This Morning:
There is a running course near my house that ventures around Lake Peachtree. I run it often with my baby girl. She has the pleasure of making my workout a little tougher by riding in her personal carriage that I must push. She is potty training, so before we start our journey, I take her into City Hall (the closest building open at that hour with a public restroom) to use their facilities to try and avoid accidents. While in there this morning, I spotted a rolly polly crawling on the very clean, not yet dirty from lots of traffic, floor. I got excited because Lila Grace has yet to see one of these creatures. "Lila, look!" I said pointing at the insect. At that moment, I poked it until it curled up into it's shell forming a ball and then I proceeded to show my sweet, beautiful little girl how uniquely the rolly polly becomes a ball when feeling threatened. "Ball?" Lila asked. "That's right, Lila. Isn't that neat?" I asked. She looked at me, then looked at the bug then yelled, "NO! SPIDER." Without warning, down her foot came with a splat, squashing the poor rolly polly. Never batting an eye, she strolled out of the bathroom with confidence, having done the public a great service. I could only laugh and shake my head. Her daddy would be proud.
This Evening:
Every Wednesday night, my family and I head to church for bible study and my children are always itching to go with excitement. This week's bible study was a very heavy lesson about the Anti-Christ. After the study, we gathered up our things and headed out into the parking lot, our spirits were a bit somber but the moon light captured all of our attention with it's bright beauty. The solom spirit left quickly and fellowship with other participants of the bible study began. Though usually desolate at this hour, it is still a parking lot and as a mother, one eye is always on my girls as they find adventure in the open space, chasing one another and giggling. Moments go by and I spot my oldest, Jocelyn, swaying as if to music, looking up to the sky. A smile begins to form on my lips as I wonder what she must be hearing. Soon after she begins to blow kisses to the sky, one after another after another. My eyebrows come down on my forehead as more curiosity forms and she catches my gaze. "What?" she asks. "Nothing, just wondering what you are doing." With a giggle and a big smile, she ever so confidently answers with, "Just loving on God, Mommy." My heart became a puddle on the ground and tears welled up in my eyes. Precious, just precious.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
He does exist
"...But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.” Revelation 12:12
Satan certainly exists in our world and his purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to shut you down, lock you up, keep you quiet about the truth of Christ until your death and relentlessly he will try to use the woes of this world to certainly do just that. He will tell you, "You are not worthy, no one cares about you; You are unattractive, undesirable, beyond reconciliation. God let all this happen to you...." And he doesn't stop there.
Scripture says "... he [Satan, himself] masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthian 11:14) So not only does he come at us with fury to destroy our confidence in Christ but he also has the ability to decieve us into thinking that what he is lying to us about is truth, is right (i.e. we have the right to treat others with crudeness and judgement because they have hurt us, are not in our circle of status, take up offenses..so on and so on), and convince us that Christ would be ok with all of it because He doesn't want us to subject ourselves to hurt...right? In Matthew 4, he used scripture to try to trip up Christ Himself and he will certainly pull that on you to try to get you to not walk in the truth.
This all sounds so defeating but here's the kicker...HE HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED!!!
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[e] Colossians 2:13-15
The powers and authorities of Satan have been disarmed by the cross! All the accusations he brings against you, all the lies he tells you, the deception, the blame, the shame, all of it has been canceled out by the blood of the lamb for those who believe. Don't give him the power he does not have. Don't let him take your testimony away from you. Don't let him steal the joy and peace that Christ died to give you. You have the power inside of you that defeated your enemy. Recall it, use it, trust it, live it and walk in peace!
because he knows that his time is short.” Revelation 12:12
Satan certainly exists in our world and his purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to shut you down, lock you up, keep you quiet about the truth of Christ until your death and relentlessly he will try to use the woes of this world to certainly do just that. He will tell you, "You are not worthy, no one cares about you; You are unattractive, undesirable, beyond reconciliation. God let all this happen to you...." And he doesn't stop there.
Scripture says "... he [Satan, himself] masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthian 11:14) So not only does he come at us with fury to destroy our confidence in Christ but he also has the ability to decieve us into thinking that what he is lying to us about is truth, is right (i.e. we have the right to treat others with crudeness and judgement because they have hurt us, are not in our circle of status, take up offenses..so on and so on), and convince us that Christ would be ok with all of it because He doesn't want us to subject ourselves to hurt...right? In Matthew 4, he used scripture to try to trip up Christ Himself and he will certainly pull that on you to try to get you to not walk in the truth.
This all sounds so defeating but here's the kicker...HE HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED!!!
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[e] Colossians 2:13-15
The powers and authorities of Satan have been disarmed by the cross! All the accusations he brings against you, all the lies he tells you, the deception, the blame, the shame, all of it has been canceled out by the blood of the lamb for those who believe. Don't give him the power he does not have. Don't let him take your testimony away from you. Don't let him steal the joy and peace that Christ died to give you. You have the power inside of you that defeated your enemy. Recall it, use it, trust it, live it and walk in peace!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Step Moms
Jocelyn, my five year old, asked me last week if her and I could go out on "a date", just her and me. Of course, I was thrilled at the suggestion and began to make arrangements in our schedule to accomendate. A fairy tale movie adventure pricked our hearts, thus leading us to the theater on this Saturday evening to escape into Mirror, Mirror, a twist on Grimms telling of Snow White.
It went as many a fairy tale goes; a princess taken hostage by her evil step mother due to the death of both mother and father later to be rescued by the handsome, brave, valient prince. It was a thrilling and humorous tale and enjoyed greatly by my daughter and myself...but it left me wondering, "Why are step mothers always depicted as "evil". "
I have the great privilage of being a step mother and have sought the Lord earnestly on how best to be in this role. Some say that being a mom is the hardest job given to a woman but I will honestly admit that being a step mom is even harder. You are handed this precious child to love and cherish as your own (a thing that takes lots of prayer and petition), knowing that in return, you will never quite receive that same amount of love in return, and rightfully so. [May I just add here that I also have the privilage of a great friendship with Mack's mom. She is an amazing woman and mother and I am very honored that she finds me worthy to help raise her son.] He or she will always love their own mother much more than you. If in a crowded room, with their mom on one side and you on the other, without your spouse (the child's other biological parent), the child will always go to the one who gave birth to him, first. It is a very tough postition but when he does choose to catch your eye with a smile and wave, it is a heart melting thing.
While it is the toughest job in my life, I absolutely love it and I'll admit, Mack is one of a kind and the son I've always dreamed of. I hate the word "step" and rarely use it when speaking of my relation with Mack. The Lord has taught me so much through and because of him and I wouldn't change what we are for anything in the world. It took some time but our relationship with one another has flourished into something very beautiful and I fail to see myself as the "evil step mother" through his eyes. He readily hugs on me and tells me he loves me on a daily basis. My prayer is that he always will.
So, I write for all the step parents, who have sought for a healthy relationship with their step children and say, "May the Lord bless your selflessness. You are noticed and appreciated for all your efforts and not the "evil one" the movies, and sometimes society, think you are." No, it is not the ideal situation for child or parent but with God's help, it can be used for His good and glory.
Thank you Mack and Kim, for making my position much easier than most have ability to say. Our story is one that SHOULD be in the fairy tale books.
It went as many a fairy tale goes; a princess taken hostage by her evil step mother due to the death of both mother and father later to be rescued by the handsome, brave, valient prince. It was a thrilling and humorous tale and enjoyed greatly by my daughter and myself...but it left me wondering, "Why are step mothers always depicted as "evil". "
I have the great privilage of being a step mother and have sought the Lord earnestly on how best to be in this role. Some say that being a mom is the hardest job given to a woman but I will honestly admit that being a step mom is even harder. You are handed this precious child to love and cherish as your own (a thing that takes lots of prayer and petition), knowing that in return, you will never quite receive that same amount of love in return, and rightfully so. [May I just add here that I also have the privilage of a great friendship with Mack's mom. She is an amazing woman and mother and I am very honored that she finds me worthy to help raise her son.] He or she will always love their own mother much more than you. If in a crowded room, with their mom on one side and you on the other, without your spouse (the child's other biological parent), the child will always go to the one who gave birth to him, first. It is a very tough postition but when he does choose to catch your eye with a smile and wave, it is a heart melting thing.
While it is the toughest job in my life, I absolutely love it and I'll admit, Mack is one of a kind and the son I've always dreamed of. I hate the word "step" and rarely use it when speaking of my relation with Mack. The Lord has taught me so much through and because of him and I wouldn't change what we are for anything in the world. It took some time but our relationship with one another has flourished into something very beautiful and I fail to see myself as the "evil step mother" through his eyes. He readily hugs on me and tells me he loves me on a daily basis. My prayer is that he always will.
So, I write for all the step parents, who have sought for a healthy relationship with their step children and say, "May the Lord bless your selflessness. You are noticed and appreciated for all your efforts and not the "evil one" the movies, and sometimes society, think you are." No, it is not the ideal situation for child or parent but with God's help, it can be used for His good and glory.
Thank you Mack and Kim, for making my position much easier than most have ability to say. Our story is one that SHOULD be in the fairy tale books.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Come!
Imagine with me...
The Throne Room of God:
In the center of this place is a throne and seated upon it is One with the appeareance that can only be discribed as radiant, brilliant fire of jasper and ruby. A rainbow of emerald encircles this Throne and surrounding it are twenty-four other thrones seated with twenty-four elders. The elders are dressed in white and have golden crowns upon their heads. From the Throne come flashes of lightening and rumbling thunder. Between the Throne and the elders are four living creatures; one like that of a lion, the second like that of an ox, the third like that of a man and the fourth like that of an eagle. Each have six wings covered in eyes. Day and night, they never stop saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord, God, Almighty, who was, who is, who is to come." Before the Throne, seven lamps blaze with the fire of God's spirits. A sea, like a sheet of glass, clear as crystal stretches out before these seven lamps.
Power! Great Power, there is no question!
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
We are invited to this place...this amazing, powerful, beautiful place, and approach the throne of God. What is it that you petition/desire most in prayer? Imagine that you hold this petition in your hand. Imagine that you are ushered into this throne room. Imagine seeing the brilliance, hearing the words of the living creatures being chanted, and the One who sits on the throne motions to you to come before Him. Your legs give way and you fall prostrate onto the sapphire floor. With the voice of rushing waters, he says to you, "Son of Man, stand up..." The Spirit comes into you and raises you to your feet. "What is it that you bring?" He asks. You almost forgot why you were here, wrapped up in all this glory, but He hasn't. Looking down, you remember what it was that you desire the most to gain or release is still in your hand, waiting to be handed over to the Almighty. Satan has no power here so the thoughts of, "This is stupid. He doesn't care about this. You can handle this on your own." are no longer ringing loud in your ear and all you can do, with confidence is give Him your petition. With grace and mercy, His gentle hand takes it and with Him, His will, will be done with what you have asked. With Him, it will be protected and with Him, it is now HIS, not yours. Do you really want to take it back out of His hands? His is powerful enough to keep it and do with it what is best for you.
This place is something we can only hardly imagine and visit only in Spirit during this life but is very real and waiting on you. I think we often forget that this is where we are when we go to Him but let us now be reminded of the Throne room and trust in His power.
Lord, give us this confidence to come before you, releasing our petitions and trusting you to do with them what your will is, not ours.
The Throne Room of God:
In the center of this place is a throne and seated upon it is One with the appeareance that can only be discribed as radiant, brilliant fire of jasper and ruby. A rainbow of emerald encircles this Throne and surrounding it are twenty-four other thrones seated with twenty-four elders. The elders are dressed in white and have golden crowns upon their heads. From the Throne come flashes of lightening and rumbling thunder. Between the Throne and the elders are four living creatures; one like that of a lion, the second like that of an ox, the third like that of a man and the fourth like that of an eagle. Each have six wings covered in eyes. Day and night, they never stop saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord, God, Almighty, who was, who is, who is to come." Before the Throne, seven lamps blaze with the fire of God's spirits. A sea, like a sheet of glass, clear as crystal stretches out before these seven lamps.
Power! Great Power, there is no question!
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
We are invited to this place...this amazing, powerful, beautiful place, and approach the throne of God. What is it that you petition/desire most in prayer? Imagine that you hold this petition in your hand. Imagine that you are ushered into this throne room. Imagine seeing the brilliance, hearing the words of the living creatures being chanted, and the One who sits on the throne motions to you to come before Him. Your legs give way and you fall prostrate onto the sapphire floor. With the voice of rushing waters, he says to you, "Son of Man, stand up..." The Spirit comes into you and raises you to your feet. "What is it that you bring?" He asks. You almost forgot why you were here, wrapped up in all this glory, but He hasn't. Looking down, you remember what it was that you desire the most to gain or release is still in your hand, waiting to be handed over to the Almighty. Satan has no power here so the thoughts of, "This is stupid. He doesn't care about this. You can handle this on your own." are no longer ringing loud in your ear and all you can do, with confidence is give Him your petition. With grace and mercy, His gentle hand takes it and with Him, His will, will be done with what you have asked. With Him, it will be protected and with Him, it is now HIS, not yours. Do you really want to take it back out of His hands? His is powerful enough to keep it and do with it what is best for you.
This place is something we can only hardly imagine and visit only in Spirit during this life but is very real and waiting on you. I think we often forget that this is where we are when we go to Him but let us now be reminded of the Throne room and trust in His power.
Lord, give us this confidence to come before you, releasing our petitions and trusting you to do with them what your will is, not ours.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
HE IS WORTHY!
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking has if it had been slain, standing in the center before the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and TOOK the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and twenty four elders fell down before the Lamb."
The scene described in Revelations is that of the Throne room of God. Holding out His hand, with the scroll sealed with seven seals in it, God asks, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" All of heaven and earth and under the earth remain quiet and sumber for no one among them is worthy of such a task. BUT THEN, the Lamb looking as if slain, covered in blood, TAKES it from His Father's hand for He is worthy. We can not be sure what this scroll is but many have suspected that it holds the deed to the earth, that it is not just meant to be read but upon it's opening will begin the end of what is now.
The Lamb came forth, worthy to take the deed to the earth and open up the events to allow Him to take his place as ruler over this earth. How much more worthy is he to take from our hand what we hold so tight to? How much more worthy is he to release us from what has it's grips around us? I tend to put God in my little box and only give him enough of me to suit my needs and keep to myself what I want. I pick and choose what I think He is worthy enough to take but I AM WRONG!!! He is so worthy of it ALL. He can handle it ALL. I just have to unclentch my selfish hand and let Him have it. Yes, selfish...you may be thinking, "Why on earth would anyone want to keep sin, affliction, pain, hurt, brokeness???" But we do, I do. I do it thinking I am protecting myself from something worse, thinking I won't be complete if I let it go but the truth is the only thing that can fullfill me, that can fullfill you is Christ and in order to fill that void, we must first let go of that thing that is trying to fill our emptiness. We are created to be God Centered so we will remain empty if we remain self centered.
WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO SITS ON THE THRONE! Amen!
The scene described in Revelations is that of the Throne room of God. Holding out His hand, with the scroll sealed with seven seals in it, God asks, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" All of heaven and earth and under the earth remain quiet and sumber for no one among them is worthy of such a task. BUT THEN, the Lamb looking as if slain, covered in blood, TAKES it from His Father's hand for He is worthy. We can not be sure what this scroll is but many have suspected that it holds the deed to the earth, that it is not just meant to be read but upon it's opening will begin the end of what is now.
The Lamb came forth, worthy to take the deed to the earth and open up the events to allow Him to take his place as ruler over this earth. How much more worthy is he to take from our hand what we hold so tight to? How much more worthy is he to release us from what has it's grips around us? I tend to put God in my little box and only give him enough of me to suit my needs and keep to myself what I want. I pick and choose what I think He is worthy enough to take but I AM WRONG!!! He is so worthy of it ALL. He can handle it ALL. I just have to unclentch my selfish hand and let Him have it. Yes, selfish...you may be thinking, "Why on earth would anyone want to keep sin, affliction, pain, hurt, brokeness???" But we do, I do. I do it thinking I am protecting myself from something worse, thinking I won't be complete if I let it go but the truth is the only thing that can fullfill me, that can fullfill you is Christ and in order to fill that void, we must first let go of that thing that is trying to fill our emptiness. We are created to be God Centered so we will remain empty if we remain self centered.
WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO SITS ON THE THRONE! Amen!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Beauty from Ashes
My face, covered in ash
In mourning my spirit fell
Darkness blinded thine sight
Sack cloth clothed this shell
My name, no more I knew
Lost in the shadow of sorrow
In pieces, my heart shattered
My hope feared the morrow
You came with a subtle whisper
A fierce, yet gentle hand
Curled yourself up beside
Me, who was drowning on dry land
Securely, you tucked me away
Underneath your spotless cloak
Wooing me with your truth
So lovingly, in my ear, you spoke
Patiently, You cared for me
Teaching me how to forgive
Showing me how to love
Making new, a life to live
Into the light, you brought me
Like a bride in the arms of her groom
Rescuing me from the enemy
From all despair and gloom
Wiping my face, You spoke
"Dark yet Lovely are you"
"Beauty from ashes my daughter"
"My Joy, you have been made new"
Isaiah 61:3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.
In mourning my spirit fell
Darkness blinded thine sight
Sack cloth clothed this shell
My name, no more I knew
Lost in the shadow of sorrow
In pieces, my heart shattered
My hope feared the morrow
You came with a subtle whisper
A fierce, yet gentle hand
Curled yourself up beside
Me, who was drowning on dry land
Securely, you tucked me away
Underneath your spotless cloak
Wooing me with your truth
So lovingly, in my ear, you spoke
Patiently, You cared for me
Teaching me how to forgive
Showing me how to love
Making new, a life to live
Into the light, you brought me
Like a bride in the arms of her groom
Rescuing me from the enemy
From all despair and gloom
Wiping my face, You spoke
"Dark yet Lovely are you"
"Beauty from ashes my daughter"
"My Joy, you have been made new"
Isaiah 61:3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
It's Lent...God is on the move
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6: 14-15
My heart grows anxious as I sit to write, for I know what I must do. These words that Christ spoke have been ringing strong since Ash Wednesday and I didn't quite understand why until this morning as I sat in church listening to my Priest preach on these very things. As the opening went with the reading of the second scripture, I honestly thought to myself, "There is not one that I need to forgive. I have laid to rest all my burdens, transgressers, and hurts at the foot of the cross and all is well with my soul." Then, out of no where, I heard a loud voice, HIS voice say the names of people that I honestly have never met before but only knew of, by the part they had played in the wretched betrayal shown against me. Tears uncontrollable flowed. "This will be the last cup you must drink." my Abba assured. "After this, it will be done."
Why the strong emotion? Why could I not stop the tears? The Lord has helped me forgive so much already and I am more than willing to walk through this for I know his grace and mercy. I have felt his love and guidance. I have been granted the peace that passes all understanding by his hand so why? The answer; in all honesty, I thought I was done but deep down inside I knew that I wasn't yet never understand why. There was always that something that wasn't quite gone, that made me twinge ever so subtly, that something that I thought I would just live with forever as a thorn in my flesh to keep me humble...but today! Today, my Jesus said, "NO! This too will end." My God, my Abba, answered my prayer and my tears were that of joy and thankfulness. I know I can do this with HIS help, by continuing to walk in faith knowing that He has my best interest at heart. I can forgive as He has forgiven, I can love as he has loved, and I can walk in freedom with Him, because of Him, forever.
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6: 14-15
My heart grows anxious as I sit to write, for I know what I must do. These words that Christ spoke have been ringing strong since Ash Wednesday and I didn't quite understand why until this morning as I sat in church listening to my Priest preach on these very things. As the opening went with the reading of the second scripture, I honestly thought to myself, "There is not one that I need to forgive. I have laid to rest all my burdens, transgressers, and hurts at the foot of the cross and all is well with my soul." Then, out of no where, I heard a loud voice, HIS voice say the names of people that I honestly have never met before but only knew of, by the part they had played in the wretched betrayal shown against me. Tears uncontrollable flowed. "This will be the last cup you must drink." my Abba assured. "After this, it will be done."
Why the strong emotion? Why could I not stop the tears? The Lord has helped me forgive so much already and I am more than willing to walk through this for I know his grace and mercy. I have felt his love and guidance. I have been granted the peace that passes all understanding by his hand so why? The answer; in all honesty, I thought I was done but deep down inside I knew that I wasn't yet never understand why. There was always that something that wasn't quite gone, that made me twinge ever so subtly, that something that I thought I would just live with forever as a thorn in my flesh to keep me humble...but today! Today, my Jesus said, "NO! This too will end." My God, my Abba, answered my prayer and my tears were that of joy and thankfulness. I know I can do this with HIS help, by continuing to walk in faith knowing that He has my best interest at heart. I can forgive as He has forgiven, I can love as he has loved, and I can walk in freedom with Him, because of Him, forever.
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
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