Is there something you want to do but there is an obstacle in your way? Perhaps it is looking for a new job, having a baby, moving into a new city, changing your routines, or trying a new look. Whatever it is you want to do it is usually your mental state of mind that keeps you from moving forward or even trying.
The excuses you make is what usually stops you from being your best. What is the excuse that stops you? Whatever it is you have the control to change your mind.
We are self condemning and beat ourselves up.
What is one of the things you do that is not affirming? What is it that you do that brings you down? Is it before or after you do that task?
For an example "I don't have a car that will get me to and from a job." "I don't have the skills the company is looking for." "I don't have X amount of years in working X program, but I do know the program." "Therefore, I am not going to apply for the job."
What do you end up doing? Talking yourself out of even attempting to receive success.
Then you find out someone got the job that didn't have X amount of years experience that the company requested, but they got the job anyways. Now you are beating yourself up and telling yourself "I am lame and lazy.""I didn't even try, what good am I."
We have to speak good things into our minds and hearts. Is that being conceited? I don't think so. If you do not have people around you encouraging you than you have to encourage yourself.
I believe in affirmations. A time in my life when negative things were happening around me, I decided to write out positive things. I read it to myself every morning before the day started. You know what happened? My life and thought process change and positive things began to occur. Some of the things I wrote down came to pass.
I remember one of them was " I am going to work at a place I enjoy and will work 40 hour weeks." I got a job at OshKosh in St Augustine. I worked 40 hours a week.
My car seemed to always break down, I wrote "my car will get fixed and work good." Within a few months, I had no problems with my car.
This year we have seen many things happen in our economy. It might get even worse. Does that mean we have to submit to thinking negative and allowing negative things to happen? I don't think so. Life is what you make it.
If you are a self indulgent person; think of others first. If you are self condemning person; uplift yourself. I challenge you to make one change for 21 days in your life and watch your life change. You can do it.
Learn to affirm yourself and others. There is good in everyone. If you cannot find good in yourself or in others, you will create a small world for yourself.
So what do you want to change for the new 2012 year? What changes are you going to make? Not resolutions; they don't stick. What sincere, honest, and achievable changes are you going to make? Need an accountability partner? Do you need someone to help you stay on track? Find a friend you trust and talk with them about the changes you want to make and let them be your cheerleader, coach, and friend. Don't get mad at them when they are tough on you though. You asked them to make you accountable.
Love on yourself and others this new year and watch good things happen around you.
~ Be encouraged
People will see the change in you and they will want it too.
Everyone needs encouragement and I want to encourage you today. I hope you will enjoy today's write up.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Self Improvement Journey
I recently looked over my blog layout and had to laugh. I have a list of great food ideas, ha. What did I know about cooking? I mean, I was only one person living in a one room apartment with the smallest kitchen that you couldn't move without hitting your elbows on something. I have a bunch of cookbooks and maybe only used one out of the 15 I have; "Easy Cooking for Today." Do I even know how to cook? I was helping in the church kitchen one day with my friend Andy and found that I can't cook instant potatoes for 20-25 people; I made them soggy. I can cook instant potatoes for one though.
Just about a month ago, I moved into a bigger one bedroom apartment. I am in a little piece of heaven. I have a big kitchen and I am cooking more. I LOVE IT!
I am beginning to take notice of what I am cooking and eating. I see my friend, Robin, losing weight, eating healthy, and being active. I think I've begun to pick up the pounds she is dropping. This isn't good on my part. I've been more tired, lazy, and complacent.
Today, I began reading about a life value goal of making the best use of the body God gave me. I started indulging in the words of Paul, Solomon, and Daniel and have begun thinking more about what I am taking in my body through food and other indulgences in life. I read my friend's blog on eating and eating healthy and have started to change my stinking thinking "in order to lose weight, I have to give up my favorite foods, eat boring things," but what I have found to be true is that I need to ask myself "in what way am I using body and health to glorify God?" Where do I draw the line for consuming unhealthy foods? I have learned that this is a self decision and journey.
I did work out, but I didn't pay attention to what I was/am eating and drinking. I see all these adds on television about weight loss, eating right foods, and joining a program. I don't know what it is going to take for me because I have a busy schedule. I tried working at Curves and love it, but I have a lot on my plate right now.
I believe that if the Lord has opened my eyes in seeing that I need to take better care of my body that I will seek him to help me along this journey. I will hitch my wagon onto others that have succeeded in living healthy lives.
The best part about all of this is that I am no longer alone on this journey of self improvement. I have someone else willing and able to exercise with me.
I don't know how long it will last since I have a difficult time with self discipline, but I believe in trying and watching the results from it.
If you too are on this journey of self improvement and it has worked for you, I hope you will share your success with me.
Romans 13:12-14
Proverbs 23:20-21
Daniel 1:8,11-16
I found it interesting that if you look in Genesis 1:29; 9:3 most of the original inhabitants of the earth were vegetarians until after the flood. I am not a vegetarian by no means, but it did make me wonder what is good and bad meat?
I am on another journey to learn more about the foods I eat.
What kind of journey are you on for this coming new year, 2012? Please share.
Just about a month ago, I moved into a bigger one bedroom apartment. I am in a little piece of heaven. I have a big kitchen and I am cooking more. I LOVE IT!
I am beginning to take notice of what I am cooking and eating. I see my friend, Robin, losing weight, eating healthy, and being active. I think I've begun to pick up the pounds she is dropping. This isn't good on my part. I've been more tired, lazy, and complacent.
Today, I began reading about a life value goal of making the best use of the body God gave me. I started indulging in the words of Paul, Solomon, and Daniel and have begun thinking more about what I am taking in my body through food and other indulgences in life. I read my friend's blog on eating and eating healthy and have started to change my stinking thinking "in order to lose weight, I have to give up my favorite foods, eat boring things," but what I have found to be true is that I need to ask myself "in what way am I using body and health to glorify God?" Where do I draw the line for consuming unhealthy foods? I have learned that this is a self decision and journey.
I did work out, but I didn't pay attention to what I was/am eating and drinking. I see all these adds on television about weight loss, eating right foods, and joining a program. I don't know what it is going to take for me because I have a busy schedule. I tried working at Curves and love it, but I have a lot on my plate right now.
I believe that if the Lord has opened my eyes in seeing that I need to take better care of my body that I will seek him to help me along this journey. I will hitch my wagon onto others that have succeeded in living healthy lives.
The best part about all of this is that I am no longer alone on this journey of self improvement. I have someone else willing and able to exercise with me.
I don't know how long it will last since I have a difficult time with self discipline, but I believe in trying and watching the results from it.
If you too are on this journey of self improvement and it has worked for you, I hope you will share your success with me.
Romans 13:12-14
Proverbs 23:20-21
Daniel 1:8,11-16
I found it interesting that if you look in Genesis 1:29; 9:3 most of the original inhabitants of the earth were vegetarians until after the flood. I am not a vegetarian by no means, but it did make me wonder what is good and bad meat?
I am on another journey to learn more about the foods I eat.
What kind of journey are you on for this coming new year, 2012? Please share.
Monday, December 26, 2011
How Good or Bad Do You Have It?
As I was eating a bowl of spaghetti, I was reading a story about a young woman who was tortured for 30 days because she was overheard by another woman praying to God. The story reads how she was raped by her owners, became pregnant, then fled from North Korea with a friend. Her friend later died from cold and hunger. Sister Yang's story has much more to tell, however this one woman became a believer in a non-believer's world and then was persecuted for her faith. She in turn looked to the Father of Creation for help. She experienced "faith under pressure," wouldn't you agree?
I looked at my bowl of almost eaten spaghetti and thought "someone is hungry today." My next thought was "she has a purpose in her life."
It raised questions for myself. I know that people have questioned my walk by faith, but I was never hungry to the point of death, I have not been tortured to the extreme of my body turning black and blue, and yet I wonder "what is my purpose Lord?".
We sing "How Great is Our God" without truly knowing Him as a friend or a provider in the darkest times of our lives. We are concerned when our washing machines break or our computers stop working and we want it fixed "NOOOW;" we are a spoiled country. We do not know what it is like to be without sometimes; we forget that there are others without and perishing.
However, with the way our economy in our Putnam County is right now, we are experiencing cold and hunger.
I have seen people in tears; not sure of what will happen tomorrow. Yet have faith enough to know that God will provide and they will experience Him.
Then there are others who mock Him and say "yeah right" under their breathe.
If you are questioning if God cares, He does. If you are desiring more in your life; God is there. If you are willing to surrender, He will hold on to you.
I encourage you to come to know this God of Creation, this Father who loves not like an earthly father, this friend who will never leave you in your darkest times, and wants the BEST for you.
If you know Him and are questioning Him; He already knows you. He hasn't left you. Have you left Him?
I encourage you my friend to grow in the knowledge of God Almighty and allow Him to fill you with truth and healing.
~Be Encouraged
Marjorie
PS. As you walk through your day; would you pray for someone else in the world?
I looked at my bowl of almost eaten spaghetti and thought "someone is hungry today." My next thought was "she has a purpose in her life."
It raised questions for myself. I know that people have questioned my walk by faith, but I was never hungry to the point of death, I have not been tortured to the extreme of my body turning black and blue, and yet I wonder "what is my purpose Lord?".
We sing "How Great is Our God" without truly knowing Him as a friend or a provider in the darkest times of our lives. We are concerned when our washing machines break or our computers stop working and we want it fixed "NOOOW;" we are a spoiled country. We do not know what it is like to be without sometimes; we forget that there are others without and perishing.
However, with the way our economy in our Putnam County is right now, we are experiencing cold and hunger.
I have seen people in tears; not sure of what will happen tomorrow. Yet have faith enough to know that God will provide and they will experience Him.
Then there are others who mock Him and say "yeah right" under their breathe.
If you are questioning if God cares, He does. If you are desiring more in your life; God is there. If you are willing to surrender, He will hold on to you.
I encourage you to come to know this God of Creation, this Father who loves not like an earthly father, this friend who will never leave you in your darkest times, and wants the BEST for you.
If you know Him and are questioning Him; He already knows you. He hasn't left you. Have you left Him?
I encourage you my friend to grow in the knowledge of God Almighty and allow Him to fill you with truth and healing.
~Be Encouraged
Marjorie
PS. As you walk through your day; would you pray for someone else in the world?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Star Gazing
I had a scene dancing in my head I would like to share with you. Laying in a field of brown grass on your back and a pouch is under your head. You're not camping out, but just enjoying the cool night air with a couple of your friends. The stars appear to be bright yet small because of the distance from you to them. All of a sudden, the stars are transformed to countless angels joyfully singing.
Next, you and your friends are overwhelmed with the sight, you rub your eyes to make sure you are not imagining this scene. You are so amazed by it, you make sure your friends are seeing this too. You are looking up in awe, your palms are sweating, your mind is rushing with thoughts of "how could this be." Then your ears are perked up at the beautiful sounds and wondering what they are singing and then you hear it "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth good will toward men!"
All of a sudden your heart that fell to your feet is picking itself back up and jumping out of your chest with excitement.This is exactly what happened in the beginning of spreading the word about Jesus.
God chose the lowest of lows, the shepherds in the field, to hear about his son being born. He made the announcement in a most supernatural way. If you are a dad, you know how it feels to want to shout it from the stars that your son has arrived. God did just that.
There is great news to be shared not just at Christmas all the time. I encourage you to notice someone today that might be overlooked by others and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
I encourage you today, to rest in the knowledge that there is something bigger than your problems and He can take care of them better than you can.
Last, I encourage you to look at the stars and remember who created them and then thank Him. He'd love to hear from you.
Glory to God in the highest heaven!
~Marjorie
To read the whole story pick up a Bible and read Luke 2:18-20; be encouraged.
Next, you and your friends are overwhelmed with the sight, you rub your eyes to make sure you are not imagining this scene. You are so amazed by it, you make sure your friends are seeing this too. You are looking up in awe, your palms are sweating, your mind is rushing with thoughts of "how could this be." Then your ears are perked up at the beautiful sounds and wondering what they are singing and then you hear it "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth good will toward men!"
All of a sudden your heart that fell to your feet is picking itself back up and jumping out of your chest with excitement.This is exactly what happened in the beginning of spreading the word about Jesus.
God chose the lowest of lows, the shepherds in the field, to hear about his son being born. He made the announcement in a most supernatural way. If you are a dad, you know how it feels to want to shout it from the stars that your son has arrived. God did just that.
There is great news to be shared not just at Christmas all the time. I encourage you to notice someone today that might be overlooked by others and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
I encourage you today, to rest in the knowledge that there is something bigger than your problems and He can take care of them better than you can.
Last, I encourage you to look at the stars and remember who created them and then thank Him. He'd love to hear from you.
Glory to God in the highest heaven!
~Marjorie
To read the whole story pick up a Bible and read Luke 2:18-20; be encouraged.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A Much Bigger Picture
Did you know that I worked in retail sales for over 25 years? Since the age of 14, I worked in some sort of store and the Christmas season was the busiest time. This year I've been in a different "season" of Christmas, one of learning with growth.
These past two weeks at work, 91.3 Hope FM, we've been working on the Christmas Wish List program. It works this way. If you or someone you know has a Christmas Wish but cannot fulfill it, write to us and we will ask the Lord to provide via the community.
It has been overwhelming with over 31 responses within our community. The Lord, through us and others, have fulfilled all of them. We cannot fulfill any more.
I have picked up the responsibility of making sure presents are wrapped and no child goes without. I have spoken to recipients after their wishes have been fulfilled and sitting with them as their heart breaks with joy and peace all at the same time. I too have cried with them. I have also sat with the givers who have tears in their eyes, joy in their hearts, and
a smile from ear to ear. It has been a wonderful time of the year.
Looking back, there were times I got upset and for what I don't know. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of getting other things around me accomplished, and making sure all my i's were dotted and t's were crossed. I found myself exhausted, upset, and disgruntled. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy (and enjoyed) all that I have done and seen through this event.
My prayer is that if one person who didn't listen to God's word, experience His love, recognize Him before, or even understand what this season was about; they do now. It is about a much bigger picture than our temporary things. It's about loving and caring for others. God loves you so much that He gave His perfect gift; He is the ultimate giver.
I've learned that Christmas isn't about the presents under the tree or the family you are around, but it's about giving year round and loving others despite myself.
I've also taken time to really read the scriptures of the birth of Jesus and the events that took place. For instance, when the wise men arrived on the scene. Did you know they weren't at the manger? They visited Joseph and Mary in a house. The wise men didn't come to worship Mary, they came to worship a King; King Jesus, Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Mary was a servant girl who truly became a selfless giver herself to God Almighty.
Joseph was a man of compassion and mercy and not a man ready to throw a woman into death and destruction.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were poor and needed help. God provided all their needs; just like Putnam County has been used by God to provided others in their needs.
I have been humbled and thankful for all that God has provided for me.
My home might be drafty and cold in the morning, but it is my shelter. My cupboards may not have all that I need in them, but I have food. I may not have a lot of pretty things, but I have my necessities because the Lord has provided all that I need.
What have you learned from this season? What have you done this season for someone else or for yourself that was different from last year?
No matter what that might be, I hope you find the true meaning of giving and not giving just this one time a year.
Christmas doesn't come from a store. I hope that the heart that was one time so small will grow three sizes than before and you will pay it forward.
May God's love shine on your today.
~Marjorie
J - Jesus
O -Others
Y -You
Hope you have joy today.
These past two weeks at work, 91.3 Hope FM, we've been working on the Christmas Wish List program. It works this way. If you or someone you know has a Christmas Wish but cannot fulfill it, write to us and we will ask the Lord to provide via the community.
It has been overwhelming with over 31 responses within our community. The Lord, through us and others, have fulfilled all of them. We cannot fulfill any more.
I have picked up the responsibility of making sure presents are wrapped and no child goes without. I have spoken to recipients after their wishes have been fulfilled and sitting with them as their heart breaks with joy and peace all at the same time. I too have cried with them. I have also sat with the givers who have tears in their eyes, joy in their hearts, and
a smile from ear to ear. It has been a wonderful time of the year.
Looking back, there were times I got upset and for what I don't know. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of getting other things around me accomplished, and making sure all my i's were dotted and t's were crossed. I found myself exhausted, upset, and disgruntled. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy (and enjoyed) all that I have done and seen through this event.
My prayer is that if one person who didn't listen to God's word, experience His love, recognize Him before, or even understand what this season was about; they do now. It is about a much bigger picture than our temporary things. It's about loving and caring for others. God loves you so much that He gave His perfect gift; He is the ultimate giver.
I've learned that Christmas isn't about the presents under the tree or the family you are around, but it's about giving year round and loving others despite myself.
I've also taken time to really read the scriptures of the birth of Jesus and the events that took place. For instance, when the wise men arrived on the scene. Did you know they weren't at the manger? They visited Joseph and Mary in a house. The wise men didn't come to worship Mary, they came to worship a King; King Jesus, Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Mary was a servant girl who truly became a selfless giver herself to God Almighty.
Joseph was a man of compassion and mercy and not a man ready to throw a woman into death and destruction.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were poor and needed help. God provided all their needs; just like Putnam County has been used by God to provided others in their needs.
I have been humbled and thankful for all that God has provided for me.
My home might be drafty and cold in the morning, but it is my shelter. My cupboards may not have all that I need in them, but I have food. I may not have a lot of pretty things, but I have my necessities because the Lord has provided all that I need.
What have you learned from this season? What have you done this season for someone else or for yourself that was different from last year?
No matter what that might be, I hope you find the true meaning of giving and not giving just this one time a year.
Christmas doesn't come from a store. I hope that the heart that was one time so small will grow three sizes than before and you will pay it forward.
May God's love shine on your today.
~Marjorie
J - Jesus
O -Others
Y -You
Hope you have joy today.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Experiencing God
God has me on a wonderful journey with Him and I hope you are too. If you don't know Him, if you fear Him, or want to know more about Him. Spend time with Him, ask God questions, and allow Him to show Himself to you. It is worth your time.
I didn't know exactly how much God loved me/loves me. I have been working on a study "Experiencing God" with my church. Because of this my relationship with God has gotten deeper. I have learned to ask questions differently, look for and ask God how He wants me to respond to what I have learned, and I look at people and situations differently. I can honestly say I have grown up a little. I am not being vein. The bible says that we grow up from milk to meat.
I recognized that God has had a calling on my life since I was created. I was just to eager to get out the door and do my own thing to recognize it when I was young.
Now, I do believe that the Lord wants to use me to show just how powerful He can work through an ordinary life like mine. I surrender with my whole heart and mind to God; my life belongs to Him.
Much of my life I searched for love in all the wrong places and spaces. Looking back now, I know that God has been with me the whole time I was on the wide road. But now, now I know God is working in my life. He is giving me direction to fulfill His purpose for my life. He has given me a life partner to grow with, experience God together, and to discover new things in life with.
I like the movie "Fiddler on the Roof." The town has a match maker who pairs couples up, she's pretty good with what she does, but there was a girl who didn't want to be paired up with whom she set her up with. Love came into the mix of things. There is no other match maker like God the Father; the God of love. He put Adam and Eve together, Mary and Joseph, as well as Elizabeth and Zachariah. From the beginning God had a plan to use their lives as one to accomplish His great plans. God gave them a life partner with a unique calling on their lives. The spouses worked together as one to accomplish His purposes and be glorified in it.
I have learned that marriage is not just a human contract or signed piece of paper, but a covenant, a spiritual contract, a tie that binds you with God. If it is not of God, it's not going to prosper. It can with prayer and Christ Jesus; be encouraged.
I can say that I am learning to compromise, but not give in. Rodney and I recognize that we are hearing from God and experiencing Him in our discussions, desires, and daily walk. We are very excited about the love we have for one another. It's not this immature, lost my mind, gotta get what I can from the other type of love. It's a true caring and deeply moved emotion. We have talked about how God has matched us and how life is falling into place for us as a couple. We regularly pray for and with one another, we ask questions about our beliefs and the bible, and we give to each other.
I love the Lord more and He knows this, as Rodney loves the Lord more than me. We want it this way. We know who to turn to when life gets rough, and there are holes in the other.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. All we, Rodney and I, want to do is share it with others together.
Marriage is God joining a man and a woman together to create unity to accomplish His purpose.
Matthew 19:4-6
And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’'5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Isn't God good?
~Marjorie
I didn't know exactly how much God loved me/loves me. I have been working on a study "Experiencing God" with my church. Because of this my relationship with God has gotten deeper. I have learned to ask questions differently, look for and ask God how He wants me to respond to what I have learned, and I look at people and situations differently. I can honestly say I have grown up a little. I am not being vein. The bible says that we grow up from milk to meat.
I recognized that God has had a calling on my life since I was created. I was just to eager to get out the door and do my own thing to recognize it when I was young.
Now, I do believe that the Lord wants to use me to show just how powerful He can work through an ordinary life like mine. I surrender with my whole heart and mind to God; my life belongs to Him.
Much of my life I searched for love in all the wrong places and spaces. Looking back now, I know that God has been with me the whole time I was on the wide road. But now, now I know God is working in my life. He is giving me direction to fulfill His purpose for my life. He has given me a life partner to grow with, experience God together, and to discover new things in life with.
I like the movie "Fiddler on the Roof." The town has a match maker who pairs couples up, she's pretty good with what she does, but there was a girl who didn't want to be paired up with whom she set her up with. Love came into the mix of things. There is no other match maker like God the Father; the God of love. He put Adam and Eve together, Mary and Joseph, as well as Elizabeth and Zachariah. From the beginning God had a plan to use their lives as one to accomplish His great plans. God gave them a life partner with a unique calling on their lives. The spouses worked together as one to accomplish His purposes and be glorified in it.
I have learned that marriage is not just a human contract or signed piece of paper, but a covenant, a spiritual contract, a tie that binds you with God. If it is not of God, it's not going to prosper. It can with prayer and Christ Jesus; be encouraged.
I can say that I am learning to compromise, but not give in. Rodney and I recognize that we are hearing from God and experiencing Him in our discussions, desires, and daily walk. We are very excited about the love we have for one another. It's not this immature, lost my mind, gotta get what I can from the other type of love. It's a true caring and deeply moved emotion. We have talked about how God has matched us and how life is falling into place for us as a couple. We regularly pray for and with one another, we ask questions about our beliefs and the bible, and we give to each other.
I love the Lord more and He knows this, as Rodney loves the Lord more than me. We want it this way. We know who to turn to when life gets rough, and there are holes in the other.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. All we, Rodney and I, want to do is share it with others together.
Marriage is God joining a man and a woman together to create unity to accomplish His purpose.
Matthew 19:4-6
And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’'5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Isn't God good?
~Marjorie
Questioning God
Most of us know Mary, the mother of Jesus. Have you ever really stopped to think of Mary as a heroin? We are not to worship her, but use her example.
Think about this and see if you can relate it to your own life.
Have you experienced fears in your life? Fear is an emotion created in you for a reason. If there is a fear of danger in your presence you will probably take notice of it and get out of the way. Have you ever experienced a fear and questioned God about it? That is what Mary did.
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
She freely asked God a question with freedom, the great news is that God can handle all of our questions. Fear and doubt can actually keep us from a deeper relations with God. We've bought into the lie that God is uncaring and begrudging. Mary went straight to the source with her confusion and emotions, she was honest in her response after being told the Holy Spirit was going to come upon her and the power of God was going to overshadow her for the Holy One to be born, Jesus Christ. I believe if that if an angel appeared to you, you'd be a little frightened and confused too. No more could Mary hide her heart's confusion than we can. We've all bit into the lie that we can hide from God, but he already knows our fears, doubts, confusion and questions. We just need to be strong and courageous in approaching Him and trusting in Him to receive us.
There are two types of questions. There are the questions that are filled with accusation or vain insistence and questions that interact and engage.
Looking at the way Mary handled questioning God has helped me to change my questions towards Him too.
Recently in prayer I had a few questions for God. Normally my questions would sound something like accusation "Lord, if you want this to happen then I need this, this, and this." Instead, my prayers changed to "Lord, I know you have done this thing and I know you have a plan. I choose to surrender to your will.I ask you Holy Spirit to show me what to do because I believe you will supply all that I need to accomplish your purpose. What do I do next?"
God spoke to stars into existence, he set the moon and sun into place. We can't limit God if we do, we limit all that He wants to give us.
This season I am taking notice that God used the lowest of lows to accomplish His purpose. A young woman, an older man, shepherds, a stinky stable, and perhaps a wooden crate to sleep in for a manger. He can use you and me; if we could change our accusing questions into engaging questions, but none the less He can handle our questions and He will answer us.
What are you asking for today and how are you asking Him? I encourage you to not be afraid to ask God anything. He is loving, caring, kind, gentle, and most of all love and in love with you.
~Marjorie
Think about this and see if you can relate it to your own life.
Have you experienced fears in your life? Fear is an emotion created in you for a reason. If there is a fear of danger in your presence you will probably take notice of it and get out of the way. Have you ever experienced a fear and questioned God about it? That is what Mary did.
Luke 1:34-37
New King James Version (NKJV)
She freely asked God a question with freedom, the great news is that God can handle all of our questions. Fear and doubt can actually keep us from a deeper relations with God. We've bought into the lie that God is uncaring and begrudging. Mary went straight to the source with her confusion and emotions, she was honest in her response after being told the Holy Spirit was going to come upon her and the power of God was going to overshadow her for the Holy One to be born, Jesus Christ. I believe if that if an angel appeared to you, you'd be a little frightened and confused too. No more could Mary hide her heart's confusion than we can. We've all bit into the lie that we can hide from God, but he already knows our fears, doubts, confusion and questions. We just need to be strong and courageous in approaching Him and trusting in Him to receive us.
There are two types of questions. There are the questions that are filled with accusation or vain insistence and questions that interact and engage.
Looking at the way Mary handled questioning God has helped me to change my questions towards Him too.
Recently in prayer I had a few questions for God. Normally my questions would sound something like accusation "Lord, if you want this to happen then I need this, this, and this." Instead, my prayers changed to "Lord, I know you have done this thing and I know you have a plan. I choose to surrender to your will.I ask you Holy Spirit to show me what to do because I believe you will supply all that I need to accomplish your purpose. What do I do next?"
God spoke to stars into existence, he set the moon and sun into place. We can't limit God if we do, we limit all that He wants to give us.
This season I am taking notice that God used the lowest of lows to accomplish His purpose. A young woman, an older man, shepherds, a stinky stable, and perhaps a wooden crate to sleep in for a manger. He can use you and me; if we could change our accusing questions into engaging questions, but none the less He can handle our questions and He will answer us.
What are you asking for today and how are you asking Him? I encourage you to not be afraid to ask God anything. He is loving, caring, kind, gentle, and most of all love and in love with you.
~Marjorie
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I Can't Never Could..Why?
As I was in conversation with the Lord this morning, He has me pondering on the following questions and thoughts. I want to share them with you.
Do you think about what you are thinking about? Do you truly listen to the words that you speak? I, the Lord, tell you that life and death are in the power of the tongue. You have a tongue and you can choose for good things or bad things to happen in your life.
I, the Lord, tell you that nothing in impossible with God, but you continuously say "I can't."
Why do I give the Lord Lordship over my life when I limit Him? This question is heavy on my heart today.
By saying I can't do something is saying that I agree with the enemy, Satan. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Therefore, if I am limiting God to work in my life, then God's BEST just might be taken away because of choices.
The Lord tells us to take every thought captive. Therefore, before a word is spoken, it would be best to think about what we just thought about, right? Why? What the Lord revealed to me is that once we speak what we just thought, we could have changed the course of our life forever. The words "I can't" or "I am unable to" can be a real killer when God wants to do an amazing thing in our lives
Just for today, I challenge you to take every thought captive, to believe in what God says you can do and watch life and death happen in your world. Yes, I accept my own challenge as well.
I don't know about you, but by accepting this choice of good fruit today, I am excited to see what Jesus is going to do in my life. I hope you will send me a message letting me know how your day went or what good / bad things happened in your life.
~Marjorie
Do you think about what you are thinking about? Do you truly listen to the words that you speak? I, the Lord, tell you that life and death are in the power of the tongue. You have a tongue and you can choose for good things or bad things to happen in your life.
I, the Lord, tell you that nothing in impossible with God, but you continuously say "I can't."
Why do I give the Lord Lordship over my life when I limit Him? This question is heavy on my heart today.
By saying I can't do something is saying that I agree with the enemy, Satan. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Therefore, if I am limiting God to work in my life, then God's BEST just might be taken away because of choices.
The Lord tells us to take every thought captive. Therefore, before a word is spoken, it would be best to think about what we just thought about, right? Why? What the Lord revealed to me is that once we speak what we just thought, we could have changed the course of our life forever. The words "I can't" or "I am unable to" can be a real killer when God wants to do an amazing thing in our lives
Just for today, I challenge you to take every thought captive, to believe in what God says you can do and watch life and death happen in your world. Yes, I accept my own challenge as well.
I don't know about you, but by accepting this choice of good fruit today, I am excited to see what Jesus is going to do in my life. I hope you will send me a message letting me know how your day went or what good / bad things happened in your life.
~Marjorie
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, - Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Traveling Has Changed or Have I?
Traveling this past weekend has led me to recognize that I don't care for speed. I grew up in a big city with traffic all around me, so why was this trip any different?
I sat in the passenger's side watching the other cars as we passed by them. At times my heart would end up in my stomach while other times I was perfectly fine and in my comfort zone. My comfort zone consisted of an easy pace with no one trying to out run the other or even try to slow down and cause a road block; just easy riding.
As I began to ponder on my question to my reaction of fast speed, I started to analize myself and I went further back into my past experiences.
For one, I was the one driving and in control of the vehicle. Next, my past experience with men drivers weren't all that great with high speed and other influences involved. Have you ever noticed that the vehicle goes where your eyes flow?
Last, I don't live in a fast paced world but rather a slow pace rural county. as I continue to ponder my position on speed, I almost feel old. Amazing to me, I'm slowing down, tired of the fast pace life and ready to enjoy the finer things in it.
I think we get this way in our family life too. We get so busy trying to reach the top of the ladder, trying to get things done so we can move onto the next task, or even running a worldly race and missing all the good stuff in between.
If I had known then that I would miss my kids so much now, I would have slowed down. If I had known that I missed a few years in between some other years, I would have slowed down. I was in such a hurry to grow up that now that I'm older, I miss those things.
If you are still young and rushing to get through dating to find the true love of your life, or if you are married with kids and rushing to get them into college, I strongly suggest slowing down. By the time the discoveries have come; the time has passed and you've missed out on the BEST things in life.
I may be slower and older, but I know I can see the road signs better and life is worth sight seeing.
Traveling the BEST road; lead to eternity.
~Marjorie
I sat in the passenger's side watching the other cars as we passed by them. At times my heart would end up in my stomach while other times I was perfectly fine and in my comfort zone. My comfort zone consisted of an easy pace with no one trying to out run the other or even try to slow down and cause a road block; just easy riding.
As I began to ponder on my question to my reaction of fast speed, I started to analize myself and I went further back into my past experiences.
For one, I was the one driving and in control of the vehicle. Next, my past experience with men drivers weren't all that great with high speed and other influences involved. Have you ever noticed that the vehicle goes where your eyes flow?
Last, I don't live in a fast paced world but rather a slow pace rural county. as I continue to ponder my position on speed, I almost feel old. Amazing to me, I'm slowing down, tired of the fast pace life and ready to enjoy the finer things in it.
I think we get this way in our family life too. We get so busy trying to reach the top of the ladder, trying to get things done so we can move onto the next task, or even running a worldly race and missing all the good stuff in between.
If I had known then that I would miss my kids so much now, I would have slowed down. If I had known that I missed a few years in between some other years, I would have slowed down. I was in such a hurry to grow up that now that I'm older, I miss those things.
If you are still young and rushing to get through dating to find the true love of your life, or if you are married with kids and rushing to get them into college, I strongly suggest slowing down. By the time the discoveries have come; the time has passed and you've missed out on the BEST things in life.
I may be slower and older, but I know I can see the road signs better and life is worth sight seeing.
Traveling the BEST road; lead to eternity.
~Marjorie
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Making New Friends....
This past week I have experienced so many changes. My friendship list has expanded on facebook, my friends and family list has expanded, I have been added to other's lists and I've gotten to know who my neighbors are. I've even made new friends which leads me to today's topic.
I am truly a blessed woman. Is there anyone else that can rejoice in those words with me? I hope you can. I am excited with the new life adventure that the Lord has me on. I am excited to be part of a family that accepts me with open arms and loves me as one of their own too. I am blessed by my immediate family. This time of season brings back so many memories of when I was growing up in Norfolk, Virginia. There was a Thanksgiving dinner where my mom prepared all the food and partially made it the night before. Mom would start baking pies weeks in advance and freeze them, then pull them out a couple days ahead to allow them to thaw and they would still taste great! I remember the table was decorated with a nice table cloth and plate settings. The food smelled delicious and I couldn't wait to dig into the scrumptious meats and vegetables. I remember hearing laughter and discussions among my family members in the background.
"Let's sit down and eat now before it gets cold," my mother would exclaim.
I'm not in Virginia this year, but I can still imagine my mother cooking a little with my brother and sister in laws help. I am transported back and hearing her say the same thing all over again. "Let's sit down and eat now before it gets cold."
I imagine there are many of my friends reading this and a memory crosses your mind. I hope this brings a smile to your face too.
This year I am in a new place and doing new things. I am in West Palm Beach where the breeze is cool and inviting, the sounds of the leaves brushing against each are making wonderful music. I am with Rodney and his family. I feel at home with brothers and sisters; family all over again.
I almost forgot what it is like to be around so much love in one room among family. It almost brings a tear to my eye because I don't feel like an outcast or a bother. I know I haven't been an outcast or bother to others in the past, but this is different and I can't seem to find the words to express my position. Isn't that funny? A writer loosing words of expression? (I giggle).
Well today is a new day, a day of more excitement and joy, a day to show love to those around us, and a day to experience new beginnings all over again.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I hope that today you will make new friends, enjoy old ones, and experience a new beginning with your family.
May the blessings of God fall on you like rain, may your heart be filled with an everlasting joy, an unexplainable excitement for life and those around you. Your life is one filled with many gifts and I encourage you to open one today and enjoy it.
A friend is only a stranger until you say "hello, my name is ______________."
~ Your friend,
Marjorie
I am truly a blessed woman. Is there anyone else that can rejoice in those words with me? I hope you can. I am excited with the new life adventure that the Lord has me on. I am excited to be part of a family that accepts me with open arms and loves me as one of their own too. I am blessed by my immediate family. This time of season brings back so many memories of when I was growing up in Norfolk, Virginia. There was a Thanksgiving dinner where my mom prepared all the food and partially made it the night before. Mom would start baking pies weeks in advance and freeze them, then pull them out a couple days ahead to allow them to thaw and they would still taste great! I remember the table was decorated with a nice table cloth and plate settings. The food smelled delicious and I couldn't wait to dig into the scrumptious meats and vegetables. I remember hearing laughter and discussions among my family members in the background.
"Let's sit down and eat now before it gets cold," my mother would exclaim.
I'm not in Virginia this year, but I can still imagine my mother cooking a little with my brother and sister in laws help. I am transported back and hearing her say the same thing all over again. "Let's sit down and eat now before it gets cold."
I imagine there are many of my friends reading this and a memory crosses your mind. I hope this brings a smile to your face too.
This year I am in a new place and doing new things. I am in West Palm Beach where the breeze is cool and inviting, the sounds of the leaves brushing against each are making wonderful music. I am with Rodney and his family. I feel at home with brothers and sisters; family all over again.
I almost forgot what it is like to be around so much love in one room among family. It almost brings a tear to my eye because I don't feel like an outcast or a bother. I know I haven't been an outcast or bother to others in the past, but this is different and I can't seem to find the words to express my position. Isn't that funny? A writer loosing words of expression? (I giggle).
Well today is a new day, a day of more excitement and joy, a day to show love to those around us, and a day to experience new beginnings all over again.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I hope that today you will make new friends, enjoy old ones, and experience a new beginning with your family.
May the blessings of God fall on you like rain, may your heart be filled with an everlasting joy, an unexplainable excitement for life and those around you. Your life is one filled with many gifts and I encourage you to open one today and enjoy it.
A friend is only a stranger until you say "hello, my name is ______________."
~ Your friend,
Marjorie
A Time to Dance
I have been experiencing God in a whole new way. Saturday October 8, 2011, I was among an elite of women who spoke at The Holy Word Revival Center in Palatka, FL. There were six speakers all of us boasted on the Holy Spirit and His different characters. We spoke on the Holy Spirit as the Helper, Reminder, Teacher, Convicter, the Spirit of Truth, and the Glorifier to Christ.
None of us spoke to each other throughout the week and we all touched on the same scriptures, or just about the same, John 14. That is the Holy Spirit at work wouldn't you say?
Usually when I prepare to speak at a conference, I pray over the subject and scripture. The next request I normally make to the Lord in prayer is for Him to give me the words to speak and follow with typing the words out and ready to share with the other believers/ nonbelievers. This time however, the scripture was crystal clear. However, I could never take the thoughts I had and put them into words. It was an uncomfortable place to be for me.
I knew the only thing I could do was to give it to the Lord. I even called a friend and ask for prayer. I couldn't believe the words were not coming to me. I was thinking maybe I had a heart and mind problem, but I felt normal (whatever that is). I thought maybe I didn't study enough so I researched every scripture on the Holy Spirit and kept coming back to John 14:26. Now, I was on a walk by faith and not by works.
When I arrived, I was at peace; that was definitely different. In the past I was always nervous and it showed up in some strange form. You know sweaty arms, quivering lips, or sweat rolling down the face.This day was different~totally different!
I don't remember every word said that day, but I remember the desire to cry at many different times. I remember what the other speakers said and partially what I said. My reaction told me that the Holy Spirit was present and I was wrapped in Him. I was in awe of Him, falling in love all over again with God.
I had a great time dancing and praising the Lord God Almighty. We were raising the roof in prayer and praise, shouting with loud voices like it is written in scriptures. I walked away with a big question mark over my head. Why doesn't the churches today praise the Holy Spirit or allow the Holy Spirit to come in like it did in the upper room in the book of Acts. As believers and followers of Christ we are taught through the scriptures that the Holy Spirit is alive and well at work. So why won't we allow the movement of the Holy Spirit within to move us? Why shouldn't we be allowed to dance in the isles, jump up and down, or shout louder if the Spirit moves us? Perhaps we stop ourselves from praising and worshiping God like David did with harp, song, and dance.
Perhaps we are afraid of what others will say about us or the way they will look at us. I've seen us standing in awe of God with our arms raised, bodies are bobbing up and down without really letting loose. You know what I am talking about.
I don't want someone telling me how I need to go home and do some more praising. No, I want to be in the house of the Lord worshiping Him as He calls me to; don't you?
So this was food for thought. It is the relationship with God that we should be more concerned with and not our fellow neighbor. I feel the Lord is calling the elite and want to be amond them, I want to be in the number when He comes calling. I'm ready to show God the Love I have for Him and others through song and dance. If you see me dancing in the street you may think I am out of my mind, but I am not dancing on the streets made of coal, but gold; in my mind's eye, I am home.
~Ecclesiastes 3:4
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
None of us spoke to each other throughout the week and we all touched on the same scriptures, or just about the same, John 14. That is the Holy Spirit at work wouldn't you say?
Usually when I prepare to speak at a conference, I pray over the subject and scripture. The next request I normally make to the Lord in prayer is for Him to give me the words to speak and follow with typing the words out and ready to share with the other believers/ nonbelievers. This time however, the scripture was crystal clear. However, I could never take the thoughts I had and put them into words. It was an uncomfortable place to be for me.
I knew the only thing I could do was to give it to the Lord. I even called a friend and ask for prayer. I couldn't believe the words were not coming to me. I was thinking maybe I had a heart and mind problem, but I felt normal (whatever that is). I thought maybe I didn't study enough so I researched every scripture on the Holy Spirit and kept coming back to John 14:26. Now, I was on a walk by faith and not by works.
When I arrived, I was at peace; that was definitely different. In the past I was always nervous and it showed up in some strange form. You know sweaty arms, quivering lips, or sweat rolling down the face.This day was different~totally different!
I don't remember every word said that day, but I remember the desire to cry at many different times. I remember what the other speakers said and partially what I said. My reaction told me that the Holy Spirit was present and I was wrapped in Him. I was in awe of Him, falling in love all over again with God.
I had a great time dancing and praising the Lord God Almighty. We were raising the roof in prayer and praise, shouting with loud voices like it is written in scriptures. I walked away with a big question mark over my head. Why doesn't the churches today praise the Holy Spirit or allow the Holy Spirit to come in like it did in the upper room in the book of Acts. As believers and followers of Christ we are taught through the scriptures that the Holy Spirit is alive and well at work. So why won't we allow the movement of the Holy Spirit within to move us? Why shouldn't we be allowed to dance in the isles, jump up and down, or shout louder if the Spirit moves us? Perhaps we stop ourselves from praising and worshiping God like David did with harp, song, and dance.
Perhaps we are afraid of what others will say about us or the way they will look at us. I've seen us standing in awe of God with our arms raised, bodies are bobbing up and down without really letting loose. You know what I am talking about.
I don't want someone telling me how I need to go home and do some more praising. No, I want to be in the house of the Lord worshiping Him as He calls me to; don't you?
So this was food for thought. It is the relationship with God that we should be more concerned with and not our fellow neighbor. I feel the Lord is calling the elite and want to be amond them, I want to be in the number when He comes calling. I'm ready to show God the Love I have for Him and others through song and dance. If you see me dancing in the street you may think I am out of my mind, but I am not dancing on the streets made of coal, but gold; in my mind's eye, I am home.
~Ecclesiastes 3:4
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
Saturday, November 19, 2011
the Body....
I got it, I finally got it! I mean the light bulb has gone off and I understand now! Aren't you just as excited? Oh, wait you don't know what I am talking about do you? Okay...let's begin.
Please read the following scriptures.
1 Corinthians 12:11-31
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
The body of Christ is similar to a marriage. "You are the body of Christ, and members individually" (vs 27 above). Your body needs each of it's members to live a pretty normal life. A marriage or church is the same way. Christ is head of the church and should be head of a marriage. So, when one of the members (spouses) is not functioning right, it divides the unity of the church (marriage). Not every member is going to be able to be able to perform every task because God is the one that gives the functions (vs 28). In my previous marriages, I expected my spouse to do certain things as I was expected to do certain things, why? Because "that's the way my mother always did it."
Now I realize that it wasn't up to me or him to say what our roles were in the marriage, it was up to God to give us our functions. We were to belong to Him and allow Him to be the head of our "church" or "marriage."
When God was taken out of the schools we began to see a trend of failure and division within the school systems. It's the same with our church, family, and marriages, isn't it?
When God is not the center focus of our reasons for attending church, praying as family, or inviting Jesus into our marriages there is chaos, destruction, and ultimately death.
I am ever so repentive for desiring to have my way in many of these areas of my life. I wasn't the "member" I should have been.
Now, I am placing Jesus as head of the body (marriage and family) and having my focus on God as the center of my life. As God desires the body to be united and oneness of heart that is my desire too. Last, as I accept God's perfect love, I am able to love others as I love myself.
I stopped praying for a local church because I didn't hear the Lord give me the words I needed for them. Now, I know how to pray for all our churches that are struggling. I see people moving from church to church. I am not condemning anyone on their walk. Jesus is everywhere, but if we cannot love one another, edify one another when we fall, allow God to use our talents where we are at, then are we really Christ centered?
One last thought. If the members of the body should have equal concern for one another, then what are we portraying as we leave our partner (pastor, spouse, family member) in the fire? Are we truly part of the body of Christ or part of something opposite?
I want the road less traveled and the way God intended it.
~Marjorie
Please read the following scriptures.
1 Corinthians 12:11-31
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Unity and Diversity in One Body
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
The body of Christ is similar to a marriage. "You are the body of Christ, and members individually" (vs 27 above). Your body needs each of it's members to live a pretty normal life. A marriage or church is the same way. Christ is head of the church and should be head of a marriage. So, when one of the members (spouses) is not functioning right, it divides the unity of the church (marriage). Not every member is going to be able to be able to perform every task because God is the one that gives the functions (vs 28). In my previous marriages, I expected my spouse to do certain things as I was expected to do certain things, why? Because "that's the way my mother always did it."
Now I realize that it wasn't up to me or him to say what our roles were in the marriage, it was up to God to give us our functions. We were to belong to Him and allow Him to be the head of our "church" or "marriage."
When God was taken out of the schools we began to see a trend of failure and division within the school systems. It's the same with our church, family, and marriages, isn't it?
When God is not the center focus of our reasons for attending church, praying as family, or inviting Jesus into our marriages there is chaos, destruction, and ultimately death.
I am ever so repentive for desiring to have my way in many of these areas of my life. I wasn't the "member" I should have been.
Now, I am placing Jesus as head of the body (marriage and family) and having my focus on God as the center of my life. As God desires the body to be united and oneness of heart that is my desire too. Last, as I accept God's perfect love, I am able to love others as I love myself.
I stopped praying for a local church because I didn't hear the Lord give me the words I needed for them. Now, I know how to pray for all our churches that are struggling. I see people moving from church to church. I am not condemning anyone on their walk. Jesus is everywhere, but if we cannot love one another, edify one another when we fall, allow God to use our talents where we are at, then are we really Christ centered?
One last thought. If the members of the body should have equal concern for one another, then what are we portraying as we leave our partner (pastor, spouse, family member) in the fire? Are we truly part of the body of Christ or part of something opposite?
I want the road less traveled and the way God intended it.
~Marjorie
Friday, November 18, 2011
Need to Know Basis
I have lived in Palatka for ten years and I still don't know everyone. Other people have lived here in Palatka all their lives and know a lot of people, but do they know everyone? I would dare to answer that question with "no." Palatka has grown up so much in the ten years I have lived here I can only imagine how much it has grown up for the "home boys and girls."
I have a friend who contacted me recently and was quick to defend herself in a situation she was currently involved in. I didn't know anything about this. I could tell by her tone that she just knew I was informed of the situation. I could feel the wrinkles on my forehead squinting, the question mark light bulb burn bright above my head, and the words come out of my mouth "what are you talking about?" I quickly relieved her fear that I didn't know anything about her discussion topic.
After a while I started having a heavy heart for this young lady because I remember living in fear that everyone around me was aware of my actions and involvements. I knew as the conversation continued that this is young lady was not the lady I knew from years past that attended church, prayed and walked through some things with her. This lead me to ponder on some special words from a special friend that said "sometimes it makes you wonder if they really had a relationship with the Lord in the first place." Hearing these words has made me speculate whether my friend had a real relationship with Christ. It's sad really. There are so many churches today filled with bottoms on the pew with no blood flowing in them with movement. That is they are sitting on the sidelines listening but not doing anything about what they hear.
My heart sunk for my friend but more importantly for everyone else that believes the lie that everyone knows their business. Satan doesn't know everything, he mimics, he steals, destroys, and kills any type of happiness that you desire. God on the other hand is ALL KNOWING AND ALL POWERFUL, He loves you with an everlasting love and yes with God you are on a "need to know basis." He will do anything you desire and will allow Him to do. Did you catch that? "Whatever you allow Him to do," God is a gentleman and loves with an everlasting love; Satan is rude, crude and obnoxious. So maybe taking a look around you and paying attention to what is being said by you or others and make sure everyone is on the "need to know basis."
So who are you listening to now? What do you think about? Did you know that what you are thinking about comes out in your words? Let's change our stinking thinking.
Let's begin with positive affirmations "not everyone knows my business."
"WITH God ALL things ARE Possible."
"I am NOT alone."
It's a start and I encourage you to remember people only know your business when you air it out.
~Marjorie
I have a friend who contacted me recently and was quick to defend herself in a situation she was currently involved in. I didn't know anything about this. I could tell by her tone that she just knew I was informed of the situation. I could feel the wrinkles on my forehead squinting, the question mark light bulb burn bright above my head, and the words come out of my mouth "what are you talking about?" I quickly relieved her fear that I didn't know anything about her discussion topic.
After a while I started having a heavy heart for this young lady because I remember living in fear that everyone around me was aware of my actions and involvements. I knew as the conversation continued that this is young lady was not the lady I knew from years past that attended church, prayed and walked through some things with her. This lead me to ponder on some special words from a special friend that said "sometimes it makes you wonder if they really had a relationship with the Lord in the first place." Hearing these words has made me speculate whether my friend had a real relationship with Christ. It's sad really. There are so many churches today filled with bottoms on the pew with no blood flowing in them with movement. That is they are sitting on the sidelines listening but not doing anything about what they hear.
My heart sunk for my friend but more importantly for everyone else that believes the lie that everyone knows their business. Satan doesn't know everything, he mimics, he steals, destroys, and kills any type of happiness that you desire. God on the other hand is ALL KNOWING AND ALL POWERFUL, He loves you with an everlasting love and yes with God you are on a "need to know basis." He will do anything you desire and will allow Him to do. Did you catch that? "Whatever you allow Him to do," God is a gentleman and loves with an everlasting love; Satan is rude, crude and obnoxious. So maybe taking a look around you and paying attention to what is being said by you or others and make sure everyone is on the "need to know basis."
So who are you listening to now? What do you think about? Did you know that what you are thinking about comes out in your words? Let's change our stinking thinking.
Let's begin with positive affirmations "not everyone knows my business."
"WITH God ALL things ARE Possible."
"I am NOT alone."
It's a start and I encourage you to remember people only know your business when you air it out.
~Marjorie
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Gratitude List...
I have a lot to be thankful for as many of you do. Thanksgiving season is suppose to be a time of reflection. So what are you reflecting on? Are you more concerned about what you don't have than what you do have? I was at one time. I thought more about what my pockets weren't filled with, what skills I didn't have, or what luxuries I couldn't afford; money, stuff, and things.
One day, a friend of mine said "write a gratitude list." I thought "what a crazy idea, but okay to pacify him I will." The joke was on me though. I was challenged to write five things I was grateful for and by the time I finished my list grew to 20 items. I found that as my list grew, I did too. I began waking up each morning with a gratitude list. I challenged myself to find at least 3 things to be grateful for and then each day I added something new.
I have learned that as you become grateful for the smallest of things, the largest of things don't matter as much. So what are you grateful for this season, this year, this month, or this week?
Your gratitude list doesn't define you, but it says a lot more about you than you care to admit. Sometimes we all have the weight of the world on our shoulders and walk around disgruntled all day, all week, and all month. This is definitely a need for a gratitude list. Why? If you walk around and feel disgruntled all the time, that says you need an attitude adjustment. Make a gratitude list and watch your attitude change.
I wonder what would happen if most of our friends made a gratitude list, what a different world it might be. What a better place we might live in. Think about it, people would care for each other better, our towns would look well kept, our houses would be fixed up nicely because we care, and we probably would like ourselves more too.
♪ What a wonderful world this would be. ♫
Well this Thanksgiving season, I hope your list grows and your attitude changes. I pray you have a merry heart for it is good for your soul. I pray you enjoy the little things in life with a great big smile.
Enjoy your family members that you are with, even if they are grumpy or odd, it might be the last time you do. Enjoy the dinner prepared and remember to share with others.
Most of all have a safe and special gathering.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Marjorie
One day, a friend of mine said "write a gratitude list." I thought "what a crazy idea, but okay to pacify him I will." The joke was on me though. I was challenged to write five things I was grateful for and by the time I finished my list grew to 20 items. I found that as my list grew, I did too. I began waking up each morning with a gratitude list. I challenged myself to find at least 3 things to be grateful for and then each day I added something new.
I have learned that as you become grateful for the smallest of things, the largest of things don't matter as much. So what are you grateful for this season, this year, this month, or this week?
Your gratitude list doesn't define you, but it says a lot more about you than you care to admit. Sometimes we all have the weight of the world on our shoulders and walk around disgruntled all day, all week, and all month. This is definitely a need for a gratitude list. Why? If you walk around and feel disgruntled all the time, that says you need an attitude adjustment. Make a gratitude list and watch your attitude change.
I wonder what would happen if most of our friends made a gratitude list, what a different world it might be. What a better place we might live in. Think about it, people would care for each other better, our towns would look well kept, our houses would be fixed up nicely because we care, and we probably would like ourselves more too.
♪ What a wonderful world this would be. ♫
Well this Thanksgiving season, I hope your list grows and your attitude changes. I pray you have a merry heart for it is good for your soul. I pray you enjoy the little things in life with a great big smile.
Enjoy your family members that you are with, even if they are grumpy or odd, it might be the last time you do. Enjoy the dinner prepared and remember to share with others.
Most of all have a safe and special gathering.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Marjorie
Growth Spurts
I recently experienced a spiritual growth spurt with my friend and sweetheart Rodney. It was suggested to us to read 1 John 4:18 by Pastor Chad. So one evening we pulled out the scripture and began reading. As Rodney and I engaged in the Lord's words my eyes began to swell with tears. I began to feel healing within my spirit. You see for a long time, dating back to being seven years old; I thought I was going to be abandoned by my mother. She and my dad had an argument, my mom got into the car and drove off. I remember turning to my dad and asked with pain in my heart "is she coming back?" My dad sweetly replied "she didn't take her clothes, so she'll be back." They were married for over 55 years before he passed away in 2009.
This opened a door that I didn't realize had been opened. Then my heart was broken once more by my first boyfriend. I gave all I had in emotions to this young man, I gave myself to him completely and totally. The day he broke up with me my heart ached like I've never experienced. Now, my list can go on and on with men hurting me, abandoning me, and threatening my life. As I walked through each of my situations a piece of me kept getting deeper and deeper into fear. I was always in "fear of abandonment." Someone was going to leave me and before they could leave me, I decided to leave them. I decided to turn the tables and not allow myself to get hurt but maybe hurt the other person instead. This way it wouldn't affect me so much. That was a lie because it affected me deeply.
So here we are, Rodney and I, reading how God's perfect love casts out fear. Rodney would say to me that he wasn't going to leave me and in the back of my mind I was saying "yeah right, heard those words before."
But this time I heard it and it was as if God was speaking to me through Rodney. I wept.
Recently I've learned that God speaks through the Holy Spirit, His word, circumstances, and the church (followers of Christ). I know the Holy Spirit was with us in our conversation and I know I've been healed by God through His word. The tears were a washing from the depths of my soul and I am free. I have received this saying "whom the Son sets free is free in deed." I believe that I am free.
You see, God's love does cast out all fear. God loves with an everlasting love, a love that is eternal, He doesn't take it away. We are the ones that take or give it away.
I feel like my spirit is back at being innocent and at the age of 14 sometimes. Oh, I know I'm not, but it is the spirit within me that is healed, renewed, reborn, and free again that allows me to say this.
I don't know what you might be struggling with, but what I do know is that the more you read the word of God and bask in His truth, surrender to His desire to heal your broken heart, He will show up and show off.
God did a God size surgery within my heart and the depths of my soul.
I pray for this triangle relationship between God, Rodney and me to bloom into the most beautiful rose of Sharon. God is doing something wonderful in my life and I am looking for his new mercy and grace everyday.
I hope you are encouraged to seek the face of God today. I hope this encourages you to realize you are not walking in this world alone. Jesus' words are true; he will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows your comings and goings. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, mind, soul, and strength and he will lift you up.
Just for today; surrender your mind, body, and soul to the One who created it. Let his spirit flow on you and heal your brokenness today.
~Marjorie
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Ahh, I am in love with Creator of life and love! I pray you will be too.
This opened a door that I didn't realize had been opened. Then my heart was broken once more by my first boyfriend. I gave all I had in emotions to this young man, I gave myself to him completely and totally. The day he broke up with me my heart ached like I've never experienced. Now, my list can go on and on with men hurting me, abandoning me, and threatening my life. As I walked through each of my situations a piece of me kept getting deeper and deeper into fear. I was always in "fear of abandonment." Someone was going to leave me and before they could leave me, I decided to leave them. I decided to turn the tables and not allow myself to get hurt but maybe hurt the other person instead. This way it wouldn't affect me so much. That was a lie because it affected me deeply.
So here we are, Rodney and I, reading how God's perfect love casts out fear. Rodney would say to me that he wasn't going to leave me and in the back of my mind I was saying "yeah right, heard those words before."
But this time I heard it and it was as if God was speaking to me through Rodney. I wept.
Recently I've learned that God speaks through the Holy Spirit, His word, circumstances, and the church (followers of Christ). I know the Holy Spirit was with us in our conversation and I know I've been healed by God through His word. The tears were a washing from the depths of my soul and I am free. I have received this saying "whom the Son sets free is free in deed." I believe that I am free.
You see, God's love does cast out all fear. God loves with an everlasting love, a love that is eternal, He doesn't take it away. We are the ones that take or give it away.
I feel like my spirit is back at being innocent and at the age of 14 sometimes. Oh, I know I'm not, but it is the spirit within me that is healed, renewed, reborn, and free again that allows me to say this.
I don't know what you might be struggling with, but what I do know is that the more you read the word of God and bask in His truth, surrender to His desire to heal your broken heart, He will show up and show off.
God did a God size surgery within my heart and the depths of my soul.
I pray for this triangle relationship between God, Rodney and me to bloom into the most beautiful rose of Sharon. God is doing something wonderful in my life and I am looking for his new mercy and grace everyday.
I hope you are encouraged to seek the face of God today. I hope this encourages you to realize you are not walking in this world alone. Jesus' words are true; he will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows your comings and goings. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, mind, soul, and strength and he will lift you up.
Just for today; surrender your mind, body, and soul to the One who created it. Let his spirit flow on you and heal your brokenness today.
~Marjorie
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Ahh, I am in love with Creator of life and love! I pray you will be too.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A Perfect Love
Psalm 139:14
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I have been pondering on these two verses lately and I know that I have been growing in who God is as the one who loves perfectly and creates perfectly.
Today I am sad though. Today is my son's 24th birthday and I don't know how his spirit is today. You see we don't talk much anymore. He has his life of working odd hours and doing whatever makes him happy. I feel castrated from his life. Not that we haven't tried to make mother/son dates, but life seems to always happen. Sometimes I believe that the devil in him doesn't like the Jesus in me. Other times, I wonder if my past mistakes keep him from me. Have I hurt him so bad that he hates me, his mother?
What I am learning is that God created him and is watching over him. I have this fear that I will never see him again, except through pictures or other's conversations. What I know to be true and what I feel are completely two different things.
My heart is broken and I know that God has that perfect love to cast out my fear. I keep asking none the less, "what have I done that was so wrong?" I had a friend ask me that same question not too long ago. Perhaps my response is the same for my son. "You've done nothing wrong,"
So, here I have this empty black hole in the center of my chest. It's ironic, when my son was younger I would look for the world to fill this emptiness and today I run into the covering of Christ and His perfect love.
I would say that is growth.
Growth, hmmm? I wonder how my son has grown? I find comfort in knowing that God knows and has all the answers I need.
I can only imagine what it is like for a mother that is totally separated from her child. My heart breaks because my son who is alive and lives an hour away doesn't communicate with me. I should count my blessings, right?
Yes, perhaps that is the answer, I should list my blessings in relation to my son and take them in prayer to the Father who created him and made him fearfully and wonderfully made. I should take the Father's love and wrap myself in it and pray with my internal love for my son in hopes that the Father would touch my son's heart too.
The word tells us that God loves a broken and contrite heart. I am sure he is basking in mine then.
I look around in my new place and I see my daughter's photos all grown and with my grandson. Then I turn and there are photos of my son, no more than 10 years old.
I am not trying to cry a river or sulk in self pity. I share this with you in hopes to accomplish sharing with you that no matter how life happens and we get a raw deal; God's perfect love is like an anointment cream. God heals all wounds. I trust in Him more than I do in the tears and fears I sit in.
God is gracious, a just God, a righteousness from heaven, royalty, and worthy to be praised even in the midst of our darkness.
Do you ever feel unloved? Do you ever feel like you wish you weren't born or wonder what you were created for? I have. What I know to be true now is that I am loved, wanted, and though not needed, I am worth dying for. Why you might ask? Because I have received the love of Jesus in my heart and I have the Son and the Father make their home in me. WOW! Now that is a God size thought isn't it?
I encourage you today that if you are so dark inside that you want your next fix of drug, alcohol, chocolate, or whatever from the world that helps you feel better; there is nothing more fulfilling that God's love. He has a perfect love for you and you can cast ALL your cares upon him and he will love you with an everlasting love. His love is no comparison to the love of money, stuff, and things. His loves doesn't compare to man, woman, or child.
So just for today, refocus your hurts onto Jesus' love and let him heal your broken heart.
I am, I will, and I have.
May God's hand be upon you today and may you KNOW it.
~Marjorie
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I have been pondering on these two verses lately and I know that I have been growing in who God is as the one who loves perfectly and creates perfectly.
Today I am sad though. Today is my son's 24th birthday and I don't know how his spirit is today. You see we don't talk much anymore. He has his life of working odd hours and doing whatever makes him happy. I feel castrated from his life. Not that we haven't tried to make mother/son dates, but life seems to always happen. Sometimes I believe that the devil in him doesn't like the Jesus in me. Other times, I wonder if my past mistakes keep him from me. Have I hurt him so bad that he hates me, his mother?
What I am learning is that God created him and is watching over him. I have this fear that I will never see him again, except through pictures or other's conversations. What I know to be true and what I feel are completely two different things.
My heart is broken and I know that God has that perfect love to cast out my fear. I keep asking none the less, "what have I done that was so wrong?" I had a friend ask me that same question not too long ago. Perhaps my response is the same for my son. "You've done nothing wrong,"
So, here I have this empty black hole in the center of my chest. It's ironic, when my son was younger I would look for the world to fill this emptiness and today I run into the covering of Christ and His perfect love.
I would say that is growth.
Growth, hmmm? I wonder how my son has grown? I find comfort in knowing that God knows and has all the answers I need.
I can only imagine what it is like for a mother that is totally separated from her child. My heart breaks because my son who is alive and lives an hour away doesn't communicate with me. I should count my blessings, right?
Yes, perhaps that is the answer, I should list my blessings in relation to my son and take them in prayer to the Father who created him and made him fearfully and wonderfully made. I should take the Father's love and wrap myself in it and pray with my internal love for my son in hopes that the Father would touch my son's heart too.
The word tells us that God loves a broken and contrite heart. I am sure he is basking in mine then.
I look around in my new place and I see my daughter's photos all grown and with my grandson. Then I turn and there are photos of my son, no more than 10 years old.
I am not trying to cry a river or sulk in self pity. I share this with you in hopes to accomplish sharing with you that no matter how life happens and we get a raw deal; God's perfect love is like an anointment cream. God heals all wounds. I trust in Him more than I do in the tears and fears I sit in.
God is gracious, a just God, a righteousness from heaven, royalty, and worthy to be praised even in the midst of our darkness.
Do you ever feel unloved? Do you ever feel like you wish you weren't born or wonder what you were created for? I have. What I know to be true now is that I am loved, wanted, and though not needed, I am worth dying for. Why you might ask? Because I have received the love of Jesus in my heart and I have the Son and the Father make their home in me. WOW! Now that is a God size thought isn't it?
I encourage you today that if you are so dark inside that you want your next fix of drug, alcohol, chocolate, or whatever from the world that helps you feel better; there is nothing more fulfilling that God's love. He has a perfect love for you and you can cast ALL your cares upon him and he will love you with an everlasting love. His love is no comparison to the love of money, stuff, and things. His loves doesn't compare to man, woman, or child.
So just for today, refocus your hurts onto Jesus' love and let him heal your broken heart.
I am, I will, and I have.
May God's hand be upon you today and may you KNOW it.
~Marjorie
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Encourging Yourself is a Tough Job
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Psalm 71:8.
I have found it is easier to praise the Lord when good things are happening, don't you? What about when times are tough though? Do you still praise Him in the midst of your storm or do you ask "where are you now God?"
Not just a few moments ago I got some bad news, stinky news, the kind of news you wish you could turn the clock back and make different choices about. I had a choice to either praise God for the choice I made or praise Him for the choice I have to make restitution on and praise Him for providing all my needs. It wasn't easy though. As I walked my dog, Sadie, down the road I mumbled and complained about my recent choice that got me into some financial hot water. In the middle of my complaining and disliking of myself, I realized I had a choice to change my outlook.
I just couldn't give in to allowing the spiritual warfare around me take over. In that split moment I asked for forgiveness for my financial decision and praised the Lord that He already knew it was going to happen. I then turned my life and will over to the care of God. Yet, as I turned the corner I took it back; I found myself complaining again. Have you ever tossed to and fro on your decisions of surrendering to God?
I believe it became a love/hate issue. I hate what I did to myself, and I love the God who promises to prosper me not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future.
I then asked myself, "whom do you seek?" I replied within "Jesus of Nazareth." I'm not religious, but I am in a relationship with Jesus Christ. To say that I seek after His help is a huge statement in my life. Some people would rather seek after fixing the problem themselves through a financial institute or going deeper in debt through a credit card. If that is what they chose, it's all right with me; it's just not for me.
I am now surrendering to God with this dialogue and waiting on an answer:
"so Lord, where are you at work in my life that I can join you and restore my finances to sanity?" I'm still waiting on an answer like I said. I believe this to be a God size answer because I don't have the answers nor am I out looking for one. Why?, you ask. Well why should I? If I trust in what I cannot see and have the faith of a mustard seed then I don't need to go looking for the answer, right? Wrong. It is better for me to keep a close watch on what is happening around me because you never know what the Lord or "who" the Lord will put into my path to help me.
I choose to praise God in my valley as well as on my mountain top. I consciencously choose to trust in the Lord's words and believe in his promise. God has a hope and a future for me and I must see where my mistakes are and deal with them rather than mess up and have someone else clean the mess.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
To God's glory and not my own.
~Marjorie
I have found it is easier to praise the Lord when good things are happening, don't you? What about when times are tough though? Do you still praise Him in the midst of your storm or do you ask "where are you now God?"
Not just a few moments ago I got some bad news, stinky news, the kind of news you wish you could turn the clock back and make different choices about. I had a choice to either praise God for the choice I made or praise Him for the choice I have to make restitution on and praise Him for providing all my needs. It wasn't easy though. As I walked my dog, Sadie, down the road I mumbled and complained about my recent choice that got me into some financial hot water. In the middle of my complaining and disliking of myself, I realized I had a choice to change my outlook.
I just couldn't give in to allowing the spiritual warfare around me take over. In that split moment I asked for forgiveness for my financial decision and praised the Lord that He already knew it was going to happen. I then turned my life and will over to the care of God. Yet, as I turned the corner I took it back; I found myself complaining again. Have you ever tossed to and fro on your decisions of surrendering to God?
I believe it became a love/hate issue. I hate what I did to myself, and I love the God who promises to prosper me not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future.
I then asked myself, "whom do you seek?" I replied within "Jesus of Nazareth." I'm not religious, but I am in a relationship with Jesus Christ. To say that I seek after His help is a huge statement in my life. Some people would rather seek after fixing the problem themselves through a financial institute or going deeper in debt through a credit card. If that is what they chose, it's all right with me; it's just not for me.
I am now surrendering to God with this dialogue and waiting on an answer:
"so Lord, where are you at work in my life that I can join you and restore my finances to sanity?" I'm still waiting on an answer like I said. I believe this to be a God size answer because I don't have the answers nor am I out looking for one. Why?, you ask. Well why should I? If I trust in what I cannot see and have the faith of a mustard seed then I don't need to go looking for the answer, right? Wrong. It is better for me to keep a close watch on what is happening around me because you never know what the Lord or "who" the Lord will put into my path to help me.
I choose to praise God in my valley as well as on my mountain top. I consciencously choose to trust in the Lord's words and believe in his promise. God has a hope and a future for me and I must see where my mistakes are and deal with them rather than mess up and have someone else clean the mess.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
To God's glory and not my own.
~Marjorie
Saturday, November 12, 2011
What a Legacy....
Recently I had the opportunity to witness the most unique Memorial Celebration Service. A friend of mine, Marty Faw, passed from this temporal life into eternity on Friday, November 4, 2011. On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 was Marty's Memorial Celebration Service and what a celebration it was!
In my past experience of memorial or funeral services they were dismal and blah, but not this one! Marty left memories of laughter after laughter and the dedication he showed and shared of Jesus' love with others was remarkable. Marty always had a scripture or story from the Bible that would relate to your situation that you were going through. He would make you laugh when you were making streams of tears fall from your eyes. He was quick with jokes and shined with God's love from his smile. He was a dear, gracious, giving and loving man. He was a rich man by God's standards I am sure.
This made me think long and hard about my own obedience to the Lord and those around me. I want to be a better servant for the Lord as Marty was. I desire to be used in ways that are God size and not of my own strength or power. Marty had such a humble heart and you knew it through his prayers. I miss hearing him on Monday mornings when we gather here at work to pray.
Marty would always be found reading a book or the Bible when he had down time here at the office or at home. Sometimes Marty would read a book more than once when it was really good.
One day, Marty and I sat here at the radio station and talked about his stroke. He had tears in his eyes because he was frustrated that he couldn't move and talk smoothly like he use to. Marty cried because he wanted so much to be able to play the piano or his trumpet for the Lord again. He talked about how he enjoyed playing with Linda at the nursing homes because it brought joy to Jesus and others. He expressed how he was mad that his body wasn't able to do all the things that he could do before. We talked about how God would still use him and it was only a surprise to Marty not to God.
Marty wowed me with his love for the Lord. At that time that we talked, I remember thinking how I wanted to have that love, admiration, and joy for the Lord as Marty did.
God did use Marty all the way up to the last moments of going home to Jesus.
He touched the lives of the pastor, his wife, his daughter and son through those passing moments. I am almost jealous of Marty not in a malice way but in the fact that he is sitting at Jesus' feet and asking all the questions he once had while he was here with us. Marty is in his new body with no pain, no worry, no sorrow, no regrets.
After the memorial service, I began wondering what can I do to be more obedient to God, to be closer and deeper in my relationship with Jesus. I want to be so close to Jesus that when I am at my last breath all I want is to see is Jesus; not my parents, siblings or friends.
I wondered what people would say about my walk with the Creator? Would I be remembered for my relationship with Jesus and his glory shining through me like it did Marty? Would there be someone that I helped lead to Christ?
Then my mind shifted and realized it doesn't matter.
What does matter is my personal relationship with Jesus; as it is for you too. I have only thought about what I was leaving behind just once before. I recently found out that my daughter and grandson are moving away. This means that my influence in their life is limited, but none the less prayer works. My son, whom I love very much, and I do not talk to much; I miss terribly. I know God has a plan and purpose for their life and will watch over them as He did in Marty's life. I trust in the Lord with all my heart that the legacy I now have in Jesus Christ will overflow to my children and grandchild. I do not worry what I leave behind, but who I leave behind.
I pray that through my relationship with God others will see it and want their relationship to grow just as much.
♪ People get ready Jesus is coming soon we'll be going home...♪
~Marjorie
In my past experience of memorial or funeral services they were dismal and blah, but not this one! Marty left memories of laughter after laughter and the dedication he showed and shared of Jesus' love with others was remarkable. Marty always had a scripture or story from the Bible that would relate to your situation that you were going through. He would make you laugh when you were making streams of tears fall from your eyes. He was quick with jokes and shined with God's love from his smile. He was a dear, gracious, giving and loving man. He was a rich man by God's standards I am sure.
This made me think long and hard about my own obedience to the Lord and those around me. I want to be a better servant for the Lord as Marty was. I desire to be used in ways that are God size and not of my own strength or power. Marty had such a humble heart and you knew it through his prayers. I miss hearing him on Monday mornings when we gather here at work to pray.
Marty would always be found reading a book or the Bible when he had down time here at the office or at home. Sometimes Marty would read a book more than once when it was really good.
One day, Marty and I sat here at the radio station and talked about his stroke. He had tears in his eyes because he was frustrated that he couldn't move and talk smoothly like he use to. Marty cried because he wanted so much to be able to play the piano or his trumpet for the Lord again. He talked about how he enjoyed playing with Linda at the nursing homes because it brought joy to Jesus and others. He expressed how he was mad that his body wasn't able to do all the things that he could do before. We talked about how God would still use him and it was only a surprise to Marty not to God.
Marty wowed me with his love for the Lord. At that time that we talked, I remember thinking how I wanted to have that love, admiration, and joy for the Lord as Marty did.
God did use Marty all the way up to the last moments of going home to Jesus.
He touched the lives of the pastor, his wife, his daughter and son through those passing moments. I am almost jealous of Marty not in a malice way but in the fact that he is sitting at Jesus' feet and asking all the questions he once had while he was here with us. Marty is in his new body with no pain, no worry, no sorrow, no regrets.
After the memorial service, I began wondering what can I do to be more obedient to God, to be closer and deeper in my relationship with Jesus. I want to be so close to Jesus that when I am at my last breath all I want is to see is Jesus; not my parents, siblings or friends.
I wondered what people would say about my walk with the Creator? Would I be remembered for my relationship with Jesus and his glory shining through me like it did Marty? Would there be someone that I helped lead to Christ?
Then my mind shifted and realized it doesn't matter.
What does matter is my personal relationship with Jesus; as it is for you too. I have only thought about what I was leaving behind just once before. I recently found out that my daughter and grandson are moving away. This means that my influence in their life is limited, but none the less prayer works. My son, whom I love very much, and I do not talk to much; I miss terribly. I know God has a plan and purpose for their life and will watch over them as He did in Marty's life. I trust in the Lord with all my heart that the legacy I now have in Jesus Christ will overflow to my children and grandchild. I do not worry what I leave behind, but who I leave behind.
I pray that through my relationship with God others will see it and want their relationship to grow just as much.
♪ People get ready Jesus is coming soon we'll be going home...♪
~Marjorie
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Pack it or File 13 It?
I've been packing and moving this past week. I've found that I collect way too much stuff just to try to figure out if I need to throw it away (file 13) or pack it up for another day's use. I really think I should start taking inventory of the items around me.
As I write to you a few things come to my mind and I think "hmm I should file 13 that item." Yet I pack things up too. I walked my dog this morning walked by a dumpster where a vase was sitting; it matches a vase I already have. I picked it up and carried it home. So did I clean an area out or did I just add to it?
Do you ever wonder why you do the things you do? I sure did; just now. It's hard to let go of things you've held onto for so long. These things have become comfortable and cozy fitting, or part of the decor and no need to change things around; until now.
Isn't that the same way with our lives? We get so comfortable with the way we are or the things we do that it becomes second nature. That is until something happens in our lives to make us take notice.
It's not always easy to make transitions to new ways of life or changing our character, but it is possible.
So what do you do when a change needs to be made? Do you grit your teeth, hold your fist tight, and stomp out of the room? Do you lighten your step and roll with the tide?
Your attitude determines your altitude and your outlook determines your perspective.
I say all this because it is time we take notice of what is around us, in us, and determine what is important in our lives. We need to do this because life is ever changing and it's changing fast. Tell me, when was the last time your day just stood still? It didn't; it is ever changing and changing fast right?
We can change for the better or leave things the way they are , the only difference is there is no growth.
There were two men, the first man was living at home with his parents and tending to the animals and the other man was with great wealth. Both men had a choice to leave their home and all their wealth in order to make a difference in the world. The first man had no problem making this change. He was so excited that he went home and had a bon fire using the equipment he worked with and roasted the animals he farmed. The rich man wasn't too happy with the idea of giving up his wealth, so he declined.
Which one would you choose?
You see when God comes calling for you to make a change you will do with great joy and do whatever it takes to follow His instructions or you will be more concerned with your "money, stuff, and things."
When you make that choice to get rid of useless things in your life and packing up the good stuff; you are well on your way to a better life.
~Marjorie
Why put off tomorrow what you can do today; you're not promised tomorrow anyways.
So what changes do you want to make today?
As I write to you a few things come to my mind and I think "hmm I should file 13 that item." Yet I pack things up too. I walked my dog this morning walked by a dumpster where a vase was sitting; it matches a vase I already have. I picked it up and carried it home. So did I clean an area out or did I just add to it?
Do you ever wonder why you do the things you do? I sure did; just now. It's hard to let go of things you've held onto for so long. These things have become comfortable and cozy fitting, or part of the decor and no need to change things around; until now.
Isn't that the same way with our lives? We get so comfortable with the way we are or the things we do that it becomes second nature. That is until something happens in our lives to make us take notice.
It's not always easy to make transitions to new ways of life or changing our character, but it is possible.
So what do you do when a change needs to be made? Do you grit your teeth, hold your fist tight, and stomp out of the room? Do you lighten your step and roll with the tide?
Your attitude determines your altitude and your outlook determines your perspective.
I say all this because it is time we take notice of what is around us, in us, and determine what is important in our lives. We need to do this because life is ever changing and it's changing fast. Tell me, when was the last time your day just stood still? It didn't; it is ever changing and changing fast right?
We can change for the better or leave things the way they are , the only difference is there is no growth.
There were two men, the first man was living at home with his parents and tending to the animals and the other man was with great wealth. Both men had a choice to leave their home and all their wealth in order to make a difference in the world. The first man had no problem making this change. He was so excited that he went home and had a bon fire using the equipment he worked with and roasted the animals he farmed. The rich man wasn't too happy with the idea of giving up his wealth, so he declined.
Which one would you choose?
You see when God comes calling for you to make a change you will do with great joy and do whatever it takes to follow His instructions or you will be more concerned with your "money, stuff, and things."
When you make that choice to get rid of useless things in your life and packing up the good stuff; you are well on your way to a better life.
~Marjorie
Why put off tomorrow what you can do today; you're not promised tomorrow anyways.
So what changes do you want to make today?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Looking for Renewal and Restoration; First Find Forgiveness
So what do you do first to receive forgiveness? Have faith.
Are you looking for renewal and restoration in your life? It's hard to receive renewal and restoration when you are holding onto unforgiveness.
In Psalms 51, David appealed to God's mercy and love; not justice. If God was to write all of our wrong words and deeds in a ledger, we wouldn't be able to stand before Him. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be dealt with according to my sin.
David asked to be dealt with according to who God is.
God is more than able to forgive us of all our transgressions. As far as my research goes, it's the only question God won't respond "no" to.
Next be honest. David took responsibility for his wrongs. In fact he listed them in three different ways.
Iniquity which is to twist or pervert
Transgressions which is to rebel deliberately; ignore the "though shall not"
Sin is missing the mark.
David lived a haunted life and he was always in hiding. Did you know that when you sin that you first sin against God and then man? All God wants is your honesty, tell the truth about what you did wrong against yourself or someone else. He isn't going to beat you over the head with a stick; I promise.
Prayer is needed to find forgiveness. Ask God to forgive you and allow Him to cleanse you, break the chains that bind you, change your desires from the temporal things to the eternal things of God himself.
Prayer is a cleansing and healing process. When David spoke on cleansing he referred to it as a cleansing ceremony as for lepers and washing as in cleansing like that of a garment. David also made the statement to "blot out my transgressions." When I heard this, I thought of a tide pen. You know that pen that you just wipe it on a stain and it goes away. Yeah, that kind of blot out; wipe or erase away. When asking for a cleansing through prayer it is a desire to be completely cleansed of all your wrong doings.
The last thing to do to find complete forgiveness is to repent. This means to completely turn away from the sin in our life and run towards what is good and right.
A grateful person will want to be a bold witness, a chair member, praising God for the complete turn around.
So are you broken over sin? Are you genuinely ready to commit your life and will to the care and control of Jesus Christ? Not there yet? It's okay; he's waiting. I suggest you get ready because He won't be found forever.
This past month there were fall festivals on the night of halloween; satan's day. There were three boys that were up to no good. I watched them and they knew I was watching them. They were under the influence of a substance, but I didn't know what. Rodney and I prayed over the festival that was happening, when the Lord told me to go up to the ring leader of the boys and give him a message.
After praying, I walked around the festival to find this young man but couldn't. So I figured God just wanted to see if I was going to be obedient. I was good with that; confrontation isn't always easy.
Just after I had that thought and spoke it out, the boy came out from where he frequently visited his vehicle. I walked up to him, which seemed like miles away. I tapped him on his arm, he looked right into my eyes and I looked into his half closed, glassy, and beautiful blue eyes and said "I have a message for you." He said "what's the message?" I replied "Jesus loves you." He paused for a moment and then responded "that is the best message I've ever gotten."
I don't know what God is going to do with him, but I am sure it is going to require some faith, a lot of honesty on his part, prayer from me and others, as well as himself, and repentance for what he has done to his body. The most important thing needed is his sincerity; your sincerity. You have to be completely broken over your sin. You have to not want it and detest it because God dislikes it. Your heart has to be genuine in its response to the call of forgiving.
One thing to remember when looking for renewal and restoration in your forgiveness; is that it can't be fake because God knows your heart. God knows your heart better than you do.
Are you looking for renewal and restoration in your life? It's hard to receive renewal and restoration when you are holding onto unforgiveness.
In Psalms 51, David appealed to God's mercy and love; not justice. If God was to write all of our wrong words and deeds in a ledger, we wouldn't be able to stand before Him. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be dealt with according to my sin.
David asked to be dealt with according to who God is.
God is more than able to forgive us of all our transgressions. As far as my research goes, it's the only question God won't respond "no" to.
Next be honest. David took responsibility for his wrongs. In fact he listed them in three different ways.
Iniquity which is to twist or pervert
Transgressions which is to rebel deliberately; ignore the "though shall not"
Sin is missing the mark.
David lived a haunted life and he was always in hiding. Did you know that when you sin that you first sin against God and then man? All God wants is your honesty, tell the truth about what you did wrong against yourself or someone else. He isn't going to beat you over the head with a stick; I promise.
Prayer is needed to find forgiveness. Ask God to forgive you and allow Him to cleanse you, break the chains that bind you, change your desires from the temporal things to the eternal things of God himself.
Prayer is a cleansing and healing process. When David spoke on cleansing he referred to it as a cleansing ceremony as for lepers and washing as in cleansing like that of a garment. David also made the statement to "blot out my transgressions." When I heard this, I thought of a tide pen. You know that pen that you just wipe it on a stain and it goes away. Yeah, that kind of blot out; wipe or erase away. When asking for a cleansing through prayer it is a desire to be completely cleansed of all your wrong doings.
The last thing to do to find complete forgiveness is to repent. This means to completely turn away from the sin in our life and run towards what is good and right.
A grateful person will want to be a bold witness, a chair member, praising God for the complete turn around.
So are you broken over sin? Are you genuinely ready to commit your life and will to the care and control of Jesus Christ? Not there yet? It's okay; he's waiting. I suggest you get ready because He won't be found forever.
This past month there were fall festivals on the night of halloween; satan's day. There were three boys that were up to no good. I watched them and they knew I was watching them. They were under the influence of a substance, but I didn't know what. Rodney and I prayed over the festival that was happening, when the Lord told me to go up to the ring leader of the boys and give him a message.
After praying, I walked around the festival to find this young man but couldn't. So I figured God just wanted to see if I was going to be obedient. I was good with that; confrontation isn't always easy.
Just after I had that thought and spoke it out, the boy came out from where he frequently visited his vehicle. I walked up to him, which seemed like miles away. I tapped him on his arm, he looked right into my eyes and I looked into his half closed, glassy, and beautiful blue eyes and said "I have a message for you." He said "what's the message?" I replied "Jesus loves you." He paused for a moment and then responded "that is the best message I've ever gotten."
I don't know what God is going to do with him, but I am sure it is going to require some faith, a lot of honesty on his part, prayer from me and others, as well as himself, and repentance for what he has done to his body. The most important thing needed is his sincerity; your sincerity. You have to be completely broken over your sin. You have to not want it and detest it because God dislikes it. Your heart has to be genuine in its response to the call of forgiving.
One thing to remember when looking for renewal and restoration in your forgiveness; is that it can't be fake because God knows your heart. God knows your heart better than you do.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
God Size Beginnings
Why do we get so surprised when God does God size things? He is God of love, God of all-knowing, and God all powerful. We worry about things that we have no need to stress over. We try to do all things in our power and then wonder why these things don't go our way.
We all get on this insanity cycle and either are too comfortable to get off of it or we are filled with so much fear that it paralyzes us to move forward.
I have been on both sides of this fence, oh let me not forget that when we procrastinate it kills the action that needs to be completed. None the less, we expect different things to happen even when we keep doing the same things. Can you think of something in your life that you keep trying to make happen differently, but you keep doing the same thing and the results are the same? Yeah, the insanity wheel.
Well the LORD has guided my steps to come off of my insanity wheel, at least one wheel. What I have found is that when I totally surrendered myself to God and said okay, I keep screwing things up so I'm just going to let you have your way with me, my life changed. I was bound and determined that since I kept messing my life up, doing things my way and not listening to him, that he would want me to be alone for the rest of my life. I was trying to prepare myself for that very thing. I dove more into what I was doing around me, adding more things to my plate to keep my mind occupied and on the go.
Then one day the LORD prompted me to make a phone call to a gentleman name Rodney who heads up Jesus Jam youth event in Crescent City; so I did. We talked and I offered help where the LORD was guiding me to.
The event was a success, I saw relationships renewed, lives changed, and a lot of good music, skits, and more. After the event, Rodney and I talked more and more. As we kept in contact with each other, our friendship began to grow and it is still growing. The things we shared about our walk with the world and with the LORD were amazing at times. We are still fascinated by what God is doing in our lives.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of a time back when I was 14 years old or younger. There was a boy in our neighborhood that I went to school with and his name was Rodney. He came to my house to visit and during that evening, I knew that he was the one I was going to marry. I knew it in my spirit that I was going to marry him because his name was Rodney. I couldn't explain it, I just knew it. Well, a few days later, Rodney was cleaning his hunting gun to prepare for a weekend trip with his dad and the trigger went off. When I got the news, my heart sank and I guess I gave up on my feelings. After all, I was taught that feelings are facts.
One evening a few weeks ago, I was talking face to face with Rodney and my spirit swelled up in me and I lashed out.."your name! your name!" Rodney looked at me with peace and said "yes, what about my name." I told him about the story I just told you.
The Holy Spirit as the reminder shared that with me. I had forgotten it. I also had a day where I questioned if I should get as close I have been with Rodney because of his past and mine. I have learned to go to my knees and talk with God about where He is at work in my life around me. I want to please God before anyone else and do His work before my own. God quickly gave me peace about Rodney and me with what we do, say, and go. The spiritual world I experience when I am with Rodney is like no other time with others that I have been around. I know that God will reveal to others what He wants others to see through our walk.
What I didn't know before that phone call, was that Rodney had asked the LORD for me.
Can you see the picture? I resided to being so hidden in Christ that the boy would have to go to the Father and ask for me; just as Rodney did. I know that the covering of the Lord is shifting from us being individuals to being one in the Spirit of the Lord. I don't know exactly what God is doing with us, but what I do know is that what I am experiencing with Rodney through Christ is God sized. What is going to happen is God driven and God completed. I am enjoying the journey of experiencing God.
Just a thought, if God knew us while were in our mother's womb than it is possible He knew us before we were there too.
Experiencing a God size beginning,
~Marjorie
We all get on this insanity cycle and either are too comfortable to get off of it or we are filled with so much fear that it paralyzes us to move forward.
I have been on both sides of this fence, oh let me not forget that when we procrastinate it kills the action that needs to be completed. None the less, we expect different things to happen even when we keep doing the same things. Can you think of something in your life that you keep trying to make happen differently, but you keep doing the same thing and the results are the same? Yeah, the insanity wheel.
Well the LORD has guided my steps to come off of my insanity wheel, at least one wheel. What I have found is that when I totally surrendered myself to God and said okay, I keep screwing things up so I'm just going to let you have your way with me, my life changed. I was bound and determined that since I kept messing my life up, doing things my way and not listening to him, that he would want me to be alone for the rest of my life. I was trying to prepare myself for that very thing. I dove more into what I was doing around me, adding more things to my plate to keep my mind occupied and on the go.
Then one day the LORD prompted me to make a phone call to a gentleman name Rodney who heads up Jesus Jam youth event in Crescent City; so I did. We talked and I offered help where the LORD was guiding me to.
The event was a success, I saw relationships renewed, lives changed, and a lot of good music, skits, and more. After the event, Rodney and I talked more and more. As we kept in contact with each other, our friendship began to grow and it is still growing. The things we shared about our walk with the world and with the LORD were amazing at times. We are still fascinated by what God is doing in our lives.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of a time back when I was 14 years old or younger. There was a boy in our neighborhood that I went to school with and his name was Rodney. He came to my house to visit and during that evening, I knew that he was the one I was going to marry. I knew it in my spirit that I was going to marry him because his name was Rodney. I couldn't explain it, I just knew it. Well, a few days later, Rodney was cleaning his hunting gun to prepare for a weekend trip with his dad and the trigger went off. When I got the news, my heart sank and I guess I gave up on my feelings. After all, I was taught that feelings are facts.
One evening a few weeks ago, I was talking face to face with Rodney and my spirit swelled up in me and I lashed out.."your name! your name!" Rodney looked at me with peace and said "yes, what about my name." I told him about the story I just told you.
The Holy Spirit as the reminder shared that with me. I had forgotten it. I also had a day where I questioned if I should get as close I have been with Rodney because of his past and mine. I have learned to go to my knees and talk with God about where He is at work in my life around me. I want to please God before anyone else and do His work before my own. God quickly gave me peace about Rodney and me with what we do, say, and go. The spiritual world I experience when I am with Rodney is like no other time with others that I have been around. I know that God will reveal to others what He wants others to see through our walk.
What I didn't know before that phone call, was that Rodney had asked the LORD for me.
Can you see the picture? I resided to being so hidden in Christ that the boy would have to go to the Father and ask for me; just as Rodney did. I know that the covering of the Lord is shifting from us being individuals to being one in the Spirit of the Lord. I don't know exactly what God is doing with us, but what I do know is that what I am experiencing with Rodney through Christ is God sized. What is going to happen is God driven and God completed. I am enjoying the journey of experiencing God.
Just a thought, if God knew us while were in our mother's womb than it is possible He knew us before we were there too.
Experiencing a God size beginning,
~Marjorie
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
New Beginnings
♫ I'm in a hurry to get things done, oh I rush and rush until life's no fun. All I really gotta to do is live and die, but I'm in a hurry and don't know why.♪ Do you know this song by Alabama? It really explains how I lived my life. I did things my way. I remember a time in my life that my parents and siblings tried to explain to me that I didn't have to get married at age 18. I didn't listen, I wanted my life to begin, be my own boss, and do what I wanted to do.
Little did I know that that was the beginning of the hardest life's lessons I had to endure. It was a good time too, don't get me wrong. I have two beautiful children and a grandson that came from this adventure I call "wild child years."
My "wild child years" didn't stop until 2005 or more. I still wanted to have both of my feet on each side of the road. You know what I mean. The left foot is on the bible side and the yellow line in the middle with the right foot on the worldly side. I wanted my cake and to eat it too. I quickly found out that the Lord wanted all of me. So one day, I realized what I was doing, how being worldly made me feel and I decided that one Saturday evening coming home from Celebrate Recovery that I wanted all of God's blessings. So I turned my life around and made a complete change.
The best way for me to express what is happening in my life would to call it "New Beginnings." You see, I cling to what the LORD says in His word.
Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
I truly believe that if the LORD wants me to surrender to His desires therefore His desires become my desires. I only have to trust in Him and do what He wants me to do.
I recently recognized that sometimes we relapse into our old selves in order to allow God to move us forward. We are tempted without knowing why and we relapse. It is in that moment we make a choice to live in this is old lifestyle or not.
No matter what I walked through I knew the Lord wanted to restore to me what the locusts have stolen.
“ So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
I recently shared with you that Jesus showed me that I was in a relationship with Him and it really opened my spiritual conscious. I really enjoyed the reality of a personal, realistic, and progressive relationship with the Creator. He loves me and I love him, what could be better? Having a partner to share God's love with others, enjoying pleasing God the way He wants to be pleased and journeying on a road that He paves and not ourselves.
This to me would make life better. I want a relationship where I am free to be me, trusted, and not afraid of anything; a warrior. Yes, a warrior for Jesus in my life, that is what I want.
I think God looked at me and laughed "haha, I know what you want because it's what I want too." I wasn't looking for anyone to be my partner, I wasn't "scoping the scene," or
even looking. I honestly was crying out to God and surrendering that since Timothy states that it is better to be alone and serve the Lord that is what I will do. I found peace in my heart when I surrendered to this reality.
I can honestly say that my life has changed and it is changing in ways I never thought or imagined, but isn't that like God? He says his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts, so why should I be surprised at what he is accomplishing through me? I'm not surprised anymore. I have my spiritual conscious eyes open and I can see him at work around me. I love it.
I have so much to share, but for now I must go and do the work he has prepared for me to do today.
I pray you are seeing God's love like you have never seen it before. He truly is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and loves with an everlasting love.
Hmmmmm, oh how I love him.
~Marjorie
Little did I know that that was the beginning of the hardest life's lessons I had to endure. It was a good time too, don't get me wrong. I have two beautiful children and a grandson that came from this adventure I call "wild child years."
My "wild child years" didn't stop until 2005 or more. I still wanted to have both of my feet on each side of the road. You know what I mean. The left foot is on the bible side and the yellow line in the middle with the right foot on the worldly side. I wanted my cake and to eat it too. I quickly found out that the Lord wanted all of me. So one day, I realized what I was doing, how being worldly made me feel and I decided that one Saturday evening coming home from Celebrate Recovery that I wanted all of God's blessings. So I turned my life around and made a complete change.
The best way for me to express what is happening in my life would to call it "New Beginnings." You see, I cling to what the LORD says in His word.
Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
I truly believe that if the LORD wants me to surrender to His desires therefore His desires become my desires. I only have to trust in Him and do what He wants me to do.
I recently recognized that sometimes we relapse into our old selves in order to allow God to move us forward. We are tempted without knowing why and we relapse. It is in that moment we make a choice to live in this is old lifestyle or not.
No matter what I walked through I knew the Lord wanted to restore to me what the locusts have stolen.
“ So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
I recently shared with you that Jesus showed me that I was in a relationship with Him and it really opened my spiritual conscious. I really enjoyed the reality of a personal, realistic, and progressive relationship with the Creator. He loves me and I love him, what could be better? Having a partner to share God's love with others, enjoying pleasing God the way He wants to be pleased and journeying on a road that He paves and not ourselves.
This to me would make life better. I want a relationship where I am free to be me, trusted, and not afraid of anything; a warrior. Yes, a warrior for Jesus in my life, that is what I want.
I think God looked at me and laughed "haha, I know what you want because it's what I want too." I wasn't looking for anyone to be my partner, I wasn't "scoping the scene," or
even looking. I honestly was crying out to God and surrendering that since Timothy states that it is better to be alone and serve the Lord that is what I will do. I found peace in my heart when I surrendered to this reality.
I can honestly say that my life has changed and it is changing in ways I never thought or imagined, but isn't that like God? He says his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts, so why should I be surprised at what he is accomplishing through me? I'm not surprised anymore. I have my spiritual conscious eyes open and I can see him at work around me. I love it.
I have so much to share, but for now I must go and do the work he has prepared for me to do today.
I pray you are seeing God's love like you have never seen it before. He truly is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and loves with an everlasting love.
Hmmmmm, oh how I love him.
~Marjorie
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Broken Hearts to Transformed Hearts
When you hear the word "professional" what comes to your mind? I think of a person that has gone to school and has obtained the required credits to receive a plaque and then hangs it on their wall. A professional _______ (you fill in the blank).
Jesus didn't call the elite, he called the lowly to accomplish His work, right?
It is written this way in the Message
"Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."" 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
I often wonder why God has me talking to certain women and youth when it appears their problems need a professional counselor; not me.
I expressed my concerns to a friend and his response was "you are the professional." I replied with "huh?" Once he explained what he meant another friend, a day later, gave the verse above.
Now it all is clear to me and I hope it is to you too. God of Creation is about relationships right? We go and do worldly things sleep around, eat bad foods, drink to get drunk, smoke to feel better, and the list goes on and on. He, God Almighty, comes at that moment you are in the darkest pit. He comes with His arms stretched down ready to pick you up and see if you are going to reach up to Him. We have to walk through some serious garbage in order and get to our lowest of lows sometimes. We don't know why people treat us the way they do and hurt us along the way. We don't even know why we hurt other people sometimes, but we do. It is at the moment we decide to make a change in our lives. We turn from the ways of the darkness of this world and towards the light of Jesus Christ. Now, He has something to work with and change now that we've surrendered.
So now we're on this road of recovery and we happen to have people in our path that can help us. I've always said, that people need to hear your story. It's true because you are now the "professional" that they need to help them in their garbage.
I like being an ambassador for Christ. I am willing to talk to anyone about Jesus that will listen to me, but most importantly will listen to Jesus through me.
In my mind's eye I can hear a crying heart of a child, a youth, a woman, and a man. In my heart, I know there are people, like me, desiring a change to be made. Some of them have no control over their environment and others have a lot of control, they are just not willing and ready to make the change. For some of these people they don't even know there is a change possible for them.
I had a friend ask me "why are you being nice to me." Isn't that a loaded question? I didn't have to think to hard or long over my answer because I knew why. The problem I had was saying the right words for her to understand why. You see God is love. Jesus lives in me and forgives all sins when we ask. God is the God of Restoration and he has and is restoring me. If God can forgive me and restore me shouldn't I love others too? Shouldn't I be an example to others? Therefore, if God is love and He loves me than I have love and can show love. I know I was called by God to help this young lady, but what I have found is that I see me in her. Ironic isn't it? God calls me to help out someone else that reminds me of me?
I lead by my example; my own experience that God has seen me through time and time again. He still loves me, He died for me and restored me to sanity.
Some people see God as they do their earthly Fathers. People today believe that God doesn't care about them, will leave them, wants to hurt them, and has no time for them. My dear friend, that is a lie from the pit of hell. Satan and his demons wants you to be separated from the love of God. He wants you to believe those things so that He can keep you in torment. Oh precious one, God's word tells us that He cares about our every thought, word, emotion, problems, and situations. God does not hurt you He loves you and He is there for you 24/7. In the middle of the night, you may not be able to call your best friend Doris, but you can call on Jesus. He's waiting to hear from you. All you have to do is start the conversation. By the way, He already knows your name because He gave you your name. Just talk to Him about your hurt, habit, or even a hang up you have. Talk to Him about what you are mad about. He will listen and He will answer you. Sometimes His answers come in an instant and other times it is gradual. One thing is TRUE though; He's an on time God.
You can even write a letter to Him; he reads too.
Need some help talking or praying? I'll help you....
God I am hurting because __________________.
God I am angry because ___________________.
God I've read and hear that you love me, I need you to show me that love.
Start pouring your heart out to Him; He'll listen and He will answer.
"If you love me you will hear me. The reason you do not hear me is because you are not of God."
This means that if you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, you will not hear from God. No one comes to the Father accept through His Son, Jesus. Ask Jesus into your heart today, right now.
He will lead and guide you into all truth. He promises this and cannot lie.
~Marjorie
Jesus didn't call the elite, he called the lowly to accomplish His work, right?
It is written this way in the Message
"Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."" 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
I often wonder why God has me talking to certain women and youth when it appears their problems need a professional counselor; not me.
I expressed my concerns to a friend and his response was "you are the professional." I replied with "huh?" Once he explained what he meant another friend, a day later, gave the verse above.
Now it all is clear to me and I hope it is to you too. God of Creation is about relationships right? We go and do worldly things sleep around, eat bad foods, drink to get drunk, smoke to feel better, and the list goes on and on. He, God Almighty, comes at that moment you are in the darkest pit. He comes with His arms stretched down ready to pick you up and see if you are going to reach up to Him. We have to walk through some serious garbage in order and get to our lowest of lows sometimes. We don't know why people treat us the way they do and hurt us along the way. We don't even know why we hurt other people sometimes, but we do. It is at the moment we decide to make a change in our lives. We turn from the ways of the darkness of this world and towards the light of Jesus Christ. Now, He has something to work with and change now that we've surrendered.
So now we're on this road of recovery and we happen to have people in our path that can help us. I've always said, that people need to hear your story. It's true because you are now the "professional" that they need to help them in their garbage.
I like being an ambassador for Christ. I am willing to talk to anyone about Jesus that will listen to me, but most importantly will listen to Jesus through me.
In my mind's eye I can hear a crying heart of a child, a youth, a woman, and a man. In my heart, I know there are people, like me, desiring a change to be made. Some of them have no control over their environment and others have a lot of control, they are just not willing and ready to make the change. For some of these people they don't even know there is a change possible for them.
I had a friend ask me "why are you being nice to me." Isn't that a loaded question? I didn't have to think to hard or long over my answer because I knew why. The problem I had was saying the right words for her to understand why. You see God is love. Jesus lives in me and forgives all sins when we ask. God is the God of Restoration and he has and is restoring me. If God can forgive me and restore me shouldn't I love others too? Shouldn't I be an example to others? Therefore, if God is love and He loves me than I have love and can show love. I know I was called by God to help this young lady, but what I have found is that I see me in her. Ironic isn't it? God calls me to help out someone else that reminds me of me?
I lead by my example; my own experience that God has seen me through time and time again. He still loves me, He died for me and restored me to sanity.
Some people see God as they do their earthly Fathers. People today believe that God doesn't care about them, will leave them, wants to hurt them, and has no time for them. My dear friend, that is a lie from the pit of hell. Satan and his demons wants you to be separated from the love of God. He wants you to believe those things so that He can keep you in torment. Oh precious one, God's word tells us that He cares about our every thought, word, emotion, problems, and situations. God does not hurt you He loves you and He is there for you 24/7. In the middle of the night, you may not be able to call your best friend Doris, but you can call on Jesus. He's waiting to hear from you. All you have to do is start the conversation. By the way, He already knows your name because He gave you your name. Just talk to Him about your hurt, habit, or even a hang up you have. Talk to Him about what you are mad about. He will listen and He will answer you. Sometimes His answers come in an instant and other times it is gradual. One thing is TRUE though; He's an on time God.
You can even write a letter to Him; he reads too.
Need some help talking or praying? I'll help you....
God I am hurting because __________________.
God I am angry because ___________________.
God I've read and hear that you love me, I need you to show me that love.
Start pouring your heart out to Him; He'll listen and He will answer.
"If you love me you will hear me. The reason you do not hear me is because you are not of God."
This means that if you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, you will not hear from God. No one comes to the Father accept through His Son, Jesus. Ask Jesus into your heart today, right now.
He will lead and guide you into all truth. He promises this and cannot lie.
~Marjorie
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
God of Restoration
"Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid."
You can read the whole story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5;1-20. I find it interesting that Jesus, who sits with the sick and lost, was asked to leave a group of people because they were afraid of Him and not the now clean spirited man. Anyways..
I am excited what God has been revealing to me this month. He is truly a God of restoration. I know that there is nothing good that is in my sinful nature, but in my spiritual nature is a GREAT GOD!
I know that I am not who the world says that I am. I am not even someone that I think I am. No, I'm a new creature in Christ. He has taken away an unclean spirit within me that I cannot explain to you, but I can say I understand the torment that the demon possessed man experienced in the book of Mark.
I am eager to find out what all God will restore to me in the coming year. I know He isn't a Jeannie and will grant me wishes; no that is a farce. I do know that the desires of my heart He will fulfill as long as they are aligned with His desires for me. Yes, that it is. I want my desires to be His desires because I know God wants to give me the Whole Disney World. I just want to shout for joy over what God has done in my life. I want others to know just "How Great is Our God."
I recognize that I have not shared many things that the Lord has restored and this may leave you feeling like I am not sharing my testimony. Well the truth is that He isn't ready for me to share all that He is accomplishing in my life. When I do; it will be good, but with God it is GREAT; promise.
I want to encourage you today. If you are feeling low and left behind, you aren't. There are hurting people everywhere. I suggest you call a friend, a co-worker, a pastor, a community leader, an agency that can and is willing to talk with you. You are not alone and whatever you are going through He is with you and will see you to the other side. Hold onto the truth that is with Jesus Christ and see the waters part.
~Marjorie
You can read the whole story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5;1-20. I find it interesting that Jesus, who sits with the sick and lost, was asked to leave a group of people because they were afraid of Him and not the now clean spirited man. Anyways..
I am excited what God has been revealing to me this month. He is truly a God of restoration. I know that there is nothing good that is in my sinful nature, but in my spiritual nature is a GREAT GOD!
I know that I am not who the world says that I am. I am not even someone that I think I am. No, I'm a new creature in Christ. He has taken away an unclean spirit within me that I cannot explain to you, but I can say I understand the torment that the demon possessed man experienced in the book of Mark.
I am eager to find out what all God will restore to me in the coming year. I know He isn't a Jeannie and will grant me wishes; no that is a farce. I do know that the desires of my heart He will fulfill as long as they are aligned with His desires for me. Yes, that it is. I want my desires to be His desires because I know God wants to give me the Whole Disney World. I just want to shout for joy over what God has done in my life. I want others to know just "How Great is Our God."
I recognize that I have not shared many things that the Lord has restored and this may leave you feeling like I am not sharing my testimony. Well the truth is that He isn't ready for me to share all that He is accomplishing in my life. When I do; it will be good, but with God it is GREAT; promise.
I want to encourage you today. If you are feeling low and left behind, you aren't. There are hurting people everywhere. I suggest you call a friend, a co-worker, a pastor, a community leader, an agency that can and is willing to talk with you. You are not alone and whatever you are going through He is with you and will see you to the other side. Hold onto the truth that is with Jesus Christ and see the waters part.
~Marjorie
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Have you called on the 9-1-1?
So there has been a time in your life that you have people around you are ready with their tongues sharpened and hurting you with the words coming out of their mouth. The one person you thought you could trust with your every thought, word, and life, steps on your like a bug, treats you with the worse kind of ugliness you have ever known. There is a pit in the middle of your stomach that is tight and you just want to regurgitate. You are so very hurt and angry that you just know that the end of the world is coming like that of a wild fire in the forest. These people around you are going to devour your life or you hurt so much that you want to take your own life. What good is that going to do you?
Do you know about the birds in the forest? When there is a forest fire and a mother bird has her babies with her, she scoops them under her wings to protect them from harm. After the fire spreads through and the forestry rangers are walking the grounds to survey the land they do not just walk past a bird in belief it is dead. No, they will flip the bird over and find her babies are all safe and ready for feeding time. Your secret place of the Most High God is just this way. He wants to scoop you up and protect you; cover you with His royal robe. In order for the babies to be scooped up by the mother bird, they must be close enough for her to reach them. Your presence with the Lord is the same way. You see, even if you are not walking close to the Lord, but close enough for Him to scoop you up, you can rest in His safety. God is not this huge monster looking creature from the blue lagoon. No He is gentle, loving, and kind. He wants to just love you. He wants you to know him in return. He has no intentions of hurting you, but to be true to you.
The next time you are hurting and it appears that there is no where to go. Call one of His names, God Almighty, Father God, Papa, Mi Dios....any name you know. He will come to your rescue and scoop you up in his arms for safe keeping. Yes, there is a safe place you can run to and be loved like no other.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
Psalm 91:1-6
************************
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
Psalm 91:1-6
************************
Look at the birds closely and see yourself being protected and loved like these youngsters.
Friday, October 14, 2011
A Real, Personal, and Practical Relationship
When you hear the word "love," what do you associate it with? A person, a place, or a thing?
Most of us do. I've recently looked at "love" in a whole new light; God's light.
You hear it said, "Jesus loves you," "God is love," or "no matter what you've done, Jesus loves you." But my question to you now is, do you love Him? Do you know Him?
I am involved in my church wide "Experiencing God" series until November. Recently, I had the opportunity to examine my own real, personal, and practical relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. I had an "ah-ha" moment when I read: "Love must be real and personal. A person cannot love without someone to love. A love relationship with God takes place between two persons."You may think that this is elementary 101 in relationships. Well, for me I didn't look at my love for God or His love for me as a "love-relationship."
You read questionnaires that ask "Are you in a relationship?" What is the first thing that comes to your mind? A boy or a girl physically on earth, right? What if you are not in a "physical" relationship, but a Spiritual one? Does that count? To me it does.
At the moment I read that statement, I felt a since of peace. I felt good in my own skin. You see, I always thought that I had to have a man in my life. I thought I was defined by a relationship with another human being. Those three sentences spoke volumes to me. I do not have to have a physical relationship, I am in a Spiritual relationship and I love it.
I surrendered that day to the Lord completely. I didn't and I don't want to hold anything back from my real, personal, practical, and now progressive relationship with God Almighty. I began to experience life in a whole new way. God has begun to restore to me what the locusts have eaten.
I know that a relationship with God Almighty is more important than a relationship with a man on earth. My focus changed from searching for a "man" in my life to "God is love" in my life. What I have learned the most is that God is an EXTREMELY realistic and absolutely loving, forgiving, and personal God.
I am so in love with Him that I am floating on clouds. I can feel His arms wrapped around me, I can feel Him kiss me on the cheek, and I KNOW that He walks next to me. We laugh, talk, eat a meal together, and He showers me with His love through other people. I have experienced Him saying "I see you and I have heard you." " I know the depths of your heart's desire and I want to give you MY Best."
The best way I know how to describe God's best is that you and I think that Wonderland at Disney is God's Best when His Best is the whole Disney World. The funny thing is that HE CAN if He wants to give us Disney World.
If you have children, grandchildren, or nieces,/nephews don't you want to give them your best? Are you going to give them a stone when they ask for bread? Are you going to give them a snake when they ask for fish? No you will want to give them the best bread and the best fish.
God gave you His Best already, His only Son Jesus. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pilate the Governor, was crucified, dead and buried. On the third day, He rose from the grave, ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
He was bruised and beaten beyond recognition because of your sins. Man, God loves you with a love that is indescribable. He loves ME with a love that is unimaginable and He loves US AS WE ARE.
I encourage you today, choose a life of LOVE with a God that LOVES YOU So very much.
~Marjorie
I am so in love that my heart melts like chocolate under a light flame. Hmmmm. I hope you choose to experience this kind of love too.
Most of us do. I've recently looked at "love" in a whole new light; God's light.
You hear it said, "Jesus loves you," "God is love," or "no matter what you've done, Jesus loves you." But my question to you now is, do you love Him? Do you know Him?
I am involved in my church wide "Experiencing God" series until November. Recently, I had the opportunity to examine my own real, personal, and practical relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. I had an "ah-ha" moment when I read: "Love must be real and personal. A person cannot love without someone to love. A love relationship with God takes place between two persons."You may think that this is elementary 101 in relationships. Well, for me I didn't look at my love for God or His love for me as a "love-relationship."
You read questionnaires that ask "Are you in a relationship?" What is the first thing that comes to your mind? A boy or a girl physically on earth, right? What if you are not in a "physical" relationship, but a Spiritual one? Does that count? To me it does.
At the moment I read that statement, I felt a since of peace. I felt good in my own skin. You see, I always thought that I had to have a man in my life. I thought I was defined by a relationship with another human being. Those three sentences spoke volumes to me. I do not have to have a physical relationship, I am in a Spiritual relationship and I love it.
I surrendered that day to the Lord completely. I didn't and I don't want to hold anything back from my real, personal, practical, and now progressive relationship with God Almighty. I began to experience life in a whole new way. God has begun to restore to me what the locusts have eaten.
I know that a relationship with God Almighty is more important than a relationship with a man on earth. My focus changed from searching for a "man" in my life to "God is love" in my life. What I have learned the most is that God is an EXTREMELY realistic and absolutely loving, forgiving, and personal God.
I am so in love with Him that I am floating on clouds. I can feel His arms wrapped around me, I can feel Him kiss me on the cheek, and I KNOW that He walks next to me. We laugh, talk, eat a meal together, and He showers me with His love through other people. I have experienced Him saying "I see you and I have heard you." " I know the depths of your heart's desire and I want to give you MY Best."
The best way I know how to describe God's best is that you and I think that Wonderland at Disney is God's Best when His Best is the whole Disney World. The funny thing is that HE CAN if He wants to give us Disney World.
If you have children, grandchildren, or nieces,/nephews don't you want to give them your best? Are you going to give them a stone when they ask for bread? Are you going to give them a snake when they ask for fish? No you will want to give them the best bread and the best fish.
God gave you His Best already, His only Son Jesus. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pilate the Governor, was crucified, dead and buried. On the third day, He rose from the grave, ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
He was bruised and beaten beyond recognition because of your sins. Man, God loves you with a love that is indescribable. He loves ME with a love that is unimaginable and He loves US AS WE ARE.
I encourage you today, choose a life of LOVE with a God that LOVES YOU So very much.
~Marjorie
I am so in love that my heart melts like chocolate under a light flame. Hmmmm. I hope you choose to experience this kind of love too.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Focus
What is your focus on today? The troubles of your life, the wrong actions of someone else, the nasty fight you had with a friend or family member, or the fear of the unknown of today?
These things mentioned probably leave you feeling despaired, lonely, angry, hurt, tormented, frustrated, weak, worthless, hopeless, and down right nasty. Why? Do you want to feel these things?
Just writing these words I felt my body tense up, I desired to grind my teeth, and squint my face. YUCK! That doesn't feel good, so why would you want to feel that or even do that.
A soft rose petal, the smell of a sweet fragrant perfume, chocolate, a cruise ship, smooth waters on a lake, a sunrise and a sunset, love, silk and satin, a warm blanket, scents of wood, clean air, fresh cut grass. AHHH! Now that is more like it. I feel relaxed, a smile came upon my face, and the list was longer.
There is a lot more to life that we live. Your choice, your battle between your ears is yours, I hope your choices make you feel warm and fuzzy inside instead of walking around with your panties in a wad; nasty.
What do you love? I didn't ask "who" do you love. I asked you what do you love? Do you love food? Do you love a nice ride on a sunny afternoon in a car or on a bike? Why do you love it? My guess is that it makes you feel good in some way, shape, or form.
How did you get to know that you love it? Did you spend time doing it? Did someone introduce you to it?
Maybe it was from something that happened when you were a kid.
Falling in love is powerful. Life is that dance we do in the space between "making it happen" and "letting it happen."
So now what is your focus on? Perhaps being the bigger person (not the better person) saying "I'm sorry for ________" in that argument you recently had, maybe re-focusing on your blessings (gifts) from Father God that loves you more than stuff or anything you could ever do. Instead of being in fear of the unknown, maybe you could have "faith" that you are about to walk into a huge blessing and you're out there looking for that blessing. What you think about, you bring about. What are you focused on?
Just when you think Jesus Christ isn't in your life, boom there He is; ever present. What are you focused on today? Death or Life? I encourage you to chose life.
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence O Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness."
God is LOVE; choose the Love of Jesus Christ. It will change your life forever.
Satan is DEATH; your panties in a wad is just plain nasty.
~Marjorie
These things mentioned probably leave you feeling despaired, lonely, angry, hurt, tormented, frustrated, weak, worthless, hopeless, and down right nasty. Why? Do you want to feel these things?
Just writing these words I felt my body tense up, I desired to grind my teeth, and squint my face. YUCK! That doesn't feel good, so why would you want to feel that or even do that.
A soft rose petal, the smell of a sweet fragrant perfume, chocolate, a cruise ship, smooth waters on a lake, a sunrise and a sunset, love, silk and satin, a warm blanket, scents of wood, clean air, fresh cut grass. AHHH! Now that is more like it. I feel relaxed, a smile came upon my face, and the list was longer.
There is a lot more to life that we live. Your choice, your battle between your ears is yours, I hope your choices make you feel warm and fuzzy inside instead of walking around with your panties in a wad; nasty.
What do you love? I didn't ask "who" do you love. I asked you what do you love? Do you love food? Do you love a nice ride on a sunny afternoon in a car or on a bike? Why do you love it? My guess is that it makes you feel good in some way, shape, or form.
How did you get to know that you love it? Did you spend time doing it? Did someone introduce you to it?
Maybe it was from something that happened when you were a kid.
Falling in love is powerful. Life is that dance we do in the space between "making it happen" and "letting it happen."
So now what is your focus on? Perhaps being the bigger person (not the better person) saying "I'm sorry for ________" in that argument you recently had, maybe re-focusing on your blessings (gifts) from Father God that loves you more than stuff or anything you could ever do. Instead of being in fear of the unknown, maybe you could have "faith" that you are about to walk into a huge blessing and you're out there looking for that blessing. What you think about, you bring about. What are you focused on?
Just when you think Jesus Christ isn't in your life, boom there He is; ever present. What are you focused on today? Death or Life? I encourage you to chose life.
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence O Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness."
God is LOVE; choose the Love of Jesus Christ. It will change your life forever.
Satan is DEATH; your panties in a wad is just plain nasty.
~Marjorie
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)