"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
So did this passage get your attention? How did it make you feel, at peace or convicted? I think that's point, to open our eyes and remind us that our lives are not our own. All we have, all we do belongs to our God even the joy, the laughter, the mourning and the gloom. It is all his for we are all his.
The past couple of weeks have been an uphill climb for a precious family that I hold near to heart and in deepest prayer. However, three young people's lives were forever impacted by a single moment, a single accident that will forever change them in some way. God has been merciful and he has given them each a new day and reminded their families of the gift they have in each of them. When I went to see the mother of the one young lady, Katy, you could see the pain in her face. I felt the pain in her heart as she stood powerless in a hospital waiting room having to give all control over to the doctors to save her little girl. I remember one of the first things she said to me in that hospital... "this was God's way of getting my attention wasn't it Heather, He's got it." Cosmic two by fours are so difficult and we don't understand them but in all things the scripture tells us that he has a plan and a purpose. It's hard to see that and understand that when we are in the middle of our crisis but if we look close enough, if we listen hard enough we see him and we hear him comforting us and drawing us near to him.
My girlfriend has for the longest time, maybe always, been a believer. Her children were raised in the church, they've learned hard lessons in life but they have incredible faith. During this time of Katy's recovery, that faith has been tested but not once have they given up on the healing power of God or on knowing that he is always with them. Nicole and I were standing in prayer claiming healing over Katy's broken body, there was such a sweet peace in that room because we knew without a doubt that she'd come through and we'd see her open those beautiful eyes and once again smart off to us. Ooohh, how many times in the past has that been an annoyance but when you think it could have been the last time it's really all you want to hear... you want to hear the fight in that amazing girl lying there and fighting is what she is doing, she's coming back from her time of rest in the father's arms and he's giving her back to all those who love her so that we know who he is and what he can do when we draw close to him. He doesn't have to be in the miracle business, he chooses us, he sets us apart and when we are humbled... he lifts us up. While in that room as Nic and I were holding hands finished in prayer and talking with Katy about how she was a light, a superstar... the lights in the room came on. No one was there to turn those lights on but God was there, that light that we all see in our Katy is the very light God placed in her and at that moment he reminded us.
Katy has a great story to tell when she wakes, a wonderful testimony of how God sent angels to watch over her, to find her and to get her in the care of healers. God began healing Katy instantly through the touch of others around her and the prayers of the faithful lifting her up. I pray we never forget that God wants our attention on him, not all the drama that can bring us down. "Come near to God and he will come near to you."
Please continue to lift Katy and her family in prayer. She still has a lot of healing to do, the family needs strength and encouragement. I pray today as I wrap up this blog, that all say a thank you to a very loving God for the blessing of knowing this young lady and being part of her miraculous story. Don't give up, even when life seems to come crashing down and throws you for the count... YOU have a God that doesn't give up and he loves you with an everlasting love. All you have to do, call on him, believe in him and accept him as Lord and Savior of your life. Katy will one day tell you that it's the greatest thing she ever chose to do.
Blessings,
Heather
(Katy... when the day comes that you can read this for yourself, know that you dear one have touched many lives. ~~ Love you, Mama2)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bigger; Revelation 3:20
" Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
hmmm, I bet you are wondering what exactly is this lady going to share with us today with that kind of title aren't you? I know it struck me a bit odd myself when I thought about it but I get it so let me share.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that God is bigger than all my happy times, all my sad times and all my in between times. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my worry, my guilt, my shame, my pain. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my celebrations, my hopes, my dreams and my plans. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that HE is GOD and I am simply blessed that He is who He is and I am who I am.
I've been part of a Bible study on Thursday nights that has begun peeling back some of the not so pretty parts of me, you know those parts that you hope no one will ever know and that you'll always be able to cover up and pretend that they don't exist? You know what happens when you pull off a scab (sorry, I know that is gross)... sometimes it hurts and the area feels tender and sometimes even bleeds a bit until it begins to heal. God has been peeling off the "scabs" of my wounds of long ago and has begun a healing in me like I can't explain. He's not only begun to heal those wounds but he's given me a lot of precious band-aids called sisters who are walking the journey with me in this class. They have "STUCK" through this class with me and we have seen wonderful things happening in each other. (that was a little play on words as the study is called Stuck by Jennie Allen). This class served as a reminder to the one who caused all those wounds to begin with, the enemy of God and man, who God is and just how big he is.
Each week we are given homework and an on-going question is "Who are you Lord?" The first week I had my canned answer, sounded good, sounded just about perfect with all it's polish and by this week I began to really ask that question honestly. Who are you, Lord? He shared with me just today actually that he is the door when I pray for a window. You see that's how big my God is. He doesn't just give me what I pray for, he gives me more. He goes one bigger and better than what I can envision for my own life. I know that I can trust him with my whole being and that people will poke at the wound, maybe re-injure me but my God will be there to supply me with the "band-aids" to mend me and make me whole.
Scripture tells us " Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." I've opened the door, the one God designed specifically for me. In me he didn't create a window to my soul... he went one bigger. My God is bigger.
Are you claiming a window when God gave you a door? Have you bolted the lock so tightly that you've stopped all blessings coming in and going out because of the wounds that surround your heart? Is today the day that you stop and answer the knock and hear his voice so that he can come in and be life within you?
Blessings,
Heather
hmmm, I bet you are wondering what exactly is this lady going to share with us today with that kind of title aren't you? I know it struck me a bit odd myself when I thought about it but I get it so let me share.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that God is bigger than all my happy times, all my sad times and all my in between times. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my worry, my guilt, my shame, my pain. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my celebrations, my hopes, my dreams and my plans. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that HE is GOD and I am simply blessed that He is who He is and I am who I am.
I've been part of a Bible study on Thursday nights that has begun peeling back some of the not so pretty parts of me, you know those parts that you hope no one will ever know and that you'll always be able to cover up and pretend that they don't exist? You know what happens when you pull off a scab (sorry, I know that is gross)... sometimes it hurts and the area feels tender and sometimes even bleeds a bit until it begins to heal. God has been peeling off the "scabs" of my wounds of long ago and has begun a healing in me like I can't explain. He's not only begun to heal those wounds but he's given me a lot of precious band-aids called sisters who are walking the journey with me in this class. They have "STUCK" through this class with me and we have seen wonderful things happening in each other. (that was a little play on words as the study is called Stuck by Jennie Allen). This class served as a reminder to the one who caused all those wounds to begin with, the enemy of God and man, who God is and just how big he is.
Each week we are given homework and an on-going question is "Who are you Lord?" The first week I had my canned answer, sounded good, sounded just about perfect with all it's polish and by this week I began to really ask that question honestly. Who are you, Lord? He shared with me just today actually that he is the door when I pray for a window. You see that's how big my God is. He doesn't just give me what I pray for, he gives me more. He goes one bigger and better than what I can envision for my own life. I know that I can trust him with my whole being and that people will poke at the wound, maybe re-injure me but my God will be there to supply me with the "band-aids" to mend me and make me whole.
Scripture tells us " Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." I've opened the door, the one God designed specifically for me. In me he didn't create a window to my soul... he went one bigger. My God is bigger.
Are you claiming a window when God gave you a door? Have you bolted the lock so tightly that you've stopped all blessings coming in and going out because of the wounds that surround your heart? Is today the day that you stop and answer the knock and hear his voice so that he can come in and be life within you?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Journey; Proverbs 16:9
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
This is the time of year that school ends for many young people, some are beginning their next step of their journey as they exit from what others tell them they have to accomplish to graduate, to actually making decisions that impact their future. It's a scary and exciting time for both the graduate and the family. But it doesn't end there does it? We continue on with our journey making plans and then changing them and making new ones and changing them and on and on.
How many are doing exactly what they planned and in the exact manner that they planned it? I'd say not many... maybe a few of you, but that's not the normal course of action. I remember as a little girl I wanted to be a weather girl because it looked like a cool job, but then I found out that it wasn't just pointing at a weather map with a pretty smile on my face and well my course of action changed. Then I decided I wanted to be a teacher as I loved English and thought yah that's what I want to do and then I changed my mind again. I loathed high school, it wasn't an easy place for a girl who had low self-esteem but never wanted anyone to know that. To escape I decided to go to the local vocational school and for me it was a great choice. It boosted my self-confidence and gave me a profession in IT where I've experienced success and have been overall happy with the career.
After I lost my son I decided the best thing I could do for myself was to go back to school and get a degree in Psychology (Social Psychology to be more exact) and try to heal my broken heart by understanding how the mind works. It was a good choice, but as you are now aware by reading this it wasn't my original choice. Proverbs 16:9 says the Lord determines my steps. You see God knew what my journey would be, although sometimes I made a lot of turns and sometimes, in my best GPS sounding voice, legal U-turns, it wasn't the course that I had planned in the beginning. To be totally honest and revealing... I still don't have a clue what I want to be when I grow up but somehow I just know that God does and he's been ordering my steps from before the moment that I thought I wanted to be a weather girl. The twists and turns that life has taken have been part of that journey that is leading me to my future moments. The older I get the wiser I get, not in my own understanding, but in the simple truth that I can trust God with all things which includes all of my tomorrows. His plans have always turned out better than mine, I'm finally getting that and it's a big stress reliever knowing that I don't have to have it all planned out because God already does.
So if you are a recent graduate, congratulations! You have nothing to fear, trust in the Lord... He has your steps already ordered and you can rest in that his plan is greater than any plan you can imagine. Do the work, listen to his call and step in faith as he has called and ordered.
Blessings,
Heather
This is the time of year that school ends for many young people, some are beginning their next step of their journey as they exit from what others tell them they have to accomplish to graduate, to actually making decisions that impact their future. It's a scary and exciting time for both the graduate and the family. But it doesn't end there does it? We continue on with our journey making plans and then changing them and making new ones and changing them and on and on.
How many are doing exactly what they planned and in the exact manner that they planned it? I'd say not many... maybe a few of you, but that's not the normal course of action. I remember as a little girl I wanted to be a weather girl because it looked like a cool job, but then I found out that it wasn't just pointing at a weather map with a pretty smile on my face and well my course of action changed. Then I decided I wanted to be a teacher as I loved English and thought yah that's what I want to do and then I changed my mind again. I loathed high school, it wasn't an easy place for a girl who had low self-esteem but never wanted anyone to know that. To escape I decided to go to the local vocational school and for me it was a great choice. It boosted my self-confidence and gave me a profession in IT where I've experienced success and have been overall happy with the career.
After I lost my son I decided the best thing I could do for myself was to go back to school and get a degree in Psychology (Social Psychology to be more exact) and try to heal my broken heart by understanding how the mind works. It was a good choice, but as you are now aware by reading this it wasn't my original choice. Proverbs 16:9 says the Lord determines my steps. You see God knew what my journey would be, although sometimes I made a lot of turns and sometimes, in my best GPS sounding voice, legal U-turns, it wasn't the course that I had planned in the beginning. To be totally honest and revealing... I still don't have a clue what I want to be when I grow up but somehow I just know that God does and he's been ordering my steps from before the moment that I thought I wanted to be a weather girl. The twists and turns that life has taken have been part of that journey that is leading me to my future moments. The older I get the wiser I get, not in my own understanding, but in the simple truth that I can trust God with all things which includes all of my tomorrows. His plans have always turned out better than mine, I'm finally getting that and it's a big stress reliever knowing that I don't have to have it all planned out because God already does.
So if you are a recent graduate, congratulations! You have nothing to fear, trust in the Lord... He has your steps already ordered and you can rest in that his plan is greater than any plan you can imagine. Do the work, listen to his call and step in faith as he has called and ordered.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Hide and Seek; Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Today I was able to be part of a beautiful celebration for Mother's Day, a holiday that typically is a day that reminds me of deep pain and loss. I wasn't sure this year, honestly, if I was going to be strong enough to get through the day as planned. As late as Friday evening I was questioning whether or not I was going to be able to do all that was expected and asked of me or if I was going to call a timeout and stay at home. It wasn't on my own strength that I was able to serve. It was through the strength of Christ that resides in me and in my sisters that are always praying and standing in the gap for me calling on Jesus to give me what I need to sustain me in moments of weakness and need. I pray that all that read this have sisters and brothers like this who will, if need be, go to their knees in prayer for you. If you don't... please contact me and I will pray for you and have my prayer warriors do the same. Today was a reminder of just how powerful prayer is and how it works each time we call on Jesus.
Until last year I could not drag myself to attend church service on Mother's Day in fear that I'd fall apart. It was as if that next step in my healing journey was too steep of a climb. Sixteen years I stayed home on Mother's Day. that's a long time. Too paralyzed to want to go forward and knowing I didn't want to go back so I just remained where I was, stuck in a place where healing I thought couldn't find me. If I could just hide out that one day a year then maybe I could just pretend the pain wasn't there the other 364 days. But there's a thing about hiding, you eventually do want to be found. There were times as a child while playing hide and seek that I actually would change my hiding place while I was"it" because it became lonely when no one else was around. I wanted someone to see me, to call out my name and find me because I didn't want to be alone. God didn't create us to journey alone and I thank him each day that he places people along side me. I thank him that he has placed in my heart a desire to stand along side others as well and to pray with them and for them just as they do for me.
My heart and life forever changed on February 12, 1994 with the death of my son. It again changed on January 23, 2008 with the loss of my mom. Mother's Day would never be the same. But I can't keep hiding away safe in the four walls of my home if I truly desire to stand alongside others and be a witness for Christ. I have to be found even in moments of weakness so that others see the work the father is doing in me. I am not perfect, I am not always strong but I know one who is perfect and who's strength carries us even on days that are difficult at best. Today I win another battle because I came out of my hiding place with a blanket of prayer covering me and my heavenly father holding my hand ready to be found stronger than the year before. Was it an easy day? No it wasn't. But I had moments to celebrate. I had a church family embrace me, sisters praying for me and my family given to me by birth surprising me by coming and letting me know they were there... they all found me today so I could come out of my hiding place.
Where are you hiding today? God is seeking you, is it time to be found? He is standing at the door of your heart knocking... do you hear the knock? Can you allow him to release you from your hiding place to be free? God is ready to dine with you if only you would hear his voice. Let him in... the game of hide and seek is only fun when you eventually are found.
Blessings,
Heather
Today I was able to be part of a beautiful celebration for Mother's Day, a holiday that typically is a day that reminds me of deep pain and loss. I wasn't sure this year, honestly, if I was going to be strong enough to get through the day as planned. As late as Friday evening I was questioning whether or not I was going to be able to do all that was expected and asked of me or if I was going to call a timeout and stay at home. It wasn't on my own strength that I was able to serve. It was through the strength of Christ that resides in me and in my sisters that are always praying and standing in the gap for me calling on Jesus to give me what I need to sustain me in moments of weakness and need. I pray that all that read this have sisters and brothers like this who will, if need be, go to their knees in prayer for you. If you don't... please contact me and I will pray for you and have my prayer warriors do the same. Today was a reminder of just how powerful prayer is and how it works each time we call on Jesus.
Until last year I could not drag myself to attend church service on Mother's Day in fear that I'd fall apart. It was as if that next step in my healing journey was too steep of a climb. Sixteen years I stayed home on Mother's Day. that's a long time. Too paralyzed to want to go forward and knowing I didn't want to go back so I just remained where I was, stuck in a place where healing I thought couldn't find me. If I could just hide out that one day a year then maybe I could just pretend the pain wasn't there the other 364 days. But there's a thing about hiding, you eventually do want to be found. There were times as a child while playing hide and seek that I actually would change my hiding place while I was"it" because it became lonely when no one else was around. I wanted someone to see me, to call out my name and find me because I didn't want to be alone. God didn't create us to journey alone and I thank him each day that he places people along side me. I thank him that he has placed in my heart a desire to stand along side others as well and to pray with them and for them just as they do for me.
My heart and life forever changed on February 12, 1994 with the death of my son. It again changed on January 23, 2008 with the loss of my mom. Mother's Day would never be the same. But I can't keep hiding away safe in the four walls of my home if I truly desire to stand alongside others and be a witness for Christ. I have to be found even in moments of weakness so that others see the work the father is doing in me. I am not perfect, I am not always strong but I know one who is perfect and who's strength carries us even on days that are difficult at best. Today I win another battle because I came out of my hiding place with a blanket of prayer covering me and my heavenly father holding my hand ready to be found stronger than the year before. Was it an easy day? No it wasn't. But I had moments to celebrate. I had a church family embrace me, sisters praying for me and my family given to me by birth surprising me by coming and letting me know they were there... they all found me today so I could come out of my hiding place.
Where are you hiding today? God is seeking you, is it time to be found? He is standing at the door of your heart knocking... do you hear the knock? Can you allow him to release you from your hiding place to be free? God is ready to dine with you if only you would hear his voice. Let him in... the game of hide and seek is only fun when you eventually are found.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Restoration; 1 Peter 5:10
"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Do you ever take a moment to reflect and see how far you've come and the obstacles you've overcome in this race we call life? I ponder the things I've gone through and where I am today sometimes and I know that it was only by the strength that God provided me that I came through determined and more whole. I must admit that there were moments that I questioned, "God, how did you pull me through that?", or an even greater question, "God, why did you pull me through that?"
Do you ever question God as to why or how he did something in your life? I use to think that I wasn't allowed to question God but I was reminded that I am human and though I may try not to question God or his sovereignty (unlimited power), I do. And I really think it's OK for me to ask the questions that my mind just can't wrap itself around because afterall I am limited in my abilities to think beyond what I know and God is limitless because he is sovereign. It's humbling for me to be reminded of who he is and who I am and that only he holds all my answers and can restore my life.
There have been times in my life that professionals have questioned whether I was going to live or if my time on this side of heaven was over. It happened not long after my birth and it happened almost 20 years ago and honestly several times in between along the way. Due to circumstances, situations and people placed in my life there were times that my existence was put to the test and God said, No... it's not time. There was even a time when I prayed, "God let this be my time...I don't want to be here any longer." I entered a very dark place called depression and although I never harmed myself I prayed each morning and night that God would show mercy and remove me from this temporary home. Do you know how many people knew I was going through that at the time? Yep, you guessed it... no one but my God. He alone walked that journey with me and he restored my desire for life. He reminded me that I have a purpose and that He had a plan for me to fulfill. He also reminded me of the great love that he has for me. In that storm of my life, God restored the broken little girl inside me and strengthened me, firmed up my belief and faith in him and caused a steadfast walk that I knew I'd never walk alone.
I can't say that I don't still have struggles but I do know who to turn to when the waves come crashing down on me and I feel like I just can't make it. Do you know the master of your seas? Do you know the maker of all things in a very real and personal way? Do you rest in knowing that God has all the answers to the whys and hows and you need not be concerned about them? Is it time that you allow God to restore pieces of your life in making you whole again?
Blessings,
Heather
Do you ever take a moment to reflect and see how far you've come and the obstacles you've overcome in this race we call life? I ponder the things I've gone through and where I am today sometimes and I know that it was only by the strength that God provided me that I came through determined and more whole. I must admit that there were moments that I questioned, "God, how did you pull me through that?", or an even greater question, "God, why did you pull me through that?"
Do you ever question God as to why or how he did something in your life? I use to think that I wasn't allowed to question God but I was reminded that I am human and though I may try not to question God or his sovereignty (unlimited power), I do. And I really think it's OK for me to ask the questions that my mind just can't wrap itself around because afterall I am limited in my abilities to think beyond what I know and God is limitless because he is sovereign. It's humbling for me to be reminded of who he is and who I am and that only he holds all my answers and can restore my life.
There have been times in my life that professionals have questioned whether I was going to live or if my time on this side of heaven was over. It happened not long after my birth and it happened almost 20 years ago and honestly several times in between along the way. Due to circumstances, situations and people placed in my life there were times that my existence was put to the test and God said, No... it's not time. There was even a time when I prayed, "God let this be my time...I don't want to be here any longer." I entered a very dark place called depression and although I never harmed myself I prayed each morning and night that God would show mercy and remove me from this temporary home. Do you know how many people knew I was going through that at the time? Yep, you guessed it... no one but my God. He alone walked that journey with me and he restored my desire for life. He reminded me that I have a purpose and that He had a plan for me to fulfill. He also reminded me of the great love that he has for me. In that storm of my life, God restored the broken little girl inside me and strengthened me, firmed up my belief and faith in him and caused a steadfast walk that I knew I'd never walk alone.
I can't say that I don't still have struggles but I do know who to turn to when the waves come crashing down on me and I feel like I just can't make it. Do you know the master of your seas? Do you know the maker of all things in a very real and personal way? Do you rest in knowing that God has all the answers to the whys and hows and you need not be concerned about them? Is it time that you allow God to restore pieces of your life in making you whole again?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 15, 2012
I think I can; Isaiah 40:29
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Do you remember the story of the little engine that could? I think most people that grew up in the states, grew up hearing this tale. Do you realize the first publishing of this story was called, "Story of the Engine that Thought It Could", appearing in the New York Tribune, 8 April 1906, as part of a sermon by the Rev. Charles S. Wing. A short story that has lasted throughout many lifetimes and adapted even by a Walt Disney's classic. In the 1941 Disney movie "Dumbo" the work train taking the circus animals to their destination pulls its cargo up a hill repeating the well known saying "I-Think-I-Can-I-Think-I-Can" and rolls down the hill saying "I-Thought-I-Could-I-Thought-I-Could".
We are often that work train aren't we? We start our journey with full on enthusiasm and then we reach a hilltop that just seems so steep or an obstacle that seems too wide to get beyond and our story quickly changes from I think I can to I thought I could and just like that our journey ends, incomplete. Why? There are a number of scriptures in the word that focus on strength but I haven't found one that says quit, give up there is no hope. Just the opposite, we are reminded time and time again that our strength comes for the Lord and in our weakness he restores our strength. Do we really understand that? Do we get what our father is trying to tell us? He's telling us there is NOTHING impossible for him, nothing. But somehow we want to try to rely on our own strength when we are broken, tired and weak. He tells us in Isaiah that "he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" When we are about to reach that mountain top and the incline seems more than our "little engine" can handle, GOD gives us strength and increases the power in our weakness. Do you get that? It's not by our strength that we accomplish anything, it's only through the divine strength that we are given and blessed with each day.
I know too many times I've pressed forward in a mission God has called me into only to find myself sliding backwards down the hill because I try to rely on MY understanding and MY strength and MY... fill in the blank. I fail and I fail big when I do this. God gently reminds me that it's not about me or what gifts or talents I have, it's about his calling on my life and the gifts he calls me to use at an appointed time. Without the anointing of the holy spirit moving my little engine, I end up stuck on the track unable to move forward. Philippians 4:13 tells us that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Isaiah 41:10 tells us, "... I will strengthen you and help you...", Psalm 29:14 says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Exodus 15:2 says, "The Lord is my strength and my song..." On and on the scriptures tell us of his strength and how we can walk boldly and with confidence because we are strengthen through Christ.
What condition is your "little engine" in today? Are there tracks lying ahead that you fear, hesitant to jump onto because you don't feel you are equipped, ready for the journey? Are you sliding back down that mountaintop or do you think you can...think you can....think you can through the strength and power afforded to you from God the father? Is the Holy Spirit fueling your train bound for glory or are you trying to run on the fumes of this world leaving you stranded in the middle of the track?
Blessings,
Heather
Do you remember the story of the little engine that could? I think most people that grew up in the states, grew up hearing this tale. Do you realize the first publishing of this story was called, "Story of the Engine that Thought It Could", appearing in the New York Tribune, 8 April 1906, as part of a sermon by the Rev. Charles S. Wing. A short story that has lasted throughout many lifetimes and adapted even by a Walt Disney's classic. In the 1941 Disney movie "Dumbo" the work train taking the circus animals to their destination pulls its cargo up a hill repeating the well known saying "I-Think-I-Can-I-Think-I-Can" and rolls down the hill saying "I-Thought-I-Could-I-Thought-I-Could".
We are often that work train aren't we? We start our journey with full on enthusiasm and then we reach a hilltop that just seems so steep or an obstacle that seems too wide to get beyond and our story quickly changes from I think I can to I thought I could and just like that our journey ends, incomplete. Why? There are a number of scriptures in the word that focus on strength but I haven't found one that says quit, give up there is no hope. Just the opposite, we are reminded time and time again that our strength comes for the Lord and in our weakness he restores our strength. Do we really understand that? Do we get what our father is trying to tell us? He's telling us there is NOTHING impossible for him, nothing. But somehow we want to try to rely on our own strength when we are broken, tired and weak. He tells us in Isaiah that "he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" When we are about to reach that mountain top and the incline seems more than our "little engine" can handle, GOD gives us strength and increases the power in our weakness. Do you get that? It's not by our strength that we accomplish anything, it's only through the divine strength that we are given and blessed with each day.
I know too many times I've pressed forward in a mission God has called me into only to find myself sliding backwards down the hill because I try to rely on MY understanding and MY strength and MY... fill in the blank. I fail and I fail big when I do this. God gently reminds me that it's not about me or what gifts or talents I have, it's about his calling on my life and the gifts he calls me to use at an appointed time. Without the anointing of the holy spirit moving my little engine, I end up stuck on the track unable to move forward. Philippians 4:13 tells us that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Isaiah 41:10 tells us, "... I will strengthen you and help you...", Psalm 29:14 says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Exodus 15:2 says, "The Lord is my strength and my song..." On and on the scriptures tell us of his strength and how we can walk boldly and with confidence because we are strengthen through Christ.
What condition is your "little engine" in today? Are there tracks lying ahead that you fear, hesitant to jump onto because you don't feel you are equipped, ready for the journey? Are you sliding back down that mountaintop or do you think you can...think you can....think you can through the strength and power afforded to you from God the father? Is the Holy Spirit fueling your train bound for glory or are you trying to run on the fumes of this world leaving you stranded in the middle of the track?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Change; Titus 3:1
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good."
How many of you find yourself being disobedient? For some this thought may not have entered your mind in quite some time as we tend to focus on children when we think of being obedient or disobedient. What we may fail to remember is that we are all children... of God. I know there are times when I rebel and find that I'm disobedient when he calls me to change. Change is not always comfortable, often it's quite the opposite and can be painful and we don't like to have to go through the pain to see the plan do we?
I thought this week God would lay on my heart to share about his son's resurrection and the passion of Christ but he laid the word change on my heart to share with each of you instead. For those that know me personally, you know that last fall I was given a surplus notice that the position I hold is being eliminated. It was hard to hear those words. I was reminded by my supervisor that I wasn't being eliminated, simply my position. But I thought to myself, my position is my whole purpose for being here. Wrong answer. How quick am I to forget that God has bigger plans that just some "job", some "position" I hold. I am reminded to be ready to do whatever is good, change is good when it's God prompting it. Some may not have seen it as a God directed change but I do.
This past year God has blessed me and showed me such favor, nothing that I've deserved or earned but given to me because of my obedience. I've seen favor in my personal life and throughout my career. There have been jobs that I really wasn't qualified for, but God wanted me in that position for that season for a reason and he allowed me to learn what I needed to learn quickly. I can look back now and see how either I grew or another grew because of God placing me where he did. I've learned that my God really does open and shut doors.
After the initial shock of learning my position was going to be gone within the year, I gained a sense of peace that honestly I was a little surprised by. That's trust coming into action... I turned it over and let God take it from there and he did. He really did. Not only did he find me another position, he gave me options. When does that happen? Who does that happen to? To me, to you, to his children when his children are obedient and subject to rulers and authorities placed over them. I'd rather follow God's plan than the plans of man any day. No man (or woman) can create for us a plan that God doesn't approve first. Personnel didn't find me another position without God first giving his approval of where he needed and wanted me to be. That's how I know and find peace when the world around me changes, I know there is nothing and no one greater than my Abba Father. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." We have favor and honor and walk blameless because the son of God already paid the price.
What change is God asking you to make lately? Career? Relationships? Physical location? Church family? Perhaps he's even asking you to change your thinking, your actions or reactions. Whatever change God is asking you to make, trust him. Our God has already been to all of our tomorrows, with that we should fear no change.
Blessings,
Heather
How many of you find yourself being disobedient? For some this thought may not have entered your mind in quite some time as we tend to focus on children when we think of being obedient or disobedient. What we may fail to remember is that we are all children... of God. I know there are times when I rebel and find that I'm disobedient when he calls me to change. Change is not always comfortable, often it's quite the opposite and can be painful and we don't like to have to go through the pain to see the plan do we?
I thought this week God would lay on my heart to share about his son's resurrection and the passion of Christ but he laid the word change on my heart to share with each of you instead. For those that know me personally, you know that last fall I was given a surplus notice that the position I hold is being eliminated. It was hard to hear those words. I was reminded by my supervisor that I wasn't being eliminated, simply my position. But I thought to myself, my position is my whole purpose for being here. Wrong answer. How quick am I to forget that God has bigger plans that just some "job", some "position" I hold. I am reminded to be ready to do whatever is good, change is good when it's God prompting it. Some may not have seen it as a God directed change but I do.
This past year God has blessed me and showed me such favor, nothing that I've deserved or earned but given to me because of my obedience. I've seen favor in my personal life and throughout my career. There have been jobs that I really wasn't qualified for, but God wanted me in that position for that season for a reason and he allowed me to learn what I needed to learn quickly. I can look back now and see how either I grew or another grew because of God placing me where he did. I've learned that my God really does open and shut doors.
After the initial shock of learning my position was going to be gone within the year, I gained a sense of peace that honestly I was a little surprised by. That's trust coming into action... I turned it over and let God take it from there and he did. He really did. Not only did he find me another position, he gave me options. When does that happen? Who does that happen to? To me, to you, to his children when his children are obedient and subject to rulers and authorities placed over them. I'd rather follow God's plan than the plans of man any day. No man (or woman) can create for us a plan that God doesn't approve first. Personnel didn't find me another position without God first giving his approval of where he needed and wanted me to be. That's how I know and find peace when the world around me changes, I know there is nothing and no one greater than my Abba Father. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." We have favor and honor and walk blameless because the son of God already paid the price.
What change is God asking you to make lately? Career? Relationships? Physical location? Church family? Perhaps he's even asking you to change your thinking, your actions or reactions. Whatever change God is asking you to make, trust him. Our God has already been to all of our tomorrows, with that we should fear no change.
Blessings,
Heather
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