There comes that moment in many a saint’s life when you know you must stop praying. You stop praying for the person who’s sick because the Lord has answered the prayer by taking the person to heaven. It’s not that prayers cease, it’s that they change in purpose from the pleading for a person to the pleading for the strength to endure the present pain.
That happened to me five years ago. I spent several painful weeks pleading with God to spare my mother. I knew in my heart that He wasn’t going to. I knew that the thing I dreaded and feared more than anything was going to happen. On that morning of March 16, 2006, I stopped praying for my dearest mom. 24 years of prayers were halted and my heart began begging for relief. It’s natural in times of deep sorrow to look up towards heaven with grief swollen eyes. The heart feels the need for some answers. Some things can never be explained. God never explained to Job the purpose of his loss. He doesn’t always explain the purpose of ours either.
There’s solace in knowing that God knows best, in knowing that we are in need of endurance and in the encouragement not to forsake our hope. There is a promise that runs true. I will never leave you or forsake you. Dear saint, whatever the trial, the sorrow, the sickness or pain, know that we are Christ’s and our hope is secure in Him. All that is here will not remain but all that is in heaven is established and reserved for us forever.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Shh...It's a Secret, My Dinner Party Tips
What are some fail proof tips to having a great dinner party for friends? Through a bunch of mishaps and various kitchen disasters, I've learned there's a dinner party recipe that's tried and true. Check out these quick tips to get you started.
Of course, have fun and remember the more relaxed you are the more relaxed your guests will be.
- If you're on a budget, consider hosting no more than 4-6 people.
- Don't try to make everything from scratch. Make a couple home made items and supplement the rest with something catered or from the grocery store.
- Have a combo of soft drinks and liquor available. Keep these in an easy access location so your guests can help themselves. Don't forget ice! Some people practically breath by ice.
- Consider your guests dietary restrictions. Anyone Jewish (kosher), diabetic or vegetarian?
- If serving cocktails, try to choose several that don't require more than soda water and a liquor. This saves you time and your budget.
- Choose menu options that can be prepped in advance and don't require a watchful eye (think roasts, casseroles etc).
- Prepare dishes you've made before. This avoids embarrassment - trust me!
Of course, have fun and remember the more relaxed you are the more relaxed your guests will be.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In Loving Memory
The torrents of rain have given way to a cool, warm and sunny afternoon. I don't remember what the weather was like five years ago when her life ended but I do remember the scripture that rolled like a movie reel through my head. It was "To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61.3. Through the last five years I've struggled with that scripture and have begged, pleaded and petitioned God for an answer as to how beauty emerges from ashes, how joy can come from the deep mourning and how I'd ever recover from the jet lag of death. The night before she left me, I still can't quite say she died, she told me that whatever happened I would be ok. I didn't believe her at the time but I certainly believe it now. How great is the God we serve and how awesome an experience it has been learning that I can not only survive loneliness but thrive because of it. Through my pain I've watched many rejoice. Through all my fears I've learned I have nothing to fear. I can now relate to Job's words "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You." Job 42:5
Here's what happened when she first left. The cat box wasn't cleaned for several weeks at a time, the dirty laundry piled up in my bedroom and phone calls were returned weeks later. In the beginning I pleaded with God for a husband; reasoning that I needed someone to take care of me and that everyone is meant to be in a family. Are they? Is family a right of passage? Is having a husband a gift? Is love is a gift? Hard to say and today I don't write about that. Today my dear Savior has called me to forget the past and move forward. I've been learning to pray "thy will be done" and I've been learning to shift my thinking away from the here and now and into the hereafter. God has been very good to me. It was painful to rip the stitching that sewed her heart to mine but the work has been finished. What remains is a heart that's now stitched to Christ. What remains is the memory of all she taught me. What lingers is the image of her (my mother) on her bed at 5:00 a.m. reading the Bible and praying. All the scriptures she taught me plays through my mind as each day unfolds. I awake with the Lord and I go to bed thinking of Him. The nights of reaching across the bed and pleading for another soul are over. Those nights are replaced by a peaceful drifting off to sleep.
I've learned to discipline my thoughts away from sensual things and to place each thought, each action and each desire into the hands of God. Therein is a peace that passes understanding. It's in loving memory that my life is ever grateful for hers. Thank you Lord for giving me such an example. Her godly example rests upon me after her death. She was the epitome of the scripture that says "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." Until we meet again on that beautiful shore -- I shall never forget the gift of her life but how can I; for we are stitched to the same Savior and her prayers are now mine.
Here's what happened when she first left. The cat box wasn't cleaned for several weeks at a time, the dirty laundry piled up in my bedroom and phone calls were returned weeks later. In the beginning I pleaded with God for a husband; reasoning that I needed someone to take care of me and that everyone is meant to be in a family. Are they? Is family a right of passage? Is having a husband a gift? Is love is a gift? Hard to say and today I don't write about that. Today my dear Savior has called me to forget the past and move forward. I've been learning to pray "thy will be done" and I've been learning to shift my thinking away from the here and now and into the hereafter. God has been very good to me. It was painful to rip the stitching that sewed her heart to mine but the work has been finished. What remains is a heart that's now stitched to Christ. What remains is the memory of all she taught me. What lingers is the image of her (my mother) on her bed at 5:00 a.m. reading the Bible and praying. All the scriptures she taught me plays through my mind as each day unfolds. I awake with the Lord and I go to bed thinking of Him. The nights of reaching across the bed and pleading for another soul are over. Those nights are replaced by a peaceful drifting off to sleep.
I've learned to discipline my thoughts away from sensual things and to place each thought, each action and each desire into the hands of God. Therein is a peace that passes understanding. It's in loving memory that my life is ever grateful for hers. Thank you Lord for giving me such an example. Her godly example rests upon me after her death. She was the epitome of the scripture that says "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." Until we meet again on that beautiful shore -- I shall never forget the gift of her life but how can I; for we are stitched to the same Savior and her prayers are now mine.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A Fatal Flaw - Refusing to Embrace Differences
I'll start with my first thoughts, if only b/c they're so amusing and I love a good story...oh wait, I love telling a good story...or hearing one? Dunno. When you mentioned that you rarely meet anyone who shares, my initial thought was I encounter the opposite, why is that? I keep a box of tissues next to my PC for the passerby who will stop in and just need a good cry! I think I know the intimate details of all my friends. Truth be told, I'd be offended if they didn't share so I'm not complaining! That wasn't a good story though was it? Sorry, I'm definitely in my joking sort of "must have a good time or die" mood. This weekend will prove interesting.
I digress from the religious discussion which at this point is certainly interesting. Perhaps at the heart of it is the fact that I've been down this road many times and even have a miserably failed romantic relationship due to it. So, I must admit that reading your very strong take (it seemed stronger than some), had me questioning middle ground. Here's the thing...religion doesn't always matter when it comes to friendship (my best friend is Hindu -- u could argue it's a religion but pantheism and monotheism aren't the same) but it has mattered a lot in my romances. Since you're not offering romance, it's definitely possible to forge a friendship -- I'm not sure I can guarantee more but then again you're not offering more, how presumptuous of me!
But, let's remove the faith thing for a second though b/c it brought me to an interesting observation about myself. I avoid differences yet I see the need in highlighting the differences and the flaw in my stance to avoid them. There's no argument there.
So to conclude, you've highlighted a prevalent flaw in my character and I'm thankful. No worries, you're the 3rd person to highlight it so I really need to pay attention. I'll begin fixing it through prayer. While finding the middle ground in the faith issue might prove an insurmountable challenge b/c we're at opposite ends of it, there's middle ground in terms of disposition. Perhaps had you known that I shirk from blunt honesty you could've been honest but more diplomatic? I think I misused the word filter. I didn't mean not to say what you have to say; rather to say it a little more softly b/c I really, really love the God I serve and I might be hurt if someone doesn't love Him the way I do. I get why others don't love Him and accept it but for whatever stupid reason - and it's stupid, it still hurts. Mitigating the damages can be helpful. And you guessed it, I'd be offended if someone doesn't like my favorite restaurant too! I appreciate diplomacy but tend to shut down with blunt honesty. With bluntness I just can't let the person in and I've tried. I've learned this through the men I've dated. Heck, I've only learned from the men I've dated b/c they're the only ones who've been honest with me! Actually that's not true. My boss is excellent at delivering positive and negative feedback in a form that I can accept. On my end, I have to work on allowing people to be honest and not taking it too personally nor relating it to some other instance that happened. I also need to learn to respect differences.
Of course these conversations have proved enlightening. I've discovered a possibility of why people share with me and also came to understand a scripture that's been mysterious for several years now. Thanks! So, when all is said and done, I welcome your thoughts & will try my best not to be overly sensitive about them. I'm happy to discuss my faith, I just hesitate to argue over it, if that makes sense. But then again, I hate to debate anything. But perhaps knowing my flaw, you understand a little more as to why? But the discovery of why people tell me so much and this scripture is fascinating. Thanks again!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Childish Dreams or God's Will?
A co-worker said something to me that really shed some light on a struggle I've been having. I was telling her of my disappointment in not getting a manager title nor a raise for my title change. I need the money and desire to move out. She said, "From getting to know you, have you ever thought that perhaps you're not getting what you want because you really don't want it?" I asked what she meant and she said, "It seems your heart is more towards finding a husband, having children and making a difference in the lives of those you meet. While you love your job, perhaps you secretly love something else more?". There's more to the convo but I'll stop there so as not to bore you, you precious reader!
Perhaps God's plan and what's secretly in my heart is a shade different - hence it hasn't worked out? Heck, it might even be better! I'm finding that sometimes childish dreams stubbornly remain and maybe it's because they aren't dreams...could they be God's will from day 1?
When Children Feel Hopeless
Dear Friend,
I was so grieved the other day by what you were telling me about your daughter’s feelings and your son I thought I’d write.
I sympathize with your children and found myself in that very position frequently during my childhood. To be raised by a father who withholds love is a very painful experience and a very difficult one to bear for the young. I often wondered how I’d survive it. My mother tried to protect me but I ended up feeling her pain as well as my own.
As I matured my mother passed away and left me in the position to face my father alone and also face all the feelings of rejection that had built up. I stand today in the same circumstance but with a very different attitude. On my behalf, perhaps your children can learn what God taught me.
He taught me that “When my father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will take me up.”Ps. 27:10. And take me up He has! He brought a grief counselor into my life for free when I needed her, the generous friendship of my mother’s best friend who I call every day on the way to work, a co-worker who has borne my tears and grief with me and male friends who have proven that some men do exist to care for another and to love in ways my father hasn’t. He’s given me the wisdom to turn down dates that weren’t right for me and even to select a job that would support my current emotional state. Nevertheless, at this time your children aren’t alone and they are loved – by you. While their father may have forsaken them, their mother has not and will not. There are people in this world that grow up with no one to love them. Had a colleague not adopted her child from the orphanage, he’d have grown up with less love or none at all. We can be thankful for at least a mother who truly loves and I know you really love your children. Yes, you have to work and you are not always home but in those times of loneliness, your son and daughter can pray to God and ask for peace and comfort through the lonely moments. I promise you it will come!
Most importantly, even when both parents are not present, God is there. The Bible tells us that “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 Our children are not ours but God’s and He has a design for their life. They are here and living because He desires them to. It is not for any of us to decide if life is worth living. Of course it is though! God has great things in store for your children and has a path designed with only them in mind. They are special in His site and beloved. It’s the reason my mother was able to tell me the night before she died that all would be ok for me and whatever happened, I would be ok. She was right! God has a plan for my life, a plan for yours and definitely one for your children. “Sorrow may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.” Ps. 30:5 It truly does because I’ve watched so many I know triumph through horrible times. God has good works prepared; they simply take time to unfold.
I hope what I’ve written isn’t offensive. I just know how that feels and sympathize with a child that feels lost and insignificant in a very impersonal world.
I was so grieved the other day by what you were telling me about your daughter’s feelings and your son I thought I’d write.
I sympathize with your children and found myself in that very position frequently during my childhood. To be raised by a father who withholds love is a very painful experience and a very difficult one to bear for the young. I often wondered how I’d survive it. My mother tried to protect me but I ended up feeling her pain as well as my own.
As I matured my mother passed away and left me in the position to face my father alone and also face all the feelings of rejection that had built up. I stand today in the same circumstance but with a very different attitude. On my behalf, perhaps your children can learn what God taught me.
He taught me that “When my father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will take me up.”Ps. 27:10. And take me up He has! He brought a grief counselor into my life for free when I needed her, the generous friendship of my mother’s best friend who I call every day on the way to work, a co-worker who has borne my tears and grief with me and male friends who have proven that some men do exist to care for another and to love in ways my father hasn’t. He’s given me the wisdom to turn down dates that weren’t right for me and even to select a job that would support my current emotional state. Nevertheless, at this time your children aren’t alone and they are loved – by you. While their father may have forsaken them, their mother has not and will not. There are people in this world that grow up with no one to love them. Had a colleague not adopted her child from the orphanage, he’d have grown up with less love or none at all. We can be thankful for at least a mother who truly loves and I know you really love your children. Yes, you have to work and you are not always home but in those times of loneliness, your son and daughter can pray to God and ask for peace and comfort through the lonely moments. I promise you it will come!
Most importantly, even when both parents are not present, God is there. The Bible tells us that “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 Our children are not ours but God’s and He has a design for their life. They are here and living because He desires them to. It is not for any of us to decide if life is worth living. Of course it is though! God has great things in store for your children and has a path designed with only them in mind. They are special in His site and beloved. It’s the reason my mother was able to tell me the night before she died that all would be ok for me and whatever happened, I would be ok. She was right! God has a plan for my life, a plan for yours and definitely one for your children. “Sorrow may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.” Ps. 30:5 It truly does because I’ve watched so many I know triumph through horrible times. God has good works prepared; they simply take time to unfold.
I hope what I’ve written isn’t offensive. I just know how that feels and sympathize with a child that feels lost and insignificant in a very impersonal world.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Grant me faith to hope when I can't see
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7
But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. 4And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope 5that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Lord Jesus, as I lay my head upon my pillow and say the last words of my prayer, grant me your love. Help me to love you enough to not require to "see" the future. The future is yours. My life is yours. This trial is one that's teaching me how to be abased. Perhaps it's through our need that we learn what it is to be full in Christ and to be thankful for His provision. It's through tribulation that we learn that the Lord never dissapoints us - He always comes through.
But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. 4And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope 5that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Lord Jesus, as I lay my head upon my pillow and say the last words of my prayer, grant me your love. Help me to love you enough to not require to "see" the future. The future is yours. My life is yours. This trial is one that's teaching me how to be abased. Perhaps it's through our need that we learn what it is to be full in Christ and to be thankful for His provision. It's through tribulation that we learn that the Lord never dissapoints us - He always comes through.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Trusting God for the Spiritual and the Physical
2011 was heralded in with a canon of loneliness shooting holes into my armor of faith. The darkness felt dense. I'm learning two important lessons as I begin the year. The first is to trust God for the strength for each day and the second is to make my requests known to God.
With respect to the first point, I'm learning not to allow worry to creep in and plague my soul but rather to trust God. As children of God we live in the light and walk in the blessings of God. As we walk in the day and in the light of God's blessings, He will give us the strength to face each day. We can't worry about the next day or the next month. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. My mother always told me to stop fretting over "the what ifs" because they might never happen. I've found myself worrying about what it will be like to live in this house forever, to never get married or have children. Those are all worse case scenarios and likely won't happen. Why? They won't happen because Jesus promises to give us what we ask when we're in His will. This goes into the second point; to make my requests made known to God.
I recognize that there's a fine line here. I avoid the faith message and the notion that God is here to bless us and because of that always hesitate to ask God to bless me but the truth is; as I step into 2011, I really need His blessings. I need His strength to face the loneliness that's engulfing me and the courage to say no to the temptation to do sinful activities just to fill the loneliness. I need His mercy to find me new spiritually strong friends and a husband that fears God. I can't get any of these things without Him. When I seek Jesus first, meaning (1) pray to get His guidance and (2) desire His will in our lives, why wouldn't He grant me the consolation of a godly man and children in my future?
Here's my back-up reading on this...
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek.) For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
And this is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.
Trust in the LORD and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Fret not about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
The question remains, how do we know we're asking in the will of God? We do this by asking God to examine our hearts, test us for any presumptuous sins and give us the wisdom. God will reveal to us, while we're seeking Him if what we're asking for is out of line. If we're asking for something spiritual, then more than likely it will be granted. Nevertheless, this quote from Charles Spurgeon's sermon titled "As They Days, So Shall They Strength Be" is telling. He says:
"Once more, it does not say, our strength shall be as our fears. God often leaves us to shift alone with our fears,—never with our troubles...I have known an old lady sit and fret because she believed she should die in a workhouse and she wanted God to give her grace accordingly; but what would have been the good of that? because the Lord meant that she should die in her own quiet bedroom?...your day shall never be more troublesome, or more full of temptation, than your strength shall be full of deliverance." See: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0210.htm
So dear Saint, I quiver a bit in saying that this year I'm going to trust God not merely for the spiritual strength but also for the physical comfort I long for. I long for a place to call home but recognize I'm just a pilgrim and therefore don't desire a mansion but will be satisfied with a cottage. I long for a husband to love and children to tend. Perhaps it's not in His will for me to ask but I'm learning that sometimes in order to receive, we must ask. Forgive me dear Jesus if I'm wrong and correct me speadily.
With respect to the first point, I'm learning not to allow worry to creep in and plague my soul but rather to trust God. As children of God we live in the light and walk in the blessings of God. As we walk in the day and in the light of God's blessings, He will give us the strength to face each day. We can't worry about the next day or the next month. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. My mother always told me to stop fretting over "the what ifs" because they might never happen. I've found myself worrying about what it will be like to live in this house forever, to never get married or have children. Those are all worse case scenarios and likely won't happen. Why? They won't happen because Jesus promises to give us what we ask when we're in His will. This goes into the second point; to make my requests made known to God.
I recognize that there's a fine line here. I avoid the faith message and the notion that God is here to bless us and because of that always hesitate to ask God to bless me but the truth is; as I step into 2011, I really need His blessings. I need His strength to face the loneliness that's engulfing me and the courage to say no to the temptation to do sinful activities just to fill the loneliness. I need His mercy to find me new spiritually strong friends and a husband that fears God. I can't get any of these things without Him. When I seek Jesus first, meaning (1) pray to get His guidance and (2) desire His will in our lives, why wouldn't He grant me the consolation of a godly man and children in my future?
Here's my back-up reading on this...
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek.) For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
And this is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.
Trust in the LORD and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Fret not about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
The question remains, how do we know we're asking in the will of God? We do this by asking God to examine our hearts, test us for any presumptuous sins and give us the wisdom. God will reveal to us, while we're seeking Him if what we're asking for is out of line. If we're asking for something spiritual, then more than likely it will be granted. Nevertheless, this quote from Charles Spurgeon's sermon titled "As They Days, So Shall They Strength Be" is telling. He says:
"Once more, it does not say, our strength shall be as our fears. God often leaves us to shift alone with our fears,—never with our troubles...I have known an old lady sit and fret because she believed she should die in a workhouse and she wanted God to give her grace accordingly; but what would have been the good of that? because the Lord meant that she should die in her own quiet bedroom?...your day shall never be more troublesome, or more full of temptation, than your strength shall be full of deliverance." See: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0210.htm
So dear Saint, I quiver a bit in saying that this year I'm going to trust God not merely for the spiritual strength but also for the physical comfort I long for. I long for a place to call home but recognize I'm just a pilgrim and therefore don't desire a mansion but will be satisfied with a cottage. I long for a husband to love and children to tend. Perhaps it's not in His will for me to ask but I'm learning that sometimes in order to receive, we must ask. Forgive me dear Jesus if I'm wrong and correct me speadily.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Making Difficult Decisions
When making tough decisions, these are some comforting words for me.
"He Who hath led will lead
All through the wilderness,
He Who hath fed will surely feed ...
He Who hath heard thy cry
Will never close His ear,
He Who hath marked thy faintest sigh
Will not forget thy tear.
He loveth always, faileth never,
So rest on Him today .... for ever."
These words were penned by Mrs. Carmichael to her daughter, Amy Carmichael. Amy was, at the time, testing her desire to be a missionary. She left later that year for Japan and became the woman who rescued temple children from a life of prostitution in India.
Another favorite is Ps. 143.10 "You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path."
God never fails to lead us when we prayerfully consider the path we take. You won't make a mistake. Just remember that wherever you are and wherever you go, Jesus is with you. We need nothing else! Ponder each step in prayer as you make it and don't take another step until God's peace is in your heart. The peace means you're in the will of God.
"He Who hath led will lead
All through the wilderness,
He Who hath fed will surely feed ...
He Who hath heard thy cry
Will never close His ear,
He Who hath marked thy faintest sigh
Will not forget thy tear.
He loveth always, faileth never,
So rest on Him today .... for ever."
These words were penned by Mrs. Carmichael to her daughter, Amy Carmichael. Amy was, at the time, testing her desire to be a missionary. She left later that year for Japan and became the woman who rescued temple children from a life of prostitution in India.
Another favorite is Ps. 143.10 "You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path."
God never fails to lead us when we prayerfully consider the path we take. You won't make a mistake. Just remember that wherever you are and wherever you go, Jesus is with you. We need nothing else! Ponder each step in prayer as you make it and don't take another step until God's peace is in your heart. The peace means you're in the will of God.
Monday, January 03, 2011
My Plans Are Thine
"We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go." Prov. 16:9
How do you make plans for the future? You must wean yourself from the world's wisdom and always seek the will of God. A servant has no plans except that which the Master has ordained. His plans will always be made known to you in the form of His word (the Bible), solid preaching and godly counsel.
Trust the Lord and do good. Settle it within yourself that God is overall. Take one step and ask God to illuminate the next. No need to fret. With God for us who can be against us? Have faith, dear child. Your only plan ought to be - Lord, here I am, send me.
What are you willing to lose when you stop planning? Your reputation perhaps. Can you sell all for the gospel? Can you live without material comfort? Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Put Jesus first and you will have no regrets. Planning is unnecessary.
How do you make plans for the future? You must wean yourself from the world's wisdom and always seek the will of God. A servant has no plans except that which the Master has ordained. His plans will always be made known to you in the form of His word (the Bible), solid preaching and godly counsel.
Trust the Lord and do good. Settle it within yourself that God is overall. Take one step and ask God to illuminate the next. No need to fret. With God for us who can be against us? Have faith, dear child. Your only plan ought to be - Lord, here I am, send me.
What are you willing to lose when you stop planning? Your reputation perhaps. Can you sell all for the gospel? Can you live without material comfort? Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Put Jesus first and you will have no regrets. Planning is unnecessary.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Forgetting the Past & Trusting Him for the Future
The year is almost over and I know I wrote a post about some lessons I learned over the year. Here's another. As I face 2011, I can't help be a bit discouraged. The best way to battle discouragement is to take it to Jesus in prayer. During my time of prayer, I was led to a scripture that was featured today on my blog. To paraphrase it said to forget about the past and understand that God is starting something new. That statement excited me because it reminded me that the moment we live through something, it becomes a feature of the past. Only the present stretches before us. We don't even have the future. With each new day, God assigns a new portion of mercy and His love never ends.
I don't know what 2011 holds. My fears and excitement are bundled together. The idea of something new excites me and the thought of my sinful heart frightens me. Lord, help me to trust you patiently, to wait quietly on your wisdom and daily yield every atom of my being to you. Give me control over my feelings and help me to have the victory through Christ Jesus. Praise be to Jesus that He is the same every day!
I don't know what 2011 holds. My fears and excitement are bundled together. The idea of something new excites me and the thought of my sinful heart frightens me. Lord, help me to trust you patiently, to wait quietly on your wisdom and daily yield every atom of my being to you. Give me control over my feelings and help me to have the victory through Christ Jesus. Praise be to Jesus that He is the same every day!
Ringing in the New Year
At the stroke of midnight tonight, 2010 will end. Today, I'm busy contemplating the close of 2010 and the start of 2011. Yet as I pen "The End" to 2010, I've learned some thing.
1. Do not search for romantic love. God will bring you love in His perfect timing. In the interim, hide your life in Christ and diligently seek His love and approval.
2. Put the Word of God before you during every encounter whether you're encountering a man or a woman. The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. A soul's reaction to the Word of God will reveal what type of person they really are. Avoid those who reject the gospel.
3. Be obedient to God in all things.
4. Pray always & give thanks, especially for and about all things.
5. Commit your way to the Lord and trust Him to always lead you.
6. Be mindful that just as we are forgiven, we are required to forgive others - regardless of the magnitude of the wrong.
Dear one, life is not so hard when we are hidden in Christ. Claim the power of Jesus in your life. Take His life and be healed by His abundant life. Following Jesus is easy when we claim the victory through Him. We love Him because he first loved us.
As the hymn goes: "Leaning on the everlasting arms."
1. Do not search for romantic love. God will bring you love in His perfect timing. In the interim, hide your life in Christ and diligently seek His love and approval.
2. Put the Word of God before you during every encounter whether you're encountering a man or a woman. The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. A soul's reaction to the Word of God will reveal what type of person they really are. Avoid those who reject the gospel.
3. Be obedient to God in all things.
4. Pray always & give thanks, especially for and about all things.
5. Commit your way to the Lord and trust Him to always lead you.
6. Be mindful that just as we are forgiven, we are required to forgive others - regardless of the magnitude of the wrong.
Dear one, life is not so hard when we are hidden in Christ. Claim the power of Jesus in your life. Take His life and be healed by His abundant life. Following Jesus is easy when we claim the victory through Him. We love Him because he first loved us.
As the hymn goes: "Leaning on the everlasting arms."
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Discerning the Will of God
For quite sometime now I've been confused as to when I'm hearing from the Lord and when it's just something I've conjured up in my imagination. Of late, I've been deciding whether I should date someone or not. I was so confused as to what the will of God was. I prayed and prayed but could not discern the voice of the Lord in this instance.
I've learned several points with respect to discerning the voice of the Lord. (1) There are two types of wisdom. The first comes from mankind and is earthly, sensual and demonic. The second comes from God. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruites, without partiality and without hypocricy. In summary of the first point, the wisdom from God should lead us to righteousness. It should encourage us to be godly, to see our wrong in a situation and it will not seek it's own because God's love doesn't. (2) When discerning the will of God pay close attention to your heart. Is it confused, anxious or at peace with the wisdom you have received? There's a difference between confused anxiety and fear. If your mind is racing and the thoughts you are having are contrary to the wisdom you've received then you ought to keep pressing God for clarification or for an answer. Use Phil 4:6-7 as your guide. Ask Him to lead you to a scripture or seek godly counsel in the form of your pastor or spiritual mentor. Fear, on the other hand, arises when God has called us to a situation that we sense could be dangerous or we are inadequate to perform. This type of fear is natural and we need to pray for God's grace and strength. We know that God will give us the strength and it is enough to accomplish the task and that perfect love casts out fear.
So next time you are struggling to decifer the will or voice of God, remember that God's will, will always align with scripture, he will never go back on His word and God's wisdom will be in the best interest of all involved.
I've learned several points with respect to discerning the voice of the Lord. (1) There are two types of wisdom. The first comes from mankind and is earthly, sensual and demonic. The second comes from God. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruites, without partiality and without hypocricy. In summary of the first point, the wisdom from God should lead us to righteousness. It should encourage us to be godly, to see our wrong in a situation and it will not seek it's own because God's love doesn't. (2) When discerning the will of God pay close attention to your heart. Is it confused, anxious or at peace with the wisdom you have received? There's a difference between confused anxiety and fear. If your mind is racing and the thoughts you are having are contrary to the wisdom you've received then you ought to keep pressing God for clarification or for an answer. Use Phil 4:6-7 as your guide. Ask Him to lead you to a scripture or seek godly counsel in the form of your pastor or spiritual mentor. Fear, on the other hand, arises when God has called us to a situation that we sense could be dangerous or we are inadequate to perform. This type of fear is natural and we need to pray for God's grace and strength. We know that God will give us the strength and it is enough to accomplish the task and that perfect love casts out fear.
So next time you are struggling to decifer the will or voice of God, remember that God's will, will always align with scripture, he will never go back on His word and God's wisdom will be in the best interest of all involved.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Trusting Through the Inability to be Courted
It's not been easy to watch all my friends get married, plan vacations and anticipate their futures with someone. The older I get, the more solemnly I yearn for such an experience. A part of me can't imagine standing somewhere, perhaps under the moonlight and having my boyfriend tell me he can't live without me and he must marry me. I can't imagine the courtship or being desired but I can imagine standing over the stove, cooking dinner. I can imagine reading our children a bedtime story, cuddling by a fire with my honey and even cooking Christmas dinner for all of us. I see myself hovering over the pregnancy test waiting for the blue plus sign to materialize and visualize telling him a baby is on its way. Why can't I imagine the courtship? Why can't I imagine meeting him?
My boss wrote me a beautiful note. In it she said I deserved the wonderful Christmas experience I had. Funny thing though, do I think I deserve romantic love? It feels as though no one is ever right for me and I'm waiting for some one who doesn't exist. Yet, he does exist. I think a part of it is allowing myself to wander into love and imagine it. I know God makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord help me to wait on Your Divine timing and to trust each outcome of my life to you.
My boss wrote me a beautiful note. In it she said I deserved the wonderful Christmas experience I had. Funny thing though, do I think I deserve romantic love? It feels as though no one is ever right for me and I'm waiting for some one who doesn't exist. Yet, he does exist. I think a part of it is allowing myself to wander into love and imagine it. I know God makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord help me to wait on Your Divine timing and to trust each outcome of my life to you.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The darkness shall never overtake take you.
"The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out"
Hallelujah to a great God. A God who decided to manifest Himself physically so that we might know Who created us, so that we might have access to Him, so that we might have victory through Him. The Word is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God in physical form. The Holy Spirit is that same form, only in the spiritual sense. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we accept the light of Word. That light becomes our life and our life raises us from the dead just as it raised Christ from the dead.
The galaxies are so huge we can't measure them, nor can we see beyond them into space. We can't comprehend anything because we aren't the Creator but when we invite the Word (Jesus) into our life, we can know all things because He knows all things. This perfect love casts out fear. This Word gives us the mind of Christ.
Little one, whatever troubles you, whatever depresses you, whatever you fear - cast it on Him. You serve a God that is bigger than the galaxies, who was able to be born a child, die a man and rise again. Never ever fear the darkness - the darkness cannot and will not overtake the light that is in you. Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.
Hallelujah to a great God. A God who decided to manifest Himself physically so that we might know Who created us, so that we might have access to Him, so that we might have victory through Him. The Word is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God in physical form. The Holy Spirit is that same form, only in the spiritual sense. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we accept the light of Word. That light becomes our life and our life raises us from the dead just as it raised Christ from the dead.
The galaxies are so huge we can't measure them, nor can we see beyond them into space. We can't comprehend anything because we aren't the Creator but when we invite the Word (Jesus) into our life, we can know all things because He knows all things. This perfect love casts out fear. This Word gives us the mind of Christ.
Little one, whatever troubles you, whatever depresses you, whatever you fear - cast it on Him. You serve a God that is bigger than the galaxies, who was able to be born a child, die a man and rise again. Never ever fear the darkness - the darkness cannot and will not overtake the light that is in you. Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.
Finding Solace
I'll never forget that Sunday before she left me. I don't remember what the weather was like. I think it was sunny but my heart was clouded by the sensation of fear. My mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and my life as I knew it was soon to be forever changed. The idea of losing her was my gravest fear and fear was staring at me. I cried vehement tears and whispered in her doorway that I could never go on without her.
Without taking a moment to think she said, "Whatever happens I know you'll be OK. And remember I love you very much." She's gone now and on the darkest of days I say to myself "You are someone's daughter and you were very loved." But here's an even greater knowledge...
"...the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts..."
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing"
When you face mourning or something that shackles you with fear bring it to the Lord and ask for His love. You'll find a solace there.
Without taking a moment to think she said, "Whatever happens I know you'll be OK. And remember I love you very much." She's gone now and on the darkest of days I say to myself "You are someone's daughter and you were very loved." But here's an even greater knowledge...
"...the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts..."
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing"
When you face mourning or something that shackles you with fear bring it to the Lord and ask for His love. You'll find a solace there.
The End of Christmas Eve - 2010
It's Christmas morning, technically. As I sat amongst my family members this evening I was blessed with knowing that we were all together but somewhat taken aback by how much has changed. Our family has shrunk and it was obvious to me that a very important person was missing. My mother was missing. I drove over by myself and watched my father kiss his girlfriend and gaze fondly at her throughout the night. I found myself yearning to hold someone's hand or rest my head on someone's shoulder. There wasn't anyone at that moment. In the loneliness of watching a world of couples it's tempting to get depressed. Lord, tonight as I lay my head to sleep, I pray for my husband - my future man. I pray he's out there looking for me, that he's lonely and waiting for someone just like me. I hope he'll know he's found a good thing when he meets me. Perhaps tonight we're both spending Christmas eve alone and feeling a bit undone. Perhaps he's up praying and feels a bit of my tears. Lord, increase my faith as I wait for you and what you have for me. Help me to be obedient to your call. Thank you for your grace. In this moment of feeling a bit undone, a little shaky about the future, please be my comfort. I've lost my mama and tonight I feel the pain stabbing just a bit further into my heart than usual. I feel a little more undone than usual. You are my comfort and my solace.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
No good thing will he withhold...
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
No good thing will he withhold...
Friday, December 24, 2010
Does a good Christian Girl Go To A Singles Dance
So last weekend I met an adorable guy, yep another attorney, sigh and we spoke for several hours. I think I looked fabulous, I asked him about himself, made sure to appropriately touch him to show interest etc. He bought me a drink, walked me to my car and right there, kissed me. I was stunned. He never asked for my number which was odd. Now I see he's going to another dance, a dance I'd like to go to. Plus, my other crush is going. The question is, does a nice Christian girl go to a singles dance? It's not a singles dance by the way, it's just a dance. Also, does my friend at work that I flirt with want to be more than friends? We can't date, we're not allowed to. What does a girl do? This is all so confusing.
Is it 2011 yet?
So it's 4:12 p.m. on Christmas eve and a lot has happened as 2010 swerves into 2011. For 1 thing, I'm absolutely boy crazy. I was never boy crazy and now I'm obsessed. So as I near 2011, I've come up with some lists. Thank you blue eyed attorney boy for introducing me to them. I've also shredded some other lists such as: what I'm looking for in a husband (like perfect exists and you marry what you want?), having a fabulous career (I've established the fact that careers flow up and down) and moving out (I wouldn't be able to afford the fabulous leopard stilettos I just purchased).
Anyways, I have to be blunt. As I swing into 2011, I'm a bit lonely for love but not lonely for friends. I'm grateful to God for my family rebuilding itself, my job that pays the bills and my killer body that took some crushing amounts of treadmill time to achieve.I'm lonely for love. I miss being touched, kissing someone, and trying to figure out whether to order chinese or mexican on Friday night.
I hate to repeat this again but jeez, I'm boy crazy and I've NEVER been that in my life, not even in college, not after college, not even at 28. How can a 29 year old girl be so boy crazy and clueless about boys? Also, why is it that every man lately just grabs me and kisses me out of nowhere? Why did that guy kiss me last week but not ask for my number? What's that all about? I've much to figure out in 2011 but I must say, 2010 was a blast!
Anyways, I have to be blunt. As I swing into 2011, I'm a bit lonely for love but not lonely for friends. I'm grateful to God for my family rebuilding itself, my job that pays the bills and my killer body that took some crushing amounts of treadmill time to achieve.I'm lonely for love. I miss being touched, kissing someone, and trying to figure out whether to order chinese or mexican on Friday night.
I hate to repeat this again but jeez, I'm boy crazy and I've NEVER been that in my life, not even in college, not after college, not even at 28. How can a 29 year old girl be so boy crazy and clueless about boys? Also, why is it that every man lately just grabs me and kisses me out of nowhere? Why did that guy kiss me last week but not ask for my number? What's that all about? I've much to figure out in 2011 but I must say, 2010 was a blast!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
From Lonely to perfect peace...heavenly peace
I'm not sure when it all changed but just as a caterpillar spins silk around herself and emerges a while later a butterfly, somewhere between the spring and this early winter, the girl that was spooled in silk emerged a woman. She emerged not just any woman but one who counts her blessings on more than just 10 fingers and thanks God for all she's been given. I've learned that life and everything in it is a God given gift and we can always rejoice in the Lord.
I desired an interesting life and God has granted me it. As I sat last night at Boulevard Bistro in Westfield, encapsulated with 8 newly made friends, I couldn't help but smile inwardly at my great fortune. Every good and perfect gift is from above. Love is a great gift and it comes in many packages. This Christmas my dance card has been filled with family (my biological one), friends (that have always been like family) & most importantly my faith in my heavenly father.
My new year's resolution this year is a simple one...to the love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul & strength. I trust the rest to His ever capable hands. My times are in His hands.
I desired an interesting life and God has granted me it. As I sat last night at Boulevard Bistro in Westfield, encapsulated with 8 newly made friends, I couldn't help but smile inwardly at my great fortune. Every good and perfect gift is from above. Love is a great gift and it comes in many packages. This Christmas my dance card has been filled with family (my biological one), friends (that have always been like family) & most importantly my faith in my heavenly father.
My new year's resolution this year is a simple one...to the love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul & strength. I trust the rest to His ever capable hands. My times are in His hands.
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