Desires

"Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:3,4

 

 



TRUST-Firm belief in the reliability of someone.

Trusting can be difficult sometimes. 

I think back to a time when we were in the process of adopting our daughter from Ethiopia.  Adoption is a long and overwhelming process that requires a lot of trust in God.  With mounds of paperwork and high costs, adoption can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.  It doesn't seem that long ago when I woke from my slumber in the middle of the night. I could not get back to sleep no matter how much effort I put into it. Fighting it no longer, I made my way to the room that was prepared for our daughter.  I was overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. I sat upon her empty bed and poured my heart out to the Lord. In my sorrow, God gently said two simple words, "Trust Me."
That command got me through the deepest valleys of our adoption journey.

 

In our day to day lives we come across many individuals who let us down. Trust is lost and we hobble around wounded. But that is not so with God. God IS reliable. He CAN be trusted.

DESIRE-To want something very strongly.  

I have desires. My desires are mostly for my family and the future of my family. The above verse has been a life verse for me.  The key element to receiving the desires of our heart is stated in that first sentence, "Trust in the Lord and do good." Both of these are difficult for me.  If I can't see it, I can't trust that it will be done. And as far as "doing good," well, that is sometimes the biggest challenge.

What an amazing promise, though. The desires of our heart can be ours if we "trust and do good." If we "delight in the Lord" (take extreme pleasure in), HE will give us the desires of our heart.

 

Recently, I found myself in another valley of doubt. This scripture showed itself in four different places in two days. "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:3,4 After it appeared the fourth time, I took note. He reassures me that if I trust Him and follow that by doing the good He has called me to do, that is all that is necessary to receive the desires of my heart.



 

Desires. We all have them.

Do those desires match up with God's will?

If so, trust that they are yours.

Do You Believe In God Encounters?

 

 

 

My question is, "Do you believe in God encounters?" I most certainly do and wanted to share a recent encounter with you.  If it doesn't give you chills then I don't know what possibly could.

 

Just yesterday I experienced a sneak attack from Satan.  The experience was personal and not important to share.  What I can share is that I was overcome with intense panic.  Thoughts flooded my mind and I could not seem to push them out. Many emotions welled up, one of them was anger and the desire to "give up" on my current situation.

 

Earlier that morning, I read a very encouraging quote from Beth Moore.  It read, "God is for us in the battle.  He knows if we don't have to fight to take the ground He wants to give us, we won't have the muscle to keep it."

 

Hours later, I found myself in battle. I cried out to God in my distress.  Questions went flying from my mouth until I was a heap of misery.  A sweet angel, whom I will leave nameless, texted me with, "Take it to God, right now. God knows right where you are. Just bring it to Him." I started to pray. In my prayer I heard nothing from Him. 

My Bible was sitting next to me on my bed.  I should mention that this particular version (Application Bible) had been shelved for ten years.  I had recently brought it out as just another resource. Once again, I decided to just open it randomly (I understand that is not an encouraged practice, but it's the Bible, something encouraging should appear).  It opens to Ecclesiastes 11.  The title of this chapter reads, "The Value of Diligence." I begin to read and am moved by these words, "As you do not know what is the way of the wind or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything." Ecc. 11:5 The chapter continues on about the importance of diligence.

 

At this time, I wonder how my favorite and well-worn Bible (NIV) interprets this passage.  I reach for it expecting to flip through many pages to find this passage. I open it and out of all 1,352 pages it opens to Ecclesiastes 11.

 

My response was quite juvenile, to be honest. My words went something like this, as my eyes looked upward to my God, "Are you freaking kidding me, right now?  Did you just do that?" And then I cried. My body trembled in disbelief.

What are the odds?

 

The NIV version reads, "As you do not know the path of the wind or how the body is formed in the mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."

 

 

God encounters are for everybody. He is alive and moving at great speed even though we may not always think so.

 

He calls me to be diligent.  What is He calling you to be?

The Great I AM

 

In my despair, You satisfy me.

In darkness, You cover me in Light.

In sorrow, You comfort me with gladness.

When I am empty, You fill me up.

When I think I am nothing, You tell me I am everything.

When I need more strength, You give an abundant supply.

When I'm all out of love to give, You challenge me to give love, anyway.

When I feel numb, You speak life back into me.

When my thoughts conflict with your truth, You gently remind me, again.

When I'm tempted to give in to defeat, You beckon me to the rich blessings ahead.

Who is able to love like this? Who is able to satisfy like this? Who is able to heal the brokenness?

The Great I AM

What I Know To Be True

Illinois

 

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

We doubt.  I know I doubt.  "Can He really do what he says he can do?" Sometimes I wonder.  In those moments of doubt, I hear the Enemy say to Eve, "Did God really say...?" The first seed of doubt was planted in that garden.  And to this day, we still believe the doubt more than we do the truth.

 

It was only a few days ago when I sat at my desk in an attempt to pray when I asked God, "Did I hear you right?  Did you really say....?" The rest of that sentence was left unspoken. In that moment the Holy Spirit had me take notice of those words.  I shuddered when I realized my words were first spoken by the Enemy.  My eyes welled up when I heard God say to my heart..."Yes, I did say." Even now, I'm moved by this truth.

 

I wonder why it is that we find doubting much easier than believing.  Do we forget who this God of ours is?  Do we forget His ability to paint the most majestic sunset you've ever witnessed? Do we forget that He designed every intricate detail of our being?  Do we forget that He spoke all things into existence?  Do we forget that He is without flaw? Do we forget that His love for us is deeper than any love known to man?

 

We must.

 

Sometimes, I forget.

 

I desire truth.  I need it.  I want it.  I must live by it.

 

In my despair, I listen intently...waiting for that truth.

 

This God, the one that tickles our senses with all things beautiful, can do no other thing than offer the truth.

 

His truth: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

We must stop doubting His ability to get things right. We must rest in His promises and truth.  Only then, will we experience all that He has prepared for us.

 

He did say. I heard Him say.

I will no longer doubt what I know to be true.

I Want Evidence

Rancho Cortez, Bandera, Texas
 

" I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

 

When my faith fails me, I feel like a failure.  We hear, walk by faith, not by sight but argue how that premise is easier said than done.  I want evidence. I want something tangible. But that is not His way.  Why does He make things so complicated?  Why can't He just tell us exactly what to do? The truth is, He does, we are just "blind" to it.

 

The path I have chosen for myself has been a rocky one.  In my stubbornness, I trudged through the rocks and boulders of life doing things my way.  In my darkness, I stumbled over and over not realizing that I was the real cause of my stumbling.  Yes, we have an adversary and yes, he will trip us up...but we let him. By our free will, we let our adversary play by his rules.  We crumble in a heap and wonder how we got to this place. We try, by our own strength, to get back up never realizing that our own strength is no match for the one setting up the rocks. And once again we find ourselves in darkness. 

 

The promise is this, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These things I will do; I will not forsake them." 

 

The road ahead, the looming future, is an unfamiliar path.  I have no idea what is in store for me or the ones I love.  What I do know, with full certainty, is that the God I serve...does know.  Because God is not a liar and because God never breaks a promise, He will guide me and lead me, making the rough places smooth. 

My evidence is this: What God says He will do, He will do.  

 

.



Worth The Wait

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

 

 

 

 

How did I get here?  This season in life was far from anything I had imagined. I questioned God's ability to step in and save the day.  Where was He?  Did He not see my brokenness, my weeping, my desperation?  What was keeping Him from coming to my rescue?

 

Days crawled into weeks and still no deliverance from my Savior.  I stayed diligent in my prayers and waited.  The waiting is hard.  As I write these words, I'm still in the waiting. Some days are easier than others but most days, like today, are brutally impossible. 

 

His patience is nothing I will ever understand. His "slowness" is incomprehensible.  Does He not see the urgency in my pain?  But still, He waits.  Me? I have very little patience.  Not willing to wait any longer, I set out to give Him a piece of my mind.  Not wanting to show my angst to my family, I drove into the dark of the night.  I had no destination.  I had no plan.  I just knew it was time. It was time to release all the pent up sorrow and confusion. The tears spilled quickly and my body shook with each uncontrollable sob. "Why?" I shouted.  "Why are you letting this happen to me?" "Why me? Why did you pick me? What did I do to deserve this?" There was a moment of silence as I waited.  I knew I wasn't going to hear a loud declaration. But I still waited.  And then, that small still voice said, "Because you were wrong and you need to fix your wrong."

 

I had no words to say.  I had nothing to interject.  He, the God of the universe, is never wrong, but me, I was wrong and there was no hiding from it or denying it.  My sobs slowed to a sniffle and after gathering myself I asked, "What now?" He didn't answer me at that moment.  His answer came later after I returned home and I sought the comfort of my Bible.  "God, I'm going to open my Bible. I'm going to open it randomly and I ask you to give me some kind of encouragement." I close my eyes as if that will somehow make it more magical and slowly open His Word. The highlighted words on the page read, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm32:8

 

Minutes later, His instructing began and my confidence returned.  The Living God sees me. He knows me. He watches over me.

 

I wait for His instruction and trust that His teaching will lead me to the deliverance I'm seeking.  It may not come today or tomorrow. It may not even come next month.  But it will come and when it does, I will be new.  And that, will be worth the wait.



Finding Strength

         I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

 

It has been an emotionally draining week.  But like many obstacles in life, lessons are always learned, so for that, I am thankful.

 

I want to be useful.  I want my life to be worthy of breath and existence.  I step out in life welcoming tasks that I can feel good about and then flop in a heap from emotional exhaustion.  I wonder how I got myself in this state and how do I get out.  I know many have experienced this realization.

 

I found myself overwhelmed with responsibilities and began questioning my competence.  Homeschooling my oldest was much "easier" than it has been with my youngest.  Realizing that my youngest learns differently and trying to find the most suited learning techniques has been quite the challenge.  I should mention that my daughter is coming along well with her education and I don't foresee any distressing future issues.  With that being said, we still struggled this week and I sat exhausted and in question. 

 

Along with my feelings of incompetence in this homeschooling area, I beat myself even more trying to balance photography and church responsibilities.  "I'm going to disappoint people." "Why did I sign up for this?"  " Why did I say, 'Okay' to this?" "I don't think I'm good enough for this." Again, I sat in total emotional exhaustion.

 

If those feelings were not enough, a discrepancy (that I did not ask for) with an extended family member would certainly push me over the edge.

 

Why? Why am I feeling overwhelmed and incompetent during this season of life? Why am I questioning myself?  How do I succeed in all of these areas? Is it even possible? Or do I just "throw in the towel"?

 

And then I read this:

 

Nothing is impossible for you

because all things are possible for the God who lives within you.

There's no obstacle too great, no wall too high, no valley too low.

You can get through it, over it, beyond it together.

With Him, you have more than enough...

you have everything you need

and you're everything you need to be

for His purposes to prevail in your life.

Holley Gerth

 

I sat in wonder and amazement that my God would reassure me that my purposes will be fulfilled with Him.  And that reassurance is enough to pull up my bootstraps and charge forward.

And so, I begin my day feeling revitalized and very much competent!!

 

Let's Do This!

 

I Need Courage...

Time for a revelation.

The other day I was contemplating how I would answer when I was asked to take photos for a Senior photo shoot.  My first impulse was to say "no."  I thought of many reasons why I couldn't or why I wouldn't.  I'm just a mom; a mom who enjoys taking photos of her own children. I wanted nothing to do with the responsibility of taking photos of others. At the same time, there was an overwhelming excitement.  That excitement was fleeting; fear took over and I decided to not give an answer right away.  I needed to pray about this.

I'm not sure what I prayed, I just remember thinking, 'Is this what you want me to do?' I thought of my responsibilities of being a stay-at-home-mom and how I would prepare for my future plans once Alayah was enrolled in public school and once Alexa was in college.  I called it, The Two Year Plan.  In the meantime, I would take as many photography classes as possible and really hone in on technique.  Maybe then, after two years, I might be ready for something more "serious." Sounds reasonable, doesn't it?  It did to me.

'It's now. The time is now.' This was the thought running through my mind.  Why am I so afraid?

In an instant, I thought of my daughter Alexa and all the things she has accomplished because she 'gave it a chance.' I remembered the time when she was five years old and asked if she could go play with the new neighbor.  I said, "But you don't know them." She quickly answered, "I will go and say 'hi' and then I will know them."  Motherly wisdom took over and I let her go meet the neighbor, not wanting to attach my insecurities on to her. I remembered when she played soccer for the first time.  She ran.  That was about all she did.  She just ran; back and forth, and round in circles.  I remember thinking, 'She is way more courageous than I am.'  I remembered the time she asked, "Why am I not in dance?" And so, we put her in dance.  She went on to join a competition team and danced her heart away in front of hundreds of people! She also joined a softball team for a few years all because I asked her if she would be interested.  In middle school she joined Literary and again found herself in front of people and judges waiting for critique!! Really? Her courage continued with school plays and speech team.

It was her high school fall play, Letters To Sala, that did it for me.  My brave girl gave an outstanding performance with a strained voice.  I sat beaming and amazed, once again, at her courage.  I then hear my voice speak to her, "Just do your best! You will never know what you are capable of if you don't give it a chance."

And so I say, "Yes." I say yes to the photo shoot.  Not because I think I'm amazing, but because I need courage. I need courage....like, her.

What's Your Word?

In Debbie Macomber's book, One Perfect Word, we learn to choose one word to be encouraged by throughout the year.  In order to grow in that one word, Macomber suggests that one study it deeply.

"When I find my word and begin to explore it, God takes me deep into that one word. Because I've kept journals nearly my entire life, I have been able to look back at them in the light of my word of the year and see how my life experiences dovetailed with my exploration of that year's word...When we choose one single word from His Word and spend a year with it, I've found that the Lord takes us by the hand and walks us through the year, teaching us about that word, about ourselves, and even more, about God Himself."

 

Macomber uses the start of a New Year to choose a new word.  She shared several words that she focused on over her many years of practicing this concept.  Those words are: Desire, Believe, Hunger, Trust, Brokenness, Prayer, Obedience, Seek, Balance, Wisdom, Surrender, Hope, Passion, Purpose.

 

Macomber also gives creative ways to keep that word as a forever reminder. "My friend has a large stone with her word of the year cut into it.  She uses it as a paperweight. She has another one she uses as a doorstop; she says, "I like to stumble over my word every now and then." Stones like these can be purchased online at www.inspirationstones.com and at other places." Another way to remember your words: "My friend gave me a silver charm bracelet with many of my words engraved on hand-tooled disks.  When I wear it, it is a reminder of the lessons I've learned over the years. Jesus said, "Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? (Mark 8:18). I don't want to forget all I've explored with the Lord. Tangible reminders, like my bracelet, become meaningful symbols of my walk with the Lord."

 

One Perfect Word is filled with encouragement and would be a great addition to any woman's library!

 

 

 

Be Encouraged!   



A Heart's Desire

                  Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe
                                                               pasture.

                                                Take delight in the Lord,

                                   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

                                                Commit your way to the Lord;

                                                trust in him and he will do this:
                                                            Psalms 37:3-5

 

What are the desires of your heart?  Are they to live in a more prestigious zip code?  Are they to be in a higher tax bracket? Are they to be several dress sizes smaller?  Are your desires the will of God? Or are your desires the will of You?

 

Many find their desires conflicting with those of the Lord.  Because of this, we find ourselves frustrated.  Until we reevaluate our desires, discontent will rule our hearts. Instead of desiring material possessions or a more prestigious status, we should seek that which brings real goodness to us and to others.

May I share some of my desires?  I want my daughters to not only grow healthy, wise and obedient to the Lord, but to also raise their children in the same way.  I desire for my girls to marry a man who depends wholly on Christ; a husband who is gentle and patient, yet strong and confident.  I hope to grow to an old age with my husband; enjoying our commitment to one another.  I desire to live in close proximity to my future grandchildren where I can be a constant influence in their life. I desire more opportunities to do some traveling; not just destinations for touring, but also for serving. I would also love to pursue my hobbies more seriously. These examples are the top desires of my heart.

In the above verse, in order to receive the desires of your heart, you must do a few things.  The first one is to trust in the Lord. Easier said than done in many cases.  When you put your complete trust in the Creator of all things, "doing good," becomes less daunting. 

Let's look at an example.  Let's examine the life of a addict, particularly one that is a shopaholic. A shopaholic has an addiction to buying things, even if they are on sale! Over time, this person admits to having a problem. With a depleting bank account and an angry spouse, it is difficult to not see this addiction as a serious issue.  The shopaholic desires to give up the compulsion to shop.  She/he must do a few things.  First, she must trust God and believe that her worth is not in the things that she buys, but in who God has made her to be.  She must also trust that God will fill the void that shopping seems to fill. From there, she should refrain from shopping, whether it be online or at the nearest shopping center.  This is the "doing good" part in the verse. 

Doing good, is not easy.  Doing good takes a lot of energy in making the right choice, time and time again.  When it gets tough to do what is good, it is time to trust even more.  With determination and discipline, the desire to give up compulsive shopping will become a reality.  Hence, receiving the desire of heart.

The above verse shares with us many promises.  All we must do is, trust, do good, dwell, enjoy, take delight and commit....A small price to pay for a heart's many desires!

Love and Blessings,
Tina

 

Breathe

Do you ever feel that distractions are placed in your life on purpose?  I have been distracted, lately.  The distractions in my life have kept me from here (from blogging).  They have kept me from feeling the goodness of my Jesus. 

Let me begin with some of the distractions I have been overcome with.  For one, this world scares me.  I read or see what is happening in our world and find myself having multiple panic attacks!  What is the world going to look like when my children are raising children of their own?

I don't want everyone to think like me; that is the beauty of individuality.  We each have the freedom to think.  THAT IS AMAZING!  We get to think! I can seriously stop right there and just ponder that thought.

Sometimes, though, thinking can back you into a darkness of fear.  I fear the health of my children and my husband.  I fear their safety.  I fear the future. I fear whether or not my loved ones will spend eternity with Jesus. And the list goes on.

If I allowed it, I could worry every day.  I used to think it was just a "mama thing".  Oddly, I found comfort in knowing that other mothers worried about the same things!  It felt normal. But one day I found my heart pounding a bit more after fretting about the human race.  No, this is not normal.  I see Christians being attacked from all sides and I CAN'T BREATHE!  Why do they hate us?!  Why do they laugh at us, yet everyone else is okay??  Breathe, just breathe.  But I can't breathe, it feels like my air is being cut off!  Breathe, just breathe.  BUT THEY DON'T LIKE US!

Then I read this: The battle belongs to God, not you. 

The tears spill over.  And then.....I breathe.

Our God is a big God.  He can handle the hate.  Let me repeat that because it is truly profound....He can handle the hate.

God called us to love and to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  That is exactly what I want to do and who I want to be!  I can't worry about who likes me and who doesn't; there's no time for that.

Distractions will come.  Worry will come.  Let God, and just.....Breathe.

The Benefit of Encouragement

After being sick for three weeks, I finally cracked a book open.  It turns out that the very first thing I read, I just have to share!  The following excerpt is from The Power of a Positive Mom, by Karol Ladd.

A number of years ago, a junior high teacher from Minnesota wrote a letter to "Dear Abby," telling the story of a remarkable life lesson she learned from her students.  She began by describing a difficult day in her math class when the kids were particularly cranky with one another and discouraged about the lesson.  Frustrated, the teacher told the class to put away their math books and place one sheet of blank paper on their desks.  She then instructed them to list the names of their classmates along the left hand side of the page and to write next to each name the nicest thing they could think of to say about each person.  The impromptu exercise helped, because as the students turned in their assignments, the teacher noticed everyone was a little more relaxed and at ease. 

Over that weekend, the teacher took the time to write each student's name on a blank page and painstakingly copied the kind thoughts that were expressed about each of the kids.  On Monday morning, she handed the students their lists.  The room was abuzz with whispers and comments such as "Wow, really?" "I didn't know anyone liked me that much!" "I never knew that meant anything to anyone."  Then the assignment was put away, and class continued, with the students feeling better about themselves and one another.

Years later, the math teacher attended the untimely funeral of one of her students who was killed while serving his country in Vietnam.  After the service, the parents of this brave young man approached the teacher and said, "We want to show you something Mark was carrying when he was killed."  The father pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his wallet, and as he unfolded it, the teacher recognized her handwriting.  It was the paper from that long-ago assignment containing all the nice things the young man's classmates had said about him! The parents thanked the teacher, saying that their son had always treasured the encouraging words.

Other former students standing nearby spoke up.  One smiled sheepishly, saying he kept his list of compliments in his top desk drawer at home.  Another said his sheet had been placed in his wedding album.  A third person pulled out his wallet and proudly displayed his folded page as if it were a prized possession. Overwhelmed, the teacher sat down and cried, realizing the full value of that impromptu assignment and the power of encouraging words.

Abby responded to the teacher's letter in her column with a quote from George Herbert: "Good words are worth much and cost little."

There is no greater investment we can make in the lives of our children than giving them generous doses of encouraging words.  It costs us so little in time and effort, but the rewards are priceless.  When our young people are reminded of their God-given value, they receive deposits of confidence, security, and well-being in their emotional bank accounts.  They begin building on their strengths, knowing they have something to contribute to this world.  On the other hand, when our children have nothing positive to believe about themselves, their emotional back accounts can become bankrupt-overdrawn by the negative comments and disappointments that occur every day in the world around them.

I too, am a firm believer in encouraging others, especially our children.  I hope this excerpt gives you encouragement to encourage your loved ones a lot more than you already do! 

Quote

 

 

"There will always be things we want to see happen in our lives, but we can learn to enjoy where we are, on the way to where we are going."

Kind Words

 



In Holley Gerth's book, You Were Made For a God-Sized Dream, she states so perfectly, "Kind words are becoming an endangered species. A friend who will rejoice in your successes as much as her own is a treasure indeed.  A woman who will say, "Yes, with God you can do this" is a beautiful and hard-to-find wonder."

The very last part of that quote is who I want to be, "a beautiful and hard-to-find wonder."  It used to be difficult for me to compliment people.  I was much younger and life was a big competition.  It didn't matter who it was, a friend, a co-worker or even a family member, I wasn't going to dish out any compliments.  Mostly because I knew that person wanted them.  And after all, no one was sending compliments my way!  I know that sounds terrible, judge me if you will, but I know from experience, I am not the only one who practiced this sad and pitiful existence.  That was until I met a wonderful and beautiful friend, Sara. 

Sara was the first woman I met that poured out compliments.  For the first time, I met someone who wasn't afraid or low in self-esteem to share words like, "You're looking pretty, today" or "That is a good color on you" or "You are a great mama."  I remember one day in particular, I was over at her house while she was hosting a family gathering.  I was in the house doing, what, I have no idea, but when I walked out into the garage all heads turned my way, she said, "They were saying that your daughter was a cutie and I told them, 'wait until you see her mama.'" Now don't get me wrong, it was a very nice compliment and one that I remember to this day, but I was left embarrassed.  Do you know why?  I was feeling very insecure that day. I felt ten pounds heavier than usual and didn't feel comfortable in my clothes.  I debated on whether or not I would be going to her house in the first place.  And in that moment all eyes were on me! Something I was hoping to avoid.  But it was that one compliment that settled me down and helped me get over a bit of social anxiety.  Those few words took a bit of my insecurities away, if only for a day. 

It took some time, but I began to practice the art of complementing.  I no longer find it difficult to say, "You look so pretty today, your face is glowing" or "You are a great cook, you could so open a restaurant or bakery."  Guess what happened when I started complementing?  I walked away BEAMING.  I didn't receive the compliment, but I found enough confidence in myself to allow someone to feel special....and it felt exhilarating! It felt exhilarating because I knew my words gave a boost of exhilaration to the one receiving the compliment.  The best part...it only took a few words! 

So why is it so hard for many of us?  Maybe we need to examine who we are in Christ and trust that we, too, are very special, whether anyone acknowledges it or not. When we start believing our worth in Christ, we automatically feel confident in our own skin allowing us to dish out kind words more freely. 

Daughters of Christ, lets pour out kind words, you just never know who may be needing them! 

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24

Love

If you read Dilapidated Insides, you know of how God spoke to my heart about fostering and growing in the fruit of the Spirit.  The other day, something so beautiful and almost breathtaking was revealed to me.  I have two wonderful daughters.  I have a fifteen-year-old and a six-year-old.  My girls are sweet girls.  But like most humans, they have their moments when they are not so sweet.  As a mom, I always hope for and want the best for them.  Whether it be good relationships with friends, a soccer goal or a part in the school play, I'm in constant hope for them.  One particular day, I was praying for my eldest daughter.  She was about to start a new school year and there were so many things that I needed to pray for.  As I'm praying and hoping for a promising year for my daughter, this little voice in my head argued, "Even though she doesn't always deserve it." It was only a few seconds when the Lord spoke quietly to my heart: You don't always deserve my blessings, but I still bless you, because I love you.

My eyes spilled over quickly. Truth, whether it's spoken gently or harshly, pierces certain nerves.  I am very blessed.  I am very much loved.  And I don't deserve it.  The tears ran as I realized just how much he loves.  Not only did he confirm how much he loves me, even when I have my rotten moments, but how much he loves and looks beyond my daughters rotten moments, too. He's going to bless her, even though she doesn't deserve it.  He's going to bless me, even though I don't deserve it.  He's going to bless you, even though you don't deserve it.

I thought about the many times when my children wanted this or that.  I agreed they could have this particular thing based on condition.  When they failed at earning their "prize," many times I would concede anyway.  We sometimes do that as parents.  We love our children so much and if we can put a smile on their face, we do what we can to make that happen.  In some ways, God is like that...eager to put a smile on our face.

We don't have to be perfect to earn God's love and blessings.  If it's in His power, and it is, He's going to do it.  He does it because He loves. 

God  IS  love. 1 John 4:8

Faith Without Deeds

 

 

 

"Faith without deeds is useless."

James 2:20

 

 

The definition of the word useless is defined as: not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome.

 

When I read the definition of the word "useless" and then reread the above verse, I paused as if I had just been scolded and put in "timeout."  I'm not sure about you, but I don't want to exist only to be useless.

"not expected to achieve"

What would the KING have you achieve?  What intended purpose does he have for you? What desired outcome is he looking for? 

I used to believe that my faith would be enough.  And although it is enough for my salvation, is it enough to make a difference?  I want to make a difference.  I want to be used.  I want my abilities and talents to be shared.  After all, He equipped me with them to begin with!

We can go about our days keeping all of our gifts to ourselves; or we can make a vow to never live a useless existence and start looking for ways to share good deeds.  Imagine what kind of example we could be if we have our faith and deeds working together!!

Strive to be useful!



Proverbs 31 Day 2 (Donna Partow)

 Day 2 ~ Commit Yourself to Time Alone with God

Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Mark 1:35

Key Points

*The Proverbs 31 woman got up while it was still dark.

* The reason Proverbs 31 woman's husband could have full confidence in her is because she had full confidence in God.

*Confidence in a relationship comes from investing time in that relationship. If we want to have something valuable to offer the world, we must first have something valuable to offer.

*We can rush out the door first thing in the morning in pursuit of stuff to buy and give to our loved ones, but the things of this world are fleeting and have no lasting value. Instead, let's invest our time seeking heavenly treasures, like spiritual insight, knowledge of Scripture, the power to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, and the ability to carry the presence of God with us wherever we go.

*If we want to be an inspiration to everyone you meet, meet with God first.

Affirmation: I commit myself to time alone with God.

My Thoughts

It is not easy to get out of bed earlier than needed.  I admit, a few extra minutes of sleep are always very tempting. What I have noticed is that getting a few extra minutes of sleep rarely keeps me focused throughout the day.  But when I get myself out of bed at least a half an hour earlier to spend with the King, I feel recharged.  What many of us fail to realize is that the God of all things, wants to meet with us.  Wherever we are.  Not only does he want to spend time with us, He also wants to give us the guidance we need to face our days.  He IS a father ready and willing to meet with his children.  The time he wants to invest in us as a parent, is worth the quality time set aside for him.  When I think of all we miss when we are not taking advantage of that relationship, it almost takes my breath away.  The knowledge, the wisdom, the comfort, the encouragement and the love that we can receive from Christ, is like a glass of iced water.  Refreshing and very much needed.

Commit to sharing quality time with your Creator.

2 Peter 3:9

 

 

 

 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

I know many people who are up in age who have not accepted Jesus yet.  I always think about this verse, hoping and praying they will have enough time to accept salvation in Christ.  This verse demonstrates the Lord's love and patience.  How blessed we are to have the God of all things patient with humanity.

 

Proverbs 31 Day 1 (Donna Partow)

 

Below, is the book I'll be discussing for the next 90 days (I may or may not write about each day).  Donna Partow's, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, is a 90 day guide through Proverbs 31.  This book has been both inspirational and motivational. 

 

 

 

Partow encourages readers to start a daily planner/organizer as a tool to be used with the book. Here is mine.  A tablet would be another great way to organize your notes, affirmations, scriptures and other projects. I am "old school" when it comes to planning and note keeping.

 

 

 

Let's begin!

 

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

                                      Proverbs 31:10-11 

Key points for Day 1

*To be noble means to be dignified and gracious. (character traits) "capable, intelligent, and virtuous"

*God wants us to stand out as women who know we have something valuable to offer the    world...we  inspire full confidence in those who rely on us most, whether our husband, children, employer or co-worker.

*The people around us can have full confidence in us because we have full confidence in God.

*You may or may not have an earthly husband, but you do have a heavenly Husband.  Married or single, God wants you to be his wife of noble character.

Affirmation: I place my full confidence in God. He has a good purpose for my life.

My Thoughts:

(10) A wife of noble character, who can find?
A wife with nobility and sound character is hard to come by. Look around you and you will find more and more women making wrong choices in how they conduct themselves. A wife who is noble in character is a rare find, therefore she is worth far more than rubies.
(11) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Does your earthly husband have full confidence in you?  Can he rely on you to keep the house orderly (laundry, cleanliness, stocked refrigerator, meals, guidance with the children, financial restraint, hospitality,  etc.)? These things are of great value to a husband. In addition to these, intimacy would most definitely be at the top of that list.  All husbands are different.  You might have a list that looks completely different from this.  If you're not certain, discuss with your husband what he views valuable.

Matthew 6:33; James 4:8

 

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matt 6:33

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8