"Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him."
~ C.S. Lewis
Saturday, November 29, 2008
I choose to Praise Him today: My Thanksgiving Prayer
My Thanksgiving Prayer Today
The Oak Tree
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?
The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, in sickness and in health, He is my Strong Tower, my Truth, my All in All. Praise be to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, to the One Who was, and is, and is to come! He maintains the roots of my soul that I may enter His courts with Thanksgiving, and praise Him all the days of my life. I praise Him for His strength and for His Faithfulness. When I am weak, He proves Himself Strong. I will sing of His Love forever and rely upon His Strength for all of my days. My God is a God of Love, the God of the impossible, and in Him I stand, though weak in body, strong in His enduring, endearing, ever merciful and COMPLETE Love today.
This Thanksgiving I choose to praise Him, for though I may have mono, though I feel the worst I may have ever physically felt, though I may not be able to taste my turkey, I HAVE turkey, and I have friends and family and a God who loves me so, loves me when I'm whiny and cranky and sick, and loves me when I am dancing, and hiking, and writing, and playing in the sunshine with my son. Though I may have sadness in my heart, in Him I am FREE, I am LOVED, and I am EVER grateful! This too He will overcome, if I stand still, in the arms of His Love. Here's to a quick and happy HEALING, for He is the God of healing. Thank you, Jesus, thank you for this, snowy Thanksgiving Wednesday! Happy Turkey, Happy Shopping, Happy cheesy movies and Happy Family and Friends to you! Blessings, His Princess Becca...
2 Samuel 22: NLV (It's NOT Just for David...His Word is for Me and for You)
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
the one who saves me from violence.
4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
5 "The waves of death overwhelmed me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
6 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
7 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I cried to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry reached his ears.
8 "Then the earth quaked and trembled.
The foundations of the heavens shook;
they quaked because of his anger.
9 Smoke poured from his nostrils;
fierce flames leaped from his mouth.
Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
10 He opened the heavens and came down;
dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
11 Mounted on a mighty angelic being,[b] he flew,
soaring[c] on the wings of the wind.
12 He shrouded himself in darkness,
veiling his approach with dense rain clouds.
13 A great brightness shone around him,
and burning coals[d] blazed forth.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
15 He shot arrows and scattered his enemies;
his lightning flashed, and they were confused.
16 Then at the command of the Lord,
at the blast of his breath,
the bottom of the sea could be seen,
and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
17 "He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
19 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
but the Lord supported me.
20 He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.
21 The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
23 I have followed all his regulations;
I have never abandoned his decrees.
24 I am blameless before God;
I have kept myself from sin.
25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right.
He has seen my innocence.
26 "To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
27 To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
28 You rescue the humble,
but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them.
29 O Lord, you are my lamp.
The Lord lights up my darkness.
30 In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.
31 "God's way is perfect.
All the Lord's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help[e] has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
38 "I chased my enemies and destroyed them;
I did not stop until they were conquered.
39 I consumed them;
I struck them down so they did not get up;
they fell beneath my feet.
40 You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
41 You placed my foot on their necks.
I have destroyed all who hated me.
42 They looked for help, but no one came to their rescue.
They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.
43 I ground them as fine as the dust of the earth;
I trampled them[f] in the gutter like dirt.
44 "You gave me victory over my accusers.
You preserved me as the ruler over nations;
people I don't even know now serve me.
45 Foreign nations cringe before me;
as soon as they hear of me, they submit.
46 They all lose their courage
and come trembling[g] from their strongholds.
47 "The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!
48 He is the God who pays back those who harm me;
he brings down the nations under me
49 and delivers me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
you save me from violent opponents.
50 For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name.
51 You give great victories to your king;
you show unfailing love to your anointed,
to David and all his descendants forever."
The Oak Tree
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?
The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, in sickness and in health, He is my Strong Tower, my Truth, my All in All. Praise be to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, to the One Who was, and is, and is to come! He maintains the roots of my soul that I may enter His courts with Thanksgiving, and praise Him all the days of my life. I praise Him for His strength and for His Faithfulness. When I am weak, He proves Himself Strong. I will sing of His Love forever and rely upon His Strength for all of my days. My God is a God of Love, the God of the impossible, and in Him I stand, though weak in body, strong in His enduring, endearing, ever merciful and COMPLETE Love today.
This Thanksgiving I choose to praise Him, for though I may have mono, though I feel the worst I may have ever physically felt, though I may not be able to taste my turkey, I HAVE turkey, and I have friends and family and a God who loves me so, loves me when I'm whiny and cranky and sick, and loves me when I am dancing, and hiking, and writing, and playing in the sunshine with my son. Though I may have sadness in my heart, in Him I am FREE, I am LOVED, and I am EVER grateful! This too He will overcome, if I stand still, in the arms of His Love. Here's to a quick and happy HEALING, for He is the God of healing. Thank you, Jesus, thank you for this, snowy Thanksgiving Wednesday! Happy Turkey, Happy Shopping, Happy cheesy movies and Happy Family and Friends to you! Blessings, His Princess Becca...
2 Samuel 22: NLV (It's NOT Just for David...His Word is for Me and for You)
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
the one who saves me from violence.
4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
5 "The waves of death overwhelmed me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
6 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
7 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I cried to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry reached his ears.
8 "Then the earth quaked and trembled.
The foundations of the heavens shook;
they quaked because of his anger.
9 Smoke poured from his nostrils;
fierce flames leaped from his mouth.
Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
10 He opened the heavens and came down;
dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
11 Mounted on a mighty angelic being,[b] he flew,
soaring[c] on the wings of the wind.
12 He shrouded himself in darkness,
veiling his approach with dense rain clouds.
13 A great brightness shone around him,
and burning coals[d] blazed forth.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
15 He shot arrows and scattered his enemies;
his lightning flashed, and they were confused.
16 Then at the command of the Lord,
at the blast of his breath,
the bottom of the sea could be seen,
and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
17 "He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
19 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
but the Lord supported me.
20 He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.
21 The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
23 I have followed all his regulations;
I have never abandoned his decrees.
24 I am blameless before God;
I have kept myself from sin.
25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right.
He has seen my innocence.
26 "To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
27 To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
28 You rescue the humble,
but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them.
29 O Lord, you are my lamp.
The Lord lights up my darkness.
30 In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.
31 "God's way is perfect.
All the Lord's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help[e] has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
38 "I chased my enemies and destroyed them;
I did not stop until they were conquered.
39 I consumed them;
I struck them down so they did not get up;
they fell beneath my feet.
40 You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
41 You placed my foot on their necks.
I have destroyed all who hated me.
42 They looked for help, but no one came to their rescue.
They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.
43 I ground them as fine as the dust of the earth;
I trampled them[f] in the gutter like dirt.
44 "You gave me victory over my accusers.
You preserved me as the ruler over nations;
people I don't even know now serve me.
45 Foreign nations cringe before me;
as soon as they hear of me, they submit.
46 They all lose their courage
and come trembling[g] from their strongholds.
47 "The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!
48 He is the God who pays back those who harm me;
he brings down the nations under me
49 and delivers me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
you save me from violent opponents.
50 For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name.
51 You give great victories to your king;
you show unfailing love to your anointed,
to David and all his descendants forever."
A Poem of Christmas Hope for EVERY Day
A Poem of Christmas Hope for EVERY Day
by: Lisa O. Engelhardt
Your heart, your life, your very self,
your humble offering...
Lay it in the manger
which holds the Infant King.
Your prayer for peace on Earth,
that war and hate might cease...
Lay it in the manger
where sleeps the Prince of Peace.
Any ache or anguish,
your spirit's darkest night...
Lay it in the manger
where lies the Lord of Light.
Now Heaven and Earth,
God and man
are once reconciled...
For lying in the manger
is God's Son, the Savior Child.
by: Lisa O. Engelhardt
Your heart, your life, your very self,
your humble offering...
Lay it in the manger
which holds the Infant King.
Your prayer for peace on Earth,
that war and hate might cease...
Lay it in the manger
where sleeps the Prince of Peace.
Any ache or anguish,
your spirit's darkest night...
Lay it in the manger
where lies the Lord of Light.
Now Heaven and Earth,
God and man
are once reconciled...
For lying in the manger
is God's Son, the Savior Child.
Yoda's Creepy, but he's wise
Regarding Fear, Attachment, and Fear of Loss:
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
"Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
Regarding the Power of the Mind:
"No! No different. Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned."
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
"Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
Regarding the Power of the Mind:
"No! No different. Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned."
A Light in Dark Places... (LOTR and Jesus-THE Light of the World)
A Light in Dark Places... (LOTR and Jesus-THE Light of the World)
September 10, 2004
Submitted By salean http://www.theonering.com/articles1-17606/Alightindarkplaces
..A light in the darkness' is a phrase you often hear when people are talking about God or Jesus. People see God and Jesus as the light that has shone to show them the way. There are lots of examples of a similar nature in Lord of the Rings.
When the fellowship is in Lothlorien, Galadriel gives them all a present. Her present to Frodo is a small crystal phial, caught with the light of E????rendil's star. In a way this gift is like the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given us. In the same way that Frodo uses the light in Shelob's lair, so we use our light in our troubles and trials. ..May it be a light for you in dark places.' Galadriel says to Frodo. Jesus had promised the gift of the holy spirit to the disciples. He said that although He was leaving this world his Spirit would remain in His followers. That's why the Holy Spirit is so precious, just like the phial of Galadriel.
When people think of Jesus they sometimes imagine Him as a normal person who shines with a bright light. It is not hard to imagine it. After meeting Gandalf the White it is not hard to see how some people would remember him as an old man who shines with a bright light. After all, it does say many times that Gandalf did indeed shine with a bright light if he needed to. If you were in Middle Earth what would you remember Gandalf as? The minds of people are picky, they remember some things and forget others. A thousand or so years on Gandalf would probably only be remembered as Gandalf the White, few traces would remain of Gandalf the Grey. It is like this with Jesus, we do not remember the carpenter Jesus, just the Jesus that saved us from our sins and gave us new life.
We need to let Jesus become our light. We need to let Him shine His light and lead is out of the darkness of our lives. We need to follow Him, putting all our faith in Him and we will not fall. We need to be fixed on Jesus.
September 10, 2004
Submitted By salean http://www.theonering.com/articles1-17606/Alightindarkplaces
..A light in the darkness' is a phrase you often hear when people are talking about God or Jesus. People see God and Jesus as the light that has shone to show them the way. There are lots of examples of a similar nature in Lord of the Rings.
When the fellowship is in Lothlorien, Galadriel gives them all a present. Her present to Frodo is a small crystal phial, caught with the light of E????rendil's star. In a way this gift is like the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given us. In the same way that Frodo uses the light in Shelob's lair, so we use our light in our troubles and trials. ..May it be a light for you in dark places.' Galadriel says to Frodo. Jesus had promised the gift of the holy spirit to the disciples. He said that although He was leaving this world his Spirit would remain in His followers. That's why the Holy Spirit is so precious, just like the phial of Galadriel.
When people think of Jesus they sometimes imagine Him as a normal person who shines with a bright light. It is not hard to imagine it. After meeting Gandalf the White it is not hard to see how some people would remember him as an old man who shines with a bright light. After all, it does say many times that Gandalf did indeed shine with a bright light if he needed to. If you were in Middle Earth what would you remember Gandalf as? The minds of people are picky, they remember some things and forget others. A thousand or so years on Gandalf would probably only be remembered as Gandalf the White, few traces would remain of Gandalf the Grey. It is like this with Jesus, we do not remember the carpenter Jesus, just the Jesus that saved us from our sins and gave us new life.
We need to let Jesus become our light. We need to let Him shine His light and lead is out of the darkness of our lives. We need to follow Him, putting all our faith in Him and we will not fall. We need to be fixed on Jesus.
A Promise I hang more than my hat on
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NCV):
"I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live by my rules and carefully obey my laws"
God writes His laws on our hearts, and then the miracles, and how He chooses to use us begin.
What a gift of Grace! What an opportunity! What a promise to do more than hang your hat on-you can bet your life on it!
"I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live by my rules and carefully obey my laws"
God writes His laws on our hearts, and then the miracles, and how He chooses to use us begin.
What a gift of Grace! What an opportunity! What a promise to do more than hang your hat on-you can bet your life on it!
A Prayer for those who have a Promise within Them Now
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."Matthew 28:20b
Never Fear the Promise that Lives within you NOW...Rest in His Care...Heed His Voice and Leading...
"May it Be"
Composed and performed by Enya
Lyrics by Roma Ryan
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornie ut????lie (darknesss has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darknesss has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie ut????lie (darknesss has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darknesss has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."Matthew 28:20b
Never Fear the Promise that Lives within you NOW...Rest in His Care...Heed His Voice and Leading...
"May it Be"
Composed and performed by Enya
Lyrics by Roma Ryan
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornie ut????lie (darknesss has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darknesss has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie ut????lie (darknesss has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darknesss has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
Did you ever wonder about music-being the Universal Language that is?
Some of my favorite quotes from the movie August Rush (2007):
Watch it TODAY!
"You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe, a harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars."
"Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you. But I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales."
"Listen. Can you hear it? The music. I can hear it everywhere. In the wind... in the air... in the light. It's all around us. All you have to do is open yourself up. All you have to do... is listen."
"You never quit on your music. No matter what happens. Cuz anytime something bad happens to you, that's the one place you can escape to and just let it go. I learned it the hard way. And anyway, look at me. Nothing bad's gonna happen. You gotta have a little faith."
Watch it TODAY!
"You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe, a harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars."
"Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you. But I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales."
"Listen. Can you hear it? The music. I can hear it everywhere. In the wind... in the air... in the light. It's all around us. All you have to do is open yourself up. All you have to do... is listen."
"You never quit on your music. No matter what happens. Cuz anytime something bad happens to you, that's the one place you can escape to and just let it go. I learned it the hard way. And anyway, look at me. Nothing bad's gonna happen. You gotta have a little faith."
Friday, October 17, 2008
"Be Still and Know" by Steven Curtis Chapman
Check out where this came from for yourselves!
HIGHLY recommended reading and life changing material...
BibleGateway.com
HIGHLY recommended reading and life changing material...
BibleGateway.com
However, you can always enjoy the song and lyrics below too...
(Check out the song on my Myspace playlist-become my "friend" there today)
(Check out the song on my Myspace playlist-become my "friend" there today)
"Be Still and Know"
by: Steven Curtis Chapman
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that he has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still; Be speechless
Be still and know that he is God
Be still and know he is our Father
Come rest your head upon his breast
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, Be still
Heavy Heart, Ultimate Champion
This past week I've watched someone I love very much go through hell. As a matter of fact, I've watched a couple people go through personal hell these past few weeks. As I embrace Autumn and its bright colors turn amber, brown, and shades of rust, falling to the muddy earth below I am reminded that each of us are facing a season, and although we are IN our own season, it is vitally important to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Remaining steady within my own sense of victory and peace while embracing a sick friend, a friend in a time of unforseeable change, and a friend in a season of loss, I am reminded, change comes in an instant. Joyce Meyer is always talking about "suddenlies." What if something were to happen "suddenly" in my own life today? Would I have others to "walk the boulevard of broken dreams" with me? The answer is Yes. Thakfully, no matter how I am feeling, and no matter what pain lurks in the shadows, hides beneath the carpet in the hall, or hangs out with the yeps upon the steps (my lil' guy's favorite Dr. Seuss character), I am NEVER alone. And although it hurts, and I embrace the gloomy scrim upon the stage for so many I hold dear at this moment, I rest assured, the scrim will fade, and eventually be drawn. What tales are to be told I know not, but this I DO know, 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLV). I know I love God, He loves me, and He has called those I love today. God has a purpose for the pain, and He is indeed sovereign. I HAVE to remind myself of this today, for today I saw the leaves falling as opposed to the leaves resting gently in the breeze upon their branches. Though I have a heavy heart today, and I have NOTHING to be heavy for compared to the champion friends around me, I have a CHAMPION, and my Champion has already COMPLETED the work. Jesus is my champion today, and in Him I rest my concern, my hopes, my fears, my friends, and the fates of all swirling around me tonight. Prayers and contemplation. "It's ALL Yours, God....." (Steven Curtis Chapman). Amen. Alleluia!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Labels and Freedom
There are So many things pulling our eyes away from where they should be! Last night I was compelled to look at labels, labels we give each other, labels we give ourselves, labels that sell our products, labels that set us apart, and labels that bind us together. I decided last night that I HATE, loathe, and am absolutely disgusted with categorizing things. Why can't we all just take life as it is without the need to fit it in some compartment, make sense of it, etc. etc.? Is it human nature to HAVE to understand something in order to give it value? Is is human nature to prioritize things into our petty little categories? Why can't life just be an ongoing festival, a celebration, a harvest of gratitude-whatever comes our way, why can we not just say, "wow, thank you, life," I'm so glad for this or that today, no matter how it FEELS? Why are we polarized toward picking things apart, having to understand EVERYTHING. Last night, I decided, it's REALLY okay to NOT understand SOME things. Last night, I decided it's really OKAY to soak in the moment and just BE, engaged, 100% BE a part of that moment, whether it be anger flowing through me, peace "like a river," or passion toward something just burning me up. Do I learn my lessons from whatever I am experiencing though? That IS the question? Do I learn to enjoy life more and stress less? Do I learn to proactively plan NOT to engage in some moments in the future? Why can't we trust God for the exact place and time that we're in, right then, EACH moment? It has been said in Romans 8:38-39: "38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Who the hey are we to JUDGE the quality of our own experiences and those placed in our lives? Who are we but to be thankful for any of the things we are allowed to experience? Does this mean I enjoy being in debt? Does this mean I enjoy being ill? Does this mean I enjoy my child being labeled as part of the special education program to get what he needs? Does this mean I have to be a Democrat or Republican to have a conscience? Does this mean I have to be from a certain part of the country, world, income bracket, etc. to be loved by Jesus? You CAN'T put God in a box, and you can't contain HIS LOVE. You can't put impossibility in the same sentence as God. You can't even really define or label TRUTH until God has dealt with your head as well as your heart. Who are we to do Anything but Love and be grateful, even if we are sick, tired, pissed off, floating on air? Who are we to label Anyone or Anything? Who are we that we are even ABLE to receive so much Love? I can label LIFE, I can enjoy LIFE, I can hate LIFE, but WHY Bother labeling it anymore-isn't THAT FREEDOM? I've decided that some things in life just don't need labels, and that Some things in life you cannot even use WORDS to express how awful or unimaginable, or indescribable, or how AMAZING, an experience is. And trust me, I'm a woman of words...Sometimes, just sharing LIFE, being REAL with someone can help you make sense of it, even in the tiniest, most minute way, to move with it, to move in it, and most importantly, to move past it. Why hold onto our precious little labels for things? Why not just enjoy life as it comes, the good, the bad, the ugly, the pitiful, the disgusting, the elating, the AWESOME? But there's no reason to be in the moment Alone. God gave us each other to walk Through life together, and to keep our focus on the things Ahead. If you think what's happening today sucks, wait until tomorrow! If you think what's happening today is incredible, just wait until tomorrow! Take today as it comes, "come what may," and keep singing about "tomorrow." You know I may have learned everything I needed to know when I was eight years old if I'm thinking "ANNIE." It's cheezy (there's a label...) but true. Simplicity lies in how tightly we hold our realities, how stubborn we hold onto our expectations, how loosely we hold onto what we Perceive IS possible in reality. Today, choose to be real and dream the impossible, for NOTHING is impossible with God, and God is NO respecter of labels. Thank God! For I don't have anything to sell, but I DO have a lot of labels to erase and stop reviewing today. Keep your eyes on the prize, not what you SEE. Seeing is NOT believing when it comes to living w/joy instead of burden...I choose to live w/the help of my friends, day to day, moment-by-moment, and to be still, be ALIVE, but be Assured, I don't Need a label to be held in the REALITY I choose. Today, I choose to STOP labeling and start BELIEVING-in what I CAN'T see. Down with labels that hold us and burden us: AUTISM, CANCER, WOMAN, MAN, ALZHEIMER'S, MS, "SLOW," "DEPRESSED," "SAVED", "BORN AGAIN," DEMOCRAT,REPUBLICAN, RICH, POOR, STUDENT, MASTER, DOCTOR, INMATE, PROSTITUTE, DEADBEAT, ALCOHOLIC, OVERWEIGHT, PRADA, HOLLYWOOD, JEW, AGNOSTIC, IDIOTIC-today, choose to LOVE and LET things go. Lose your life, lose your labels, and you will find: peace, love, joy, the impossible in the palm of not YOUR own hand, but HIS. Here's to the dreamers of this world, and for those who keep us company along the way! Dream Big, and let God keep the dreams coming, for the reality of it all is waaay beyond comprehension anyway... Praise Jesus!
Do you have something to DECLARE?
I used to travel a LOT! Now I know times have changed, but I wonder, when I leave this world, what kind of customs officer will greet me, and will he or she ask me the same question," Do you have anything to DECLARE?" When I get to that day, first, I can't flippin' wait (I mean life is cool and I'm thankful and all...but common...what can't be better...Heaven, I mean...). No matter what or where you believe in, there's always a Better version of the now, the future, and of yourself, if you're an optimist that is... Anyway, so back to my point, "do I have anything to DECLARE?" Why, yes, I DO, I have no baggage to bring with me, I have NOTHING to hide, and I lived my life with NO regrets, so yes, I DO have something to DECLARE...I have JESUS. No, I'm not afraid to be who I am and yes, I DECLARE, with my mouth, and with my words, loud and clear, today, I have something to declare, it's a GIFT, it's a choice...and it's me...so love me or hate me, like what I say, or not, I love you for who you are, and I am so happy to have peace and one and only thing to DECLARE on the day I depart from this busy, in debt, overpriced, overtaxed, under appreciated, world-I have JESUS. To DECLARE: 1: to make known formally, officially, or explicitly (m-w.com). I Declare, today, officially, explicitly, in my word and in my deed that I bring Jesus with me wherever I go, and in whatever I DO. I rest in Him, and I'm not frustrated, concerned, or afraid of customs taking anything from me, in this world or the next. Enjoy the miracle of the moment (Steven Curtis Chapman) and embrace your existence with wonder. Whoever you are, whatever you believe today, DECLARE it, and be true to it, but as for me and my house, today, we DECLARE Jesus. Amen!
Any suggestions for preparing for my next international flight though-it's been awhile...
Domestic flight-going on one in February...any tips...it's been 8 years since I traveled by air-pre 9/11...and NO, I'm not scared to fly...I'm scared of getting pissed off at the airport...
Have a great day! BE blessed...actively pursue your BLESSING today...
Any suggestions for preparing for my next international flight though-it's been awhile...
Domestic flight-going on one in February...any tips...it's been 8 years since I traveled by air-pre 9/11...and NO, I'm not scared to fly...I'm scared of getting pissed off at the airport...
Have a great day! BE blessed...actively pursue your BLESSING today...
Awakening the Senses...
Autumn is my FAVORITE time of year...I mean don't get me wrong...I love the summer sand in between my toes, the ability to walk around the neighborhood in my bare feet, the soft grass on my heels while smelling the flowers in my garden...but Autumn...WOW...God REALLY outdoes Himself at this time of year. For this reason, and for this season, I'd really rather be nowhere else on Earth than someplace where the seasons transition and day by day more beauty unfolds before us. I love the fact that I have to do NOTHING to create a bouquet on the hillside, to smell the firewood crackling to keep a neighbor's home warm, to enjoy a cup of spiced (mulled) cider or wine at a friend's home, to dig into a slice of apple pie a la mode with flaky crust. My senses are awakened at this time of year. I really don't like the color orange, yet I wear it at this time of year to immerse myself into the scenery around me. I LOVE Fall. I've had the MOST amazing runs lately-up to six miles now, and if you would have told me last winter I'd be running, no less among the Autumn leaves, I might have laughed full on in your face or just plain old decked you (in my mind of course...). As the seasons have changed I feel renewed, awake, and amazed. I stand still and amazed as my heart races to keep up with it all. It's just so beautiful to take in! God is changing the scenery, He is changing my heart, He is changing my mind, He is changing those around me, He is changing my marriage, He is changing our son, He is MOVING, and to be in the midst of it, and quiet myself for even a moment just leads me to a quiet place of worship at His majesty. At a time when the world, the economy, the environment, the nations around us seem to be "going to hell in a hand basket," as my grandma used to say, it's ALL Good, and it's all okay. At a time when I'm pretty pissed off that friends of mine are sick, diagnosed with Cancer, Depression, and all kinds of annoying things, it's all good...for some reason, in this season, as cinnamon candles and ginger sweets fill the air, as my husband's lips warm me while my face chills in the foggy, cold morning, as my son embraces me inside my fleece lined coat-I'm awake, I'm embedded in Trust. I am very thankful for this moment, for today, for the problems and frustrations rising in a storm among the peace and security of God's arms. Thank God for Fall...enjoy it, wherever you may be, in and out of season be ready to be swept up in His love. Dive in, for though the water may be cooler at this time of year, it's never too late to take the plunge into a hope within your heart. I'm in love with today, and I"m not afraid to share it with you. Be engaged, be aware, and be a part of LIFE today. Thank you Jesus, for All, but especially for Fall...
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