"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
As I was driving to work this morning listening to this scripture it hit me that this time of year is an even greater opportunity to be a witness. Many view Christmas time as a special time of year even if they aren't Christian and have no faith in the baby born in the manger or the man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man. It's simply a time of spending time with loved ones and getting caught up in the joy of the season. I can't help but think that God planned it that way, that he orchestrated this holiday season as a way for mankind to show one another compassion if only for a brief season and to bring all of us together when otherwise we often are divided. How many this season participated in food drives, toys for tots, adopt a families, etc? Amazing how during the Christmas season, moreso than any other time during our calendar year, we pull together to help one another in need. "They will do even greater things..." It truly is a great thing to be able to help someone who is struggling a bit more than we are isn't it?
But there is a flip side to this goodwill attitude isn't there? The side of man, the flesh, that comes out during this time of year as well. You see them or maybe are "them" while out shopping to find little Timmy that toy he's been asking for weeks for or picking up the last of those chocolate chips to make Grandma's favorite treats. Everyone seems to be in your way or the lines in the stores are too long and you have no time to be wasting just standing there. Have you ever stopped to ask how you can be a witness of the Christ child at that very moment instead of growing impatient in line? Everyone else is in line too, everyone else is standing there with a million and one things to do as well so what better time than to let the light of Christ shine through you instead of the darkside of man.
I recently went shopping to pick up items for my annual Christmas baking at the local grocery store. It was busy as expected and the shelves not always exactly stocked with what I needed but it wasn't too bad. As I was putting butter in my shopping cart for those tasty treats a young mother came through pushing her cart and obviously very stressed. She was trying to quickly get through the store with her newborn screaming at the top of her lungs. As she walked by me trying to quiet the little one, I jokingly said maybe she's just cold coming through the dairy aisle. She looked at me and in desperation said, "I don't know what to do I can't seem to make her stop crying, I don't know what she needs and everyone keeps starring at me thinking that I do." In a second my heart went out to this young lady. She had a million and one things to do as well I imagine but she also had a baby at that very moment demanding her time and attention and she was losing the battle to keep it together. I had the choice at that very moment to be about my own business or I could choose to let the light of Christ shine through me. I chose the later. I didn't know what her little one needed, but I could take a moment and talk with her. As we talked the little one began to calm down along with mom and within a few moments the little one was sound asleep. "They will do even greater things..." you may be thinking that's not a great thing, but I think at that moment the young mother who was going to be able to finish her shopping knowing her baby was resting, that it was pretty great.
How are you glorifying God this season with your actions and attitude? Are you being the light of Christ or are you too busy to stop and be a witness? Is this a season about you and your needs or is this a season about a babe born in a manger who grew up to be a man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man.
Merry Christmas,
Heather
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's a Wonderful Life; James 1:17
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
There was something about this verse that reminded me of Christmas. Perhaps the mention of the perfect gift or maybe the reference to lights. Shifting shadows could easily have been shifting snows and there we'd picture a wintery scene. Amazing how reading scripture time and time again gives us different imagery and meaning.
This year I've struggled with preparing for the holidays, more specifically, preparing for what many refer to as Christmas. I say it this way because I've been preparing my heart for Christmas but not in the way the commercial world markets it. I have no issues with the retail world or even all the great celebrations of giving, sharing and lighting up the world just a bit adding beauty to the often white backdrop of winter. We can honestly take a look at each of these things and see their positive contributions, although not always intentional, in the celebration of the greatest birth that has occurred on earth, the birth of Christ.
I recently had posted to Facebook that I just wasn't feeling the inner child in me that usually appears this time of year. Decorating the house, trimming the tree, purchasing gifts and baking treats. This year instead I looked at all of that as WORK and not work that I wanted to do. I have some amazing people that encouraged me and yes I did get the decorating done and there are even gifts under our tree. I've actually been celebrating Christmas but in a different way this year. I've not focused on finding the perfect gift, for you see we've already received that. I've not focused on stringing the lights because we've already been given the greatest of lights. This Christmas I've been celebrating my Jesus' birth in a personal and deep way.
I was blessed to be part of a group that provided carols to a shopping area adjacent to a live manger scene. There we celebrated our Savior's Birth and were able to share with people who have never heard of Mary, Joseph and the little baby Jesus. I've been preparing for a Christmas celebration coming up in the next couple of weeks that has me reading "The Christmas Story" from Luke and looking forward to sharing in the celebration with dear friends and family. I've spent time with my husband in song which creates such a strong bond between us. That to me is Christmas, the real deal... greatest bargain I will find this season and in any season.
Last night as we finally began decorating our home and putting up the Christmas tree we did our traditional thing and dragged out all of our Christmas movies. Some are funny and some are heart tugging. Something changes in my heart when I watch and listen while decorating, a smile appears knowing that we're blessed to have another year together to carry on traditions. I find I focus more on the blessings that we have and less on the rough times that we've endured or I know lie ahead. Christmas can certainly be magical beyond the commercial aspects of the world.
My favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life. It's not the most upbeat movie but it's a bit of a reality check. We can spend so much time dwelling on what we don't have, how our plans didn't quite turn out the way we'd planned them or how everyone else around us seems to be living their dreams so why can't we. Sometimes we're so busy looking around we don't see what's right in front of us and how truly blessed we are. George Bailey had dreams of adventure and exploring the world from youth but life happened and he ended up staying in his hometown, marrying a hometown girl and taking care of the family business. It wasn't his dream and he felt that life had let him down and it wasn't worth living anymore. Who would care if he didn't? What would it matter if he wasn't around? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever wondered what life would be like for those you've encountered along life's journey if they had never had you? You have no idea the impact you've made to someone's world. George Bailey sure got an eye opener when Clarence, Angel Second Class, took him on a stroll of what life would have been like for those he envied of escaping Bedford Falls. He was reminded how wealthy he was in that he had love all around him and there isn't anything out there in life that can compare to that. Every year I cry at the same point in the movie when reading the inscription that Clarence writes to George in the book, Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
"Dear George: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence."
It really is a wonderful life when you have been given the gift that we have. Christmas is love and that love exists because of the great gift born to us that blessed day. A wonderful life doesn't mean a perfect, everything goes our way life but it's wonderful because we had a baby born in a manger, sent to earth to save man from himself. We have a wonderful life because that same man died on a wooden cross to make our sins as white as the shifting snow. Count yourself blessed if you have one person in life that you can call friend, because Christ calls you friend and he lifts you up on angel wings to carry you through the hardest parts of life because He really loves you that much.
Who can you lift up today to give them wings to fly? Who needs to hear the story of a little babe born in a manger and who ultimately died on a cross? His life wasn't easy, but his life was wonderful in that it saved you and I. One life truly does matter and God has purposed your life from before you were born to be a friend to others as a light of hope and love.
Thanks for the Wings,
Heather
There was something about this verse that reminded me of Christmas. Perhaps the mention of the perfect gift or maybe the reference to lights. Shifting shadows could easily have been shifting snows and there we'd picture a wintery scene. Amazing how reading scripture time and time again gives us different imagery and meaning.
This year I've struggled with preparing for the holidays, more specifically, preparing for what many refer to as Christmas. I say it this way because I've been preparing my heart for Christmas but not in the way the commercial world markets it. I have no issues with the retail world or even all the great celebrations of giving, sharing and lighting up the world just a bit adding beauty to the often white backdrop of winter. We can honestly take a look at each of these things and see their positive contributions, although not always intentional, in the celebration of the greatest birth that has occurred on earth, the birth of Christ.
I recently had posted to Facebook that I just wasn't feeling the inner child in me that usually appears this time of year. Decorating the house, trimming the tree, purchasing gifts and baking treats. This year instead I looked at all of that as WORK and not work that I wanted to do. I have some amazing people that encouraged me and yes I did get the decorating done and there are even gifts under our tree. I've actually been celebrating Christmas but in a different way this year. I've not focused on finding the perfect gift, for you see we've already received that. I've not focused on stringing the lights because we've already been given the greatest of lights. This Christmas I've been celebrating my Jesus' birth in a personal and deep way.
I was blessed to be part of a group that provided carols to a shopping area adjacent to a live manger scene. There we celebrated our Savior's Birth and were able to share with people who have never heard of Mary, Joseph and the little baby Jesus. I've been preparing for a Christmas celebration coming up in the next couple of weeks that has me reading "The Christmas Story" from Luke and looking forward to sharing in the celebration with dear friends and family. I've spent time with my husband in song which creates such a strong bond between us. That to me is Christmas, the real deal... greatest bargain I will find this season and in any season.
Last night as we finally began decorating our home and putting up the Christmas tree we did our traditional thing and dragged out all of our Christmas movies. Some are funny and some are heart tugging. Something changes in my heart when I watch and listen while decorating, a smile appears knowing that we're blessed to have another year together to carry on traditions. I find I focus more on the blessings that we have and less on the rough times that we've endured or I know lie ahead. Christmas can certainly be magical beyond the commercial aspects of the world.
My favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life. It's not the most upbeat movie but it's a bit of a reality check. We can spend so much time dwelling on what we don't have, how our plans didn't quite turn out the way we'd planned them or how everyone else around us seems to be living their dreams so why can't we. Sometimes we're so busy looking around we don't see what's right in front of us and how truly blessed we are. George Bailey had dreams of adventure and exploring the world from youth but life happened and he ended up staying in his hometown, marrying a hometown girl and taking care of the family business. It wasn't his dream and he felt that life had let him down and it wasn't worth living anymore. Who would care if he didn't? What would it matter if he wasn't around? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever wondered what life would be like for those you've encountered along life's journey if they had never had you? You have no idea the impact you've made to someone's world. George Bailey sure got an eye opener when Clarence, Angel Second Class, took him on a stroll of what life would have been like for those he envied of escaping Bedford Falls. He was reminded how wealthy he was in that he had love all around him and there isn't anything out there in life that can compare to that. Every year I cry at the same point in the movie when reading the inscription that Clarence writes to George in the book, Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
"Dear George: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence."
It really is a wonderful life when you have been given the gift that we have. Christmas is love and that love exists because of the great gift born to us that blessed day. A wonderful life doesn't mean a perfect, everything goes our way life but it's wonderful because we had a baby born in a manger, sent to earth to save man from himself. We have a wonderful life because that same man died on a wooden cross to make our sins as white as the shifting snow. Count yourself blessed if you have one person in life that you can call friend, because Christ calls you friend and he lifts you up on angel wings to carry you through the hardest parts of life because He really loves you that much.
Who can you lift up today to give them wings to fly? Who needs to hear the story of a little babe born in a manger and who ultimately died on a cross? His life wasn't easy, but his life was wonderful in that it saved you and I. One life truly does matter and God has purposed your life from before you were born to be a friend to others as a light of hope and love.
Thanks for the Wings,
Heather
Monday, November 21, 2011
Drama Free; John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
By definition drama according to Merriam-Webster is: "a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance."
Or according to the Urban Dictionary: "Something women and especially teenage girls thrive on. Consisting on any number of situations that have an easy solution, which would bring a fairly good outcome. But these girls choose bad ways to deal with it. Again consisting of backstabbing, blackmailing, gossiping, betraying their friends or the all too common "I want to break up with him but I still love him!" It drives men and what I like to call "normal" girls nuts." I have to give a personal commentary, men sometimes can be drama addicts too.
I have no idea why or for whom God wanted this blog written for but I have to say that my motto is Drama Free Living For Me. I don't like drama and I don't invite it to take up residence in my home. The bottom line is that we all have problems of varying size and intensity but drama is what again.... an easy solution and the result of dealing with the problem(s) in bad ways. I choose to avoid drama even if that means eliminating relationships. It's about making the right choices which sometimes are the hard choices that cause us to grow in strength, character and knowledge.
The thief (drama, aka Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they (Us) may have life and have it to the full (abundance). What does that mean? Satan doesn't want your life to be drama free, he wants to steal, kill and destroy your dreams, your hopes and your peace of mind. Is life hard sometimes and trials seem to be never ending? It can seem that way, but we can turn to the word instead of turning to the world repeating bad choices that end as they always have, BADLY.
What do you choose today? Do you choose to live a drama free life with Christ or do you choose the thief (drama) that has come to steal, kill and destroy you? I can't promise you that you will never have problems or that life won't seem overwhelming sometimes but I can promise you what God promised you in his word to give you hope and a future. Today is a new day and it can be Drama Free.
Blessings,
Heather
By definition drama according to Merriam-Webster is: "a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance."
Or according to the Urban Dictionary: "Something women and especially teenage girls thrive on. Consisting on any number of situations that have an easy solution, which would bring a fairly good outcome. But these girls choose bad ways to deal with it. Again consisting of backstabbing, blackmailing, gossiping, betraying their friends or the all too common "I want to break up with him but I still love him!" It drives men and what I like to call "normal" girls nuts." I have to give a personal commentary, men sometimes can be drama addicts too.
I have no idea why or for whom God wanted this blog written for but I have to say that my motto is Drama Free Living For Me. I don't like drama and I don't invite it to take up residence in my home. The bottom line is that we all have problems of varying size and intensity but drama is what again.... an easy solution and the result of dealing with the problem(s) in bad ways. I choose to avoid drama even if that means eliminating relationships. It's about making the right choices which sometimes are the hard choices that cause us to grow in strength, character and knowledge.
The thief (drama, aka Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they (Us) may have life and have it to the full (abundance). What does that mean? Satan doesn't want your life to be drama free, he wants to steal, kill and destroy your dreams, your hopes and your peace of mind. Is life hard sometimes and trials seem to be never ending? It can seem that way, but we can turn to the word instead of turning to the world repeating bad choices that end as they always have, BADLY.
What do you choose today? Do you choose to live a drama free life with Christ or do you choose the thief (drama) that has come to steal, kill and destroy you? I can't promise you that you will never have problems or that life won't seem overwhelming sometimes but I can promise you what God promised you in his word to give you hope and a future. Today is a new day and it can be Drama Free.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Clutter; Matthew 16:19
" I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Lately I've been on a mission to remove the clutter from my home. As I was going through the closets I realized that many of the things I was preparing for donation were things I've not used or seen this year. Even worse were the items that truly belonged in the trash but for some reason I was hanging on to them and allowing them to occupy space in my home that could be clear or used in a better way. It began to remind me how in life sometimes I do the same thing, hold onto things or relationships that occupy space in my life that only serve to clutter it and not to better it or create space for the truly important things.
Many of the things that I had been storing in my closets were things from my past or things that were my mother's. Things that held memories or sentimental value but served no purpose in my life. Some may feel differently that sentiment is the value they hold but for me clutter equates to chaos and stress. I'd rather not be tied to things of this world but focus more on those things eternal. I jokingly said today that the whatever we bind on earth shall be bound in heaven scripture comes into my mind often in a variety of ways. Can you imagine being bound to THINGS that you just can't let go of here on this earth for eternity? I personally don't want to be anchored down by material things while walking down those streets of gold, I'd look pretty silly walking around with a bunch of whatever wrapped around my neck weighing me down. Don't misunderstand me, I still enjoy a good book or a great sale on a pair of shoes but I find more and more that my focus, my mission, isn't buying but ridding myself of the things of this world. Why do I need 50 purses sitting in my closet collecting dust when there is a woman out there that doesn't have a single one to call her own? Why do I hold on to a pair of shoes that I KNOW I will never wear again because they killed my pinky toes? Why not allow them to hurt someone else's feet? :) I'm just kidding, I don't want ladies walking around with hurt pinky toes but I think you get what I'm saying.
Today in a study that I'm part of, we were talking about this being our temporary home. Nothing here my friend is eternal but our relationships with Christ and that is the deep within us, our souls reaching out and holding tight to the future we have beyond this world. Our desires should be focused on the Father and things that He holds most dear... one another.
So what is it that is cluttering up your life? Do you have too many pairs of shoes sitting in the closet, maybe just a bunch of broken dreams or a past that you just don't want to deal with or feel you can't? Maybe it's relationships that are causing the clutter, ones that just occupy space but are empty and lacking in anything substantial. What is causing the clutter that's blocking your view to a clear path with our Lord? Nothing should have more importance placed on it or binding here on earth than being and doing what our God has called us for so that when we enter through those gates we finally get to hear, well done good and faithful servant. Our desire should always be for his return and nothing in our clutter need keep us from losing sight of Him.
Blessings,
Heather
Lately I've been on a mission to remove the clutter from my home. As I was going through the closets I realized that many of the things I was preparing for donation were things I've not used or seen this year. Even worse were the items that truly belonged in the trash but for some reason I was hanging on to them and allowing them to occupy space in my home that could be clear or used in a better way. It began to remind me how in life sometimes I do the same thing, hold onto things or relationships that occupy space in my life that only serve to clutter it and not to better it or create space for the truly important things.
Many of the things that I had been storing in my closets were things from my past or things that were my mother's. Things that held memories or sentimental value but served no purpose in my life. Some may feel differently that sentiment is the value they hold but for me clutter equates to chaos and stress. I'd rather not be tied to things of this world but focus more on those things eternal. I jokingly said today that the whatever we bind on earth shall be bound in heaven scripture comes into my mind often in a variety of ways. Can you imagine being bound to THINGS that you just can't let go of here on this earth for eternity? I personally don't want to be anchored down by material things while walking down those streets of gold, I'd look pretty silly walking around with a bunch of whatever wrapped around my neck weighing me down. Don't misunderstand me, I still enjoy a good book or a great sale on a pair of shoes but I find more and more that my focus, my mission, isn't buying but ridding myself of the things of this world. Why do I need 50 purses sitting in my closet collecting dust when there is a woman out there that doesn't have a single one to call her own? Why do I hold on to a pair of shoes that I KNOW I will never wear again because they killed my pinky toes? Why not allow them to hurt someone else's feet? :) I'm just kidding, I don't want ladies walking around with hurt pinky toes but I think you get what I'm saying.
Today in a study that I'm part of, we were talking about this being our temporary home. Nothing here my friend is eternal but our relationships with Christ and that is the deep within us, our souls reaching out and holding tight to the future we have beyond this world. Our desires should be focused on the Father and things that He holds most dear... one another.
So what is it that is cluttering up your life? Do you have too many pairs of shoes sitting in the closet, maybe just a bunch of broken dreams or a past that you just don't want to deal with or feel you can't? Maybe it's relationships that are causing the clutter, ones that just occupy space but are empty and lacking in anything substantial. What is causing the clutter that's blocking your view to a clear path with our Lord? Nothing should have more importance placed on it or binding here on earth than being and doing what our God has called us for so that when we enter through those gates we finally get to hear, well done good and faithful servant. Our desire should always be for his return and nothing in our clutter need keep us from losing sight of Him.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Get Real; Judges 6:37-40
"look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand as you said. And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew - a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew. " That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew."
Interesting reading isn't it? For some reason I had it in my head that I could petition God for a lot of things but putting God to the test never entered my mind because who am I to question or test God? But we think about it don't we and afterall can we really hide anything from God? Our Pastor preached on this very topic a couple months back and even then I wondered who Gideon though he was that he could put God to a test. Ahh, but then in a single moment while driving in my car God said "Get Real Heather".
I listen to a lot of people pray in groups or over a service and I think that they sound so "pretty" in their prayers. But that's not what God wants...he doesn't want our pretty prayers, he wants our heartfelt "real" petitions before him. I know he hears me all the time, even in times when I wish he wasn't listening because what I said whether in my heart or out of my mouth isn't always "pretty". Sometimes what comes into my head or enters my heart is just the opposite of pretty and can be quite ugly. In Ephesians 6:18 we are told to "Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
Jesus set the example in Matthew 6 with the Lord's Prayer. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." What I don't think are that many read the words that come before this prayer.... "and when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." It's not about the words spoken, it's about the words coming from your heart to his.
I was struggling earlier this week, just feeling rather alone and struggling with some things going on with my life. Thursday morning I finally had it and as I usually do I began to pray on my way to work. I do so during that time for a couple of reasons, one, that stretch of road is crazy that time of morning!! and two, because it's quiet in the car and I can just talk with my Daddy with no one else around. I began thanking him for all the things in my life and asking him to touch those that have requested prayer and then he stirred my heart and I heard those words, "Get Real, Heather". It's not often I will pray for myself, why I have no idea, but I tossed all the "pretty words" out the car window and I began to petition God in a way I've not done before. I began to pray that I needed to see him show me that day in some physical way that he was present and had my life in his hands. I prayed that I needed to see in a tangible way that I was highly favored and prayed that he show me that I was going to be ok.
I went to a business luncheon later that day and there was a drawing being held where we all took a numbered ticket. We ate lunch and at the end of the luncheon the lucky number was to be drawn. As the announcer called out the numbers....I looked around the room and no one got up. Another ticket drawn and another number announced and still no one approached the stage. A third time and no one claimed the prize. The announcer decided it was best to flip the basket upside down and draw from the bottom. I listened to the numbers and was shocked to see they were my numbers! I had just won an iPad 2. In front of all those people I waited til I got to the front of the room and did a victory dance all the while smiling not just because I had won, but because God showed in a very real tangible way that I was favored and I knew then at that moment he was smiling too and was saying, "when you get real with me, I get real with you."
I'm not saying that you will all win an iPad or anything like that when you pray, but I am saying that when you get real with God he listens far beyond the "pretty words". You don't have to sound important and all knowing when you pray, you just need to talk to him like you know he's your daddy and you are favored. He hears you all the time in your every day talk, he's just waiting for you to talk with him.
What real talk do you need to have with God right now? Is there something that you think he doesn't already know? Are you trying to talk with him like you speak "King James speak" or are you talking to him like the father you know him to be? Is it time that you fleece God so that you can move on from the place you are today to the place he's calling you to be?
A final note today of encouragement is a song by Mandisa that I heard yesterday called, "What if we were real". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLYkUb5Keo I pray that it ministers to you as it did my heart to Get Real.
Blessings,
Heather
Interesting reading isn't it? For some reason I had it in my head that I could petition God for a lot of things but putting God to the test never entered my mind because who am I to question or test God? But we think about it don't we and afterall can we really hide anything from God? Our Pastor preached on this very topic a couple months back and even then I wondered who Gideon though he was that he could put God to a test. Ahh, but then in a single moment while driving in my car God said "Get Real Heather".
I listen to a lot of people pray in groups or over a service and I think that they sound so "pretty" in their prayers. But that's not what God wants...he doesn't want our pretty prayers, he wants our heartfelt "real" petitions before him. I know he hears me all the time, even in times when I wish he wasn't listening because what I said whether in my heart or out of my mouth isn't always "pretty". Sometimes what comes into my head or enters my heart is just the opposite of pretty and can be quite ugly. In Ephesians 6:18 we are told to "Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
Jesus set the example in Matthew 6 with the Lord's Prayer. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." What I don't think are that many read the words that come before this prayer.... "and when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." It's not about the words spoken, it's about the words coming from your heart to his.
I was struggling earlier this week, just feeling rather alone and struggling with some things going on with my life. Thursday morning I finally had it and as I usually do I began to pray on my way to work. I do so during that time for a couple of reasons, one, that stretch of road is crazy that time of morning!! and two, because it's quiet in the car and I can just talk with my Daddy with no one else around. I began thanking him for all the things in my life and asking him to touch those that have requested prayer and then he stirred my heart and I heard those words, "Get Real, Heather". It's not often I will pray for myself, why I have no idea, but I tossed all the "pretty words" out the car window and I began to petition God in a way I've not done before. I began to pray that I needed to see him show me that day in some physical way that he was present and had my life in his hands. I prayed that I needed to see in a tangible way that I was highly favored and prayed that he show me that I was going to be ok.
I went to a business luncheon later that day and there was a drawing being held where we all took a numbered ticket. We ate lunch and at the end of the luncheon the lucky number was to be drawn. As the announcer called out the numbers....I looked around the room and no one got up. Another ticket drawn and another number announced and still no one approached the stage. A third time and no one claimed the prize. The announcer decided it was best to flip the basket upside down and draw from the bottom. I listened to the numbers and was shocked to see they were my numbers! I had just won an iPad 2. In front of all those people I waited til I got to the front of the room and did a victory dance all the while smiling not just because I had won, but because God showed in a very real tangible way that I was favored and I knew then at that moment he was smiling too and was saying, "when you get real with me, I get real with you."
I'm not saying that you will all win an iPad or anything like that when you pray, but I am saying that when you get real with God he listens far beyond the "pretty words". You don't have to sound important and all knowing when you pray, you just need to talk to him like you know he's your daddy and you are favored. He hears you all the time in your every day talk, he's just waiting for you to talk with him.
What real talk do you need to have with God right now? Is there something that you think he doesn't already know? Are you trying to talk with him like you speak "King James speak" or are you talking to him like the father you know him to be? Is it time that you fleece God so that you can move on from the place you are today to the place he's calling you to be?
A final note today of encouragement is a song by Mandisa that I heard yesterday called, "What if we were real". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLYkUb5Keo I pray that it ministers to you as it did my heart to Get Real.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Comfortable; Isaiah 32:9
Isaiah 32:9; You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say!
Wow! Certainly not what I expected God to be sharing with me this week, but then again perhaps I need to leave the guiding and directing to Him and just allow Him to be who He is... God. What do you think? Sometimes God is so clear in preparing me in writing for this blog and other times waits until I'm very still and lets me know He has a message to share with me, for me, and for someone reading it at just the right moment.
The past couple of months there have been a lot of "unknowns" thrown into my life causing me to question where I am and where I am to be. It seems this always begins to happen when I grow comfortable and complacent in life in any one area or sometimes in several areas. God reminds me that this isn't my permanent home and I'm pretty much as the song says, A wayfaring stranger. I have a purpose to fulfill, wherever and whatever that may be. That's hard sometimes for me. I love serving in the body of Christ but I'm also a planner and have an analytical mind (just as God designed) which means that sometimes I get in my own way. Are any of you like that? Do you ever trip over your own feet down the path God lays out before you? Some days it completely seems like I have two left feet!
I reflected earlier this week in all the wonderful ways God has asked me to serve since becoming a Christian as a young girl. He has gifted me and regifted me time and time again for the things He'd have me to do. It's taken me quite a few years to recognize some of the larger portions of the puzzle of my life and how they all fell together in a way that other than God's purpose wouldn't make sense to anyone watching it. When you hear people say that God works in mysterious ways.... I have no doubts in that! While going through a situation or simply living life you often can't see how it has much to do with anything. Give it some time, pray about it if you care to and then see how all things truly do work together for the glory of God. You may just be amazed at how God has woven life for you, just don't get too comfortable because this isn't your permanent home either.
The word says, "Rise Up and Listen". I believe that is what God is sharing with me now in these moments of life to not grow complacent but to continue to rise up and listen. To have my ears tuned into his direction, not to grow comfortable but to be ready whether it is to stay the course or to change direction. It's not always easy to change and sometimes it really doesn't make sense but where in scripture does it say that it will? I've been changed by changes. I've had opportunities to have different jobs, different ministries and different relationships. God has never allowed me to grow stagnant that is for certain. I've normally accepted changing jobs fairly easily. Changing ministries was a bit harder, especially when I couldn't see myself filling the role. Changing relationships, well that has been one of the hardest. God designed me to be a relational being, connecting and building friendships along life's road. While in one of those friendships I could never imagine that we'd ever go different ways or lose touch but something whether it's physical proximity or different goals draws us apart. That kind of change is hard for me but necessary to fulfill my role. Sometimes in my "comfortableness" (is that a word?) I begin to lose my listening skills. My comfort comes from the Lord and in Him alone should I find a comfortable place not in any one place or any one relationship formed here. When He calls we simply need to be ready to answer Here I am Lord, send me.
What areas of life have you become comfortable and complacent to the point that you'd wrestle with God if He told you today to leave it behind? Would it be a home, a town, a church or maybe a relationship or family that would make you not rise up and listen to His call? Do not become comfortable, this is not your permanent home. Rise when He says rise and be ready to move ahead.
Blessings,
Heather
Wow! Certainly not what I expected God to be sharing with me this week, but then again perhaps I need to leave the guiding and directing to Him and just allow Him to be who He is... God. What do you think? Sometimes God is so clear in preparing me in writing for this blog and other times waits until I'm very still and lets me know He has a message to share with me, for me, and for someone reading it at just the right moment.
The past couple of months there have been a lot of "unknowns" thrown into my life causing me to question where I am and where I am to be. It seems this always begins to happen when I grow comfortable and complacent in life in any one area or sometimes in several areas. God reminds me that this isn't my permanent home and I'm pretty much as the song says, A wayfaring stranger. I have a purpose to fulfill, wherever and whatever that may be. That's hard sometimes for me. I love serving in the body of Christ but I'm also a planner and have an analytical mind (just as God designed) which means that sometimes I get in my own way. Are any of you like that? Do you ever trip over your own feet down the path God lays out before you? Some days it completely seems like I have two left feet!
I reflected earlier this week in all the wonderful ways God has asked me to serve since becoming a Christian as a young girl. He has gifted me and regifted me time and time again for the things He'd have me to do. It's taken me quite a few years to recognize some of the larger portions of the puzzle of my life and how they all fell together in a way that other than God's purpose wouldn't make sense to anyone watching it. When you hear people say that God works in mysterious ways.... I have no doubts in that! While going through a situation or simply living life you often can't see how it has much to do with anything. Give it some time, pray about it if you care to and then see how all things truly do work together for the glory of God. You may just be amazed at how God has woven life for you, just don't get too comfortable because this isn't your permanent home either.
The word says, "Rise Up and Listen". I believe that is what God is sharing with me now in these moments of life to not grow complacent but to continue to rise up and listen. To have my ears tuned into his direction, not to grow comfortable but to be ready whether it is to stay the course or to change direction. It's not always easy to change and sometimes it really doesn't make sense but where in scripture does it say that it will? I've been changed by changes. I've had opportunities to have different jobs, different ministries and different relationships. God has never allowed me to grow stagnant that is for certain. I've normally accepted changing jobs fairly easily. Changing ministries was a bit harder, especially when I couldn't see myself filling the role. Changing relationships, well that has been one of the hardest. God designed me to be a relational being, connecting and building friendships along life's road. While in one of those friendships I could never imagine that we'd ever go different ways or lose touch but something whether it's physical proximity or different goals draws us apart. That kind of change is hard for me but necessary to fulfill my role. Sometimes in my "comfortableness" (is that a word?) I begin to lose my listening skills. My comfort comes from the Lord and in Him alone should I find a comfortable place not in any one place or any one relationship formed here. When He calls we simply need to be ready to answer Here I am Lord, send me.
What areas of life have you become comfortable and complacent to the point that you'd wrestle with God if He told you today to leave it behind? Would it be a home, a town, a church or maybe a relationship or family that would make you not rise up and listen to His call? Do not become comfortable, this is not your permanent home. Rise when He says rise and be ready to move ahead.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Fine Line; Luke 6:37, John 17:16-18, Revelation 3:16
Luke 6:37; 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
John 17:16-18; They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Revelation 3:16; So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
One of the biggest excuses I've heard most in my life as to why a person doesn't or won't attend church is that it's because Christians are all hypocrites. I always find this funny because in a way they're right, aren't they? Churches are full of broken people, thankfully or I'd not be welcomed! But let me just say, I don't think they are just inside the church. I find people claiming to be "Christian" and I rack my brain trying to figure out how they can make that claim. Then I'm rebuked and lead to Luke 6:37, "Do Not Judge and you will not be judged." I don't think that Christ left that area gray at all, He was pretty direct in that statement. DO NOT JUDGE. So why do I see someone doing something that I deem "unchristian like" and think I have the right to judge? I don't, you don't. God is the judge and whatever a person is doing or not doing is between them and God. Then I think to the second part of that scripture, YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED. Score!! I like that part, God knows that if I were judged by the same standards I place on others I'd have a hard time measuring up because let me confess to you all right now, I seriously mess up sometimes and it's only by the grace of God that I can continue in this faith journey. If it's not my words getting me into trouble, it's my thoughts and if it's not my thoughts it's my actions. On and on I fail and stumble and on and on God forgives me. That simply amazes me.
So now you may be saying, ok, I get that sorta but what's with the fine line? I'm so glad you asked! You guys are really making this blogging stuff get easier on me. The Holy Spirit began laying on my heart the topic, A fine line. Then He reminded me that it truly is a fine line to be in this world but I was never meant to be a part of it. Some really struggle with this, I know that I do. You're out with your friends and your talking, having a great time and all of a sudden the conversation turns to something inappropriate and instead of walking away or changing the topic you join in. Maybe it's talking about someone sitting at the table across the room or maybe a co-worker or mutual "friend". Christ said that He sent his disciples (by the way that's us) into the world. We are called to be the salt of the earth. We are called to change the flavor (saltiness) of the conversation. The more we bath ourselves in the word, the more the filth of the world is washed away. Bath often brothers and sisters.
I think we try so hard to "fit in", to be one of the crowd that sometimes we lose the fire within us. We cross that fine line of being in the world versus of the world that we become lukewarm in our walk with Christ. Again He is so clear on this. He said he'd spit us out of his mouth for being hot nor cold but by being a lukewarm follower. I don't know about you, but when I think about someone spitting, it's normally because something unpleasant is in their mouth. Some spit to indicate that they are done with a person. For me, either of the above coming from God's displeasure with me is very frightening.
So back to the original comment I made when I began writing this blog regarding all the "hypocrites" that are in the churches. Maybe that's not the word afterall. Maybe it's people watching people walking that fine line of in the world/of the world, judging them as they see them dip into the cold waters of life growing lukewarm. I don't know about you, but I can tell you that when I'm struggling I'd rather be in a church where I can still feel the fires of the "hot" Christians to help rekindle the Holy Spirit fire within me then be in the world alone trying to make it on my own.
Have you ever watched a fire burn? Have you ever sat too close that you thought you'd catch on fire just by simply sitting too close as it pops and cracks grabbing hold of everything around it and consuming it? We should all pray to be that HOT! Have you seen it lose it's power as the fuel source lessens and it has nothing left to burn and it slowly dies until all that's left is ashes? Are you in the flames burning hot for Christ going out into the world but refraining from being part of it or are you smoldering outside of the fire ring becoming lukewarm or perhaps even cold?
What fine line are you walking today? Where is that line leading you? If it's leading you anywhere but to Christ, ask His forgiveness and change your course today. He is a forgiving God and He isn't swayed by anyone's opinion either side of the church door of you. He called you to go into the world and invite others to warm up by the fire.
Blessings,
Heather
John 17:16-18; They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Revelation 3:16; So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
One of the biggest excuses I've heard most in my life as to why a person doesn't or won't attend church is that it's because Christians are all hypocrites. I always find this funny because in a way they're right, aren't they? Churches are full of broken people, thankfully or I'd not be welcomed! But let me just say, I don't think they are just inside the church. I find people claiming to be "Christian" and I rack my brain trying to figure out how they can make that claim. Then I'm rebuked and lead to Luke 6:37, "Do Not Judge and you will not be judged." I don't think that Christ left that area gray at all, He was pretty direct in that statement. DO NOT JUDGE. So why do I see someone doing something that I deem "unchristian like" and think I have the right to judge? I don't, you don't. God is the judge and whatever a person is doing or not doing is between them and God. Then I think to the second part of that scripture, YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED. Score!! I like that part, God knows that if I were judged by the same standards I place on others I'd have a hard time measuring up because let me confess to you all right now, I seriously mess up sometimes and it's only by the grace of God that I can continue in this faith journey. If it's not my words getting me into trouble, it's my thoughts and if it's not my thoughts it's my actions. On and on I fail and stumble and on and on God forgives me. That simply amazes me.
So now you may be saying, ok, I get that sorta but what's with the fine line? I'm so glad you asked! You guys are really making this blogging stuff get easier on me. The Holy Spirit began laying on my heart the topic, A fine line. Then He reminded me that it truly is a fine line to be in this world but I was never meant to be a part of it. Some really struggle with this, I know that I do. You're out with your friends and your talking, having a great time and all of a sudden the conversation turns to something inappropriate and instead of walking away or changing the topic you join in. Maybe it's talking about someone sitting at the table across the room or maybe a co-worker or mutual "friend". Christ said that He sent his disciples (by the way that's us) into the world. We are called to be the salt of the earth. We are called to change the flavor (saltiness) of the conversation. The more we bath ourselves in the word, the more the filth of the world is washed away. Bath often brothers and sisters.
I think we try so hard to "fit in", to be one of the crowd that sometimes we lose the fire within us. We cross that fine line of being in the world versus of the world that we become lukewarm in our walk with Christ. Again He is so clear on this. He said he'd spit us out of his mouth for being hot nor cold but by being a lukewarm follower. I don't know about you, but when I think about someone spitting, it's normally because something unpleasant is in their mouth. Some spit to indicate that they are done with a person. For me, either of the above coming from God's displeasure with me is very frightening.
So back to the original comment I made when I began writing this blog regarding all the "hypocrites" that are in the churches. Maybe that's not the word afterall. Maybe it's people watching people walking that fine line of in the world/of the world, judging them as they see them dip into the cold waters of life growing lukewarm. I don't know about you, but I can tell you that when I'm struggling I'd rather be in a church where I can still feel the fires of the "hot" Christians to help rekindle the Holy Spirit fire within me then be in the world alone trying to make it on my own.
Have you ever watched a fire burn? Have you ever sat too close that you thought you'd catch on fire just by simply sitting too close as it pops and cracks grabbing hold of everything around it and consuming it? We should all pray to be that HOT! Have you seen it lose it's power as the fuel source lessens and it has nothing left to burn and it slowly dies until all that's left is ashes? Are you in the flames burning hot for Christ going out into the world but refraining from being part of it or are you smoldering outside of the fire ring becoming lukewarm or perhaps even cold?
What fine line are you walking today? Where is that line leading you? If it's leading you anywhere but to Christ, ask His forgiveness and change your course today. He is a forgiving God and He isn't swayed by anyone's opinion either side of the church door of you. He called you to go into the world and invite others to warm up by the fire.
Blessings,
Heather
Friday, September 9, 2011
Trial to Praise; Psalm 104:33-34
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD."
What a week this has been! Certainly one of ups and downs. Have you ever been on a roller coaster and at the very top you suddenly hold your breath just before you make that fast descent towards the earth? That's what I was feeling earlier this week, the bottom of my life had just dropped out and I was plummeting into instant fear and worry. Where was my faith? Just like that I went from being on a spiritual high to a spiritual low.
I called my hubby and called a friend who both tried to encourage me and remind me that God always has control over our life. My husband actually said, "Heather, where is your faith?" I simply said I know, I know. But I didn't, I didn't know where it went in those moments that I was handed some difficult news.
The next morning I woke up and as usual got myself ready and headed out the door for work. While on the highway, I began my morning "ritual" and started praying. This time it was a little different, I scrapped all the "formalities" and got real with God. I began thanking Him for the news I had received and praising Him for being the God of my life. The more I praised him, the more the anxiety left my soul. The more I thanked him for giving me hope and a future, the more peace I felt. By the time I had been in the car for about five minutes just thanking God for all the things He has done and will do in my life and recognizing that He has already been to all my tomorrows and has planned prosperity into my life, I was singing Victory In Jesus. For the first time in my life, I truly felt what that song meant. I was singing praises to the God that I know will see me through.
I walked into the office and all the long faces were still coming in one by one, still reeling from the news we had received the day before. I just smiled and shared with one of my co-workers about my drive into work. I think she may have thought I was a little off my rocker, but I think she understood somewhat. I logged into my computer and sitting there in my inbox were two messages from a friend of encouragement that validated how I felt in the car earlier. Again I was reminded I have no reason ever to fear or question the future but trust in our amazing God to see me through each and every trial. I was reminded that even through the trials to praise Him because He is eternally faithful to those who trust and serve Him.
My boss shared with us today that even though things appear bad at the moment, somehow we have to look at it all as a blessing. I just had to smile at his words. You know one of those smiles you really can't explain to anyone around you because its an inside joke between you and God. :) I sat there while he was talking and began to understand what God was doing. You see sometimes it's the trials that God uses to get us to move further in our journey with him and out of the comfy spots that we've nestled into. Sometimes like a baby bird, we have to be pushed out of our soft nests to sore with the eagles.
Are you in one of the storms of life? Has your faith been weakened and tested because of recent trials? Have you found it difficult to praise Him in the midst of the trials that have come? Sit for a moment, recognize who it is that you serve. He is the creator of the heavens and earth. There is nothing that he hasn't already seen and nothing he isn't capable of handling on your behalf. Once you've thought about it for a few moments, begin to praise him and wait for him to see you through! Let him be the song over your life.
While you meditate on who He is, please listen to the words of this song and know that even through the raindrops of the storm... there is a blessing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PLF308558CD5EBA8AE
Blessings,
Heather
What a week this has been! Certainly one of ups and downs. Have you ever been on a roller coaster and at the very top you suddenly hold your breath just before you make that fast descent towards the earth? That's what I was feeling earlier this week, the bottom of my life had just dropped out and I was plummeting into instant fear and worry. Where was my faith? Just like that I went from being on a spiritual high to a spiritual low.
I called my hubby and called a friend who both tried to encourage me and remind me that God always has control over our life. My husband actually said, "Heather, where is your faith?" I simply said I know, I know. But I didn't, I didn't know where it went in those moments that I was handed some difficult news.
The next morning I woke up and as usual got myself ready and headed out the door for work. While on the highway, I began my morning "ritual" and started praying. This time it was a little different, I scrapped all the "formalities" and got real with God. I began thanking Him for the news I had received and praising Him for being the God of my life. The more I praised him, the more the anxiety left my soul. The more I thanked him for giving me hope and a future, the more peace I felt. By the time I had been in the car for about five minutes just thanking God for all the things He has done and will do in my life and recognizing that He has already been to all my tomorrows and has planned prosperity into my life, I was singing Victory In Jesus. For the first time in my life, I truly felt what that song meant. I was singing praises to the God that I know will see me through.
I walked into the office and all the long faces were still coming in one by one, still reeling from the news we had received the day before. I just smiled and shared with one of my co-workers about my drive into work. I think she may have thought I was a little off my rocker, but I think she understood somewhat. I logged into my computer and sitting there in my inbox were two messages from a friend of encouragement that validated how I felt in the car earlier. Again I was reminded I have no reason ever to fear or question the future but trust in our amazing God to see me through each and every trial. I was reminded that even through the trials to praise Him because He is eternally faithful to those who trust and serve Him.
My boss shared with us today that even though things appear bad at the moment, somehow we have to look at it all as a blessing. I just had to smile at his words. You know one of those smiles you really can't explain to anyone around you because its an inside joke between you and God. :) I sat there while he was talking and began to understand what God was doing. You see sometimes it's the trials that God uses to get us to move further in our journey with him and out of the comfy spots that we've nestled into. Sometimes like a baby bird, we have to be pushed out of our soft nests to sore with the eagles.
Are you in one of the storms of life? Has your faith been weakened and tested because of recent trials? Have you found it difficult to praise Him in the midst of the trials that have come? Sit for a moment, recognize who it is that you serve. He is the creator of the heavens and earth. There is nothing that he hasn't already seen and nothing he isn't capable of handling on your behalf. Once you've thought about it for a few moments, begin to praise him and wait for him to see you through! Let him be the song over your life.
While you meditate on who He is, please listen to the words of this song and know that even through the raindrops of the storm... there is a blessing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PLF308558CD5EBA8AE
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, August 22, 2011
Love of the Father; Jeremiah 31:3
"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving kindness."
It's amazing to me how sometimes God uses so many different ways to share a message with me that I didn't even know that I was in need of until He begins to minister to those soft places of my heart and peels back another layer of the past that blocks me from serving Him with my whole heart. Sometimes we tend to bury things so deep in the recesses of our heart that we even forget that the scars and pains are still there ready to resurface and be dealt with on God's timing in our life.
This weekend I heard time and time again about the Father's love. I thought I was pretty well versed in that and I truly know without a doubt that I have a Heavenly Daddy who loves with a love that I can only begin to understand and share with others. His word is a wonderful love letter to me and to you. Sometimes when I sit down to read, there are moments that I feel like I've crawled up into my Daddy's lap as He reads to me. There is such comfort that. I never knew what that felt like in my relationship with my earthly father but I've seen many wonderful men, wonderful father's, take the time to scoop their little one up on their knee or nuzzled closely reading a story and sharing a tale. I often have envied that type of relationship, although I was blessed to have a mother who tried her best to fulfill that role for me.
For me an earthly father was never to be. I've never had a relationship with him and that had always left a void in my life. I must confess that I am grateful that my father chose not to be a part of my life and bring with him all the demons that he still battles today. There are sometimes blessings in the absence of those things that we think we need. My story is not unlike many that I talk to today whose father was not part of their life, but unique just the same. My mom was a young mother, just barely 17 years old when she had me. She wasn't ready to be a mom, but she did all she knew to do to try and be what I needed her to be. But my father was already a new daddy married to another woman but still playing the field. Not too long after my birth, he again became a father to a third child and eventually a fourth. Four children, four mothers and not able to be a father to any of them.
This bothered me for many years, knowing that my father couldn't be a dad to me and that I had three other siblings that I knew he had a relationship with but was causing chaos and destruction in all of their lives. As a young girl I thought I was missing out, but what I've learned over time is that I was being protected and guarded by my Heavenly Father. From before I was formed in a young mother's womb, my Heavenly Daddy was already planning my future and putting a hedge of protection around me. Oh my life wasn't easy and the enemy would have loved to have seen me buckle under the hardships that I had to go through but my Daddy He was holding me on his lap reading the story that was to be my life and saying "I have loved you with an everlasting love".
Some of you reading this today have had broken relationships or no relationships at all with your earthly fathers. Some of you still hold onto the pains of the void left by a man that was suppose to be there for you, loving you and supporting you. We can't undo the past and we can't make someone fulfill a role they don't know how to fill. The good news is that we all have a Heavenly father who loves us, cheers for us,cries with us and has never forsaken us. We never have to question who we are or where we belong because we are children of the King of Kings and there is nothing that will ever come between our daddy and us.
Are you holding onto pains of the void left by your father? Are you still angry for all the ways you felt he let you down? Are you willing to reach out your hand today and take the hand of your Heavenly Daddy and say, "read me a story about how you love me, how you know every detail about me, how you have my name written on the palm of your hand and have every hair on my head numbered." With that kind of a Daddy... we never need feel abandoned again.
Blessings,
Heather
It's amazing to me how sometimes God uses so many different ways to share a message with me that I didn't even know that I was in need of until He begins to minister to those soft places of my heart and peels back another layer of the past that blocks me from serving Him with my whole heart. Sometimes we tend to bury things so deep in the recesses of our heart that we even forget that the scars and pains are still there ready to resurface and be dealt with on God's timing in our life.
This weekend I heard time and time again about the Father's love. I thought I was pretty well versed in that and I truly know without a doubt that I have a Heavenly Daddy who loves with a love that I can only begin to understand and share with others. His word is a wonderful love letter to me and to you. Sometimes when I sit down to read, there are moments that I feel like I've crawled up into my Daddy's lap as He reads to me. There is such comfort that. I never knew what that felt like in my relationship with my earthly father but I've seen many wonderful men, wonderful father's, take the time to scoop their little one up on their knee or nuzzled closely reading a story and sharing a tale. I often have envied that type of relationship, although I was blessed to have a mother who tried her best to fulfill that role for me.
For me an earthly father was never to be. I've never had a relationship with him and that had always left a void in my life. I must confess that I am grateful that my father chose not to be a part of my life and bring with him all the demons that he still battles today. There are sometimes blessings in the absence of those things that we think we need. My story is not unlike many that I talk to today whose father was not part of their life, but unique just the same. My mom was a young mother, just barely 17 years old when she had me. She wasn't ready to be a mom, but she did all she knew to do to try and be what I needed her to be. But my father was already a new daddy married to another woman but still playing the field. Not too long after my birth, he again became a father to a third child and eventually a fourth. Four children, four mothers and not able to be a father to any of them.
This bothered me for many years, knowing that my father couldn't be a dad to me and that I had three other siblings that I knew he had a relationship with but was causing chaos and destruction in all of their lives. As a young girl I thought I was missing out, but what I've learned over time is that I was being protected and guarded by my Heavenly Father. From before I was formed in a young mother's womb, my Heavenly Daddy was already planning my future and putting a hedge of protection around me. Oh my life wasn't easy and the enemy would have loved to have seen me buckle under the hardships that I had to go through but my Daddy He was holding me on his lap reading the story that was to be my life and saying "I have loved you with an everlasting love".
Some of you reading this today have had broken relationships or no relationships at all with your earthly fathers. Some of you still hold onto the pains of the void left by a man that was suppose to be there for you, loving you and supporting you. We can't undo the past and we can't make someone fulfill a role they don't know how to fill. The good news is that we all have a Heavenly father who loves us, cheers for us,cries with us and has never forsaken us. We never have to question who we are or where we belong because we are children of the King of Kings and there is nothing that will ever come between our daddy and us.
Are you holding onto pains of the void left by your father? Are you still angry for all the ways you felt he let you down? Are you willing to reach out your hand today and take the hand of your Heavenly Daddy and say, "read me a story about how you love me, how you know every detail about me, how you have my name written on the palm of your hand and have every hair on my head numbered." With that kind of a Daddy... we never need feel abandoned again.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Scars; Psalm 34:18
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
I've been reading a wonderful book called "Your Scars Are Beautiful To God" by Sharon Jaynes. One of my favorite quotes from it is, "Scars do not simply represent healing or the end of a struggle, but the beginning of a ministry!" I read that over and over again spending time on what that meant to me and how often I've seen that applied.
We all have a past, some of us may have a past marred by many scars left by physical incidents, emotional turmoil and too often relationship strife and abuse. Regardless of the way the event happened, they've all left a scar on our being in some form or fashion... what we choose to do with that scar is up to us. I can see a physical scar on my body left by a time I ran into a gate and gashed my knee open and I can also see the scars left behind on my body due to surgeries that ultimately led to a greater scar of infertility and disappointment. Although the surgeons were wonderful at creating just a fine line from where they had me opened several times, the internal scars called endometriosis caused even greater scars leaving me unable to have children I so desperately wanted. My emotional being already scarred by losing my only child to cancer many years before, seemed to reopen and the wound grow that much deeper leaving me lost in my own despair and withdrawing from life.
Many of us women believe our womanhood is wrapped solely in the ability to reproduce and create future generations. Not all women are called to do so and that's not always an easy thing to hear. When God told me no, I became very angry with him and stopped being the woman he designed me to be. I felt empty and alone and that there wasn't anyone who could possibly understand the hurt that resided inside me. Loss became too familiar of a friend. I lost my only born child at the age of 3 1/2 years of age, I had two failed Invitro procedures where I lost three embryos each time and finally going through the entire adoption process and having the social worker present us with two beautiful little boys, ages 5 and 7 and having the whole thing fall apart and having to let them go.
I watched for nearly two years as my son battled bravely his fight against cancer and was there holding him on my lap as he breathed his last natural breath. I never got to hold the little ones that were growing inside my womb but felt their leaving my body in a very real way. I never got to even meet the two little boys who's stories were shared with me and pictures provided and even so, I had begun to love them anyway. I wasn't sure I'd survive the pain of it all and wanted so badly to give up, my spirit was crushed beyond what I thought was repairable... the scars seemed to be all that were left of me. But Jesus came just as he always does. He saw me lying curled up in a fetal position wishing life would end and wrapped himself around me and said, I know your pain and I will take it away and teach you how to love my children and be a mother in a way you never imagined just trust me and follow me. I put one foot on the floor and stood up before an actual cross and said ok, here I am. I never regretted that moment and although sometimes the ache inside comes back I trust in his word, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
My spirit was crushed and my heart broken but God continues to turn my scars into ministry by being the vessel of his unfailing love. You see our God, he lost a child too once. He had to watch as his only son hung dying on a cross for a people so undeserving, he sacrificed his son to cover our scars and allow us to be ministers to one another. God himself had to turn away as his son breathed his last breath and bore our sins that day. In that moment, a separation like this world had never known occurred and a great ministry was born out of the scars from that day. It was Jesus' scars that convinced the disciples that it was he standing before them.
Scars are our stories, reminders of who we were, where we've been and how we not only survived but how God turned them into something beautiful. The stories are to be told, the scars shared and a ministry birthed. What scars do you boldly show others in your ministry? What scar is God asking you to share and expose so that others can find healing? When are you going to allow your scars to turn to ministry?
Please listen to the words of this song by Jason Gray: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AapTMsc8A2Q&NR=1
Blessings,
Heather
I've been reading a wonderful book called "Your Scars Are Beautiful To God" by Sharon Jaynes. One of my favorite quotes from it is, "Scars do not simply represent healing or the end of a struggle, but the beginning of a ministry!" I read that over and over again spending time on what that meant to me and how often I've seen that applied.
We all have a past, some of us may have a past marred by many scars left by physical incidents, emotional turmoil and too often relationship strife and abuse. Regardless of the way the event happened, they've all left a scar on our being in some form or fashion... what we choose to do with that scar is up to us. I can see a physical scar on my body left by a time I ran into a gate and gashed my knee open and I can also see the scars left behind on my body due to surgeries that ultimately led to a greater scar of infertility and disappointment. Although the surgeons were wonderful at creating just a fine line from where they had me opened several times, the internal scars called endometriosis caused even greater scars leaving me unable to have children I so desperately wanted. My emotional being already scarred by losing my only child to cancer many years before, seemed to reopen and the wound grow that much deeper leaving me lost in my own despair and withdrawing from life.
Many of us women believe our womanhood is wrapped solely in the ability to reproduce and create future generations. Not all women are called to do so and that's not always an easy thing to hear. When God told me no, I became very angry with him and stopped being the woman he designed me to be. I felt empty and alone and that there wasn't anyone who could possibly understand the hurt that resided inside me. Loss became too familiar of a friend. I lost my only born child at the age of 3 1/2 years of age, I had two failed Invitro procedures where I lost three embryos each time and finally going through the entire adoption process and having the social worker present us with two beautiful little boys, ages 5 and 7 and having the whole thing fall apart and having to let them go.
I watched for nearly two years as my son battled bravely his fight against cancer and was there holding him on my lap as he breathed his last natural breath. I never got to hold the little ones that were growing inside my womb but felt their leaving my body in a very real way. I never got to even meet the two little boys who's stories were shared with me and pictures provided and even so, I had begun to love them anyway. I wasn't sure I'd survive the pain of it all and wanted so badly to give up, my spirit was crushed beyond what I thought was repairable... the scars seemed to be all that were left of me. But Jesus came just as he always does. He saw me lying curled up in a fetal position wishing life would end and wrapped himself around me and said, I know your pain and I will take it away and teach you how to love my children and be a mother in a way you never imagined just trust me and follow me. I put one foot on the floor and stood up before an actual cross and said ok, here I am. I never regretted that moment and although sometimes the ache inside comes back I trust in his word, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
My spirit was crushed and my heart broken but God continues to turn my scars into ministry by being the vessel of his unfailing love. You see our God, he lost a child too once. He had to watch as his only son hung dying on a cross for a people so undeserving, he sacrificed his son to cover our scars and allow us to be ministers to one another. God himself had to turn away as his son breathed his last breath and bore our sins that day. In that moment, a separation like this world had never known occurred and a great ministry was born out of the scars from that day. It was Jesus' scars that convinced the disciples that it was he standing before them.
Scars are our stories, reminders of who we were, where we've been and how we not only survived but how God turned them into something beautiful. The stories are to be told, the scars shared and a ministry birthed. What scars do you boldly show others in your ministry? What scar is God asking you to share and expose so that others can find healing? When are you going to allow your scars to turn to ministry?
Please listen to the words of this song by Jason Gray: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AapTMsc8A2Q&NR=1
Blessings,
Heather
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Baggage; Psalm 139:13-14
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
In my last blog I wrote on being called. In the weeks that have passed since writing that blog it's been quite apparent that God is continuing to remind me that we are all given gifts and talents to serve a purpose and to fulfill his plan. Working within our giftings from our father serves the needs of those around us and for ourselves. Until I began writing this blog I had no idea why God called me to write until he revealed to me, I have a gift of encouragement. That's what this blog has always been about, encouragement of others in their faith journey as well as often times an encouragement to me to keep going and trust in the Lord in all things.
Too often I've allowed the baggage of life to rob me of serving in the capacity I've been called. I can find a million excuses as to why I can't do something and sometimes find it hard to find one single reason to do it. The only reason I need to do it is because Abba Father asked me to. It's not out of total disobedience that I resist the call, but many times a feeling of inadequacy... that I simply can not do what he's asked. Sometimes it's because I feel I'm not smart enough, sometimes a feeling of I'm not good enough and sometimes a feeling of no one could possibly want or need what I have to offer. Do you ever feel that way? That God picked the wrong person? How could he possibly choose me for this task or bless me with this gift that could serve him in such a way?
There's where that word baggage comes into play. We drag this big old bag of "stuff" with us wherever we go of things from our yesterdays. Perhaps it was a parent that said, you can't do that. Maybe it was a teacher that said, you just aren't very bright. Maybe it was a classmate, a peer, or a "friend" who reminds you, "remember how awful you use to be, how awful you were just a few moments ago?" We keep lugging that baggage around allowing it to stop us from being the called women and men of God that we are. The enemy loves our baggage. He uses it against us every moment he can, it's his greatest tool to use against us because it's something we seem to want to hold on to tighter than we do our relationship with Christ. You may be shaking your head right now and saying, "no I don't". If that's the case, then what's stopping you from being all God has called you to be? What is stopping you from serving with your whole heart? What is preventing you from giving your all to Christ? Let it go... we all must let it go to walk in the way God has called us to walk. I am so guilty of picking up my baggage and throwing it into the mix of the day. The Holy Spirit will reveal in my spirit that I'm doing it and remind me, "Heather do you know who you are and even greater do you know who you belong to? Your Father is the King of Kings!" There is nothing that we can't do through Christ, nothing. If he has called you, then he will equip you. It's time to toss the baggage of the past into that great sea of forgetfulness and take your place in the body of Christ.
What baggage are you holding onto that is stopping you from fulfilling your role and using the gifts and talents that God has given you? What baggage do you need to let go of once and for all so that you can be a great lamp standing on a hill? You've been called, you are fearfully and wonderfully made... when will you choose to hold onto the promises of God tighter than the baggage of the yesterdays? Is today the day?
Blessings,
Heather
In my last blog I wrote on being called. In the weeks that have passed since writing that blog it's been quite apparent that God is continuing to remind me that we are all given gifts and talents to serve a purpose and to fulfill his plan. Working within our giftings from our father serves the needs of those around us and for ourselves. Until I began writing this blog I had no idea why God called me to write until he revealed to me, I have a gift of encouragement. That's what this blog has always been about, encouragement of others in their faith journey as well as often times an encouragement to me to keep going and trust in the Lord in all things.
Too often I've allowed the baggage of life to rob me of serving in the capacity I've been called. I can find a million excuses as to why I can't do something and sometimes find it hard to find one single reason to do it. The only reason I need to do it is because Abba Father asked me to. It's not out of total disobedience that I resist the call, but many times a feeling of inadequacy... that I simply can not do what he's asked. Sometimes it's because I feel I'm not smart enough, sometimes a feeling of I'm not good enough and sometimes a feeling of no one could possibly want or need what I have to offer. Do you ever feel that way? That God picked the wrong person? How could he possibly choose me for this task or bless me with this gift that could serve him in such a way?
There's where that word baggage comes into play. We drag this big old bag of "stuff" with us wherever we go of things from our yesterdays. Perhaps it was a parent that said, you can't do that. Maybe it was a teacher that said, you just aren't very bright. Maybe it was a classmate, a peer, or a "friend" who reminds you, "remember how awful you use to be, how awful you were just a few moments ago?" We keep lugging that baggage around allowing it to stop us from being the called women and men of God that we are. The enemy loves our baggage. He uses it against us every moment he can, it's his greatest tool to use against us because it's something we seem to want to hold on to tighter than we do our relationship with Christ. You may be shaking your head right now and saying, "no I don't". If that's the case, then what's stopping you from being all God has called you to be? What is stopping you from serving with your whole heart? What is preventing you from giving your all to Christ? Let it go... we all must let it go to walk in the way God has called us to walk. I am so guilty of picking up my baggage and throwing it into the mix of the day. The Holy Spirit will reveal in my spirit that I'm doing it and remind me, "Heather do you know who you are and even greater do you know who you belong to? Your Father is the King of Kings!" There is nothing that we can't do through Christ, nothing. If he has called you, then he will equip you. It's time to toss the baggage of the past into that great sea of forgetfulness and take your place in the body of Christ.
What baggage are you holding onto that is stopping you from fulfilling your role and using the gifts and talents that God has given you? What baggage do you need to let go of once and for all so that you can be a great lamp standing on a hill? You've been called, you are fearfully and wonderfully made... when will you choose to hold onto the promises of God tighter than the baggage of the yesterdays? Is today the day?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Called; Ephesians 4:11-13 & Jeremiah 33:3
Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Jeremiah 33:3 " Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
My husband is currently working on a talk of Christian Action and as I've listen to him begin to write the words God is laying on his heart I've pondered the very topic myself, what does it mean to be in Christian action? Along my journey I've been able to serve in a variety of ways, most of which I've enjoyed and have been able to be blessed and watch others be blessed because of the obedience from not only myself but by the obedience of themselves as well. I've also felt the struggle in times when I'm simply fulfilling a need and not the direction of the Father. It has been one of my greatest struggles to know when to serve and when to be patient and allow God to appoint and anoint the right person for the job and the right person is not always me. Ouch!
The last several months I have had quite a restlessness and if you read my last blog I attributed that to a quieting of the Holy Spirit within me. Along with this quiet comes a time of listening and waiting on the Lord to direct my steps to the next phase of my walk with Christ. Chris and I spent some time recently in a public area just sitting and watching people as they passed by and listening to the music being played by a local band. I found myself wondering about the lives that crossed my path that day. Chris and I began talking about how if you quiet yourself and really listen to the "beat of the drum" you can hear the music of life being played out for you. If you begin to quiet yourself, you will hear the call that God has placed on your life for a particular moment and time. Sometimes the music at first doesn't appear all that beautiful but as you begin to truly listen with the desire within you crying out to the great songwriter you begin to hear an incredible melody.
God has called and equipped each of us in different and wonderful ways. Some are called to lead and some are called to serve along side of leaders. Each one of you reading this has a gift that God has given you to be a part of the body that only you can be for the unification of the body of Christ working together in a world that is in need of a Savior. I can't say that I'm always willing to do whatever God leads me to do at first, too often I fight him and resist the new task because it means I have to grow and that sometimes means moving out of my comfort zone surrounded by my wonderful support system and entering into a brand new one.
In the first passages from Ephesians that I draw from in sharing this with you, it's clear that God has called us all for a purpose, for a specific mission in life. We aren't all called to be teachers or preachers, some are called in different form of ministry but all are equally important in being part of one body of believers. We are directed in Jeremiah to call to our father and he will answer us.
What is God calling you to do today? Can you hear him? Are you listening? Are you patiently waiting for a response? Are you ready to completely surrender and allow the work that he has begun in you to take hold and allow you to be the servant he's called you to be? Perhaps you have been called to help others hear the melody for their own life as the music is played so that they can join in chorus with the rest of the body to give praise to the Father.
Blessings,
Heather
Jeremiah 33:3 " Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
My husband is currently working on a talk of Christian Action and as I've listen to him begin to write the words God is laying on his heart I've pondered the very topic myself, what does it mean to be in Christian action? Along my journey I've been able to serve in a variety of ways, most of which I've enjoyed and have been able to be blessed and watch others be blessed because of the obedience from not only myself but by the obedience of themselves as well. I've also felt the struggle in times when I'm simply fulfilling a need and not the direction of the Father. It has been one of my greatest struggles to know when to serve and when to be patient and allow God to appoint and anoint the right person for the job and the right person is not always me. Ouch!
The last several months I have had quite a restlessness and if you read my last blog I attributed that to a quieting of the Holy Spirit within me. Along with this quiet comes a time of listening and waiting on the Lord to direct my steps to the next phase of my walk with Christ. Chris and I spent some time recently in a public area just sitting and watching people as they passed by and listening to the music being played by a local band. I found myself wondering about the lives that crossed my path that day. Chris and I began talking about how if you quiet yourself and really listen to the "beat of the drum" you can hear the music of life being played out for you. If you begin to quiet yourself, you will hear the call that God has placed on your life for a particular moment and time. Sometimes the music at first doesn't appear all that beautiful but as you begin to truly listen with the desire within you crying out to the great songwriter you begin to hear an incredible melody.
God has called and equipped each of us in different and wonderful ways. Some are called to lead and some are called to serve along side of leaders. Each one of you reading this has a gift that God has given you to be a part of the body that only you can be for the unification of the body of Christ working together in a world that is in need of a Savior. I can't say that I'm always willing to do whatever God leads me to do at first, too often I fight him and resist the new task because it means I have to grow and that sometimes means moving out of my comfort zone surrounded by my wonderful support system and entering into a brand new one.
In the first passages from Ephesians that I draw from in sharing this with you, it's clear that God has called us all for a purpose, for a specific mission in life. We aren't all called to be teachers or preachers, some are called in different form of ministry but all are equally important in being part of one body of believers. We are directed in Jeremiah to call to our father and he will answer us.
What is God calling you to do today? Can you hear him? Are you listening? Are you patiently waiting for a response? Are you ready to completely surrender and allow the work that he has begun in you to take hold and allow you to be the servant he's called you to be? Perhaps you have been called to help others hear the melody for their own life as the music is played so that they can join in chorus with the rest of the body to give praise to the Father.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Quietness; Psalm 131:2
"I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."
You've seen me post before of the times of blooming, harvest and pruning. Perhaps you've even heard me talk of the dry seasons, the dormant season of winter or as I'm understanding more clearly...the season of quietness. It's probably my toughest of the spiritual seasons. I love the bright blooming season with all it's beauty and new life. I love the harvesting season, reaping the fruits of service in Christ. I can even handle pruning from time to time knowing that my correction on my direction needs to occur and although painful there is somehow a sense of renewal still in the pruning. But the dormant season, the season of quietness within my soul...that one is hard for someone who just wants to keep moving forward in service.
I relate all of this to my physical love of gardens and I have to admit that the dormant season allows for the fresh blooms to be bigger, brighter and more colorful than the season before. I can't imagine what a plant would think, if a plant could think, blanketed in the soft white snow all around knowing that it was frozen in place and prevented from growing or even being seen for a season. Instead it was being "quieted" and fed instead of producing for a season.
The last couple of months I know I definitely have been in a dormant season of my life. Not due to my prayer life changing or in reading his word but a purposeful quietness that the father has chosen for me. It's been hard and I've been wrestling with him almost demanding that he share with me what my next steps are to be. Not too long ago I had an anointed woman of God share with me that she saw me wrestling with something and that she'd be praying that God would give me answer and direction. I thought to myself, ok, he's going to show me now for certain where he has me going and what he wants me to do but instead he continues to teach me that he is God and that my control issues are not. I left Bible study that night and began praying that God just reveal to me what I needed to know to have the restlessness within my soul quieted. He gave me a picture of a grand man without a face and a little girl standing before him with her feet on top of his dancing a beautiful dance. The little girl at first was so uncomfortable but as the music continued and she began to listen to the gentle music she looked up to see the man and looking back at her was her father, eyes brilliant, smile wide and with the softest voice he said, "daughter, let me lead this dance. You need to do nothing but hold my hand, look into my eyes and know that I have you." At that moment, I began smiling in my car. I knew that was my heavenly daddy telling me, Heather... let go and fully trust me.
Brokenness can sometimes be my companion and some scars run pretty deep. I find that sometimes I allow that brokenness to rule and take over in my life and my trust and faith grows weak. But as I begin to pray for God to release me from the pains of the past to allow me to heal, he reminds me that there are blessings in my brokenness as well. Recently I've begun working on a song for church that a special little girl in the congregation loves and I plan to sing it very soon. The song talks directly to my heart, especially lately as sometimes I find I get angry that I don't feel God near or speaking to my soul. He is quieting my soul, preparing the grounds for a fertile growing season again in his time.
Please quiet your mind and your soul for a few moments as you too listen to the song I am learning not just in the sense that most understand but I'm learning to truly listen to it in the quiet deep places of my heart and soul. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGniRk_GcLs
Where are you today? Are you blooming, harvesting? Perhaps you are being pruned or maybe you are like me and are being asked to be dormant and quiet for a season to begin the next leg of the journey? Wherever you are, God has a plan and we simply need to trust that even in the quiet... he is ever near.
Blessings,
Heather
You've seen me post before of the times of blooming, harvest and pruning. Perhaps you've even heard me talk of the dry seasons, the dormant season of winter or as I'm understanding more clearly...the season of quietness. It's probably my toughest of the spiritual seasons. I love the bright blooming season with all it's beauty and new life. I love the harvesting season, reaping the fruits of service in Christ. I can even handle pruning from time to time knowing that my correction on my direction needs to occur and although painful there is somehow a sense of renewal still in the pruning. But the dormant season, the season of quietness within my soul...that one is hard for someone who just wants to keep moving forward in service.
I relate all of this to my physical love of gardens and I have to admit that the dormant season allows for the fresh blooms to be bigger, brighter and more colorful than the season before. I can't imagine what a plant would think, if a plant could think, blanketed in the soft white snow all around knowing that it was frozen in place and prevented from growing or even being seen for a season. Instead it was being "quieted" and fed instead of producing for a season.
The last couple of months I know I definitely have been in a dormant season of my life. Not due to my prayer life changing or in reading his word but a purposeful quietness that the father has chosen for me. It's been hard and I've been wrestling with him almost demanding that he share with me what my next steps are to be. Not too long ago I had an anointed woman of God share with me that she saw me wrestling with something and that she'd be praying that God would give me answer and direction. I thought to myself, ok, he's going to show me now for certain where he has me going and what he wants me to do but instead he continues to teach me that he is God and that my control issues are not. I left Bible study that night and began praying that God just reveal to me what I needed to know to have the restlessness within my soul quieted. He gave me a picture of a grand man without a face and a little girl standing before him with her feet on top of his dancing a beautiful dance. The little girl at first was so uncomfortable but as the music continued and she began to listen to the gentle music she looked up to see the man and looking back at her was her father, eyes brilliant, smile wide and with the softest voice he said, "daughter, let me lead this dance. You need to do nothing but hold my hand, look into my eyes and know that I have you." At that moment, I began smiling in my car. I knew that was my heavenly daddy telling me, Heather... let go and fully trust me.
Brokenness can sometimes be my companion and some scars run pretty deep. I find that sometimes I allow that brokenness to rule and take over in my life and my trust and faith grows weak. But as I begin to pray for God to release me from the pains of the past to allow me to heal, he reminds me that there are blessings in my brokenness as well. Recently I've begun working on a song for church that a special little girl in the congregation loves and I plan to sing it very soon. The song talks directly to my heart, especially lately as sometimes I find I get angry that I don't feel God near or speaking to my soul. He is quieting my soul, preparing the grounds for a fertile growing season again in his time.
Please quiet your mind and your soul for a few moments as you too listen to the song I am learning not just in the sense that most understand but I'm learning to truly listen to it in the quiet deep places of my heart and soul. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGniRk_GcLs
Where are you today? Are you blooming, harvesting? Perhaps you are being pruned or maybe you are like me and are being asked to be dormant and quiet for a season to begin the next leg of the journey? Wherever you are, God has a plan and we simply need to trust that even in the quiet... he is ever near.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Strength; Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
So hopefully none of you fell into the trap of selling all your worldly possessions and quitting your jobs last week in lieu of the rapture taking place this past Saturday. Did you know the scripture tells us that we will not know the day or the hour upon which Christ will return? It's actually stated several times, but Matthew 25:13 is pretty simple and straight forward to those who claim to know differently... “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Can't be anymore clearer than that can it? I have troubles sometimes understanding what the word is telling me but this I know for certain, I simply am to be on watch and ready for his return.
The past few weeks have been pretty hard on many hit by the storms that have been raging in our country. Tornadoes seem to be everywhere and causing such devastation. Many believe this is because its the end of the world, who knows it could be but I really can't know and neither can you. That's why I find the scripture in today's post so relevant even more so than I do the scriptures of his coming. God reminds us that HE is our refuge and strength.... EVER-PRESENT help in trouble. I sit here and I think about that promise and realize that no storm that comes my way, that comes your way, is bigger than that promise. We serve a faithful God and he never breaks a promise.
Some of you may have been impacted by the storms that have destroyed homes, families, lives, towns and created history. Some of you may have faced storms in a different way the past few weeks, maybe your storms have been with someone or in some situation that you feel is just spinning out of control and wrecking your life. But no matter the type of storm, God is still EVER-PRESENT in our time of trouble and he gives us strength to face whatever giant is trying to tear us down.
I'm sure many of you have read the story of David and Goliath over and over again as children and as adults, but I read it again this weekend. David created so many storms in people's lives but yet God remained faithful to him and God remained his strength. Can you imagine standing before Goliath, a mighty assassin with just a smooth stone and slingshot and knowing, having no fear, no doubt nor reservation because you knew your God was bigger and mightier than the one that stood before you? The story became more real to me than it ever has, David had faith that brought down that giant...it wasn't just the stone or the slingshot... it was his faith and God reaching down to quiet the storm standing in front of him. Our strength comes from the Lord, our help comes from the Lord and our hope comes from the Lord.
Some days when we are in the midst of these life storms its hard to find the strength that we know is within us because of the one who placed it there...but hold fast dear friends, he is faithful to his word and to us. He is our rock and fortress, the strength of all that we are. Don't allow the storms to break you down, sure they may take away things you love or maybe they will blow hard and knock you down or off track but get back up standing firmly in His strength and not that of your own. Dig deep into his word and not that of false prophets who claim to know what scripture says is impossible to know. Remember your faith is strength, it comes from the father the EVER-PRESENT help in time of troubles.
What storms are you facing today? Are you standing before the giants with knees shaking or are you standing boldly knowing your strength is greater, far greater, than anything that could possibly come against you? Please stand in faith with me praying for those that have been hit by the storms recently, pray for strength of mind, body and soul as they attempt to pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild.
Blessings,
Heather
So hopefully none of you fell into the trap of selling all your worldly possessions and quitting your jobs last week in lieu of the rapture taking place this past Saturday. Did you know the scripture tells us that we will not know the day or the hour upon which Christ will return? It's actually stated several times, but Matthew 25:13 is pretty simple and straight forward to those who claim to know differently... “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Can't be anymore clearer than that can it? I have troubles sometimes understanding what the word is telling me but this I know for certain, I simply am to be on watch and ready for his return.
The past few weeks have been pretty hard on many hit by the storms that have been raging in our country. Tornadoes seem to be everywhere and causing such devastation. Many believe this is because its the end of the world, who knows it could be but I really can't know and neither can you. That's why I find the scripture in today's post so relevant even more so than I do the scriptures of his coming. God reminds us that HE is our refuge and strength.... EVER-PRESENT help in trouble. I sit here and I think about that promise and realize that no storm that comes my way, that comes your way, is bigger than that promise. We serve a faithful God and he never breaks a promise.
Some of you may have been impacted by the storms that have destroyed homes, families, lives, towns and created history. Some of you may have faced storms in a different way the past few weeks, maybe your storms have been with someone or in some situation that you feel is just spinning out of control and wrecking your life. But no matter the type of storm, God is still EVER-PRESENT in our time of trouble and he gives us strength to face whatever giant is trying to tear us down.
I'm sure many of you have read the story of David and Goliath over and over again as children and as adults, but I read it again this weekend. David created so many storms in people's lives but yet God remained faithful to him and God remained his strength. Can you imagine standing before Goliath, a mighty assassin with just a smooth stone and slingshot and knowing, having no fear, no doubt nor reservation because you knew your God was bigger and mightier than the one that stood before you? The story became more real to me than it ever has, David had faith that brought down that giant...it wasn't just the stone or the slingshot... it was his faith and God reaching down to quiet the storm standing in front of him. Our strength comes from the Lord, our help comes from the Lord and our hope comes from the Lord.
Some days when we are in the midst of these life storms its hard to find the strength that we know is within us because of the one who placed it there...but hold fast dear friends, he is faithful to his word and to us. He is our rock and fortress, the strength of all that we are. Don't allow the storms to break you down, sure they may take away things you love or maybe they will blow hard and knock you down or off track but get back up standing firmly in His strength and not that of your own. Dig deep into his word and not that of false prophets who claim to know what scripture says is impossible to know. Remember your faith is strength, it comes from the father the EVER-PRESENT help in time of troubles.
What storms are you facing today? Are you standing before the giants with knees shaking or are you standing boldly knowing your strength is greater, far greater, than anything that could possibly come against you? Please stand in faith with me praying for those that have been hit by the storms recently, pray for strength of mind, body and soul as they attempt to pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild.
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, May 9, 2011
Growth; 2 Peter 1:5-6
"Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness."
Today I played hooky from work so that I could be in my flower beds prepping them for another season of beauty. Last year the drought in the area took its toll on them and by the end of the growing season they looked like they had come through a drought. Have any of you ever felt like you've come through a drought spiritually? Your very soul feels parched and void of the holy living waters that dwell deep within your soul. It's a difficult time isn't it, to feel parched and thirsty for the holy spirit to rain down on you? You look in your spiritual mirrors and long to see the beautiful rose of sharon standing before you, but instead you see something that looks more like a thistle or a weed ready to be plucked out of the garden and discarded.
The good news is there is spring rain. We've all been complaining about the over abundance of rain that we've been receiving here at home but honestly without the rain we would not have the gorgeous green grass on our lawns with the dead spots caused by the drought from last year revitalized. Almost all those spots have somehow been restored. That's how it is with our spiritual dryness too. We take our little faith seed that we know is within us and we begin to fertilize it with goodness by reading the word and gaining the knowledge we need to grow, to learn self-control, perseverance and godliness...holiness.
In everything there are seasons of life. The plants and trees in our gardens, yards and parks that surround us experience a dormant time, a dying/pruning season and what we enjoy the most...the new life that burst forth. I don't know about you, but my favorite time of year is watching the buds form on the trees, seeing the flowers begin to bloom, watching the little bees go from flower to flower spreading the pollen helping life to continue. It's a beautiful thing to see nature at work, to know that we have a creator who orchestrated the whole thing. It's an even greater thing to see growth in one another, to watch a brother or a sister come through their drought and to begin to bloom again. Or maybe it's us, maybe we were the ones that God quieted for a moment, for a season to bring us to full bloom again in our spirit.
I can't say that I enjoy the pruning or the weeding in my gardens nor can I say that I enjoy the pruning or the weeding in the gardens of my soul but it is necessary. This weekend was a weekend of great growth for me personally. I was able to take that small seed of faith along with a lot of watering cans called prayer warriors to grow this past Sunday. I was able to see small buds appear on a branch of my tree that has long been dormant. I think I'll continue to water it and see what God wants to do from there.
What season are you in today? Are you growing in the fruit of the spirit or are you in a drought that is in desperate need of some healing rains? Call on your watering cans, they are waiting to pray with you...to be the stakes in life to support you until you are strong enough to stand mightily on your own basking in the sOnshine.
Blessings,
Heather
Today I played hooky from work so that I could be in my flower beds prepping them for another season of beauty. Last year the drought in the area took its toll on them and by the end of the growing season they looked like they had come through a drought. Have any of you ever felt like you've come through a drought spiritually? Your very soul feels parched and void of the holy living waters that dwell deep within your soul. It's a difficult time isn't it, to feel parched and thirsty for the holy spirit to rain down on you? You look in your spiritual mirrors and long to see the beautiful rose of sharon standing before you, but instead you see something that looks more like a thistle or a weed ready to be plucked out of the garden and discarded.
The good news is there is spring rain. We've all been complaining about the over abundance of rain that we've been receiving here at home but honestly without the rain we would not have the gorgeous green grass on our lawns with the dead spots caused by the drought from last year revitalized. Almost all those spots have somehow been restored. That's how it is with our spiritual dryness too. We take our little faith seed that we know is within us and we begin to fertilize it with goodness by reading the word and gaining the knowledge we need to grow, to learn self-control, perseverance and godliness...holiness.
In everything there are seasons of life. The plants and trees in our gardens, yards and parks that surround us experience a dormant time, a dying/pruning season and what we enjoy the most...the new life that burst forth. I don't know about you, but my favorite time of year is watching the buds form on the trees, seeing the flowers begin to bloom, watching the little bees go from flower to flower spreading the pollen helping life to continue. It's a beautiful thing to see nature at work, to know that we have a creator who orchestrated the whole thing. It's an even greater thing to see growth in one another, to watch a brother or a sister come through their drought and to begin to bloom again. Or maybe it's us, maybe we were the ones that God quieted for a moment, for a season to bring us to full bloom again in our spirit.
I can't say that I enjoy the pruning or the weeding in my gardens nor can I say that I enjoy the pruning or the weeding in the gardens of my soul but it is necessary. This weekend was a weekend of great growth for me personally. I was able to take that small seed of faith along with a lot of watering cans called prayer warriors to grow this past Sunday. I was able to see small buds appear on a branch of my tree that has long been dormant. I think I'll continue to water it and see what God wants to do from there.
What season are you in today? Are you growing in the fruit of the spirit or are you in a drought that is in desperate need of some healing rains? Call on your watering cans, they are waiting to pray with you...to be the stakes in life to support you until you are strong enough to stand mightily on your own basking in the sOnshine.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Women; 1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit; which is of great worth in God's sight."
As I prepare to leave this weekend for a Women of Faith conference I am excited to be fed on the word by the speakers and encouraged in worship by those leading but I'm also looking forward to spending quality time with quality women of faith. Being a woman means so much more than what so many today make of their feminity. Being a woman can be a wonderful adventure. We have the ability to bring new life into this world. We have the ability to love deeply, connect more intimately, and offer a side of Jesus that men may not understand.
When I was a young girl, this scripture found in 1 Peter was used to ensure that a woman "knew her place". According to many in the church I belonged to, women were second class to their spouses. They were to be silent and opinions not wanted nor valued. Instead of taking the true meaning of this scripture for what was being shared with the women of that time and all women to come, it was taken as a scripture of what the woman was not to do. I'm thankful that as a woman maturing not only in age but in faith that I can see more into this scripture.
My role as a woman, as a daughter, a friend, a sister, a wife, a mother are all uniquely designed for me and my journey. This scripture wasn't to tell me about what not to wear or how I was to look on the outside but it was to tell me that my value, my worth was inside me. The beauty found in me is my spirit, the very being of who I am resting in Christ. My clothing doesn't define me as a woman, my hair doesn't define me as a daughter, my jewlry doesn't define me as a friend. What defines me as a woman is my relationship and submission to my father, my heavenly father. I am who I am because of who HE is. I am a Princess, my father the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Once I realized for myself that the scripture called out to the very heart and nature of a woman, I realized how valued and loved a woman is for the qualities that she and she alone possess. God designed a man and a woman different for this world with purpose and plan behind those designs. Women have the gentle and quiet spirit of the living word dwelling in their hearts by natural gifting. Somewhere along the way, many have gotten away from that thinking that this is a man's world and to survive we must behave and think like men. We were purposed to be helpmates, to compliment our physically stronger counterparts and its more than ok to be a woman. Never confuse being gentle and quiet in spirit with weak and incapable. Learn to listen to God's leading, to listen to the Holy Spirit guiding and directing your spirit. It's a gift you've been given to be a woman...to be a life giver. Never use that power you've been given to take life away from another.
I thank you Lord today for being a woman of faith and for surrounding me with women of unfading beauty.
Blessings,
Heather
As I prepare to leave this weekend for a Women of Faith conference I am excited to be fed on the word by the speakers and encouraged in worship by those leading but I'm also looking forward to spending quality time with quality women of faith. Being a woman means so much more than what so many today make of their feminity. Being a woman can be a wonderful adventure. We have the ability to bring new life into this world. We have the ability to love deeply, connect more intimately, and offer a side of Jesus that men may not understand.
When I was a young girl, this scripture found in 1 Peter was used to ensure that a woman "knew her place". According to many in the church I belonged to, women were second class to their spouses. They were to be silent and opinions not wanted nor valued. Instead of taking the true meaning of this scripture for what was being shared with the women of that time and all women to come, it was taken as a scripture of what the woman was not to do. I'm thankful that as a woman maturing not only in age but in faith that I can see more into this scripture.
My role as a woman, as a daughter, a friend, a sister, a wife, a mother are all uniquely designed for me and my journey. This scripture wasn't to tell me about what not to wear or how I was to look on the outside but it was to tell me that my value, my worth was inside me. The beauty found in me is my spirit, the very being of who I am resting in Christ. My clothing doesn't define me as a woman, my hair doesn't define me as a daughter, my jewlry doesn't define me as a friend. What defines me as a woman is my relationship and submission to my father, my heavenly father. I am who I am because of who HE is. I am a Princess, my father the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Once I realized for myself that the scripture called out to the very heart and nature of a woman, I realized how valued and loved a woman is for the qualities that she and she alone possess. God designed a man and a woman different for this world with purpose and plan behind those designs. Women have the gentle and quiet spirit of the living word dwelling in their hearts by natural gifting. Somewhere along the way, many have gotten away from that thinking that this is a man's world and to survive we must behave and think like men. We were purposed to be helpmates, to compliment our physically stronger counterparts and its more than ok to be a woman. Never confuse being gentle and quiet in spirit with weak and incapable. Learn to listen to God's leading, to listen to the Holy Spirit guiding and directing your spirit. It's a gift you've been given to be a woman...to be a life giver. Never use that power you've been given to take life away from another.
I thank you Lord today for being a woman of faith and for surrounding me with women of unfading beauty.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Blessings, John 1:16
"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."
The past couple of weeks I've really had my ears "tuned up" from God. Have you ever had that happen? Those times when God tweaks your listening skills and asks you, my child do you not understand even now that in your faith comes great blessing and reward? I'm in that place it appears these days. Constant reminders of just how blessed I am even through the storms of life... I AM BLESSED.
I've been reminded by countless scriptures of how God favors his people through his grace and provisions. I'm also reminded contrary to some people's understanding (clearing my throat as I say this) that God does not show favortism. So although I am highly favored, I don't claim to be his favorite but loved greatly just the same.
This year hasn't been the best so far; several loved ones have gone home to be with the Lord. We've had a few health and financial scares but through it all God has remained faithful. Although my flesh wanted to grow weak and weary, my God reminded me that he has been with me from the time I was being woven together in my mother's womb. He knows the hairs on my head and my name is forever written on the palm of his hand. He reminds me just how many ways I am blessed and shown favor. It's really easy to get caught up in the pity parties of one and to focus on the negatives in our lives but it's through these trials that we become stronger and become lights to others who perhaps are not walking in a life of faith. How do we encouarge and help another through a situation if we have never experienced it ourselves? How do we reflect God's love and mercy if we've never seen the lack of love and mercy from this world?
Today I got to see the sunshine and spend time outdoors listening to the birds, seeing the clouds roll in and out of view, hear the wind whistling through the trees and smell the fresh air of life that is bursting forth in our trees and flowers. Today I got to see; there are many that didn't. Today I was able to ride my bike and strengthen my heart and body; there were many that will never experience that pleasure. Today I was able to hear the message given to my pastor from our heavenly father, there are many in this world that would give anything just to have five minutes to hear or read about his love and life eternal. Today I am blessed. Today I recognize that my blessings flow from one to another. Today I understand what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing.
How many blessings can you sit down and write out on a piece of paper that you receive daily? How many blessings can you think of in your mind that you simply take for granted? How many ways can you be a blessing to others so they can see the light of Christ today through you?
Blessings,
Heather
The past couple of weeks I've really had my ears "tuned up" from God. Have you ever had that happen? Those times when God tweaks your listening skills and asks you, my child do you not understand even now that in your faith comes great blessing and reward? I'm in that place it appears these days. Constant reminders of just how blessed I am even through the storms of life... I AM BLESSED.
I've been reminded by countless scriptures of how God favors his people through his grace and provisions. I'm also reminded contrary to some people's understanding (clearing my throat as I say this) that God does not show favortism. So although I am highly favored, I don't claim to be his favorite but loved greatly just the same.
This year hasn't been the best so far; several loved ones have gone home to be with the Lord. We've had a few health and financial scares but through it all God has remained faithful. Although my flesh wanted to grow weak and weary, my God reminded me that he has been with me from the time I was being woven together in my mother's womb. He knows the hairs on my head and my name is forever written on the palm of his hand. He reminds me just how many ways I am blessed and shown favor. It's really easy to get caught up in the pity parties of one and to focus on the negatives in our lives but it's through these trials that we become stronger and become lights to others who perhaps are not walking in a life of faith. How do we encouarge and help another through a situation if we have never experienced it ourselves? How do we reflect God's love and mercy if we've never seen the lack of love and mercy from this world?
Today I got to see the sunshine and spend time outdoors listening to the birds, seeing the clouds roll in and out of view, hear the wind whistling through the trees and smell the fresh air of life that is bursting forth in our trees and flowers. Today I got to see; there are many that didn't. Today I was able to ride my bike and strengthen my heart and body; there were many that will never experience that pleasure. Today I was able to hear the message given to my pastor from our heavenly father, there are many in this world that would give anything just to have five minutes to hear or read about his love and life eternal. Today I am blessed. Today I recognize that my blessings flow from one to another. Today I understand what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing.
How many blessings can you sit down and write out on a piece of paper that you receive daily? How many blessings can you think of in your mind that you simply take for granted? How many ways can you be a blessing to others so they can see the light of Christ today through you?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Til we meet again; Job 2:10
He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
This past week I had to let go of a very dear friend, one I've had for nearly 18 years. She and I had experienced many joyous moments and also some not so joyous ones. Some days we were really close and talked almost every day and then there were times when we didn't speak for long periods of time not because of ill feelings but because life took us down different paths. This last year had been a year of plenty for us in that we were able to spend more time together and talk often. We still shared the good and the hard times together, prayed together and for one another and sometimes had to give each other a "come to Jesus" talking. You know what those talks are like. That's what a true friend does, they don't always tell you the good things, sometimes they have to tell you the really rotten things about yourself.
When I received the call almost two weeks ago that my friend was gone, my first thought was God how could this happen. My heart was broken, sadness filled me and I simply sobbed in knowing I'd never hear her voice telling me good news or telling me the bad. How odd it was that when I heard of her passing she was one of the first I wanted to call to tell the bad news too...but of course I couldn't. I knew that she would cry with me and when I saw her next she would give me one of the biggest hugs and hold me til she felt I was ok to let go of. She was one of those people that just knew what to say and how to help a friend get through the bad. I guess she knew it was time to let go.
I've been very blessed in my life to have had her and many more friends that rejoice with me in the good and cry with me in the bad. But even beyond my wonderful group of friends, I have an even greater friend in Jesus. You see when I couldn't call my friend to share the horrible news, I still could call on Jesus. I trust Him with the good and the bad in my life. I've written before that life isn't about being fair but can be filled with tragedy and loss. The wonderful news is its also filled with happy times and new birth.
It's taken me some time to understand when people would say to rejoice at a death and mourn a birth, we as humans do pretty much the opposite don't we? We are so happy when someone gives life to a new precious baby and grieve tremendously when we lose the one that we love. But are we really losing them or just saying, "til we meet again"? I think it only natural to want to keep all those we love close in heart and in physical proximity, but how crowded would this world be and how empty would our eternal home be? I don't know about you, but I long for that eternal home where I will see my dear friend again along with my Jesus, my son, my mom and all my precious loved ones.
It's easy to accept the good and refuse the bad. It's easy to be thankful for the good and be angry about the trouble. It's easy to say Praise God in the quietness of life or in the joy-filled moments, but it's really hard sometimes to say Praise God when the storm is all around us...but Praise Him anyway. He is so worthy to be praised. He does give and take away and there is pain in the offering but no matter the size of the storm, we have much to rejoice in.
Til we meet again, Chelle... save a seat up close for me, k?
Blessings,
Heather
This past week I had to let go of a very dear friend, one I've had for nearly 18 years. She and I had experienced many joyous moments and also some not so joyous ones. Some days we were really close and talked almost every day and then there were times when we didn't speak for long periods of time not because of ill feelings but because life took us down different paths. This last year had been a year of plenty for us in that we were able to spend more time together and talk often. We still shared the good and the hard times together, prayed together and for one another and sometimes had to give each other a "come to Jesus" talking. You know what those talks are like. That's what a true friend does, they don't always tell you the good things, sometimes they have to tell you the really rotten things about yourself.
When I received the call almost two weeks ago that my friend was gone, my first thought was God how could this happen. My heart was broken, sadness filled me and I simply sobbed in knowing I'd never hear her voice telling me good news or telling me the bad. How odd it was that when I heard of her passing she was one of the first I wanted to call to tell the bad news too...but of course I couldn't. I knew that she would cry with me and when I saw her next she would give me one of the biggest hugs and hold me til she felt I was ok to let go of. She was one of those people that just knew what to say and how to help a friend get through the bad. I guess she knew it was time to let go.
I've been very blessed in my life to have had her and many more friends that rejoice with me in the good and cry with me in the bad. But even beyond my wonderful group of friends, I have an even greater friend in Jesus. You see when I couldn't call my friend to share the horrible news, I still could call on Jesus. I trust Him with the good and the bad in my life. I've written before that life isn't about being fair but can be filled with tragedy and loss. The wonderful news is its also filled with happy times and new birth.
It's taken me some time to understand when people would say to rejoice at a death and mourn a birth, we as humans do pretty much the opposite don't we? We are so happy when someone gives life to a new precious baby and grieve tremendously when we lose the one that we love. But are we really losing them or just saying, "til we meet again"? I think it only natural to want to keep all those we love close in heart and in physical proximity, but how crowded would this world be and how empty would our eternal home be? I don't know about you, but I long for that eternal home where I will see my dear friend again along with my Jesus, my son, my mom and all my precious loved ones.
It's easy to accept the good and refuse the bad. It's easy to be thankful for the good and be angry about the trouble. It's easy to say Praise God in the quietness of life or in the joy-filled moments, but it's really hard sometimes to say Praise God when the storm is all around us...but Praise Him anyway. He is so worthy to be praised. He does give and take away and there is pain in the offering but no matter the size of the storm, we have much to rejoice in.
Til we meet again, Chelle... save a seat up close for me, k?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Running, Proverbs 4:25-26
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm."
Some of you may be wondering why would she be talking about running on this blog, am I right? I must say when God began speaking to my heart and used the word running, that's exactly what I wanted to do...run the other way. I often joke with my friends that the only way I will ever run is to have someone chase me because I simply don't run. I would think after time I would realize that I should never say I won't do any one particular thing because often it ends up being the thing I do. No I'm not physically running (just yet) but I've been running most of my life.
The scripture reference I've used starts by saying "Let your eyes look straight ahead...", I don't know how many times that's exactly what I haven't done. I allow my "sight" to go anywhere but straight ahead and I panic. I begin to question, God why are you leading me down this path? This isn't possible, I can't do this or you've got the wrong person this time, sorry God. And what do I do.... I go running down a wrong path and lead myself right into a mess or feeling completely out of breath because I just wasted my energy running from what God has called me to do. More often than not, I end up turning around and taking the word to heart and begin to look straight ahead on the path God laid out before me. when will I ever learn? I'm hoping soon because as I wrote earlier, I don't like to run.
The last part of this scripture states, "...and take only ways that are firm." We have a strong foundation in Christ, all other grounds are but sinking sands. Have you ever tried to physically run on the loose sands of a beach or perhaps you've gone one challenge further and have tried to run or maybe just walk through sand dunes? It makes the journey quite a bit harder, doesn't it? I remember a trip I took many years ago to some dunes in Colorado. It was windy, the dunes were pretty high and the sands were HOT. I thought it would be easier to get through them if I took my shoes off as my shoes kept sinking but as soon as I took my shoes off I realized that the sands were going to burn my feet. It was not a fun time, the dunes were beautiful against the clear brilliant blue sky but I felt stuck as I had journeyed just far enough that it was going to be a difficult path to take in any direction. How many of us have done just that, started down that path running, jogging, walking towards the destination God has called us to only to find that we get bogged down in the middle of it, sinking in our lack of faith and trust that He will see us through. The journey isn't always the easiest but if we stay on Christ's firm foundation we will finish the race to hear well done good and faithful servant. I know that's my goal at the end of this life, to hear my Savior tell me those words.
I can imagine my Jesus opening his arms, the sun shining brightly around him as he begins to run towards me and I towards him in that last few moments of the race and feeling His embrace and Him telling me you ran a good race child, welcome home.
What are you doing today? Are you running a good race or are you running away trying to avoid some of the tougher roads? Are you keeping your gaze fixed directly in front of you, keeping the path level and staying on firm ground or are you getting lost in all the sparkle and glitter of the world around you that wants to draw you into the sinking sands of the dunes?
"Turn your eyes toward Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
Blessings,
Heather
Some of you may be wondering why would she be talking about running on this blog, am I right? I must say when God began speaking to my heart and used the word running, that's exactly what I wanted to do...run the other way. I often joke with my friends that the only way I will ever run is to have someone chase me because I simply don't run. I would think after time I would realize that I should never say I won't do any one particular thing because often it ends up being the thing I do. No I'm not physically running (just yet) but I've been running most of my life.
The scripture reference I've used starts by saying "Let your eyes look straight ahead...", I don't know how many times that's exactly what I haven't done. I allow my "sight" to go anywhere but straight ahead and I panic. I begin to question, God why are you leading me down this path? This isn't possible, I can't do this or you've got the wrong person this time, sorry God. And what do I do.... I go running down a wrong path and lead myself right into a mess or feeling completely out of breath because I just wasted my energy running from what God has called me to do. More often than not, I end up turning around and taking the word to heart and begin to look straight ahead on the path God laid out before me. when will I ever learn? I'm hoping soon because as I wrote earlier, I don't like to run.
The last part of this scripture states, "...and take only ways that are firm." We have a strong foundation in Christ, all other grounds are but sinking sands. Have you ever tried to physically run on the loose sands of a beach or perhaps you've gone one challenge further and have tried to run or maybe just walk through sand dunes? It makes the journey quite a bit harder, doesn't it? I remember a trip I took many years ago to some dunes in Colorado. It was windy, the dunes were pretty high and the sands were HOT. I thought it would be easier to get through them if I took my shoes off as my shoes kept sinking but as soon as I took my shoes off I realized that the sands were going to burn my feet. It was not a fun time, the dunes were beautiful against the clear brilliant blue sky but I felt stuck as I had journeyed just far enough that it was going to be a difficult path to take in any direction. How many of us have done just that, started down that path running, jogging, walking towards the destination God has called us to only to find that we get bogged down in the middle of it, sinking in our lack of faith and trust that He will see us through. The journey isn't always the easiest but if we stay on Christ's firm foundation we will finish the race to hear well done good and faithful servant. I know that's my goal at the end of this life, to hear my Savior tell me those words.
I can imagine my Jesus opening his arms, the sun shining brightly around him as he begins to run towards me and I towards him in that last few moments of the race and feeling His embrace and Him telling me you ran a good race child, welcome home.
What are you doing today? Are you running a good race or are you running away trying to avoid some of the tougher roads? Are you keeping your gaze fixed directly in front of you, keeping the path level and staying on firm ground or are you getting lost in all the sparkle and glitter of the world around you that wants to draw you into the sinking sands of the dunes?
"Turn your eyes toward Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Guidance, Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
This weekend I attended a seminar that was titled "A 40 Day Walk in Faith". It was an amazing time in the Lord, he revealed things to me that I need to adjust in my walk in faith in him. I have to confess, though, that it wasn't the first time I'd heard thess things but perhaps the first time I've been willing to listen to what he was speaking to my heart. We were encouraged during the consecration part of the seminar to share with the pastor the thing(s) God was revealing to us that we needed to turn over to him. It wasn't something we had to share and it's not something we've been instructed to share further but in all things I believe we need accountability.
God was speaking to me to let go of my judgement and decision making. Some of you reading this right now may think those as a bit odd as we should have sound judgement and make the right decisions. Maybe that's one of the reasons God laid those on my heart, my judgement and decisions are often what I decide is best and not what he decides is best. I have a tendency to either fall behind in what God is asking me to do or I run ahead thinking that I already know what He's planning. Everything that we do is in God's timing, He will guide us if we just wait and be patient in ALL things.
A dear friend of mine had the word guidance on her license plate (slightly altered to allow it to fit). She shared with me shortly after making the decision to have the vanity plate that it meant, G-U-I-D-A-N-C-E, God... You and I Dance. If you've ever taken dance lessons you know that you have a partner and one of you takes the lead. If you don't follow the lead you often end up looking like a hot mess and stepping all over one another. When we don't allow God to lead our dance, our steps in life, we show our lack of faith that He's got the floor, he's got our life.
God has to often break things down to me in a way that I can visually see. I've read and seen the images of Footprints, I imagine many of you have seen or read it as well. It talks about walking and seeing only one set of footprints and then realizing that you weren't walking alone but that God was carrying you. That was always comforting but God took that a bit further for me. There are times that I have needed my Heavenly Papa to carry me, but moreso I have needed simply to walk into his footprints that he's left to guide me on the straight path. Have you ever walked along the beach and found a set of footprints and placed your foot inside it and walked along for a while? That's how I see those footprints for my life. God has already been to my tomorrow, He's already seen what lies ahead and has planned and arranged my steps. I simply have to tune into him through prayer and his word and begin to set my foot inside the footprints that he has laid out before me, trust in his word that he has a plan and hope for my future. Those steps may not always be easy, the tidal waves of life may come crashing down all around me, but even then, if I simply stand in my Daddy's footprints, He'll hold me up.
Some days we are simply to stand still and allow the waters to wash around our feet, just listening to the sound of the winds blowing across the waters of our soul and some days we need to place one foot in front of the other and follow the path laid before us.
Is God guiding you to stand still or is he telling you its time to begin walking in the steps he's prepared for you?
Blessings,
Heather
This weekend I attended a seminar that was titled "A 40 Day Walk in Faith". It was an amazing time in the Lord, he revealed things to me that I need to adjust in my walk in faith in him. I have to confess, though, that it wasn't the first time I'd heard thess things but perhaps the first time I've been willing to listen to what he was speaking to my heart. We were encouraged during the consecration part of the seminar to share with the pastor the thing(s) God was revealing to us that we needed to turn over to him. It wasn't something we had to share and it's not something we've been instructed to share further but in all things I believe we need accountability.
God was speaking to me to let go of my judgement and decision making. Some of you reading this right now may think those as a bit odd as we should have sound judgement and make the right decisions. Maybe that's one of the reasons God laid those on my heart, my judgement and decisions are often what I decide is best and not what he decides is best. I have a tendency to either fall behind in what God is asking me to do or I run ahead thinking that I already know what He's planning. Everything that we do is in God's timing, He will guide us if we just wait and be patient in ALL things.
A dear friend of mine had the word guidance on her license plate (slightly altered to allow it to fit). She shared with me shortly after making the decision to have the vanity plate that it meant, G-U-I-D-A-N-C-E, God... You and I Dance. If you've ever taken dance lessons you know that you have a partner and one of you takes the lead. If you don't follow the lead you often end up looking like a hot mess and stepping all over one another. When we don't allow God to lead our dance, our steps in life, we show our lack of faith that He's got the floor, he's got our life.
God has to often break things down to me in a way that I can visually see. I've read and seen the images of Footprints, I imagine many of you have seen or read it as well. It talks about walking and seeing only one set of footprints and then realizing that you weren't walking alone but that God was carrying you. That was always comforting but God took that a bit further for me. There are times that I have needed my Heavenly Papa to carry me, but moreso I have needed simply to walk into his footprints that he's left to guide me on the straight path. Have you ever walked along the beach and found a set of footprints and placed your foot inside it and walked along for a while? That's how I see those footprints for my life. God has already been to my tomorrow, He's already seen what lies ahead and has planned and arranged my steps. I simply have to tune into him through prayer and his word and begin to set my foot inside the footprints that he has laid out before me, trust in his word that he has a plan and hope for my future. Those steps may not always be easy, the tidal waves of life may come crashing down all around me, but even then, if I simply stand in my Daddy's footprints, He'll hold me up.
Some days we are simply to stand still and allow the waters to wash around our feet, just listening to the sound of the winds blowing across the waters of our soul and some days we need to place one foot in front of the other and follow the path laid before us.
Is God guiding you to stand still or is he telling you its time to begin walking in the steps he's prepared for you?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Never Walk Alone
Hebrews 13:5 “...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Matthew 28:20 "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today a word pricked my ear, a single word that can make some people feel all hope is gone, a single word that sometimes will make a person do things or say things that normally they would never do or say. Sometimes a word that never showed much value or merit in your life can all of a sudden be THE word that describes you completely and yet at the same time make you feel so incomplete. The word I'm writing of is, alone. I think for all of us at some point in our life we've felt this word and it's meaning. When I find myself longing to just be "left alone", I realize in that split second how impossible that would be... my God never leaves me, He is with me always. Don't get me wrong, I cherish quiet moments. Those moments of my life where I have just that small bit of time to take in a deep breath and feel no one around. There are many people that feel they don't get enough of these small moments and yet there are still far more that feel that they have too many of these moments of feeling alone. One moment after the other, unable to feel the warmth from another person or the voice of someone acknowledging them for who they are and the purpose they have in this life.
The word tells us that we are never alone. Even in our darkest moments, when we feel that we don't have a soul in this world that cares about our well being or what's going on in our lives we do have someone, THE ONE, walking along side us and speaking life into into us. When we feel the world has left us, that all that remains is dispair and hopelessness...remember that your Heavenly Father has a plan and purpose for your life. Your life is not your own to take for granted, you were designed, you were born with a purpose that only you can fulfill. You do not walk this journey alone, we have a maker that cares enough, that loves enough, whose grace is enough to see us through to the next moment. Reach out to Him, take Him by the hand and hold on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9N7dhmdC60&feature=related
Are you feeling alone? Do you look around you and see someone else sinking in depression and feeling no one cares or that no one is listening? Be that someone. Be someone that God can use in a mighty way to fend off that single word, alone, for someone else. You may just find that you aren't as alone as you thought you were.
Blessings,
Heather
Matthew 28:20 "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today a word pricked my ear, a single word that can make some people feel all hope is gone, a single word that sometimes will make a person do things or say things that normally they would never do or say. Sometimes a word that never showed much value or merit in your life can all of a sudden be THE word that describes you completely and yet at the same time make you feel so incomplete. The word I'm writing of is, alone. I think for all of us at some point in our life we've felt this word and it's meaning. When I find myself longing to just be "left alone", I realize in that split second how impossible that would be... my God never leaves me, He is with me always. Don't get me wrong, I cherish quiet moments. Those moments of my life where I have just that small bit of time to take in a deep breath and feel no one around. There are many people that feel they don't get enough of these small moments and yet there are still far more that feel that they have too many of these moments of feeling alone. One moment after the other, unable to feel the warmth from another person or the voice of someone acknowledging them for who they are and the purpose they have in this life.
The word tells us that we are never alone. Even in our darkest moments, when we feel that we don't have a soul in this world that cares about our well being or what's going on in our lives we do have someone, THE ONE, walking along side us and speaking life into into us. When we feel the world has left us, that all that remains is dispair and hopelessness...remember that your Heavenly Father has a plan and purpose for your life. Your life is not your own to take for granted, you were designed, you were born with a purpose that only you can fulfill. You do not walk this journey alone, we have a maker that cares enough, that loves enough, whose grace is enough to see us through to the next moment. Reach out to Him, take Him by the hand and hold on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9N7dhmdC60&feature=related
Are you feeling alone? Do you look around you and see someone else sinking in depression and feeling no one cares or that no one is listening? Be that someone. Be someone that God can use in a mighty way to fend off that single word, alone, for someone else. You may just find that you aren't as alone as you thought you were.
Blessings,
Heather
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Love, 1 John 4:19
"We love because he first loved us.".
With the recent "holiday" of Valentine's Day, this topic has been on my mind. For some its a day of romance and new possibilities with that special someone and for others it can be a day that reminds them that the special person they long for is still missing. Still for others it may be a time to reflect on what was or what is yet to come. There are even a few of you out there that simply say, HEY its a greeting card holiday and nothing more. I've seen all the posts on Facebook, speaking of love and the lack there of as well as heartache and loneliness. Whatever the feeling for the day, the good news... it's Valentine's Day every day when you walk in the love of Christ.
I recently heard the story of how Valentine's Day all got started but I must say that I strongly disagree. Our purpose for existing was born out of love, the first Valentine's Day. Then skip ahead to a manger in a little town where a baby was born. There the son of God, given as a gift to the world, was born again as love. Love was around before the world was created, before there was a star in the sky... there was love, agape love. A love that has no bounds, no strings and is completely unconditional and cannot be lost. How wonderful is it to know that we are never without love?
When I got married we had my Aunt read from 1 Corinthians 13. This is often referred to as the "love" chapter, it is a beautifully written chapter but the entire Bible is a book dripping with love from the Father. We have our Bibles because of how much He loves us. He didn't have to give us an instructional book, he didn't have to remind us of the history that brought us to the present day but He did. He keeps giving and giving and giving all because He loves us. David Crowder sings a song that I absolutely love, "How He Loves". Please listen to the words in this video, reflect on them and worship in His presence. Our God just wants us to be in love with Him, to be part of the greatest love story ever written. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI
Do you know how greatly you are loved today? Oh How He Loves Us.
Blessings,
Heather
With the recent "holiday" of Valentine's Day, this topic has been on my mind. For some its a day of romance and new possibilities with that special someone and for others it can be a day that reminds them that the special person they long for is still missing. Still for others it may be a time to reflect on what was or what is yet to come. There are even a few of you out there that simply say, HEY its a greeting card holiday and nothing more. I've seen all the posts on Facebook, speaking of love and the lack there of as well as heartache and loneliness. Whatever the feeling for the day, the good news... it's Valentine's Day every day when you walk in the love of Christ.
I recently heard the story of how Valentine's Day all got started but I must say that I strongly disagree. Our purpose for existing was born out of love, the first Valentine's Day. Then skip ahead to a manger in a little town where a baby was born. There the son of God, given as a gift to the world, was born again as love. Love was around before the world was created, before there was a star in the sky... there was love, agape love. A love that has no bounds, no strings and is completely unconditional and cannot be lost. How wonderful is it to know that we are never without love?
When I got married we had my Aunt read from 1 Corinthians 13. This is often referred to as the "love" chapter, it is a beautifully written chapter but the entire Bible is a book dripping with love from the Father. We have our Bibles because of how much He loves us. He didn't have to give us an instructional book, he didn't have to remind us of the history that brought us to the present day but He did. He keeps giving and giving and giving all because He loves us. David Crowder sings a song that I absolutely love, "How He Loves". Please listen to the words in this video, reflect on them and worship in His presence. Our God just wants us to be in love with Him, to be part of the greatest love story ever written. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI
Do you know how greatly you are loved today? Oh How He Loves Us.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Timing, Revelation 3:3
"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."
Some may find this scripture a bit different and some may even find it a bit frightening in the sense that none of us know the appointed time of our life when we will experience our final breath on this earth or the moment that Christ will return to gather His children home for eternity.
There is more to timing than just the life and death moments. We are given 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in each of those hours and 60 seconds in each of those minutes. When I begin to think about all the moments, the minutes, hours given me each day I stop to think about how I am spending those hours. Am I completely absorbed into the things I want to do or am I doing as the Holy Spirit guides and directs me? I've been learning a lot lately that sometimes I need to take some of those moments of time and pause and listen to the voice of my Father as to where I go next, who I share with next or when I simply need to be still and know that it's not my time to do anything at all, it's His time. I find for me personally the pausing and letting God take the lead is often my hardest in my journey. Why? Maybe because I forget who the keeper of all moments is temporarily and that I can do nothing without the strength afforded to me from Him.
My going ahead of the Father or lagging too far behind often causes issues not only for me but for the one that I feel I need to save. How many times have any of us recognized that if I had been just a few moments ahead, I would have been in that accident. Or maybe if I had not chosen to be patient and let another car turn ahead of me that the course of his/her life or my own would have been altered. There are many movies out that love to talk about time travel and spin a very interesting story but all of them point out how the slightest change they make in that time period alters history. As I type this, history is being written. This doesn't mean that any history book will contain the name Heather Christoff, it simply means that each of us has a part to play in the moment and when that moment is gone, its history. We cannot go back and change those moments, but we do have the opportunity to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit to be about His business in the future until the time comes that He calls us home.
When I leave this earth, the one thing that I hope to leave behind is a message of love and a legacy that I was someone who heeded the call of the Lord in my life and knew how to move forward when told, lag behind when necessary and sometimes I simply stood still because it wasn't my moment to take.
So what about you? Are you listening carefully to the Holy Spirit's voice inside of you? Are you going forward boldy, confidently when instructed? Are you sometimes taking a moment to be silent, to be still, when God is reminding you that all things are on His time? Each moment belongs to our Father. Christ knew while on this earth that He had only a certain amount of time to be about His Father's business. He could have chosen to do things His own way in the flesh, but instead He waited and listened to the Holy Spirit that was in Him and look how He changed History.
Blessings,
Heather
Some may find this scripture a bit different and some may even find it a bit frightening in the sense that none of us know the appointed time of our life when we will experience our final breath on this earth or the moment that Christ will return to gather His children home for eternity.
There is more to timing than just the life and death moments. We are given 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in each of those hours and 60 seconds in each of those minutes. When I begin to think about all the moments, the minutes, hours given me each day I stop to think about how I am spending those hours. Am I completely absorbed into the things I want to do or am I doing as the Holy Spirit guides and directs me? I've been learning a lot lately that sometimes I need to take some of those moments of time and pause and listen to the voice of my Father as to where I go next, who I share with next or when I simply need to be still and know that it's not my time to do anything at all, it's His time. I find for me personally the pausing and letting God take the lead is often my hardest in my journey. Why? Maybe because I forget who the keeper of all moments is temporarily and that I can do nothing without the strength afforded to me from Him.
My going ahead of the Father or lagging too far behind often causes issues not only for me but for the one that I feel I need to save. How many times have any of us recognized that if I had been just a few moments ahead, I would have been in that accident. Or maybe if I had not chosen to be patient and let another car turn ahead of me that the course of his/her life or my own would have been altered. There are many movies out that love to talk about time travel and spin a very interesting story but all of them point out how the slightest change they make in that time period alters history. As I type this, history is being written. This doesn't mean that any history book will contain the name Heather Christoff, it simply means that each of us has a part to play in the moment and when that moment is gone, its history. We cannot go back and change those moments, but we do have the opportunity to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit to be about His business in the future until the time comes that He calls us home.
When I leave this earth, the one thing that I hope to leave behind is a message of love and a legacy that I was someone who heeded the call of the Lord in my life and knew how to move forward when told, lag behind when necessary and sometimes I simply stood still because it wasn't my moment to take.
So what about you? Are you listening carefully to the Holy Spirit's voice inside of you? Are you going forward boldy, confidently when instructed? Are you sometimes taking a moment to be silent, to be still, when God is reminding you that all things are on His time? Each moment belongs to our Father. Christ knew while on this earth that He had only a certain amount of time to be about His Father's business. He could have chosen to do things His own way in the flesh, but instead He waited and listened to the Holy Spirit that was in Him and look how He changed History.
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, January 24, 2011
How Do I know?
Breaking away from the standard format of this blog, I'm going to be very real for a few moments with those reading this. Last week I was asked how I knew Jesus loved me. I gave a silly answer, but in reality a very truth-filled answer. My reply was "just look at me", I said with a smile. The group laughed and told me perhaps I needed help with my confidence. Funny thing happened this week, I began to really focus on that question... how do I know that Jesus loves ME?
I could give the "righteous" response and say because the Bible tells me so. It goes deeper than that, well at least it does for me. I've know that Christ has loved me from the time I was about 5 years old. Some may think that I really couldn't have understand the depths of God's love at that point...but I can honestly say today, that even at that early age, I knew without doubt that I was loved by a very big God and that I was safe in His care.
Without even knowing what seed she was planting, my Aunt who I adored (still do), took me to church on a Easter Sunday all dressed up...white gloves and all... for the special Easter program, I think it was primarly for the Easter Egg hunt that was going on that day. :) What she never knew and may still to this day not know, was that I found out about a Savior who died on a cross for me that day and I began praying His protection over my life and over my brothers eventually. I know that He heard each and everyone of those prayers from a little girl who didn't really know who He was, but He knew me.
Ask me how I know Jesus loves me?
When I was around 6 weeks old, the doctors told my very young mother that more than likely I wouldn't make it and if I did I'd never walk nor talk and would be mentally retarded. My brothers swear they got the last one right. I could share stories from my childhood that most would find hard to listen to, but God was listening. I had a "guidance counselor" in High School that called me into his office after hearing of my home life thinking that he'd see a girl walk in his door that was a total mess and instead found a very strong, intelligent, poised young lady who knew Jesus loved her. I could share how angels protected me that year in a car accident that could have turned deadly or later into adulthood how heartache and a close call to going home to be with Jesus occurred with the doctors informing my family that had I waited to seek help another 30 minutes I would have died. I could share all of that and some of you would sit and wonder how through all of that did I know Jesus loved me and my response would be, because He brought me through each moment with a purpose and a plan over my life.
He could have just allowed me home to be with Him as that small baby but He chose to leave me with my Mom and blessed me with an extended family that nurtured me and loved me so immensely. He could have allowed me to fall into the traps of life, blaming all around me for the hard times as a young girl and turning to the things of this world, but instead He placed incredible people in my life to set examples for me and to help me look beyond the pain and see the blessings. He could have allowed me to die 6 weeks before my son passed away, leaving my son to face his final days without his mother to hold him as he took his last breath on his own but God saved me to be there to rock my little man when his request was "Mommy, hold me". See that's how I know Jesus loves me... He could have never died on that cross, He could have allowed me to bare all of the hard times of life on my own and not given me the love of friends and family. He could have said that all my sins weren't worth the effort... but He didn't. He loved me and claimed me as HIS own and has been by my side each step of life through the good and the bad.
Some may be saying, well if He loved you so much why did He let you go through all of it? That's the interesting twist. He knew who I needed to be today to plant the very seed that my Aunt did all those years ago. I needed His heart to have a heart for others in pain and chaos. Today I thank Him for seeing me through and for teaching me His love, showing me His heart, so that I can share that with others.
Ask yourself today, How do I know Jesus loves me? You might find the answer deeper than you'd first respond.
Blessings,
Heather
I could give the "righteous" response and say because the Bible tells me so. It goes deeper than that, well at least it does for me. I've know that Christ has loved me from the time I was about 5 years old. Some may think that I really couldn't have understand the depths of God's love at that point...but I can honestly say today, that even at that early age, I knew without doubt that I was loved by a very big God and that I was safe in His care.
Without even knowing what seed she was planting, my Aunt who I adored (still do), took me to church on a Easter Sunday all dressed up...white gloves and all... for the special Easter program, I think it was primarly for the Easter Egg hunt that was going on that day. :) What she never knew and may still to this day not know, was that I found out about a Savior who died on a cross for me that day and I began praying His protection over my life and over my brothers eventually. I know that He heard each and everyone of those prayers from a little girl who didn't really know who He was, but He knew me.
Ask me how I know Jesus loves me?
When I was around 6 weeks old, the doctors told my very young mother that more than likely I wouldn't make it and if I did I'd never walk nor talk and would be mentally retarded. My brothers swear they got the last one right. I could share stories from my childhood that most would find hard to listen to, but God was listening. I had a "guidance counselor" in High School that called me into his office after hearing of my home life thinking that he'd see a girl walk in his door that was a total mess and instead found a very strong, intelligent, poised young lady who knew Jesus loved her. I could share how angels protected me that year in a car accident that could have turned deadly or later into adulthood how heartache and a close call to going home to be with Jesus occurred with the doctors informing my family that had I waited to seek help another 30 minutes I would have died. I could share all of that and some of you would sit and wonder how through all of that did I know Jesus loved me and my response would be, because He brought me through each moment with a purpose and a plan over my life.
He could have just allowed me home to be with Him as that small baby but He chose to leave me with my Mom and blessed me with an extended family that nurtured me and loved me so immensely. He could have allowed me to fall into the traps of life, blaming all around me for the hard times as a young girl and turning to the things of this world, but instead He placed incredible people in my life to set examples for me and to help me look beyond the pain and see the blessings. He could have allowed me to die 6 weeks before my son passed away, leaving my son to face his final days without his mother to hold him as he took his last breath on his own but God saved me to be there to rock my little man when his request was "Mommy, hold me". See that's how I know Jesus loves me... He could have never died on that cross, He could have allowed me to bare all of the hard times of life on my own and not given me the love of friends and family. He could have said that all my sins weren't worth the effort... but He didn't. He loved me and claimed me as HIS own and has been by my side each step of life through the good and the bad.
Some may be saying, well if He loved you so much why did He let you go through all of it? That's the interesting twist. He knew who I needed to be today to plant the very seed that my Aunt did all those years ago. I needed His heart to have a heart for others in pain and chaos. Today I thank Him for seeing me through and for teaching me His love, showing me His heart, so that I can share that with others.
Ask yourself today, How do I know Jesus loves me? You might find the answer deeper than you'd first respond.
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, January 17, 2011
Trust, Jeremiah 17:7-8
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
I think this is the hardest part of my journey, to trust, and yet it's one of the most important things in my faith walk. I believe that I struggle not because God has ever let me down but because others in life have disappointed or have broken my heart. Sometimes it's me that I find hard to trust. Our Father tells us in His word to place our trust in Him, why do you think that is? Maybe because He already knew that we'd let one another down or that we'd let ourselves down. Somehow we turn those times into excuses for not trusting in the God who brought us into existence, who came in the form of man just to save us and who continues to show us grace and mercies each day even when we deserve the least.
Recently my Pastor in a sermon said "why do we worry when God already has been to our tomorrow". That hit me so hard and really drove home to me that I have absolutely nothing to fear or worry about in this life because my God, the God who loves everything about me (even the broken parts) made me who I am. He has already taken care of my tomorrow and does that for me each and every new day.
We are God's beloved, in Him we can place our trust and be confident in the moments to come because His word has told us so and because He has shown us time and time again. His word has told us that He has a plan, a hope and future for each of us. This world can let us down, our family, our friends... they all can disappoint us but we have Jesus who will never foresake us. In Him can we place our trust. Our currency says in God we trust, if only we could really begin to do that, starting with ourselves, to be a nation that again trusts in the power of the Father.
How many times have you turned something over to God just to take it back and think you can do it on your own? Where is your trust? Maybe it's time to let it go, to fully turn your life over to God and see what He wants for your life. Maybe it's time to be mighty oaks planted by the waters, growing deep roots in faith and trust that the Living Water will never run dry instead of pine trees who easily blow over because their roots are too shallow to sustain the gusty winds.
Blessings,
Heather
I think this is the hardest part of my journey, to trust, and yet it's one of the most important things in my faith walk. I believe that I struggle not because God has ever let me down but because others in life have disappointed or have broken my heart. Sometimes it's me that I find hard to trust. Our Father tells us in His word to place our trust in Him, why do you think that is? Maybe because He already knew that we'd let one another down or that we'd let ourselves down. Somehow we turn those times into excuses for not trusting in the God who brought us into existence, who came in the form of man just to save us and who continues to show us grace and mercies each day even when we deserve the least.
Recently my Pastor in a sermon said "why do we worry when God already has been to our tomorrow". That hit me so hard and really drove home to me that I have absolutely nothing to fear or worry about in this life because my God, the God who loves everything about me (even the broken parts) made me who I am. He has already taken care of my tomorrow and does that for me each and every new day.
We are God's beloved, in Him we can place our trust and be confident in the moments to come because His word has told us so and because He has shown us time and time again. His word has told us that He has a plan, a hope and future for each of us. This world can let us down, our family, our friends... they all can disappoint us but we have Jesus who will never foresake us. In Him can we place our trust. Our currency says in God we trust, if only we could really begin to do that, starting with ourselves, to be a nation that again trusts in the power of the Father.
How many times have you turned something over to God just to take it back and think you can do it on your own? Where is your trust? Maybe it's time to let it go, to fully turn your life over to God and see what He wants for your life. Maybe it's time to be mighty oaks planted by the waters, growing deep roots in faith and trust that the Living Water will never run dry instead of pine trees who easily blow over because their roots are too shallow to sustain the gusty winds.
Blessings,
Heather
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)