realized something that was quit shocking. Now several days later I realize it should not be shocking to me but it was. I realized that what was happening was part of a larger spiritual battle that was taking place and in one fell swoop it had transformed from just the spiritual to a physical manifestation of a real life incident where "my enemies" were all clearly tipping their hands in a huge way. Now let me clarify here that these are individuals none of whom are Christians and who I have always seen more as a thorn in my side. you know the kind who just always seems to be on the other side of almost every issue and just tend to rub you the wrong way. But nevertheless I had never put the label of "enemy" on them. Until now. Now, through this, I truly see them for what they are according to scripture. I also see God's hand of protection through this situation. So my question was in that moment of enlightenment, is there some principle of God's love and protection at work in my life? Does God really do that? you know the vanquishing the foe thing? isn't that what He does when they stand before Him in the day of judgement? Is not the promises of vengeance reserved for after the great battle in revelations? I was more than a little "in fear of the Lord" that evening as I tried to come to grips with this. I even made a few calls to "Godly men of Wisdom" asking them about this spiritual principal theory. It was interesting though that as I tried to explain to them what I was seeing or thought I was seeing that it was almost like they had blinders on and did not hear or see what I was talking about. I love these men and hold them in high regard and value their council yet I hung up from the calls and surrendered to God and said OK, this is between us isn't it... you are not allowing me to articulate to them so they have understanding of this are you? I realized there was more than one principal of my faith playing out before me now. God has me in a very real spiritual training program that is the most amazing thing. I could not have even imagined such a thing before... I want to shout from the roof tops and write it all down so I never forget. yet every time I try to put it to words it just comes out garbled and not making sense... So I would ask that you keep me in prayer. That I be open to and willing to listen and learn. to keep my eyes and ears wide open so I don't miss anything God is tryin to teach me.
Psalm 34:4-7 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
hummmmm well I don't know about you, but this pretty much answered my question... God is so awesome! It truly is better than any princess fairy tale of the knight in shinning armor come to rescue his princess from the evil forces. Do you ever wonder where those stories got started? LOL.
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