Dear God,
Thanks for making me feel like a princess. I don't deserve it, but you seem to really like to spoil us :)
I was walking outside just now, God, going to the chapel auditorium from the sun room with big windows.... I went out and the snow flakes were soft, and big as plump bumblebees. They spun and flew around me, and others even gently fell on me. I looked up to see, and hear, three birds zooming by towards the post office of the student center-- and the sun was shining, so I just saw dark bird shapes flying in front of sun. How delightful to see! I couldn't help but jump through the snowy grass I was in, until I reached the sidewalk.
Then the wind played with my hair! I felt beautiful, wind pulling at me and i couldn't help but smile at everything going on. The world felt playful and delightful, and I felt that way, too.
God, thanks for spoiling me. Thanks for sharing beauty with me. You delight my heart! I'm really thankful that you delight in me (and all of us individually).
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
take my heart
God, Yes.
I say YOU have my heart.
You asked.
"Yes."
Take it, ceil it, it is thine own;
I crave to walk with Thee and unto Thee, LORD.
You win over flesh and my selfish desires,
You crowd out the "id" within me with Holy Waters.
Yes- take my life, I am Yours.
By Your grace and kind working on my behalf.
THANK YOU!
Love You!!
Amen.
---
After writing, came across this AWESOME song by Jason Gray that fits, too... May be my new "life song".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=QS_7cjIk4k0
This one has the same message in a way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn0RHh3BQT4
I say YOU have my heart.
You asked.
"Yes."
Take it, ceil it, it is thine own;
I crave to walk with Thee and unto Thee, LORD.
You win over flesh and my selfish desires,
You crowd out the "id" within me with Holy Waters.
Yes- take my life, I am Yours.
By Your grace and kind working on my behalf.
THANK YOU!
Love You!!
Amen.
---
After writing, came across this AWESOME song by Jason Gray that fits, too... May be my new "life song".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=QS_7cjIk4k0
This one has the same message in a way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn0RHh3BQT4
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Not a captive, but free
She cried, "Liberty!"
Ruth set forth on her voyage,
Heart beating bold and her resolution, stone.
She looked behind- everything she never thought she could do without,
Was left behind.
How stubborn the webs, the coverings, the ropes had all been.
So many were pleasant and good, but as she stepped forth,
They pulled her back.
Impossibility-
She could not go forward if they were holding her.
She cut the ties she never thought she would need to or could
And stepped forward. Again, again, again.
Every so often she would have to STOP as another bond made her jerk to a stop.
They were dearer the farther she moved on.
But they were cut by some rumble within her soul, and Ruth made her way to her destination.
God was her light whom she followed. Something inside her commanded, "GO"--
And somehow, she was doing just that.
---
Lord, I long for such a testimony. I am so weak-willed often times. I LONG to be doing what you've told me, even if it is just me and you on the journey. You are more than enough, I have faith in that. My heart my reel and I might cry or grieve, but I want to KNOW that you. are. enough. I want to be Yours.
Please show me the areas that are holding me from what you want me to be doing. Convict my heart. Search me and show me. Then Lord, help me to turn from those things by Your grace. All things are possible with God.
In Jesus, name, Amen.
Ruth set forth on her voyage,
Heart beating bold and her resolution, stone.
She looked behind- everything she never thought she could do without,
Was left behind.
How stubborn the webs, the coverings, the ropes had all been.
So many were pleasant and good, but as she stepped forth,
They pulled her back.
Impossibility-
She could not go forward if they were holding her.
She cut the ties she never thought she would need to or could
And stepped forward. Again, again, again.
Every so often she would have to STOP as another bond made her jerk to a stop.
They were dearer the farther she moved on.
But they were cut by some rumble within her soul, and Ruth made her way to her destination.
God was her light whom she followed. Something inside her commanded, "GO"--
And somehow, she was doing just that.
---
Lord, I long for such a testimony. I am so weak-willed often times. I LONG to be doing what you've told me, even if it is just me and you on the journey. You are more than enough, I have faith in that. My heart my reel and I might cry or grieve, but I want to KNOW that you. are. enough. I want to be Yours.
Please show me the areas that are holding me from what you want me to be doing. Convict my heart. Search me and show me. Then Lord, help me to turn from those things by Your grace. All things are possible with God.
In Jesus, name, Amen.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
human
I'm so human.
So frail, so weak, so imperfect.
I'm actually HAPPY to say that.
I don't have to try and be "superwoman"
Because the "super" Holy Spirit
Lives in me!
So frail, so weak, so imperfect.
I'm actually HAPPY to say that.
I don't have to try and be "superwoman"
Because the "super" Holy Spirit
Lives in me!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Truth and Psalm 91:2
I'm thankful for the truth.
The truth hurts sometimes. I've been interested in this one guy. We are good friends. We both admitted we have feelings.
It has been neat being in a friendship where both of us are careful and talking about what is going on in our friendship. It seems alien but good-- learning how a relationship can work and pointing out red flags to bring them to a halt. We strive to have God with us in our time together, and THAT is just cool.
It's painful, but lately I've had to face a few facts about my perspective of relationships.
I've realized how they can be my "distraction"-- thinking about or analyzing a relationship can be my "getaway" from the stresses of things going on.
Um, I'm gonna go out on a limb here to say that, it is GOOD to be evaluating your relationships and own perspective from time to time. Relationships need care and attention to be healthy!
But when thinking of the relationship becomes.... the reprieve? The refuge?
That is NOT right. Why?
Scripture says God is our refuge. It seems so innocent. But letting any person, relationship, or interest become a refuge instead of God? I don't want to take this to an extreme here--- yes, sleep or go on a walk if that helps you when you are stressed. Is painting an outlet? Go at it! Hobbies? They are grand!
........But to identify something besides God as our refuge... our foundation, our security, what we hinge upon...
That isn't right.
It is not like I've ever decided in my mind that everything would be great if I had a husband. But I have found myself daydreaming about a guy I like, or what my future husband might be like. Maybe I'm analyzing a friendship with a guy and remembering great moments or imaging things that could happen, silly little things. I do this.. a lot.
No.... I got sick to my stomach when I realized the extent of this idol. Dare I call it, relational or emotional lust? [gasp]
I want GOD to REALLY be my number one. I want to delight in Him even if I have to turn down marriage. If I have to look love in the face and, because I know it isn't what God has for me, say "no."
The thought stings. ANd I'm reminded that the character of our God is love, not to tempt or taunt us. No, our God "works things together for our good." and we are told to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make paths straight." I'm not saying He will ask me to turn down love; but if He were to, it would be because He loves me SO MUCH!
My God is a God who cares for me and guides me. He Loves me. He really does want the best life-- whatever He defines that to be-- for me... and that life is one of always walking hand in hand with Him.
Let's decide here on out that GOD is our refuge, not relationships, not a certain hobby, not a goal... By His grace and empowerment, we can fight the urge to find fortress in something else, AND we can simply rest in God's lap of grace, trusting that He intercedes for us and will help us, if we only allow Him, to walk the walk He has called us to.
God, forgive me please for letting relationships be above you at times. I want You to be my all in all. I submit my relationships to You. God, I'm gonna need Your help. God, You know the desires of my heart.... I submit me, all of me, to You. If I get married, may it glorify the Lord. If I am single, may it glorify the Lord. Please be glorified in all my relationships... friends, family, strangers, or a love interest. God, I want You to work through these relationships as You will. Use me how You want. As the Psalmist prayed, 'Please purify my heart and cleanse me from sin. Fill me with love for you.'
You are the best, LORD! In Jesus' name. Amen.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
***side note********
The truth hurts sometimes. I've been interested in this one guy. We are good friends. We both admitted we have feelings.
It has been neat being in a friendship where both of us are careful and talking about what is going on in our friendship. It seems alien but good-- learning how a relationship can work and pointing out red flags to bring them to a halt. We strive to have God with us in our time together, and THAT is just cool.
It's painful, but lately I've had to face a few facts about my perspective of relationships.
I've realized how they can be my "distraction"-- thinking about or analyzing a relationship can be my "getaway" from the stresses of things going on.
Um, I'm gonna go out on a limb here to say that, it is GOOD to be evaluating your relationships and own perspective from time to time. Relationships need care and attention to be healthy!
But when thinking of the relationship becomes.... the reprieve? The refuge?
That is NOT right. Why?
Scripture says God is our refuge. It seems so innocent. But letting any person, relationship, or interest become a refuge instead of God? I don't want to take this to an extreme here--- yes, sleep or go on a walk if that helps you when you are stressed. Is painting an outlet? Go at it! Hobbies? They are grand!
........But to identify something besides God as our refuge... our foundation, our security, what we hinge upon...
That isn't right.
It is not like I've ever decided in my mind that everything would be great if I had a husband. But I have found myself daydreaming about a guy I like, or what my future husband might be like. Maybe I'm analyzing a friendship with a guy and remembering great moments or imaging things that could happen, silly little things. I do this.. a lot.
No.... I got sick to my stomach when I realized the extent of this idol. Dare I call it, relational or emotional lust? [gasp]
I want GOD to REALLY be my number one. I want to delight in Him even if I have to turn down marriage. If I have to look love in the face and, because I know it isn't what God has for me, say "no."
The thought stings. ANd I'm reminded that the character of our God is love, not to tempt or taunt us. No, our God "works things together for our good." and we are told to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make paths straight." I'm not saying He will ask me to turn down love; but if He were to, it would be because He loves me SO MUCH!
My God is a God who cares for me and guides me. He Loves me. He really does want the best life-- whatever He defines that to be-- for me... and that life is one of always walking hand in hand with Him.
Let's decide here on out that GOD is our refuge, not relationships, not a certain hobby, not a goal... By His grace and empowerment, we can fight the urge to find fortress in something else, AND we can simply rest in God's lap of grace, trusting that He intercedes for us and will help us, if we only allow Him, to walk the walk He has called us to.
God, forgive me please for letting relationships be above you at times. I want You to be my all in all. I submit my relationships to You. God, I'm gonna need Your help. God, You know the desires of my heart.... I submit me, all of me, to You. If I get married, may it glorify the Lord. If I am single, may it glorify the Lord. Please be glorified in all my relationships... friends, family, strangers, or a love interest. God, I want You to work through these relationships as You will. Use me how You want. As the Psalmist prayed, 'Please purify my heart and cleanse me from sin. Fill me with love for you.'
You are the best, LORD! In Jesus' name. Amen.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
***side note********
Coping with stress: it is SO GOOD to relax in a hobby or to give yourself to a building project. But for this hobby or project to consume your life-- to be what you live for by deed or thought? That would not be right. Hobbies are good. They are even means of avoiding temptation. Like, in avoiding lustful thoughts, it is GOOD to distract yourself with cleaning, or with hard work outside, or with a puzzle you've been working on--- etc. Hobbies, projects, etc are good in their place, just like relationships are!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Set apart families
Powerful, short sermon on the consecrated (set apart) home.
http://www.ellerslie.com/sermons/eric-ludy/12-2-12/the-consecrated-home
22 minutes. Enjoy!
http://www.ellerslie.com/sermons/eric-ludy/12-2-12/the-consecrated-home
22 minutes. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Worth it
Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Never doubt the power of a kind word. Even if you think it sounds silly or cheesy... if you feel inclined to speak it, why not. The good it can do is far greater than any damage that could be done. I mean, it is logical.
Seriously. If someone DID think you sounded like a goober, that doesn't hurt them any, or you, does it? You are still you and they aren't any worse for wear. So what if they don't understand you. Happens all the time since we aren't a race of mind-readers. And if they get to know you more, then they will understand later. If not it doesn't matter because you aren't seeing them....
On the other hand, when that kind word does encourage someone? WOW! You may not see that person for the rest of your life, but the kindness might linger with them!
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Never doubt the power of a kind word. Even if you think it sounds silly or cheesy... if you feel inclined to speak it, why not. The good it can do is far greater than any damage that could be done. I mean, it is logical.
Seriously. If someone DID think you sounded like a goober, that doesn't hurt them any, or you, does it? You are still you and they aren't any worse for wear. So what if they don't understand you. Happens all the time since we aren't a race of mind-readers. And if they get to know you more, then they will understand later. If not it doesn't matter because you aren't seeing them....
On the other hand, when that kind word does encourage someone? WOW! You may not see that person for the rest of your life, but the kindness might linger with them!
I remember when some guy who looked like Santa Clause came to a garage sale my mom hosted. Five-year-old-me whispered to my mom (loudly, i guess) that Santa was at the garage sale.
Than man smiled at me beautifully. He didn't even talk. But that smile and his kind eyes are burned into my memory.
Don't hesitate to be kind! I'm telling myself this, too.
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