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
Everyone needs encouragement and I want to encourage you today. I hope you will enjoy today's write up.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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.
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