"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
Sunday, May 13, 2012
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
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Reflection; Psalm 23:1-3
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."
How many of us have read the 23rd Psalm? My guess is that it was for many some of the first scriptures remembered and recited in a children's Sunday school class. Each time I hear a sermon preached on this passage, I always seem to understand it a little more clearly. One morning this week as I was settling into my work day, I decided that I just didn't want to be there (I know it's work, when do I ever really WANT to be there) so I filled out a leave slip, placed it on my team lead's desk and after lunch took the afternoon off.
It was a beautiful day, especially for a day in March in Ohio. We don't often have many sun-filled days this time of year instead the days can be quite gloomy with gray clouds and skies and little in the way of color as the landscape is still resting from it's winter nap. But this year it's been different and we may all be suffering a tad from spring fever. I know I certainly have it bad! The afternoon I chose to take off was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and high in the sky, not a cloud to be found, perfect day to be outside. I went home, got a leash and a dog and headed to a little nature reserve that we have not too far from our home and took a short hike through the woods along the river.
At first I simply enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon and watched as the rays of sun sparkled across the water, it was as if there were millions of diamonds in the water just reflecting the brilliance of the sun. Then I began to notice the path itself and how clear it was. It wasn't the same path that I had walked along so many times. No this time it was different. It was obvious that the path had been cleared of fallen trees and debris that I had seen just this past fall when I last hiked through there. The high weeds and little saplings hadn't had a chance yet to take root and grow blocking the view to the river to one side and the hilly incline to the other. It was as if I was on a path I had never taken before... fresh, new and ready to be explored. It's exactly 1.25 miles along the river path to the big meadow the trail dumps into at the end. Often my husband and I have taken the dogs for a walk and stayed a while in the meadow just enjoying the peace and solitude that it offers.
It was during my walk that God began to speak to my heart the words from Psalm 23. He leads me beside peaceful streams, renewing my strength. He lets me rest in green meadows. He guides me along right paths. All of these words began to flood my spirit. Sometimes I simply need to rest for a moment to see God's reflection in all that he has created. It's in nature that I often feel his holy spirit breathing over me and giving me a sense of renewal in my spirit. It was in my reflection time on how the path had changed, how often my own path in life has changed. The debris of life gets cleaned up as someone comes along to help remove the obstacles that prevent me from moving forward along the path. It's often during the storms of life that God is able to come along and change the course of my path to allow fresh living waters to flood it so that I can see more clearly the path that he is creating for me.
As Kylee and I continued on our walk we were able to see God's word in action. I stopped several times to watch nature come alive along that little river. Birds were singing and dancing in the sunbeams. Geese were playing games and honking loudly enjoying the waters. An otter ran along the shoreline and in a cannonball like fashion would jump into the water and then back out onto the shore to do it all again and again. People were walking their dogs, with their children and some simply were walking alone. God sometimes changes our path just so we can have an afternoon of surprise and amazement of the beauty that surrounds us in life and stop to appreciate it. He gives us moments to reflect and just be still long enough to see Him at work in our lives.
That afternoon God brought to life the words of Psalm 23 for me and reminded me that my life, my journey, the path that I'm on is all designed and created to bring my God glory and honor. I can't wait to go back onto the path and see how it differs yet again after another spring storm or as the canopy of the trees changes with new life. The path we walk along may change, twist or turn but it's not without purpose and plan by the one who created us and gives us hope and a future.
Have you read the living word lately? Have you seen it come alive in your life, along your path and have you invited God to walk a while with you sharing in the beauty he gave you? Are you so busy "working" you fail to see the new path God has created for you that he already cleared to make life a bit easier? Take a moment, breathe and look around you. God is ready to lead you by the still waters, to refresh your soul.
Blessings,
Heather
How many of us have read the 23rd Psalm? My guess is that it was for many some of the first scriptures remembered and recited in a children's Sunday school class. Each time I hear a sermon preached on this passage, I always seem to understand it a little more clearly. One morning this week as I was settling into my work day, I decided that I just didn't want to be there (I know it's work, when do I ever really WANT to be there) so I filled out a leave slip, placed it on my team lead's desk and after lunch took the afternoon off.
It was a beautiful day, especially for a day in March in Ohio. We don't often have many sun-filled days this time of year instead the days can be quite gloomy with gray clouds and skies and little in the way of color as the landscape is still resting from it's winter nap. But this year it's been different and we may all be suffering a tad from spring fever. I know I certainly have it bad! The afternoon I chose to take off was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and high in the sky, not a cloud to be found, perfect day to be outside. I went home, got a leash and a dog and headed to a little nature reserve that we have not too far from our home and took a short hike through the woods along the river.
At first I simply enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon and watched as the rays of sun sparkled across the water, it was as if there were millions of diamonds in the water just reflecting the brilliance of the sun. Then I began to notice the path itself and how clear it was. It wasn't the same path that I had walked along so many times. No this time it was different. It was obvious that the path had been cleared of fallen trees and debris that I had seen just this past fall when I last hiked through there. The high weeds and little saplings hadn't had a chance yet to take root and grow blocking the view to the river to one side and the hilly incline to the other. It was as if I was on a path I had never taken before... fresh, new and ready to be explored. It's exactly 1.25 miles along the river path to the big meadow the trail dumps into at the end. Often my husband and I have taken the dogs for a walk and stayed a while in the meadow just enjoying the peace and solitude that it offers.
It was during my walk that God began to speak to my heart the words from Psalm 23. He leads me beside peaceful streams, renewing my strength. He lets me rest in green meadows. He guides me along right paths. All of these words began to flood my spirit. Sometimes I simply need to rest for a moment to see God's reflection in all that he has created. It's in nature that I often feel his holy spirit breathing over me and giving me a sense of renewal in my spirit. It was in my reflection time on how the path had changed, how often my own path in life has changed. The debris of life gets cleaned up as someone comes along to help remove the obstacles that prevent me from moving forward along the path. It's often during the storms of life that God is able to come along and change the course of my path to allow fresh living waters to flood it so that I can see more clearly the path that he is creating for me.
As Kylee and I continued on our walk we were able to see God's word in action. I stopped several times to watch nature come alive along that little river. Birds were singing and dancing in the sunbeams. Geese were playing games and honking loudly enjoying the waters. An otter ran along the shoreline and in a cannonball like fashion would jump into the water and then back out onto the shore to do it all again and again. People were walking their dogs, with their children and some simply were walking alone. God sometimes changes our path just so we can have an afternoon of surprise and amazement of the beauty that surrounds us in life and stop to appreciate it. He gives us moments to reflect and just be still long enough to see Him at work in our lives.
That afternoon God brought to life the words of Psalm 23 for me and reminded me that my life, my journey, the path that I'm on is all designed and created to bring my God glory and honor. I can't wait to go back onto the path and see how it differs yet again after another spring storm or as the canopy of the trees changes with new life. The path we walk along may change, twist or turn but it's not without purpose and plan by the one who created us and gives us hope and a future.
Have you read the living word lately? Have you seen it come alive in your life, along your path and have you invited God to walk a while with you sharing in the beauty he gave you? Are you so busy "working" you fail to see the new path God has created for you that he already cleared to make life a bit easier? Take a moment, breathe and look around you. God is ready to lead you by the still waters, to refresh your soul.
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, February 27, 2012
You Lift Me Up; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
There have been times that I wasn't sure how I was going to get through a difficult situation. Most of my friends would tell me to pray about the difficulty and that they would pray with me and for me as well. Sometimes those friends would simply give me an answer there on the spot with it often not being the answer that I wanted to hear. Have you ever heard advice you'd rather not hear or worse yet, hear your own words uttered back to you from past conversations? It stings a little doesn't it? But each of those responses were necessary and each a form of encouragement to lift me up out of the situation and into the direction I needed to travel however hard the journey would be. Those same friends would not just leave me alone to fight the battle, but they stood in the gap and prayed for me even on days when I couldn't pray for myself. Those are my encouragers and my dearest friends. They don't always tell me what I want to hear but they tell me what I need to hear to move on. I have been resistant at times to listen to what one of them would share with me, sometimes even hurt by what was said because what I wanted to hear at the moment was the "perfect" easy fix instead of a word from God on how to grow through the hard times. Ouch.
There are other times that the shoe is on the other foot so to speak as well. I've been the one to listen to a friend and what I mean by listen is that I really sit there, ears open and mouth shut hearing what my brother/sister in Christ is going through. Some days I have no answers but am always ready to pray with them and for them to be the one standing in the gap for them. Other days I'm the one that gives the words that sting a little. I can always tell when a friend is secretly saying inside, "Heather, that is not what I wanted you to say." To be honest if I were going through their situation and was having to hear the words coming out of my heart (notice I didn't say mouth) I would be saying the same thing.
The difference between lifting a friend up and defeating their spirit is the communication that is shared between the two of you or perhaps even a small group. When the words spoken are coming from the heart and not simply the tongue they are coming from the Holy Spirit within the person which will breathe new life over that person and will lift them up through their deepest darkest places and begin them on a journey of restoration. Our journeys are not always easy, we could probably agree that most times they are a bit of a struggle but God gives us one another to encourage, to lift up and to be a friend who will stand in the gap when we are finding it difficult to cross through it ourselves.
A true friend may not give you all the answers that you seek, they may not have them. Maybe the answers they do have for you aren't the ones you are ready to hear because of the pain or indecision in your heart. But a true friend, the ones who desire to lift you up will be there to hold onto you, sometimes physically, but all the time prayerfully to see you through to the otherside of your battle. They are there to cheer you on, to cry out to the Father and to watch and perhaps learn as you grow.
I've heard time and time again that to have a friend you need to be a friend. hmmm, I don't know if I agree with that old saying. Sometimes I think we need to be a friend even when the other isn't much of a friend because maybe that is their battle and you need to stand in the gap and be that friend that helps them understand what a friend is. I don't say that for anyone to be a whipping post or to be burdened down by someone who can't seem to learn from past mistakes but we all had to learn what a friend was somehow, someway, right?
I'm thankful that God knew we'd need relationships/friendships to lift one another up. He knew that sometimes we'd need someone to come to the right and left of us and help us along our journey and that sometimes we'd be that one to the right or left of another. He gave us one another. Love thy neighbor is what his word says. The paths we walk are not always clear of hardships but it's so much easier to walk it with someone than to try it alone. God is always there for us and I'm sure someone would argue that he is all that anyone needs. Perhaps there is some truth to that, but God created us one for another in human flesh to encourage and cheer each other on.
Who today needs lifted up? Who do you turn to when you need encouraged? Are you willing to listen to the words that come from a friend's heart even when they may sting a little or would you rather stay in the mud puddles of life and be brought down further and further into the pain? Are you one who'd rather have an easy solution or a healing solution for a life-lifting change?
Blessings,
Heather
There have been times that I wasn't sure how I was going to get through a difficult situation. Most of my friends would tell me to pray about the difficulty and that they would pray with me and for me as well. Sometimes those friends would simply give me an answer there on the spot with it often not being the answer that I wanted to hear. Have you ever heard advice you'd rather not hear or worse yet, hear your own words uttered back to you from past conversations? It stings a little doesn't it? But each of those responses were necessary and each a form of encouragement to lift me up out of the situation and into the direction I needed to travel however hard the journey would be. Those same friends would not just leave me alone to fight the battle, but they stood in the gap and prayed for me even on days when I couldn't pray for myself. Those are my encouragers and my dearest friends. They don't always tell me what I want to hear but they tell me what I need to hear to move on. I have been resistant at times to listen to what one of them would share with me, sometimes even hurt by what was said because what I wanted to hear at the moment was the "perfect" easy fix instead of a word from God on how to grow through the hard times. Ouch.
There are other times that the shoe is on the other foot so to speak as well. I've been the one to listen to a friend and what I mean by listen is that I really sit there, ears open and mouth shut hearing what my brother/sister in Christ is going through. Some days I have no answers but am always ready to pray with them and for them to be the one standing in the gap for them. Other days I'm the one that gives the words that sting a little. I can always tell when a friend is secretly saying inside, "Heather, that is not what I wanted you to say." To be honest if I were going through their situation and was having to hear the words coming out of my heart (notice I didn't say mouth) I would be saying the same thing.
The difference between lifting a friend up and defeating their spirit is the communication that is shared between the two of you or perhaps even a small group. When the words spoken are coming from the heart and not simply the tongue they are coming from the Holy Spirit within the person which will breathe new life over that person and will lift them up through their deepest darkest places and begin them on a journey of restoration. Our journeys are not always easy, we could probably agree that most times they are a bit of a struggle but God gives us one another to encourage, to lift up and to be a friend who will stand in the gap when we are finding it difficult to cross through it ourselves.
A true friend may not give you all the answers that you seek, they may not have them. Maybe the answers they do have for you aren't the ones you are ready to hear because of the pain or indecision in your heart. But a true friend, the ones who desire to lift you up will be there to hold onto you, sometimes physically, but all the time prayerfully to see you through to the otherside of your battle. They are there to cheer you on, to cry out to the Father and to watch and perhaps learn as you grow.
I've heard time and time again that to have a friend you need to be a friend. hmmm, I don't know if I agree with that old saying. Sometimes I think we need to be a friend even when the other isn't much of a friend because maybe that is their battle and you need to stand in the gap and be that friend that helps them understand what a friend is. I don't say that for anyone to be a whipping post or to be burdened down by someone who can't seem to learn from past mistakes but we all had to learn what a friend was somehow, someway, right?
I'm thankful that God knew we'd need relationships/friendships to lift one another up. He knew that sometimes we'd need someone to come to the right and left of us and help us along our journey and that sometimes we'd be that one to the right or left of another. He gave us one another. Love thy neighbor is what his word says. The paths we walk are not always clear of hardships but it's so much easier to walk it with someone than to try it alone. God is always there for us and I'm sure someone would argue that he is all that anyone needs. Perhaps there is some truth to that, but God created us one for another in human flesh to encourage and cheer each other on.
Who today needs lifted up? Who do you turn to when you need encouraged? Are you willing to listen to the words that come from a friend's heart even when they may sting a little or would you rather stay in the mud puddles of life and be brought down further and further into the pain? Are you one who'd rather have an easy solution or a healing solution for a life-lifting change?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Resilient; Isaiah 40:29
"He Gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
This past week at work we were required to take resiliency training. At first I was like many and didn't want to "have to" sit through yet another training session that didn't interest me. We were fortunate because the training wasn't too painful and infact, the instructor made it interactive and the time went quickly. What also made the training interesting was the fact that I was able to learn a bit more about those around me, you know the people you spend most of your days with and yet know so little about... yah those people.
The instructor kicked off the training by having us take a little test (no grades, no right/wrong answers) and then scored up our points at the end as an indication as to how resilient we'd rate ourselves based on the questions. My score came back fairly high. As the instructor asked each of us why we thought our score landed one way or another she came to me and I responded that I'd already been through the worst thing in life I could imagine so anything else wouldn't compare. I then added my faith is strong as well and that helps me. Now as I've had time to reflect on that question, my answer is more than I earlier responded. What I said was true, but it's more than just that. I missed my witnessing opportunity. Yes, I said my faith but it's more than just faith. God said in his word, "He gives strength to the weary..." that is why I can say I am resilient. God further says, "...and increases the power of the weak." I've overcome one of the greatest tragedies of my life because God gave me strength and continues to increase that strength when I'm at my weakest points.
So often I've heard people say that there are certain things in life they just couldn't handle or that they'd not survive. I'm here to proclaim... you'd be amazed at how strong you can be, not within yourself but through Christ. Our Savior endured more than we can imagine, suffered more than we'd want to ever know. Before the guards came to take Jesus in Matthew 26:39, "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Just for that moment, a split second, as a man in flesh and bone, I believe Jesus may have thought maybe he just couldn't handle what he was about to face either. Can you imagine how he felt at that very moment? He knew he wouldn't survive, he knew his fate if he would save man from himself but he faced it, walked it, lived it and although died here on earth... he still endured, he still finished the good work he began here.
When I lost my son, I honestly didn't think that I'd survive. I had no idea how strong God would make me and how by spending 3 1/2 years with a life that was bigger and brighter than any one life I've ever known before or since I'd forever be changed, strengthened, encouraged, and determined to face whatever life had to throw my way because I was shown just what I was made of, and just how strong my God is. People are right, we can't survive situations or events, but we can overcome them through the strength and power that God gives us to bounce back from them.
I'm sure you have heard many people say that God never gives you more than you can handle and I'm sure many of you have said, really, I'm not sure about that at this point in my life with what I'm going through. Yet, we press on through the struggle and find that when we take it a moment at a time and get past that moment when we ask for the "cup to pass from us" we find that we begin to be strengthened and that God begins to increase our power to overcome and be a witness for him. It's through our struggles, our hardships that we grow and become more compassionate, loving people. It's that way in all things in nature. Think of the beautiful butterfly, what a struggle to come out of that cocoon but when it finally does look at how beautiful it is when it takes flight and dances in the sunbeams around the flowers drawing in life sustaining nectar. We are like those butterflies, struggling to come through a "cocoon" but when we do.... oh so beautiful dancing in the sOnbeams of this life.
How resilient are you? Do you count on your own strength when facing the battles of this life or do you turn to the one who created you and proclaimed that you would have the strength to take to make it? Casting Crowns sings a song that sums it up in a few short lyrics, "You were made to be Courageous". Your resiliency comes from the father who is always with you, who never forsakes you and who will never leave you.
Blessings,
Heather
This past week at work we were required to take resiliency training. At first I was like many and didn't want to "have to" sit through yet another training session that didn't interest me. We were fortunate because the training wasn't too painful and infact, the instructor made it interactive and the time went quickly. What also made the training interesting was the fact that I was able to learn a bit more about those around me, you know the people you spend most of your days with and yet know so little about... yah those people.
The instructor kicked off the training by having us take a little test (no grades, no right/wrong answers) and then scored up our points at the end as an indication as to how resilient we'd rate ourselves based on the questions. My score came back fairly high. As the instructor asked each of us why we thought our score landed one way or another she came to me and I responded that I'd already been through the worst thing in life I could imagine so anything else wouldn't compare. I then added my faith is strong as well and that helps me. Now as I've had time to reflect on that question, my answer is more than I earlier responded. What I said was true, but it's more than just that. I missed my witnessing opportunity. Yes, I said my faith but it's more than just faith. God said in his word, "He gives strength to the weary..." that is why I can say I am resilient. God further says, "...and increases the power of the weak." I've overcome one of the greatest tragedies of my life because God gave me strength and continues to increase that strength when I'm at my weakest points.
So often I've heard people say that there are certain things in life they just couldn't handle or that they'd not survive. I'm here to proclaim... you'd be amazed at how strong you can be, not within yourself but through Christ. Our Savior endured more than we can imagine, suffered more than we'd want to ever know. Before the guards came to take Jesus in Matthew 26:39, "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Just for that moment, a split second, as a man in flesh and bone, I believe Jesus may have thought maybe he just couldn't handle what he was about to face either. Can you imagine how he felt at that very moment? He knew he wouldn't survive, he knew his fate if he would save man from himself but he faced it, walked it, lived it and although died here on earth... he still endured, he still finished the good work he began here.
When I lost my son, I honestly didn't think that I'd survive. I had no idea how strong God would make me and how by spending 3 1/2 years with a life that was bigger and brighter than any one life I've ever known before or since I'd forever be changed, strengthened, encouraged, and determined to face whatever life had to throw my way because I was shown just what I was made of, and just how strong my God is. People are right, we can't survive situations or events, but we can overcome them through the strength and power that God gives us to bounce back from them.
I'm sure you have heard many people say that God never gives you more than you can handle and I'm sure many of you have said, really, I'm not sure about that at this point in my life with what I'm going through. Yet, we press on through the struggle and find that when we take it a moment at a time and get past that moment when we ask for the "cup to pass from us" we find that we begin to be strengthened and that God begins to increase our power to overcome and be a witness for him. It's through our struggles, our hardships that we grow and become more compassionate, loving people. It's that way in all things in nature. Think of the beautiful butterfly, what a struggle to come out of that cocoon but when it finally does look at how beautiful it is when it takes flight and dances in the sunbeams around the flowers drawing in life sustaining nectar. We are like those butterflies, struggling to come through a "cocoon" but when we do.... oh so beautiful dancing in the sOnbeams of this life.
How resilient are you? Do you count on your own strength when facing the battles of this life or do you turn to the one who created you and proclaimed that you would have the strength to take to make it? Casting Crowns sings a song that sums it up in a few short lyrics, "You were made to be Courageous". Your resiliency comes from the father who is always with you, who never forsakes you and who will never leave you.
Blessings,
Heather
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