We tend to want what we can not have, instead of appreciating what we do have. It is part of the human nature to see what "Sally or George" has and want it, but when we are able to say that what they have is for them and what I have I am thankful for is when we start having the freedom to live life. Be thankful for what you have and watch what happens in your daily life. Want less and live more, want less money and spend time with your family. Where you put you time, is what your heart will want, stop spending your time with other people and start spending your time with the people that you call your family. Things will come and go, fads will come and go, but your family, the ones that have stood with you, cried with you, lived with you will stay if you focus on what is important to you.
Isn't it time we start looking at the one that made us and stop focusing on what I want? I believe it is time to stand, it is time to grow and to change, but maybe that is just for me and I will share it with you on here.
I have stated it so many times before, change starts with you, but really change starts with me. If I am unwilling to change how can I expect to show that change truly starts with me. How can I share with you what change happens, because I realize the need for change. Today change starts, it will not be easy, but it will be a new step in the right direction. It is saying bye to the old me and saying Hello to what God will have of me. I need to put away the childish ways and embrace the ways God has for my life. If that is to be alone, that is what God will have for me. Just one step at a time, but I am thankful for the lessons I have learned. I am thankful for where I have been and who I have met along this journey and I am thankful that the next chapter in my life is going to start fresh and new. What a time for it to happen, just as the new year is about to come I can say Good bye to the old ways and Hello to God's ways.
Change starts here, it is the separations from the negatives and live for the ways God has for my life. I can't speak one way and live another, I have to live as I talk and that is where God is calling me to. Completely surrendering what I want and giving Him my all in all. Not my will, but yours Father in Heaven, maker of Heaven and earth. It can't be about what I want, but about what He has designed for me.
May God continue to show you the way as He is showing me how to surrender my will for His.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Change
Unfortunately some people believe that change starts by trying to change others, but the truth is change starts with you. I can't change anyone, but I can change myself. I have heard people say that people can't change, that they are stuck the way they are, but if that was true... Well, it would be a bad thing, we do have traits that we can't change. We have to be willing to step out of the crowd to be different and yes it may make us stand out, but isn't it time to make those changes in ourselves? Isn't it time that we look at ourselves instead of looking at our spouses or whomever and start looking at ourselves?
The time has come that we stop pointing fingers and start saying what in me can I change. Change will come and be complete if we are willing to let go of the way we once were.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink of it, I can't make you look at yourself, but have you been able to change anyone around you? If you answer No to that, then you must realize that change can't be forced on someone, but you can chose to change yourself.
It isn't just about change, it is about love, forgiveness, happiness, joy, peace and so much more. It starts with you. We seem to think someone else can provide it all, but the truth is that no one can bring that to you. It is once you except it that change will start happening, but you have to be willing to surrender and surrendering costs, but I will cover that in another blog.
The time has come that we stop pointing fingers and start saying what in me can I change. Change will come and be complete if we are willing to let go of the way we once were.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink of it, I can't make you look at yourself, but have you been able to change anyone around you? If you answer No to that, then you must realize that change can't be forced on someone, but you can chose to change yourself.
It isn't just about change, it is about love, forgiveness, happiness, joy, peace and so much more. It starts with you. We seem to think someone else can provide it all, but the truth is that no one can bring that to you. It is once you except it that change will start happening, but you have to be willing to surrender and surrendering costs, but I will cover that in another blog.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Being Thankful
I don't mean to harp on this subject, but the truth of the matter is, if we were thankful with half the amount that we complain about, could you imagine how incredible it would be to walk around. I find it simply amazing, but we come up with so many reasons why we can't see life for what we have, we tend to see it for what we do not have.
We want happiness, but yet if we just except where we are at, we can be happy in that. But we want to change things, people to make them be what we believe happy looks like. Maybe instead of changing people we start changing our perspective on life, on what happiness is. Is that to much to ask?
Today I was thinking about if I started the day off by not complaining, but being thankful about everything. I began by thanking God for the happiness, the joy, the peace I have. In the bible it says many things, but the one verse that came to mind this morning is this: Psalms 23: "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want," Did you hear that, I shall not want. What does that mean when we want? It is pure and simple, but we make life complicated and confusing. We allow confusion to take over our minds, instead of realizing that life is only as complicated as we make it. When we allow fear, confusion into our lives we are the reason it is there. We can be thankful for what we have, instead of wanting more and more. Have you ever noticed the more you have, the more you want. Stop wanting more and be thankful for what you have. Meet life with thanksgiving, with a thankful heart. Thank God today for the peace that He has given you, thank Him for the joy that you have, because in being thankful the more you will see the peace and joy that Jesus is giving you. When it works with Peace and Joy, try it with other things as well. Thank God for giving you a sound marriage, a sound relationship, friendships and even when the friendships are few and far between, be thankful because maybe in life the friendship that you have are just what you need.
Today is not about what I do not have, it is about what I have, it is about being thankful in all things, not just the ones that go your way, but even the ones that don't go your way. Be thankful today that today is a new day, the past is behind you, but what do you have? You have today to live, that is all, because we can plan for tomorrow, but who knows if it will come. Be thankful for what you have and today is it. Can you be thankful for what you have today? Or are you going to want more?
We want happiness, but yet if we just except where we are at, we can be happy in that. But we want to change things, people to make them be what we believe happy looks like. Maybe instead of changing people we start changing our perspective on life, on what happiness is. Is that to much to ask?
Today I was thinking about if I started the day off by not complaining, but being thankful about everything. I began by thanking God for the happiness, the joy, the peace I have. In the bible it says many things, but the one verse that came to mind this morning is this: Psalms 23: "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want," Did you hear that, I shall not want. What does that mean when we want? It is pure and simple, but we make life complicated and confusing. We allow confusion to take over our minds, instead of realizing that life is only as complicated as we make it. When we allow fear, confusion into our lives we are the reason it is there. We can be thankful for what we have, instead of wanting more and more. Have you ever noticed the more you have, the more you want. Stop wanting more and be thankful for what you have. Meet life with thanksgiving, with a thankful heart. Thank God today for the peace that He has given you, thank Him for the joy that you have, because in being thankful the more you will see the peace and joy that Jesus is giving you. When it works with Peace and Joy, try it with other things as well. Thank God for giving you a sound marriage, a sound relationship, friendships and even when the friendships are few and far between, be thankful because maybe in life the friendship that you have are just what you need.
Today is not about what I do not have, it is about what I have, it is about being thankful in all things, not just the ones that go your way, but even the ones that don't go your way. Be thankful today that today is a new day, the past is behind you, but what do you have? You have today to live, that is all, because we can plan for tomorrow, but who knows if it will come. Be thankful for what you have and today is it. Can you be thankful for what you have today? Or are you going to want more?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
True Joy (happiness)
I have a secret for all of you. Are you ready, you can't tell anyone OK? You may not believe it when I tell you it though, I guess it comes down to a pure and simple fact.
True Joy can't be found in someone else, it first must be found in you. The misconception today is to find true happiness, you must be with the right person (your better half, your soul mate), but you will be full of happiness for a time, but it will fade and you will wonder if you made a mistake. The truth is, when you are able to be happy with who you are, you will be able to find joy in life. It is when you can look in the mirror and not be disgusted with what you see, but realize that you are made just how you are. Except it and yes it doesn't mean we don't improve ourselves, but it does mean that we learn to love who we are. Learning and growing along the way.
You can't find what you are looking for in others, first you must find it in yourself. Except the fact that you have joy in you, except that you have peace and be thankful for it. I am so thankful that I see this now. I don't need someone else to fill my life, I just need to except where I am. I need to except myself and learn to live with who I am. I am thankful for the joy I have found and that is why I wanted to share it with you.
Find joy in who you are and you will be able to share it with others. Then the relationship you have, will not just seem like something is missing, because it isn't the other person, look at yourself to change. Stop looking for them to change.
Have a wonderful night.
True Joy can't be found in someone else, it first must be found in you. The misconception today is to find true happiness, you must be with the right person (your better half, your soul mate), but you will be full of happiness for a time, but it will fade and you will wonder if you made a mistake. The truth is, when you are able to be happy with who you are, you will be able to find joy in life. It is when you can look in the mirror and not be disgusted with what you see, but realize that you are made just how you are. Except it and yes it doesn't mean we don't improve ourselves, but it does mean that we learn to love who we are. Learning and growing along the way.
You can't find what you are looking for in others, first you must find it in yourself. Except the fact that you have joy in you, except that you have peace and be thankful for it. I am so thankful that I see this now. I don't need someone else to fill my life, I just need to except where I am. I need to except myself and learn to live with who I am. I am thankful for the joy I have found and that is why I wanted to share it with you.
Find joy in who you are and you will be able to share it with others. Then the relationship you have, will not just seem like something is missing, because it isn't the other person, look at yourself to change. Stop looking for them to change.
Have a wonderful night.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Taking a trip
I want you to take a trip with me this morning. We are heading to the mall. We pull into a parking lot, people are all around, going about their daily activities. They are smiling, they are full of life, not sulking from one place to another. Not looking at others with judgement, concern or doubt. A person steals the spot you were going to pull into, but instead of wanting to be angry we are happy that we have to walk a few extra feet. We get out of the car and the person who took our spot was waiting there for us. He walks up to us and says I am so sorry for that, I didn't realize that was where you were going to park. Will you forgive me, we shake hands and continue about our shopping routine. Bumping into people that are smiling, full of so much more then the lives that we once remembered. Does it seem like a dream, a fairy tale? Does it seem impossible? Well in the state that people are today, you are right it is not possible.
But are you that way? Are you so much in a hurry that you have forgotten what Christmas is about? Have you forgotten the very thought of who came to earth to save us? Have you forgotten what He gave to us and we are so lost in the busy life that we can't see that others need Him today.
Instead of greeting people with hate, anger and fear, greet them with the love that Jesus has given us, but don't be fake, for He was not sent to us as a fraud, but as our Savior. Today how can you show some one that Jesus loves them? Are you married? Instead of snapping at your wife/husband answer them with love. Have you forgotten how to love, how to live? Isn't it time that we all take we start not basing what we do on others, but start basing what we do on God.
You want true happiness, you have to forget that word, because true happiness is a feeling, it will come and go, but Jesus has brought us Joy, Hope and Peace. Today it is about finding Jesus and in that we will find so much more.
The song that comes to mind this morning is:
Take a minute and read through that hymn and see that the Joy you seek is not part of the world, but was brought to us to free us from our lack of joy, our lack of peace, but yet we say we can't find it, is it because we have forgotten how to look for it, just as we forgot how to truly love and how to truly be loved. Isn't it time to stop looking in men and women and start looking for the truth and grace? Today is a day of pure joy, but Jesus is the only reason for the season, not Santa Claus, not ourselves, but Jesus.
But are you that way? Are you so much in a hurry that you have forgotten what Christmas is about? Have you forgotten the very thought of who came to earth to save us? Have you forgotten what He gave to us and we are so lost in the busy life that we can't see that others need Him today.
Instead of greeting people with hate, anger and fear, greet them with the love that Jesus has given us, but don't be fake, for He was not sent to us as a fraud, but as our Savior. Today how can you show some one that Jesus loves them? Are you married? Instead of snapping at your wife/husband answer them with love. Have you forgotten how to love, how to live? Isn't it time that we all take we start not basing what we do on others, but start basing what we do on God.
You want true happiness, you have to forget that word, because true happiness is a feeling, it will come and go, but Jesus has brought us Joy, Hope and Peace. Today it is about finding Jesus and in that we will find so much more.
The song that comes to mind this morning is:
Joy to the World
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Take a minute and read through that hymn and see that the Joy you seek is not part of the world, but was brought to us to free us from our lack of joy, our lack of peace, but yet we say we can't find it, is it because we have forgotten how to look for it, just as we forgot how to truly love and how to truly be loved. Isn't it time to stop looking in men and women and start looking for the truth and grace? Today is a day of pure joy, but Jesus is the only reason for the season, not Santa Claus, not ourselves, but Jesus.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Chaotic World
We live in a chaotic world, our minds our cluttered with things, where we are to go today, what we are to do, work, family and everything else. We have lost the peace we seek because of not being able to rest in the truth that has been give us. We look for people to complete who we are, we look for happiness in others, we look for the very thing that has been given to us from birth.
Today it is about finding the peace that has been given you from birth. It is about the internal joy that you have. I have said it time and time again. Happiness is found in happenings, but joy is found much deeper. It doesn't take things around us to find the joy. I was always taught that JOY = Jesus, Others and then you. The more you put Jesus first and then others, the more you will see that you have found the true meaning of joy. The ones that don't believe in Jesus, well then you will find OY and what do you have without the J? Not much, you will miss more then you may have thought possible. We have been given a Hope for something much greater then ourselves. Today peoples minds are filled with Chaos, filled with clutter and they want to feel, they want to have something that will fade away, but Joy and Peace will not fade away. The more you find it, the more you will want more of it and soon the Chaos that has taken hold of your mind will start to fade and what replaces is it is shear amazing.
Isn't it time? Today we can see around us at work, driving, shopping that people live in chaos, they live and thrive on feelings. Feelings lie, they come and go, but Joy and Peace are here to stay, but you have to make the choice to have them. You have to stop letting feelings guide you. Stop looking for the next good feeling and start looking to how you can bring some peace to your mind, some peace to your life, to your home, to your family and in that you will find joy. Or you can continue to live feeling to feeling, you can wait for the next angry moment, the next moment you feel let down, the next moment you want to cry, the next.... You get my point? Isn't it time we start leading our hearts instead of letting our hearts lead us?
Christmas this year, isn't about what I can get, but what I can give. It isn't about what I receive, but something so much greater. Jesus sent His son to the world, not to give us feelings, but to give us Hope, to bring us Peace and show us what real Joy is. If you aren't able to love someone, don't tell them Jesus loves them. Today is about Hope and so much more. Stop looking for others and start looking for Jesus to save you from yourself, but it is your choice. Only you can make it, no one else can do it for you. Take the time today and really see God for who He is.
Song for today:
"My God"
Today it is about finding the peace that has been given you from birth. It is about the internal joy that you have. I have said it time and time again. Happiness is found in happenings, but joy is found much deeper. It doesn't take things around us to find the joy. I was always taught that JOY = Jesus, Others and then you. The more you put Jesus first and then others, the more you will see that you have found the true meaning of joy. The ones that don't believe in Jesus, well then you will find OY and what do you have without the J? Not much, you will miss more then you may have thought possible. We have been given a Hope for something much greater then ourselves. Today peoples minds are filled with Chaos, filled with clutter and they want to feel, they want to have something that will fade away, but Joy and Peace will not fade away. The more you find it, the more you will want more of it and soon the Chaos that has taken hold of your mind will start to fade and what replaces is it is shear amazing.
Isn't it time? Today we can see around us at work, driving, shopping that people live in chaos, they live and thrive on feelings. Feelings lie, they come and go, but Joy and Peace are here to stay, but you have to make the choice to have them. You have to stop letting feelings guide you. Stop looking for the next good feeling and start looking to how you can bring some peace to your mind, some peace to your life, to your home, to your family and in that you will find joy. Or you can continue to live feeling to feeling, you can wait for the next angry moment, the next moment you feel let down, the next moment you want to cry, the next.... You get my point? Isn't it time we start leading our hearts instead of letting our hearts lead us?
Christmas this year, isn't about what I can get, but what I can give. It isn't about what I receive, but something so much greater. Jesus sent His son to the world, not to give us feelings, but to give us Hope, to bring us Peace and show us what real Joy is. If you aren't able to love someone, don't tell them Jesus loves them. Today is about Hope and so much more. Stop looking for others and start looking for Jesus to save you from yourself, but it is your choice. Only you can make it, no one else can do it for you. Take the time today and really see God for who He is.
Song for today:
"My God"
All of who You are reaches the darkest parts
Lifting the weight and erasing the scars that had a hold on me
Here I am bearing all, tearing down every wall
So amazed by Your grace and the way You're still holding me
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
There is no other one, who's given a greater love
Laying aside His own life on the cross
Reaching out to us
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
When my hope starts fading out
You are where my strength is found
I know I won't be alone
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
There is victory
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
Lifting the weight and erasing the scars that had a hold on me
Here I am bearing all, tearing down every wall
So amazed by Your grace and the way You're still holding me
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
There is no other one, who's given a greater love
Laying aside His own life on the cross
Reaching out to us
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
When my hope starts fading out
You are where my strength is found
I know I won't be alone
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
There is victory
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Love for ourselves
Before we can truly express love to someone else, we must first love ourselves. Loving ourselves does not mean to be egotistical or even think you are better then anyone. It is excepting yourself for who you are, for how you look, for how God made you. When we are able to see ourselves in a different way other then how we look at others, we are able to understand more about love.
If you think about how God loves us, that is how we should love ourselves. Can you imagine seeing yourself through the eyes of God? Are you a glowing white ember or are you spotted with filth and garbage, unclean? We can't truly love until we truly understand the love that God has for us, until we understand how to see ourselves not through human eyes, but see ourselves as a work in progress, as someone that is in change. We don't need to pick every flaw we have and think I want to change that and this. We love ourselves by excepting even our flaws and saying in time those to will change and if not, that is how I am. If we can't except our flaws, how are we going to except others? Breaking News, we all have flaws, even the ones that don't think we do, don't let them fool you. It is in learning that even with our flaws that we change, changing is good, contrary to others opinions.
When we learn to love, we learn how to love. We learn that loving ourselves is a choice, yes it is hard to make, but it is possible. Stop looking and start excepting yourself for who you are. Make the choice to except yourself today. In time you will start seeing the changes mentally that happens to you. You will no longer look for others to give you the affirmation that we all long for and you will start feeling it, sensing it and start sharing that with others. It is a process, it doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible. Believe in yourself, in your choices and the more positive choices you make, the more positive choices will come and soon you will be able to share that as well. We can focus on the negative, the flaws or we can see ourselves as changing. It is a choice, we can either suffer through life wanting to find happiness, or we can see the joy of life and in the joy we can live. It is all a choice.
Self help books will tell you that you need to find happiness, but happiness is in happenings. Find the joy that has been presented to you each day, the joy of life, the joy of getting up, the joy of a new day that is a choice and guess what you have a choice to get out of bed or stay in bed, what is your choice today?
The last thought for today. What if Peace and Joy is not found, but just excepted? What a difference, you already have it, but you have forgotten about it. Stop looking for it and be thankful for having it. Watch what happens, it isn't about finding outside of ourselves, but inside ourselves. I am a firm believer that we all have it, but it is just finding that joy, that peace. It is a choice. Those who look for it elsewhere will only find brief feelings, fading with time, but once you find it in yourself, you will be able to share it, to spread it and be thankful when you do find it. Not found in other people, but in yourself.
If you think about how God loves us, that is how we should love ourselves. Can you imagine seeing yourself through the eyes of God? Are you a glowing white ember or are you spotted with filth and garbage, unclean? We can't truly love until we truly understand the love that God has for us, until we understand how to see ourselves not through human eyes, but see ourselves as a work in progress, as someone that is in change. We don't need to pick every flaw we have and think I want to change that and this. We love ourselves by excepting even our flaws and saying in time those to will change and if not, that is how I am. If we can't except our flaws, how are we going to except others? Breaking News, we all have flaws, even the ones that don't think we do, don't let them fool you. It is in learning that even with our flaws that we change, changing is good, contrary to others opinions.
When we learn to love, we learn how to love. We learn that loving ourselves is a choice, yes it is hard to make, but it is possible. Stop looking and start excepting yourself for who you are. Make the choice to except yourself today. In time you will start seeing the changes mentally that happens to you. You will no longer look for others to give you the affirmation that we all long for and you will start feeling it, sensing it and start sharing that with others. It is a process, it doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible. Believe in yourself, in your choices and the more positive choices you make, the more positive choices will come and soon you will be able to share that as well. We can focus on the negative, the flaws or we can see ourselves as changing. It is a choice, we can either suffer through life wanting to find happiness, or we can see the joy of life and in the joy we can live. It is all a choice.
Self help books will tell you that you need to find happiness, but happiness is in happenings. Find the joy that has been presented to you each day, the joy of life, the joy of getting up, the joy of a new day that is a choice and guess what you have a choice to get out of bed or stay in bed, what is your choice today?
The last thought for today. What if Peace and Joy is not found, but just excepted? What a difference, you already have it, but you have forgotten about it. Stop looking for it and be thankful for having it. Watch what happens, it isn't about finding outside of ourselves, but inside ourselves. I am a firm believer that we all have it, but it is just finding that joy, that peace. It is a choice. Those who look for it elsewhere will only find brief feelings, fading with time, but once you find it in yourself, you will be able to share it, to spread it and be thankful when you do find it. Not found in other people, but in yourself.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Preparation
As I look back over the last week of what I have shared, I realize that everything that I have shared was in preparation for the news that I received yesterday. I am thankful that the lessons I am learning are in accordance to what is happening in my life. How many times have you gone through and issue to only remember the past few days of preparation to solve the problem? Well, I am happy to say it happened to me.
The news I received yesterday could cause extreme hurt, disappointment and so much more, but knowing that the door has closed, has only opened up others. I am relieved to know that my faith, my happiness, my joy, my self worth does not rest on a person or someone else. It is about what I believe in.
I have found that some people believe that they will be happy if they meet so and so, or they will be completed, but yet when it comes down to it, they are not. They feel empty and alone even when they are with that person. It isn't because that person isn't right for them, but because they have to find the joy within themselves and find the joy in the who they are. It is stated somewhere that in order to love others we must first love ourselves. That means if you can't be happy with who you are, then how will you truly know love?
We can't be completed by others, but first we need to find the completeness in ourselves, in what we believe in or who. And guess what... then we can find our match, but not until then, we will continue searching, we will look to what feels good and when the feeling dies so does our relationship. It is about choices, it is about completeness, it is about so much more then a feeling. Feelings come and go, but a choice a belief will stay. Isn't it time to stop looking for other people to complete who we are and see who we are as complete and look to others to add to us? What a concept.
I would not have seen any of this 1 year ago or more, but it is in finding that no person can make me filled with joy, yes happiness is a feeling it comes and go, but joy is a state of mind. Do you see the difference? What are feelings and what is truly true? That is what you have to figure out. Love can be a feeling, yes you are right, but it is also a state of mind. If I chose to love, then therefor it doesn't matter if I feel love, it is a state of being. Isn't it time even when we don't "feel" like loving, that we chose to love. If we say I give and give and give and get nothing, what are we looking for? We are looking for affirmation of what we have done, it is also a feeling, it is a choice. Stop looking for something and start just enjoying the point of giving.
Is it time for a change? Or do we want to continue basing life on feelings? What will change if you are able to separate feelings from reality? Your choices will make the difference, but they are yours. Stop trying to change the other person and see what you need to change in yourself.
The news I received yesterday could cause extreme hurt, disappointment and so much more, but knowing that the door has closed, has only opened up others. I am relieved to know that my faith, my happiness, my joy, my self worth does not rest on a person or someone else. It is about what I believe in.
I have found that some people believe that they will be happy if they meet so and so, or they will be completed, but yet when it comes down to it, they are not. They feel empty and alone even when they are with that person. It isn't because that person isn't right for them, but because they have to find the joy within themselves and find the joy in the who they are. It is stated somewhere that in order to love others we must first love ourselves. That means if you can't be happy with who you are, then how will you truly know love?
We can't be completed by others, but first we need to find the completeness in ourselves, in what we believe in or who. And guess what... then we can find our match, but not until then, we will continue searching, we will look to what feels good and when the feeling dies so does our relationship. It is about choices, it is about completeness, it is about so much more then a feeling. Feelings come and go, but a choice a belief will stay. Isn't it time to stop looking for other people to complete who we are and see who we are as complete and look to others to add to us? What a concept.
I would not have seen any of this 1 year ago or more, but it is in finding that no person can make me filled with joy, yes happiness is a feeling it comes and go, but joy is a state of mind. Do you see the difference? What are feelings and what is truly true? That is what you have to figure out. Love can be a feeling, yes you are right, but it is also a state of mind. If I chose to love, then therefor it doesn't matter if I feel love, it is a state of being. Isn't it time even when we don't "feel" like loving, that we chose to love. If we say I give and give and give and get nothing, what are we looking for? We are looking for affirmation of what we have done, it is also a feeling, it is a choice. Stop looking for something and start just enjoying the point of giving.
Is it time for a change? Or do we want to continue basing life on feelings? What will change if you are able to separate feelings from reality? Your choices will make the difference, but they are yours. Stop trying to change the other person and see what you need to change in yourself.
A New Chapter
What I had been waiting for, has now come and gone. The final chapter in the relationship with my wife has been written and closed. It was not meant to be and I am thankful that the door has closed. What is left is only one more step and the book will be written, but that isn't it for me, just a new beginning.
We can look at the door closing and miss the windows opening around us. Don't watch to long and hold onto what was, but see the hand of God making a way for something much greater. Yes, it hurts to close this door, but I wouldn't want the door to be forced open and find an empty room waiting for me. It is time to move on, to let go of all the past and see that it isn't about what was, but what is. It is so much greater then it ever was.
I am thinking this blog will change a little bit from the point of my waiting, to the point of me living. Living to except where I am. The choices we make can define us, or they can break us. Don't let the set backs hold you back, just press forward and know that the road is not defined by us, but by someone much greater.
I write a new chapter and close the old one. Thank you for reading as I let this chapter close and start a new one. Who knows what this chapter has, it is yet to be written.
Have a wonderful day.
We can look at the door closing and miss the windows opening around us. Don't watch to long and hold onto what was, but see the hand of God making a way for something much greater. Yes, it hurts to close this door, but I wouldn't want the door to be forced open and find an empty room waiting for me. It is time to move on, to let go of all the past and see that it isn't about what was, but what is. It is so much greater then it ever was.
I am thinking this blog will change a little bit from the point of my waiting, to the point of me living. Living to except where I am. The choices we make can define us, or they can break us. Don't let the set backs hold you back, just press forward and know that the road is not defined by us, but by someone much greater.
I write a new chapter and close the old one. Thank you for reading as I let this chapter close and start a new one. Who knows what this chapter has, it is yet to be written.
Have a wonderful day.
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Past
Driving down the road today I had a realization, that driving is much like life. We have a destination (at least we should) and we go that direction. Sometimes depending on the weather we have to take slight detours and those can lead us down paths we are not sure of. Other times we have to slow down because other vehicles slow down. We get to see either life pass us by, or we are able to pass life while we push forward. The mirrors on our car act as a reminder of the past, but we have to be careful not to just rely on the mirrors.
It is so easy to look at the mirrors to judge where we have been, but the truth can always be distorted by our vision of what it was. Remembering how things were can change through time.
Take the time today to set your destination. Don't look at the past as an anchor, but as a reason to drive forward. The side roads do not have to confuse you, because they are to remind you of keeping your destination. Avoid the detours of life, push forward. When things don't look like they are going the way you want, pause and reflect on what you believe you want. Hold fast and know that the path may not be clear, but the reason we take the path is.
Others may not be going the way you want to go, but that doesn't mean your way is wrong. Don't gauge your forward movement on others, gauge it upon where you believe you need to be. It is a scary road, but you are not alone. Today it is about moving forward and trusting in our one true God to help us along the way, to show us which way we need to go. Take His path, others may not, but we can't base it on what others do, the driving is about us. You do not control them, you can only change you. Isn't it time to start seeing the way in front of you and stop looking solely at the mirrors?
Let God direct you today. Trust that He will help you along the path. If you have taken a side road, look for His direction to get back on the main path again. It may seem hard, but the side path is even harder, for it will lead to destruction. It is time for the change.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Keeping our eyes in right place
I woke up this morning with a song in my heart and as I began to sing it, I realized I didn't know all the words, but I knew the main refrain. The section of the song reminds me to look to Jesus for all things. In the world we search for meaning in our relationships, friendships, children, but the real meaning comes when we are able to look towards heaven to see Jesus. He is our only way and hope, without Him we seek to destroy ourselves, we are lost in depression and hopelessness, but with Him, He is our hope, our love and our everything. We can't truly love until we truly learn what it is to be truly loved, without condition without any of it. Jesus teach us that by dying on the cross for our sins, not just for my sins, but for all of our sins. Can you imagine loving someone so much you are willing to die for them?
The song that was placed on my heart is:
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free:
[Chorus:]
Turn you eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu'rors we are!
[Chorus]
His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
[Chorus]
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free:
[Chorus:]
Turn you eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu'rors we are!
[Chorus]
His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
[Chorus]
Today is about looking to Jesus for all our needs (not our wants, but needs). The more we focus on Him, the less we focus on what we want. More of Him, less of our difficulties our anxieties, worries, doubts, fears. He is the way the truth and the light. That is why the "Truth" will set us free.
Have a wonderful day. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, because as the song states, the things of the earth will fade.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Decided
This week I have been battling to fall asleep and I realize that there are many reasons to why I am unable to sleep, but each time a song comes to mind and or is laid on my heart and I begin to sing it. It is funny, because some of the songs I have not heard for many years. I have done this on several occasions and I have looked up the song on Youtube and listened to it, there are many versions out there and I will listen to them waiting to find the one that I want to hear.
The one that struck me the other night was "I have decided to follow Jesus". As I looked up the song, I found that there was a story that went with it. The song lyrics are:
About 150 years ago, there was a great revival in Wales, England. As a result of this, many missionaries came from England and Germany to North-East India to spread the Gospel. At the time, north-east India was not divided into many states as it is today. The region was known as Assam and comprised hundreds of tribes. The tribal communities were quite primitive and aggressive by nature. The tribals were also called head-hunters because of a social custom which required the male members of the community to collect as many heads as possible. A man’s strength and ability to protect his wife was assessed by the number of heads he had collected. Therefore, a youth of marriageable age would try and collect as many heads as possible and hang them on the walls of his house. The more heads a man had, the more eligible he was considered. Into this hostile and aggressive community, came a group of Welsh missionaries spreading the message of love, peace and hope of Jesus Christ. Naturally, they were not welcomed. One Welsh missionary succeeded in converting a man, his wife, and two children. This man’s faith proved contagious and many villagers began to accept Christianity. Angry, the village chief summoned all the villagers. He then called the family who had first converted to renounce their faith in public or face execution. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man instantly composed a song which became famous down the years. He sang:
"I have decided to follow Jesus. (3 times)No turning back, no turning back."
Enraged at the refusal of the man, the chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children. As both boys lay twitching on the floor, the chief asked, “Will you deny your faith? You have lost both your children. You will lose your wife too.”
But the man sang these words in reply:
"Though no one joins me, still I will follow. (3 times) No turning back, no turning back."
The chief was beside himself with fury and ordered his wife to be arrowed down. In a moment she joined her two children in death. Now he asked for the last time, “I will give you one more opportunity to deny your faith and live.”
In the face of death the man sang the final memorable lines:
"The cross before me, the world behind me. (3 times)No turning back, no turning back."
He was shot dead like the rest of his family. But with their deaths, a miracle took place. The chief who had ordered the killings was moved by the faith of the man. He wondered, “Why should this man, his wife and two children die for a Man who lived in a far-away land on another continent some 2,000 years ago? There must be some supernatural power behind the family, and I too want that supernatural power.”
In a spontaneous confession of faith, he declared, “I too belong to Jesus Christ!” When the crowd heard this from the mouth of their chief, the whole village accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The man chose to follow Jesus, it cost him everything, his wife and his kids, but still he followed. I look at myself and realize so much just by that hymn. I may have lost what I had desired, but our hearts desire must first be for God and when we put God first in all we want, our hearts desires become for Him, for what He wants for us, yes it takes time and waiting, but the wait only teaches us so much more. Are you willing to wait on God and sink your roots into Him. What will it cost us?
The one that struck me the other night was "I have decided to follow Jesus". As I looked up the song, I found that there was a story that went with it. The song lyrics are:
- I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus--
No turning back, no turning back. - The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me--
No turning back, no turning back. - Though none go with me, I still will follow,
Though none go with me, I still will follow,
Though none go with me, I still will follow,
no turning back, no turning back. - Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?--
No turning back, no turning back.
About 150 years ago, there was a great revival in Wales, England. As a result of this, many missionaries came from England and Germany to North-East India to spread the Gospel. At the time, north-east India was not divided into many states as it is today. The region was known as Assam and comprised hundreds of tribes. The tribal communities were quite primitive and aggressive by nature. The tribals were also called head-hunters because of a social custom which required the male members of the community to collect as many heads as possible. A man’s strength and ability to protect his wife was assessed by the number of heads he had collected. Therefore, a youth of marriageable age would try and collect as many heads as possible and hang them on the walls of his house. The more heads a man had, the more eligible he was considered. Into this hostile and aggressive community, came a group of Welsh missionaries spreading the message of love, peace and hope of Jesus Christ. Naturally, they were not welcomed. One Welsh missionary succeeded in converting a man, his wife, and two children. This man’s faith proved contagious and many villagers began to accept Christianity. Angry, the village chief summoned all the villagers. He then called the family who had first converted to renounce their faith in public or face execution. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man instantly composed a song which became famous down the years. He sang:
"I have decided to follow Jesus. (3 times)No turning back, no turning back."
Enraged at the refusal of the man, the chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children. As both boys lay twitching on the floor, the chief asked, “Will you deny your faith? You have lost both your children. You will lose your wife too.”
But the man sang these words in reply:
"Though no one joins me, still I will follow. (3 times) No turning back, no turning back."
The chief was beside himself with fury and ordered his wife to be arrowed down. In a moment she joined her two children in death. Now he asked for the last time, “I will give you one more opportunity to deny your faith and live.”
In the face of death the man sang the final memorable lines:
"The cross before me, the world behind me. (3 times)No turning back, no turning back."
He was shot dead like the rest of his family. But with their deaths, a miracle took place. The chief who had ordered the killings was moved by the faith of the man. He wondered, “Why should this man, his wife and two children die for a Man who lived in a far-away land on another continent some 2,000 years ago? There must be some supernatural power behind the family, and I too want that supernatural power.”
In a spontaneous confession of faith, he declared, “I too belong to Jesus Christ!” When the crowd heard this from the mouth of their chief, the whole village accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The man chose to follow Jesus, it cost him everything, his wife and his kids, but still he followed. I look at myself and realize so much just by that hymn. I may have lost what I had desired, but our hearts desire must first be for God and when we put God first in all we want, our hearts desires become for Him, for what He wants for us, yes it takes time and waiting, but the wait only teaches us so much more. Are you willing to wait on God and sink your roots into Him. What will it cost us?
Monday, December 9, 2013
Slow Down
Isn't it time to slow down, take in the sunset, or even the sunrise. See the beauty that has been given to us, that we are missing with our fast paced lives. We are rushing from point A to point B and then C, D, E, F, back to B to G and that is all in one day. Today instead of rushing, see the beauty that has been created for us to remember who created us, who is in our lives, who loves us unconditionally, today is that day were you pull to the side of the road to watch that crazy looking cloud pass and realize that it was there for you to marvel at the creation and to show you that you can see more when we take it in. Stop rushing and know that today is that day you need to see.
Every day is about making a new lasting memory, don't be afraid to do that today for you, for your husband or wife, for your kids or the one you are with. Take a moment to see the goodness that was created for you today. Be thankful for the little things, because it is only once in a while a big thing comes our way. Enjoy the little things, for they have been given to you today to marvel at the work of the master artist.
With that I leave you with a song that I have been listening to today:
Matt Maher
"Rise Up"
Every day is about making a new lasting memory, don't be afraid to do that today for you, for your husband or wife, for your kids or the one you are with. Take a moment to see the goodness that was created for you today. Be thankful for the little things, because it is only once in a while a big thing comes our way. Enjoy the little things, for they have been given to you today to marvel at the work of the master artist.
With that I leave you with a song that I have been listening to today:
Matt Maher
"Rise Up"
When you see the road ahead
That you've been down before
When you're halfway to nowhere
And you can't pay the toll
You're hanging onto mercy
Withered on the vine
With your feet on the ground, your head in the clouds
And your heart on the line
Open up your eyes…
You've got to rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
When you're told that day is over
Long after the sun goes down
And your mind it keeps on racing
At the dreams that don't come 'round
When you don't know how to surrender
Cause your whole life's been a fight
When the dark holds you and you can't break through
Cause you haven't seen the light.
Open up your eyes…
You've got to rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
Yeah rise up now,
Oh rise up now.
And all the lambs roar like lions
And all the prisoners breaking their chains
And all the poor find their treasure
Cause heaven is coming this way.
[x2]
Rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
Yeah rise up now,
Oh rise up now.
That you've been down before
When you're halfway to nowhere
And you can't pay the toll
You're hanging onto mercy
Withered on the vine
With your feet on the ground, your head in the clouds
And your heart on the line
Open up your eyes…
You've got to rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
When you're told that day is over
Long after the sun goes down
And your mind it keeps on racing
At the dreams that don't come 'round
When you don't know how to surrender
Cause your whole life's been a fight
When the dark holds you and you can't break through
Cause you haven't seen the light.
Open up your eyes…
You've got to rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
Yeah rise up now,
Oh rise up now.
And all the lambs roar like lions
And all the prisoners breaking their chains
And all the poor find their treasure
Cause heaven is coming this way.
[x2]
Rise up, rise up
When this life has got you down
You've got to look up, look up
When you search and nothing's found
My eyes have seen the glory of the love that's here and now
It's coming down
So rise up now.
Yeah rise up now,
Oh rise up now.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Human Nature
The more I walk through life, the more I see that we want things that we can't have. Whether it be people or objects, we want them, we try and obtain them, but does it have to continue that way?
Maybe it is time to be thankful for what we have, instead of wanting that extra car, or the other person. Maybe by us learning to appreciate what we have, then we will see that we don't need anything else. I have to wonder if this is true not with just things, but in our homes too. Do you think that if we learn to cherish what we have, that we will no longer long for what we don't have? Maybe by polishing the very thing that we say we love, then the very thing will change from an outward love, into an inward love. We all have wanted more, maybe you didn't want someone else, but we looked at what they had and said oh that would be so nice to have, or if I could just see what it feels like once. OK, maybe no one else has, but I have. I wanted things that I couldn't have and in doing so I took paths I normally would not take.
I look at my wife and I. I met her while I was looking for something more, instead of being thankful for what I had. The same went for her, but in it all we ended up hurting not just ourselves, but the ones we were with at the time. In order to gain what we wanted and did not have. We traveled the path together, but in finding that the path started from destruction until we learned to forgive ourselves we could no longer travel the path together. Yes, I wanted to travel the path with her, but she didn't.
We all have choices to make, we all of places in which we want more. Maybe it is time to appreciate what we have and even if it isn't what we had expected out of life, maybe we should be encouraged we are alive and can live another day to cherish and be thankful for what we have.
I have very little, but what I do have is so much more then some people and I am joyful that I have my life today. May you see that life is not about ourselves, but about others. Cherish, polish and enjoy what you do have, because who knows how long it will last.
Maybe it is time to be thankful for what we have, instead of wanting that extra car, or the other person. Maybe by us learning to appreciate what we have, then we will see that we don't need anything else. I have to wonder if this is true not with just things, but in our homes too. Do you think that if we learn to cherish what we have, that we will no longer long for what we don't have? Maybe by polishing the very thing that we say we love, then the very thing will change from an outward love, into an inward love. We all have wanted more, maybe you didn't want someone else, but we looked at what they had and said oh that would be so nice to have, or if I could just see what it feels like once. OK, maybe no one else has, but I have. I wanted things that I couldn't have and in doing so I took paths I normally would not take.
I look at my wife and I. I met her while I was looking for something more, instead of being thankful for what I had. The same went for her, but in it all we ended up hurting not just ourselves, but the ones we were with at the time. In order to gain what we wanted and did not have. We traveled the path together, but in finding that the path started from destruction until we learned to forgive ourselves we could no longer travel the path together. Yes, I wanted to travel the path with her, but she didn't.
We all have choices to make, we all of places in which we want more. Maybe it is time to appreciate what we have and even if it isn't what we had expected out of life, maybe we should be encouraged we are alive and can live another day to cherish and be thankful for what we have.
I have very little, but what I do have is so much more then some people and I am joyful that I have my life today. May you see that life is not about ourselves, but about others. Cherish, polish and enjoy what you do have, because who knows how long it will last.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Question
As I listen to this song, I have to ask myself the very question that this song asks.
"I'm Still Yours"
"I'm Still Yours"
If You washed away my vanity
If You took away my words
If all my world was swept away
Would You be enough for me?
Would my beating heart still sing?
If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away
If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives
And takes away
If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart
Will sing to You
Even if You take it all away
You'll never let me go
Take it all away
But I still know
That I'm Yours
I'm still Yours
Oh, I'm Yours
I'm still Yours
I'm still Yours
If You took away my words
If all my world was swept away
Would You be enough for me?
Would my beating heart still sing?
If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away
If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives
And takes away
If You take it all
This life You've given
Still my heart
Will sing to You
Even if You take it all away
You'll never let me go
Take it all away
But I still know
That I'm Yours
I'm still Yours
Oh, I'm Yours
I'm still Yours
I'm still Yours
It is time to surrender, no matter what I have lost. I look at my life and I have lost quite a bit. I struggle with doubt, discouragement and just fear. I want it my way, but the more I lose, I realize that if I would just surrender it to God, then it isn't what I have lost, but what I have gained. It is about seeing that more of Him, means less of me, less of my needs and wants, because I am replacing them with what God wants for me, not what Geoff wants for Geoff. It makes a big difference, but each day will define how much it makes.
Completely surrendering my will, my wants, my thoughts, my all to Him. What does that leave me? It can't just be part, I am finding it has to be all. What is OK for someone else to do, does not mean it is OK for me. I am reminded of that daily.
Inspirational songs
"Falling Into Place"
It was raining on the sun
The ground beneath my feet was crumbling
Day and Night had come undone
It was the season of my wandering
Somehow Somewhere
You found me there
It was the moment that it all became clear
I was on the edge
Of a distant world
A shattered life
With no where left to turn
Till I saw you there
And everything I thought had gone to waste
Was falling into place
It's finally quiet in my head
As I lay the pieces at your feet
It's finally starting to make sense
I guess I found the missing part of me
Oceans that I almost drowned in
I had to lose it all
Just so I could find out you were there to break my fall
"Watch Over Me"
The ground beneath my feet was crumbling
Day and Night had come undone
It was the season of my wandering
Somehow Somewhere
You found me there
It was the moment that it all became clear
I was on the edge
Of a distant world
A shattered life
With no where left to turn
Till I saw you there
And everything I thought had gone to waste
Was falling into place
It's finally quiet in my head
As I lay the pieces at your feet
It's finally starting to make sense
I guess I found the missing part of me
Oceans that I almost drowned in
I had to lose it all
Just so I could find out you were there to break my fall
"Watch Over Me"
I was lonely, You came waltzing over to me
And Your eyes they saw right through me
And You heard each one of my cries for help
And You came to rescue me
I was broken, every prayer that I had spoken
Reached Your ears and all my tears weren't cried in vain
You carried all my pain
And put me back together again
You watch over me in the darkest valleys
You watch over me when the night seems long
You help me to see the way before me
You watch over me, you watch over me
Always faithful to be leading, at this moment
Interceding for Your children
Though I've wandered astray from Your infinite ways
You've never left me alone
Take my frozen heart, awaken me
Never once have You forsaken me
Even though I walk through this shadow of death
You will guide and defend me
You'll guard and protect me
Even though I walk through this shadow of death
You will lead me home
And Your eyes they saw right through me
And You heard each one of my cries for help
And You came to rescue me
I was broken, every prayer that I had spoken
Reached Your ears and all my tears weren't cried in vain
You carried all my pain
And put me back together again
You watch over me in the darkest valleys
You watch over me when the night seems long
You help me to see the way before me
You watch over me, you watch over me
Always faithful to be leading, at this moment
Interceding for Your children
Though I've wandered astray from Your infinite ways
You've never left me alone
Take my frozen heart, awaken me
Never once have You forsaken me
Even though I walk through this shadow of death
You will guide and defend me
You'll guard and protect me
Even though I walk through this shadow of death
You will lead me home
Faith
Last night I was reaching a point in the silence of wondering why I had lost everything. Why my life had taken the turns it had. A friend wrote me to say your life is a blank white page. I guess, I struggle, do I really want to start all over again, go through it all over again and all the steps. I was really hoping that I wouldn't, that my life would come back together. As I sit here today, I know that the lessons I have learned have been countless and only time will tell what those lessons are for. It is walking by faith night by sight. Last night as I struggled, I was looking for something to listen to and the first song that came to me was this:
Kutless - What Faith Can Do
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Every body's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
How fitting is that. I am thankful that I have my life and I can rise with Gods help from the ashes of the destruction. I have tried to do it every other time, maybe it is time to see what God gives me. One day at a time, resting in His love for me and learning more and more each day of the days to come. More of Him, less of me.
Kutless - What Faith Can Do
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Every body's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
How fitting is that. I am thankful that I have my life and I can rise with Gods help from the ashes of the destruction. I have tried to do it every other time, maybe it is time to see what God gives me. One day at a time, resting in His love for me and learning more and more each day of the days to come. More of Him, less of me.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Stuck
Many years ago, when the farmers worked the fields by hand. They would use a horse and a hand plow. They would have to hold onto the plow and direct the horse along through the fields. The plow would dig down and bring the soil from below up and the top soil it would be put down under. This way it would help the soil to remain fresh and clean. Once in a while as the farmer forged forward that plow would become stuck in the ground, the more the horse pulled, the more the plow would sink lower in the dirt. Nothing that the farmer did freed that plow from the earth. He held on and as he did the plow would not move forward or backward. The horse would grow tired and nothing was gained from this exercise. Except for a mad farmer and a tired horse. In order for anything to happen to that stuck plow, the farmer had to let go of the plow, he had to stop trying to force it to move. He let go, the horse was then able to move and this allowed the plow to make a upward and forward movement. Either it was stuck on a rock, or just stuck, didn't matter, but letting go was the only way.
I am like that farmer. I wanted things to go my way. I held onto the plow, forcing the horse ahead, but then the plow got stuck. It didn't move, the more I held on, the more the plow dug in. I forced, I even tried to push the horse, but it wouldn't move. I didn't want to give up, but the one thing to know, by letting go of the plow you are not giving up, it is just surrendering that I can't force it. I have to allow it to free itself and what happens is not up to me. I can't make things happen, I just have to allow them to run their coarse.
I didn't want to let go of the plow. I didn't want to fail again, I didn't want to admit that I couldn't do it, but in doing so I have surrender what I wanted and put the other person first. It is only then that I can move.
I am like that farmer. I wanted things to go my way. I held onto the plow, forcing the horse ahead, but then the plow got stuck. It didn't move, the more I held on, the more the plow dug in. I forced, I even tried to push the horse, but it wouldn't move. I didn't want to give up, but the one thing to know, by letting go of the plow you are not giving up, it is just surrendering that I can't force it. I have to allow it to free itself and what happens is not up to me. I can't make things happen, I just have to allow them to run their coarse.
I didn't want to let go of the plow. I didn't want to fail again, I didn't want to admit that I couldn't do it, but in doing so I have surrender what I wanted and put the other person first. It is only then that I can move.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Our fun weekend
Memories, very important to make memories, not just for kids, but also in your lives as well. The things you as a couple can look back on to say remember when. Don't miss the chances, each one is worth it,
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Chapter
Another chapter in my life has come full circle and today it marks a close for me. It was a hope a dream that I thought would come to pass, but today I surrender it to my Maker. I can't change the past or write the future, but I can be a part of what it is and today it is my life.
What I had hoped is now given to God along with everything that goes with it. I have to move forward and the plow had dug in so deep it is hard to climb out, it is hard to see the truth that is yet to be revealed to me, but it is in the truth that I must let go of the plow. I have run the race and I have come to the finish line. I have taken many penalty laps and in doing so: I have learned that I am not perfect, but in order to work towards being better is in letting go of the things that hold us back.
This last year and a half have not been a loss for me, but a gain. What started out as a defeat has only become a victory and today I know that I have run the race. It was not easy. It started out being hemmed into a trailer, so close but yet taken into the wilderness. To move from there into a bigger place, but in that place I saw that life was more about everyone around me then myself, but trapped with myself stuck in a place with no one. No one for miles except for me and God. It was beautiful yet it was ugly with the fear of being alone for the rest of my life. Learning that in order to live, I had to learn to live alone, relying not on myself, but on God. Then I moved from that place when the door opened up for me in a new place in Leroy, it was half way and in that distance it gave me time to reflect on life, to pray to regain focus on the things that are important to me.
Along the way I became lost and felt alone, but even though I took wrong turns and had to deal with the penalty laps to follow, it was the wrong turns that set me right. It was my fault for those paths and taking responsibility for them only put into place the lessons I learned from them. And in those laps my race lasted longer then maybe it was suppose to, but here I am today and it looks like maybe another year here in Leroy, but in this year is a new chapter in my life.
This chapter has yet to be written and what it contains I don't know. In this last year I had glimpses of what it would contain, but this coming year is different. It contains new possibilities, because the past is let go of, no longer mine to deal with and no longer something that I can change, for today is a new day for me and a new start of something much greater then myself.
I am afraid, but yet with the fear comes great joy, because the old has passed away and what is to come is new and fresh. What it contains I do not know, but all I have is my faith and trusting that it will be incredible.
What I had hoped is now given to God along with everything that goes with it. I have to move forward and the plow had dug in so deep it is hard to climb out, it is hard to see the truth that is yet to be revealed to me, but it is in the truth that I must let go of the plow. I have run the race and I have come to the finish line. I have taken many penalty laps and in doing so: I have learned that I am not perfect, but in order to work towards being better is in letting go of the things that hold us back.
This last year and a half have not been a loss for me, but a gain. What started out as a defeat has only become a victory and today I know that I have run the race. It was not easy. It started out being hemmed into a trailer, so close but yet taken into the wilderness. To move from there into a bigger place, but in that place I saw that life was more about everyone around me then myself, but trapped with myself stuck in a place with no one. No one for miles except for me and God. It was beautiful yet it was ugly with the fear of being alone for the rest of my life. Learning that in order to live, I had to learn to live alone, relying not on myself, but on God. Then I moved from that place when the door opened up for me in a new place in Leroy, it was half way and in that distance it gave me time to reflect on life, to pray to regain focus on the things that are important to me.
Along the way I became lost and felt alone, but even though I took wrong turns and had to deal with the penalty laps to follow, it was the wrong turns that set me right. It was my fault for those paths and taking responsibility for them only put into place the lessons I learned from them. And in those laps my race lasted longer then maybe it was suppose to, but here I am today and it looks like maybe another year here in Leroy, but in this year is a new chapter in my life.
This chapter has yet to be written and what it contains I don't know. In this last year I had glimpses of what it would contain, but this coming year is different. It contains new possibilities, because the past is let go of, no longer mine to deal with and no longer something that I can change, for today is a new day for me and a new start of something much greater then myself.
I am afraid, but yet with the fear comes great joy, because the old has passed away and what is to come is new and fresh. What it contains I do not know, but all I have is my faith and trusting that it will be incredible.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Forgiveness
Today, I have had plenty of time to think.
We have a hard time letting go of things that have come between us. We hold grudges and we hold onto the wrong things. I want to take you back many years ago, before I was born, before my parents were born. Way back when there were no cars or even phones.
The time I want to take you back is when Jesus walked the earth. When it was time for Him to die, people turned there backs on Him, because they didn't want to acknowledge that they knew Him, they wanted to act like He was not there friend. Even the crowds that once surrounded Him to listen to Him teach was now surrounding Him and spitting on Him, throwing things at Him, calling Him names and do you know what He did? He forgave them all. He didn't call them names, He loved them the very same as the day He spoke to them.
We hold onto things like it will remind us of how the people were, but we are called to forgive, but why don't we? Could you imagine being Jesus? Could you forgive all the people that spit on Him, that hung Him on a cross? He did.
Our lives are filled with hate and lies, we call people names, but isn't it time that we start living in truth, honor and being husbands, wives, kids that when we see Jesus we will be proud of our actions instead of hiding behind all the lies that we spoke. It is time for honesty, forgiveness and truth. No longer living in lies or regrets. Start living today for not ourselves, but someone much greater then us.
I am not perfect, in fact my life has been filled with lies and wrongs, but it is about forgiving myself for them and asking God to forgive me for those actions as well. It is time to step up and see that God has a plan for our lives. If this is hard to hear, it is time to ask why.
We have a hard time letting go of things that have come between us. We hold grudges and we hold onto the wrong things. I want to take you back many years ago, before I was born, before my parents were born. Way back when there were no cars or even phones.
The time I want to take you back is when Jesus walked the earth. When it was time for Him to die, people turned there backs on Him, because they didn't want to acknowledge that they knew Him, they wanted to act like He was not there friend. Even the crowds that once surrounded Him to listen to Him teach was now surrounding Him and spitting on Him, throwing things at Him, calling Him names and do you know what He did? He forgave them all. He didn't call them names, He loved them the very same as the day He spoke to them.
We hold onto things like it will remind us of how the people were, but we are called to forgive, but why don't we? Could you imagine being Jesus? Could you forgive all the people that spit on Him, that hung Him on a cross? He did.
Our lives are filled with hate and lies, we call people names, but isn't it time that we start living in truth, honor and being husbands, wives, kids that when we see Jesus we will be proud of our actions instead of hiding behind all the lies that we spoke. It is time for honesty, forgiveness and truth. No longer living in lies or regrets. Start living today for not ourselves, but someone much greater then us.
I am not perfect, in fact my life has been filled with lies and wrongs, but it is about forgiving myself for them and asking God to forgive me for those actions as well. It is time to step up and see that God has a plan for our lives. If this is hard to hear, it is time to ask why.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Our lives
I have written over a hundred of these blogs. Some of them about my life, some of them about my choices or life choices. I have changed from not mentioning God, to mentioning God. Maybe you might have wondered why, I want to share that with you.
I wanted to reach the ones that may not read it because I mentioned God, who might ask me who has changed me or why I made the change I made. But for the people searching for answers, they aren't as likely to write to me and ask me about the truth of what I talk about. Just the same each day we walk around being who we are, if we don't reach out to the hurting souls, they will not know. They may have not heard, or they may have turned there back on God a long time ago. I sensed that I could make this blog seem generic and cover all the bases of what God is doing in me and through me without mentioning His name, but He need to the glory and the honor to where I find myself today. It is only through Him, He is the only answer. No man can bring you hope and peace that will last, He is the only. It is written He is the way the truth and the light. And then it is written the truth will set us free. So Jesus will set us free. He is the truth you seek, stop looking under rocks and see that He is the answer to your wish/prayers. He is with you and He can be closer then a brother, deeper then a parent and He will help you, but first you need to ask Him.
It is written, believe that Jesus Christ is our savior and Lord and you will be saved. He loves you and you can repent (turn 180 degrees) from your wicked ways and humble ourselves before Him that He will save us from our ways. He will love you like no other and He will be there to be with you. There is no person that has sinned to big for Him to forgive.
Today on my way into work I was reminded that He is the painter of the skies, that the pinks and purples will be splashed around and that He is the only way to the truth that we seek. Turn from your wicked ways and humble yourselves and praise His holy name. He is the only way to eternal life and wholeness.
Lies of Christians: I caution you, these are lies from the pit of hell.
What lies have you heard? Or what do you believe that can keep you from being set free? My e-mail address is listed in here, I would like to share the truth with you, please write me.
I wanted to reach the ones that may not read it because I mentioned God, who might ask me who has changed me or why I made the change I made. But for the people searching for answers, they aren't as likely to write to me and ask me about the truth of what I talk about. Just the same each day we walk around being who we are, if we don't reach out to the hurting souls, they will not know. They may have not heard, or they may have turned there back on God a long time ago. I sensed that I could make this blog seem generic and cover all the bases of what God is doing in me and through me without mentioning His name, but He need to the glory and the honor to where I find myself today. It is only through Him, He is the only answer. No man can bring you hope and peace that will last, He is the only. It is written He is the way the truth and the light. And then it is written the truth will set us free. So Jesus will set us free. He is the truth you seek, stop looking under rocks and see that He is the answer to your wish/prayers. He is with you and He can be closer then a brother, deeper then a parent and He will help you, but first you need to ask Him.
It is written, believe that Jesus Christ is our savior and Lord and you will be saved. He loves you and you can repent (turn 180 degrees) from your wicked ways and humble ourselves before Him that He will save us from our ways. He will love you like no other and He will be there to be with you. There is no person that has sinned to big for Him to forgive.
Today on my way into work I was reminded that He is the painter of the skies, that the pinks and purples will be splashed around and that He is the only way to the truth that we seek. Turn from your wicked ways and humble yourselves and praise His holy name. He is the only way to eternal life and wholeness.
Lies of Christians: I caution you, these are lies from the pit of hell.
- If I am a Christian I can keep sinning because I can ask forgiveness for my sins and He will forgive me for them. What is repentance? (turning from our sins and not doing them again.)
- I don't have to read the bible because it doesn't apply to me these days. The bible is a story of the life of men a long time ago. If you look at Peter, he doubted Jesus, but wanted to serve Him. Look at his life and compare it to yours.
What lies have you heard? Or what do you believe that can keep you from being set free? My e-mail address is listed in here, I would like to share the truth with you, please write me.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Are you ready???
If Jesus was coming back tomorrow what would you do differently?
Isn't it time to make a change, don't wait, do you know when He is coming back? I don't, but it could be sooner then we think. Don't give up and think you aren't worth it, because today is a new day and it can start with you giving your life to Jesus Christ. He came to the world once, what makes you think He isn't coming back? Isn't it time to change before it is to late. Our world is falling apart, it is decaying before our eyes. If you look at what is acceptable now, it sure has changed in the last 30 years. Families falling apart, marriages ending, economic state of America is in decay, wars and rumors of wars increasing, earth quakes on a steady rise, floods happening more now then before. Look at the amount of tornadoes in the mid west in the last year it has also increased. We are seeing a change in global weather, but they say global warming and many other reasons. Don't turn a blind eye, isn't it time to get your life right? Don't wait, today is the only day you know for sure you have. Change starts with you.
Isn't it time to make a change, don't wait, do you know when He is coming back? I don't, but it could be sooner then we think. Don't give up and think you aren't worth it, because today is a new day and it can start with you giving your life to Jesus Christ. He came to the world once, what makes you think He isn't coming back? Isn't it time to change before it is to late. Our world is falling apart, it is decaying before our eyes. If you look at what is acceptable now, it sure has changed in the last 30 years. Families falling apart, marriages ending, economic state of America is in decay, wars and rumors of wars increasing, earth quakes on a steady rise, floods happening more now then before. Look at the amount of tornadoes in the mid west in the last year it has also increased. We are seeing a change in global weather, but they say global warming and many other reasons. Don't turn a blind eye, isn't it time to get your life right? Don't wait, today is the only day you know for sure you have. Change starts with you.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Quicksand
In my quiet time on my way to work this morning. I was given a vision of a pit full of quicksand. In that pit were a lot of people. They were kicking and screaming, they where fighting, some only ankle deep, but others were up to there necks. I could see and hear the fight and the struggle. The cursing and the yelling of people saying why me God. Why is this happening to me, I loved you, yes I want to do it my own way and they fought more. The more they struggled the deeper and the quicker they sank. And the quick they sank the more they fought.
With all the kicking and screaming go on it was easy to miss the one person in the middle just not moving, but with there hands lifted to God. Saying praise you Lord in the storm and there focus was not on the quicksand, but focusing on the only way out of that quicksand. I could see there eyes lifted high above them like they saw the hand of Jesus reaching down to them and saying though you may have been lost I am with you.
In life there are going to be struggles, there are going to be fights, but when we fight to have our own way we lost sight of the one true God. He is the only way, it isn't about ourselves, but about God. When we stop fighting long enough to see God's hand in our life, we are able to see the truth. But first we have to stop fighting and see God, see Jesus reaching down and saying just take My hand I am here with you. Do not be afraid you are not alone anymore. Can you imagine the freedom in just putting your complete trust in God and stop fighting and when you stop fighting you stop sinking.
It is not my way Lord, it is yours. You do with it as you want and let me just rest in you even in the quicksand. May I see You no matter what. May I stop fighting and just trust you completely. Not my way, but yours.
That song I shared with you Monday, I am going to put it in here again. My comments are in a different color then the song:
"Lord, I Need You"
With all the kicking and screaming go on it was easy to miss the one person in the middle just not moving, but with there hands lifted to God. Saying praise you Lord in the storm and there focus was not on the quicksand, but focusing on the only way out of that quicksand. I could see there eyes lifted high above them like they saw the hand of Jesus reaching down to them and saying though you may have been lost I am with you.
In life there are going to be struggles, there are going to be fights, but when we fight to have our own way we lost sight of the one true God. He is the only way, it isn't about ourselves, but about God. When we stop fighting long enough to see God's hand in our life, we are able to see the truth. But first we have to stop fighting and see God, see Jesus reaching down and saying just take My hand I am here with you. Do not be afraid you are not alone anymore. Can you imagine the freedom in just putting your complete trust in God and stop fighting and when you stop fighting you stop sinking.
It is not my way Lord, it is yours. You do with it as you want and let me just rest in you even in the quicksand. May I see You no matter what. May I stop fighting and just trust you completely. Not my way, but yours.
That song I shared with you Monday, I am going to put it in here again. My comments are in a different color then the song:
"Lord, I Need You"
Lord, I come, I confess (We need to confess our sins, repentance is a turn away from the sin)
Bowing here I find my rest (we find our rest and peace in God)
Without You I fall apart (We acknowledge and believe that we can't do it on our own)
You're the One that guides my heart (Our heart is not ours, but His. He will guide us)
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You (Our call to Him, I can't do it alone, only You Lord)
Every hour I need You (I need You every moment, not day by day, but moment by moment)
My one defense, my righteousness (He is the only way, He is our safety and our fortress)
Oh God, how I need You (Our admitting our complete need for Him)
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more (We all have sin in our lives, only through Jesus is it washed away)
Where grace is found is where You are (Gods grace, only through Him)
And where You are, Lord, I am free (We are only truly free in God, He is freedom)
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Teach my song to rise to You (We will learn from Him, His way and truth)
When temptation comes my way (We all are tempted, but what we do with it that matters)
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You (He is our strength, not humans but Jesus)
Jesus, You're my hope and stay (There is hope, but He is the only ever lasting hope)
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Bowing here I find my rest (we find our rest and peace in God)
Without You I fall apart (We acknowledge and believe that we can't do it on our own)
You're the One that guides my heart (Our heart is not ours, but His. He will guide us)
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You (Our call to Him, I can't do it alone, only You Lord)
Every hour I need You (I need You every moment, not day by day, but moment by moment)
My one defense, my righteousness (He is the only way, He is our safety and our fortress)
Oh God, how I need You (Our admitting our complete need for Him)
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more (We all have sin in our lives, only through Jesus is it washed away)
Where grace is found is where You are (Gods grace, only through Him)
And where You are, Lord, I am free (We are only truly free in God, He is freedom)
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Teach my song to rise to You (We will learn from Him, His way and truth)
When temptation comes my way (We all are tempted, but what we do with it that matters)
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You (He is our strength, not humans but Jesus)
Jesus, You're my hope and stay (There is hope, but He is the only ever lasting hope)
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Our cry needs to be to turn from our wicked ways and to focus on God. He is the only way. Repentance is turning from our sins. Not saying them and doing it again, but turning from them. God knows our hearts. He is our grace and mercy. He is the only way and only in Him can we find forgiveness. Only through Him comes true change. God is calling you to complete surrender to Him. He loves us all, He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins. Are we going to spit in His face or are we going to embrace Him. His way is the only way.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Stepping out of the Boat
Faith, do you have the faith it takes to step out of the boat. The boat (our lives) is safety, it keeps us dry and it keeps us grounded, but is the boat causing us not to have the faith it takes to lives as the Bible calls us to live.
Today as I was driving to work I was listening to a CD by Chip Ingram about Break Through. It is funny how our lives are just like the disciples and even the pharisees. We are all about rules and traditions. We don't have faith because we want to see great miracles. We want to believe, but yet we don't want to takes the steps it takes. We have been given excuses that repentance we can do, but we can do the same thing again over and over again. But true repentance is turning from the sin, turning from the thing that is an idol in our lives, it is turning 180 degrees and not going there again.
My life is like the bible. If you really get into it and see the examples of how the disciples believed and then doubted, then they believed again and then doubted, then again they believed then doubted and they had the Son of God walking with them. How amazing is that, but even with Him with them they doubted. They wanted to see Him do miracles, but even after all of the miracles they wanted to see more. But the broken people came and believed that He was the messiah with no doubt. The woman that believed so much by touching His robe that she would be healed and she was healed. How little faith we have that our prayers will be answered, that we can have what the others have and that is Jesus with us. Our lives are belief and unbelief and belief and unbelief, we are like on a roller coaster, just like the disciples.
Isn't it time that we step out of the boat, yes there are going to be storms and big waves, but Jesus is there with us. Just like with Peter, he stepped out of the boat and when he doubted, he cried out Jesus save me. Jesus took his hand and lifted him up onto the surface of the water. Can you imagine, even when you don't feel Jesus or see His answers right away we doubt, we fumble we start sinking and we want to stop believing, but Jesus says believe and the answer is in the faith in Me. Believe and l will do this for you, I will walk with you and even when it seems I am not there I am, you have to believe, have faith in Me.
Do we have faith like a mustard seed, because that mustard seed grows and becomes a huge plant. Trust God today for He is the only way. Change happens when we are able to put God first in all we do. It is the catalyst for change, only real change can happen with God at the helm. What changes do you want in your life?
Today is a new day. Are you willing to step out of the boat? Do not fear for the Lord says He is with you and no matter how the circumstances look believe and He will guide you through the times. But we must first have faith, believe. Trust in God.
Today as I was driving to work I was listening to a CD by Chip Ingram about Break Through. It is funny how our lives are just like the disciples and even the pharisees. We are all about rules and traditions. We don't have faith because we want to see great miracles. We want to believe, but yet we don't want to takes the steps it takes. We have been given excuses that repentance we can do, but we can do the same thing again over and over again. But true repentance is turning from the sin, turning from the thing that is an idol in our lives, it is turning 180 degrees and not going there again.
My life is like the bible. If you really get into it and see the examples of how the disciples believed and then doubted, then they believed again and then doubted, then again they believed then doubted and they had the Son of God walking with them. How amazing is that, but even with Him with them they doubted. They wanted to see Him do miracles, but even after all of the miracles they wanted to see more. But the broken people came and believed that He was the messiah with no doubt. The woman that believed so much by touching His robe that she would be healed and she was healed. How little faith we have that our prayers will be answered, that we can have what the others have and that is Jesus with us. Our lives are belief and unbelief and belief and unbelief, we are like on a roller coaster, just like the disciples.
Isn't it time that we step out of the boat, yes there are going to be storms and big waves, but Jesus is there with us. Just like with Peter, he stepped out of the boat and when he doubted, he cried out Jesus save me. Jesus took his hand and lifted him up onto the surface of the water. Can you imagine, even when you don't feel Jesus or see His answers right away we doubt, we fumble we start sinking and we want to stop believing, but Jesus says believe and the answer is in the faith in Me. Believe and l will do this for you, I will walk with you and even when it seems I am not there I am, you have to believe, have faith in Me.
Do we have faith like a mustard seed, because that mustard seed grows and becomes a huge plant. Trust God today for He is the only way. Change happens when we are able to put God first in all we do. It is the catalyst for change, only real change can happen with God at the helm. What changes do you want in your life?
Today is a new day. Are you willing to step out of the boat? Do not fear for the Lord says He is with you and no matter how the circumstances look believe and He will guide you through the times. But we must first have faith, believe. Trust in God.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Simplicity
This is the song I woke up singing today and I think it is so true. It is just admitting that we need God.
"Lord, I Need You"
"Lord, I Need You"
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
______________________________________
Less is more. It is time to trust God, no matter where you are. He is the only way.
The bible says "He is the way the truth and the light". He is the only way to salvation, not through church, not through man, only through the cross of Jesus.
The bible says "He is the way the truth and the light". He is the only way to salvation, not through church, not through man, only through the cross of Jesus.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
It Is Greater
Our lives can be greater then what we thought possible. We look at the externals of people. It is easy to judge people based on what we see, but what is unconditional love. It is not looking at the past it is seeing the love that God has for each one of us. Even the ones that have turned there backs on Him.
How many of us have tried to change on our own? What happens? We fall back, we turn our eyes to the problem once again and we stumble and fall. But what if the only true way to change is putting a God first in our lives. We lay down what we want for what He wants. In our marriages, in our relationships, with our kids, we put aside what we want and we follow Gods plan.
Do you want to change? Stop making change about yourself and see that God is the only way to change. He doesn't change, but we do. Bad things happen not to break us, but to teach us. What have you learned from the bad? I know for me it has taken me many times to learn this very thing. I couldn't change without God.
He loved me so much, that He knew all the wrongs I would do, but He still sent His son to die on the cross for me, for my sins. He still loves me. I looked at things wrong for so long, I put things in boxes, but God has called me to complete surrender. Not my way but His, not my marriage, but His. Not my son, but His. Not my job, but Gods. And when we look at it that way it makes me see I want to do what He has called me to. It isn't about what I want (a very big struggle for me) but it is about what God wants.
What does He want from you? Stop running and know that He loves you even though you may Have done wrong, He still loves you. I am blessed to have a life and to have God show me it may not be what I thought, but He has a plan even in the absence of all, to make what is impossible to us, possible because He is God.
Friday, November 8, 2013
What Defines Us
This morning as I started my morning I have been thinking of a question. It seems rather simple, but rather complicated. What defines who we are? What defines who I am?
One might think it is a rather simple question to answer, but in all reality try to answer it. I have run into a few people that say that they are a Christian, but does that define who they are? We are not what we do, but who we are, so what does that make us? I am a human man, that is a start on the definition, but what then? Do my choices really define me? Does my thoughts define me? Does what I say define me? All of which could be the defining power of who I am.
People all around us are struggling with there identities. I have a friend, who says she needs to be with a man to know who she is. Well, I don't agree with that, because what happens when the man leaves. I think that is one of the keys, we can't use other people to define us. You may be married, but it isn't your spouse that defines who you are. Identity is a personal journey, so why am I sharing it with you, because you also need to discover what identifies you.
Today, my job, where I live, my marriage status, none of that defines me, but what I believe is the sole definition of the defining power. Do you believe what you believe is really real? If you say you are a Christian, that only says you want to be classified with a group. But can you imagine changing that up and saying, I believe that God sent His Son Jesus to save us from ourselves, to define the person we are. It is only through Him that I am defined. Our definition of ourselves are not what we do, our status in life, but what we believe. Living by faith, not by the concept that others will be the definition of ourselves. It is in us that Jesus lives. It is walking in the light, it is living not to say we are right, but letting us reflect the Son's light. We are called to be the moons and He is the Son.
As you read this, think about what defines you.
One might think it is a rather simple question to answer, but in all reality try to answer it. I have run into a few people that say that they are a Christian, but does that define who they are? We are not what we do, but who we are, so what does that make us? I am a human man, that is a start on the definition, but what then? Do my choices really define me? Does my thoughts define me? Does what I say define me? All of which could be the defining power of who I am.
People all around us are struggling with there identities. I have a friend, who says she needs to be with a man to know who she is. Well, I don't agree with that, because what happens when the man leaves. I think that is one of the keys, we can't use other people to define us. You may be married, but it isn't your spouse that defines who you are. Identity is a personal journey, so why am I sharing it with you, because you also need to discover what identifies you.
Today, my job, where I live, my marriage status, none of that defines me, but what I believe is the sole definition of the defining power. Do you believe what you believe is really real? If you say you are a Christian, that only says you want to be classified with a group. But can you imagine changing that up and saying, I believe that God sent His Son Jesus to save us from ourselves, to define the person we are. It is only through Him that I am defined. Our definition of ourselves are not what we do, our status in life, but what we believe. Living by faith, not by the concept that others will be the definition of ourselves. It is in us that Jesus lives. It is walking in the light, it is living not to say we are right, but letting us reflect the Son's light. We are called to be the moons and He is the Son.
As you read this, think about what defines you.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Standing on the edge
Are you afraid to take the leap? Are you afraid to take the step to what comes next? I know the feeling, but there is no walking on the fence. It is a choice that only you can make. Yes, someone can push you, but you will find yourself back on the edge once again. Today it is about taking the step that you have to take to be free from the fears, from the things holding you back and seeing that there is life to be had, even after you take the step.
I have found in order to forgive others, we must forgive ourselves first, we must take the step that will set us free from the pain and fear. It is time to learn how to love, learn how to be free. It is a simple, but complicated thing. But just think it is only as complicated as you make it. Do you want to be stuck in the same place? Or is it time to move forward?
We can lead others to the water, but to make them drink is another thing. It is like a story I read and I will try to capture it here.
A man found himself trudging one day through the stark, bone dry desert in the blazing sun. As he walked for hours and hours on end, he became parched and dehydrated because of the blistering sun and unrelenting heat. The miles and miles of sand offerent no moisture for him, and, as he crested every sand dune hoping to see even a tiny puddle of water, the desert only offered him more dry sand and more blazing heat to deal with.
Finally, after miles and miles of miserable journey, he was about to drop and give up, but crested a dune and saw a most blessed sight. A few feet away, stuck in the middle of the sand, was an old fashioned, hand operated water pump. As he staggered over to the old rusty pump, with its long, metal handle and curving spout, he noticed that a message was stuck to it. He reached up and removed the withered paper message that had been browned by years in the hot sun and read it. It said…
“If you are reading this, I assume that you are interested in obtaining water from this pump. At the moment the pump is not primed and will yield no water to you, no matter how hard you pump it. But, do not fret. If you follow my EXACT directions and trust me, you will obtain an endless supply of water that will fill you until you can drink no more. Please take note of the following. If you dig directly down at the base of the pump for one foot, you will find a pint of water in a glass bottle. DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER. You must use every drop of this water to prime the pump. Once you have dug up the bottle, remove the cork and pour exactly half of the water over the leather seal that connects the pump handle to the stem of the spout. Currently , this seal will not work because the hot sun has dried it out. Once it is wet again it will swell and retain its seal. It will take exactly half of the water from the bottle to be poured on the leather seal for it to swell enough to work again. Next, pour the rest of the water down the front spout of the pump to prime the pipe to the underground well. This will provide the proper suction and will begin the process of drawing water once you start pumping. Again, do not drink the water in the bottle, but use it for this process!!! Once the water begins to flow again, drink until your heart is content then refill the bottle and bury it back in the sand for the next person to use when their time comes and they are thirsty. Do not be tempted to drink the limited amount of water in the bottle and exclude yourself and everyone else from the endless supply of water that could be yours if you follow these directions. Trust me.”are lost.
Life is so much the same way, we have an endless well available to us, but we have to have a little faith to prime the pump with the one choice to change. What would you do? Do you have enough faith that the note is right and are you willing to take the step? Today it is about that choice. Don't wait for the right time, because it is time, time for change, time for a refreshing drink of water. Take the step of faith and see life is worth it. All you need is a little faith.
I have found in order to forgive others, we must forgive ourselves first, we must take the step that will set us free from the pain and fear. It is time to learn how to love, learn how to be free. It is a simple, but complicated thing. But just think it is only as complicated as you make it. Do you want to be stuck in the same place? Or is it time to move forward?
We can lead others to the water, but to make them drink is another thing. It is like a story I read and I will try to capture it here.
A man found himself trudging one day through the stark, bone dry desert in the blazing sun. As he walked for hours and hours on end, he became parched and dehydrated because of the blistering sun and unrelenting heat. The miles and miles of sand offerent no moisture for him, and, as he crested every sand dune hoping to see even a tiny puddle of water, the desert only offered him more dry sand and more blazing heat to deal with.
Finally, after miles and miles of miserable journey, he was about to drop and give up, but crested a dune and saw a most blessed sight. A few feet away, stuck in the middle of the sand, was an old fashioned, hand operated water pump. As he staggered over to the old rusty pump, with its long, metal handle and curving spout, he noticed that a message was stuck to it. He reached up and removed the withered paper message that had been browned by years in the hot sun and read it. It said…
“If you are reading this, I assume that you are interested in obtaining water from this pump. At the moment the pump is not primed and will yield no water to you, no matter how hard you pump it. But, do not fret. If you follow my EXACT directions and trust me, you will obtain an endless supply of water that will fill you until you can drink no more. Please take note of the following. If you dig directly down at the base of the pump for one foot, you will find a pint of water in a glass bottle. DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER. You must use every drop of this water to prime the pump. Once you have dug up the bottle, remove the cork and pour exactly half of the water over the leather seal that connects the pump handle to the stem of the spout. Currently , this seal will not work because the hot sun has dried it out. Once it is wet again it will swell and retain its seal. It will take exactly half of the water from the bottle to be poured on the leather seal for it to swell enough to work again. Next, pour the rest of the water down the front spout of the pump to prime the pipe to the underground well. This will provide the proper suction and will begin the process of drawing water once you start pumping. Again, do not drink the water in the bottle, but use it for this process!!! Once the water begins to flow again, drink until your heart is content then refill the bottle and bury it back in the sand for the next person to use when their time comes and they are thirsty. Do not be tempted to drink the limited amount of water in the bottle and exclude yourself and everyone else from the endless supply of water that could be yours if you follow these directions. Trust me.”are lost.
Life is so much the same way, we have an endless well available to us, but we have to have a little faith to prime the pump with the one choice to change. What would you do? Do you have enough faith that the note is right and are you willing to take the step? Today it is about that choice. Don't wait for the right time, because it is time, time for change, time for a refreshing drink of water. Take the step of faith and see life is worth it. All you need is a little faith.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Procrastination
In my life I have found it easy to say well I will do that when this project is done, or when my life is under control. It is easy to say I want to do that, but then something else comes up and I don't do it. I have found so it is with my Christian walk. It is so easy saying I will go deeper in my relationship with Jesus Christ when things work out in my life, or when I feel better, or when the cows come home. I procrastinate what I should do today till tomorrow, but the question is what happens if tomorrow does not come?
I don't want to put off the things that I have been putting off for fear that it will change my life, or maybe I will not be as fun as I once was. Will I become a boring Christian? I believe we can look at the people around us and we can point fingers, say they aren't doing it, why should I. But the problem in doing that is we are not to compare ourselves with others, we are to be different. We are called to a higher standard and by just walking the fence it is no place to be. My life has been walking the fence, but true repentance is saying please forgive me for my procrastination and doing a 180 turn from it. It isn't saying please forgive me and doing a 360, because we will be right back where we left off.
It is a personal call to being accountable for my actions, it is a call to put my faith where my mouth is instead of being a fence walker, being what God has called me to be. It is in laying down my life for Him and surrendering my will to Him. Life is not about Geoff, it is about God. It is about what He wants, not what I want. Because it is not my will, but God's will. The bigger God gets in our lives, the smaller our problems become.
Stop putting off what should be done today, for tomorrow may not come. I don't want to be standing before God and He say Geoff why didn't you do this and I say well I thought I had tomorrow or I wasn't ready. Are we ever ready for change? What is God saying to you today?
When we lay down our lives for God, we learn about love, peace, joy and so much more. Don't lose hope for today is the beginning of something much greater then I can imagine.
I don't want to put off the things that I have been putting off for fear that it will change my life, or maybe I will not be as fun as I once was. Will I become a boring Christian? I believe we can look at the people around us and we can point fingers, say they aren't doing it, why should I. But the problem in doing that is we are not to compare ourselves with others, we are to be different. We are called to a higher standard and by just walking the fence it is no place to be. My life has been walking the fence, but true repentance is saying please forgive me for my procrastination and doing a 180 turn from it. It isn't saying please forgive me and doing a 360, because we will be right back where we left off.
It is a personal call to being accountable for my actions, it is a call to put my faith where my mouth is instead of being a fence walker, being what God has called me to be. It is in laying down my life for Him and surrendering my will to Him. Life is not about Geoff, it is about God. It is about what He wants, not what I want. Because it is not my will, but God's will. The bigger God gets in our lives, the smaller our problems become.
Stop putting off what should be done today, for tomorrow may not come. I don't want to be standing before God and He say Geoff why didn't you do this and I say well I thought I had tomorrow or I wasn't ready. Are we ever ready for change? What is God saying to you today?
When we lay down our lives for God, we learn about love, peace, joy and so much more. Don't lose hope for today is the beginning of something much greater then I can imagine.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Breakthrough
I was so amazed at the revelations on my way into work, that I forgot to blog this morning. I have been listening to a series by Chip Ingram on Breakthrough. It has been a constant slap to the forehead and it has been very good.
I was struggling to see the truth about so much, but maybe it isn't about the truth that I need to see, but about that I am not in control, that I was looking and searching for the answers, but yet they have been staring right at me. The answer is not in others, it isn't in church, it is in a deeper personal relationship with God. It is more of Him, less of me. It is more of Him and my problems become less and less, because I am no longer focusing on the problems at hand, but focusing on God's hands.
We have heard many stories about the idols in the bible and all the false gods, but we say oh that is from the old days. We don't have idles now, but the problem is the littlest things could be a stumbling blocks, things that you think have no harm could be causing our focus to be lost. I didn't see that and the more I reflect on me I realize how many things I need to change. I need to confess them, surrender them and let God deal with them.
It is not my way, but Gods way. We want connection with people, but maybe the connection we should search out first and foremost is the connection with God. When we are able to put God first in all we do, then the connection with people will come. It is Jesus, others and then myself (you). That is pure Joy. I know these are words on a page and maybe it is time to get my life back to where God wants me to be.
I fell short and it is no excuse to bring others down with me. It is time to stand, it is time for a breakthrough and the breakthrough starts with choices, with praying big and believing in what I am praying for. It is an amazing walk, but scary.
I was struggling to see the truth about so much, but maybe it isn't about the truth that I need to see, but about that I am not in control, that I was looking and searching for the answers, but yet they have been staring right at me. The answer is not in others, it isn't in church, it is in a deeper personal relationship with God. It is more of Him, less of me. It is more of Him and my problems become less and less, because I am no longer focusing on the problems at hand, but focusing on God's hands.
We have heard many stories about the idols in the bible and all the false gods, but we say oh that is from the old days. We don't have idles now, but the problem is the littlest things could be a stumbling blocks, things that you think have no harm could be causing our focus to be lost. I didn't see that and the more I reflect on me I realize how many things I need to change. I need to confess them, surrender them and let God deal with them.
It is not my way, but Gods way. We want connection with people, but maybe the connection we should search out first and foremost is the connection with God. When we are able to put God first in all we do, then the connection with people will come. It is Jesus, others and then myself (you). That is pure Joy. I know these are words on a page and maybe it is time to get my life back to where God wants me to be.
I fell short and it is no excuse to bring others down with me. It is time to stand, it is time for a breakthrough and the breakthrough starts with choices, with praying big and believing in what I am praying for. It is an amazing walk, but scary.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Struggles
I spent a few days struggling with where I find myself in life. Why haven't my prayers been answered, why am I still stuck in the same place. I wanted to be done with this journey, but the journey continues. I started looking at life as "my" life and I was stuck in the idea it was not going in order of "my plan". Do you see the issue? It took me a little while to see it too, but when I did see it, it was like hatching from an egg for the first time.
You see my life is not mine. I am only the moon and it is about reflect the Son's light. What am I without the Son? I am a dark circle with nothing. I was being selfish and wanting the things for me. Life is not about me, it isn't what I have done, it isn't about me getting to where I am. It is about God. He has gotten me this far. I was lost and He found me. I was blind and He let me see. I was selfish and I spent a lot of time focusing on me, it isn't about me, it is about God's plan for my life. It is not my will but God's will and once I am able to surrender to God then He will direct my way.
It is so easy to say things would be better if, or I wish, but it isn't about that. It is about saying I am just a man and it is God that holds the plan for this man. He is in control and the quicker we lay down our self wants to Him, the quicker He will work in us, work through us. We will fight the desires of the flesh, because we want to matter. But do we really matter if we are only focused on ourselves? How can we love if we do not love ourselves, how do we truly understand love if we do not look at what has happened to show us love.
How can I shine, if I do not except what God is doing in my life. The people I come in contact with say I am different. Why should I then be the same as every man around. It is God that makes me different and when I focus on me, then I am the same as others. It took me a long time to see this, but it is God that makes me different and He is the only one that I can give credit to. I must lay down my will and let His will be done in my life. Life is not about me, it is about God. I am only one man, but GOD.
He is my provider and my strong tower, in Him shall I rest. It is through God that all things are possible. There is no impossible, because God is the I'm, in the possible. He has made the world, but the bad doesn't happen because of God, it happens because we all have free will. But what is the bad teaching us are you learning or are you running. It is time to stop running and take God's hand, He is giving it to you. He loves you even when we sin.
You see my life is not mine. I am only the moon and it is about reflect the Son's light. What am I without the Son? I am a dark circle with nothing. I was being selfish and wanting the things for me. Life is not about me, it isn't what I have done, it isn't about me getting to where I am. It is about God. He has gotten me this far. I was lost and He found me. I was blind and He let me see. I was selfish and I spent a lot of time focusing on me, it isn't about me, it is about God's plan for my life. It is not my will but God's will and once I am able to surrender to God then He will direct my way.
It is so easy to say things would be better if, or I wish, but it isn't about that. It is about saying I am just a man and it is God that holds the plan for this man. He is in control and the quicker we lay down our self wants to Him, the quicker He will work in us, work through us. We will fight the desires of the flesh, because we want to matter. But do we really matter if we are only focused on ourselves? How can we love if we do not love ourselves, how do we truly understand love if we do not look at what has happened to show us love.
How can I shine, if I do not except what God is doing in my life. The people I come in contact with say I am different. Why should I then be the same as every man around. It is God that makes me different and when I focus on me, then I am the same as others. It took me a long time to see this, but it is God that makes me different and He is the only one that I can give credit to. I must lay down my will and let His will be done in my life. Life is not about me, it is about God. I am only one man, but GOD.
He is my provider and my strong tower, in Him shall I rest. It is through God that all things are possible. There is no impossible, because God is the I'm, in the possible. He has made the world, but the bad doesn't happen because of God, it happens because we all have free will. But what is the bad teaching us are you learning or are you running. It is time to stop running and take God's hand, He is giving it to you. He loves you even when we sin.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Knowledge
We can have all the head knowledge in the world, but where does belief comes from?
One of my councellors would say Geoff, it doesn't matter how much you know, but do you believe what you know? He would say the trip from the head to the heart is the longest journey. I thought that he was crazy, but the truth is he was right. I have heard many people say I know all of that and I say well do you believe it? And they say well me knowing it is believing it? And I say no, it is two different things. We can know what the weather man said about todays weather, but do you believe it to be true?
Belief is about walking in faith, even when things may not make to much sense. Can you see that faith is not from head knowledge, but has to come from the heart. Our heads want reason, facts and we need to see, but faith is not about seeing, but about something much more incredible.
Today I urge you to consider this, does your faith come from your head knowledge or your heart knowledge.
One of my councellors would say Geoff, it doesn't matter how much you know, but do you believe what you know? He would say the trip from the head to the heart is the longest journey. I thought that he was crazy, but the truth is he was right. I have heard many people say I know all of that and I say well do you believe it? And they say well me knowing it is believing it? And I say no, it is two different things. We can know what the weather man said about todays weather, but do you believe it to be true?
Belief is about walking in faith, even when things may not make to much sense. Can you see that faith is not from head knowledge, but has to come from the heart. Our heads want reason, facts and we need to see, but faith is not about seeing, but about something much more incredible.
Today I urge you to consider this, does your faith come from your head knowledge or your heart knowledge.
(James 1:22) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (23)Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror (24) and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Rainbows
Today the storms of life crash around me, it envelop me and cause me fear and panic. The waves are high and vast, the thunder booms and crashes. The lightening streaks across the sky, like daggers sent to destroy. The rain comes down in sheets causing it hard to see through the darkness that has surrounded me.
But the storms do not have to win, because in every storm there is a lesson. The storm brings panic and fear, it causes us to be disorientated and in the feeling of being lost we are unable to focus our thoughts on getting out of the storm. But there is something much greater then the storm and in each storm He is present. He says do not fear for He is our salvation, He is the one that can help you see through the storm. He is reaching down and saying trust in Me. God has given us a promise that He will save us from all the storms of life. With each storm comes a rainbow and in that rainbow is hope. The sun comes out and just as the sun in the sky comes out. The Son of God has come to save each of us. There is no one that has to much bad, nor to little bad it is through faith alone that we are saved.
Today it isn't about the lightening, but about the hope for the rainbow that has is there for you. It is about the hope that we have to trust not in ourselves, but to trust in God that He will see you through this storm. That the lessons are much greater then the storm. If there are no storms in your life, then you are coasting and not pushing forward. Don't be afraid, because the sun will come out. You are not alone in your struggles and you are going to make it through the hard times. There will be calms, catch your breath, write down what you have learned and in the time prepare for the next storm by studying, reading, learning and praying.
God is there to guide you, support you and help you. Don't be afraid to look to Him in the storms you are facing, for He will see you through. I remember the story in the bible when the disciples where in the ship in a big storm and Jesus was sleeping, not afraid of the storm, but the disciples where full of fear. That is a story of our life, are we going to see the storms and be full of fear, or are we going to trust in God that He will bring us through the storm?
Our choices define who we are. Who are you going to be?
But the storms do not have to win, because in every storm there is a lesson. The storm brings panic and fear, it causes us to be disorientated and in the feeling of being lost we are unable to focus our thoughts on getting out of the storm. But there is something much greater then the storm and in each storm He is present. He says do not fear for He is our salvation, He is the one that can help you see through the storm. He is reaching down and saying trust in Me. God has given us a promise that He will save us from all the storms of life. With each storm comes a rainbow and in that rainbow is hope. The sun comes out and just as the sun in the sky comes out. The Son of God has come to save each of us. There is no one that has to much bad, nor to little bad it is through faith alone that we are saved.
Today it isn't about the lightening, but about the hope for the rainbow that has is there for you. It is about the hope that we have to trust not in ourselves, but to trust in God that He will see you through this storm. That the lessons are much greater then the storm. If there are no storms in your life, then you are coasting and not pushing forward. Don't be afraid, because the sun will come out. You are not alone in your struggles and you are going to make it through the hard times. There will be calms, catch your breath, write down what you have learned and in the time prepare for the next storm by studying, reading, learning and praying.
God is there to guide you, support you and help you. Don't be afraid to look to Him in the storms you are facing, for He will see you through. I remember the story in the bible when the disciples where in the ship in a big storm and Jesus was sleeping, not afraid of the storm, but the disciples where full of fear. That is a story of our life, are we going to see the storms and be full of fear, or are we going to trust in God that He will bring us through the storm?
Our choices define who we are. Who are you going to be?
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Movies
As I was driving at lunch to the bank, I was thinking about life and the movies. In the movies it always has some kind of happy ending, the villain is always defeated, the family gets there money, the ghost is found, but in life does it always play the same as the movies?
We come, we live, we die, but what happens in between is completely up to the individual living that life. Like me for example, I was born some years ago and I have lived a life, with some ups, some downs and some just in between, but who defines how my life goes? Is it everyone around me? Well for the longest time that is what I thought. It was everyone's fault if I was having a bad day, or I would blame it on the weather (which I can't control), but the things we do define us. So by me blaming everyone else for my problems, I was not being the man I needed to be. I needed to stand up and take responsibility for my own actions, my thoughts, my fears and then and only then can I see life for what it has for me.
It is time that we stop blaming our parents for our problems, stop looking at work for why we are struggling and see what life has for you. The more you coast, the more life will seem to pass you by. It is time that I start making decisions about my life, time to stand, time to be the man that I have been called to be.
Is it time for you to stand? No more coasting, stand and be counted.
We come, we live, we die, but what happens in between is completely up to the individual living that life. Like me for example, I was born some years ago and I have lived a life, with some ups, some downs and some just in between, but who defines how my life goes? Is it everyone around me? Well for the longest time that is what I thought. It was everyone's fault if I was having a bad day, or I would blame it on the weather (which I can't control), but the things we do define us. So by me blaming everyone else for my problems, I was not being the man I needed to be. I needed to stand up and take responsibility for my own actions, my thoughts, my fears and then and only then can I see life for what it has for me.
It is time that we stop blaming our parents for our problems, stop looking at work for why we are struggling and see what life has for you. The more you coast, the more life will seem to pass you by. It is time that I start making decisions about my life, time to stand, time to be the man that I have been called to be.
Is it time for you to stand? No more coasting, stand and be counted.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Thoughts of Life
I was thinking last night and in so I thought of this.
In the new relationships we form, those that are single, remember this: If you start the relationship off with the letter "S" (sex) you may end the relations with an x.
But
If you start relationship with the letter "F" (friendship) you have a ship to sail in together in the end.
Just a thought with word play.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Our Sight
Today is a new day and today has potential to be something great, but in order for that to happen, we must do one thing. We must put the past behind us and in doing so we can move forward into today.
My past is full of hurt, pain, regret and failure, but today is a new day and in this day I realize that I no longer have to be controlled by the negatives, but I can let them go. We learn from them and we move forward. Today don't let the old hold you back from seeing the new. Today is a new day and that news is incredible.
Yes, it does take time to see it, so don't beet yourself up over it, take small steps, don't rush for even what seems to be easy takes patience and patience for me is very difficult. I am still be taught patience on a daily basis. Are you willing to see that today has life, joy, peace and patience (that word I am not so good at...).
Today is a new day, today was created for you to see what is new and amazing. Today I can hold onto the bad things of the past, how I was hurt, how I was betrayed, how I hurt others, how I told lies, how I wronged people, or I can take today and see it those things are gone and what remains is new and fresh. Today the changes of site begin with you, today there is hope for so much more. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Do you want others to define who you are? I don't because man I don't think the picture would be that nice.
Today is a new day and in it is a new way. Today let go of the past and see what happens. Today yesterday is gone and there is a present, in the present for you.
My past is full of hurt, pain, regret and failure, but today is a new day and in this day I realize that I no longer have to be controlled by the negatives, but I can let them go. We learn from them and we move forward. Today don't let the old hold you back from seeing the new. Today is a new day and that news is incredible.
Yes, it does take time to see it, so don't beet yourself up over it, take small steps, don't rush for even what seems to be easy takes patience and patience for me is very difficult. I am still be taught patience on a daily basis. Are you willing to see that today has life, joy, peace and patience (that word I am not so good at...).
Today is a new day, today was created for you to see what is new and amazing. Today I can hold onto the bad things of the past, how I was hurt, how I was betrayed, how I hurt others, how I told lies, how I wronged people, or I can take today and see it those things are gone and what remains is new and fresh. Today the changes of site begin with you, today there is hope for so much more. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Do you want others to define who you are? I don't because man I don't think the picture would be that nice.
Today is a new day and in it is a new way. Today let go of the past and see what happens. Today yesterday is gone and there is a present, in the present for you.
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