So here is another devotional I got and just finished reading... Its from Women of Faith, titled Pruning by Patsy Clairmont. Wow... I guess He wanted to make Himself a tad more clearer just in case I missed the message.
Some years ago my husband bought a super duper riding lawn mower. Les could hardly wait to try out his new toy, excuse me, his new equipment. He even bought a spiffy hat for his maiden voyage, so Les was looking good. He revved up the powerful motor, careened out the garage door, onto the grass, where he lowered the mower, shifted into high gear, and proceeded to barrel right through my flower bed.
That was not what Les meant to do. That was not what I wanted him to do. By the time Les lifted the mower and made his way out of the flowers my hydrangea bush looked like a handful of pickup sticks, my roses were potpourri, and my butterfly bush was not fit for a gnat. This was not purposeful pruning at its best.
Even so would you believe the following year those bushes came back with gusto. They were full of gorgeous blossoms. And the year after that they were show stoppers. Folks were actually stopping to take pictures of them.
It’s really a reminder that what others do accidentally or spitefully can be used to cause us to flourish. Doesn’t that remind you of Joseph from Genesis? If you remember his life looked like nothing but hardship and injustice. From sibling jealousy, to female revenge, to ingratitude, Joseph’s story looked like he had been mowed down and discarded. But God used it all as pruning to cause Joseph to grow into a wise leader.
None of us would volunteer for family rejection, slavery, imprisonment, or injustice. When Joseph was young and still full of innocent dreams he never imagined as the favored child of his father he would live such a rootless existence. But God grafted him into the Egyptian world for holy purposes of position and provision. Joseph after being cut down like a sapling grew to become an oak of righteousness. His management of the fruit of the fields flourished the people through a world famine.
We can observe growth in a petrie dish, a preschool, and a seniors vocational center. We were born to grow until our fruit falls to earth for the last time and we blossom into eternal life.
Day 9 - God Speaks
Its interesting how God has been making himself every so clear the more I continue to submit to Him through Scripture, friends and now my emails lol!!! He sure doesn't miss a beat.
Today this is the devotional I received. Its titled: God, I'm a little mad and alot confused - by Lysa TerKeurst. Its incredible but yeah that is how I've been feeling and once again its confirmation of what I need to make sure I am constantly doing... Thank you Jesus for making yourself ever present!! I pray you are blessed just as I was!!!
Kick your shoes off and get ready to get gut honest. When God doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers it can be hard. Sometimes, down right awful. One minute I’m determined to trust God.
In the next, I feel myself slipping. The “why” questions tumble in so hard. My heart hurts. My eyes leak. And in those raw moments I just feel a little mad and a lot confused. Ever been there?
I don’t want to oversimplify what to do in these times. I know from the prayer requests you’ve been leaving in the comments this week, many of you are facing really tough issues. Situations where the answers aren’t easy or clear cut.
But I have discovered a few things that help me when God seems silent…
* Press in to God when you want to pull away. When I really want to hear from God but He seems silent, I sometimes find I want to disengage from my normal spiritual activities. Skip church. Put my Bible on my shelf. And let more and more time lapse between prayers.
But the Bible says we will find God if we seek Him with all our heart. Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” All my heart includes the parts that are broken. Bring it all to God.
He can handle your honesty and will respond. But we have to position ourselves to go where truth is. Go to church. Listen to praise music. Read verses. Memorize verses. And keep talking to God.
* Praise God out loud when you want to get lost in complaints. In the midst of what you’re facing, find simple things for which to praise God. I don’t mean thank Him for the hard stuff. I mean thank Him for the other simple, good things still in the midst. A child’s laugh. A bush that blooms. The warmth of a blanket. The gift of this breath and then the next.
Psalm 40:3 reminds me God will give me a new song when I make praise the habit of my heart and mouth. “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD.”
* Put yourself in the company of truth. That friend that speaks truth? Listen to her. Stay connected to her. Let her speak truth into your life even when you’re tired of hearing it. Stand in the shadow of her faith when you feel your own faith is weak. Let her lead you back to God time and time again.
Proverbs 12:26, “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor…”
It’s okay to feel a little mad and a lot confused. Our God is big enough to handle our honest feelings. But don’t let your feelings lead you away from God or away from His truth. Press into Him. Praise Him. And put yourself in the company of truth.
As you stay with God in these ways, you will become ready to receive His answer when it comes.
Kick your shoes off and get ready to get gut honest. When God doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers it can be hard. Sometimes, down right awful. One minute I’m determined to trust God.
In the next, I feel myself slipping. The “why” questions tumble in so hard. My heart hurts. My eyes leak. And in those raw moments I just feel a little mad and a lot confused. Ever been there?
I don’t want to oversimplify what to do in these times. I know from the prayer requests you’ve been leaving in the comments this week, many of you are facing really tough issues. Situations where the answers aren’t easy or clear cut.
But I have discovered a few things that help me when God seems silent…
* Press in to God when you want to pull away. When I really want to hear from God but He seems silent, I sometimes find I want to disengage from my normal spiritual activities. Skip church. Put my Bible on my shelf. And let more and more time lapse between prayers.
But the Bible says we will find God if we seek Him with all our heart. Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” All my heart includes the parts that are broken. Bring it all to God.
He can handle your honesty and will respond. But we have to position ourselves to go where truth is. Go to church. Listen to praise music. Read verses. Memorize verses. And keep talking to God.
* Praise God out loud when you want to get lost in complaints. In the midst of what you’re facing, find simple things for which to praise God. I don’t mean thank Him for the hard stuff. I mean thank Him for the other simple, good things still in the midst. A child’s laugh. A bush that blooms. The warmth of a blanket. The gift of this breath and then the next.
Psalm 40:3 reminds me God will give me a new song when I make praise the habit of my heart and mouth. “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD.”
* Put yourself in the company of truth. That friend that speaks truth? Listen to her. Stay connected to her. Let her speak truth into your life even when you’re tired of hearing it. Stand in the shadow of her faith when you feel your own faith is weak. Let her lead you back to God time and time again.
Proverbs 12:26, “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor…”
It’s okay to feel a little mad and a lot confused. Our God is big enough to handle our honest feelings. But don’t let your feelings lead you away from God or away from His truth. Press into Him. Praise Him. And put yourself in the company of truth.
As you stay with God in these ways, you will become ready to receive His answer when it comes.
Day 8 - Leap Day
So when I researched Leap Day/Year... this is what I found:
Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. If we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days!
Interesting isn't it. Well to keep it simple - Leap Year means something more to me... its my mom's birthday. Yep my mom was born on February 29th. So I went over today with the kids to celebrate with her together with my aunts and family.
I have an amazing woman as my mom. We may not have had the greatest relationship. I always felt there was something there.. and then when I hit 15 I let a relationship come between us and my family... It was a very very hard time. But little by little we started anew and we have come a long way... and still have a long way to go - but God is soooo good, I can praise Him because today we are not where we were years ago.
During that "time" I didn't understand much of what was going on in my life and why my mom was the was she was. I spent a long time pointing the finger at her. But now that I've "grown" up and have children of my own - one of them being a "mini me"... I can say WOW... what a woman.
My mom is from the Dominican Republic... she came here when she was 19... fell in love with my dad and had a family... (in a nutshell)... she was not what would be considered an educated woman, she was not fluent in English, but she was a HOMEMAKER... with time we were able to see that a piece of paper did not determine your education as she taught us and helped us with our homework (in her way - but it worked), she made sure that she instilled in us those basic principles that many parents today don't even think twice about. My mom showed us through her actions about love, caring, being there for others. She taught us about believing is something GREATER and the list can go on and on.
There were many other things that she taught us that maybe I didn't understand, agree with, want to be taught, or felt that I needed to learn from her. But one thing that I did learn was that when my mom left the hospital with each one of us no one handed her a how to raise your child manual... there was no special book, she was without Oprah or Dr. Phil... without all those How To books... She raised us her way and today I can say we are three incredible women. And.... on top of wearing countless hats - she was a babysitter - and she made such an impression in the lives of so many children and families.
I still have so much to learn about my mom, so much to discover. There is so much that I don't know or understand about the woman who is my mom... but one thing that I do know is that in her own special way, she does love me... and she has taught me so much. Thank you for being such a wonderful woman... and incredible mom. And yes... in my own special way - I love her too.. more than she will ever know... Feliz Cumpleanos Mami!!!
Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. If we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days!
Interesting isn't it. Well to keep it simple - Leap Year means something more to me... its my mom's birthday. Yep my mom was born on February 29th. So I went over today with the kids to celebrate with her together with my aunts and family.
I have an amazing woman as my mom. We may not have had the greatest relationship. I always felt there was something there.. and then when I hit 15 I let a relationship come between us and my family... It was a very very hard time. But little by little we started anew and we have come a long way... and still have a long way to go - but God is soooo good, I can praise Him because today we are not where we were years ago.
During that "time" I didn't understand much of what was going on in my life and why my mom was the was she was. I spent a long time pointing the finger at her. But now that I've "grown" up and have children of my own - one of them being a "mini me"... I can say WOW... what a woman.
My mom is from the Dominican Republic... she came here when she was 19... fell in love with my dad and had a family... (in a nutshell)... she was not what would be considered an educated woman, she was not fluent in English, but she was a HOMEMAKER... with time we were able to see that a piece of paper did not determine your education as she taught us and helped us with our homework (in her way - but it worked), she made sure that she instilled in us those basic principles that many parents today don't even think twice about. My mom showed us through her actions about love, caring, being there for others. She taught us about believing is something GREATER and the list can go on and on.
There were many other things that she taught us that maybe I didn't understand, agree with, want to be taught, or felt that I needed to learn from her. But one thing that I did learn was that when my mom left the hospital with each one of us no one handed her a how to raise your child manual... there was no special book, she was without Oprah or Dr. Phil... without all those How To books... She raised us her way and today I can say we are three incredible women. And.... on top of wearing countless hats - she was a babysitter - and she made such an impression in the lives of so many children and families.
I still have so much to learn about my mom, so much to discover. There is so much that I don't know or understand about the woman who is my mom... but one thing that I do know is that in her own special way, she does love me... and she has taught me so much. Thank you for being such a wonderful woman... and incredible mom. And yes... in my own special way - I love her too.. more than she will ever know... Feliz Cumpleanos Mami!!!
Day 7 - Flowers
A couple of years ago a song a song titled: If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns came out. It was okay... had a catchy tune - but after a while I was like ughhh not again... but then the more I heard it, heard the words... I was able to hear the message.
The chorus goes like this:
The chorus goes like this:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way.
Today someone was His hands and His feet. Today a friend showed up at work with these beautiful bright colored flowers... with everything going on - I also had a horrible cold and I was just feeling yucky... wanted to be home and snuggled under the covers. When I saw her come in and she surprised me with the flowers but heart was full of joy. God knew what I needed... and she was the instrument He used...
I sit here and enjoy my beautiful flowers and as I see them I can see what God is trying to tell me... He loves me and has me under His wings of love... its going to be okay.
How are you letting God use you... Are you reaching out to others? Are you sharing His love with others? Are you being obedient to what God is calling you to do...?
Take that first step... God wants to do GREAT things through your life to reach others.
Day 6 - Live with Joy!!!
Have you wondered what your kids love about you... yep I have!! What do they love about their mommy... besides that I pick up after them and clean their rooms lol...
So last week I sat down my kids and asked them "so what do you love about mommy"... it first turned into a little argument as to who was going to go first, but after we went by birth order (which my little one does not like) it was funny to hear their responses... so of them I wouldn't have said about myself - because I didn't see that quality in me... but its awesome the eyes they saw me with. The love that I am beautiful, Godly, a great cook, funny, loving, and the list when on and on... (I have three kids)
Then they turned the tables around and asked me... but they made sure that I didn't repeat any of the answers...
So I sat them all down and in the midst of their giggles I shared what I loved about each one of them...
We are not rich. We are okay I suppose... we try to supply all of our kids needs and some wants from time to time... but how I pray that moments like this they will keep in their hearts forever.
I know they are young and one day they might grown up and transform into an alien and forget all this lovey dovey stuff... and say things like we don't love them because they can't stay out late, or can't wear makeup or those "fashionable" clothes... lol...
But the seeds of love have been deeply planted in each heart.
It got even better when dad got home from work and they ran to meet him... all shouting dad so what do you love about me.
At the end of the evening my little one Priscilla cuddles up with me and says that she is special because was a surprise from God and that makes her even more special!!! I just had to laugh and kiss her... as I reminded my spunkalicious one that yes she is truly special and so are her sister and brother...
Thank you Jesus for reminding me how much you love me through these precious little ones.
Day 5 - Resignation
So this is the step that is the hardest for me and where I usually get stuck on... RESIGNATION.
Because of my personality I have a hard time moving past this stage... not being able to "fix" this problem... My head is spinning with things I would like to put down that sound nice, like the right things to say... but it just wouldn't be real.
Yes yes yes I know that I have stated countless times that I'm a believer, therefore I should let God do the "fixing"... lol the excuses to justify this are just swirling in my head...
Do you ever experience this??? I don't think I'm the only nutty one.
I am not to rescue but to pray
But God is soooo good... even when I am being stubborn - He sends blessings my way reminding me that I am not alone... today He spoke to me through a friend who reminded me what a special friendship we have and that I am not alone...
So many reasons to move on and to enjoy what God has given to me, what He has blessed me with... but haven't you ever wanted something soooo badly that you just can't give up!!! My head and my heart are just not in sync... The sad part is that each second, day, that I "waste" on this is time that is lost and that I will not get back.
I heard this song for the first time at a women's retreat... the words are soooo perfect for what I am feeling in my heart. I know that I must let go and lay this burden down, lay my heart at the foot of the cross. I must forgive. Oh Jesus this is my prayer.
All in all, I'm not angry about none of this... I have been able to use this and minister to so many young girls in our youth group... to help them see the importance of cherishing what they have. I know God allows everything to happen for a reason... I just wish it weren't sooo painful sometimes - but then again my pain is nothing in comparison to what He endured for me...
I started to write about this as "therapy"... but sometimes I feel as though I'm writing to someone... and I just want you to know that as I write... I pray for you too. The journey is a hard one but praise God we don't have to walk it alone.
Day 4 - Soaking in Him
The next step in the Grief Cycle is anger / bargaining... but right now I just want to soak in God's word... His encouragement for me...
Here are several scriptures that speak to me and tell me what I need to do. Its funny but in reading these verses over and over again I see that they are full of verbs - actions words - things that I need to work on.
Be strong, take courage, wait, reverently and worshipfully fear God, wait patiently for it, and be joyful in hope.
Here are several scriptures that speak to me and tell me what I need to do. Its funny but in reading these verses over and over again I see that they are full of verbs - actions words - things that I need to work on.
Be strong, take courage, wait, reverently and worshipfully fear God, wait patiently for it, and be joyful in hope.
"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!" Psalm 31:24
"Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it." Psalm 119:74
"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:24, 25
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
For the past several weeks my Pastor has been preaching on this verse:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it." Psalm 119:74
"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:24, 25
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
For the past several weeks my Pastor has been preaching on this verse:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
That is a GREAT reminder.
I believe, I trust that God will give me a peace when I trust him to take my worries and concerns. And when I don't feel peaceful I will not worry, I will just keep telling myself that God is in control and I will 'Take captive EVERY thought to make it obedient to Christ.' (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Thank you God for you give us everything we need for life.
I believe, I trust that God will give me a peace when I trust him to take my worries and concerns. And when I don't feel peaceful I will not worry, I will just keep telling myself that God is in control and I will 'Take captive EVERY thought to make it obedient to Christ.' (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Thank you God for you give us everything we need for life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)