Ever been so filled with the presence of God that you think you could just burst? He has truly given us joy unspeakable! I was having a not-so-great kind of day and was just really discouraged. You know, when you get to feeling down the devil just comes at you harder.
I was running late this morning (imagine that) and didn't have time to read and pray. Work wasn't any better, and by lunchtime I was so distressed that I HAD to go to my car and read in His word. I was still a bit frazzled for the remainder of my workday. I was feeling so out numbered, so alone in my desire for holiness. I was so discouraged. So while I was cleaning, I was praying (pleading) "God, remember I'm here, where you told me to be. Please don't leave me here! You know the desires of my heart! I want to do more than this!"
As I left work for the day I called my prayer warrior again....thank God for her! I love that we are usually feeling the same way at the same time. After a lengthy conversation I was feeling much better. I was thankful for God's hand in restoring my heart, but at church tonight, through the message, I found He was speaking to me! He told me not to doubt His calling on my life. He is in my heart and I belong to Him! He assured me that I don't have to feel discouraged! We are not alone in our walk! He hears the cries of our hearts! Preacher even mentioned about wanting to open an orphanage....which is in my heart big time!
I am so thankful that God blessed me to find a church where He is sought after continuously! I will not doubt His hand on me. I wish I could fully express all the ways that He has yet again proven Himself to me! I may be broke, I may be a lunch lady, but I am in HIS will. I am blessed and highly favored, Praise God!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Important Stuff
Growing up in the 80's my childhood was filled with video games, MTV, cartoons, and a TON of toys. I had every Barbie, CareBear, Cabbage Patch, and My little Pony that you could imagine....seriously. Funny thing is, when I look back I find that I was happier being outside or looking out of our huge picture window than playing with all that STUFF. My best memories are of sunny saturdays spent with my mom running errands and riding through the country with my dad to visit my granny and grampaw. Sometimes I wish I were back there again.
I don't believe we were created to sit in front of a TV or computer all day. I don't think God intended for us to constantly rush past the beauty of His creation at 60mph either. And I'm pretty sure He didn't want the majority of our conversations to be communicated through texting and emails. Obviously, I appreciate the benefits of technology, but what has this tech-overload really cost our society?
I have really come to love watching movies set in the 1800's...to the complete objection of my dear husband :) I love the idea of spending every day with your family and walking to town, or to a friends house for tea. I picture myself sitting underneath a tree on a blanket with a good book, or just a sketch pad enjoying the breeze. Ahh. I have to admit, this vision might be partly inspired by my complete loathing of winter. Although a toasty fire with good company could make it a bit more bearable.
I guess my point is that we are distracted from life itself. Our relationships with family, friends, and God should be more important than anything on TV, or in a video game. When we stand before Him and give an account of our lives will we be ashamed of how we spent the time He gave us? I know that until recently, I spent too much of that time working to buy my kids tons of things that they don't need. I sacrificed my relationships with friends and loved ones for money and selfish ambitions. It is my sincerest hope that God gives me enough time on this earth to be the mother, wife, daughter, and friend that He would want me to be.
I don't believe we were created to sit in front of a TV or computer all day. I don't think God intended for us to constantly rush past the beauty of His creation at 60mph either. And I'm pretty sure He didn't want the majority of our conversations to be communicated through texting and emails. Obviously, I appreciate the benefits of technology, but what has this tech-overload really cost our society?
I have really come to love watching movies set in the 1800's...to the complete objection of my dear husband :) I love the idea of spending every day with your family and walking to town, or to a friends house for tea. I picture myself sitting underneath a tree on a blanket with a good book, or just a sketch pad enjoying the breeze. Ahh. I have to admit, this vision might be partly inspired by my complete loathing of winter. Although a toasty fire with good company could make it a bit more bearable.
I guess my point is that we are distracted from life itself. Our relationships with family, friends, and God should be more important than anything on TV, or in a video game. When we stand before Him and give an account of our lives will we be ashamed of how we spent the time He gave us? I know that until recently, I spent too much of that time working to buy my kids tons of things that they don't need. I sacrificed my relationships with friends and loved ones for money and selfish ambitions. It is my sincerest hope that God gives me enough time on this earth to be the mother, wife, daughter, and friend that He would want me to be.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Confidence
I don't have a faith issue, I have a confidence issue. I beat myself up over my shortcomings and in all the ways I feel I have let God down. This is a recent revelation for me and in my reading last night a verse stuck out that brought me comfort:
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain: that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you. John 15:16
I know Jesus was speaking to His disciples in this verse, but are we not His disciples as well? And if so does that mean He chose us to follow Him? Look at Paul, he was not searching for Jesus, but Jesus found him on the road to Damascus.
Also, in Jeremiah 1:4 God told Jeremiah that he was ordained before he was even born. So, if this be true then has He not also given us the ability to do the things he has called us to do? And if He did call us then could we live without the fear of disappointing Him? Would we be able to focus more on our relationship with Him and fulfilling His purpose in our life if we were not so afraid of failing.
Paul says it best in Romans 8:30:
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
He goes on to say that because of this we can say if God be for us,who can be against us. He should be our confidence. He has already given us everything we need to serve Him!
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain: that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you. John 15:16
I know Jesus was speaking to His disciples in this verse, but are we not His disciples as well? And if so does that mean He chose us to follow Him? Look at Paul, he was not searching for Jesus, but Jesus found him on the road to Damascus.
Also, in Jeremiah 1:4 God told Jeremiah that he was ordained before he was even born. So, if this be true then has He not also given us the ability to do the things he has called us to do? And if He did call us then could we live without the fear of disappointing Him? Would we be able to focus more on our relationship with Him and fulfilling His purpose in our life if we were not so afraid of failing.
Paul says it best in Romans 8:30:
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
He goes on to say that because of this we can say if God be for us,who can be against us. He should be our confidence. He has already given us everything we need to serve Him!
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