Malachi 3:6: "I am the LORD, and I do not change…”
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Saturday, October 18, 2014
Change
Heal broken hearts. Celebrate
Successes. Heal failing bodies.
Comfort us. Give us hope. Hear our silent cries. Love
us.
Fix relationships. Hold us. Celebrate
triumphs. Calm our fears.
Give us peace.
Calm the storm. Speak
truth to us.
Provide for us. Meet our needs. Give us joy. Forgive us.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Ministry of Music
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” -Psalm 59:16
Most of you that know me know that I love music. It touches the very depth of my soul and takes me to a place where it is just God and me. Music ministers to my spirit and reminds me of the many, many blessing I have in Christ. What a wonderful day it will be when I am singing praises face to face with The King of Kings!
At the beginning of my 10 year journey (that would be the start to my deep pit of despair) my parents were visiting us from New York. While sitting in the living room one day, the Gaither’s came on the television and the words below caught my Mom’s attention. She mentioned it to me and I looked it up. Little did I know that this song would carry me along for years during my journey to a true relationship with Jesus. If you have not heard this song before, check it out on www.youtube.com .
Praise His Name – By: Jeff & Sherri Easter
When you're up against a wall
And your mountain seems so tall
And you realize that life's not always fair
You can run away and hide
Let the old man decide
Or you can change your circumstances with a prayer
When everything falls apart
Praise his name
When you have a broken heart
Raise your hands and say
Lord, you're all I need
You're everything to me
And he'll take the pain away
When you feel you're all alone
Praise his name
And you feel all hope is gone
Raise your hands and say
Greater is he that is within me
And you can praise the hurt away
If you'll just praise his name
Ohhh, You can overcome
By the blood of the lamb
And by the word of your testimony
You'll see the darkness go
As your faith begins to grow
You're not alone, so how can you be lonely
I would often put that song on and cry out my heart to God, begging Him for relief from the inner turmoil inside my heart. I particularly love the line “You’re not alone, so how can you be lonely.” In the midst of those trials when we can’t feel or see God – we are not alone. He is unchanging. He is right beside us. He NEVER leaves us. What a wonderful promise! My heart overflows with gratefulness as I consider His GREAT Faithfulness to me over the years. There were times when I wasn’t holding on to God – but He was definitely holding on to me!
This song came along when I felt like everything I knew had fallen apart. I had been hurt very deeply by several Christian relationships and lost people I considered friends. At the same time, Raymond and I were also struggling in our marriage, I had 2 small children, I was living in a “fishbowl” surrounded by gossip, and I was far, far away from my NY family. (I know that the “Raymond and I were struggling” part may come as a shock to some of you – but we are no exception to any marriage “rules” – Marriage is hard!!! But totally worth it! Just Sayin’!). I truly felt alone. You know that feeling when you discover that a broken heart is truly a physical happening...something you never knew could happen...then it does – it’s devastating...truly. Many of you will understand what I am speaking of. Many of you have been there or are there presently.
For the next several years I just existed. I was struggling to get through the daily routine of everyday life – just going through the motions really. I cried and then cried some more. During these days I started going to a Christian Counsellor, which turned out to be a good thing for me. I learned a lot about me – and realized that there were things that needed to be taken care of – for me! So I did. I am glad that God got me to the place where I needed talk to someone else. It truly changed me in all positive ways! This was not only a blessing to me, but to my family as well. PLEASE NOTE: There is no shame in seeking help!
With those details I just gave you about me, I think we need to try and understand this about others:
-Just because people look like they have it all together – doesn’t mean they aren’t falling apart.
-Just because people laugh on the outside – doesn’t mean they are not crying on the inside.
-Just because it looks like people have everything – doesn’t mean they do.
We ALL have trials and there are not exceptions to this rule. Don’t think for a minute you are the only one with trials. We are all on this journey of life, filled with unknown twists and turns! We need each other! I am here today to tell you from experience that: We have a God who is Faithful, Loving, Kind, Compassionate, Who loves us on our worst days, Who hurts when we hurt, Who cries when we cry – WE ARE NEVER ALONE. He has proven this over and over to me even when I was far, far away from Him. My friends, if you find yourself in the position of a broken heart….remember these words to the above song: “Raise your hands and say - Greater is he that is within me - And you can praise the hurt away -If you'll just praise his name.” You are loved by THE KING OF KINGS! He cares and He wants a relationship with you!
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles! Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings,
Overwhelmed?
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” -Psalm 61:2
“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path.” -Psalm 142:6a
Overwhelmed. I think we all get to this point sometimes. Some other synonyms of this word would be: swamp, engulf, overthrow, crush, stir, devastate and flood. It seems things just keep coming at you and you can’t catch your breath. If I am to be honest with you in this writing, the last several months have been pretty overwhelming. So much coming at me, lingering on, and it feels like life just won’t let up. Ever feel like that? I know you have, because everyone feels like that sometimes. We are not alone in that. It is definitely a word we all understand. We all know what it means to be overwhelmed. We all sometimes just want it to stop. We want to get off the merry-go-round ride and just sit on the bench quietly. Do you know what I mean?
God knows how we feel. Jesus felt this when He knew the fate that awaited Him, before He would have to endure the cross. Matthew 26:38-39 says: “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
I cannot fathom what this moment must have been like for Jesus. The weight of the world on His shoulders had to be unbearable. Crying out to His Father for a different possibility, but willing to stay in His Father’s will, despite the overwhelming circumstances. It certainly makes me stop and think and consider that although I am tired and frustrated and want to press the pause button on life for just for a few minutes, in no way does it compare to what Jesus had to endure. But it does make me realize that God understands that life is overwhelming. He understands that we get tired and weary.
Thankfully, God filled His Word with promises we can cling to. He knew we would need some help. Here are just a few:
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. “· · -·Isaiah 40:31
This verse gives us hope! It is in these times of being overwhelmed that we must seek the Lord and wait. That’s not easy, but He promises to renew our strength. He promises to help with the weariness and faintness.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God…” - John 14:1
This verse tells us to trust God. He does have our backs. He is trustworthy and unchanging.
“…despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” –Romans 8:37
Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ that verse says! Remember that. He loves you. Whatever you are facing today, however overwhelmed you feel, I encourage you to hold on to the Promises from God’s Word. Find them, write them, sing them, print them, put them on your fridge, your mirrors, set them as your phone or computer background, etc… Get them where you can see them throughout the entire day. Keep filling your mind with them. Bind up those negative, overwhelming thoughts and command them to flee in Jesus’ name. Then ask God to fill your mind with His Peace and His Promises.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20
He loves you. He cares. He is with you. You can trust Him. That’s a promise!
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
It Can Be Hard ...
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” –Ephesians 6:13
Welcome to 2014! I hope this year will be one of many blessings and much joy for each of you. Whatever it may bring, you can be sure that God is with you, in every situation. That is a promise!
We recently took a trip after one of the recent freezing rain/ice storms. It looked beautiful on the trees with all its glistening and shine. The snow was so white and clean on the ground and resting beautifully on the evergreen branches. One thing I noticed though, as we travelled, was that a lot of the trees with that beautiful, glistening ice were bent over. Some of them were weighted so heavily by all the ice that their tops were touching the snow on the ground. Although they still looked beautiful with the glistening ice, they looked tired and weighted by what the weather had brought their way. As we drove I thought of the verse above, especially the last part that says and “after you have done everything, stand.”
Life is not easy. Period. It just is not. BUT, God is faithful and He provides full armor for us so that when those unexpected storms come, like they did with those trees, we can still stand. We can be rooted deep in His love and completely covered by His armor.
Like those trees we are going through life; standing, functioning, being and growing. We are rooted in our corner of the world and functioning to take care of the things around us, doing what needs to be done. Then a storm sweeps in and the trouble winds blow, the chaos rains down on us, the uncertainty of situations causes us to freeze and the heaviness of it all bends us. We are still beautiful and functioning and doing what needs to be done, but we are bent so far down and the weight of it all is so heavy, we feel like we are going to break.
This is why it is so important to be rooted in God, to read His Word, to be protected by His armor. It may feel like you are going to break, but if you have that armor on, you will still stand. You may be bent over a little from the storm and it may all feel too heavy, but your roots will be deep and you will stand.
Everything changes. This current storm that has you bent over and weighted down, it will stop. The sun will come out again and slowly that uncertainly will start to melt, the chaos will cease and those trouble winds will stop. Before you know it you will realize you are still standing. Not only that, but you are still standing and the burdens seem much lighter. The armor has protected you through the storm and you have stood your ground. You have weathered the storm. You have a chance now to catch your breath.
Like those trees when the sun shines and melts away the ice and snow, they slowly rise back up and they are still standing. They draw back upright towards the blue, sunny skies. They may be a little bent from the storm, but they are strong and standing.
You are stronger than you know and you will get through whatever storm you are facing. The Son is always with you, shining down on you, giving you the necessary armor to face what comes your way. Look up, you will find Him. Put your armor on everyday so that you will be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, you will still stand.
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Footprints
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters,·I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” –Isaiah 43:1-2
In several conversations with family members over the past few months, a couple of things have been mentioned that really caught my attention. One conversation was about the “Footprints in the Sand” poem and one was about a camp meeting altar call that took place in 1980. Both of these things reminded me that God was with me way back when and He is still with me now.
The well known poem “Footprints”, speaks about God carrying us in times of trouble and therefore the one set of footprints are His with us safely in His arms. It’s a testimony of faith from someone who has been through deep waters and knows that Jesus was with them through it all. Do I believe He carries us? Yes I do. Do I believe in times of trouble He is with us? Yes I do.
The camp meeting conversation was about the first time I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I was 10 the first time I went to an altar to ask Jesus into my heart. Do I believe God wanted my heart as early as 10? Yes I do. Do I believe that He had/has a plan for my life? Yes I do.
I was 10 years old sitting in a camp meeting service on a wooden, very uncomfortable pew. We sang some songs and the speaker spoke. I cannot tell you what the Evangelist spoke on that night back on August 8, 1980. I cannot tell you that His words changed my life forever either. But, I can tell you that God changed something in me that night. I knew there was more to Church, than going to Church. I could feel it. (Please note here that I didn’t realize how little I actually knew about God and life…but Hey, we all have to start somewhere right?) Do you know what I mean when I say “that nudge, that pull on your heart from the Holy Spirit”? It’s that gentle tugging that propels you to want more, to want what you are missing, a longing, that you are in need of help. I was reminded through this conversation, several weeks ago, that God was with me even when I was 10. He was starting a work in my heart before I even realized what a true relationship with Jesus really meant.
As I thought about that, the conversation about the “Footprints” poem came back to my mind. God has carried me many times. God carried me when I didn’t even know He was. I believe there have been many times since I was born that God has been with me, protecting me, wanting me to desire and walk a closer relationship with Him. He has gently prodded my heart many times since then and I have blazed a trail to the altar on more than one occasion. (Teen-age years can be difficult, with large learning curve experiences. Just Saying…) I truly believe in years gone by that God has carried me many, many times. I think the poem speaks volumes about the love, care and compassion that our Savior has for us. In our frustration, due to the situations of life, I think we forget that He has carried us all along. He has been with us since we took our first breath and will be with us when we take our last.
Life is hard. We all go through times when we want answers to the questions, reasons why things happen the way they do, help and relief from the pain and the stress of it all, but please believe me when I tell you that you are not alone. No one escapes the realities of life. It may appear that people have their life in order and they are happy and stress free, but I have yet to have a “real life talk” with someone who hasn’t been through the deep, dark stormy waters of life at some point.
I think of it as a big, wide ocean and we are all in our boats on the same waters paddling, paddling, paddling to get through. Our “boats” may be a little different, but we are all looking for and longing for peace and calm while we are sailing on the some times stormy waters of this life. All journeying separately, but still together on the same ocean called life.
I want you to know that God loves YOU. God has YOUR back. God cares about YOU. God seeks after YOU. God delights in YOU. God created YOU. God will provide for YOU. Like the poem speaks of, God will carry YOU through the deep waters. YOU are not alone.
Whatever you are facing, remember YOU are loved by the creator of the universe. He doesn’t care about your past, what you have done or haven’t done, He wants YOUR heart. He wants to be with YOU this very moment as we journey through life. He wants to sit with YOU in your “boat”. All you have to do is ask Him and He is there. Speak His name. Follow the gentle nudging of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says: “When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me.”
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Church ...
Do you go to Church? Why do you go to Church? I have gone to Church all my life. I really don’t know anything different. When I was young we didn’t miss a Sunday unless our family was away or unless we were sick. We went to Church. No exceptions, that is just how it was.
Then, as God would have it, I married a preacher. Thus, I have gone to Church every week since I have been married with the exception of being sick or away and travelling where we couldn’t get to Church.
Do you think maybe God knows my personality a little? Do you think maybe He knew it would be best for me to grow up in a family that made Church a priority? Do you think He knew best that as an adult I would require the constant tie of being married to the Preacher? I do. Many of you will be shocked to learn that I have a personality that does this: If you Say: “No.” I say “Yes.” If you say: “You can’t.” I say “I can!” If you say: “Don’t.” I say “Do”. Many of you won’t be shocked about that at all! Believe me when I say I am well aware of that rebellious part of my personality. It’s been with me a lifetime. My parents and Raymond are probably pretty aware of this too! Just Saying!
Thankfully, over the years I have learned to manage this tendency and do my best in taming myself down when I feel like showing you that “I can!!!” But, I am a work in progress, keep that in mind! The taming doesn’t always go as well as I plan!
I say all these things to say that I am thankful that my parents made me go to Church and I am thankful that I am married to the Preacher. I wasn’t impressed with going to Church as a kid or a teen-ager, as it became a drudgery. I went because I had to, not because I wanted to. I will also say here that there were even several years after I was married that I went because I had to. Simply because I was the Preacher’s wife and it was expected. I am not proud to say that, but If I am to be real with you, that is the truth.
My personality during these periods would say, “I don’t have to go. You can’t make me.” Yet, my parents made me go anyway and being the Pastor’s wife forced me to go as well. God created me and my personality. He has a plan for my life and has loved me from day one. But, His unconditional love doesn’t give me free reign to be rebellious and show the world how Trista can do things. Instead, His love means He will help me manage my rebellious personality, if I seek Him. Have you ever heard the quote: “Jesus knows me. This I love.” It is one of my favorites! Do you know He loves YOU?
So, back to Church. I don’t go to Church because I have to anymore. I go to Church because I want to. There’s nothing I would rather do than Worship the One who saved me from myself, who saved my soul, who is with me everyday and who loves me too much to leave me the way I am. I want to be with other believers worshipping, praising and talking to the Saviour of my soul. I want to share my ups and my downs from the week with other believers. I want to be real. I want to know how God is working in your life also. I want to be in God’s House. It’s just a small portion of time that I spend with Him throughout the week, but I feel I need it and I desire it.
Were you forced to go to Church or were you not allowed to go at all? Do you go to Church because you want to? Do you seek God in His house? Do you participate in fellowship with other believers? Do you share your ups and downs with other believers? Are you real with people? I think it’s time to be honest and sincere and to share our hardships and help each other along the way. I want to be an active participant in the things of the Church, for the cause of Christ. Why don’t you join me?
Think about this: Jesus knows you. He loves you. He wants a relationship with you. I don’t believe you have to go to Church to have a relationship with Jesus. I do believe that His Church is a gift to us, as believers. A chance to be in His presence, together, sharing and caring for one another. Active participation and involvement with a body of believers is a gift we can give ourselves. Are we all actively participating and partaking of that gift?
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Take A Good Look
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:4
While at our recent Church camp one of the speakers spoke on following the model, the model being Jesus. We need to do what Jesus did: See, Stop & Spend Time with people. I’m sure I can’t say it like he did but hopefully you will get the gist of things as I go along.
The first one was SEE. We need to see people. We need to notice people. Do you know how many people feel invisible? I have to say I am guilty of this one. I can walk through a mall or down the street and not really pay much attention to what is going on or who is around me. I tend to get into my own little zone and stay there. I am not really a people kind of person, so it is easier (more comfortable) for me to just keep to myself. He was saying that we need to notice people, we need to pay attention to who is around us. People should not feel invisible when we are around.
The second one was to STOP. Stop and take notice. We need to call people by name. We need to look them in the eye. We need to be kind. For example, when you go thru the grocery line and the cashier is ringing in your groceries, look at her nametag, look directly at her and call her by name. You might be the 50th person of the day who has not even spoken to her or acknowledged her presence other than to take your money and bag your groceries. She may feel invisible, like nobody even really sees her. In reality, this is not a hard concept. How hard is it to say, “Hello, Jane.” A simple acknowledgement that she is not invisible and that someone noticed she was an actual person.
The third one was to SPEND TIME with People. Sometimes that time can be short, sometimes longer. For example if you are in the grocery line you are limited as to the conversation length, but a simple “How are you today?” can count as spending time with someone.
It is a chance for that person to talk about their day possibly or to at the very least feel like someone is interested in them and not just about the job you want them to do. I know many people who can just sit on a bench in the mall and have grand conversations with people. (I wish that was me, but I tend to run from talking to strangers…this is a struggle for me.) I want to be better at making people not feel invisible. I want to learn to follow the model, who is Jesus and be the kind of person that SEES people and STOPS from the busyness of life to SPEND TIME with them. Sometimes I think people just need to know that there are people who care about how their day is going, or just need to be acknowledged and called by name.
Jesus did this over and over in the Bible. He SAW a need. He STOPPED. He SPENT TIME with people. He did many miracles and healings because He could see the need, stop, and spend time with these people. He is the model to follow.
We are busy. Our lives often feel like we are in fast forward. We need to be here, we have to go there, we cling to a tight schedule of work, home, family, etc… I think it’s important that we take the time to look around us. Can we take time to see people who feel invisible? Sometimes a smile and a “How are you today?” can make a person’s day. I think we get caught up in our own lives, worries and problems and we just don’t see outside our own busyness.
What do you think the world would be like if we all chose to SEE, STOP and SPEND TIME with each other? What if we showed concern and care for someone who is at the end of their rope? What if we are the only person throughout the day to show someone kindness? What if we cared a little more? God calls us to do good and to share. Let’s share our time and show some interest in others.
Hebrews 13:16 says: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
So until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Seasons
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Eccl. 3:1
Spring has sprung! YAY!! For the first time this Spring I was able to open the windows a little and let in that cool, crisp air. What a treat to feel the breeze, smell the freshness of the outdoors and hear the birds singing their little, happy songs. It actually ALMOST made my chore of cleaning the floors bearable.
I think our spiritual lives can be compared to the different seasons. We go through periods of time when it feels like Winter. God feels distant and cold, even though we know He is ever-present. The months seem long, the windows are shut tight in our hearts and the air is getting stale, right along with our Christian walk. It’s just cold, barren and desolate. We long for something more. Most of you will be able to tell that Winter is my least favorite season, whether we are talking earthly or spiritually!
Then before we know it Spring rolls around and we enjoy a period of time, with God, where everything is fresh and new. Things are moving forward, changes are happening and we are growing in our spiritual journey. There are new ideas and new joys springing up all around us. We are awed by the happenings, as God works not only in our lives, but the lives of others. I have to say if I look at my spiritual life in “seasons” that this would be one of my favorites!
Next is Summer. This season reminds me of those times when God is close, things are rolling along and we feel like all is right in our own little world and in our spiritual lives. We have seen personal growth and are basking in the goodness of God’s love and faithfulness. We are enjoying the things of the Lord and the joys this life has to offer. I am very much a fan of summer also, because it is so comfortable and feels good to just bask in the peace it brings.
Fall makes me think of those times when we are struggling a little in our walk with God. We know what we should be doing, but find that the change is not so easy. God is wanting to do a work within us and although we are not opposed to that, we are just a little hesitant maybe. When I think of fall I think of the beautiful changing leaves and compare it to our lives. God is encouraging us to change, to become more like Him, to make us beautiful. Just like the green leaves, which are already lovely, change into vibrant, bright colors - God wants to change us. He wants to take these vessels He has created and make them vibrant, bright, alive and even more beautiful! I like change, but will admit that there have been times when the color changing process in my life has not been easy. Thankfully, He is with us every step of the way.
Can you relate to any of these seasons? Although, we are all on this life journey together we are all in different seasons of life in so many different ways. We are at different ages, different walks with the Lord, different jobs, going through different trials, rejoicing in different victories, etc… But, one thing remains the same and that is that we are all on this Life Journey together. Most of us are striving to be the best we can be. Thankfully, God has given us each other to go through the different seasons with together. It is divinely arranged actually, in that we do not all go through the same thing at the same time. Nobody knows exactly what we go through because they are not us. BUT, similar situations that people do go through can help us tremendously. Just knowing that someone else survived the same kind of ordeal, or that they weathered a similar storm and can testify that God never left them, or that healing came, or that a miracle happened, or that…. You understand what I am saying. We need each other. God doesn’t just call us to follow Him. He calls us to help each other. In Galatians 6:2 it says:
·“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
What I have learned about this in the past several years is that it is OK to be in different places, different seasons. In our spiritual lives we need to go through these different seasons to learn and to grow so that we can become more like Christ. When we are in a summer or spring season we can help someone who is in a winter or fall season. Or, when we are in a winter season someone in a summer season can help us through. Does that make sense? The older I get the more I realize just how important it is for me to surround myself with people who will guide me through the difficult seasons, rejoice with me in the happy seasons and propel me forward during the changing seasons. We all need a community of people who will lift us up, pray for us, challenge us and understand that we are not perfect and that we make mistakes. Likewise, we need to be part of a community that lifts others up, prays for others, challenges others and helps others up when they fall. God tells us in John 15:12 to “Love each other as I have loved you.”
This Christian life is about more than being a Church Member, it’s more than just being “saved”, it’s more than doing good works, it’s more than being on a committee… Being a Christian is about being a Disciple of Jesus Christ. Disciple in the free dictionary is defined as this: “One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.” I believe we are all called to be disciples. We need to help each other in all seasons and to draw others to Jesus through how we live our lives. I believe being part of a community of people who love Jesus and who are striving to be disciples is one of the most important things we can do as we journey through life together. If you are not part of a community of believers who embrace and assist in the spreading of the Gospel, I encourage you to find one. Are you a disciple of Christ? Are you lifting others up when they fall? Are you supportive in all seasons to those who need it? Are you in a difficult season and need the fellowship of a community?
Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Serious Business
“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” ~ C. S. Lewis
2013! Can you believe it? Do you remember when the year was turning 2000? People thought the world was going to end, computers were going to crash, etc., etc.…and now here we are thirteen years later! Time does fly by.
If I am going to be honest with you I have to tell you that I am happy to see 2012 go and I am looking forward to a better year in 2013! This past year was not a great one, which gives me hope that the next one will be better! I know I am not alone when I send this past year away, as many of you have also put in a difficult year. Even though it has been rough, one thing has remained the same: God is faithful. I am so thankful He never changes, never leaves us and helps us through each day.
I can’t remember where I heard or read these two questions a week or so ago but I wrote them down when I heard them because they made me stop and think.
The two questions were:
Have you found joy in your life?
Have you brought joy to the lives of others?
So I looked up the definition of “JOY” on the Merriam-Webster site and these are the results:
The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
The expression or exhibition of such emotion.
A state of happiness or felicity.
A source or cause of delight.
I particularly like the third definition which states, “A SOURCE or CAUSE of delight.” We have all experienced joy at some point in life. We know what it feels like to be joyful, happy and delighted! It’s a wonderful feeling. But, this world is not perfect and joy doesn’t happen every moment of every day here on planet earth. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any joy though or that we can bring joy to others.
I am fortunate to have people, both family and friends, in my life who are a “SOURCE of delight”. They bring me joy by just being who they are. These are people who are encouraging, kind, sincere and honest. They know I am flawed, but love me anyway! They know that even though I don’t always get it right, I am trying to get it right. Do you know these kind of people?
People who will be there when you need them? The kind of people who will send a word of encouragement, send you a text, give you a call, love you despite yourself, do random acts of kindness, cook you a meal or give you a hug? Is it a parent, your children, your friend, your spouse, a church member, a neighbor, a co-worker, a high school or college friend or a grandparent? If you do not have at least one person in your life who brings you joy then I pray that this is the year you find that person. We need to surround ourselves with people who lift us up, not bring us down.
Am I a “CAUSE for delight” to others? Hmm….I suppose this depends on the day and who you ask! I hope at some point along the way I bring joy or delight to others. I want to. I want to see people smile and be happy. I want to make the whole world one big happy place!! A girl can dream. I know the world is too big for me to take on, but I can try - in my own little space here on the planet to be a “cause for delight.” I want to. Do you? Don’t you think the world would be a happier place if we all tried just a little harder to be a “source and cause for delight”?
Let me just say here that I am well aware I am not always a source of joy! Goodness, there are some days I can’t even stand to be around myself. Life gets heavy and seems too hard and it’s an effort to just get up and press on. We all have our days. No one is perfect. We are human. But I want to try to do better this year. In 2013 I want to try to be better: to make someone smile when they are having a bad day, to send an encouraging text, to give someone a needed hug, to say ‘thank you’ in the line-up, to let someone go ahead of me, to hold a door open for someone who needs an extra hand, etc.etc..
True joy comes from the Lord. On the days when the present seems unbearable, He is our joy. On the days when the pressures of life seem too heavy, He is our joy. On the days when we don’t understand the why’s, He is our joy. He is constant, faithful and He has saved our souls. There will be a day when we will spend forever with Him and be Joyful all day, every day! That thought alone should bring us Joy, Joy, Joy! If you don’t know Jesus, seek Him and the joy He can bring to your life. Nothing else compares to the assurance of His presence in our lives.
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Will you join me? Will you strive to be a “source or cause for delight” in 2013? Will you go the extra mile to bring a smile to someone’s face? Will you surround yourself with people who bring you joy?
Psalms 5:11-12: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
The Music Of Life
’m sitting in my kitchen listening to the wind chimes outside on the porch. If I look out the window I can see them getting played pretty strongly by the wind. I have never really been a fan of wind chimes, as I find they can be quite annoying at times. You know, like when you are trying to sleep, have a conversation or listening to music with the window open. Annoying!
Oddly enough today they made me stop and think about a few things. As I watched the wind give them a good work out I realized they were still playing pretty music. The more the winds blew the louder the music became. Even the heaviest gusts of winds produced music and it even produced louder music. This made me stop and think. I wondered about myself. As a Christian, does my life play beautiful music despite the hard winds that may be blowing around me? When life’s storms are raging their hardest, does my faith stand up in the storm? Does my joy, my love for Jesus, my life song play even louder?
I wish I could say, “YES!” and “YES!” and “YES!” to those three questions. But, I fall short. I’m still growing in my walk and although I want to react or act a certain way, I often fail. As I have matured in my walk I feel like I have improved on these things, but I also know there is still work to be done. Thankfully, God knows we are human and is with us always to help us learn and grow in Him. (Phew….I have to say here…I’d be in a great, big mess otherwise!)
I want to be the kind of person that shows Jesus not only in the quiet seasons of life but also when the storms are raging. I want people to know that I trust Him even when I don’t understand and that no matter what I go through I am never alone! People are hurting. For some the winds seem unbearable and they need hope, they need Jesus. Jesus is our only hope in this life. Remember that old hymn by Edward Mote that says: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” It’s true!
Have you ever been in a place where the winds of life are bearing down so heavy you don’t feel like you can even breathe? I think we all have. If you haven’t, well, you probably will. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world and much pain comes with that. Many people don’t talk about it, but many have been there.
I have been in that place….a place of dark despair. Like many of you, I know the hurt of betrayal, the ache of a broken heart, the physical pain brought on by stress and the torture of lying awake at night sobbing to the Lord for some kind of relief. Many nights have been spent just begging God to take me home or fix things or something….anything that will bring relief to the situation! I know what it’s like to have people talking behind my back (which in turn would not only hurt me but my family as well), being two-faced and judging situations they know nothing about. I have watched family members suffer great losses in many different ways. I have watched people I care about taking their last breaths and have felt the heartache of their passing. This list could go on and on it seems. So could yours.
Can I say here, that like those wind chimes, I sang beautifully during those heavy winds? No. I did not. I actually failed quite miserably now that I look back on some of those situations. But, after the fact, as I look back I can see changes in myself. I know these are the times God was working in my life, teaching me to trust Him, teaching me to “lean not on my own understanding.” Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
My life may not have played beautiful music at the time but my life song does play a little louder now. I would not be where I am today if not for the faithfulness and love of Jesus. He has never left my side, even though I felt alone. He will not leave you either.
I have to tell you that no matter what you go through in this life. Jesus Christ is unchanging. He does not change. The Bible tells us this: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.(Hebrews 13:8)
So, even when you can’t feel hope, when you feel like you are questioning your faith, when you really just don’t get it or understand why things are happening, we must turn to the Bible. I believe the Bible. I believe its promises. When you are in despair, find a verse and cling to it. God keeps His Word! He will not fail you. He does not change, not ever!!! God knows we are human and broken people. He knows we struggle and make mistakes, but He loves us just as a parent loves their child. Nothing will ever make Him love you anymore or any less than He already does. How AWESOME is that??? His heart is full of love for YOU! He will be with you always. Don’t forget it!
The more I go through life the more I realize that during these times when I cling to a verse or a song it gets engraved in my mind. Then, when things come along those verses will come back to my mind and get me through the next situation and the next and the next….
Does your life play beautiful music during the hard times? If not, maybe we could work at this together? Maybe we can focus on The Word of God and His promises until we get through those heavy winds? Then after, we can let our life song sing a little louder. We could let our lives chime loudly as we praise The One who carried us through, inviting others to share in the beauty of the music.
The next time you hear a wind chime ask yourself this question: “Is my life playing beautiful music?” Let’s allow our lives to play beautiful music to the King of Kings, the Author of our lives, our Creator. When those heavy winds come and you are in your darkest hours and you don’t think you can even breathe – sing louder! Faith is not feeling. Faith is belief. Believe!! Trust!! Know!!
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Enjoying The Ride
Where are you going? Do you know the direction you are headed? Do you have a plan? We recently went on Vacation and well…..we had a plan, knew where we were going and what direction we were headed. BUT, let’s just say along the way things got a little messed up!
Our trip plan was to leave from Maine, change plans in Washington DC then arrive in Nevada. It all started out as planned until it was time to land in Washington DC. The airport had requested that our plane circle for a bit due to a low cloud ceiling that had caused delays in departures and arrivals, and backed everything up at that airport. Unfortunately, our plane did not have enough fuel for this so we were rerouted to Richmond, Virginia to land. (Which I think was a wise decision considering the other option!!) No sooner did they announce that when the plan had changed again. Due to the back up in Washington DC and the rerouting, it was backing everything up in Richmond, Virginia. So, they said we would be landing in Norfolk, Virginia instead. They stated we would land there, get fuel and take off again to head back to Washington DC. Well, during the landing process the announcement came that there would be a 2 hour delay and that we could get off the plane, stretch and plan to board the plane again in 2 hours.
We knew from this point we were going to miss our connecting flight to Nevada. As soon as we got off the plane I headed for the line at the counter where they had one lady trying to help a whole plane full of frustrated people. I have to say she was kind, patient and did her job very well. (Although, I was the third person in line at this point! That may have helped my cause! ) Anyway, as the story would unfold we ended up hanging around Norfolk, Virginia until we could catch a later flight to Charlotte, North Carolina then continue on to Las Vegas, Nevada. While we were waiting, we went into a restaurant for some coffee and breakfast. Once again the waitress was very pleasant and she supplied a bottomless cup of coffee! What more can you ask for when you are waiting in an airport?? Haha..
I have learned over the years and flying on several occasions to just expect delays. It makes for a much better trip as I don’t get all stressed out. I know I will arrive at my destination eventually. If things happen to go as planned, well that’s great too! Our morning arrival in Nevada was now going to be a suppertime arrival. I just try to look at it as an adventure. After all, when I woke up that morning I never thought I would see 4 different states that day!
Much like our planned vacation, life has a way of throwing things at us. It changes things up when we least expect it. We think we have a plan, we think we know what’s happening, where we are going….then BAM, right out of the blue everything is set off onto a different course and we are left spinning wondering what is happening and what do I do now?
As on our trip, we had to trust the Pilot of the plane. We had to go along with what he said or what he thought was best to safely land us where we needed to go, to get where we wanted to be. You all know where I am about to go with this right? The same can be said for our Pilot throughout this life, who is God. We have to trust Him. God is our life pilot. He knows what is best for us. When the things of this life change the plan or course we are on, we often get frightened. It is confusing, we are unsure what to do. We need to remember that God is our pilot. He has full control of our lives even when we don’t feel like anything is under control.
We were created for God’s pleasure. Psalm 139 speaks to how we were planned and wanted by our Heavenly Father from before the beginning of time! He knows everything about us. He knows where we are, what we are doing, what we are saying, when we are sleeping and our innermost thoughts. He is always with us, always caring, always wanting us to turn to Him in the good times and the bad. He will not fail us. He wants to take care of us. He will not let us fall, but we must turn to Him. We must trust Him with the things we don’t understand. We must believe that although our course has changed from what we thought, He is still the pilot and He will get us to the end of the journey. He will stay with us and He will never leave us, as He wants only for our good! He wants more than anything that we choose Him always.
I am not saying that this is easy. It is not. When life wallop’s us good and we are knocked off our feet, this is often where the rubber meets the road so to speak. These dark times are often the times when we see what we are really made of. These are the times when we will sometimes make poor choices as we are trying to find our way back on track…when the path we were on seems to have disappeared. I say this from experience. I have fallen off the path. I am not proud of this, but there was a time when I was considering walking away from God and Church. It had not lived up to my expectations at all. I felt like people had failed me, people who should have been there for me. I felt like God had abandoned me. I felt lost. It was a devastating time in my life. So when I say it is not easy. I say it because I have been there. It’s hard. But looking back, I can see that God was with me all along the journey. He was waiting for me to stop trying to fix it myself and just trust Him with my life. Thankfully, when we stumble – God is steadfast!
If you have been knocked down and can’t see the path, I can promise you that God is right beside you. He has never left you and even though it can take time, He will show you a new path, the path He has planned out for you and the good He has in store for you and your life if you just keep pressing forward towards Him. He loves you. You are His child. You are a child of the King of Kings. Don’t lose heart, because as the verse says below, He goes before us and will be with us!
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Count Your Blessings
How many of you like campfires? While at our cottage at camp this year we decided to have a campfire one night. The wood we had was from last year and had been sitting outside all winter and spring. So, as we tried to start a fire, it ended up taking quite a while for the wood to decide to burn. You know what we had a lot of? We had a lot of smoke. It was rolling out of the pit grey and black and smelly. Let me say here that our neighbors weren’t so thrilled about our decision to have a campfire with wet wood! Windows were closing, doors were closing, eyes were rolling, well you get the picture! Eventually, though, it took off and after a bit of time we had a mesmerizing fire with flames of bright yellow and red. It is fascinating to watch.
There are times in our lives when we go through trials or when we make poor choices that we become like that wet wood. We love God and we’re doing our best, but life seems to have gotten the better of us and we feel like our fire will never shine bright again. We are smoky, smoldering, maybe not so pleasant to be around, angry at the world, waiting for the day when our life will take off into flames again. We are waiting for a time when we will be vibrant and burning bright for the Lord and all those around us.
For several years of my life I just smoldered like a fire trying to start on wet wood. Barely keeping enough spark to keep the smoke rolling. Life was so difficult and I didn’t feel like I could press on. Sometimes things just keep pressing in around us and we can’t see or breathe through all the smoke. There were times I could barely stand myself and times when I had no desire to be around other people. Let me tell you, it is a hard thing to avoid people when you are married to the Pastor!
Thankfully, God still loves us even when we are only smoldering. He understands our situations, He has compassion and even when we think the “wet wood” of our lives won’t even smolder anymore, He is there. Matthew 28:20b “…."And remember that I am always with you until the end of time." What a precious reminder that is to us all! We are never alone. Even though our flame is not burning brightly all the time, we can still smolder. We can still press on, push forward and trust that the flame will come back again.
Life is very hard at times. But it is not all bad. When we are smoldering and there is so much smoke around us it is just hard to see the good things. We have to work harder at seeing through that smoke and finding the good things of this life. It is surprising when we start looking for the positive things what we will find. Even though they may seem very small on the list of “good”, they are significant and we need to thank the Lord for all the good that comes our way. Have you stopped looking for the good through the smoke? If you have, make today the day you start to look again. If it helps, get a notebook and jot down the date and then everyday list the things you are thankful for on that day. You will be surprised how much you will notice when you start to count your blessings!
Many of you will recognize this old Hymn of the Church….
“Count Your Blessings”
written by Johnson Oatman, Jr:
“When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small
Do not be discouraged, God is over all
Count your many blessings, angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.”
Not only are there many blessings each day, but we have the promise of receiving “the crown of life that the Lord has promised.” The day is drawing near when we will reap the greatest blessing of all: Heaven. We will spend eternity in the presence of The King of Kings. What a thought, what a promise, what a blessing!
Do you know Jesus? If not, you can. Are you smoldering these days? That’s ok, press on because it won’t stay that way. Are you burning brightly? If so, share Jesus with everyone you meet!
James 1:12 (NIV) “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
Pouring Grace Like Rain
Do you like rain? I do. Now please don’t get me wrong, because summer is my favorite season and I enjoy warm, sunny days. It just seems there is something about the rain, mixed with a little thunder, sitting on the porch, with my dog·that feels very peaceful to me. Times of rain remind me a bit of life.
You wake up and look out the window to a cloudy day. It seems grey and bleak. As you trudge on about your day the dark clouds roll in and the rain starts. As you watch it pour down from the sky, saturating everything in its path you start to smell that fresh scent of rain. Soon you will look out the window and the clouds will have rolled away and a yellow light will start peeking through the sky sending beams of sunshine your way. Can you see where I am going with this?
Do you ever wake up in the AM and think, “Oh great, I woke up! Here we go again!” I can honestly tell you I have had days when I opened my eyes and wished that I had arrived at the pearly gates instead of still lying in my bed. The day seems grey and bleak before I even get up and those dark clouds of life start rolling in before I even have my eyes open. It’s another day, another discouragement, another push to try to just get through. Then, to add insult to injury the rains of life start and they beat down on us relentlessly until we feel like we are going to drown. Drop after drop after drop until the thunder is rattling us and we cry out to God with our arms extended to Heaven feeling the weight of the storm begging Him for some kind of relief. It seems like too much. Does this picture sound familiar?
The thing is, as we stand in that storm and the rains beat down us, eventually they will stop. It will not rain forever. The clouds will move out and a ray of light will break through. When that light breaks through and you start to look around and at yourself, you see that even though that storm was rough, the rains have cleaned up some of the dirt, it has dissipated those storm clouds. It has made things cleaner, fresher. You realize you are still standing. You did not drown. You are stronger than you thought. And as those beams of sunshine start to peek through, you realize that the sun will shine again.
Life is hard on its easy days. There is rarely a moment of freedom from the cares and stresses of this world. But, we serve a God who cares about those things, who loves us in spite of ourselves and who promises to be with us always!
There is a song I like that talks about God’s Grace being like rain. Next time you are watching the rain pour down outside think about God’s Grace pouring down all over you, into every part of your life. Just as rain saturates the dry ground, God’s grace saturates our lives. He gives it freely for you and as it pours down from Heaven it is covering you.
Todd Agnew sings a song called “Grace Like Rain”. You will notice some familiar words but they go to a different tune. Please note the words to the chorus.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun”
Whatever you are going through this day, think about His grace and how He has lavished it on you. Remember, the storm will pass eventually, the rain will stop and God’s grace falls freely on you. The past is the past and His grace covers everything – including all those dirty stains of our lives.
As the rains in your life keep falling, remember these things:
The rain won’t last forever ... His grace is sufficient
You are never alone ... He washes away all your stains
The past is the past ... God loves you so much
He has great plans for you ... This is just our temporary home
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NLT) “ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
So, until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles!
Our God is a God of Miracles!
Count Your Blessings…
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