I have got to stop doing this. Almost half of the month of August has passed by with no new post!! LOL. These blogs are as encouraging for me to write as I pray they are for you to read. So, in saying that...I do pray you are encouraged in the latest revelation that God showed me...and He will show you, too; if you take the time to ask and stop and look and listen.
I am really amazed at all of God's creations, even creepy, nasty spiders and yucky bugs...especially when their actions teach a spiritual lesson. I was watching several nights ago from a great vantage point - a rocking chair on the front porch. On the front door into the house, there is a large, decorative basket with artificial flowers, and attached to said basket was a fairly large spider web with its occupant (a fairly large spider) awaiting some prey. As I sat and watched, captivated, I noticed a good-sized bug become trapped in the spider's web. Now, if you have never found yourself face-first in the mess of a spider's web, you may not relate immediately to this story. Spider's webs are surprisingly sticky. Just take an early morning walk into one draped across your path, or try and pick some web off the end of a broom...you'll find yourself in a pasty mess. You can't shake that stuff off your fingers, or pull it off your face quickly enough - it gets stuck in your hair, in your lashes; it clings to your fingers, etc.
Like I said, I sat and watched as the bug became trapped in the web. Let me tell you - that spider wasted not one moment...it went to task. I saw 8 spider limbs begin to attack this bug by paralyzing it, and then wrapping it up for use later. (I am NOT sure exactly of the feeding cycles of a spider, and how they eat bugs, but...) Now, I am really intrigued. I stood up to get a better view. I am standing nearly nose-to-wreath watching, breathless, so I won't miss anything, when I hear the Lord speak to my spirit about a spiritual side to this story. I begin to think about how ANY of us could be like that bug <<helpless--fearful--struggling--beaten down--paralyzed--CAUGHT >>that was the final word that came into my spirit. CAUGHT...and who could one attribute the actions of the spider to...none other than the enemy of our very soul - Satan; or most likely, an underling from the dark kingdom.
The Lord reminded me of how, at some point, I had been each of these things >>helpless--fearful--struggling--beaten down--paralyzed--CAUGHT>> in my own oppressive "web", being jabbed mercilessly by the enemy; by circumstances, by bad or wrong decisions, by poor attitudes, by distrust and unbelief; trying to disable me completely, until I was so numbed by the attack that I could no longer see that God, as always, was right in the midst, a prayer away, a cry out to waiting, open arms, to receive me back, rejoicing over me, casting sins from east to west, remembering them no more, with lasting promises of being right by my side, as always, clothing me with His righteousness.
I recognized this was just like the enemy, prowling around all sneaky; punching, hitting, blind siding, tripping up, reminding, persuading, condemning, counterfeiting...making me forget (conveniently!) how gracious and merciful my God is. The Holy Spirit is there, speaking to my heart and my spirit, affirming me and encouraging me. Then it hit me - how effortlessly we make a choice, and not a smart one. It is a very convenient move, one that doesn't require much thought. The choice to do just as the bug caught in the web does... surrender to the enemy.
And here is where God, in His infinite mercy, separates us from the creatures. He gives us free will, and He gives us choice. We can serve God, and be set free from the "tangled webs" of life <<guilt-shame-discouragement-discontentment-distrust-unbelief-fear-poverty-etc,>> or we can wallow in the webs, and bow to these things. God has made it very plain - you cannot serve two masters. Your allegiance cannot be compromised. Choose YOU this day. Choose to allow Jesus to transform you. Choose to walk in His righteousness. Choose to be less, so He can be greater. Choose...be impacted by HIM who is greater in you.
Be blessed,
Velvet
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Healing Rain
Well, so...here recently, we have had storms in Georgia. Not driving rains where it makes instant puddles that just stand there; but a rain that soaked into the earth, providing moisture where there had been none; providing life to death; providing water to the thirsty ground. I said all that to say this: God did that for me. And, He will do it for you when and if you are willing to ask Him.
I spent some of my days last week outside, sweltering [but not really uncomfortable because I LIKE the heat] in the heat like most everything else was, and while doing so, was praying over and through some things. When the rain started, it was my great pleasure to be invited outside by the Lord. In my spirit, I could feel Him summoning me, calling me, "Beloved, come to Me. I am sending healing rain." So, outside I went, to stand under the flow. My prayer for the last couple days, really, last week or more, has been "Lord, change me." "Change my heart, change me from the inside out." "Help me to become a better representative of and for You." "I can't change anyone else; I want to BE CHANGED by You and Your Spirit."
He is answering my prayer, little by little, and I feel the shifting and changing on the inside. Nothing really visible on the outside where everybody can point to it and say, "Oh, there's been a change in you..." but little things that I have noticed. I have pretty much decided that I will NOT be perfect today or tomorrow, and I won't live up to a certain standard that I may have set for myself, or anyone may have set for me; but I CAN hold on to God's promises, and I can live up to the standard He is setting for me.
The promise that I am holding dearly to today is found in Philippians 1:6 - it says "I am CONFIDENT of this very thing, that He who BEGAN a good work in you will perfect it UNTIL the day of Jesus Christ"; which means to me that He began the work in me by leading me to the Cross, and that every day, He works to perfect me, not happening all at once - possibly because I may forget who He is and what He did, and WILL CONTINUE to work to perfect me UNTIL THAT DAY...the day of Jesus Christ...the day of perfection completed; the day we see Him face to face!
Lord, help me to hang on to those promises; things You say rather than things others have said, or things I have said. Let us hold fast to the hope, and ready to give reason to that hope which is within us. Help me to remember to think on those things that are good, pure, holy, of good report; help me to put a guard up at my tongue, so I don't say things that are not pleasing to You. I pray a binding up of my thoughts, things that lead to saying those wrong things. And, Father, I give You my heart once again. Help me to lead it, not to follow it. Lord, You are worth of praise.
Lift up His name, friends and family. Soon and very soon, we will be attending a wedding feast like none other! Much love and encouragement to you today <3
Velvet
I spent some of my days last week outside, sweltering [but not really uncomfortable because I LIKE the heat] in the heat like most everything else was, and while doing so, was praying over and through some things. When the rain started, it was my great pleasure to be invited outside by the Lord. In my spirit, I could feel Him summoning me, calling me, "Beloved, come to Me. I am sending healing rain." So, outside I went, to stand under the flow. My prayer for the last couple days, really, last week or more, has been "Lord, change me." "Change my heart, change me from the inside out." "Help me to become a better representative of and for You." "I can't change anyone else; I want to BE CHANGED by You and Your Spirit."
He is answering my prayer, little by little, and I feel the shifting and changing on the inside. Nothing really visible on the outside where everybody can point to it and say, "Oh, there's been a change in you..." but little things that I have noticed. I have pretty much decided that I will NOT be perfect today or tomorrow, and I won't live up to a certain standard that I may have set for myself, or anyone may have set for me; but I CAN hold on to God's promises, and I can live up to the standard He is setting for me.
The promise that I am holding dearly to today is found in Philippians 1:6 - it says "I am CONFIDENT of this very thing, that He who BEGAN a good work in you will perfect it UNTIL the day of Jesus Christ"; which means to me that He began the work in me by leading me to the Cross, and that every day, He works to perfect me, not happening all at once - possibly because I may forget who He is and what He did, and WILL CONTINUE to work to perfect me UNTIL THAT DAY...the day of Jesus Christ...the day of perfection completed; the day we see Him face to face!
Lord, help me to hang on to those promises; things You say rather than things others have said, or things I have said. Let us hold fast to the hope, and ready to give reason to that hope which is within us. Help me to remember to think on those things that are good, pure, holy, of good report; help me to put a guard up at my tongue, so I don't say things that are not pleasing to You. I pray a binding up of my thoughts, things that lead to saying those wrong things. And, Father, I give You my heart once again. Help me to lead it, not to follow it. Lord, You are worth of praise.
Lift up His name, friends and family. Soon and very soon, we will be attending a wedding feast like none other! Much love and encouragement to you today <3
Velvet
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Being better...
"When I am down, and oh, my soul so weary; when troubles come, and my heart burdened be; then I am still, and wait here in the silence, until You come, and sit awhile, with me..."
Oh, my. Is this what I need? You know, it is said that there is a God-shaped hole in each of us; a hunger, a thirst, an ache for love that CANNOT be satisfied by any other relationship. THIS is the truest statement EVER uttered, spoken, screamed, signed, etc.
The reason I can say that, and KNOW that it is a 100% true statement is...I am living it right now. I KNOW that there is a part of me that cannot, I repeat, CANNOT live without Him...without Jesus. Without His Holy Spirit living inside me, and guiding me. And I know He's in me, because I asked Him to come in a couple years ago.
Here's the deal. I want to be a better friend, and a better daughter. I have been studying in the Old Testament for several months. I wanted, no, I NEEDED to learn how to relate to God in a Father/daughter relationship, and that is a hard row to plow, having not had a earthly father figure to show me (but I digress...that's for another story on another day). I'm NOT saying that I am not a good enough friend and daughter today; what I am saying is that I am not satisfied with where I am. God says to "seek His face"; to "seek Him while He may be found"; to "seek first His Kingdom, and all these things will be added...", so that is what I intend to do. I have found that what I desire the most, that is what I will pursue the hardest. (Think about what YOU desire the most; isn't that what YOU pursue the hardest?)
So, in my pursuit of becoming a better friend, I began to read about God's friends, those He used mightily. I found Abraham, called "friend of God". There was Noah, who "found favor in the sight of God"; Job, who was a "righteous man", a man of integrity. And at the end of my reading thus far, I found David. David is known by most everyone as the "man after God's own heart."
Who doesn't want to be known in that intimate way? I know I do. David is the most inspiring, for me. He had humble beginnings; he was Jesse's youngest son, a shepherd, with a call of God on his life. He didn't start out as a giant killer, or as a king, as an adultered or murderer, or as a Psalmist. He started out in the field. He didn't have a position at the top of the ladder, he began on the bottom rung. He didn't always act right, but He was a seeker. He knew His God. He knew deep in his being that he needed God, because he was imperfect...just like the rest of us. JUST LIKE ME.
I encourage you today. Spend time thanking God for your humble beginnings. Sometimes, we don't get to start out on the top. We have to "build an alter" to the Lord, with the rubble that He found us in. If we (I) were always on top, we (I) may forget that. Let it continuously and consistently be said of those who seek His face, "They are seeking after God's own heart."
Velvet
Oh, my. Is this what I need? You know, it is said that there is a God-shaped hole in each of us; a hunger, a thirst, an ache for love that CANNOT be satisfied by any other relationship. THIS is the truest statement EVER uttered, spoken, screamed, signed, etc.
The reason I can say that, and KNOW that it is a 100% true statement is...I am living it right now. I KNOW that there is a part of me that cannot, I repeat, CANNOT live without Him...without Jesus. Without His Holy Spirit living inside me, and guiding me. And I know He's in me, because I asked Him to come in a couple years ago.
Here's the deal. I want to be a better friend, and a better daughter. I have been studying in the Old Testament for several months. I wanted, no, I NEEDED to learn how to relate to God in a Father/daughter relationship, and that is a hard row to plow, having not had a earthly father figure to show me (but I digress...that's for another story on another day). I'm NOT saying that I am not a good enough friend and daughter today; what I am saying is that I am not satisfied with where I am. God says to "seek His face"; to "seek Him while He may be found"; to "seek first His Kingdom, and all these things will be added...", so that is what I intend to do. I have found that what I desire the most, that is what I will pursue the hardest. (Think about what YOU desire the most; isn't that what YOU pursue the hardest?)
So, in my pursuit of becoming a better friend, I began to read about God's friends, those He used mightily. I found Abraham, called "friend of God". There was Noah, who "found favor in the sight of God"; Job, who was a "righteous man", a man of integrity. And at the end of my reading thus far, I found David. David is known by most everyone as the "man after God's own heart."
Who doesn't want to be known in that intimate way? I know I do. David is the most inspiring, for me. He had humble beginnings; he was Jesse's youngest son, a shepherd, with a call of God on his life. He didn't start out as a giant killer, or as a king, as an adultered or murderer, or as a Psalmist. He started out in the field. He didn't have a position at the top of the ladder, he began on the bottom rung. He didn't always act right, but He was a seeker. He knew His God. He knew deep in his being that he needed God, because he was imperfect...just like the rest of us. JUST LIKE ME.
I encourage you today. Spend time thanking God for your humble beginnings. Sometimes, we don't get to start out on the top. We have to "build an alter" to the Lord, with the rubble that He found us in. If we (I) were always on top, we (I) may forget that. Let it continuously and consistently be said of those who seek His face, "They are seeking after God's own heart."
Velvet
Monday, June 27, 2011
East to West...
So, a month off...no excuses again. I get in my head alot. ALOT. If you are one that doesn't have a problem with that, my hat is off to you. I, on the other hand, get in mine ALOT. I worry, I fear, I worry some more, and I fear alot more. I think about things that haven't even happened yet, and wonder and worry what I will do WHEN they happen. I am a mess, really. I don't mean that in a bad way, but I am. Not a victim, you understand, because a victim is one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions; one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment...that CAN'T be descriptive of a child of God, because His Word says "we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (II Corinthians 4:8-10). That makes it crunch time, right there. Time to put up or shut up for me. I CANNOT be described as a victim, because it directly contradicts the Word that God says about me.
In saying all that, I have had a song on my mind for a couple days. This particular song has really been ministering to me, and making me think...It's "East to West" by Casting Crowns. I just wanna share what the Holy Spirit has shown me/IS showing me concerning the words to this song. My commentary will be in brackets [ ] alongside the words of the song.
East to West
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness [I forget that He forgets; when I confess and repent, He is NOT a God sitting in Heaven ready to strike me if I do it again; He doesn't remember all my faults and shortcomings, just to remind me of them later...thats the job of the enemy of my soul...]
The chains of yesterday surround me [chains of yesterday...I hold on to EVERYTHING that has happened...whether it be yesterday, or the day before, or 10 years ago...even though I can't change it; but the chains of it surround me like a cord, squeezing out my life]
I yearn for peace and rest [I yearn for my soul to find peace, and to find rest in the promises of God; yet, I don't. I let my mind wander around, and get me in a tizzy]
I don't want to end up where You found me [where He found me was at the bottom of a bottle, and in the dregs of life; full of greed, selfishness, and bitterness with a deadly hold...along with others things that were shaking, as well]
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight [it echoes in my mind because I dont let the Word of God RENEW my mind...if my mind is filled with good, how can it be filled with worry, fear and despair?]
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west [Psalm 103:12 - its scripture, how can I doubt this? ]
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned [we can come to God now, because when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying that we no longer needed a priestly mediator; Jesus is our mediator]
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way [that is the problem...I "feel" too much...I feel emotional, I feel sad, I feel depressed, etc...not about the way I feel; its what God says about me that I need to hear and know]
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west [He shows me how far every time He opens wide His arms and receives me in]
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again [we don't have to see the man we were, because the old "us" had died, and we have been raised with Christ; Romans 6:6,7]
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest [when I go to Him, and abide in Him, I find rest {in His arms} ]
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other [when He stretched His arms out on the cross, taking on all our sin and shame, He removed our transgressions from us, as far as the east is from the west...]
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin [it truly is a daily battle, putting your mind on things above; let it be renewed daily by the Word; put on the armor of God, so I can withstand the fiery darts of the enemy ]
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in [whenever we are in the "eye" of our storm, we can't discern what God is saying to us for the howling going on in our ears ]
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way [BUT, we are NOT one mistake away, or two, or five...God wants us to cling to Him; and He makes the way known for us when we do. Making mistakes is how we learn to do things RIGHT :) ]
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light [we are washed white, by the Blood of Jesus; He has turned our life around, turned mourning into dancing; turned darkness to light; what a great love ]
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night [night fall for many is when the thoughts come. God is with us, then, too...just like with the children of Isreal - cloud by day, pillar of fire by night...He is the light of our surrounding, choking darkness ]
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me [SOO thankful that I don't have to fret about keeping my grip ALL the time; He is holding me...He IS holding ME...soak in that for a minute... ]
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
[Once again, He know EXACTLY the trials and tribulations we face; the circumstances we are in, the decisions we have to make; the areas of life where we struggle; HE KNOWS how far the east if from the west. If ever I forget, and I do at times, I need only look at the outstretched arms, from "one scarred hand to the other" ]
Be blessed everyone. God is the same - yesterday...today...forever!!
Velvet
In saying all that, I have had a song on my mind for a couple days. This particular song has really been ministering to me, and making me think...It's "East to West" by Casting Crowns. I just wanna share what the Holy Spirit has shown me/IS showing me concerning the words to this song. My commentary will be in brackets [ ] alongside the words of the song.
East to West
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness [I forget that He forgets; when I confess and repent, He is NOT a God sitting in Heaven ready to strike me if I do it again; He doesn't remember all my faults and shortcomings, just to remind me of them later...thats the job of the enemy of my soul...]
The chains of yesterday surround me [chains of yesterday...I hold on to EVERYTHING that has happened...whether it be yesterday, or the day before, or 10 years ago...even though I can't change it; but the chains of it surround me like a cord, squeezing out my life]
I yearn for peace and rest [I yearn for my soul to find peace, and to find rest in the promises of God; yet, I don't. I let my mind wander around, and get me in a tizzy]
I don't want to end up where You found me [where He found me was at the bottom of a bottle, and in the dregs of life; full of greed, selfishness, and bitterness with a deadly hold...along with others things that were shaking, as well]
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight [it echoes in my mind because I dont let the Word of God RENEW my mind...if my mind is filled with good, how can it be filled with worry, fear and despair?]
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west [Psalm 103:12 - its scripture, how can I doubt this? ]
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned [we can come to God now, because when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying that we no longer needed a priestly mediator; Jesus is our mediator]
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way [that is the problem...I "feel" too much...I feel emotional, I feel sad, I feel depressed, etc...not about the way I feel; its what God says about me that I need to hear and know]
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west [He shows me how far every time He opens wide His arms and receives me in]
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again [we don't have to see the man we were, because the old "us" had died, and we have been raised with Christ; Romans 6:6,7]
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest [when I go to Him, and abide in Him, I find rest {in His arms} ]
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other [when He stretched His arms out on the cross, taking on all our sin and shame, He removed our transgressions from us, as far as the east is from the west...]
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin [it truly is a daily battle, putting your mind on things above; let it be renewed daily by the Word; put on the armor of God, so I can withstand the fiery darts of the enemy ]
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in [whenever we are in the "eye" of our storm, we can't discern what God is saying to us for the howling going on in our ears ]
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way [BUT, we are NOT one mistake away, or two, or five...God wants us to cling to Him; and He makes the way known for us when we do. Making mistakes is how we learn to do things RIGHT :) ]
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light [we are washed white, by the Blood of Jesus; He has turned our life around, turned mourning into dancing; turned darkness to light; what a great love ]
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night [night fall for many is when the thoughts come. God is with us, then, too...just like with the children of Isreal - cloud by day, pillar of fire by night...He is the light of our surrounding, choking darkness ]
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me [SOO thankful that I don't have to fret about keeping my grip ALL the time; He is holding me...He IS holding ME...soak in that for a minute... ]
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
[Once again, He know EXACTLY the trials and tribulations we face; the circumstances we are in, the decisions we have to make; the areas of life where we struggle; HE KNOWS how far the east if from the west. If ever I forget, and I do at times, I need only look at the outstretched arms, from "one scarred hand to the other" ]
Be blessed everyone. God is the same - yesterday...today...forever!!
Velvet
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Battle weary, and still OK...
So, no post in a couple days. I've missed it. I haven't been busy, or anything like that. I've just been emotional. and moody. ok, and lazy. There. I said it. I have realized that I enjoy writing, almost as much as I enjoy reading. Writing allows me to express thoughts and ideas that I may not possibly be able to articulate any other way. It's a worthwhile form of commentary, because when writing, you can put your heart and thought "out there" in a very real way; meanwhile, if speaking directly to someone, it may be more difficult to get a point across. THAT is one of the reasons I love writing SO MUCH.
I want to be real for a moment today. Shoot, I ALWAYS WANT to be real, genuine, honest, candid; BUT I'm NOT always real or genuine or honest...because that what I want from others.
Fact is, sometimes I get unbalanced. My emotions take me wayyy up one day, and wayyy down the next; I'm full of joy one day, full of sorrow the next. and I know God is in control, and I know that He is "working all things together for my good" and I know lots of other things I can hold on to, and have the peace of God; I just choose NOT to hold on to those things. I choose to wallow for a bit in my messy situation, in my messy circumstance.
I forget that the Keeper of the Stars is the Lover of my Soul; I forget that the Creator of all things is the Creator of ME; I forget that in the darkness of the night, when I feel lonely and dejected, that I have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I forget. I forget. and I forGOT.
I forgot that my mind doesn't get renewed all at once - it gets renewed a little bit at a time, as the word of God comes in and reminds me of who I am, of who I am created to be; when the Word reminds me that I am victorious, that I am an overcomer, that I can do ALL things through Christ, who gives me strength. That momentary, LIGHT AFFLICTION is producing eternal glory beyond compare. that I can be afflicted in every way, but not crushed. That I can be perplexed, but not despairing. That I can be persecuted, but not forsaken. That I can be struck down, but not destroyed.
And what helped me remember, and see...were words of encouragement. From a seasoned warrior. From a saint of God that has been in the haunches; that has crawled through a mess of poop, and came out on the other side smelling like roses. It wasn't always easy for them, wasn't always pretty for them. And they live to share their story. with me. with ME.
So, today is a reminder to all of us. Take the mask off. Tear the wall down. Come out of the frame. If I had continued to wear my mask, I would have never known that I was ok. I was reeling just from STUFF going on in life. I didn't know which end was up. But, I was reminded that I am God's and I AM OK. I am a dear friend. I am His Beloved. He is for me; when I don't perceive Him. He is for me, when no one else seems to be.
I want to say thank you again to the one of whom I speak. I hope you read this. You know who you are.
And to the rest of my friends, I hope this encourages you in some small way. My love to you girls and guys.
Velvet
I want to be real for a moment today. Shoot, I ALWAYS WANT to be real, genuine, honest, candid; BUT I'm NOT always real or genuine or honest...because that what I want from others.
Fact is, sometimes I get unbalanced. My emotions take me wayyy up one day, and wayyy down the next; I'm full of joy one day, full of sorrow the next. and I know God is in control, and I know that He is "working all things together for my good" and I know lots of other things I can hold on to, and have the peace of God; I just choose NOT to hold on to those things. I choose to wallow for a bit in my messy situation, in my messy circumstance.
I forget that the Keeper of the Stars is the Lover of my Soul; I forget that the Creator of all things is the Creator of ME; I forget that in the darkness of the night, when I feel lonely and dejected, that I have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I forget. I forget. and I forGOT.
I forgot that my mind doesn't get renewed all at once - it gets renewed a little bit at a time, as the word of God comes in and reminds me of who I am, of who I am created to be; when the Word reminds me that I am victorious, that I am an overcomer, that I can do ALL things through Christ, who gives me strength. That momentary, LIGHT AFFLICTION is producing eternal glory beyond compare. that I can be afflicted in every way, but not crushed. That I can be perplexed, but not despairing. That I can be persecuted, but not forsaken. That I can be struck down, but not destroyed.
And what helped me remember, and see...were words of encouragement. From a seasoned warrior. From a saint of God that has been in the haunches; that has crawled through a mess of poop, and came out on the other side smelling like roses. It wasn't always easy for them, wasn't always pretty for them. And they live to share their story. with me. with ME.
So, today is a reminder to all of us. Take the mask off. Tear the wall down. Come out of the frame. If I had continued to wear my mask, I would have never known that I was ok. I was reeling just from STUFF going on in life. I didn't know which end was up. But, I was reminded that I am God's and I AM OK. I am a dear friend. I am His Beloved. He is for me; when I don't perceive Him. He is for me, when no one else seems to be.
I want to say thank you again to the one of whom I speak. I hope you read this. You know who you are.
And to the rest of my friends, I hope this encourages you in some small way. My love to you girls and guys.
Velvet
Monday, April 18, 2011
Don't faint...
Good afternoon to everyone! Beautiful day in Northwest Georgia! It is a day that the Lord has made, so let's rejoice in it.
This day has found me thinking. Thinking about life, and the journey that it really is. I was thinking about the scripture that says that there is life in God, and the one that says that Jesus came so that I (we) may have life, and have it more abundantly. Let's play with that word for a moment. Abundant: present in great quantity; fully sufficient, found in copious supply; more than adequate supply. I pondered this word for several moments. What do I (we) have in abundance? What do I have "more than adequate" supply of? What have I in life that is "fully sufficient"?
As I thought about abundance, I realized that I have more in abundance than I have in lack, and for that I am very grateful. I have abundance of breath. Every morning that I get to wake up, I need to be praising God that my time to depart this earth has not yet come. I know that being absent from "this body" is to be present with Christ, yet I want more time; time to fulfill plan and purpose, time to make a difference, time to learn and grow more.
I have adequate supply of "things"...I may not have what I WANT, but I have what I NEED for this season. Sometimes I find myself whining that I don't have what "they" have - but I also know that I probably didn't have to go through some of the stuff "they" did, in order to get what "they" have.
I have in "great quantity" the Spirit of the Lord upon me. He is within the heart of those who have invited Him. He is with me. He will never leave me. He will never forsake me. He is carrying me. He is enthralled with me. Captivated. Jealous. Loving. Teaching. I have been made right in His sight, because of the blood of Jesus.
Sometimes, life is great. Sometimes, you find yourself with a pile of lemons, and not too sure what to do with the pile. I'll tell you what I must do. I gotta take the lemons, and make some lemonade. I gotta take the good, and be ready for some bad. I gotta rest in the peace He gives me, and the assurance that He will help me to work all things out...together for my good. I gotta drop my attitude that tells me "Well, this is just not fair. Why do I have to go through this NOW, of all times." I must be humble, and dependent, on Him, to make things happen when they need to happen.
So, today, be encouraged. In the middle of some of my biggest messes, I have seen God show Himself in the biggest ways. In my weakness, He is strong. When I am decreased, He is increased. and all to the glory of God.
Velvet
This day has found me thinking. Thinking about life, and the journey that it really is. I was thinking about the scripture that says that there is life in God, and the one that says that Jesus came so that I (we) may have life, and have it more abundantly. Let's play with that word for a moment. Abundant: present in great quantity; fully sufficient, found in copious supply; more than adequate supply. I pondered this word for several moments. What do I (we) have in abundance? What do I have "more than adequate" supply of? What have I in life that is "fully sufficient"?
As I thought about abundance, I realized that I have more in abundance than I have in lack, and for that I am very grateful. I have abundance of breath. Every morning that I get to wake up, I need to be praising God that my time to depart this earth has not yet come. I know that being absent from "this body" is to be present with Christ, yet I want more time; time to fulfill plan and purpose, time to make a difference, time to learn and grow more.
I have adequate supply of "things"...I may not have what I WANT, but I have what I NEED for this season. Sometimes I find myself whining that I don't have what "they" have - but I also know that I probably didn't have to go through some of the stuff "they" did, in order to get what "they" have.
I have in "great quantity" the Spirit of the Lord upon me. He is within the heart of those who have invited Him. He is with me. He will never leave me. He will never forsake me. He is carrying me. He is enthralled with me. Captivated. Jealous. Loving. Teaching. I have been made right in His sight, because of the blood of Jesus.
Sometimes, life is great. Sometimes, you find yourself with a pile of lemons, and not too sure what to do with the pile. I'll tell you what I must do. I gotta take the lemons, and make some lemonade. I gotta take the good, and be ready for some bad. I gotta rest in the peace He gives me, and the assurance that He will help me to work all things out...together for my good. I gotta drop my attitude that tells me "Well, this is just not fair. Why do I have to go through this NOW, of all times." I must be humble, and dependent, on Him, to make things happen when they need to happen.
So, today, be encouraged. In the middle of some of my biggest messes, I have seen God show Himself in the biggest ways. In my weakness, He is strong. When I am decreased, He is increased. and all to the glory of God.
Velvet
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Ahhhh! Today, I decided to let the vacuum cleaner have a couple hours off, with pay,of course! haha Seems if you run those things, you can burn up the motor. My landlord would agree with that statement fervently!! lol
Anyway, this afternoon found me sitting outside just looking around and listening. It has been another gorgeous Northwest Georgia day. As I was sitting, I heard the sounds of a woodpecker "working" pretty close. I was intrigued, so I kept listening. This went on for several minutes, and I finally saw said woodpecker. He was in a tree, which was about 30 feet tall, only inches from where I was sitting. As I continued to watch, even more enthralled since I could SEE the woodpecker, he began to peck his way around the tree. Nothing substantial - it was as if he was making a peck here and a peck there. No hardcore rat a tat tat tat tat that would ensure the tree coming down! Suddenly, after about 2 or 3 minutes of pecking, he stopped, and perched himself on top of the tree and sat there. Every so often I would see his little woodpecker head bob around as if waiting or looking for someone. So I waited.
and I waited. and waited some more. and watched. Mr woodpecker would call out, some sound all his own, and I continued to watch. and wait. Pretty soon, I began to scold myself. I asked myself, "Am I really sitting here, watching this...?" I even inquired of the Lord, "Ok, Lord, what should I see here?" I continue to wait. and watch. and in frustration, I stopped watching, even chastising myself for wasting time.
BUT GOD!! Several hours later, I am sitting on my bed, reading, and getting ready to post this. And I get it. I get what it meant for me, anyway. This woodpecker was telling a valuable lesson, if you will. Woodpecker had labored, and called out and was resting. COULD IT BE that is what we are created to do? We(I) labor (not necessarily at a job, but labor in life, on a journey), and we(I) call out (to God, because I need Him, minute by minute; if His Spirit left me for one second, I could cease to exist), and we rest (in knowing...that He is).
As I pondered this lesson, I realized that not always do I do these things. Sometimes I labor too much - I get unbalanced, and I run - 90 to nothing, like a scalded monkey, if you will. Other times, I crawl through my days, wondering what the point even is. Sometimes I call out - sometimes I don't; not because I don't want to, or don't care to, but because I forget that there is ALWAYS a way, and I get lost in the midst of "stuff". And lastly, sometimes I rest (in Him and the peace He brings in the midst of storms) and other times - I don't rest at all. I forget that in Him, I have my being. and that In Him, and because of Him, all things that were created exist. And then, I see, once again. and I find myself thankful, not withstanding the storm, but better BECAUSE of the storm.
My encouragement verse is one we all know...by heart. And it brings the message of hope.
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness, for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for He is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me. He is a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He has anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Lord, help me to remember this word of truth, and dwell in You, forever.
Velvet
Anyway, this afternoon found me sitting outside just looking around and listening. It has been another gorgeous Northwest Georgia day. As I was sitting, I heard the sounds of a woodpecker "working" pretty close. I was intrigued, so I kept listening. This went on for several minutes, and I finally saw said woodpecker. He was in a tree, which was about 30 feet tall, only inches from where I was sitting. As I continued to watch, even more enthralled since I could SEE the woodpecker, he began to peck his way around the tree. Nothing substantial - it was as if he was making a peck here and a peck there. No hardcore rat a tat tat tat tat that would ensure the tree coming down! Suddenly, after about 2 or 3 minutes of pecking, he stopped, and perched himself on top of the tree and sat there. Every so often I would see his little woodpecker head bob around as if waiting or looking for someone. So I waited.
and I waited. and waited some more. and watched. Mr woodpecker would call out, some sound all his own, and I continued to watch. and wait. Pretty soon, I began to scold myself. I asked myself, "Am I really sitting here, watching this...?" I even inquired of the Lord, "Ok, Lord, what should I see here?" I continue to wait. and watch. and in frustration, I stopped watching, even chastising myself for wasting time.
BUT GOD!! Several hours later, I am sitting on my bed, reading, and getting ready to post this. And I get it. I get what it meant for me, anyway. This woodpecker was telling a valuable lesson, if you will. Woodpecker had labored, and called out and was resting. COULD IT BE that is what we are created to do? We(I) labor (not necessarily at a job, but labor in life, on a journey), and we(I) call out (to God, because I need Him, minute by minute; if His Spirit left me for one second, I could cease to exist), and we rest (in knowing...that He is).
As I pondered this lesson, I realized that not always do I do these things. Sometimes I labor too much - I get unbalanced, and I run - 90 to nothing, like a scalded monkey, if you will. Other times, I crawl through my days, wondering what the point even is. Sometimes I call out - sometimes I don't; not because I don't want to, or don't care to, but because I forget that there is ALWAYS a way, and I get lost in the midst of "stuff". And lastly, sometimes I rest (in Him and the peace He brings in the midst of storms) and other times - I don't rest at all. I forget that in Him, I have my being. and that In Him, and because of Him, all things that were created exist. And then, I see, once again. and I find myself thankful, not withstanding the storm, but better BECAUSE of the storm.
My encouragement verse is one we all know...by heart. And it brings the message of hope.
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness, for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for He is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me. He is a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He has anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Lord, help me to remember this word of truth, and dwell in You, forever.
Velvet
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