2011 - Growth

Thought this was pretty cool! From The Gypsy Mama! For five minutes we write, no editing, no thinking about it. Just write!  Today’s topic is Grow.

Go.

Ok here goes! Just write. Ok....

2011 Has certainly been a year of growth for our family.  Last year I lost my grandmother (was not expecting it), I had a baby (was not expecting it, lol)  my husband lost and got another job, my children changed schools, we changed churches (we were there for 10 years) I started this blog, I reconnected with my dad after 10 yrs, and the biggest of all, I left my job to be home with my babies, we have 3! WHEW!!

I have seen God move in so many ways this year by all of these changes.  The most important thing I learned is that God doesn't change.  He knew everything that would happen and prepared us all for it. God is just awesome like that.  He never changes!

Through it all I have felt the stretching and pruning that comes with growth.  I guess you call them growing pains!  Boy have I felt them! It may not always feel good at the time, but in the end you appreciate all the changes.......at least I know I do.

God has shown Himself this year, and I can't wait to see what He is going to do next year! Whatever happens I know He is already there waiting for us! Be blessed  :-)

Malachi 3:6

"I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed".

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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I heard a message tonight that opened my eyes. 

I didn't know they were closed.........until tonight.  

I want to live out this faith, live out my Jesus.  With no apologies, just radical living.  What will He ask me to do?  I don't know, but I await the answer.  I want Him to be in me so deep that my body exudes His heavenly fragrance.  Not for my pleasure or glory, but for His!  I want to stop being afraid because if His love is really in me, it cast out all fear.  

My ministry is here, my ministry is now.  It's not in the sweet by and by.....it's in the present.  It's waiting on me to act, to move, to do, to go.  My ministry is my home, my family, my neighborhood......and its waiting!

Sweet Jesus engulf me in your love so that I may live out this life for you.  We sing the song " I Give Myself Away" but how much have we given away??  A snippet here, a snippet there?  Jesus doesn't want a snippet, He wants it ALL.  The lost don't need a snippet of Jesus, they need all of Jesus!  They die and go to hell every second, but we eat the Word and sit on it.  We are spiritual pigs wallowing in our own mud.  While they die........

Someone saved me from the flames, now I must make it my duty to be a light and a witness to the walking dead.  I was a dead women walking once, but someone snatched me from the flames.  Will I do the same??  Am I too afraid to get burned??  I shouldn't be.  If he can save Daniel from the lion's den, and the firey furnace surely he can help me too. 

Jesus forgive me......for my apathty,  my empathy,  my wallowing.  

No, I want to be burned.  Burned for Jesus!! Light a fire under me so that my feet can't be still.   My feet must go to do your work!

Jesus I write for you.....I care for my children for you......I love my husband for you.....I smile at a stranger for......YOU.

Make me uncomfortable (did I  just say that?)  Yes flesh, I did! MAKE ME UNCOMFORTABLE JESUS (I said it again)! 

Forgive me for wasting time! I am here Jesus.....use me!

Romans 10:9-10   If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

Mark 16:15   And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

 

Favor in the eyes of our children

I know that title probably sounds funny.  You may say "why would a parent need favor in the eyes of their child?"  We are the parents right, and what we say should go right??

I agree, but I also remember being a child and the hard time I gave my mom.  I say my mom because I knew better than to look, talk, act, or even breathe sideways with my dad! LOL  It wasn't because he was mean or anything like that.  Quite the opposite, he probably let us get away with more than my mom, LOL. He would always say " Let them children be". I just knew better though, there was an invisible line I didn't want to cross.

So yeah, I apologize to my mom, alot.  Especially now that I have an almost teenager on my hands!!

It's not easy by any means, raising someone that is so similar to the way you were when you were a child.  Galatians 6:7 rings through my ears.  That's not to say my child is a bad child, far from it. She is just....ahem, strong willed, LOL.  She has a strong personality, and sometimes you forget you are dealing with a child!

But back to where I was going.  We are in the process of making some changes in our home.  My husband and I want to please God more than anything, which means we will have to stop allowing certain things into our home.  Things like certain movies, music, and images.  Of course they say "well it's only music, or it's just a cartoon" but what they don't realize it's sooooo much more than that.

I will be honest and say I hate addressing this with our children because it's hard to let go of certain things, especially when they have been allowed for so long.  Kids get tired of hearing "because I said so, or because God said so".  They want explanations.  

I know some old schooled parents would say, "Uh uh you don't have to explain anything to a child". While that may be true in some cases, I do feel kids need to know why we make the choices we make.  

We all know if we just say don't do that what's the first thing a child will do???  That starts while they are little.  Curiosity sometimes gets the best of them.  It goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. God said don't eat from this one tree and immediately they let the enemy stroke their curiosity nerve. 

It's in all of us.  

So as we make these changes I do pray we find favor with our children so their hearts will be receptive to see why we are making these changes, and it's not just because God said so, but here is why He said so.  This is where I need to make sure I am in my Word and hearing from God like I should!

Alot of times when parent's talk all kids hear are "blahblahblah" or you can't do this, or that.  My son likes to tell me "you never let me do..." when he asks me something and I say no.  I don't want them to think all they hear are rules.

I also more importantly don't want to them think God is just a God of rules, and judgements. I want them to see He wants what is best for them a million times more than we do. I want to make sure they know they have an enemy that is fighting tooth and nail for their souls, minds and very being.  He doesn't fight fair and will fight at all costs.  As parents we have to fight, even when it doesn't feel good because we know it's not about feelings at all.

This is why I pray for favor, and I pray for God's forgiveness in being so nonchalant about certain things we have allowed as to not offend our kids, or to just keep peace in our home.

If you think about it, it's not really keeping peace because you just create an atomosphere of confusion in the long run because now they will want to know "why did you let me do it before?" 

I will just continue to confess that God softens their hearts and allows them to really hear what we have to say and why we are making these changes.

Pray for your own children if you have them, or if you don't just pray for children in general. They need it more now than ever before!!  Our children have questions and we need to be ready with the answers!

Deuteronomy 11:19-21 New International Version (NIV)

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, ²¹ so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Words! Think before you speak!

Words are powerful! 

Words can hurt........words can bless. Watch your words carefully because once they are spoken they cannot be taken back.  It doesn't matter if the words are spoken or written, they still have power. It also doesn't matter if they are spoken by your own mouth to yourself or by someone else.  They still have the same power.

Words that hurt go deep, deep into the mind.  They wound deeper than a knife sometimes. If you have been hurt by words, just know that Jesus is there to wipe away the wounds with His precious blood.  He will heal you, and make you whole!  Speak words of blessing over yourself.  Speak words of praise to the Father.

Counteract the unkind words spoken over you and to you.  Counteract it with the Word of God! 

Maybe you didn't hear the words, but heard about the words spoken over you, or maybe you did hear and you can't get over it......began to speak blessings into your atmosphere.

People that speak hurtful words are hurting in ways we may never understand. No excuse, but now you know why.  They can't hurt you physically but they know words can do more damage.  Words become thoughts, and thoughts linger.  Thoughts pop up at the worst times! They come in our weak moments.  

Satan knows when to remind us. 

I think it all goes back to "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" If only more people would practice that......

Use the power of your words to uplift, encourage, and bless those around you. Whether it's a stranger, friend, or family member. You never know how your kind words may be just the "word" they need to hear.  You also never know how your words may be the one to take that person off the edge of the cliff they have been standing on.  Choose wisely! 

Remember we must give an account for every word spoken.....good or bad (Matthew 12:36-37).

Watch what you put in, because that is what will come out.  Get into the Word of God and find His Words, Words of power and life.  Let that be your new language of love......to yourself, and others!

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.     Proverbs 18:21

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.    Proverbs 10:11

Therefore encourage each other with these words.  1 Thessalonians 4:18

  

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if any-thing is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.     Philippians 4:8

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;    2 Corinthians 10:5

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.   Hebrews 4:12

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.   James 1:19

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.  Proverbs 17:27

Forgiving vs. Trust

Good morning everyone! Praying all is well out there!  :-)

A friend of mine posted a statement on FB that really didn't hit me until now.  She said "As Christians we must forgive but I don't have to trust you or forget about what you did".

Of course someone came right behind her telling her how that was wrong, and what's the point in forgiving if you won't forget. There is a big difference.  The lady even went to the point of using the scripture Psalm 103:12.  That scripture is God speaking, not a man!

We will all have the opportunity to exercise our forgiveness muscle in this life.  Even something as small as a minor offense, to something as large as murder requires forgiveness.  That doesn't mean it's easy by any means either way.

We all experience hurt because we are all imperfect.  Whether the offense was intentional or not we must forgive, but must we forget??  I think it's important that we cleanse our minds daily with the blood of Jesus in order to not let our past hurts affect us later in life.  Of course something's are so hurtful it's hard to forget them.  The quote "Time heals all wounds" proves true.  Some hurts just take time to heal and that's ok.  Jesus came to heal our wounds.....physical and emotional.  He knows some scars go deep and will take time.

What does it mean when I forgive someone?? Is it wrong that I don't trust them?? I say no.  Say someone is taken advantage of when they were young. They may never forget what has happened to them but will choose to forgive the person.  As hard as it may be, they have to. More for themselves than the other person.  That means when you see them, instead of feeling angry and bitter you feel love, almost sympathy for them. You choose to see them through the eyes of God and His grace.  That is something that comes from God and not from ourselves, and it is a choice!!

 

OK, so you have forgiven them, not holding the past infraction against them.  But are you required to trust them? No! And that's ok. You would most likely never leave your own children with this person, and you may not want to be alone with this person.  Is that wrong? No.  Trust has to be earned.  People may argue, well you haven't really forgiven them.  Not true, you are not required anywhere in scripture to trust anyone.....ever really.  The word of God says to trust no man, why?  Because people make mistakes, and have the ability to hurt you.  God cannot!   We must put our complete and total trust in God and Him alone.

Of course you learn to trust people again.  Don't let past hurts keeping you from loving and trusting those you know are trustworthy.  Don't punish everyone for the mistakes of one person!

Do your best with the Holy Spirit's help to walk in love, towards everyone. Your love walk will help your forgiveness walk. The Word says love keeps no records of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). That means you choose to not keep a mental journal of every wrong thing done to you.  You can't function in life doing that.  You have to move on at some point. Again it's a choice!

And remember we all need forgiveness.  From God, from people and from ourselves.  

Yes precious little you is capable of hurting people too!!  We all have, and we all do.  Remember though when you do, seek forgiveness from the person you hurt, but know you don't have the right to set the terms this time.  Leave it in God's hand, and pray you find favor in their eyesight. Once you have done that, don't let them torture you with it. Stay away if you have to, until they let you know it's ok.  This may take time!  Be patient with them as they work through it.  It may seem small to you but may be very hurtful to them.  And forgive yourself (sometimes this is the hardest)

I notice that works the other way around.  I have a few people that have hurt me pretty bad in the past.  I have forgiven them, but God has also been so gracious in not forcing me to deal with these people very often.  I rarely see them, but when I do I am not angry.  I don't see them and immediately try to remember what they did.  Of course it's still there, and you better believe satan would love for me to dwell on it, but who does that hurt more??  Me of course. 

Just remember God loves you, Jesus died for your healing and everything will be ok!  There is no wound too deep that the blood of Jesus cannot heal and cover. You are not alone in this.  The Father knows what happened and He will work on your behalf to make it right.  Just make sure you do your part!  Forgive and leave the rest to Him!  :-)

Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (attitude: forgive because you love the Lord)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (attitude: can love cover it?)

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.(attitude: loving and forgiving just like God forgave you)
 

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Peace

Peace has been on my mind all weekend.  I felt God's peace all around me.  I hate to say but it didn't seem warranted.  That doesn't make sense to my mind.  I know I should walk in God's peace all the time, but I don't.  But this past week was different.  Nothing really changed, but His peace was there. I suppose it was all along.  It was real, it was tangible.  I just have this knowing that every little thing is going to be ok.  I really don't want this feeling to end, but I know I should not be moved by my feelings, because if it does "end" I need to remember God's peace is here, around me, all the time.  I have proof!  No matter what I face, Jehovah Shalom is always there.  He is the God of peace.  It's His nature.  There is no confusion in Him.  Even when life gets unsettled, God is always there.  My head knows that, but my heart doesn't always accept it.  Now I know.  God loves me, as He does you.  Let His peace rule your heart, mind and actions from now on.  Let's make a concentrated effort to dwell in and on the peace of God.  Have all my prayers been answered?? No, but that's ok.  I know God is working it out.  I just know.  If it doesn't change overnight, that's ok.  I refuse to worry.  I choose today to dwell in peace.  My prayer is the same for you.  No matter what is going on in your life right now, the very moment you read this, cast down your worries, and choose to dwell in peace.  Peace with God, yourself, your circumstances, your family.  I don't care how bad it looks now, just trust that God is working it out for you.  You may say "yeah that's easy for you, you don't know what I am dealing with" You are right, I don't know, but God does.  Maybe you have prayed with no immediate answer in sight......keep praying, keep hoping, and you will find peace, Peace will find you.  Jesus is my peace, and He can be yours too.  I once had a license plate border that read " No Jesus....No Peace, Know Jesus......Know Peace"  I know you struggle.  We all do.  Your struggles may be bigger than mine, but peace can cover you, like your favorite blanket. "Peace is like hot chocolate for my soul"  Who doesn't like hot chocolate??  OK if you don't, let it be that warm tea, hot coffee or that nice big bowl of hot gumbo!  Maybe you like hot apple cider....let it be that.  Just let it be! Peace is there for the asking and taking.  Reach out your hand, and I promise it will overtake you!  Thank God for His peace!!   :-)

Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Numbers 6:25-26 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 12:2  “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Change

Change....It's a word most will say very few people like. The more I thought about it, that's really not true.  Most people don't mind change...self initiated change that is.  We work......we get bored on our jobs so we want to change jobs.  We change friends, we change clothes, we change the food we eat for health benefits. We don't mind those changes because we can control them!  That's it.......we like control.  Now, change that comes when we least expect it....that's a no go for most of us.  When we say YES to God we must be prepared for change at some point or another.  Sometimes it's scary, most of the times it's scary.  Being unsure of what's on the horizon is not always fun.  Changing jobs is fun most of the time because we can say yes or no to the jobs we see.....we get to choose our change.  When God changes us or asks us to make a change in our direction that can rock our world, we shrink back.  Well at least I know I do.  It all goes back to how bad do we want to please God?  This is a question I am asking myself, even now.  Change has been a constant in our household this past year.  I wrote about some of the changes we have been through. Having a baby, leaving my job, changing churches, kids changing schools, Marks job.  All of these things were scary......at first.  After the dust settles and you can see your way it's not so bad after all.  Change is good even when it doesn't feel like it.  It's necessary in some cases.  Does this mean I have totally embraced the unknowing changes that may arise in my life?.... nope!  :-)   I know God is there in and through the change if and when it occurs.  I think of a dear friend of mine that God instructed to move across the country with his family.  That family consisted of himself, his wife and their young son.  All I could think was WOW!  Would I have obeyed that call??  They did it, not completely without fear, but with trust that the God who calls also supplies.  They are loving their change and God is opening up doors they never imagined.  I look at my pastor.  He moved him and his wife all the way from Florida to Texas to serve in a ministry far from home and family. God has blessed them immeasurably because of their obedience, and blessed us because of their obedience.  God-Called change takes obedience, nothing more, and certainly nothing less.  It takes saying "Lord you are really my lord and I lay down my life before you....do with me as YOU will"  It's really saying " Not my will, but yours Lord"  We all say those words, but what happens when they.....happen!  Are we ready??  I can honestly say I am not, but I know the Lord will walk with me.  He will see me and you both through any change that comes our way.  Let's do our best, with the Holy Spirit's help, to be obedient and embrace God induced change.  It may be unsettling at first, but I have a feeling we won't regret it.

Be blessed!

We love him, because he first loved us
1 John 4:19