Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - Happiness

Fun vs. happiness . . . which do we choose?  Our road can lead us to many moments that are hard to endure. Sickness, sorrow or frustration can steer us onto a path that helps to put the pain "on hold".  However, the release of these excursions do not last and oftentimes increase our burdens. True happiness will never be ours until we make the choice to find our way through God's guidance,  not the world's. When we call upon our Father and allow Him to settle our discomforts, then we can be filled with peace. We can learn to embrace the journey we are lead through, whether hard or fun, with the pure happiness found in heavenly joy.


In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy... Esther 8:16a

Monday, July 29, 2013 -#POWER

If you have to ask for help, does this mean you are weak? Well, yes. God created us powerless. We were not formed to, nor are ever meant to, stand alone. Every attribute we own, is a gift from God and He places us in community to help these gifts flourish. No building erected, no orchard harvested, no child raised is done alone. We have to have help. Alone, we are powerless. Reach out in faith and hope and accept the hand of another. A community who lives right with God is very powerful.



Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. - James 5:16

The Invisible Mother

What a beautiful way to start my morning. A friend sent me this link.  Enjoy.

The Invisible Mother

July 19, 2013 - Spirituality

Merriam webster describes #spirituality for the lay person as "sensitivity or attachment to religious values". This is curious to me as, although I truly love my #religion and feel I grow closer to and stronger in Christ because of it, I never felt that this was my spirituality. Perhaps I misinterpret the definition. I personally feel the most spirtual whenever, whether in a religious setting or outside a religious setting, I feel the power of God's presence in my life. Many times people get so wrapped up in the concept of religion that they put their spirituality on hold. They feel they can only be close to God while in church. Yet God manifests Himself in all things. Whenever we call on Him and ask Him to dwell within ourselves and in each moment, we are united with His #Spirit. Our religion is our means of strengthening this bond and giving us power to take our relationship with our Lord wherever we go. Religion is necessary, but it is only a beginning. Whether we are worshiping in church, driving down the highway, braiding our daughter's hair, or working in the food bank, it is up to us to call on God and make Him a part of that moment. The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to bring us into full spirituality. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.


For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and #peace. - Romans 8:6

waiting

I have been waiting for something to happen for some time now. It is not happening. I cannot imagine God's plan without this happening; worse, I can. Yet, I know that God, in His Omnipotent knowlege, is far wiser with His plans than any I could make. However, even with faith, It is still easy to let myself be tempted with dismay and anxiety. When these emotions enter in, I must stand firm in my belief that God is in control. He knows my situation and is not surprised by the events that are, or are not, unfolding. The greater tradgedy would be to loose faith and act without spiritual guidance. In standing firm to my beliefs and trusting in God, I will be prepared when His Time is right.

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Ecclestaticus 7:8

Prepare

This summer has been one of travel for me. I should have the flight attendants' speach memorized by now. I do remember one thing: in the case of emergency, you should always take care of yourself first. You are no good to another if you are depleted of your own life support. How true this is in all of life's situations. We cannot possibly help guide another if we, ourselves, do not hold God's grace. No advice is worthwhile, no motive pure enough unless we are filled with the strength, endurance, and mercy of God's Holy Spirit. Life is filled with many unexpected turns. We must prepared ourselves and through this grace, enable ourselves to be a true witness of God's mercy and aid.

A true witness delivers souls, and a false witness speaks deceipt. - Proverbs 14:25

Authentic

Many times we see people inside out. What is shown in their actions is merely surface behavior resulting from deeper emotions held inside. The selfish, pushy person at the grocery line may just be having a "day" and actually turn out to be the local food pantry volunteer that has more compassion than ourself. Likewise, the kind lady at the train station may become the new owner of your wallet by the next stop. It helps in our encounters with all people to remember who "we" are. Keeping ourselves true can help us see others in the same light. We have those moments that push our buttons and test our patience. And also times where we find ourself guilty of stealing another's peace and good fortunes. As you greet another, examine yourself. A person who strives for an authentic life finds greater blessings in every encounter.

For thus speaks the Lord God, I will deal with you according to what you have done... Ezekiel 16:59a

Trust

Past experience has revealed many moments of a day that did not unfold as I originally expected and I know that there will be many more unexpected turns in my future. Through each daily walk with God, He grows me and molds me for His Instrument. It is up to me to retain the watchful mind that allows me to see Him in every moment and to be prepared for every turn He gives me. Just as King David unknowingly prepared for his day with Goliath by battling bears and wolfs among his flocks, I also prepare daily by striving to face each conflict with my best effort.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Phillipians 4:19

Freedom

God has gifted each of us with individuality. We have the freedom to be the best "me" we can be. This does not mean that we can all be leaders, winners, or stars. What it does mean is that in everything we do achieve, we do so with the Grace of God. We can each run with our own ability, reach with our own hands, sing with our own voice. Seek God in every way and find the freedom to be yourself. Rejoice in His Creation and glorify His amazing Name.

What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. What is committed to you, attend to; for what is hidden is not your concern. - Sirach, 4:20-21

July 2, 2013 - questions

Life is filled with challenges, frustrations, and so many questions as to "why".. Some moments are completely overwhelming and we cannot fathom any way possible that we can make it through them. But we do not need to know the "why's" or even the "how's". We only need the faith to know that God loves us and is working through our every moment to make all things work for our good. Let God hold all your fears, worries, and anxieties. His wish is for joy. Trust in Him, and know that all is working within His plans.

Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. And when the crop is ready, at once he starts to reap because the harvest has come. - Mark 4:27,29