Conversation hearts are everywhere this time of year. Little phrases stamped on a heart can say much!
Today I sensed that God sent me a little message wrapped in His love. His message was a simple "Trust Me!"
Yes, Lord, I will trust You! You have proven Your love for me in so many ways! You have always been good and even when I question Your ways, I will eventually see the wisdom and love in what You do! My conversation heart to You today is, "I Love You!"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Deeper
I am participating in a study at our church called The Significant Woman. It is a study about pursuing God and His Unique design for my life. I was invited to attend and after praying and discussion with my husband, I said "Yes" to the commitment.
I have attended 3 weeks of the study, worked on homework, though I confess I have not followed through on every detail of the outside suggested activities. so far I have wondered why God has me in this class. Each chapter, so far has been a repeat of something I have already done. I find that I am only doing an overview of each topic.
The question I have for myself is am I supposed to go deeper? If so where should I dive in? There is not enough time to go deeper into every area.
Father, You have led me to this place. open my eyes to see where You want me to join You in the discovery of Your purpose for my life. Teach me and open my heart to all You have for me.
I have attended 3 weeks of the study, worked on homework, though I confess I have not followed through on every detail of the outside suggested activities. so far I have wondered why God has me in this class. Each chapter, so far has been a repeat of something I have already done. I find that I am only doing an overview of each topic.
The question I have for myself is am I supposed to go deeper? If so where should I dive in? There is not enough time to go deeper into every area.
Father, You have led me to this place. open my eyes to see where You want me to join You in the discovery of Your purpose for my life. Teach me and open my heart to all You have for me.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
To Dance or To Wrestle
I love to dance! Certain music causes me to move my body in harmony with the beat and melody. Today I enjoyed a dance with my Grandman! He relaxed in my arms as I stepped around the room singing to the music. It will remain a sweet memory!
I also have been dancing with my Lord today! Our dance was a dance of words and intimate quiet moments. He spoke. I answered. We both listened and settled into the presence of one another.
Sometimes the exchange I have with Him is more of a wrestling match. My stubborn heart pushing Him away and yet, pulling Him back again to keep Him close.
The dance is easy and lovely. In the dance I make small changes to follow His every step.
The wrestling match is gritty and difficult, but in the wrestling match I make big changes! I am challenged to know the truth and to adjust my stumbling steps to keep up with him.
In both He is the One I must rely on, trust in, and allow to lead. In both He is close! I want Him near me always and so I continue to dance and wrestle!
Thank You Lord, for being a Dancer and a Wrestler! I want to be near You.
I also have been dancing with my Lord today! Our dance was a dance of words and intimate quiet moments. He spoke. I answered. We both listened and settled into the presence of one another.
Sometimes the exchange I have with Him is more of a wrestling match. My stubborn heart pushing Him away and yet, pulling Him back again to keep Him close.
The dance is easy and lovely. In the dance I make small changes to follow His every step.
The wrestling match is gritty and difficult, but in the wrestling match I make big changes! I am challenged to know the truth and to adjust my stumbling steps to keep up with him.
In both He is the One I must rely on, trust in, and allow to lead. In both He is close! I want Him near me always and so I continue to dance and wrestle!
Thank You Lord, for being a Dancer and a Wrestler! I want to be near You.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Sower and the Seed
Jesus taught many lessons in His parables. After reading through them time and time again, I sometimes think that I will not learn anything new from them. It is when I gather new information that the stories become new and I invest myself into a new way of seeing my relation to what Christ was saying. Many time that comes from listening to other disciples and their stories of walking with God.
Yesterday I was reading about farming in Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg. she mentioned that though a farmer is aware that some ground would not be good for growing a large and prosperous harvest, it could produce something and so some seed is scattered. Margaret then related that information in a personal way. She admitted that within herself she has good soil as well as rocky, weedy and shallow ground.
I had always looked at that scripture as telling me that my heart contained only one of those types of soils,and the judgement of my heart was its fruitfulness. I was faced with the truth that I must admit I knew by experience. I can be part of each soil type depending on the place the seed of God's word falls. God works the soil in every part of my heart, giving extra encouragement and care in those areas that need it.
Growing in character that resembles Jesus is a huge task! He instructs us to be holy as He is holy! I must learn to submit to the plow that digs deep, the removal of weeds embedded with deep roots, and hard rocky places that demand breaking. I may produce a rich harvest in creative expression, but allow weeds or rocks to steal the harvest of generosity or self control in me.
Father God, creator of the earth and its fruit, thank You for sending me this message that changes my understanding of Your Word and how it applies to me personally! I still have much work to be done before my field will yield the harvest that You intend ! I want to submit each day, not just learn about it! Keep pointing me to those places that need attention! Do not turn away from my stubborn will that would refuse Your wise touch!
Yesterday I was reading about farming in Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg. she mentioned that though a farmer is aware that some ground would not be good for growing a large and prosperous harvest, it could produce something and so some seed is scattered. Margaret then related that information in a personal way. She admitted that within herself she has good soil as well as rocky, weedy and shallow ground.
I had always looked at that scripture as telling me that my heart contained only one of those types of soils,and the judgement of my heart was its fruitfulness. I was faced with the truth that I must admit I knew by experience. I can be part of each soil type depending on the place the seed of God's word falls. God works the soil in every part of my heart, giving extra encouragement and care in those areas that need it.
Growing in character that resembles Jesus is a huge task! He instructs us to be holy as He is holy! I must learn to submit to the plow that digs deep, the removal of weeds embedded with deep roots, and hard rocky places that demand breaking. I may produce a rich harvest in creative expression, but allow weeds or rocks to steal the harvest of generosity or self control in me.
Father God, creator of the earth and its fruit, thank You for sending me this message that changes my understanding of Your Word and how it applies to me personally! I still have much work to be done before my field will yield the harvest that You intend ! I want to submit each day, not just learn about it! Keep pointing me to those places that need attention! Do not turn away from my stubborn will that would refuse Your wise touch!
Friday, February 5, 2010
I Have to Laugh
After posting my last blog, I have to laugh at myself! I've been scared, worried, angry , frustrated and generally pounced on by the enemy!
Did I anticipate the good in the situations I faced? Well, I can't say I did in all cases. Yep, here I am "anticipating" and I take a small little trip over the edge of forgetfulness. I forgot to anticipate the good that God has for me in every situation. I let my emotions guide me.
Lesson: Let faith guide me not my emotions! Don't just SAY what I believe but DO it!
Father, Please forgive me for not acting on the trust I have in You! forgive my failure to live my life with faith. You are most loving and most faithful in EVERY circumstance and I must live out that truth every day! Thank You for picking me up and letting me see the mud on my face! Now that You have cleansed me from it all I can laugh at my foolishness! You are all I need!
Did I anticipate the good in the situations I faced? Well, I can't say I did in all cases. Yep, here I am "anticipating" and I take a small little trip over the edge of forgetfulness. I forgot to anticipate the good that God has for me in every situation. I let my emotions guide me.
Lesson: Let faith guide me not my emotions! Don't just SAY what I believe but DO it!
Father, Please forgive me for not acting on the trust I have in You! forgive my failure to live my life with faith. You are most loving and most faithful in EVERY circumstance and I must live out that truth every day! Thank You for picking me up and letting me see the mud on my face! Now that You have cleansed me from it all I can laugh at my foolishness! You are all I need!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Anticipation
Something good is going to happen!
It is true that when I anticipate good, good happens. I choose to find good in my circumstances and I find it!
Father God, You give good things to everyone but not every person will anticipate and find the good You have offered. I am grateful that I am blessed with Your goodness, with YOU in my life! Help me to be the mirror of Your goodness so that many more will see You and believe in Your good gift of Your Son!
It is true that when I anticipate good, good happens. I choose to find good in my circumstances and I find it!
Father God, You give good things to everyone but not every person will anticipate and find the good You have offered. I am grateful that I am blessed with Your goodness, with YOU in my life! Help me to be the mirror of Your goodness so that many more will see You and believe in Your good gift of Your Son!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I'm Watching
What do people watchers watch when watching people?
I've joined a new group study with about 40 women. Last week was our first meeting together. I had every intention of joining in discussions, writing notes and doing all the things "good" participants do. Instead I felt very overwhelmed and lost to the point of tears. It had been a long hard day and I wasn't feeling well. All of that played a part in my trying to swim but sinking like a rock.
Yesterday was the second class. I again went into the meeting intending to be a "good" participant. Soon into the meeting I stepped back in my mind and began to watch. I did not write down note feverishly worried I would miss something important. I did not look for the opening in conversations so that I could jump in to tell my story. I just watched. I watched the teacher, those at my table, and others around the room. I was a people watcher last night.
I watched expressions and body language. I watched for interactions between ladies. I learned much and even heard more and joined in to the discussions!
I guess what I am seeing as the truth for me is that when I put people first I find my time is well spent. I may not get all the answers down. I may not have all the blanks filled. What I take away is a connection. I take away a sense of what God sees when I people watch.
One other truth I am aware of today is that God is watching me! He watches. He sees when I need Him. He is ready to give a word or a helping hand. What a lovely thought! He is watching me watch the people He loves!
God, Seer of all, All-knowing Lord, teach me to see when others need me. Prepare me to give generously to others in need! Thank You for showing me the value of taking my eyes off of myself! Let me be like You!
I've joined a new group study with about 40 women. Last week was our first meeting together. I had every intention of joining in discussions, writing notes and doing all the things "good" participants do. Instead I felt very overwhelmed and lost to the point of tears. It had been a long hard day and I wasn't feeling well. All of that played a part in my trying to swim but sinking like a rock.
Yesterday was the second class. I again went into the meeting intending to be a "good" participant. Soon into the meeting I stepped back in my mind and began to watch. I did not write down note feverishly worried I would miss something important. I did not look for the opening in conversations so that I could jump in to tell my story. I just watched. I watched the teacher, those at my table, and others around the room. I was a people watcher last night.
I watched expressions and body language. I watched for interactions between ladies. I learned much and even heard more and joined in to the discussions!
I guess what I am seeing as the truth for me is that when I put people first I find my time is well spent. I may not get all the answers down. I may not have all the blanks filled. What I take away is a connection. I take away a sense of what God sees when I people watch.
One other truth I am aware of today is that God is watching me! He watches. He sees when I need Him. He is ready to give a word or a helping hand. What a lovely thought! He is watching me watch the people He loves!
God, Seer of all, All-knowing Lord, teach me to see when others need me. Prepare me to give generously to others in need! Thank You for showing me the value of taking my eyes off of myself! Let me be like You!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)