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
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
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
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Know what I know...
Last night, in Northwest Georgia, there were storms. These storms were of the "humdinger" variety. Winds were up, trees were waving, power was out. As I watched these storms from my bedroom window, with a large cuddly dog next to me (very thankful to get to dog sit, and that said dog is good "storm company"!!), I was reminded once again that the winds may howl, and the storms WILL come, but I know the Master of the storm!! As I watched the events of the night unfolding, I noticed several things that showed me that God is in control of the storms, and of OUR storms.
Yesterday, I wrote about flowers and trees, and plants, growing up toward the light, or reaching out for the light. Last evening, as the darkness threatened to overwhelm, every so often there would be a lightning strike. A very present reminder that eventually, although darkness comes, and seemingly lingers, that the Light can and will come, and overtake the darkness. I think about the verse of scripture that says weeping may endure for a night (in the darkness, while there we can't see what's around), but joy comes in the morning (the light always comes in the morning); and I remember that although I may not be able to see what's ahead (what is looming in MY storm, or in any storm), that the Keeper of the storms is there, when I call to Him.
As I lay in the darkness, several Psalms came to mind. I thought about Psalm 3 - King David says this when fleeing from his son, Absolom - "many are they increased that trouble me; many are they that rise up against me. BUT THOU, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." David was being pursued by his child, and He cried out to the Lord. I also thought about the Psalm where David knows that "though a thousand may fall, and ten thousand at your right hand, it shall not harm you." (91) What will not harm you? The things that come at you. They will not harm you. They may hurt, and they may be painful, and they may leave scars, but the scars are a reminder of the wounds and the pain that He has brought you through, and from.
One of my favorite songs at this moment is a tune by Point of Grace, called "Heal the Wounds." I looked for a video to share for you to hear, and this one was the best in quality; looks like POG doesn't have an official video, or at least one I could find...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLnKj9Bwlec
and here are the words to the song.
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend, I never knew the me back then
I used to pray that you would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of, the place you brought me from
That keeps me on my knees, even though i'm free
Heal the wound but leave the scars
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
But take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scars
I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
and I dont take pride in what I bring
but I build an alter with the rubble that you found me in
And every stone will sing, of what You can redeem
Heal the wounds and leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart, heal the wound but leave the scar
dont let me forget, dont let me forget
the beauty in the suffering...
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scar
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scar
Yesterday, I wrote about flowers and trees, and plants, growing up toward the light, or reaching out for the light. Last evening, as the darkness threatened to overwhelm, every so often there would be a lightning strike. A very present reminder that eventually, although darkness comes, and seemingly lingers, that the Light can and will come, and overtake the darkness. I think about the verse of scripture that says weeping may endure for a night (in the darkness, while there we can't see what's around), but joy comes in the morning (the light always comes in the morning); and I remember that although I may not be able to see what's ahead (what is looming in MY storm, or in any storm), that the Keeper of the storms is there, when I call to Him.
As I lay in the darkness, several Psalms came to mind. I thought about Psalm 3 - King David says this when fleeing from his son, Absolom - "many are they increased that trouble me; many are they that rise up against me. BUT THOU, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." David was being pursued by his child, and He cried out to the Lord. I also thought about the Psalm where David knows that "though a thousand may fall, and ten thousand at your right hand, it shall not harm you." (91) What will not harm you? The things that come at you. They will not harm you. They may hurt, and they may be painful, and they may leave scars, but the scars are a reminder of the wounds and the pain that He has brought you through, and from.
One of my favorite songs at this moment is a tune by Point of Grace, called "Heal the Wounds." I looked for a video to share for you to hear, and this one was the best in quality; looks like POG doesn't have an official video, or at least one I could find...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLnKj9Bwlec
and here are the words to the song.
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend, I never knew the me back then
I used to pray that you would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of, the place you brought me from
That keeps me on my knees, even though i'm free
Heal the wound but leave the scars
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
But take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scars
I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
and I dont take pride in what I bring
but I build an alter with the rubble that you found me in
And every stone will sing, of what You can redeem
Heal the wounds and leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart, heal the wound but leave the scar
dont let me forget, dont let me forget
the beauty in the suffering...
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scar
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broke and torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scar
Monday, April 11, 2011
Start Living...
Well, good April afternoon. Sunny and beautiful day; a perfect day for a lesson (for me, anyway) on the simple art of being aware. Isn't it amazing how God will use ANYTHING to get your attention, or to get your "innattentiveness", as the case is with me.
Having completed my to-do list for the day, I opted to spend the afternoon outside, since there is a threat of thunderstorms to come later tonight, and into early morning, and also, because I just had NO desire to sit inside. As I am sitting outside, I begin to see things in a whole new way, with a new perspective. Where I once saw only a bush, now I saw the blooms on the bush; where I once saw only stalks of so-called weeds, now I saw that there were flowers budding on the ends of those "weeds"; where I once saw only grass growing, I now saw flowers strategically placed among the grassy area.
Now, that may seem like a small thing, but I realized that in my haste, and in my inattentiveness, I had missed out on the growth. The most important thing that the Lord pointed out to me, and as soon as I heard it, I knew...it is for me. "You need to stop...and live life."
Then, in a most amazing way, allowed me to see something that I had been looking at all along, but had never "noticed". Here it is...Grass grows up, right? and trees grow upward too, yes? and most flowers grow straight up, too, correct? Answer would be yes, in a typical case scenario; however, when God showed me this, I had an "aha moment", revelation, as it were.
There is a certain spot in my backyard where it is mostly shady. The particular blooms in THAT spot are growing SIDEWAYS!! It was then that I heard that they were "reaching for the light." REACHING!! Because of the darkness of the shade, these buds are growing out at an angle, so they can get ahold of the sunlight...aka - the light.
Pondering this, don't we all know the God is the Light? Isn't it amazing how even the plants, trees and grass crave this Light, in order to grow and thrive? and if God said that these things, those which neither toil nor gather, are protected in Him, HOW MUCH MORE are we protected and cared for by Him?
I sure did need this word today. It is when the Light is shone on us, and through us, that we are succeptible to the greatest growth, and sometimes, the way to grow is not necessarily straight up. Like the little flowers growing sideways in order to get light, craving it...there is something inate within us to do the same.
Be encouraged today!
Luke 12:22-34
Having completed my to-do list for the day, I opted to spend the afternoon outside, since there is a threat of thunderstorms to come later tonight, and into early morning, and also, because I just had NO desire to sit inside. As I am sitting outside, I begin to see things in a whole new way, with a new perspective. Where I once saw only a bush, now I saw the blooms on the bush; where I once saw only stalks of so-called weeds, now I saw that there were flowers budding on the ends of those "weeds"; where I once saw only grass growing, I now saw flowers strategically placed among the grassy area.
Now, that may seem like a small thing, but I realized that in my haste, and in my inattentiveness, I had missed out on the growth. The most important thing that the Lord pointed out to me, and as soon as I heard it, I knew...it is for me. "You need to stop...and live life."
Then, in a most amazing way, allowed me to see something that I had been looking at all along, but had never "noticed". Here it is...Grass grows up, right? and trees grow upward too, yes? and most flowers grow straight up, too, correct? Answer would be yes, in a typical case scenario; however, when God showed me this, I had an "aha moment", revelation, as it were.
There is a certain spot in my backyard where it is mostly shady. The particular blooms in THAT spot are growing SIDEWAYS!! It was then that I heard that they were "reaching for the light." REACHING!! Because of the darkness of the shade, these buds are growing out at an angle, so they can get ahold of the sunlight...aka - the light.
Pondering this, don't we all know the God is the Light? Isn't it amazing how even the plants, trees and grass crave this Light, in order to grow and thrive? and if God said that these things, those which neither toil nor gather, are protected in Him, HOW MUCH MORE are we protected and cared for by Him?
I sure did need this word today. It is when the Light is shone on us, and through us, that we are succeptible to the greatest growth, and sometimes, the way to grow is not necessarily straight up. Like the little flowers growing sideways in order to get light, craving it...there is something inate within us to do the same.
Be encouraged today!
Luke 12:22-34
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Welcome!!
Well, good evening!! Welcome to "a Closer Walk..."
I hope to be an encouragement by posting, as situations and circumstances come, about the goodness, grace, mercy and the chastening and scolding of a loving Savior and Father! I have found (in the midst of MY current storm), that God is faithful and merciful and full of grace for my moment, and for yours. If you don't know Him personally and intimately, get to. There truly is NO other relationship you may enter, where the other person is FOR you in such a dynamic way as the Living God.
My thinking is, and my aim is, to "take off the mask", so to speak...let you see that believers (old, young, seasoned, brand new, etc) are at various levels of their walk with God, and that while I don't pretend to know it all, or have all the answers, I know this...I am human. We are human. That's not an excuse or an explanation, or a reason. I am a mess some times, and its ok to be a mess, so long as I (or you) don't begin to "live" in out mess. My head gets lost somewhere, and I get lost in the thoughts that ramble on in there, and alas...
I become forgetful. We become forgetful. Its a battle. Everyday, we fight. Everyday, I try to remember and live this one thought..."Its all about HIM, so what can I do today that will being Him glory?" Is it always easy? It is always pretty and proper, and without some dirt and some tears? No, but the power of God is and will continue to change me and us. I want to press toward the mark. Learn and live my identity, which is in Christ Jesus. I want to cooperate and work with God, I want to have experiences with God.
and, at the end of this journey we call life, I want to hear this..."Well done, my good and faithful servant;...now enter into the joy of your Master"
I hope to be an encouragement by posting, as situations and circumstances come, about the goodness, grace, mercy and the chastening and scolding of a loving Savior and Father! I have found (in the midst of MY current storm), that God is faithful and merciful and full of grace for my moment, and for yours. If you don't know Him personally and intimately, get to. There truly is NO other relationship you may enter, where the other person is FOR you in such a dynamic way as the Living God.
My thinking is, and my aim is, to "take off the mask", so to speak...let you see that believers (old, young, seasoned, brand new, etc) are at various levels of their walk with God, and that while I don't pretend to know it all, or have all the answers, I know this...I am human. We are human. That's not an excuse or an explanation, or a reason. I am a mess some times, and its ok to be a mess, so long as I (or you) don't begin to "live" in out mess. My head gets lost somewhere, and I get lost in the thoughts that ramble on in there, and alas...
I become forgetful. We become forgetful. Its a battle. Everyday, we fight. Everyday, I try to remember and live this one thought..."Its all about HIM, so what can I do today that will being Him glory?" Is it always easy? It is always pretty and proper, and without some dirt and some tears? No, but the power of God is and will continue to change me and us. I want to press toward the mark. Learn and live my identity, which is in Christ Jesus. I want to cooperate and work with God, I want to have experiences with God.
and, at the end of this journey we call life, I want to hear this..."Well done, my good and faithful servant;...now enter into the joy of your Master"
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