In our homes we have finally arrived at the 12th day of Christmas! It is still early here, and very cool for South Florida, so sitting in the garden is out of the question! My blood is too thin for that! So as I sit here thinking on Him, and how gracious he has been to me, I thank God for the opportunity I have been given to experience his love first hand, and to share his love with you.
Do you know that many people never experience his love? Actually they do experience it, but they don't realize it, nor do they even acknowledge him. I was talking with a young friend about this yesterday, and she asked me a great question: "if God is so loving and is here and involved with my life, why did he allow me to be molested when I was 5?" Wow. I am sure many people have the same type questions. I know I myself was molested 3 times by three people that I trusted, and yet, I never wondered about God's love until I was having panic attacks in my late 20's. It was at that time I began to wonder not just about God's love, but even about his very existance.
I got to the end of myself, and was as low as I could personally go. And I will never forget that day. I was so distraught and really didn't know which end was up. I wanted to believe what I had been taught, but my experiences were such that my heart and spirit were left so hurt because of my perspective on what I was going through that I just couldn't trust anything anymore. So in my desperation, I went out on my patio and cried bitterly. I didn't understand why God would allow me to walk through such a dark time and seemingly abandon me. So I looked up and said,
"God, I am not sure of anything anymore. I am not sure you even exist. But if you do, I need you to show me because if you don't, I am just going to give up."
God did show up. In a miraculous way. Instantly, it was as if I was wrapped up in his wings. I literally felt his 'feathers' around me. I smelled him, too. Like freshness after a rain. The sensation was like nothing I can adequately describe and it has never happened to me since. But I haven't needed it to. I now know that it was his Spirit that manifested himself and wrapped his arms around me. I don't know how long it lasted. I was long enough for me. I looked up again and said, "ok, now I know you exist. Where do we go from here?"
So here we are, more than 2o years later, and I can tell you why I had to go through all that. And I will.
In fact, since the 12 Days are over, God has shown me what this blog needs to be used for. It is to address those 'difficult' subjects by looking at what God's word has to say and looking to those who are wiser than I for the answers. I know I am settled in my faith, but it took many years for me to feel this way. And God is still showing me insights that help me to see things from his perspective, not only from my little tunnel vision world.
So, if you have a question, send it in. I cannot tell you for sure that I will be able to answer it, but we will explore it together and hopefully try to see it from God's perspective.
I will tell you this, I know that God has NEVER abandoned me. He was with me throughout every moment, even when I was being molested. He never left me, and was my strength and comfort. He promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you and no one can pull you out of my hand". So I know he was always there, always holding me, protecting me. But that doesn't mean that bad things won't happen. But more on that tomorrow.
Visit www.12daysbook.com for more on our 12th Night Feast!!
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December Fifteenth
Wow! only 10 days left till Christmas! I hope you are more ready than I am! I think since it has been so hot down here in South Fl. I just cant get in the Christmas mood! And I think it just crept up on me, and since I wasn't planning to do anything big for the kids for Christmas, I didn't get going until last week, and now I feel I am behind! But ready or not, it will be here in 10 short days. I have to say that I have really enjoyed doing this blog...it has caused a little bit of pressure to get it done, but it has forced me to be on my knees more, and really try to practice his presence. I have not always been so successful, but I have been more aware and more grateful than I ever have before. So thank you for reading and following, and for joining me in this journey. That said, here's today's thought.
Colossians 1:3-6 says: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing just as it has been doing aomng you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
Do you have people in your life that speak truth to you? Do they lovingly challenge you to be more like Jesus and help you focus more on him? Do they live like him, and cause you to want to do the same? Have you ever thanked God for them, and then in turn told them how thankful you are for them?
My challenge for you today is for you to write a note of appreciation to someone who speaks truth to you and helps you be more like Jesus. It can be in the form of a letter, a card or just a brief note. Don't just call them, send them a note. Why? because they will have a physical reminder so when the enemy attacks them and tries to demean them, they will have something physical they can be encouraged to fight for. They will appreciate it over and over, just as I am sure the Colossians did. I am sure they read and re-read Pauls letter to them. I am positive that they discussed it and it so encouraged them to "keep up the faith."
In this way, you can be a blessing to someone that has immeasurably blessed you. I wrote to my pastor. My son wrote to me. You can be sure I will keep that note forever! My daughter wrote to my best friend and co-author, Linda. Her daughter is my daughter's best friend, and Linda is so great to allow my daughter to come over anytime for any length of time. In fact, I think sometimes she would rather live there! I am so very thankful for a friend that loves my child and speaks Jesus into her life. I love her kids too. She is the best kind of friend: one who loves me, warts and all, and my loud, weird, crazy family. Why? I don't know, except God put us together and we just fit. I know she feels the same way. And I am so thankful. If you don't have a friend like that, ask God for one. He will answer. It took a long time, but he did mine. I prayed for a friend for several years before I met Linda. I had begun to loose hope, but he was faithful. Until I had her though, He met my needs for that type of relationship. And he will yours too.
In closing, remember to be thankful. We get so busy that it is easy to get grumpy and full of 'scroogy-ness'. I sometimes get grumpy because I try to do to much and it doesn't come together. Relax. Remember He is with you and gives you strength for the day's tasks. Thank him and thank someone else today. You might be the only person who thanks them today....and it might just make their day.
Don't forget to check out our book, "The 12 Days of Christmas" at www.12daysbook.com
It is almost time! December 26th is the first day, so you still have time to get your copy!
Colossians 1:3-6 says: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing just as it has been doing aomng you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
Do you have people in your life that speak truth to you? Do they lovingly challenge you to be more like Jesus and help you focus more on him? Do they live like him, and cause you to want to do the same? Have you ever thanked God for them, and then in turn told them how thankful you are for them?
My challenge for you today is for you to write a note of appreciation to someone who speaks truth to you and helps you be more like Jesus. It can be in the form of a letter, a card or just a brief note. Don't just call them, send them a note. Why? because they will have a physical reminder so when the enemy attacks them and tries to demean them, they will have something physical they can be encouraged to fight for. They will appreciate it over and over, just as I am sure the Colossians did. I am sure they read and re-read Pauls letter to them. I am positive that they discussed it and it so encouraged them to "keep up the faith."
In this way, you can be a blessing to someone that has immeasurably blessed you. I wrote to my pastor. My son wrote to me. You can be sure I will keep that note forever! My daughter wrote to my best friend and co-author, Linda. Her daughter is my daughter's best friend, and Linda is so great to allow my daughter to come over anytime for any length of time. In fact, I think sometimes she would rather live there! I am so very thankful for a friend that loves my child and speaks Jesus into her life. I love her kids too. She is the best kind of friend: one who loves me, warts and all, and my loud, weird, crazy family. Why? I don't know, except God put us together and we just fit. I know she feels the same way. And I am so thankful. If you don't have a friend like that, ask God for one. He will answer. It took a long time, but he did mine. I prayed for a friend for several years before I met Linda. I had begun to loose hope, but he was faithful. Until I had her though, He met my needs for that type of relationship. And he will yours too.
In closing, remember to be thankful. We get so busy that it is easy to get grumpy and full of 'scroogy-ness'. I sometimes get grumpy because I try to do to much and it doesn't come together. Relax. Remember He is with you and gives you strength for the day's tasks. Thank him and thank someone else today. You might be the only person who thanks them today....and it might just make their day.
Don't forget to check out our book, "The 12 Days of Christmas" at www.12daysbook.com
It is almost time! December 26th is the first day, so you still have time to get your copy!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
December Third
December Third....what a day it has been! We started off by going to WRMB radio station to do an interview for our book. It was a great interview, and we were ever so grateful for the blessing it was to be able to share our hearts. It will be weird to hear ourselves next week on the morning and afternoon drive time on 89.3 WRMB.
Today was a treat from God. Not every day is like that. Some days you want to end before they really get started. If fact, you sometimes wish you could rewind and start again, but you can't. The reality is that some days go on for months and you are forever changed by them. The difficult thing is finding joy and gratefulness in the midst of them. Sometimes its just the simple things; the monotonous things that keep a sense of normalcy- those things that would usually drive us crazy help us keep our sanity when times are tough.
So why not let those same things make us grateful now; content in our lives, our relationships and what we have been blessed with? I suffer from the 'too much' disease: Spending too much, eating too much, trying to do too much, expecting too much and wanting too much. But what I am trying to do this season, one day at a time is being grateful and content with what I have been given and the situations I find myself in instead of living with the too much's. I want to be content and know that what I have is more than enough.
Colossians 1:21 & 22 says: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation- if this were the only thing I had to be thankful for, it would be enough. But to that he has added so much. I am more grateful now than I ever have been, and want to focus on being content in him.
Remember our book signing on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Walden books in the Wellington Green Mall from 1-3pm. Bring a friend and recieve a free gift with purchase! Until tomorrow....may you have joy in the journey!
Today was a treat from God. Not every day is like that. Some days you want to end before they really get started. If fact, you sometimes wish you could rewind and start again, but you can't. The reality is that some days go on for months and you are forever changed by them. The difficult thing is finding joy and gratefulness in the midst of them. Sometimes its just the simple things; the monotonous things that keep a sense of normalcy- those things that would usually drive us crazy help us keep our sanity when times are tough.
So why not let those same things make us grateful now; content in our lives, our relationships and what we have been blessed with? I suffer from the 'too much' disease: Spending too much, eating too much, trying to do too much, expecting too much and wanting too much. But what I am trying to do this season, one day at a time is being grateful and content with what I have been given and the situations I find myself in instead of living with the too much's. I want to be content and know that what I have is more than enough.
Colossians 1:21 & 22 says: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation- if this were the only thing I had to be thankful for, it would be enough. But to that he has added so much. I am more grateful now than I ever have been, and want to focus on being content in him.
Remember our book signing on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Walden books in the Wellington Green Mall from 1-3pm. Bring a friend and recieve a free gift with purchase! Until tomorrow....may you have joy in the journey!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December Second
Today is the second day of the Christmas Season....joy, gratitude and contentment are the words of the day. God has been hammering away at our hearts on how truly blessed we are and how ungrateful we as Americans have become.
For many years, we have been able to acheive a cheap (really expensive, in some cases) immitation of Christmas. We have been able to afford the 'finer things of life' and replace the joy and contentment that comes with a real relationship with Christ with 'stuff'. Gifts, events and all the busy-ness has become a poor substitute for the real joy and gifts which are family, friends and the memories we make with them. We have done this for so long, that it is hard to remember what this season is supposed to be about. But with the financial downturn, we are now forced to take a good hard look at what is real and what is artificial about our Christmas celebrations. And that is a good thing. We have so much to be thankful for...and its not the stuff. We have freedom in Christ, we have friends and family that love us unconditionally, and food, shelter, air, and on we could go. So how can we close "pandoras box" and reverse this tide now that it has run rampant for so long?
Repentance is an outdated word, but it is what we need. Literally, it means "turn around and go the other direction". I know it is difficult to turn the ship around, but it is so worth it. So it is time to refocus. We have been using the wrong lens, and now we need to change it to the right one.
Col. 1:12 says: Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the kingdom inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
So be thankful for Christ. Be really thankful, by focusing on what is true, lovely, righteous and holy. Think about what really needs to be done, and what will make the most of this precious time with friends and family. Get the kids involved and thinking more about who they could bless, and why it is important. We decided to do a "Family Motto" for the season to help us remember what we are all about. We got the family involved, and tomorrow you will know what we came up with.
Until then, may you have joy in this day, and the season!
For many years, we have been able to acheive a cheap (really expensive, in some cases) immitation of Christmas. We have been able to afford the 'finer things of life' and replace the joy and contentment that comes with a real relationship with Christ with 'stuff'. Gifts, events and all the busy-ness has become a poor substitute for the real joy and gifts which are family, friends and the memories we make with them. We have done this for so long, that it is hard to remember what this season is supposed to be about. But with the financial downturn, we are now forced to take a good hard look at what is real and what is artificial about our Christmas celebrations. And that is a good thing. We have so much to be thankful for...and its not the stuff. We have freedom in Christ, we have friends and family that love us unconditionally, and food, shelter, air, and on we could go. So how can we close "pandoras box" and reverse this tide now that it has run rampant for so long?
Repentance is an outdated word, but it is what we need. Literally, it means "turn around and go the other direction". I know it is difficult to turn the ship around, but it is so worth it. So it is time to refocus. We have been using the wrong lens, and now we need to change it to the right one.
Col. 1:12 says: Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the kingdom inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
So be thankful for Christ. Be really thankful, by focusing on what is true, lovely, righteous and holy. Think about what really needs to be done, and what will make the most of this precious time with friends and family. Get the kids involved and thinking more about who they could bless, and why it is important. We decided to do a "Family Motto" for the season to help us remember what we are all about. We got the family involved, and tomorrow you will know what we came up with.
Until then, may you have joy in this day, and the season!
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