I Hear an Echo!

I have something that has been "echoing" in my head, in my heart, in my everyday.......

In a sermon a while back an evangelist, David Ring (has cerebral palsy), used a very compelling example in his message. He asked for help for a drink of water, he asked 7 times before anyone came to help him get a drink of water. I totally blew it. I never thought to get up to help him. I did think maybe my son (who was sitting on the front row), or maybe my husband, or, someone. But, when he began asking a few people, "Why didn't you help me?" And he told them, "You blew it!" 

How many times have I seen someone that needed help?
How many times have I thought, "someone should do something"?
How many times have I questioned why a thought or a burden is in my heart?

Why didn't I? Or Why don't I?

More times than not, I blew it... or better yet still blowing it.

In another message by Pastor Todd Good not long after that he said, "If not you, then who? If not now, when? Talk about a statement.... I don't have a clue what he said after that....because that stuck in my head..... I wrote it down over & over. 

How many times has God put something in my heart?
How many opportunities have I missed?
How many times did I think that's someone else's job?
I sometimes think:

• I could never do that....someone else would be better at that.
• I am scared. 
• That is out of my comfort zone. 
• I don't think God means me.
• What will people say? 
• I have enough to do. (just being honest here) 

When I laid my head down that night, I accepted the fact that I had to step up to a situation that has been haunting me for over two years. I have been praying about this for a long time and questioning God as to why it was taking so long...... Over the years, I have learned to pray over things instead of jumping headfirst into it... of course that is what we should do. I am afraid that I have taken that to the extreme at times.

After putting some thought and prayer to that thought. Many times I have prayed that He would use me, place opportunities in my path, to show me my purpose.....and then and there He showed me some things that He had placed before me. But, it wasn't something that I wanted to do, or it was inconvenient, maybe it came with sacrifice, or it was too hard,  scary, embarrassing, etc. Guilty of not doing what God placed in my path, who knows the number of blessings that I have missed. I have blown it more times than I even know!! 

OUCH! a hard pill to swallow.

Situation after situation over the past few months the words "If not you, then who?" have echoed in my head. I have shared it with a couple people, even when they questioned what  they should be doing. And those words come up A LOT!! 

Just last night I got a text that said, "Go NOW and watch" (the following video) pay attention to the chorus lyrics

Needless to say... there is an echo and now I believe it is on REPEAT!!

What have you been praying so hard about?? Do you think that God will change His mind about what He is showing you? Would you stop and pray about helping a child across the street? Would you pray about helping a single mother that needs food for her children right now? If someone has fallen would you help them up, or would you stop and pray about it, or see if someone else helps? Sometimes God places those opportunities at that very moment. The moment that we have prayed for.

Each of us has a purpose, and maybe you are waiting on God to show you the BIG GRAND PURPOSE you think He has for your life. While you are waiting on that just ......

DO SOMETHING!!

If not you, then who?

 

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow!!

(Picture found on Pinterest from Etsy)

With all that life brings I tend to worry about a lot of stuff.  My husband's favorite words of (ahem!) comfort to me are, "Oh Ye of little faith!" (I know, sooo very comforting!)  And he says that I even worry about not worrying. Does that make sense to you??? Because it certainly doesn't to me??? :) When things seem to be getting to me, or an overwhelming sense of anxiety grips me, I am learning to go to God's word, more and more. It seems that the Lord keeps putting messages, lessons, devotions, encouragement from others, to remind me that He is with me and to Fear Not! Last night the reminder is that He is with me no matter what and because when Jesus said, "it is finished" the veil was torn and immediately I then had access to the throne of the most HIGH! I can commune with him anytime, anywhere and He is listening. Co-workers may think I have lost what little mind I have left, but that's ok. I am clinging to the promises in His WORD today.

The One Who Calms Part 2

After my last post, I got some comments as well as some emails about how they really needed that post. As well as some that teetered on the edge of "you know that God will take care of the situation" "Oh, ye of little faith". I will be honest here, I almost didn't post it after I wrote it.

Why? Because I knew that it was for me. I am such a worrier, and get anxious about the craziest things. And sometimes, out of nowhere a spirit of fear and anxiousness comes over me and sends me into a tailspin. So, when I put down what is on my mind, and what God is showing me over a certain situation, I sometimes have a hard time sharing, because it makes me vulnerable and that's a whole other issue.

There are many of you that never happens to, but the definition fits me to a tee...  

Vulnerable: open to moral attack, criticism, temptation

Does anyone get my drift?? If you do, you understand. If you don't, you probably won't understand.  

I know that I should share what God has done for me and is teaching me. It is just hard for me sometimes. For those of you that commented, emailed or messaged me on that post, thank you. Some of you shared your burdens with me and I appreciate the opportunity to pray for you. Another way to take my eyes off my circumstances and to lift others burdens to the Lord! 

The words in the song below spoke to me the morning after I posted..... Once again a reminder that when I am faced with uncertainty and I feel as if I am being tossed to & fro....He'll Hold Me. I am so thankful for HIS PROMISES!! He will never leave me nor forsake me!! I am His and He is mine! 

CONTENT: Who is Sitting on the Throne of My Heart?

Self: a person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality:

Selfish: devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

Deny oneself: to refrain from satisfying one's desires or needs; practice self-denial.

In a lesson that my husband was teaching to the children at church last night, he asked this question~

Who sits on the throne of your heart, Jesus or Self?

He proceeded to explain that “self” is……

a rebel

always selfish

easily offended

full of pride

thinking everyone else is wrong

going against what authority says

thinking of others before myself

Me, me me me 

When he first asked the question I thought, well Jesus sits on the throne of my heart. (uh, pride!) But, as he explained each thing that “self” is, I realized that “self” was sitting there most of the time. The more the lesson went on, the more I realized that I allow “self” to reign in my heart and rule the things in my life more than I do Christ. It's no wonder things in my life are a MESS!!! No wonder I have a hard time with being CONTENT!

Oh, I pray, read my Bible, learn scripture, go to church, Bible study, etc …..

But when I think of that list of what “self is”

I do rebel…. I am not always obedient to God’s word or what He calls me to do

I am selfish.... I like to control things… I can’t understand for the life of me, why some  people can’t act right??? (I know there are many of you that never feel that way)

I am offended when certain people don’t respond the way I think they should (see that I?)

I am prideful…. Just thinking that Christ sits on the throne of my heart is proof enough.

I don’t always put others before me…. I want to do things when I want, not at the expense of my time and I definitely don’t want to have to go out of my way (more & more I’s)

GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY of “SELF” trying to rule in my life.  

Soooooo… what am I going to do about it???

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Now, I have heard this verse over & over. Our pastors have said it many many times. So it isn’t like I have heard it for the first time……

But you know how scripture can speak to you one way today and then in a different way the next time you read it. Don’t you LOVE how God’s word is ALIVE and how it can become ACTIVE if we will let it?

Deny oneself: to refrain from satisfying one's desires or needs; practice self-denial.

I need to learn how to say “NO” to self and not give in to it, no matter if it’s a prideful thought, a desire, a selfish act and say “YES” to allowing Christ to rule in every situation.

Take up my cross: Choose God’s will over my own. Christ was a servant and I am to strive to be more like Him so I should continually work towards having a servant’s heart.

I was reminded of this verse

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Matthew 6:24

Do I want “Self” or “Christ” to sit on the throne of my heart? Because they definitely cannot rule together.

Of course I want Christ, so that I may experience true JOY & PEACE in my life. 

JOY + PEACE = CONTENT!!

Things that I can do to put Christ in HIS rightful place:

Be obedient to His Word.

Set aside time each day to pray and dig into God's Word. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

Not only learn scripture, but know it and BELIEVE it!!

Pray for God to change my heart towards those that I have a hard time with.

Do right.

Honor God in all I say and do.

Let God lead and guide me in all I do.

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAY!

So, who is sitting on the throne of your heart?

Content: Blessings In Disguise

Warning... this is long and most likely boring to you.... consider yourself warned! As I was writing this post I realized that I needed to record some God sightings.....may I never forget what HE can and will do, no matter what emotional state of mind I am in! 

I took an unexpected leave from posting....... Why? Ummmmm, well I don't really have an answer to that question.... other than I am Not Up To It.....You  see, when I decided to start this blog, it was mostly a lazy way for me to scrapbook our family, sort of anyways. I wanted everything I posted to be uplifting and encouraging and lately, I was feeling the opposite of both and every time I thought about posting, I just thought, I will do it tomorrow. I was not up to posting anything about my little pity party.

Have you had times in your life that everything seemed as if it was going wrong and nothing you did seemed to help? Well, this is how the past several weeks have gone. Why am I posting about it now? Well, in this life we can always pretty up the outside, put a smile on our face and let the world think we have it all together and then post away...... sort of like a Cinderella story where she lives happily ever after. And because this blog was originally started as a scrapbook for my family....I don't want those that read it years down the road to think for that every thing in life is supposed to be all smiles and happiness. I want those that read this to understand that in this life there will be trouble, there will be heartache, trials and tough times along the way. And I want them to KNOW that God is there with them every step of the way. Even when they feel like they cannot take another step, God will carry them.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I don't like to give the enemy credit, but I will say when you are doing something for the Lord.....watch your back, because it will make him mad and he will do what he can to take your focus off the LORD so your circumstance will obstruct your view. I thought I was prepared for him, but not prepared enough. I would shake him off, and he would attack me from another side.

Let me just say in the past month, my oldest son broke his thumb, he was out of baseball and drum playing for a month, my insurance changed so all the bills would be applied to my deductible therefore, we have to pay all of it, my youngest had an accident at school that rattled me pretty good,  then I beat myself up for my "o ye of little faith", my van was worked on four times, only to find out it needed more work and it wasn't even worth what it was going to cost to fix, our washer broke, our laundry was already piled high, our schedule has been a mess, we had Easter Drama practices, baseball games, soccer practice and games......I was right in the middle of Bible Study....Believing God by Beth Moore. So with that and the Drama (keep your heart clean before the Lord and get things right so there will be nothing hindering the Lord during the Drama itself) I should have had the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD covering me from head to toe and then some!!!

I know you are tired of reading my pity party, just hang on for the best part of this post.....

BUT GOD (don't you just love a but God story?) HE REDEEMS ALL THINGS!!! In spite of my doubt, God showed up and answered prayers in ways that ONLY HE CAN!!! He has blessed me so.....and I am so unworthy of His LOVE and FORGIVENESS!! PRAISE HIM!!!

THE LORD....

Healed my son's thumb, he is back at starting catcher, and to drumming (thank you Lord for a little quiet~blessing in disguise!!lol!!).
The PA at the doctor's office waived the charges for the X-rays. I ABOUT SHOUTED RIGHT THERE IN THE DR's OFFICE!!! If you were in the parking lot when I left, yes, I was the one running & Praising the Lord as I went to my car! Really? Did that just happen? Of course it did!!! God can do what HE wants to do!!

Kea and another little boy ran and collided into one another and they called 911 for the other little boy, he was fine just a really bad black eye, They checked Kea's head and they said he was fine. Yet he didn't have a hard raised knot, his forehead was very squishy and it really scared me, I had never seen such and fear set in when he went to bed and I just lost it.......

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, 

and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7

God placed a young single mother in my path last Thursday, God used her to gently remind me of the many blessings in my life. Even though I have had some troubles, been far from content, He showed me that I am blessed in ways that I fail to see every day. So, when my washer's spin cycle didn't work at 10:15pm. I just laughed, so what? at least I have a washer and a husband that can most likely fix it!

Knowing that we were going to look for a vehicle the next morning I felt a peace knowing He had all this under control. It is just a memory to Him. I had prayed that the Lord would prepare the way and that it would be quick and easy ..... and of course HE DID.....We have a really nice van.  He provided above and beyond what I asked....another blessing!!

On Saturday, I decided since my laundry room was piled high with clothes, and not sure when B would get the washer fixed I decided that Sis & I would go to the laundromat. It's been years since I have had to go, but let me just say this..... 11 loads of laundry (I am always behind!) and 2.5 hours

ALL OUR LAUNDRY WAS DONE!!!!  That hasn't happened since I was on maternity leave with Kea!!! That's over 7 years.....can you say HAPPY DANCE!!! A HUGE BLESSING!!

Our family has been a part of our church's Easter Drama for over 10 years and this year was no exception..... it can be stressful with the practices and the fact that me a three other wonderful servants were responsible for 23 children. They are so excited it's hard to keep them quiet & still while waiting on our parts..... BUT IT WAS WORTH IT ALL!!!

So far, there were 21 lives robbed from satan over the weekend. God is soooo good to me. I had the opportunity to lead 2 precious little girls to Christ on Sunday. I am sure that even more lives were changed over the course of the Drama.... ALL HIS GLORY..... More blessings!!!!!

My grandmother always said, "everything happens for a reason". I find that I say that a lot as I have gotten older. God does have a reason for things in our lives and sometimes we get to see the fruit of it and others, we may not know until we get to Heaven. We never know what are truly blessings in disguise. Looking back over the past couple of weeks, I was so overwhelmed with things that I wasn't looking for the blessings,  I was too busy worrying about everything and having my pity party.

God is faithful, even when I am wandering around as the Israelites. Lost and undone. He still chose to use me, even though my view was clouded. He is faithful, even when I am not.

 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

Looking back at the past several weeks, I am reminded of many of David's Psalms. David cries out for God's mercy in the beginning, and by the end he is praising Him for who He is and what ONLY He can do. I cried out to Him in my affliction and He heard my cry and He has done wonderful things that only HE can do!!! May I never forget what God has done and will continue to do for me!!!

Will I worry again? Probably.

Will I find  myself having another pity party? Probably

Will I turn to the Lord again and again? YES!!

Will the troubles in my life be over? No.... BUT GOD can and will answer my cry!

Am I learning anything about CONTENT? Yes, with God leading the way!!

If you have read this entire post, (bless your heart!) and you are having your own pity party, open your eyes,  God has a multitude of blessings right before your very eyes....sometimes you just have to work through the fog to see the SON!!!

 

One Word 2012

So..

Have you figured out that I am a little behind? Seriously, its ok, since there are a few more hours left in January.

Since my word for 2012 is CONTENT, I am just going to be content that I had a few minutes to post on my word. I kept thinking, I have so much I want to post about my word. How God gave it to me. What I was going to do with it? You know,  the who, what, & whys of the whole concept of ONE WORD.

I wanted it to be profound and share some things that have been on my heart. But, that's just it, I don't actually know how to share some of it. I am going to be content in what I am going to post. You see, God has been working on me in this area. Am I there yet? No, I still have my tendencies to be all things to all people. But, I there's a lot to celebrate even in the small victories. 

Content- from www.dictionary.com 

adjective

satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

noun

the state or feeling of being contented; contentment: 

 

I would love to say that I am content and I live in a state of contentment every day. Unfortunately, I am not content in many ways. I borrowed the below from a devotion on Proverbs 31 Ministries and its me (with more added in red)  

 

Nothing More and Nothing Less
Rachel Olsen

Lord, how can I become content with just who I am, nothing more and nothing less?(wow, me in a nut shell- just be content with who you made me to be)

I’m certainly prone to want to be more, or less than I am. To be smarter, prettier, funnier, fitter. To be more productive, happier and higher energy. And then also to be lower key, calmer, more level-headed and focused.

To be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, worker, servant, teacher , etc....

I want to have better self-awareness, see others as you do,  and yet I want to be less concerned about what others think of me.

I want to be a better cook, to sing on key, and to keep the house neat without so much perceived effort. And did I mention fuller, thicker hair would be nice too?(well, I can say, I don't need thicker fuller hair, but less gray would be nice and good hair days every now & then)

I want to be a better writer – one that’s both highly creative and meticulously organized. And I want fewer propensities to run late, slack off or procrastinate.(maybe just a better blogger or at least one that doesn't ramble so much)

Yes, I want to be both more and less of me.(yes Lord yes!!)

 

 

Below are some of the scriptures that have really spoke to me....

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:11-13, KJV

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Hebrews 13:5, KJV

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1 Timothy 6:6-11, KJV

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
1 John 2:15-17, KJV

In looking to HIS WORD I find great peace and contentment. I know that this is a work in progress.

When He gave me this word, He gave me two ways to look at it and work towards it...... 

1. I definitely need to learn to be content with the things that I have, that I am, and who He says that I am.  

2. I that I should never be content in my walk with HIM. I must strive to be more like Christ every day.  

For those of you that are content and find pure contentment in your lives, would you please share ways, steps, desires that led you to where you are?

And are you content with your walk with the Lord? 

I know this post was a bunch of rambling, but you know I think I will just chose to be CONTENT with it!! I will post more as God works in this area of my life! 

2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 24!

Ok.

So I am really late in posting this.... with the month of December almost over (where did it go??) I failed to post my last SSMT verse!! Pinch me I still cannot believe I stuck with this.... again I have failed some through this, yet I am still trying to stay the course! 

With the busyness of the season, I attempted to keep my focus on Jesus..... so that is why I chose the following verse.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Hopefully, soon I can post about our wonderful Christmas with family & friends!! 

Need a Break???

Christmas is a busy time of year, although I have been attempting to "not be so busy" (that's why I haven't posted in the past couple of days..I have lots of pix and I need to get them on here before this phase of my kids lives fly by as well.) The past several days seemed to have flown by at the speed of sound. Lots going on at work and in the rest of my world. This morning I woke up anxious and overwhelmed and that was before my feet hit the floor. Once I got to work I had calmed down some, I prayed all morning. I needed a calm reassuring song to bring me comfort. This song did it.... oh the words were sooo very true..... take time to watch the video and allow the works to speak to you..

So, if you too are like me, trying to figure out how to get it all done and get everyone where they need to be and you just feel like you can't do one more thing....... settle down (get a cup of coffee or a latte) pray and let this song minister to you... HE is WHAT I needed this morning!!! I need to be In HIS Arms!

 Hang on dear Sisters, He has so much more in store for us!!!

TRUST...whew, this is TOUGH

Not even sure what I want to say, I may just ramble but I have to post something. If not for anyone except me. So that I won't forget what God has shown me tonight. Finishing up Week 3 of One in A Million by Priscilla Shirer.

If you haven't done this study, you need to and please do it with someone that will keep you accountable. I have wanted to quit no less than 25 times. But, I know that I can't. I won't. But I want too. I know that this study is "for such a time as this" in my life. I thank God for placing it on Deidre's heart for our Fall Study. I also, have secretly decided numerous times that I should just end this friendship. Do you have that friend that just keeps you accountable no matter what? Sometimes, I (the flesh me) doesn't care to hear it. Even though its TRUTH.

Anyway, speaking of truth an exercise on Day 4, I just have to put it on here in case I lose my note card. 

Phil 4: 4, 6 &  8.

whatever is true.....

I am ~

unworthy ~ He is my REDEEMER, fear not for I have redeemed thee Isaiah 43:1

useless ~ I am a mother, wife, daughter, friend....He will never leave me

confused ~ "let me never be put to confusion" Psalm 71:1

defeated ~ God is my refuge & strength Psalm 46:1

depressed ~ the rivers shall not overflow me! Isaiah 43:2

discouraged~ He has a plan... Jeremiah 29:13

Now when I am feeling one of these on this list ... I need to fight it with TRUTH from God's word!!

(taken from One In A Million)

TRUST.....

HE IS GOD and I am NOT! Another truth... yes I know I am not God....but I can allow satan to tempt me with being a "little god". I need to learn to trust that God works on my behalf regardless of what I am facing. No matter what I should HONOR HIM.  I know that I will face trials in my life and I don't have to allow them to derail my relationship with HIM. He will make a way for me to experience HIS greatness.

Trusting God to work in my life in His ways not mine is what I am praying. His ways are HIGHER and He has so much more for me if I will TRUST HIM with all of me....not just the parts I don't think I can handle.

I need to do this

and stop struggling with many things that are keeping me from living the abundant life God has for me!

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Lord this is what I desire..... Please do it or something better!!!

Praying & expecting!

Piper :)