words

Recently, a high school class mate commended me on Facebook for being positive. 

On Facebook, I do attempt to be positive.  I don't like other's illusive comments that seem to scream "I need attention."  And I really dislike "slinging mud" ... leave personal matters, just that - personal.

So, I try not be one of "those" that I disapprove of. 

Personally, I feel that a person must "try hard" to use negativity and profanity on Facebook. 

First you must think it, prepare your thoughts, and type it out on the keyboard. 

This leaves plenty of time to back space, correct, and/or delete.

Definitely not as easy as falling prey to "speaking before you think."

 

I admit, I'm not always positive in person and one-on-one.

On occasion, I speak before I think.

Sometimes, when my feathers are ruffled, I'll vent (profusely) to Chris or a friend.

Or if I get started on a "issue" that gets under my skin, it's hard for me to control my tongue.

And I tend to complain a lot ... and sometimes even be pessimistic.

But this Facebook comment and a couple of blog posts really have me thinking on the matter.

 

Erin of the Blue-Eyed Bride blog wrote, "At some point on Friday, I completely lost my voice and it didn’t return until about mid-way through the day on Sunday.  Not having a voice can be so frustrating.  But it also made me think a lot about using my words carefully. ..., but when you don’t have a voice, you know you need to save your voice for when you really need it.  So I did my best not to talk most of the weekend except when I absolutely had to.  And so I’m going to try to carry that with me this week, with a perfectly fine voice.  I don’t want to speak too much “noise” into my family’s day, and don’t want to do it with my online relationships either."

by Ann Voskamp

 

And here is an awesome post by Holly Gerth about what to do when you find yourself in a conversation that drags you down:  http://holleygerth.com/what-to-do-when-a-conversation-drags-you-down/

And there was one other post that I can't seem to find right now ... oh well.

Bottom line -

Words are powerful.

Words can help or hurt.

Words can heal or destroy.

Words can encourage or discourage.

Words can "fill the air with noise" or inspire and fill a heart with hope.

Words reveal our heart, therefore, words show who we truly are.

So, I'm praying hard about this matter.

I don't want to be a complainer, a gossiper, or just a mindless talker.

I want to be optimistic, up-lifting, and speak words that have lasting, positive effects.

 

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

foundations

Rains, wind, and floods come and beat upon us all.
Troubles of life are inevitable.
The outcome is determined by what our foundation is built upon. 
The successful, unmovable foundation is the Rock, Christ Jesus -- all other ground is sinking sand!!

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. ...... And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:25 and 27

I once shared an object lesson at a church ladies gathering.
I used a Barbie doll, pieces of carpet, and a piece of concrete.
We can put ourselves together and be beautiful as Barbie .... "having it all together."
We can stand tall in our positions, trust in our good health, and have confidence in those around us.
But, all it takes is one financial downswing, one phone call from the doctor, or disappointing actions from friends and family, and we will find ourselves on the crumbled on the floor as the rug is "snatched" out from under us.

In this ever-changing world, it is more important than ever to have a firm foundation.  
Confidence in man, family, friends, jobs, health, government often leads to disappointment.
The only way to be sure of our future is to put all hope, faith, and trust in Jesus.
He never fails.  He is faithful in all things and every circumstance.

And He will never let us fall.

oh, what love

In the passing of my aunt, I've had the song below on my mind over the past few days.
Circumstances of life are difficult to understand sometimes.
We can't comprehend the mind of God and His ways.
But, I can be assured that His eyes see me, His ears hear me, and His hands will help me.
Oh what love that a great big God cares about insignificant me and my life.

The Eyes Of Jesus
(couldn't confirm author - emphasis mine)

Sometimes it seems God's a million miles away
Too busy for a creature such as I
And then I think of how He sees each sparrow fall
I call on Him and find that He is nigh

The eyes of Jesus are upon each footstep that I take
His ears are always open when I pray
His hands are always there to help me lift my heavy load
His heart is broken every time I stray.

In valleys low I look to mountains high
And praise the Lord that caused this world to be.
That God so great holds me safe within His arms
What love that He should ever care for me.

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Psalm 8:3&4

Really, who am I?

And then I think of this season we are in - Christmas ... the great price paid to send God's only son.  A King chose his birth as a baby - knowing His end would be the cross.  He could've come to this Earth in many other manners; but He chose to come as a little babe, because He knew we'd understand a baby's cry and we wouldn't be afraid to come to Him.  Then, He walked this earth, knowing the pain and hurt we face.  And ultimately gave His precious life to provide us with redemption.  Oh, what an amazing plan!!

And He did this all just for me! (and you)
And no matter where I am or what I am going through ... His eyes see me, His ears hear me, and His hands will help me.
Oh, what love that a great big God cares about me.

deep questions

God has been working away at my heart.  Lately, in conversations, in readings, in sermons, and in my thoughts I've encountered some hard questions.  I'm pondering them.  I'm unsure of some of the answers.  Some of them are tough to answer, because it means I must change.

What is THE purpose of my life?

What is MY greatest ambition in life?

If my church closed down this week, would my city miss it?

No reflection on my church, but what am I doing?

When is enough enough?

Or better yet how much is enough?

What did I do today for the Kingdom?

Am I the hindrance of my prayers being answered?

If the Lord returns today, will I be ready?

how to keep calm

Source: None via Jennifer on Pinterest

God is looking for someone

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..." 2 Chronicles 16:9

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, ..." Ezekiel 22:30

My prayer for today as a follow up to this morning's sermon:

Oh, Lord, how I want to have my trust fully in You. Not questioning the trials that I face, but accepting them in agreement that You have allowed them --- be it for a teaching tool, effect of my choices, or a chastisement. I want You #1 in my life ... proven by my actions, pleasing You with my life. May my heart be altogether toward You, so that You may show forth power on my behalf. There are many gaps, because many have fallen and some are not answering the call. Lord, I want to be the difference. I want to be the person to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. I want to be the intercessor on behalf of our lost, our church, our nation. The Enemy is attempting to corner many off ... but strengthen us as we stand together with You. Problems abound that seem impossible and beyond our control, but God, YOU CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE. Lord, I'm poor and needy. Please help me in Jesus sweet name.

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He Knows Just What I Need

Life can be tough at times.  This week has proven that sentence.  Work has been demanding, hectic, and overwhelming.  I've been behind at work for several weeks.  All of my efforts to "catch up" have failed.  I wish for thicker skin, but I continue to take other people's actions too personal; allowing them to affect my attitude (totally wrong on my part).  But it does confuse me when others' actions and priorities do not align with their words.  I'm not perfect and neither is everyone else.  However, I do try my best to be real, to be true, and to keep my word.  Both Monday and Tuesday I rushed home and crashed in the pool with a book - forgetting housework and such the like.  Now I'm frustrated with myself for wasting the time and allowing things to get behind at home.  I felt as though I had given, and given, and given and now I was left ... completely drained and empty.  Once again, I failed and gave in to my self-pity party.  Yesterday evening I had a melt down -- I may have even acted like a 2-year old.  Afterwards, I didn't feel like going to church,  but I went anyway - because I had responsibilities.

And I'm so glad I did.

In my little effort of worshipping; I felt God pouring love into me; filling my empty cup.  Many songs, testimonies, and scriptures spoke directly to my heart and my current frustrations.  Then I recalled the words of an old song written by Mosie Lister.

My Jesus knows when I am Lonely
He knows each pain, He sees each tear
He understands each lonely heartache
He understands because He cares

My Jesus knows just what I need
Oh yes! He knows just what I need
He satisfies and every need supplies
Yes, He knows just what I need

He is aware of my worries, my fears, my doubts.  When I cry out to Him, He hears me.  I can cast my every care upon Him, because He cares for me.  And He loves me ... not because I strive to please Him and succeed - or, not because I fail to please Him and repent ... but He loves me, because He chooses to.

I know there is a God

“God is not a belief to which you give your assent. God becomes a reality whom you know intimately, meet everyday, one whose strength becomes your strength, whose love, your love. Live this life of the presence of God long enough and when someone asks you, “Do you believe there is a God?” you may find yourself answering, “No, I do not believe there is a God. I know there is a God.”
~Ernest Boyer, Jr.

 Psalm 139:1-6 and 14

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.  Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.  .................. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

beautiful peace

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

it's a wonderful thing to be alive!

Truly the light is sweet,
and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
Ecclesiastes 11:7

what to do ... when I don't know what to do

Excellent encouraging, revival sermon.
I keep coming back to this one.
So often, I find myself in one of these places.

When my back is to the wall and I don't know what to do ...
-Have faith in God. Trust anyhow! (this should be my first response)
-Listen to the Word of God {Psalm 119:105}
-Trust in the Lord with all my heart {Proverbs 3:5}
-Like Job, be confident that the Lord knoweth the way I take {Job 23:10}
-Even in my darkest hour, He is still God
-Stay. Be Still. Hang on. --- He has the answer!

When I don't know how to pray or what to pray for ...
-It's okay to weep before the Lord
-He 'hears' the unutterable 'gushings' of my heart
-Tears are a language God understands
-He knows what I need before I ask
-Pray God's will be done ("Not my will, but Thy will)
-He doesn't need my instruction

When I don't know what to say to others ...
-Sometimes wisdom can be found in silence
-My smartest response may be no response at all
-"Study to be quiet"
-God gave me 2 eyes, 2 ears, and 1 mouth
-"Swift to hear; slow to speak"
-Some do not need my thoughts or words,
only a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen

believing

Mark 16:17, 18

And these signs {miracles/wonders} shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils {demonic activity/demons};
they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents {Satan};
and if they drink any deadly thing {by accident},
it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

It is my desire to BELIEVE and be firmly persuaded of this truth ...
that by the authority of Jesus and the power of His name,
miracles and wonders will be performed
and the works of Satan will be destroyed
and the sick shall be healed.

Believers do not follow signs.
But signs follow them that believe.
Not them that doubt, disbelieve, or deny.

I believe.

my thoughts lately

I've been thinking a lot about this quote I read the other day:

Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms ...it comes from having Jesus in the boat.

And honestly, I know "a lake with no storms" does not exist.
But, so often I search for calm waters.
I dream of a slower-paced, 'storm-free' life.
I wish for things, "if only I had _____"
And when faced with trials and sorrow, sometimes I ask "why me?"

But, I've been gently reminded "why not me?"
And "...it could be worse."

God never promised that life would be easy and without storms.
There's no record in the Bible of anyone
enjoying a perfect life exempt from trials. (think Job)
I've never met anyone who hasn't experienced pain and heartaches.
Everyone doesn't encounter the same storms
But everyone has storms.
And the struggles we face - teach us valuable lessons.
Battles makes us stronger and victory sweeter.

So, I will stop hoping for days without rain.
I'll attempt to embrace life ... whatever it brings.
I'll learn the lessons. I'll weather the storm.
I'll enjoy this day - with it's good and bad.
All I really need is Jesus on board.
Jesus has 'approved' the blessings and hardships.
He is the Sea-walker,
the Calm in the storm,
the Master of the sea.
He brings peace. I can trust Jesus.

Knowing Your Place

You are seated with Christ at God's right hand...
Nothing is higher than that !
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that !
He invites you to drink from the river of His delights...
Nothing is purer than that !
He shares His heart with you in communion...
Nothing is dearer than that !
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder that that !
He is with you and will never leave you...
Nothing is nearer than that !
He leads you according to the counsel of His own will...
Nothing is wiser than that !
He faithfully feeds you from His word...
Nothing is truer than that !
He is in you and joined to your spirit...
Nothing is closer than that !

-Roy Lessin

hope & encouragement

Psalm 31:15
"My times are in thy hands ..."

Psalm 56:9
"... this I know; for God is for me."

Matthew 21:22
"And all things,
whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive."

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

In the past 2.5 weeks, two of my mom's family members,
my grandma and my aunt,
have received the diagnosis of cancer.
While uncertainty looms and tears flow,
I have this assurance --
God is always there.
God supplies just what we need when we need it.
God still answers prayer.
Most of all, God loves me and He is with me.

just thinking

I anticipate having internet available at home next week. =))
Blogging regularly again may happen soon. YAY!
I failed to blog about several important dates.
I have a lot of 'catching up' to do on documenting memories.
I've missed sorting through and spilling out my thoughts.
Fast-paced continues to describe our life.
But, I'm trying more and more to live in the moment.
Trying NOT to focus on tomorrow or the next big event.
Realizing that today matters.
Every single hour counts.
And I desire to accomplish a mission with lasting effects.
God has given me this day,
these hours, these minutes, each second.
I do not want to waste what I've been given.

He knows what He is doing

When I can't trace God's hand ...
I can trust His heart.
He is God.
-Max Lucado

who Jesus is to me

Friday was "Share Your Testimony"
on "Show Us Your Life" @ Kelly's Korner:

I was born to Christian parents.
I learned about Jesus at an early age.
In 1989, my Dad was the pastor of a small church.
One Sunday in January,
after hearing my Dad preach,
I was lying in bed that night
and his message(s) that day weighed heavy on my heart.
It so stirred me that I went to my parents' room,
got them out of bed,
and we knelt in our living room and God saved me.
The peace and joy I felt, even as a small child, is unexplainable.
In my teenage years, I had struggles,
but I'm so thankful that God is merciful and compassionate.
And even when I've failed Him ... He remains faithful.
This is one of my many favorite Bible verses:

Micah 7:18 & 19, "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

He truly means more to me now than He ever has.
As I look back over my life, I see the hand of God at work.
And even in tough times of trials,
God was only using those trials to help me to rely on Him.
Now, I realize my only true need is for Him.
I cannot make it without God ... He is everything to me.

prayers lately

Lately, I've been praying about a lot of things.
Praying about Chris' job situation and it's direction.
Praying that I would find a job.
Praying for a health issue or two.
Praying for this circumstance
and praying for that problem.
You know, bombarding the Lord,
with my list of important things.

Then, I felt Him say ... "be patient,
for I am working on you
and issues that have lasting, eternal effects.
I'm using these very trials that you're agonizing over
to make a difference in you eternally."

So, I changed my prayers.
"I trust you, Lord.
I know that You will take care of me.
May my life bring You glory and honor.
And yes, Lord, teach me and change me to be more like you."

attacked

Today, I've felt attacked by fear, stress, and worry.
Some "things" I thought were taken care of - resurfaced.

I became overwhelmed and panicked ... again.

"If this is the right path, why didn't that door open?"
"How much longer must I wait?"
"Didn't God work that out?"

I sure thought He had.

I am surprised. Isn't He surprised?

NO - I know that God is never ever surprised.

He's got me (and my situation) in the palm of His hand.

The Lord is my shield, strength, buckler, and defense.

I need to stop worrying. Take a deep breath.

And focus on Him.

I can't handle it - but He can.

He's in control.

He's a great BIG God.

"because greater is He that is in you,

than he that is in the world."

I John 4:4