Beloved;
That’s what God called me as I talked to him in the middle of the night. Somewhere in between awake and asleep as I called out to my Father he replied, “Beloved.” My eyes stung with tears and my throat tightened in response. I felt it and I felt overwhelmed with the love that was present. I still tear up when I think about it. It was almost too much; too much to comprehend, too much to believe, too much to accept and yet He wanted me to accept it.
That He wanted me to know I am His beloved makes His love for me more real. Maybe that is why I felt the tears. Now if I can just keep that in mind when I am vacillating over what to do, write or play or work on the house. He has my best interest in mind, He knows me better than anyone on earth, (even my parents and my sweetheart) and He knows what I need to do every day with every moment He gives me. Now I have the hope that He will lead me to the path He has put before me, and that He will bless my efforts to bring Him glory.
Using the pain and joy of life to reach others for Him; writing of it so that others in their empathy or sympathy may learn of His love for THEM, that they are important to Him.
Did you know that you are beloved? God, our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe loves you with a love greater than you could ever imagine. You are very important to Him. Just as each of our children is different and yet loved as if they were our only child we are loved by our Father with a love that knows no bounds.
Beloved.
Beloved, let this sink into your heart. Let it be the word that comes to mind when you think of who you are in Him. Let it lift your spirits. Let it bring you hope. For in Him all things are possible and in His love we find everything we need.
Beloved, love the Lord as He loves you. You cannot believe what beautiful and amazing things may come of it.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
Resolutions, Reinventing or Recommitting?
Does everyone make New Years Resolutions? I don’t usually but I’ve been inspired by a site I belong to. They encourage you to do something you have always dreamed of doing, whether it's climbing a mountain, literally, losing weight or learning a new language.
Is this a good way to occupy my mind and my time? What of God? He has a plan for us all. Perhaps I fail at so many resolutions because I am not aligning myself with His will for my life.
Perhaps this year I should begin with prayer, ask my heavenly Father what He wants me to accomplish this year. And then ask for His help with it.
There is a desire within me to come closer to Him, to know Him more, to seek Him more and to love Him more. Maybe the Lord is calling to me and my spirit is answering with this desire for a closer relationship with Him.
Perhaps I should reevaluate the way I live. Change my routine and let go of those things that do nothing to help me accomplish those desires replacing them with time spent with God my Father.
Instead of immediately turning on the television to catch the news in the morning perhaps I should place a chair where I can see outside and sit quietly before Him. Then after everyone is gone for the day I can start mine with His word and pray for myself and all those I love.
The New Year is a good time to start new things, but I don’t think I will wait until then. I think I will start today. Change can be a very good thing if we allow God to lead us.
What do you think?
May you have a Wonderful, Joy Filled, New Year!!
Is this a good way to occupy my mind and my time? What of God? He has a plan for us all. Perhaps I fail at so many resolutions because I am not aligning myself with His will for my life.
Perhaps this year I should begin with prayer, ask my heavenly Father what He wants me to accomplish this year. And then ask for His help with it.
There is a desire within me to come closer to Him, to know Him more, to seek Him more and to love Him more. Maybe the Lord is calling to me and my spirit is answering with this desire for a closer relationship with Him.
Perhaps I should reevaluate the way I live. Change my routine and let go of those things that do nothing to help me accomplish those desires replacing them with time spent with God my Father.
Instead of immediately turning on the television to catch the news in the morning perhaps I should place a chair where I can see outside and sit quietly before Him. Then after everyone is gone for the day I can start mine with His word and pray for myself and all those I love.
The New Year is a good time to start new things, but I don’t think I will wait until then. I think I will start today. Change can be a very good thing if we allow God to lead us.
What do you think?
May you have a Wonderful, Joy Filled, New Year!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Other Gift
The Holidays, The Season, Christmas. No matter what you call it the feelings it brings are many and so varied a book couldn’t hold them all. We cherish so these days of celebration; sending cards to loved ones, family and friends, practicing for weeks with the church choir for a special presentation of worship in song, baking and making things ahead of time so we will be ready, decorating and making our homes look festive, getting surprises together and hiding them until the day nears, keeping our little secrets and hugging close the feeling that this year we will really surprise our loved ones.
All these things go together to make the Christmas season the most celebrated on earth. Done so that we can in some way let our Lord know what His birth means to us. That His birth in the stable, His coming to earth is remembered and celebrated with thankful hearts and joyful spirits.
We are eager to treat each other with kindness during these weeks. We work, shop and practice, cook and help others until we are on the point of exhaustion, for Him. And yet the other gift He gives us every year is overlooked by most of us. This gift, this celebration of love.
What is the other gift, you ask? The gift of family. One of the best parts of the holiday is gathering with friends and family to celebrate. We give gifts, bake special treats to share, dress up and make time for each other. What a wonder I didn’t realize it before. This wonderful gift, is because of Him.
He came to earth, a babe in a manger, in order to save us from sin but in doing that He gave us this chance to celebrate Him and in the celebrating He gives us each other; a closeness to family and friends, clarity of mind, fullness of spirit and a joy that overwhelms. How blessed we are to know Him, to have the gift of Salvation brought by Him and to have this other gift, one of celebrating with each other.
May you enjoy “The Gift” this Christmas and may you praise Him for it.
Have a wonderful, beautiful, joyful, love filled Christmas!
All these things go together to make the Christmas season the most celebrated on earth. Done so that we can in some way let our Lord know what His birth means to us. That His birth in the stable, His coming to earth is remembered and celebrated with thankful hearts and joyful spirits.
We are eager to treat each other with kindness during these weeks. We work, shop and practice, cook and help others until we are on the point of exhaustion, for Him. And yet the other gift He gives us every year is overlooked by most of us. This gift, this celebration of love.
What is the other gift, you ask? The gift of family. One of the best parts of the holiday is gathering with friends and family to celebrate. We give gifts, bake special treats to share, dress up and make time for each other. What a wonder I didn’t realize it before. This wonderful gift, is because of Him.
He came to earth, a babe in a manger, in order to save us from sin but in doing that He gave us this chance to celebrate Him and in the celebrating He gives us each other; a closeness to family and friends, clarity of mind, fullness of spirit and a joy that overwhelms. How blessed we are to know Him, to have the gift of Salvation brought by Him and to have this other gift, one of celebrating with each other.
May you enjoy “The Gift” this Christmas and may you praise Him for it.
Have a wonderful, beautiful, joyful, love filled Christmas!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
What Do You Think?
The things that are going on today seem to be leading us down a path we would rather not face. Those things are a consequence of our lack of attention to what went on years ago. So, we are paying the price of the inattentiveness of generations who went before us. What things, you ask?
At the top of the list must be the phrase Merry Christmas which is being killed off by those whose interest in being P. C. (politically correct) carries more clout than our desire to honor the One who blessed this country and provided us with freedom.
Common courtesy, without being judged by what you say, do or how you look is also vanishing, though during these Christmas holidays it does resurface for a few wonderful weeks.
Violence is growing at alarming rates and though our lawmakers and justice system say they are working on the problem I haven’t seen any improvement.
So, what should we do? Should we sit at home and hope things get better? Sign petitions and hope they get into the right hands? Trust the government to take care of the situation? Believe what the news media says? Keep our focus on trivial bits which fill the news about which Celebes are divorcing and which ones are getting botox or having surgery?
Or should we agree together in prayer daily. Ask God to forgive us for our sin and for letting our country get in this deplorable shape without seeking him? Ask Him to take control, bring us back into His will and make us truly one nation under God. Then ask our Lord to protect and bless us as a Christian nation.
What do you think?
At the top of the list must be the phrase Merry Christmas which is being killed off by those whose interest in being P. C. (politically correct) carries more clout than our desire to honor the One who blessed this country and provided us with freedom.
Common courtesy, without being judged by what you say, do or how you look is also vanishing, though during these Christmas holidays it does resurface for a few wonderful weeks.
Violence is growing at alarming rates and though our lawmakers and justice system say they are working on the problem I haven’t seen any improvement.
So, what should we do? Should we sit at home and hope things get better? Sign petitions and hope they get into the right hands? Trust the government to take care of the situation? Believe what the news media says? Keep our focus on trivial bits which fill the news about which Celebes are divorcing and which ones are getting botox or having surgery?
Or should we agree together in prayer daily. Ask God to forgive us for our sin and for letting our country get in this deplorable shape without seeking him? Ask Him to take control, bring us back into His will and make us truly one nation under God. Then ask our Lord to protect and bless us as a Christian nation.
What do you think?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving;
The one time of year when many will give thought to their blessings. Here’s my list;
First is my Father, my Lord and Savior who blesses me daily with his presence.
Family; parents, siblings and their families, aunts & uncles, cousins, my sweetheart Joe, my sweet children Patrick and Steven, my beautiful daughter-in-love Rena, and my four wonderful grandchildren Chelsea, Brooke, Summer & Austin!! And all of my in-laws who are as close to me and as loved as my own family are. I thank God for bringing you into my life.
Friends are like family; Debra, Vanessa, Mary Ann, Carol, Pam, D’Ann, Marian, Sarita, Becky, Janiece, Connie B., Connie L., Susie, Susan, Shirley, Stacy, Linda, Irene, Polly, there really are just too many to list. Please forgive me if your name is not on this list. You can put it down to a tired brain or just plain forgetfulness. I do love you all!!!
A home that; though it needs work and isn’t perfect, is a blessing and better than anything we’ve ever had before. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry when it’s pouring outside with room to play, exercise my imagination and have fun gardening.
His Church; some whose members we met while traveling, many of whom are close to our hearts. First Baptist Mertzon, TX, Fairview Baptist in Fairview, Tenn. and Bois D’arc Cowboy Church in Bonham, TX to name a few where we met people who seemed like family we were so comfortable and welcome.
ACFW; American Christian Fiction Writers and all of the wonderful people I’ve met both at conferences and online. Their encouragement, courses and help are invaluable to this novice writer.
Faithwriters and Nanowrimo; just two of the helpful sites with free membership that bring encouragement and inspiration.
This ministry of writing for women, children and families, is both a wonderful and fearful thing though with God's help the fear won't hold me back. God’s inspiration during those times when the words just don’t seem to come is a wonderous thing. I know this is what I am supposed to do.
Life, health, family, friends, home, inspiration & help, work, what blessings these are, I thank you Lord for giving to me these wonderful blessings which make life truly beautiful.
God bless you each one, your families, friends, homes, health, finances, work etc.
First is my Father, my Lord and Savior who blesses me daily with his presence.
Family; parents, siblings and their families, aunts & uncles, cousins, my sweetheart Joe, my sweet children Patrick and Steven, my beautiful daughter-in-love Rena, and my four wonderful grandchildren Chelsea, Brooke, Summer & Austin!! And all of my in-laws who are as close to me and as loved as my own family are. I thank God for bringing you into my life.
Friends are like family; Debra, Vanessa, Mary Ann, Carol, Pam, D’Ann, Marian, Sarita, Becky, Janiece, Connie B., Connie L., Susie, Susan, Shirley, Stacy, Linda, Irene, Polly, there really are just too many to list. Please forgive me if your name is not on this list. You can put it down to a tired brain or just plain forgetfulness. I do love you all!!!
A home that; though it needs work and isn’t perfect, is a blessing and better than anything we’ve ever had before. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry when it’s pouring outside with room to play, exercise my imagination and have fun gardening.
His Church; some whose members we met while traveling, many of whom are close to our hearts. First Baptist Mertzon, TX, Fairview Baptist in Fairview, Tenn. and Bois D’arc Cowboy Church in Bonham, TX to name a few where we met people who seemed like family we were so comfortable and welcome.
ACFW; American Christian Fiction Writers and all of the wonderful people I’ve met both at conferences and online. Their encouragement, courses and help are invaluable to this novice writer.
Faithwriters and Nanowrimo; just two of the helpful sites with free membership that bring encouragement and inspiration.
This ministry of writing for women, children and families, is both a wonderful and fearful thing though with God's help the fear won't hold me back. God’s inspiration during those times when the words just don’t seem to come is a wonderous thing. I know this is what I am supposed to do.
Life, health, family, friends, home, inspiration & help, work, what blessings these are, I thank you Lord for giving to me these wonderful blessings which make life truly beautiful.
God bless you each one, your families, friends, homes, health, finances, work etc.
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Holidays
The holidays are upon us and with the busyness of the season I will not be posting as often. I am presently busy with Nanowrimo, the yearly competition that encourages writers of all genres to focus on writing, get out of the box and just write for thirty days. It has helped me this year. I wasn’t brave enough to join last year but this year I am enjoying writing not for the prize but just the writing itself. What a joy it is to put words on the screen and think that one day soon the manuscript will be finished.
With the holidays coming we often get bogged down in expectations, both our own and others. Take time this year to change your routine, maybe add a tradition that calls for slowing down and spending time together. Spend some time on your own contemplating those things that you truly should be thankful for. Make your Christmas list differently this year. Add things that take thought and consideration. We always ask people what they want for Christmas, but what if we thought about those we are buying gifts for? What would they really like to have? What brings them joy? Can you imagine the smile that will light up their face when they open your gift? When you fill out your Thanksgiving and Christmas cards include a memory of the person you are writing to. Yes, it will take time but it will be worth it.
We usually take this time of year and fill it to the brim with things; gatherings, decorating, baking, shopping, etc. etc. ETC! How much room do we leave to truly celebrate? Let’s give the Lord a gift this year. Sacrifice something you’ve always done and spend that time praising God. Make a family journal and keep it in a conspicuous place where family members can stop and write down their thoughts. If they aren’t enthused make a game or contest of it. The one who posts the most thoughts or the one with the most thoughtful post will win a prize.
When the holidays are over let me know what you did differently and how it was received. God bless!! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
With the holidays coming we often get bogged down in expectations, both our own and others. Take time this year to change your routine, maybe add a tradition that calls for slowing down and spending time together. Spend some time on your own contemplating those things that you truly should be thankful for. Make your Christmas list differently this year. Add things that take thought and consideration. We always ask people what they want for Christmas, but what if we thought about those we are buying gifts for? What would they really like to have? What brings them joy? Can you imagine the smile that will light up their face when they open your gift? When you fill out your Thanksgiving and Christmas cards include a memory of the person you are writing to. Yes, it will take time but it will be worth it.
We usually take this time of year and fill it to the brim with things; gatherings, decorating, baking, shopping, etc. etc. ETC! How much room do we leave to truly celebrate? Let’s give the Lord a gift this year. Sacrifice something you’ve always done and spend that time praising God. Make a family journal and keep it in a conspicuous place where family members can stop and write down their thoughts. If they aren’t enthused make a game or contest of it. The one who posts the most thoughts or the one with the most thoughtful post will win a prize.
When the holidays are over let me know what you did differently and how it was received. God bless!! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
Friday, November 9, 2007
The Battle
Sin creeps into our lives so insidiously, quietly, insistently. We must guard our hearts, or as scripture says; "Be anxious for nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7 Jesus is the key, our relationship to Him. Keeping that relationship open, clean and pure will enable Him to work in our lives so that sin cannot so easily sneak in. We have a choice, God's will or sin.
What is the bottom line when we face things like disillusionment, anger, fear or hatred? These things are sin, or can lead us into sin. The most important thing is to remain in God’s will. A few years ago the phrase WWJD became popular. It has since lost popularity but it is still a good way to measure what we should do. This is especially true about our thoughts, actions and attitudes.
Illegal aliens are here so what is the best way to deal with them? I am struggling with anger. "These people are here illegaly. They broke the law to get here so they have no rights," the voice inside my head shouts. And if I allow it to continue the anger builds. This anger brewing below the surface is not normal for me, it is not good for me or my relationship with God, nor is it the best way to handle this situation.
What I must do is pray, for myself and my attitude yes, but also for them. If I pray for God’s will in their lives, mine and for America everything else will fall into place. If I treat them as God would want me to I know it will please Him and that is my desire. That is the bottom line. Pleasing my heavenly Father.
This isn’t an easy thing to do but with God’s help it is possible. I am even noticing a change in my thought pattern; when I see them everywhere, when I feel overwhelmed, when anger tries to take hold I know to pray. Praying for their salvation and God’s will in their lives as well as His will in my own life is good for everyone.
Allowing God to lead me in all areas of my life is necessary for continued growth. If I do not grow spiritually I become useless to Him. Giving up those things to Him that I have no control over, knowing that He knows best what is needed and trusting Him to work through the situation brings peace and I can rest in His will for us.
The peace He brings to my heart and life is important. Without His peace, His leading and choosing to trust Him life would be difficult, hard, joyless. Choosing His will isn’t always easy but it is always right.
What is the bottom line when we face things like disillusionment, anger, fear or hatred? These things are sin, or can lead us into sin. The most important thing is to remain in God’s will. A few years ago the phrase WWJD became popular. It has since lost popularity but it is still a good way to measure what we should do. This is especially true about our thoughts, actions and attitudes.
Illegal aliens are here so what is the best way to deal with them? I am struggling with anger. "These people are here illegaly. They broke the law to get here so they have no rights," the voice inside my head shouts. And if I allow it to continue the anger builds. This anger brewing below the surface is not normal for me, it is not good for me or my relationship with God, nor is it the best way to handle this situation.
What I must do is pray, for myself and my attitude yes, but also for them. If I pray for God’s will in their lives, mine and for America everything else will fall into place. If I treat them as God would want me to I know it will please Him and that is my desire. That is the bottom line. Pleasing my heavenly Father.
This isn’t an easy thing to do but with God’s help it is possible. I am even noticing a change in my thought pattern; when I see them everywhere, when I feel overwhelmed, when anger tries to take hold I know to pray. Praying for their salvation and God’s will in their lives as well as His will in my own life is good for everyone.
Allowing God to lead me in all areas of my life is necessary for continued growth. If I do not grow spiritually I become useless to Him. Giving up those things to Him that I have no control over, knowing that He knows best what is needed and trusting Him to work through the situation brings peace and I can rest in His will for us.
The peace He brings to my heart and life is important. Without His peace, His leading and choosing to trust Him life would be difficult, hard, joyless. Choosing His will isn’t always easy but it is always right.
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