Don’t worry about anything . . .

but throw your worries upon God.

This was part of my reading this morning.  I must confess, worry is something I’ve always struggled with.  I don’t want to worry because I do believe God is not pleased when I do but I’m not sure, once it starts, just how to stop it.    

This morning the last half of the verse really caught my attention – it was almost like a challenge, a test me and see sort-of-thing.  So I decided I’d give it a go and the following is my testimony.   

          

We’re currently in the mountains.  Several months ago I bought a shirt at a local thrift store.  It was a bit big, but perfect for wearing around the house with a pair of sweat pants.  I just leave it here, it’s my mountain shirt and in a funny way I look forward to wearing it when we’re here.

Well the last time we were here I couldn’t find it when we were getting ready to leave.  No big deal, but it “worried” me a bit.  When we got here this time, I immediately began looking for it and still wasn’t able to find it. 

This is where my testimony comes in.  After the reading from Philippians and pondering a bit, I decided that since I didn’t know where it was and that not knowing was “worrying” me, I would simply throw my worries upon God – after all, I was sure He knew where it was – so I left it with Him and went about my day.

As I was taking my morning shower, which I truly love on a cold winter’s morn in the mountains, out of the blue it occurred to me “look behind the dresser”.  And so that is what I did . . . and guess what was there.  Hidden and just barely visible –  was my shirt.

Now I realize with all the problems in the world today, finding a shirt is not a high priority.  But for me it was just an example of my Father’s love and care . . . and a bit of humor as well.  Isn’t He just amazing <3

A remembering and a prayer

I was reading this morning about a situation of a girl in high-school, shy and uncertain, and how she was bullied by others.  Remembering how in my youth others (even those who were supposedly my friends) would point out, with great delight, any flaws in personality or appearance.  For me it was having light facial hair, big breasts and even the fact that I wouldn’t “put out” for my boyfriend.  Those words and actions left open wounds that have healed over time as I’ve learned that I am not defined but what others think of me, but it has taken a life time and the love and grace of a loving Father.  And while the wounds have healed, the scars remain

But I have also come to accept these scars as trophies, blessings in disguise, because I am stronger and more secure because of them.  What the world may say is not who I am.  I am a daughter of The King, loved and adored and cherished: He has turned ashes into beauty, sorrow into joy and made whole what was broken.

My prayer is for those who have been bullied by the world, that they would come to know and accept that they are loved unconditionally; that they have a heavenly Father who is longing to embrace them and rejoice over them – if they will let Him.

A Personal Thanksgiving

Abba, we’re here.  Once again we made it safely to the mountains and thank You that they are still here.  I want to thank You for all that You do, have done and are doing in my life.  It was this time of year, so many years ago, that I surrendered my life to You and I am forever grateful for You calling me to be Your child.  Thank You for Jesus, for His life, death and resurrection.  For forgiving me and for desiring to be in relationship with me, for Your Spirit and His indwelling within my sinner’s heart.  For Your faithfulness even when I am not and for Your AMAZING Grace that has brought me thus far and will at last bring me home.  I just want to spend each and every moment loving You and being loved by You.  There is no greater joy than knowing I am Yours and You are mine.

Praise

Praise has the power to heal.  Praise = admiration.  To not admire would mean to miss out of something.  To admire is to simply be awake, to have entered into the real world.  (Keller quoting CS Lewis)

This morning I started the day listening to the Prayer (David Archuleta), a recording I admire greatly.  Just hearing him sing, his voice joined with the other vocalist, the instruments and the words  . . . caused a response of such peace, joy and a surrender -  to be lost in the moment.  I’m just so grateful for the experience.  Such is admiration.  

This is what praising our Father is like.  It touches something so deep within us that we are changed by the experience.  It’s not something we can muster up or make happen.  It’s something we can enter into when we give Him the opportunity, to listen and just be present with Him, when we give Him our focus and attention . . . He is there with us and we are forever changed.

The Prayer

Morning time in the mountains

As I sit here in the stillness of the morning I am so grateful just to be alive – physically and spiritually. To be able to experience all the beauty that surrounds me.  The chorus of little birds singing their songs, a cool breeze gently blowing in through the open windows, darkness slowing giving way to light, puppies at my feet and my life’s companion, my soul mate sitting in the next room. I have no need of anything because I all things in Christ. 

We’ve had some small trials while here.  The AC went out, we had to do some work for some clients while here, two of the puppies went on an adventure and we had to go and find them. Small things but each one created some stress – but with each one a blessing as well.  The weather has been very pleasant, so the AC is not really needed.  We have clients and they have provided us with a living.  And the puppies were found all safe and sound.

I desire to live each day with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving for whatever may come my way.  I’m not there yet, but I’m confident that as a child of the living God, He will make it happen - by turning the ashes into beauty, by making a way where there was none, and by giving me a peace beyond understanding simply by trusting in Him.

Standing fast . . .

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Gal 5:1)

Freedom, not afraid of “going to hell”, not even a concern because of what He has done for me.  Freedom to know that when I fall into some sin, because I do continually, He forgives (has already forgiven) and I am restored.  Freedom to fail and not be afraid of disappointing Him.  Freedom from those who would insist that I live my life according to their convictions or expectations.  And with this amazing freedom comes a deep and abiding desire to please Him, to honor Him, to delight myself in Him and wanting Him to delight in me.

This desire is a gift/fruit of His Spirit in me, it’s not a “have to” but a “want to”.  Not something I do, but something He is doing in me.

Joy comes

Yesterday was a day filled with stress and frustrations and feelings of being overwhelmed – and it just seemed to never end.  At one point I just prayed, let this day be over – because deep inside I knew or had hope that tomorrow is a new day

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

These verses are from the book of Lamentations – that’s some title - and the author was writing during a time of great distress – nationally and personally.  Yet these verses speak of an assurance that even in the midst of a “bad day” we can have hope because, as one who belongs to the LORD, we have His promise that if we will trust Him, He will make a way; that our hope in Him is a sure thing and He will not disappoint us.  Joy comes in the morning  . . . and in trusting in Him.