But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what a manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:10-13
Oh, how glorious the future is for those who name the Savior Jesus Christ as their Lord! The earth will pass away-that is the reality of the future of this earth! All the great buildings, big companies, gold, silver, even the most beautiful natural sites will dissolve and melt away. But, for the righteous, those clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, have a glorious future! We look for a new heavens and a new earth in which RIGHTEOUSNESS DWELLS! Yes! I'm excited about that! Injustice; gone. Pain; vanished. Tears; wiped away! My heart longs for my true home. My heart longs for the reunion with my Savior and King. I long for that homeland.
My exhortation in this: What manner of persons ought we to be in holy conduct and godliness? When our focus is right, when our eyes are fixed on the author and finisher of our faith, the things of this earth become "strangely dim".
I have been encouraged and I hope you are too.
-Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Precious People Yielding to their Potter.
Oh my, how I have been encouraged by the Lord through his sons and daughters.
Currently, I sit in my office space, listening to a friend's worship compilation as my mind floods with encouragement that I have received throughout the day.
Isn't it refreshing to see people live their lives solely for the sake of Jesus and His will? Isn't it encouraging when you watch people function in their gifting for the glory of the Lord and not selfish gain?
One thing I've noticed in many of my actively-seeking-God friends, is that they have a passion, but they also have a rest and a peace. They let the Spirit flow through them. They rest in the fact that they are God's, and He is theirs. Their identity is secure.
The rest that God gives is so foreign to this fallen world. Seriously. This sinful world, and my sinful flesh, is full of strife; pushing myself to do something, to get somewhere, to accomplish a goal. What could be a peaceful smile turns into a tense and focused frown... so not beautiful!
So I rest; I rest in the fact that God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; He has all power, His is everywhere, and He is all knowing. What a wonderful, awe-striking God.
The "20 Somethings" group at my church has been studying through Isaiah and I have been brought to a sobering reality of human pride and God desiring humility in His people.
"Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.' Woe to those who seek deep to hid their counsel far from the LORD, and their works are in the dark; the say, "who see us" and, "Who knows us?" Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, "He did not make me"? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
-Isaiah 29:13-16
I am now reminded of the God-inspired words of Paul that say, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in HIs presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God- and righteousness and sanctifications and redemption-that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
1 Cor. 1:26-31
I think the reason why I am so encouraged by these friends in my life is that they know who they are; they know they are weak and they have a humility about them that is precious. They know who they are, but more imporatantly, they know who God is. They aren't like the clay who says to the Potter, "He did not make me". No, they say, "Hey, look who is forming me.... look who has made me! Look, it's He!!! His given me these gifts so that I can give them back to Him. Look to Him and give glory to Him! He is my potter, I am His clay."
God so desires a broken and contrite heart; people who yield to Him and whose pride is laid low. I guess it's not that He hates those who are prideful, because He loves them; He just needs to break them, and that's a hard thing to come to terms with.
So as I'm encouraged by these precious, humble, God-yielded friends in my life, I encourage you to yield to the Potter and let Him mold you exactly as He pleases.
Amen.
Currently, I sit in my office space, listening to a friend's worship compilation as my mind floods with encouragement that I have received throughout the day.
Isn't it refreshing to see people live their lives solely for the sake of Jesus and His will? Isn't it encouraging when you watch people function in their gifting for the glory of the Lord and not selfish gain?
One thing I've noticed in many of my actively-seeking-God friends, is that they have a passion, but they also have a rest and a peace. They let the Spirit flow through them. They rest in the fact that they are God's, and He is theirs. Their identity is secure.
The rest that God gives is so foreign to this fallen world. Seriously. This sinful world, and my sinful flesh, is full of strife; pushing myself to do something, to get somewhere, to accomplish a goal. What could be a peaceful smile turns into a tense and focused frown... so not beautiful!
So I rest; I rest in the fact that God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; He has all power, His is everywhere, and He is all knowing. What a wonderful, awe-striking God.
The "20 Somethings" group at my church has been studying through Isaiah and I have been brought to a sobering reality of human pride and God desiring humility in His people.
"Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.' Woe to those who seek deep to hid their counsel far from the LORD, and their works are in the dark; the say, "who see us" and, "Who knows us?" Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, "He did not make me"? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
-Isaiah 29:13-16
I am now reminded of the God-inspired words of Paul that say, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in HIs presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God- and righteousness and sanctifications and redemption-that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
1 Cor. 1:26-31
I think the reason why I am so encouraged by these friends in my life is that they know who they are; they know they are weak and they have a humility about them that is precious. They know who they are, but more imporatantly, they know who God is. They aren't like the clay who says to the Potter, "He did not make me". No, they say, "Hey, look who is forming me.... look who has made me! Look, it's He!!! His given me these gifts so that I can give them back to Him. Look to Him and give glory to Him! He is my potter, I am His clay."
God so desires a broken and contrite heart; people who yield to Him and whose pride is laid low. I guess it's not that He hates those who are prideful, because He loves them; He just needs to break them, and that's a hard thing to come to terms with.
So as I'm encouraged by these precious, humble, God-yielded friends in my life, I encourage you to yield to the Potter and let Him mold you exactly as He pleases.
Amen.
Friday, August 5, 2011
To the Angle of the Church of Ephesus Write,
"These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 'I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first ove. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place- unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life , which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
Our first love. Why is it easy for us to get distracted and walk away from our first love?
Distractions; there are so many in this life. Whatever they may be for you, you know. These Ephesians in Revelation 2 were really doing great things, but they were distracted. Remember what Jesus told Martha when he came to visit her and Mary? In Luke 10 it says that "Martha was distracted with much serving." Then Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Distractions and much serving keep us from sitting at the feet of Jesus and from dwelling in the presence of our first love.
When Jesus was speaking this opening passage of the admonition to churches in Revelation, He didn't just point out what was wrong with the Ephesiansand say, "I'm done with you." No, He gave a way out, a chance to turn and an opportunity to repent. Jesus said, "Remember from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works".
As I read this, the Holy Spirit ministered to me and took me to the book of Ephesians to search out what these "first works" were. Here's what I found:
"In HIm also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, THAT WE WHO FIRST TRUSTED IN CHRIST would be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, HAVING BELIEVED, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is he guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:11-13
Trust and believe. Those are the first works.
In John 6:29, Jesus tells the multitudes about what the works of God are. He says, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Is it all that simple? Is that really what God requires of us? To believe Him and trust HIm? And what should our works really mean anyway? It really shouldn't be to win the approval of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; what it should be is an expression of our love.
So, what do we learn from all of this? What am I learning? I am learning that my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, desires me to learn from Him, trust and believe in Him. I am learning that all my striving, all my labor, and all the good things I do doesn't win His approval because He didn't save me because of that!
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10
So, that's it. Trust and believe, and the good works, well, God has those already planned out. What freedom. What security. What comfort. And if you have found yourself as one who has left your first love, Jesus says to repent, turn around, and trust and believe.
Til next time,
Melissa
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life , which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
Our first love. Why is it easy for us to get distracted and walk away from our first love?
Distractions; there are so many in this life. Whatever they may be for you, you know. These Ephesians in Revelation 2 were really doing great things, but they were distracted. Remember what Jesus told Martha when he came to visit her and Mary? In Luke 10 it says that "Martha was distracted with much serving." Then Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Distractions and much serving keep us from sitting at the feet of Jesus and from dwelling in the presence of our first love.
When Jesus was speaking this opening passage of the admonition to churches in Revelation, He didn't just point out what was wrong with the Ephesiansand say, "I'm done with you." No, He gave a way out, a chance to turn and an opportunity to repent. Jesus said, "Remember from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works".
As I read this, the Holy Spirit ministered to me and took me to the book of Ephesians to search out what these "first works" were. Here's what I found:
"In HIm also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, THAT WE WHO FIRST TRUSTED IN CHRIST would be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, HAVING BELIEVED, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is he guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:11-13
Trust and believe. Those are the first works.
In John 6:29, Jesus tells the multitudes about what the works of God are. He says, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Is it all that simple? Is that really what God requires of us? To believe Him and trust HIm? And what should our works really mean anyway? It really shouldn't be to win the approval of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; what it should be is an expression of our love.
So, what do we learn from all of this? What am I learning? I am learning that my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, desires me to learn from Him, trust and believe in Him. I am learning that all my striving, all my labor, and all the good things I do doesn't win His approval because He didn't save me because of that!
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10
So, that's it. Trust and believe, and the good works, well, God has those already planned out. What freedom. What security. What comfort. And if you have found yourself as one who has left your first love, Jesus says to repent, turn around, and trust and believe.
Til next time,
Melissa
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A Letter from a Bride in Waiting
After being awakened by my phone sending me text messages of friends comments to my updated status, paired with my extremely irritated and itchy sinuses from all the kicked-up dust in my room as I've been boxing up my belongings for my family's move on Friday, I thought it would be a good idea to sit down and write to you about my Fiance, Caleb Deiro, and about our love story authored by God.
If I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's Brownie Batter Ice Cream, I would so whip it out and let it provoke my creative-writing juices, but because the refrigerator is preparing for the move as well, I have resorted to a hot dog bun slathered with Nutella and a glass of raw cow milk (MoooooOOOOO).
:)
Love; An interesting word. I love my new shoes; I love Nutella; I love cows. Love is used frequently and with little passion or sincerity nowadays. One late March evening, I knew love, without hearing the words "I love you."
Lot's of times actions say more than words do. Words can be blatted off to ease tense situations or make people feel good, but when one's life actions prove the words that their heart has not verbalized, well, that's truly a beautiful thing to behold.
So, what actions constituted my understanding of love? Let me take you back to that late March Sunday night.
Caleb invited me to come over to his house to practice some worship songs. I play worship for our church high school youth group, and often times, Caleb would accompany me on his Ukulele, but his main ministry is teaching. We had been working alongside each other in the youth group for a handful of months by then, so coming over to practice some songs wasn't foreign at all. Plus, I had know Caleb for two years already, established a friendship, and enjoyed hanging out with him. Yes, I knew that he enjoyed me, possibly that he had affections for me, but I was just good with ignoring that and keeping our status as friendship and youth group volunteers, but not much more.
So over to his house I went, set up my keyboard, and began to jam. I really can't recall many of the songs that we played, I just know that toward the end of our session, I was on one side of the room and he was on the other. It was getting time for me to leave, so we stopped playing. Then this is where it all came down. Caleb, being brave and honest, told me of his thoughts toward me. He told me that he liked me and he desired to get to know me more, take me out on some dates, and for me to get to know him more (I'm sure if you ask him to recall the conversation, he would give you the exact verbiage, but I can just remember the jest of it all) So, he asked me, "What do you think?" And what I thought was, "Ok, I'll pray about it. I don't know. I guess I would like to go out on some dates. I'll pray about it." Then, I just remember Caleb taking a deep breath and laying down on the ground; He was pretty much emotionally drained and his bravery to completely bear his heart with me would later bring a revelation to my heart upon my coming home. So, after some more minutes of silence, and deep breaths, I packed up my keyboard and headed home.
I parked my car, but remained sitting in the drivers seat to soak in the evenings events. My mind raced to two years previously when I had first met Caleb, hung out, exchanged life stories, and grew our friendship. Back then, I would show up to church early to make specialty coffee drinks and give out baked goods, and Caleb always kept me company as I would set up a serve people. I would also walk or bike ride over to his grandparents place where he lived, sit down in his kitchen, eat some sticky rice and talk. I guess I should mention that back then, he and I had a one week long relationship as "more than friends" that I ended. So, I guess we had history together.
So all these past memories flipped through my mind in photo album like format and then the revelation hit; Caleb loved me and the proof was his patience, through the years, and in the bleakest of circumstances when he couldn't see how his love would be returned.
This must be noted:
Christ Jesus; He fully gave his love to a world of people in which had the complete choice to accept or decline. He demonstrated His love, through His actions by His obedience to death on the cross all for access to a union with the God who is love. Christ-like love has no comparison, yet God has set up the love that a man has for a woman in the covenant of marriage to be an example of the Love Christ has for his Bride, us, the church.
Ok, so three days went by, and our youth group called an emergency meeting on Wednesday night after church service. Some of the high schoolers needed to express their thoughts toward the leadership. As we were all assembled in a back room, a young woman who is very tenacious, and whose name will remain anonymous, pointed out that the only reason she felt Caleb and I were in youth ministry leadership was because we wanted to be together! Right then my body went into shock as I tried not to make eye contact with Caleb who was across the table. The meeting ended, everyone left the room except Caleb and me, and once again, Caleb was on the floor taking deep breaths. I was thinking to myself, "This girl didn't know what went down on Sunday night! Why was this happening?" After Caleb and I exchanged some words, the youth overseer entered the room and told Caleb and I that if the Lord was putting us together, he would be totally fine if we went on "youth group leadership meetings" (a.k.a., dates) together. He was all for Caleb and I being an item!
Weeks progressed, and it wasn't the easiest. I sought the Lord God on what He thought of all this. I took a solid ten days of reading through John 13-16. God kept reminding me of what love looks like (John 13) and that what the Spirit speaks, He speaks with the authority from God and that He will guide us into all truth (John 16:14 and 15). God talked to me about abiding in Him and bearing much fruit. God told me that He did some drastic pruning on me, and it was time to let the fruit be produced in this area on my life, which practically meant entering into a relationship with Caleb.
It was April 12th that Caleb and I started our courtship.
Fast forward now to July 16th, 2011. Caleb took me on a little outing to Palisades park with the intention of what I thought was just to spend time together on our Saturday. He had a plan though! In the perfect location between two protruding rocks and a creek flowing behind us, Caleb knelt down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said yes.
As we sat on the rocks that night, with the fireflies giving us a show that only God could arrange, we recalled the events, emotions, fears and victories of our past two and a half years of knowing each other. Tears began to flood my eyes because of the love from my Heavenly Father and the love from my betrothed Husband.
Girls, may I speak with you now? Love is patient. Don't try to make it happen. God desires your obedience over sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22 & 23). Some of the hardest issues I have had to deal with was the enemy telling me lies that I was making another mistake with Caleb, just like all those guys in the past that I either like or had a relationship with. God will restore you, but I would not have you go through the same fears of failure as I did. God will author your Love Story- in fact, He already has. Love is patient, so make your requests known to your Heavenly Daddy, take time to listen to His answers, and trust Him.
Men, I would like to direct some words to you too. Godly character is the most attractive character to a godly woman. Keep seeking God, talking with Him daily and hearing from Him. As you walk in His will, you will find your mate walking alongside of you and you will be stoked at who she is.
Parents, it is to your advantage to keep open talks with your children about who they like or what relationship they are in. As much as it may drive a wedge for you to say that your child cannot date a person that they really like, it is for their best. Your children will appreciate and love you for watching out for them. Please, talk openly with them, on the foot of their bed right before they go to sleep. Ask them about what is making their heart beat, pray for their spouses with them, and entrust them into the Father's hands.
I guess this note was quite long. My Nutella sandwich is long gone, and my mind is full of this account of the faithfulness of my Creator. Even in the hard times, God is faithful. Even when we don't understand, God is faithful. Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13) .
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another." John 15:16 & 17
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed [are] those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." Rev. 19:1-9
A letter from a Bride in Waiting.
If I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's Brownie Batter Ice Cream, I would so whip it out and let it provoke my creative-writing juices, but because the refrigerator is preparing for the move as well, I have resorted to a hot dog bun slathered with Nutella and a glass of raw cow milk (MoooooOOOOO).
:)
Love; An interesting word. I love my new shoes; I love Nutella; I love cows. Love is used frequently and with little passion or sincerity nowadays. One late March evening, I knew love, without hearing the words "I love you."
Lot's of times actions say more than words do. Words can be blatted off to ease tense situations or make people feel good, but when one's life actions prove the words that their heart has not verbalized, well, that's truly a beautiful thing to behold.
So, what actions constituted my understanding of love? Let me take you back to that late March Sunday night.
Caleb invited me to come over to his house to practice some worship songs. I play worship for our church high school youth group, and often times, Caleb would accompany me on his Ukulele, but his main ministry is teaching. We had been working alongside each other in the youth group for a handful of months by then, so coming over to practice some songs wasn't foreign at all. Plus, I had know Caleb for two years already, established a friendship, and enjoyed hanging out with him. Yes, I knew that he enjoyed me, possibly that he had affections for me, but I was just good with ignoring that and keeping our status as friendship and youth group volunteers, but not much more.
So over to his house I went, set up my keyboard, and began to jam. I really can't recall many of the songs that we played, I just know that toward the end of our session, I was on one side of the room and he was on the other. It was getting time for me to leave, so we stopped playing. Then this is where it all came down. Caleb, being brave and honest, told me of his thoughts toward me. He told me that he liked me and he desired to get to know me more, take me out on some dates, and for me to get to know him more (I'm sure if you ask him to recall the conversation, he would give you the exact verbiage, but I can just remember the jest of it all) So, he asked me, "What do you think?" And what I thought was, "Ok, I'll pray about it. I don't know. I guess I would like to go out on some dates. I'll pray about it." Then, I just remember Caleb taking a deep breath and laying down on the ground; He was pretty much emotionally drained and his bravery to completely bear his heart with me would later bring a revelation to my heart upon my coming home. So, after some more minutes of silence, and deep breaths, I packed up my keyboard and headed home.
I parked my car, but remained sitting in the drivers seat to soak in the evenings events. My mind raced to two years previously when I had first met Caleb, hung out, exchanged life stories, and grew our friendship. Back then, I would show up to church early to make specialty coffee drinks and give out baked goods, and Caleb always kept me company as I would set up a serve people. I would also walk or bike ride over to his grandparents place where he lived, sit down in his kitchen, eat some sticky rice and talk. I guess I should mention that back then, he and I had a one week long relationship as "more than friends" that I ended. So, I guess we had history together.
So all these past memories flipped through my mind in photo album like format and then the revelation hit; Caleb loved me and the proof was his patience, through the years, and in the bleakest of circumstances when he couldn't see how his love would be returned.
This must be noted:
Christ Jesus; He fully gave his love to a world of people in which had the complete choice to accept or decline. He demonstrated His love, through His actions by His obedience to death on the cross all for access to a union with the God who is love. Christ-like love has no comparison, yet God has set up the love that a man has for a woman in the covenant of marriage to be an example of the Love Christ has for his Bride, us, the church.
Ok, so three days went by, and our youth group called an emergency meeting on Wednesday night after church service. Some of the high schoolers needed to express their thoughts toward the leadership. As we were all assembled in a back room, a young woman who is very tenacious, and whose name will remain anonymous, pointed out that the only reason she felt Caleb and I were in youth ministry leadership was because we wanted to be together! Right then my body went into shock as I tried not to make eye contact with Caleb who was across the table. The meeting ended, everyone left the room except Caleb and me, and once again, Caleb was on the floor taking deep breaths. I was thinking to myself, "This girl didn't know what went down on Sunday night! Why was this happening?" After Caleb and I exchanged some words, the youth overseer entered the room and told Caleb and I that if the Lord was putting us together, he would be totally fine if we went on "youth group leadership meetings" (a.k.a., dates) together. He was all for Caleb and I being an item!
Weeks progressed, and it wasn't the easiest. I sought the Lord God on what He thought of all this. I took a solid ten days of reading through John 13-16. God kept reminding me of what love looks like (John 13) and that what the Spirit speaks, He speaks with the authority from God and that He will guide us into all truth (John 16:14 and 15). God talked to me about abiding in Him and bearing much fruit. God told me that He did some drastic pruning on me, and it was time to let the fruit be produced in this area on my life, which practically meant entering into a relationship with Caleb.
It was April 12th that Caleb and I started our courtship.
Fast forward now to July 16th, 2011. Caleb took me on a little outing to Palisades park with the intention of what I thought was just to spend time together on our Saturday. He had a plan though! In the perfect location between two protruding rocks and a creek flowing behind us, Caleb knelt down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said yes.
As we sat on the rocks that night, with the fireflies giving us a show that only God could arrange, we recalled the events, emotions, fears and victories of our past two and a half years of knowing each other. Tears began to flood my eyes because of the love from my Heavenly Father and the love from my betrothed Husband.
Girls, may I speak with you now? Love is patient. Don't try to make it happen. God desires your obedience over sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22 & 23). Some of the hardest issues I have had to deal with was the enemy telling me lies that I was making another mistake with Caleb, just like all those guys in the past that I either like or had a relationship with. God will restore you, but I would not have you go through the same fears of failure as I did. God will author your Love Story- in fact, He already has. Love is patient, so make your requests known to your Heavenly Daddy, take time to listen to His answers, and trust Him.
Men, I would like to direct some words to you too. Godly character is the most attractive character to a godly woman. Keep seeking God, talking with Him daily and hearing from Him. As you walk in His will, you will find your mate walking alongside of you and you will be stoked at who she is.
Parents, it is to your advantage to keep open talks with your children about who they like or what relationship they are in. As much as it may drive a wedge for you to say that your child cannot date a person that they really like, it is for their best. Your children will appreciate and love you for watching out for them. Please, talk openly with them, on the foot of their bed right before they go to sleep. Ask them about what is making their heart beat, pray for their spouses with them, and entrust them into the Father's hands.
I guess this note was quite long. My Nutella sandwich is long gone, and my mind is full of this account of the faithfulness of my Creator. Even in the hard times, God is faithful. Even when we don't understand, God is faithful. Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13) .
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another." John 15:16 & 17
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed [are] those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." Rev. 19:1-9
A letter from a Bride in Waiting.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Love Roots
I'm very careful with my words; I don't spill all of my soul out to everyone. I think that is a good thing; it keeps me protected. I think it's a bad thing too; it keeps me protected.
There's something awful about exposing the depths of ones heart and soul. It's vulnerable and risky. But sometimes it is wonderful and taking the chance is great.
I have had friends I can do that with, but mostly, I've been able to do that with my parents. Is that weird? I'll answer: No, that isn't weird. Right now though, as I feel my life taking on a new maturity and independence, I have only been able to expose my all to God.
Right now is sweet in the life of Melissa Rae Shelton. I'm currently "house sitting" for a friend who is in Israel, which means I get a taste of complete independence. Sure, I still go over to my parents place (which is five blocks away) for coffee and cinnamon rolls and dinner, but I so treasure the time I get to just do my laundry and read my bible in the solitude of the two bedroom home I temporarily call mine.
A song comes to mind as a theme for my life right now: "He's called me to the wilderness where I can learn to sing. And He lets me know my bareness so I can learn to lean". God is calling me to a quietness, with just Him and me. I don't know really what He's doing, and I don't need to. I get impatient and I want to hear answers. So, I have to fight wanting to get them from the people I love and look up to and to just be set with hearing from Love Himself.
Here is something that I am more confidant to say right now: God loves me. He loves every bit about the way He created me. He has plans for me and a future for me. He's called me to serve Him and love Him and love others.
Maturity is what I'm experiencing. Growth. Roots going deep into the Love of God. I'm growing. That's good. Sometimes it takes storms to grow and roots to go deep too. That's good as well. And wildernesses make the roots go to the depths of where the water is.
I realize my thoughts are a bit scattered, and I realize that sometimes I speak in circles and confuse those who are the recipients of my words, but I also realize that I can encourage others to keep letting God do His work in them through my words, which hopefully are expressions of God's heart. So, you, who ever you are, keep letting God do His work in you and don't be afraid to walk by faith and not by sight. Cling to Him, He is your life. Love God and do what you want! Delight yourself in the Lord, and HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. Sometimes you don't even know what those desires are, but He'll be faithful to give them to you. This life is but a short vapor. Let your roots sink deep.
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 2:14-19
That's all for now.
Until next time, my dear friends and patient readers.
There's something awful about exposing the depths of ones heart and soul. It's vulnerable and risky. But sometimes it is wonderful and taking the chance is great.
I have had friends I can do that with, but mostly, I've been able to do that with my parents. Is that weird? I'll answer: No, that isn't weird. Right now though, as I feel my life taking on a new maturity and independence, I have only been able to expose my all to God.
Right now is sweet in the life of Melissa Rae Shelton. I'm currently "house sitting" for a friend who is in Israel, which means I get a taste of complete independence. Sure, I still go over to my parents place (which is five blocks away) for coffee and cinnamon rolls and dinner, but I so treasure the time I get to just do my laundry and read my bible in the solitude of the two bedroom home I temporarily call mine.
A song comes to mind as a theme for my life right now: "He's called me to the wilderness where I can learn to sing. And He lets me know my bareness so I can learn to lean". God is calling me to a quietness, with just Him and me. I don't know really what He's doing, and I don't need to. I get impatient and I want to hear answers. So, I have to fight wanting to get them from the people I love and look up to and to just be set with hearing from Love Himself.
Here is something that I am more confidant to say right now: God loves me. He loves every bit about the way He created me. He has plans for me and a future for me. He's called me to serve Him and love Him and love others.
Maturity is what I'm experiencing. Growth. Roots going deep into the Love of God. I'm growing. That's good. Sometimes it takes storms to grow and roots to go deep too. That's good as well. And wildernesses make the roots go to the depths of where the water is.
I realize my thoughts are a bit scattered, and I realize that sometimes I speak in circles and confuse those who are the recipients of my words, but I also realize that I can encourage others to keep letting God do His work in them through my words, which hopefully are expressions of God's heart. So, you, who ever you are, keep letting God do His work in you and don't be afraid to walk by faith and not by sight. Cling to Him, He is your life. Love God and do what you want! Delight yourself in the Lord, and HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. Sometimes you don't even know what those desires are, but He'll be faithful to give them to you. This life is but a short vapor. Let your roots sink deep.
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 2:14-19
That's all for now.
Until next time, my dear friends and patient readers.
Monday, February 21, 2011
I Press On
I will take nothing that which is not given to me; I will not hold onto what is given. Self indulgence is not what I desire.
What is required of me, a Christ follower? What I desire is detachment from all I could hold dear as comfort and pleasure. What does surrender look like? How do I walk in it?
I like things; I like my room, my bed, my coffee and gluten free crackers; but those are nothing to hold to. They are nothing in the long scheme of thing.
Abandonment is what I'm learning. Abandoning my dreams, my desires, my romances. Is this easy? No. Is this logical to anyone? Not really. Forsaking all, leaving all, and following Christ is what I will do. My clothes, my comforts, my identity is all wrapped up in the Man who is leading me; Jesus Christ the Lord. Why? What else is there to live for? For me? For my pleasure? That will leave me ruined, devastated and far from the Love of God. I will be left wallowing in my mire and unaware that it's stench is deathly to those that catch its whiff.
Another weight behind; I press on. Toward Jesus, I press on.
What is required of me, a Christ follower? What I desire is detachment from all I could hold dear as comfort and pleasure. What does surrender look like? How do I walk in it?
I like things; I like my room, my bed, my coffee and gluten free crackers; but those are nothing to hold to. They are nothing in the long scheme of thing.
Abandonment is what I'm learning. Abandoning my dreams, my desires, my romances. Is this easy? No. Is this logical to anyone? Not really. Forsaking all, leaving all, and following Christ is what I will do. My clothes, my comforts, my identity is all wrapped up in the Man who is leading me; Jesus Christ the Lord. Why? What else is there to live for? For me? For my pleasure? That will leave me ruined, devastated and far from the Love of God. I will be left wallowing in my mire and unaware that it's stench is deathly to those that catch its whiff.
Another weight behind; I press on. Toward Jesus, I press on.
Monday, February 7, 2011
on a white paper heart
Valentines day is approaching; yes, that means red glitter, Hershey's Kisses, stuffed bears and lots and lots of hearts.
Love.
Let's reflect.
Love is great! I believe it is the greatest desire of every human being. It was love that moved God, the God of ALL THINGS EVER CREATED, to send His Son, in whom He fully indwelled, to die and take all our sin so that we could be presented to Him in holiness.
Love.
There is no greater demonstration of love than that of Jesus Christ.
I really like love movies, I will be honest. I really like weddings as well. I really like seeing people walk hand in hand, or parents play with their children, or children play dress up with each other. I believe love is demonstrated in all scenarios.
Have you ever heard of the five love languages? Words of affirmation, gifting, helping, physical touch or just hanging out? (those aren't the exact words for each language, but they incapsulate the gist). I really think a person can be given love in each way, but they feel more love from one over the others. Well, all this to say, a couple of nights ago I saw love displayed, on a white paper heart.
Isaac, my youngest brother, is a romantic. In fact, he has already picked out his bride. Yes, he tells people he will marry her. Who is this young lady, you ask? Her name is Gracie, and just for the record, I completely approve :) Isaac has kissed Gracie- I believe it happened after a chase through the church. Precious. He plans on giving her a ring; we've discussed it. For now, Gracie's title to Isaac is "Girlfriend", but he is keeping the end goal of holy matrimony in perspective. No other girl quite compares to Gracie for Isaac, and the feelings are mutual, just ask Gracie's dad.
Back to a couple of nights ago. Isaac showed me the valentine he made for Gracie.
The left side on the white paper heart reads:
"You are a good friend.
It is fun to play with you."
And the right, appropriately illustrated with a girl and boy holding hands, reads:
"I love you."
Love. The greatest gift of all.
"By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:35
Love.
Let's reflect.
Love is great! I believe it is the greatest desire of every human being. It was love that moved God, the God of ALL THINGS EVER CREATED, to send His Son, in whom He fully indwelled, to die and take all our sin so that we could be presented to Him in holiness.
Love.
There is no greater demonstration of love than that of Jesus Christ.
I really like love movies, I will be honest. I really like weddings as well. I really like seeing people walk hand in hand, or parents play with their children, or children play dress up with each other. I believe love is demonstrated in all scenarios.
Have you ever heard of the five love languages? Words of affirmation, gifting, helping, physical touch or just hanging out? (those aren't the exact words for each language, but they incapsulate the gist). I really think a person can be given love in each way, but they feel more love from one over the others. Well, all this to say, a couple of nights ago I saw love displayed, on a white paper heart.
Isaac, my youngest brother, is a romantic. In fact, he has already picked out his bride. Yes, he tells people he will marry her. Who is this young lady, you ask? Her name is Gracie, and just for the record, I completely approve :) Isaac has kissed Gracie- I believe it happened after a chase through the church. Precious. He plans on giving her a ring; we've discussed it. For now, Gracie's title to Isaac is "Girlfriend", but he is keeping the end goal of holy matrimony in perspective. No other girl quite compares to Gracie for Isaac, and the feelings are mutual, just ask Gracie's dad.
Back to a couple of nights ago. Isaac showed me the valentine he made for Gracie.
The left side on the white paper heart reads:
"You are a good friend.
It is fun to play with you."
And the right, appropriately illustrated with a girl and boy holding hands, reads:
"I love you."
Love. The greatest gift of all.
"By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:35
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Today I met Anne
As I was on my way to my sister's basketball game today, I saw a woman on the sidewalk walking. This woman wasn't any unfamiliar woman to me, in fact, In the summer time, I see her often. She unashamedly wears her swim suit top, running shorts (or something of the like), has a book in her hand, and walks. She walks and walks and walks and walks. Many times I have wondered, "where is that lady going? How long has she been walking? Gosh, she walks as if she is in pain. Is this a part of her daily routine? Who is this woman?" Even as my mom and I would take short trips in the car, doing our little errands, we would point out, "there's that woman again. Where is she going?"
One day, some months ago, perhaps a year, after seeing this woman walking I concluded that I was going to stop her and talk with her to find out the answers to my questions and who she is. The interesting thing about God planning our days for us is that we don't know what they will exactly hold and today was the day I was going to meet that woman. Today I met Anne.
I do admit, once I saw her, I hesitated parking my car. So I proceeded past her, turned a corner, backtracked, turned again, and asked God for boldness, the words to say, and to dispel all hesitation due to probable awkwardness. I parked my red convertible on the the side of the street, got out of the car, left it running, shut the door, walked in her direction and began my introduction. Using force in my voice, due to the distance between us, I said, "excuse me ma'am! Ma'am! Excuse me."
She stopped, a bit unaware of why I was wanting her attention, as I proceeded, "I see you walking a lot, especially in the summer, and I wanted to say hi."
The woman said, " Walking is healthy. My name is Anne. I live around this area. Are you a college student here at Augustana?"
I told here a bit about the past couple of years of my life and how I attended some bible schools. We asked questions back and forth as we began walking together; I got the impression that Anne doesn't like standing still for too long. I was finding it a bit hard to keep my footing in the slick snow- perhaps it is the lack of traction on my boots, but Anne was pro. Along with a noticeable limp in her walk and slouch in her back, and frailty in her structure, she was holding a gas station tumbler in her right hand- the whole time I wondered what it contained but never asked.
Anne told me that she went to high school here in the city of Sioux Falls, around forty five years ago. She now walks, swims, and teaches english to people who have immigrated here. Anne is 60, which took me by surprise, because she looks like she could be for 85. She lives by herself, but that's as far as I got to know. She picked up her pace and didn't give me a formal good-bye, but just walked on over the hill in the road. As I slowed my pace, I said in a raised voice, "Anne, Jesus Christ loves you." I hope those words forever remain in her thoughts.
I walked back to my car, which was now a block away, and I thought of what it would be like to be Anne. I looked at the trees and thought of how she is able to enjoy them, because they are her company. The buildings are probably wonderful sights, especially the mosaics of the Lutheran church that we were by. I'm sure the books that she holds, or the contents of the mug in her hand provide some sort of joy as well...
I wonder if Anne is lonely. I wonder if she ever wants someone to just walk with her, listen to her thoughts, and to talk back.
This unexpected encounter with Anne will probably forever change my life, maybe not drastically right away, but eventually. Maybe she hasn't heard the name of Jesus Christ in a long time; maybe she's never come in contact with a person in whom He indwells. Did He, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, God, the Father, continue on in the walk with Anne today? I trust He did. Did she know His presence? Did she feel His peace? Did she know His joy?
I know we are like fragrance to those we meet."For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life." 2 Cor. 2:15 & 16a
May Anne be in the company of the former.
There are many more words on my heart and in my head and lessons I was taught today, but I'll leave this segment of my encounter with Anne as is, perhaps adding to it later.
Today I met Anne and I am grateful for it.
One day, some months ago, perhaps a year, after seeing this woman walking I concluded that I was going to stop her and talk with her to find out the answers to my questions and who she is. The interesting thing about God planning our days for us is that we don't know what they will exactly hold and today was the day I was going to meet that woman. Today I met Anne.
I do admit, once I saw her, I hesitated parking my car. So I proceeded past her, turned a corner, backtracked, turned again, and asked God for boldness, the words to say, and to dispel all hesitation due to probable awkwardness. I parked my red convertible on the the side of the street, got out of the car, left it running, shut the door, walked in her direction and began my introduction. Using force in my voice, due to the distance between us, I said, "excuse me ma'am! Ma'am! Excuse me."
She stopped, a bit unaware of why I was wanting her attention, as I proceeded, "I see you walking a lot, especially in the summer, and I wanted to say hi."
The woman said, " Walking is healthy. My name is Anne. I live around this area. Are you a college student here at Augustana?"
I told here a bit about the past couple of years of my life and how I attended some bible schools. We asked questions back and forth as we began walking together; I got the impression that Anne doesn't like standing still for too long. I was finding it a bit hard to keep my footing in the slick snow- perhaps it is the lack of traction on my boots, but Anne was pro. Along with a noticeable limp in her walk and slouch in her back, and frailty in her structure, she was holding a gas station tumbler in her right hand- the whole time I wondered what it contained but never asked.
Anne told me that she went to high school here in the city of Sioux Falls, around forty five years ago. She now walks, swims, and teaches english to people who have immigrated here. Anne is 60, which took me by surprise, because she looks like she could be for 85. She lives by herself, but that's as far as I got to know. She picked up her pace and didn't give me a formal good-bye, but just walked on over the hill in the road. As I slowed my pace, I said in a raised voice, "Anne, Jesus Christ loves you." I hope those words forever remain in her thoughts.
I walked back to my car, which was now a block away, and I thought of what it would be like to be Anne. I looked at the trees and thought of how she is able to enjoy them, because they are her company. The buildings are probably wonderful sights, especially the mosaics of the Lutheran church that we were by. I'm sure the books that she holds, or the contents of the mug in her hand provide some sort of joy as well...
I wonder if Anne is lonely. I wonder if she ever wants someone to just walk with her, listen to her thoughts, and to talk back.
This unexpected encounter with Anne will probably forever change my life, maybe not drastically right away, but eventually. Maybe she hasn't heard the name of Jesus Christ in a long time; maybe she's never come in contact with a person in whom He indwells. Did He, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, God, the Father, continue on in the walk with Anne today? I trust He did. Did she know His presence? Did she feel His peace? Did she know His joy?
I know we are like fragrance to those we meet."For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life." 2 Cor. 2:15 & 16a
May Anne be in the company of the former.
There are many more words on my heart and in my head and lessons I was taught today, but I'll leave this segment of my encounter with Anne as is, perhaps adding to it later.
Today I met Anne and I am grateful for it.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
I Am Thankful
This song has been running through my head this morning and I would like to share the words with you all:
How could I ever say thank you
When the whole of this life’s not enough
Though I offer each breath back in worship
It never could match your great love
So great are your ways
Such encompassing grace
Love that reaches beyond each defense
Your mercy disarms
The most broken of hearts
Such complete and profound faithfulness
How could I thank you
How could I ever repay you
When you laid aside heaven for me
You came to the earth, its Creator
Incarnate to set sinners free
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
By Katherine Scott
How can I truly thank God for all He's done? For salvation and freedom, hope and peace, love and joy, I'm thankful. For my family, friends, adventures and times of quiet rest, I'm thankful. For the good, the trials, the testings, the fires, and the mountain tops where I can declare that God is good, I am thankful. For the food and friends and family that fill this day, I am thankful.
Why do we even enjoy such blessings? And then, topping it all, to think of the hope of heaven, the reunion we will will have face to face with the One who created us! Our unrighteousness will truly be purged, our sin will never be a part of us again. Our relationship with LOVE will be restored perfectly; every desire, longing, and aching met by the One who has eyes like the flame of fire.
Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord.
For You Lord, I am thankful.
How could I ever say thank you
When the whole of this life’s not enough
Though I offer each breath back in worship
It never could match your great love
So great are your ways
Such encompassing grace
Love that reaches beyond each defense
Your mercy disarms
The most broken of hearts
Such complete and profound faithfulness
How could I thank you
How could I ever repay you
When you laid aside heaven for me
You came to the earth, its Creator
Incarnate to set sinners free
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
I love you Lord
By Katherine Scott
How can I truly thank God for all He's done? For salvation and freedom, hope and peace, love and joy, I'm thankful. For my family, friends, adventures and times of quiet rest, I'm thankful. For the good, the trials, the testings, the fires, and the mountain tops where I can declare that God is good, I am thankful. For the food and friends and family that fill this day, I am thankful.
Why do we even enjoy such blessings? And then, topping it all, to think of the hope of heaven, the reunion we will will have face to face with the One who created us! Our unrighteousness will truly be purged, our sin will never be a part of us again. Our relationship with LOVE will be restored perfectly; every desire, longing, and aching met by the One who has eyes like the flame of fire.
Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord.
For You Lord, I am thankful.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
In Your Heart
"And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt..." Acts 7: 39b
The heart. We know that out of it's abundance, the mouth speaks. We know we are to guard it diligently because out of our heart flows the issues of life. Our hearts are both wonderful and dangerous places.
I remember years back having my bible school teachers always say, "The heart of every issue is the issue of every heart" and I'm finding that to be more and more true.
I just recently came back from a trip to Southern Cali and upon my return, I've found that I have had an uneasy heart. Physically, I am in Sioux Falls, SD, but in my heart, I'm partly still there. I desire an undivided heart.
This is the problem, to some extent, that the Israelites had when they came out of Egypt. They turned away in their hearts from the Lord and the place He had them. They were in the wilderness; an undesirable, uncomfortable and unfamiliar land. They had spent 400 years in captivity and after coming through a great deliverance, they doubted God's continued guidance and in their hearts, left God.
So let's apply this to our lives. In what way have we been delivered? Has it been from an addiction? A lifestyle that reflects the world? Maybe anger or yelling profanities? Have you been delivered from thoughts that lead to depression, maybe even suicide? Do you find yourself going back? Are you in a place where you've been delivered, but, because you are experiencing a wilderness and God's next step has yet to be revealed to you, you are turning to the place you've been delivered from?
Let's learn from the children of Israel, the one's who bore the name of "Chosen By God", just as we do, to not turn back! Take up the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, helmet of Salvation, the shoes of the Gospel of peace and the sword of the Spirit and stand- endure patiently in the wilderness. God's plans will be revealed.
The reason I write is because I'm going through it. I need more than anything to not have a heart that turns back to Egypt. I need patience and faith, hope and love through it all. I need to stand when I all I want to do is quit. I'm desperate and unashamed to admit so. But just because I can't see, because I don't know what is ahead, I don't want that to make me long for what is behind.
"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24 & 25
May God speak to your heart.
-Handmaiden of the Lord.
The heart. We know that out of it's abundance, the mouth speaks. We know we are to guard it diligently because out of our heart flows the issues of life. Our hearts are both wonderful and dangerous places.
I remember years back having my bible school teachers always say, "The heart of every issue is the issue of every heart" and I'm finding that to be more and more true.
I just recently came back from a trip to Southern Cali and upon my return, I've found that I have had an uneasy heart. Physically, I am in Sioux Falls, SD, but in my heart, I'm partly still there. I desire an undivided heart.
This is the problem, to some extent, that the Israelites had when they came out of Egypt. They turned away in their hearts from the Lord and the place He had them. They were in the wilderness; an undesirable, uncomfortable and unfamiliar land. They had spent 400 years in captivity and after coming through a great deliverance, they doubted God's continued guidance and in their hearts, left God.
So let's apply this to our lives. In what way have we been delivered? Has it been from an addiction? A lifestyle that reflects the world? Maybe anger or yelling profanities? Have you been delivered from thoughts that lead to depression, maybe even suicide? Do you find yourself going back? Are you in a place where you've been delivered, but, because you are experiencing a wilderness and God's next step has yet to be revealed to you, you are turning to the place you've been delivered from?
Let's learn from the children of Israel, the one's who bore the name of "Chosen By God", just as we do, to not turn back! Take up the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, helmet of Salvation, the shoes of the Gospel of peace and the sword of the Spirit and stand- endure patiently in the wilderness. God's plans will be revealed.
The reason I write is because I'm going through it. I need more than anything to not have a heart that turns back to Egypt. I need patience and faith, hope and love through it all. I need to stand when I all I want to do is quit. I'm desperate and unashamed to admit so. But just because I can't see, because I don't know what is ahead, I don't want that to make me long for what is behind.
"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24 & 25
May God speak to your heart.
-Handmaiden of the Lord.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
12 flowers for 21 years
Like the flowers I got for my 21st birthday, I want to be as fragrant to those who pass by.
The sweet smell of my dozen white roses (thank you precious dad) is filling my room and reminding me of how a life can be. A life is like a flower- beautiful to behold. It blooms and it dies. That's how life is. As grass withers, and flowers fade, so do we. But this thing remains; the word of God.
I guess I just want to be as fragrant as possible while I'm here, before I die. And I'm not trying to sound morbid whatsoever, I just want to view life from a broad perspective. We have only one life to live; how am I living it? Am I, like the white roses, immersed in water, fragrant and brining joy to those who come in contact with them? Or am I more like a weed, a bother, destructive, life-sucking and ugly?
I want to be like my roses.
Small thought tonight as I close out day one of being 21.
"All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our god stands forever." Isaiah 40:6b-8
The sweet smell of my dozen white roses (thank you precious dad) is filling my room and reminding me of how a life can be. A life is like a flower- beautiful to behold. It blooms and it dies. That's how life is. As grass withers, and flowers fade, so do we. But this thing remains; the word of God.
I guess I just want to be as fragrant as possible while I'm here, before I die. And I'm not trying to sound morbid whatsoever, I just want to view life from a broad perspective. We have only one life to live; how am I living it? Am I, like the white roses, immersed in water, fragrant and brining joy to those who come in contact with them? Or am I more like a weed, a bother, destructive, life-sucking and ugly?
I want to be like my roses.
Small thought tonight as I close out day one of being 21.
"All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our god stands forever." Isaiah 40:6b-8
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hair up, p.j.'s on, we are free!
Have you ever gotten home after some sort of formal occasion where you needed to look fancy and the first thing you do when you step over the threshold of your door is run into your room, change into the most comfortable clothes you own (most likely your p.j.'s) wash your face, pull your hair up (assuming your are a girl), and plop on the couch in blissful relief because you are home, and you can just be you; no heels, no dress, no plastered hair?
I was recently at a high school during an outreach to the freshman there and I had this scenario ran through my mind. As I viewed the girls, and as I looked into my own self, I realized how much we just want to be us, be comfortable, be home. But there is opposition to that, isn't there? Well, if our hair isn't done right, if our clothes don't match the fashion standards, if our makeup isn't making us look bright and happy and awake, then, well, it needs to be! But what I've found is trying to maintain that, striving for such perfection and outward happiness is tiring. I just want to be me- no makeup, no fancy hair that has all the product in it to give lift, shine, and curl- no, nothing. I just want to be me, purple star p.j. pants and all!
God wants us to come to Him, just as we are, however quirky onlookers we view ourselves as. God loves His daughters to just have no reserve in approaching him (his sons too, but fella's, I'm sorry I just can't relate to you as well). God requires no clean up.
So I want to make this declaration to any of my sisters who feel like they have been striving in maintaining a life that personifies something much more perfect than what they know they are: Let's live, for our God, and be free to come to him with all our imperfections in tact! Yes, take out those contacts, put on the nerdy glasses, wash your face, pull back your hair, slip on the sweat pants, laugh, smile, be unashamed of who your Father has made you to be! No more pretending; you are beautiful and wonderful and full of unique character just the way you are, and you don't even have to try!
WE ARE FREE, my sisters, we are free!
"What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in all, here in the love of Christ I stand."
I was recently at a high school during an outreach to the freshman there and I had this scenario ran through my mind. As I viewed the girls, and as I looked into my own self, I realized how much we just want to be us, be comfortable, be home. But there is opposition to that, isn't there? Well, if our hair isn't done right, if our clothes don't match the fashion standards, if our makeup isn't making us look bright and happy and awake, then, well, it needs to be! But what I've found is trying to maintain that, striving for such perfection and outward happiness is tiring. I just want to be me- no makeup, no fancy hair that has all the product in it to give lift, shine, and curl- no, nothing. I just want to be me, purple star p.j. pants and all!
God wants us to come to Him, just as we are, however quirky onlookers we view ourselves as. God loves His daughters to just have no reserve in approaching him (his sons too, but fella's, I'm sorry I just can't relate to you as well). God requires no clean up.
So I want to make this declaration to any of my sisters who feel like they have been striving in maintaining a life that personifies something much more perfect than what they know they are: Let's live, for our God, and be free to come to him with all our imperfections in tact! Yes, take out those contacts, put on the nerdy glasses, wash your face, pull back your hair, slip on the sweat pants, laugh, smile, be unashamed of who your Father has made you to be! No more pretending; you are beautiful and wonderful and full of unique character just the way you are, and you don't even have to try!
WE ARE FREE, my sisters, we are free!
"What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in all, here in the love of Christ I stand."
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Fairytale Love Stories and Happily-Ever-Afters
Sometimes I wonder where God is going to take me next or how He's going to surprise me and make my wildest dreams come true. I suppose you can call me one of those "helpless romantics"; yeah, I'll own up to that title. Thinking about fairytale love stories with happily-ever-afters does seem to be the topic of many of my thoughts. I have conjured up great ways to be whisked away by my knight in shining armor. Like this one: I'll be walking along in a quiet park filled with giant green trees and colorful flowers. Just as I stoop to admire on, to engage myself in the intricate beauty of it, all of a sudden a handsome man taps me on the shoulder, and ever so politely, yet boldly asks, "Do you mind if I join you in your admiration of this beautiful creation?" Then, after chatting about the flower for a bit, we raise ourselves to our feet, stroll along the sidewalk, talking and pausing to glance into each others eyes. There is not one stupid or ditzy word that I say that makes him want to leave the conversation and there surely isn't one word he could say that I wouldn't hold to as if it were gold. Simply to state it, we fall in love. Strolls in the park turn to adventures in our car, which turn to family gatherings for holidays, which turn to every day phone calls, grocery shopping dates, morning wake up calls, prayer on the phone, bible study, and as the days progress, so does the love. Then comes the day, the day I would least expect to be a special one, and just as gently as he knelt down the first time we talked over the flower, he kneels down again to ask me to be his bride. "Yes" I smile, barely able to utter any other words. "Yes" I say as I look into the eyes of the one who has chosen me to spend the rest of his life with. "Yes" I say to the next step of faith, the new season in life, the identity of now being one with this man and having his name as my own. Then comes everything wedding; details, plans, mothers, grandmas, in-laws, dresses, catering, cake, honeymoon.... and then, then.......
Life. Together. Forever.
Perhaps I've allowed myself to meditate on these kinds of thoughts far too much. Perhaps I have let these fantasies so captivate my thoughts that I have forgotten what a love I have right here, right now, in Christ.
He'll look at the flowers with me. He'll walk along the park sidewalks and listen to my every silly word. He'll whisk me away on adventure, introduce me to the body of Christ, my family, in whom I had no clue I had. He'll be there to talk when I wake up. He'll accompany me on every grocery outing. He's place the Holy Spirit in my life as a seal, as if He's put a ring around my heart. All I do now is look forward to the day He calls me, His bride-to-be, to come, enter in the marriage supper of the lamb, where He, the groom, and me, His bride, will be united and together forever and ever, where He will give me a new name.
It seems as though I already have my perfect love story. It seems as though all those fairy tale thoughts have partially come true and are promised to fully come true.
But I'm here right now, on earth, and I know I am to be content, in whatever state I find myself in. Do my hearts longings to be a bride hold any validity, or is it impatience that is really groaning within me? I would hope to think that if truly I were impatient, then I would just say, "HEY EVERY SINGLE GODLY MAN OUT THERE- WANNA MARRY ME?" and I haven't done that. Yes, I do admit I have to take my questions to God, surrender my thoughts and say, "Oh, Lord, could it be he?" I would be lying by saying I don't notice single godly men. And what is it that when there is a single godly man in the room, there is this tension, this pull of opposing or attracting magnetic force? What a mystery. But I'm honest to God, and now to all who read this, about my thoughts.
Nonetheless, I wait. I trust, that all the fantasizing I've done in the past, ever since my brain comprehended the concept of falling in love, that God has a perfect plan. Do I take on the role of the princess in the tower waiting for her prince? Do I take on the role of the princess who gets out of the tower, finds the gentlest, handsomest, hard working man with a loyal heart and courageous character and tell him, "I want to be yours forever?" Take action, or wait? Trust and sit, or trust and walk toward what I see may be the best?
A very wise man once said, "The very best choice will be made when God does the choosing." So I guess all these answers to these deep hearts questions can be answered by the One who made me, and Him alone.
I want to happily wait, seek God, and see where He s going to take me next or how He's going to surprise me and make my wildest dreams come true.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8&9
These words I hold as my promise. Thank You heavenly Father.
So wait, i will. And walk, I will. Seek, I will. Ask, I will. Knock, I will, and I will trust that the author of my fairytale love story and happily-ever-after will make it come true.
Life. Together. Forever.
Perhaps I've allowed myself to meditate on these kinds of thoughts far too much. Perhaps I have let these fantasies so captivate my thoughts that I have forgotten what a love I have right here, right now, in Christ.
He'll look at the flowers with me. He'll walk along the park sidewalks and listen to my every silly word. He'll whisk me away on adventure, introduce me to the body of Christ, my family, in whom I had no clue I had. He'll be there to talk when I wake up. He'll accompany me on every grocery outing. He's place the Holy Spirit in my life as a seal, as if He's put a ring around my heart. All I do now is look forward to the day He calls me, His bride-to-be, to come, enter in the marriage supper of the lamb, where He, the groom, and me, His bride, will be united and together forever and ever, where He will give me a new name.
It seems as though I already have my perfect love story. It seems as though all those fairy tale thoughts have partially come true and are promised to fully come true.
But I'm here right now, on earth, and I know I am to be content, in whatever state I find myself in. Do my hearts longings to be a bride hold any validity, or is it impatience that is really groaning within me? I would hope to think that if truly I were impatient, then I would just say, "HEY EVERY SINGLE GODLY MAN OUT THERE- WANNA MARRY ME?" and I haven't done that. Yes, I do admit I have to take my questions to God, surrender my thoughts and say, "Oh, Lord, could it be he?" I would be lying by saying I don't notice single godly men. And what is it that when there is a single godly man in the room, there is this tension, this pull of opposing or attracting magnetic force? What a mystery. But I'm honest to God, and now to all who read this, about my thoughts.
Nonetheless, I wait. I trust, that all the fantasizing I've done in the past, ever since my brain comprehended the concept of falling in love, that God has a perfect plan. Do I take on the role of the princess in the tower waiting for her prince? Do I take on the role of the princess who gets out of the tower, finds the gentlest, handsomest, hard working man with a loyal heart and courageous character and tell him, "I want to be yours forever?" Take action, or wait? Trust and sit, or trust and walk toward what I see may be the best?
A very wise man once said, "The very best choice will be made when God does the choosing." So I guess all these answers to these deep hearts questions can be answered by the One who made me, and Him alone.
I want to happily wait, seek God, and see where He s going to take me next or how He's going to surprise me and make my wildest dreams come true.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8&9
These words I hold as my promise. Thank You heavenly Father.
So wait, i will. And walk, I will. Seek, I will. Ask, I will. Knock, I will, and I will trust that the author of my fairytale love story and happily-ever-after will make it come true.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Preparations of a Bride
My dear friend is getting married today. I have thinking about the preparations she has to go through; every detail leading up to this day where her and her groom prepare make the covenant to be man and wife forever.
Marriage is huge. I use to think I was so ready for marriage(yes, these were thoughts of mine in high school). I was sure it was just going to be a blissful breeze and that I would have a fairy tale "happily-ever-after". Oh, how I know my marriage is going to be wonderful, how I know that God is preparing me to be that bride even right now, and it's that very process that is making me realize what a huge responsibility marriage is.
I want to see my relationship with Jesus in the same light. Though I can't see my Groom, He is real and I'm really being prepared to meet Him face to face. What am I doing to prepare? Am I taking short cuts? Am I neglecting my beauty appointments, my spa treatments, my guest list, my decorations, all in a spiritual application? Does my dress fit? Are the alters made? Is my jewelry matching and sparkling? What about my bridesmaids? Am I communicating with them all the details they need to know about the wedding day?
All these thoughts have been swirling around my mind; it's my mind is a giant canvas and the thoughts are the colors; the picture is left unfinished, but I know it's going to turn out beautifully.
"Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number." (Jeremiah 2:32)
I want to be a prepared bride, not neglecting, not forgetting my Groom and the glorious day of our uniting in perfection.
Marriage is huge. I use to think I was so ready for marriage(yes, these were thoughts of mine in high school). I was sure it was just going to be a blissful breeze and that I would have a fairy tale "happily-ever-after". Oh, how I know my marriage is going to be wonderful, how I know that God is preparing me to be that bride even right now, and it's that very process that is making me realize what a huge responsibility marriage is.
I want to see my relationship with Jesus in the same light. Though I can't see my Groom, He is real and I'm really being prepared to meet Him face to face. What am I doing to prepare? Am I taking short cuts? Am I neglecting my beauty appointments, my spa treatments, my guest list, my decorations, all in a spiritual application? Does my dress fit? Are the alters made? Is my jewelry matching and sparkling? What about my bridesmaids? Am I communicating with them all the details they need to know about the wedding day?
All these thoughts have been swirling around my mind; it's my mind is a giant canvas and the thoughts are the colors; the picture is left unfinished, but I know it's going to turn out beautifully.
"Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number." (Jeremiah 2:32)
I want to be a prepared bride, not neglecting, not forgetting my Groom and the glorious day of our uniting in perfection.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Edify
Every day I receive a "word for the day" through merriam-webster.com. My dad was one that showed me this vocabulary expanding tool and I'm thankful he did. Some of the words have been wonderfully funny, like "bludge" "Callithump" "Molly-Coddle" or "embonpoint" (pronounced the french way), but sometimes (knowing our God is a God of no happenstance)the word completely matches up with what I need to hear or what God is speaking to my heart.
Edify. Today's word.
I'm reading through Ezra. The people have returned to Jerusalem, under commands of King Cyrus, to build the temple that had been laying in ruins because all of Israel and Judah had been taken into captivity. After offering up the burnt sacrifices and reestablishing the feasts, the people laid the foundation of the temple and proclaimed with singing, praise, and shouting, "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel".
What happened next? COMPLETE ATTACK! First, through trickery and deceit; the surrounding adversaries said to the heads of the Jews, "Let us build with you" but they said, "You may do nothing with us". The enemy then told the king of Persia that the Jews were building a rebellious and evil city; that they won't pay taxes, tribute, or customs to the king. The king was convinced by the lies and the work of the house of God ceased.
Edify.
I guess we all come to points in our lives where we see ruins all around us. We see relationships that have crumbled, communication that has been long cut off, love that has grown cold, and we hear the command from our King to build. We set off, offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and start building and lay the foundation. Then, just as we step back to wipe the sweat from our brow and take a look at the progress, we hear the words of attack; the bitter, sharp, cutting, destructive words. Is it time to stop? Is it time to quit? Do we listen?
Edify, to build up.
Could my failure to continue to edify actually cause others to be defeated and the foundations of their lives be turned into ruins again? That is a sobering question. I know God doesn't need us, He will raise up those that edify others, but He wants to use us.
"But let us who are of th day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thes. 5:8-11.
When it's the hardest, edify. When attacks come, edify. When love waxes cold, edify. When sorrow is the only emotion felt, edify. When you feel like you can't labor anymore, edify. And as you are edifying, pray for help, because the Helper, our Comforter, the Shepherd of our souls, is near.
These words are good reminders to me... I need them now more than ever.
Edify. Today's word.
I'm reading through Ezra. The people have returned to Jerusalem, under commands of King Cyrus, to build the temple that had been laying in ruins because all of Israel and Judah had been taken into captivity. After offering up the burnt sacrifices and reestablishing the feasts, the people laid the foundation of the temple and proclaimed with singing, praise, and shouting, "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel".
What happened next? COMPLETE ATTACK! First, through trickery and deceit; the surrounding adversaries said to the heads of the Jews, "Let us build with you" but they said, "You may do nothing with us". The enemy then told the king of Persia that the Jews were building a rebellious and evil city; that they won't pay taxes, tribute, or customs to the king. The king was convinced by the lies and the work of the house of God ceased.
Edify.
I guess we all come to points in our lives where we see ruins all around us. We see relationships that have crumbled, communication that has been long cut off, love that has grown cold, and we hear the command from our King to build. We set off, offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and start building and lay the foundation. Then, just as we step back to wipe the sweat from our brow and take a look at the progress, we hear the words of attack; the bitter, sharp, cutting, destructive words. Is it time to stop? Is it time to quit? Do we listen?
Edify, to build up.
Could my failure to continue to edify actually cause others to be defeated and the foundations of their lives be turned into ruins again? That is a sobering question. I know God doesn't need us, He will raise up those that edify others, but He wants to use us.
"But let us who are of th day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thes. 5:8-11.
When it's the hardest, edify. When attacks come, edify. When love waxes cold, edify. When sorrow is the only emotion felt, edify. When you feel like you can't labor anymore, edify. And as you are edifying, pray for help, because the Helper, our Comforter, the Shepherd of our souls, is near.
These words are good reminders to me... I need them now more than ever.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Rent
"And the LORD God of their father sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy." 2 Chronicles 36:15 & 16
What a sobering passage to read.
Has God sent me warnings that I have mocked, despised and scoffed at? Have I so deafened my ear that I have gone to places of sin where I am suffering from it?
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and he relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him- a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?" Joel 2:13 & 14.
My heart I rend and to You God, I turn. Thank you for your mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and that you let me acknowledge my sin, confess it, and give me the grace to walk past it and leave it behind forever.
I am rent.
What a sobering passage to read.
Has God sent me warnings that I have mocked, despised and scoffed at? Have I so deafened my ear that I have gone to places of sin where I am suffering from it?
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and he relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him- a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?" Joel 2:13 & 14.
My heart I rend and to You God, I turn. Thank you for your mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and that you let me acknowledge my sin, confess it, and give me the grace to walk past it and leave it behind forever.
I am rent.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In the Valley Again
It's been a while since I have past sat down to write. My intention when I started this blog was to continually be posting, allowing this to be an outlet of what I was learning, experience, wondering, walking through; revealing God's heart to you as He was revealing it to me. I often find my thoughts so scattered that I don't want to scatter other's with them; that would be doing us both a discredit, so that is why I haven't posted as much as I would like. Then I thought of this blog as being more of my viewable journal, which is probably another very bad idea. So what should this be? What should I post?
Answer if you feel wish, or leave the questions open ended if that would be better... eventually God will show me, I know it. I know He still wants me to show other's His heart, so I will continue in that and trust that He will direct the words I type.
So, as this whole blog thing develops, and I get a concrete vision of what it should contain, I will fill the rest of this entry with an update on the happenings of my life right now.
I am in Napa Valley once again, living with the Kim family (my sister, brother-in-law, and three wonderful nephews, not to forget the one niece or nephew expected in December). I graduated from the SOW on May 21st, 2010 and now, I'm going where God is taking me. New season, as the last post contained, new areas of trust, newness all around. Being back in Napa has been a treat, like a decadently frosted giant chocolate cupcake. I love the people here. I love my friends. I love my family. I love the beauty of the landscape. I love the sunsets. I love the marshlands. Yes, one giant cupcake.
I've accumulated a lot of stuff this past year- or- erase that... I've gotten a lot of my old stuff sent to me in packages and when my family drove down from SD to visit last summer and now, I just want to get rid of it. Have you ever completely wanted to rid yourself of your whole wardrobe, accessories, trinkets, baskets, ect.? Right now I just want to keep the essentials and give the rest away. I have a tiny uncling in the back of my brain that I would end up regretting such a drastic detachment. But I know God would provide. And didn't Jesus tell the disciples not to take an extra tunic or money bag when He sent them out to tell others the gospel? I'm sure these men had houses, probably wives and children, and kept their belongings there, but they were assured by Jesus that taking nothing would mean He would provide everything.
So, where should my stuff stay? Where should all my belongings rest? Some of them are here, in the valley, others are in SD. Maybe it's ok to have them in both places.
Luke 9= so good. It contains the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with the two fish and five loaves, or is it five fish and two loaves... it's the first. Jesus blessed it, He distributed it, and Jesus did the miracle. I know He will always provide.
My time for writing is over now. God's timing is always good.
Until the next time.... next though, next insight into God's heart....
Answer if you feel wish, or leave the questions open ended if that would be better... eventually God will show me, I know it. I know He still wants me to show other's His heart, so I will continue in that and trust that He will direct the words I type.
So, as this whole blog thing develops, and I get a concrete vision of what it should contain, I will fill the rest of this entry with an update on the happenings of my life right now.
I am in Napa Valley once again, living with the Kim family (my sister, brother-in-law, and three wonderful nephews, not to forget the one niece or nephew expected in December). I graduated from the SOW on May 21st, 2010 and now, I'm going where God is taking me. New season, as the last post contained, new areas of trust, newness all around. Being back in Napa has been a treat, like a decadently frosted giant chocolate cupcake. I love the people here. I love my friends. I love my family. I love the beauty of the landscape. I love the sunsets. I love the marshlands. Yes, one giant cupcake.
I've accumulated a lot of stuff this past year- or- erase that... I've gotten a lot of my old stuff sent to me in packages and when my family drove down from SD to visit last summer and now, I just want to get rid of it. Have you ever completely wanted to rid yourself of your whole wardrobe, accessories, trinkets, baskets, ect.? Right now I just want to keep the essentials and give the rest away. I have a tiny uncling in the back of my brain that I would end up regretting such a drastic detachment. But I know God would provide. And didn't Jesus tell the disciples not to take an extra tunic or money bag when He sent them out to tell others the gospel? I'm sure these men had houses, probably wives and children, and kept their belongings there, but they were assured by Jesus that taking nothing would mean He would provide everything.
So, where should my stuff stay? Where should all my belongings rest? Some of them are here, in the valley, others are in SD. Maybe it's ok to have them in both places.
Luke 9= so good. It contains the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with the two fish and five loaves, or is it five fish and two loaves... it's the first. Jesus blessed it, He distributed it, and Jesus did the miracle. I know He will always provide.
My time for writing is over now. God's timing is always good.
Until the next time.... next though, next insight into God's heart....
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Newness Through Patient Endurance
Would we know the calm without the storm?
Would we bask in the warmth of the sun's rays had we not felt the bitter cold of the winter?
"To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace."
Ecclesiates 3:1-9
"For lo, the winter is past,
The rain has come and gone,
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing has come.
The voice of the turtle dove
Is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth her green figs,
And the vines wiht the tender grapes
Give a good smell.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away!"
Song of Solomon 2:11-13
Perhaps this is a new season for you. Perhaps God is saying, "This is the way, walk in it". Concerning God's promises, Hebrews 6:13-20 says this:
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Patiently endure the storm, you will rest in the calm. Patiently endure the winter for you will be ready to bath in the sun. Newness will come, as God has promised you. It is impossible for God to lie.
Would we bask in the warmth of the sun's rays had we not felt the bitter cold of the winter?
"To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace."
Ecclesiates 3:1-9
"For lo, the winter is past,
The rain has come and gone,
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing has come.
The voice of the turtle dove
Is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth her green figs,
And the vines wiht the tender grapes
Give a good smell.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away!"
Song of Solomon 2:11-13
Perhaps this is a new season for you. Perhaps God is saying, "This is the way, walk in it". Concerning God's promises, Hebrews 6:13-20 says this:
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Patiently endure the storm, you will rest in the calm. Patiently endure the winter for you will be ready to bath in the sun. Newness will come, as God has promised you. It is impossible for God to lie.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Piano Class Panic
Elva Frye, my piano teacher and a woman of God that I highly admire and look up to, lost her phone today while she was teaching our piano class. We looked high and low, traced and retraced her steps and the places she could have misplaced it, searched her car, searched her purse, and prayed.
When things are lost, my older sister tells me "God knows where all lost things are; He sees it so ask Him to show you where it is. Nothing is lost to God." So I took Elva's hand, closed my eyes, and asked my All Knowing Father to show us where the phone was. I asked. We looked. No phone.
After 30 minutes expired,Elva began panicking, in more of an irritated sense than frantic. With a last attempt,she mustered her will up to go into a room she had already checked twice before. I sat down, opened my lap top, and chatted with a couple friends. I knew God heard our prayers so I was just going to rest in that and get the rest of my day going. Suddenly, booming from behind a creaked door, I hear Elva's voice saying, "GOD FOUND MY PHONE FOR ME!" Yes, God knew where it was all along and He led Elva to it. Proceeding a hearty "hallelujah", Elva said that when we prayed, I was the one to ask for God to reveal where her phone was, but she didn't ask, BUT, right before she entered in that room for the third time, she stopped on the stairs and asked God to show her where her cell was hiding. She began to tell me that she has a history of doing this: even with her husband, he'll ask for something to be found, but she won't. Always, though, when she has the faith and asks, the lost item is found.
I couldn't help but directly think of this lesson as to how it would relate to our lives and relationships with God. Doesn't He say, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Mat. 7:7-9)? Yes, Jesus Christ told us these words. And following these words, Jesus paints us this scenario: "Or what man is there among you, who if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, ow much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
What are you asking for? What am I asking for right now in life? Direction? Vision? Love? Patience? A job? A spouse? Well my sisters and brothers, let us ask- LET US ASK. Talk to God about it. Shut your door, open His word that is the lamp unto your feet, and ask for the things that are weighing heavy on your heart. He hears you.
Elva's phone was lost. Elva asked Her Heavenly Father where it was. Elva's Heavenly Father took her straight to it.
Let us ask.
When things are lost, my older sister tells me "God knows where all lost things are; He sees it so ask Him to show you where it is. Nothing is lost to God." So I took Elva's hand, closed my eyes, and asked my All Knowing Father to show us where the phone was. I asked. We looked. No phone.
After 30 minutes expired,Elva began panicking, in more of an irritated sense than frantic. With a last attempt,she mustered her will up to go into a room she had already checked twice before. I sat down, opened my lap top, and chatted with a couple friends. I knew God heard our prayers so I was just going to rest in that and get the rest of my day going. Suddenly, booming from behind a creaked door, I hear Elva's voice saying, "GOD FOUND MY PHONE FOR ME!" Yes, God knew where it was all along and He led Elva to it. Proceeding a hearty "hallelujah", Elva said that when we prayed, I was the one to ask for God to reveal where her phone was, but she didn't ask, BUT, right before she entered in that room for the third time, she stopped on the stairs and asked God to show her where her cell was hiding. She began to tell me that she has a history of doing this: even with her husband, he'll ask for something to be found, but she won't. Always, though, when she has the faith and asks, the lost item is found.
I couldn't help but directly think of this lesson as to how it would relate to our lives and relationships with God. Doesn't He say, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Mat. 7:7-9)? Yes, Jesus Christ told us these words. And following these words, Jesus paints us this scenario: "Or what man is there among you, who if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, ow much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
What are you asking for? What am I asking for right now in life? Direction? Vision? Love? Patience? A job? A spouse? Well my sisters and brothers, let us ask- LET US ASK. Talk to God about it. Shut your door, open His word that is the lamp unto your feet, and ask for the things that are weighing heavy on your heart. He hears you.
Elva's phone was lost. Elva asked Her Heavenly Father where it was. Elva's Heavenly Father took her straight to it.
Let us ask.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Talking To God
The Mighty One, God the LORD, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tepestuous all around Him.
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people; "Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.
Selah
"Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are continually before Me. I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."
But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to declare My statues, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction, and cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother's son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes."
"Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver; Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God."
Psalm 50
God, this is who You are. God, you will shine forth. Mighty God, you will not keep silent. All-knowing counselor, You alone know the beginning through to the end. You don't desire sacrifices and actions I take to outwardly please You while my inward heart is in a whirlwind of all manner of despair. You say, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." I call upon you right now, right here. Deliver. Shine forth. With Your fire, burn up the chaff of my life; I trust Your refining fire.
I offer you thanksgiving. I don't know how You are going to provide, I just know You are. Thank You. I don't know how you are going to guide, I just know you are. Thank You. I don't know what new steps of faith or obedience I'm going to have to take, I just know I will. Thank You and, Father, help me. I don't know how all these dead ended situations in my life are going to be used for good, but Your word says, "All things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Thank You. Thank You for Your Word; Saturate me. Thank You for cleansing me with Your Word.
God, others need You too. Others need to hear You. Draw them to Your word. Work on behalf of Your children. Comfort their weary and frail hearts. Hold them. Shelter them. Be their refuge. All that you promise to be, You are; Remind them. Give Your children strength to speak of You, live for You, love because of You. Fulfill all our purposes! We are Your children, Father. Who else do we have to show us how to live but you? Who else can we glean strength? Where else can we find wisdom? Nothing else but You will do; You are everything. Stir our hearts, strengthen our legs, help us stand and fight and conquer. Turn our love toward You and help us to love others, oh please, help us to love.
Thank You God for never forsaking us. Thank You that when we seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, all the things that concern us are added to us. Thank you that You provide.
Thank You God. Thank You for all you are doing and all you have yet to do.
These praises I offer You. Bring salvation. I love You Father.
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people; "Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.
Selah
"Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are continually before Me. I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."
But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to declare My statues, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction, and cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother's son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes."
"Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver; Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God."
Psalm 50
God, this is who You are. God, you will shine forth. Mighty God, you will not keep silent. All-knowing counselor, You alone know the beginning through to the end. You don't desire sacrifices and actions I take to outwardly please You while my inward heart is in a whirlwind of all manner of despair. You say, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." I call upon you right now, right here. Deliver. Shine forth. With Your fire, burn up the chaff of my life; I trust Your refining fire.
I offer you thanksgiving. I don't know how You are going to provide, I just know You are. Thank You. I don't know how you are going to guide, I just know you are. Thank You. I don't know what new steps of faith or obedience I'm going to have to take, I just know I will. Thank You and, Father, help me. I don't know how all these dead ended situations in my life are going to be used for good, but Your word says, "All things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Thank You. Thank You for Your Word; Saturate me. Thank You for cleansing me with Your Word.
God, others need You too. Others need to hear You. Draw them to Your word. Work on behalf of Your children. Comfort their weary and frail hearts. Hold them. Shelter them. Be their refuge. All that you promise to be, You are; Remind them. Give Your children strength to speak of You, live for You, love because of You. Fulfill all our purposes! We are Your children, Father. Who else do we have to show us how to live but you? Who else can we glean strength? Where else can we find wisdom? Nothing else but You will do; You are everything. Stir our hearts, strengthen our legs, help us stand and fight and conquer. Turn our love toward You and help us to love others, oh please, help us to love.
Thank You God for never forsaking us. Thank You that when we seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, all the things that concern us are added to us. Thank you that You provide.
Thank You God. Thank You for all you are doing and all you have yet to do.
These praises I offer You. Bring salvation. I love You Father.
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