Monday, January 20, 2014

A Gift Of New Life

I've said before that i am so thankful that God never took me for granted, during the period of my life that i was taking Him for granted. When i finally realized that i needed to turn my life around, i certainly didn't expect how much He would work in me, in my day to day living. That's because the Holy Spirit brings to every Christian, an entirely new quality of life. Those who are born again in the Holy Spirit can enjoy a new way of living.

 I look at my life, mostly my attitude, way back when. Even though i always believed, i never thought that i would have a craft business, dedicated to the glory of God! I never thought that i would be writing a blog & sharing God's love & grace for anyone in cyberspace to read!! I never thought that i would be introduced as the Pastor's wife!!!
"What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death. But now you have been set free from sin & have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness & the result is eternal life."
Romans 6:21-22 (NIV)
My response to this passage? HALLELUJAH!!! The Holy Spirit does reprogram your mind, which transforms your attitude, with His wisdom. And believe me!...That is THE BEST attitude adjustment that you could EVER get! As for me, my habits were changed, priorities were rearranged, & new standards were put into place. And with all these changes, the Spirit gave me a new power & strength to live the new lifestyle.

This can all happen for you too, if it hasn't all ready. All it takes is an invitation. Just open your heart & ask God to allow His Holy Spirit give you an attitude adjustment. You will no longer have to fight your problems by yourself. Instead, you will have God & His Holy Spirit in your corner. You can't ask for any better help than that!
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Monday, January 13, 2014

Word....

I've noticed a trend lately. I've come across many blogs that have been written about one word of the New Year. Instead of making New Year's resolutions, you're to choose one word to focus on this year. I've seen many different words chosen, but the most popular seem to be love, joy, believe, & faith. Again, a few days ago, i came across one of those blogs & i suddenly heard "SURRENDER". 
Some of you may know that i have been coping with some physical challenges. Due to arthritis in my knees & hips, my mobility has dwindled greatly & i am losing a little bit of my independence. (On the bright side, i don't have to do, because i can't do, the marathon grocery shopping trip every two weeks. tee hee!) It's not only been a physical adjustment, but a BIG emotional adjustment. I've been frustrated, depressed & in tears WAY too often. And yes, i have prayed about all of this. I've given my pain to God. I've asked Him to take the pain, or at least make it tolerable. And in those tearful times, i've begged & pleaded for His help. My issues seemed even worse, because i wasn't sleeping well due to the pain, so therefore i was sleep deprived, which made things seem worse than they were.
But when i read this blog the other day & heard SURRENDER, i did just that! I surrendered my pain, my frustrations, my depression. And God is SO GOOD!!! That night i got 9 HOURS of sleep without waking up in pain. I feel like i am a new person! Yes, i still have pain, but NO frustration. I'm not depressed. And tears are now happy tears. I just want to shout it from the roof tops! (If i could climb up there, that is.)
"Surrender yourself to the Lord, & wait patiently for Him."
Psalm 37:7 (GWT)
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 So what does it mean to surrender? 
 - Following God's lead - no matter where.
 - Waiting for God's perfect timing - no matter when.
 - Expecting a miracle - no matter how.
 - Trusting God's purpose - no matter what.
When you surrender to God, you always rely on Him to work things out. You don't try to force your own agenda, manipulate others, or control any situation. Remember, YOU are NOT in charge! God is! So quit trying harder & instead, trust Him more.

The prime example of SURRENDER is when Jesus surrendered Himself to God's plan. He payed,
"Father, everything is possible for You. Please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will, not Mine."
"Mark 14:36 (NLT)
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All i know is that by keeping my focus on the word SURRENDER, i feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am SO relieved that God is in charge! With that being said, i leave you with the lyrics to the chorus of a song that has been going through my head, since i heard my one word......

I SURRENDER ALL
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
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Monday, January 6, 2014

Put Off Procrastination - Part 2

Today is a positive step for me to "Put Off Procrastination". (See previous post.) I am actually writing a blog post for my regularly scheduled Monday! Yea!!! I didn't know there would be a part 2 until i started writing. Some of you may remember from past posts that i always ask God to bless my posts & to give me His message to write. So, now, there's a part 2.
One of the biggest mistakes that the majority of us make, is to wait until the time is "right". If we do that, somethings may never get done! Sometimes we're just selfish & "want what we want, when we want it". That's another way of whining, "I don't wanna" when you know you could get an unpleasant task done in just a few minutes. And it's not really about making a plan & sticking with it. Instead, take a deep breath & do it now. There isn't a perfect time, except God's perfect timing.
"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done."
Ecclesiastics 11:4 (LB)
I have struggled with feeling that perfection is unreachable, so i would push things out of my mind. And that's how things got our of hand for me. But even a baby step towards a goal is a positive step. It's much better than not doing anything. And believe me, those first steps, no matter how big, or how small, will fill you with the joy of accomplishment.They certainly have for me the last 6 days!
God is teaching me each day, that i can make progress in all circumstances. Daily, it feels wonderful to get something small accomplished, rather than dreading the attempt a larger job done perfectly. So, let's remind ourselves that an imperfect accomplishment is better than perfect procrastination. There may never be a perfect time to do what you need to do, but we have to begin somewhere. After all, how did we start walking....one baby step at a time.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:22 (NIV)
With all this being said, the absolute most important first step, is to ask God to bless your plan for the day & that it be in accordance with His plan. I also ask Him for His wisdom to prioritize & His strength & energy to get done what He feels needs to be done. I know this is important because if i do forget to ask this, i don't get things done in a timely manner. 
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Thursday, January 2, 2014

Putting Off Procrastination

Happy New Year! This is the time for many to make their New Year's resolutions. Have you broke any of yours yet? Yes, that's usually what happens. A few days into the the New Year & most resolutions have been broken already. Been there, done that.
How many of you made a resolution to quit procrastinating? Unfortunately procrastination is one of my biggest weaknesses. I've been thinking about that quite a bit lately, trying to figure out why this is such a problem for me. How did i get here? Well, i think that i first allowed procrastination to get a hold of me after i quit working a "real" job. It was the first time since i was 16 years old that i didn't have to punch a time clock anymore. My life didn't revolve around a schedule, that was set by someone else, that i had to answer to.
But a change in my life has opened my eyes, that i have to quit procrastinating....or...put off procrastination. Osteoarthritis is putting up hurdles for me at this point in time. So, no, i'm not jumping in to get everything done ASAP. But will be doing things....like how you eat an elephant....one bite at a time.
What about you other procrastinators out there? Have you figured out why this is an issue for you? Some people say that they are "born procrastinators". But according to scripture, that's impossible.We were all made in God's image. Does He procrastinate. I don't think so. Procrastination is a form of bondage & our Lord wants the best for His followers. He didn't design us to be enslaved. So let's look at some causes of procrastination.....
"A double minded man is unstable in all he does." 
James 1:8 (LB)
INDECISION causes you to post pone things, like beginning a Bible study, continuing education, writing a blog  =), contacting a friend or family member. And i'm sure you've heard "you snooze, you lose". Indecision causes missed opportunities.
"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done!"
Ecclesiastics 11:4 (LB)
PERFECTIONISM. This one is pretty much self explanatory. No human being is perfect! There was only one perfect man & they hung Him on a cross.
"The fear of man is a trap."
Proverbs 29:25 (LB)
FEAR. What are you afraid of? Failure? So what!! I believe that the only way that you truly fail, is if you do not try!
"A lazy person is as bad as someone who is destructive."
Proverbs 18:19 (GNT)
ANGER. Procrastination is passive resistance. We don't really like someone telling us what to do. And yes, it causes us to put things off.
"Lazy people want much, but get little, while the diligent are prospering"
Proverbs 13:4 (LB)
LAZINESS. This reminds me of the "Easy Button". If something seems to difficult, we don't like it. And things we don't like, go to the bottom of the To Do List. Or, we do only what we have to to get by, the extras get pushed aside. According to this scripture, we are only robbing ourselves of prospering.
Do any of these procrastination causes ring true to you? Next step? Ask God to help you overcome so that you can move forward & prosper. This is exactly what i'm going to do. I'll be asking for God's wisdom to help me prioritize & His strength & energy to get things done. I'll keep you posted on how it's going.

 I wish you all a prosperous & happy New Year!!!

.


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Friday, November 1, 2013

Are You Being Called?

As a mature Christian, the term "called" is a very familiar term to us. What has God put on your heart to do? One of the things that God has placed on my heart to do, is to get back to writing my blog.

Yes, it has been a VERY long time since i've written anything. And i have tried to turn a deaf ear to God's nagging about this. You know...when you ignore God's calling, He only calls louder & more consistently  until you can't ignore it. Have you ever had something like that happen? Something that gnaws at you, that you can't shake, no matter how hard you try? Well, you better start listening when that happens, because that is God speaking.

 So, what's been nagging at you? Maybe you're feeling a bit guilty because you don't go to church regularly. Or maybe you do, but there's a volunteer position that you haven't stepped forward to do. Perhaps there's a shut in that you think of often, but just don't seem to find the time to stop by for a half hour visit...or more. Or maybe there's someone that you could invite to church, but you don't know how to ask.

 We are all guilty of this. I've already admitted that i am. So, why don't we heed God's call? For some, it's procrastination. That's my biggest struggle. For others, it's fear. Like Moses, we don't understand why God chooses. us. We feel that we're not worthy. Well...that is correct. Non of us are worthy. But remember, God doesn't call the anointed; He anoints the called. The God who calls us, equips us.
"Moses said to the Lord, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech & tongue.'
     "The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go: I will help you speak & will teach you what to say.' "
Exodus 4:10-12 (NIV)

We never need to be fearful or anxious. Fear & anxiety are symptoms of doubt. That often means that our focus is on our self, instead of God. But when we trust God to do what we can't, it takes the burden off us & places it on Him. By giving it to God & allowing Him control, He will use you to achieve the potential that He sees in you.

And when that happens...look out! God wants you to be confident in, & certain of His plan & purpose for your life. Whether you're called to serve with in your church, your community, or as an active worshiper with your church family, there is no need to fear. You can be confident that God will provide all that you need.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

If you don't know your purpose, ask God to show you which path to take for His purpose for you. And if you sense that He is guiding you in a certain direction, especially an unfamiliar direction, then be thankful. You've got the best tour guide for a new adventure.

"The One who calls you is faithful & He will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Feedback

(First, a personal note: Hello my friends. I am sorry for not keeping up with my blog. As i started to type today, i realized that it's been 9 months to the day, since i've posted. & i truly regret that. I ask for your forgiveness & make a pledge to get back to weekly postings, beginning today. Thanks!)

 I have been working on my blog lately - a little at a time. Truthfully, a lot of the work has been going on in my head. Today, i have been sitting outside with my laptop, on a picture perfect 4th of July. I just finished adding the tab "Feedback" at the top of this page. I copied & pasted feedback from my ifrogcrafts' shop that have made my heart smile. I warms my heart & makes me happy that people really do like my creations. And then, as i was being still, i heard God ask me this question, "How many people give Me feedback?"
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So i pondered that a bit. And as i was pondering, i saw a horsefly. (No, not a flying horse. Tee hee) And i thought how annoying flies are sometimes. But then, i remembered watching our 1 year old black cat trying to catch one, not too long ago. It was so funny & entertaining. 
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Then, i thought of the annoying teeny, tiny black ants, that seem to invade our kitchen every year. And i remembered that i did tell Him not too long ago, that i didn't know what He was thinking with these little pests, that they were a pain & i hated them. I did laugh when i said it, so i think that, those little oblong specks of black are an illustration of God's orneriness. After all, i do know a lot of ornery people & we are made in His image.
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 Just then, i look over & there is a weed growing that has been missed by the mower. But it has a beautiful little purple flowers blooming from it. I love purple. And i hear a bird & i'm reminded that the truck needs washing. But when i really listen to the song that the bird is singing, it's so beautiful that i don't care what birds have done to my truck.
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I sit back & look up & see a dead limb in the tree. Not very pretty, but i notice the awesome shade that this big Maple tree gives our back yard. In fact, there are trees galore, behind the fence, all around our back yard...including one big tall one in the center back with no leaves. At this point, i'm not really sure where i'm going with all this & i hear God say, "Don't just tell them, tell Me.Give Me feedback". So i tell Him:
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"I love the peacefulness of my backyard. Yes, my laptop is out here, but there is no TV to distract me from You. Weeds can be beautiful. The green leaves are stunning against the gorgeous blue sky. And i really love the shade of our big maple tree today. But best of all, the tall tree with no leaves reminds me that when we die, we won't be standing out in the elements. We'll be without pain & suffering, & standing tall with our Lord & Savior. Jesus Christ. Words can never express enough feedback for that.

 (But i still don't like the tiny black ants in my house.) 

 Father, thank You for this glorious day. I ask that you remind me to give You feedback & that You keep my heart open to hear yours. I pray that my feedback to You will make Your heart smile....and maybe even laugh a bit. In Jesus name, amen. <><



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Monday, October 8, 2012

Guard Your Hearts & Minds

Not too awfully long ago, i had a conversation with a dear, dear friend of mine that, over the last few years has had some major life changing health problems. I'm very thankful that my friend is still here on this earth. But during this specific conversation, i discovered that she'd had a couple of scares over the last few months that she hadn't told me about because she didn't want to worry me. It was then, that i truly realized that i don't worry much any more. And that's because i have peace-filled protection guarding my heart & my mind.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

We've heard it said that "God won't give us anything that we can't handle." And He doesn't, as long as the "we" includes HIM. When we allow our minds to be filled with fear & start to think of all the "what ifs", we only need to call on Jesus & He fills us with His peace that truly transcends all understanding. That's just one of God's countless promises that He will not break.

Now, i'm not saying that i don't become concerned with life situations. But i don't worry & i don't fear. I pray. Give it a try! Open your heart & your mind & let the peace that passes ALL understanding guard YOUR heart & YOUR mind.

(And on a side note....if you're in a position where you are keeping something to yourself, because you don't want to worry someone you love, you're also depriving yourself their prayers. The power of prayer is immeasurable.)
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