Thanksgiving 2014

Posted on by

DSC_0873

As we enter into our time of Thanksgiving in our sweet America I am prayerful for great change in a nation that was founded on the precious Word of God.  I am thankful for our forefathers who labored over a set of rules if you will-limitations and common rights that every nation should have.  Every generation has said “could it get worse?” yet if you listen to the news or just simply people watch in public places it seems to have nearly come to a Noah moment again in history.  Selfish desires over take and people succumb to earthly pleasure.  As you gather with your family and friends join with me in a prayer centered on our time left here on earth-to be kind, generous, and joyful.  Letting our lights shine, not hiding them under a bushel, or letting Satan blow them out.  We as Christians are the light of this world-there is no darkness where there is light.  We who call America home are fortunate to experience such freedom to do so many things and we are free from the fears that so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ face each and every day.  Our Great and Awesome God is in omnipotent, sovereign control not just in our world but in each individual life that He has been asked to govern.  So my Thanksgiving prayer is not for blessing after blessing but that when the trials come throughout the coming year we will be strengthened with His awesome power and might.  May we get a glimpse of His mighty right hand that continually upholds us.  Because friends, it is in the darkest, most painful trials that our faith grows and will move mountains–think of that awesome power that we as Christ followers hold within our humble frames.  We can say to the mountain move from here-go there- or if you would rather a mulberry tree uprooted and thrown into the sea.  Our nation, our families are in His omniscient hand so hold the hands around your table this year and raise them joined to your Father in thanksgiving for everything in life, blessings and trials, that has formed you and your family.

May the God that loves us all continue to hold you in the palm of His nail scarred hand and every time the sun shines warm upon your face feel His presence wrapped around you.  Be that aware of His presence in your life.  I am thankful that wherever we are this Thanksgiving Day He is there-wherever we live and whatever we face.

Cherish your days with your family-we are not promised tomorrow.

April

 

What is Life? Why are we here?

Posted on by

Why are we here?  To glorify God–solely!  We are not here to build fancy, expensive homes and drive the latest model cars.  We are simply here to bring Him glory.  Whatever we say and whatever we do is meant to glorify-point back to- Him.  At 41 yo I finally realize what He has been trying to make me see.  We do not have to be homeless, carless, or moneyless but we are certainly accountable for everything we do have.  More things is not more-actually less things is more.  The less we have the more we are able to focus on Him.  When our world is full of things to satisfy us, we need Him less to satisfy and our minds are occupied with the wrong things-our earthly treasures.  Jesus said if someone asks for your tunic, give him your cloak as well.  {Matt. 5:40} Things, material possesions, are not worth anything.  How are we known-how are we seen-how do we display Him–this is our true worth.

My mouth has been far from pleasing Him.  My thoughts-which proceed action-have been far from pleasing Him.  My focus has been on me, my children, my finances instead my focus must remain on Him.  How can I, April, glorify Him?  How can you glorify Him?  We can do it through EVERY single thing that we do daily.  Caring for others points to Him.  A wholesome mouth points to Him.  Pure thoughts point to Him.  Honoring our spouses, even when our human flesh doesn’t want to, points to Him.  Who sees this?  Him and Him alone and that should be the only One we care who sees.  Anything else would be prideful, a show.  I will not be judged by a jury of 12, but by my one glorious Saviour.  Worthless me–me however plus Him equals worthiness and acceptance.

He chose us before time began because He knew the impact we COULD have-not WOULD have-because that depends on our ability to see.  We must truly see with eyes open to truth not just words on a page.  The Bible is truly like a secret code but when you are saved you possess the key to unlock the code.  The awesome thing is that to each of us He reveals Himself in different ways on different days–AMAZING!

An author who can write a book that speaks directly to each saved reader in miraculous ways.  Individual ways that minister to your needs as they arise.  Our lives should simply reflect Him.  Can it?  YES!! The Holy Spirit enables it, but far too often our flesh impedes it.

The most wonderful thing about the Lord is that He gives us a LIMITED free will.  Therefore, we have the ability to choose and choose we do.  We have become very successful at choosing our way and somehow fitting Him into it.  When you focus so dimly on Him your path is misguided and we take wrong turns and wind down alternate paths that when redirected by Him lead back to the path He always intended for us.  So when faced with the bend or fork in the path shine your “light” onto it and He will lead you down the right way and you can proceed not with caution, but with assurance that through every mountain top and valley His light will continue to guide you and carry you through to your final destination–HIM–waiting, smiling, and embracing the end of another miraculous journey home.

The Word of God is the light that shines and illuminates your path so read it daily-if not your light will be to dim to know which path to take and the alternate routes we choose can be heart breaking and time consuming not to mention we will miss out on the path He would choose.  His path for you is the path that was structured perfectly with you in mind-imagine the beauty you will miss by having a dim light.

I want all the paths from now on to be the paths He has created for me, no matter the terrain.  When your traveling companion is Jesus Christ there is truly no reason to fear or turn.  Your success in life depends on the paths you choose.  Choose the path He has lain for you-know those paths by knowing Him-know Him by reading His word and meditating on it daily.  Memorize it, store it in your heart in every corner, every recess, every nook and cranny.

EVERY life has seasons of difficulty and pain. Believe it!!  No-one has a perfect life- no matter how outwardly pretty it may seem.  We all struggle with something.  Encouragement is so important, practice it with everyone you meet.  We will never know our impact-whether good or bad-until we reach heaven.  Although we will fall short try, to make as many impacts for good that you can.  A good place to start is with your own family, your inner circle.  Especially your children.  Teach them that every decision they make will in some way affect their life.  If they have been taught discernment through the word of God they will shine their light and choose the narrow way.  Even grown children can change the way decisions are made.  Sin cascades through generations just read the Old Testament to see proof of that.  When we do not instruct our children correctly the future generations suffer greatly.  Let us choose to change the tide that will fall upon our families and rain down blessing instead of hardship.  May we choose to teach the Bible to our children in its entirety and let them experience the awesome power it will release not only into their lives, but our lives, and all the lives along our paths.

Blessings always,

April

The Weight of My Words

Posted on by

Words are our means of communication. I love the saying God gave us one mouth and two ears so we should listen more than talk. For most women that is challenging–after all we are the great communicators-right? Have you ever stopped and thought about how our words can be smooth stones that take a nine foot giant out (1 Sam. 17) or how they can be a beautifully wrapped gift that gives someone such great encouragment. I have sinned more with my words than anything else. In the book of James it talks about bridling our tongues. Do you have a bridle? I often need it. I just can’t stop myself from expressing my opinion which I feel must be shared. God has recently put it on my heart to be very aware of what I am watching, hearing, and saying. We are to guard our minds in Christ Jesus. In our society today that seems nearly impossible, huh? But we need not forget we are in-dwelt with the Holy Spirit who makes it all possible. It really is about self-control. Listening and being aware of those promptings we ignore especially when emotions are running high. We need to Pause-Pray and then Place words. Sometimes just a momentary pause is all we need to stop ourselves from saying something that a loved one will never forget. We all have had some harsh, unkind words hurled at us that we have never forgotten. Heavy, ugly, and unforgetful words. They are not always from those we love maybe it was a stranger or mere acquaintance. Why can’t we forget how they made us feel? Our words can be sharper than any sword or more powerful than any bullet. I need God to redefine my thoughts so my words will align and be gentle and building up. I do not want to tear down anymore, rather start building beautiful memories into those around me. Not with false flattery but life sustaining words that will encourage and bless. Life is such a journey each one unique and special. I choose to start building life sustaining words into my life and the lives of those around me. God will help me and you because the Bible assures us that if we ask anything in His name according to His will we can claim it. ( 1 John 5:14-15) So come with me on this new journey and change the course of your life and the lives of the generations that may follow us. Build encouraging words into the the fabric of your family that will have lasting effects. I will include several scriptures from my scripture journal that involve our mouths or tongues. The Bible has quite a lot to say about it. Let’s try a simple exercise of: Pause-Pray-Place

Pause–Quick words, all too often, are biting words
Pray–Quote scripture regarding our mouths (memorize a few below)
Place–Quietly place those words into the lives around you

Maybe if we can remember this little 3 word phrase it will start a chain reaction and change our worlds for God’s glory.

Psalm 19:14–May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 141:3–Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 12:18–Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Ecc. 5:2-3, 7–Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares so the speech of a fool when there are many words. Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.

Luke 6:45–The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Ephesians 4:29–Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Phil. 2:14-15–Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Col. 3:17–And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col 4:6–Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

2 Tim. 2:16–Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more unGodly.

2 Tim. 2:23-24–Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Titus 3:2–…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

James 1:19-20–My dear brothers take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that god desires.

James 1:26–If anyone among you thinks he is religious , and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religious is useless.

James 3:2,5-6,8-10–2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles. 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise The Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, theses things ought not be so.

1 Peter 3:4–….Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1Peter 3:9-11–Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Everyday brings challenges but if we start small by maybe remembering once or twice throughout the day eventually it will become a habit. I am asking my eleven year old daughter to help me and challenging her as well. Her three year old brother often tempts her to say things she shouldn’t 😉

Blessings Always, April

Mighty Oak

Posted on by

I am currently doing the on-line Bible study A Confident Heart by Renee Swope with the Proverbs31.org girls. In my reading today Renee mentions Isa. 61:3 it says: “…….They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Does this speak to you like it did me? We are like mighty oak trees. We are the branches, Jesus is the trunk, and God is the root system. Though the winds of adversity come and our branches sway we are firmly planted and will not be moved. If a branch is broken then have faith that, like all trees that are pruned, we will be more beautiful and fruitful. God will and must eradicate things from our lives that do not align with His plan for us. Aren’t you glad about that? I sure am. His ways are definitely higher than mine and I trust Him completely with my life. I love oak trees they really do remind me of strength. They are beautiful in the summer, but oh so beautiful in the fall. Those rich colors just before they rest for the winter. Year after year enduring the rains and the snow, the winds and the scorching heat- always beautiful and steadfast. I pray my life is the same. Do I fail? You bet-but I am thankful I have the opportunity because of precious shed blood to repent and move forward. His plan will only come to fruition if we continue in His word and stand strong in the face of adversity which I have so faced and continue to everyday. Praying– rather claiming God’s promises for my life and the lives of those I love is my shield of defense against that sneaky snake in my garden. He is such a real force that we battle everyday and lest we forget he is ready to devour us and our families at any wrong turn. Thank God that He is omnipotent and the absolute ruler of all-nothing happens to us before being sifted through Him. Remind yourself of that truth often. His plans are to give us hope and a future to prosper and not harm us. (Jer. 29:11) When you see the mighty oak trees sprinkled across God’s canvas –think of yourself and the strength and beauty God has placed within you and tell the snake to get out of your garden because you are a child of the Most High and he has no power over you.

Worthy or worthless?

Posted on by

After losing my job of 13 years this past March I have re-directed my focus. I have been spending time in prayer and devotions every morning and I have been so refreshed and uplifted by Gods word. I strongly believe that God opens and closes doors in our lives, sometimes when we least expect it. The other night I was going about my household duties when I felt the Lord speaking to my heart about worth. We as humans draw our worth from many things. Where does our worth truly come from? God spoke to my heart about my previous job. I had a very high paying medical job and was terminated for something that I honestly did not do. I drew a lot of self worth from what I did. Patients admired me and I felt important for the help I was able to offer them. When I lost my job it was though my red carpet was pulled directly from under me. Ever felt that way? Not a great feeling. It has been almost six months since I lost my job and even though I do not miss it at all, at times I feel like I have lost my sense of purpose. I adore my children and my dream job was always to stay home with them. However, I brought in the stable income in my home. My husband is self employed and his income is up and down. My security really was in my job and not The Lord. Our worth comes from nothing more than the fact that we are children of the Most High King. We have things happen in our lives that surprise us, never Him. For the last six months immersing myself in His word has sustained and encouraged me. I have done two recent Bible studies that have been wonderful. Let me encourage you to do them as well. Gideon by Priscilla Shirer and What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst. They will knock your socks off and help you, as they have me, to understand our Father better. This blog will be about my journey with Him and how He sustains me daily. I hope He is your sustainer too. He really is all we need.

Blessings always,
April