Did you ever have to stand in a corner or go to time out as a child? I did. Not often but when I did, I bet it had something to do with me being the “big sister” and should have known better. In our house we stood in the corner or nose to wall. I can still smell the wood paneled walls as I stood there and thought about what I had done- or got blamed for š wink wink. What may have seemed like forever, as I stood there smelling the wall, it was an opportunity to reflect on what I should have done and remember what not to do next time. My parents were disciplining me or taking the opportunity to have me stop and think. Their intentions were to teach me in a loving way. As I grew older and especially today, I appreciate what they were trying to do to teach me right and wrong. – When, at the time, I felt like they were just punishing me…
I just started a new bible study in the book of Ezekiel. Right off- out of the gate, on day one, I wanted to share my take away or what grabbed my attention. This is my perception or understanding. The book of Ezekiel talks about how the Jews felt as if they were being punished (exiled) and they became bitter and they were not making good decisions. The book starts off as Ezekial has a dream which got his attention- and made him think. God revealed himself in this book described as a bow after the rain. I love that. The rainbow or prisim approach not only got Ezekiel’s attention but mine as well! So much so, he fell on his face in God’s Glory. I re-read the verse. Check it out -click here.
It reminded me that sometimes God has to exile you to get your attention so he can reveal himself to you. To get you to stop, think, and listen ( like that wood paneling wall). It is not punishment but the love of a Father to get you back on track out of His love for you.
Have you ever experienced this? Have you felt like you have been placed in a time out spritually? How does he intimately show His love to you? Or even if you do not feel like you are in a current time out, how does he grab your attention unexpectedly? For me, it is like a secret handshake to let me know He is there, He has my back, and for me to stop and take note- to think and appreciate His Glory. There are two ways He speaks to me with nature. When I find something beautiful growing in the least likely place, it reminds me that he is in control and beauty comes from even the weeds or rocks. The other way He intimately touches my spirit is the the sweet, soft tweet of a bird when you least suspect it.
What about you? Have you stopped lately to think or be in the quiet and asked God to reveal Himself to you?
Just something to think about. His love and mine! Straighten that crown and chin up my friend.
If so that is great, but if not I will be just fine, because I am highly favored and the pineapple of my Heavenly Father’s eye.
I have been reading in the book of Daniel, specificly about king Nebuchadnezzar and all of his self proclaimed greatness. Thank goodness we are the daughters of The King, our Heavenly Father and not this guy. From this point forward I will refer to him as Neb. Neb was so full of himself and so confused. It seemed to me after reading, that he could have been very insecure and easily influenced when he had those vulnerable- I do not know what to do moments- Even though he was the king of Babylon (kinda a big deal).
I will call him a flip flopper- Neb the flip flopper. Let me define flip flopper in Lauren’s terms. It is kinda like a fish out of water flopping around. One day he believes one way and later he may (flop) to think another. I think he was a fish out of God’s water for sure.
Seems he often forgot the feelings of -awe- of the wisdom of Daniel’s King (our Heavenly Father) after the newness wore off. He would go back to his old ways of thinking higher of himself and anyone else or pay attention to the wisdom or forcasting of Daniel’s dreams.
Now granted, I have not done extensive research on this book, nor Neb. I can tell you that God used Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to influence Neb based on their faith in God. All the other is just my perspective during this most recent reading.
One big take away about king Neb is how he went to great lengths to build golden idols and made people bow down to them and worshipped multiple gods. Not to spoil a good read, but it does not work out for him in the end. All of his, full-of-him-self, monkey see but dosen’t do… mentality catches up with him.. The visions/dreams are fulfilled. (Let’s just say that visions of lolly pops were not dancing in his head..)
There are many facets and take aways in the book of Daniel and my mind is going in many different directions. Today, I want us to think about the words- If- SO- BUT- IF- NOT. What does that mean to you? Can you think of a time when you told yourself a version of the five words?
Daniel 3:17-18 says, "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.Ā But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Picture in your mind the scenerio of someone standing up to someone else, “putting them in their place” with attitude and confidence. I like the part that says, ” Let it be known to you, O king.” or in my southern mind- “listen here, miss priss” or ” I’ll have you know, I ain’t doing that!” Not that I can remember ever saying those phrases..
This means: If our life takes a turn for the worse, our God will deliver/heal us, BUT IF HE Chooses NOT to (not in His plan for you)- We should still love Him and praise Him regardless because His ways are better than ours..... To go deeper in our faith; Think about how this world is constantly trying to place a wedge between our relationship with God and following popular worldly ways and acceptance of ideas or ways that God says is wrong. In modern times, the application of the verse in Daniel 3:17-18, could go like this: I am not going to worship you O'king (O'world) and your worldly idolistic ways....
I believe that our take away is not standing up to someone with attitude, but that maybe you need to set your own-self straight or remind yourself a thing or two- with confidence- of what you know is to be true- in how our heavenly father works in our life. Our lives might not go the way we want them to, but we must believe that God is working all things for good- maybe to protect ourself from what we do to ourselves…… Does that make sense?
Take just a second and apply this to your life today. Big or small circumstances… Silly or serious situations.. It all applies. Here you go, finish this sentence as it applies to you, today.
If _____________________ (so/happens) -God will _____________ BUT IF NOT ___________________.
11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Click here for more reading and encouragement Psalm 34.
I have it on my heart this morning to review, dive in, and remind us who we are. Who are you?
Our ladies group (HPC Women of Praise/FB) from church (we tried a new ‘thang) went out last night to dinner, movie, and donuts! So I am piggy ‘backing on what’s on my mind and the moral of the story last night at the movies. The movieOvercomer was great! I did hear a lot of snoting’ in the dark theater towards the end.. just saying š
We often go through times when we question who we are when life seasons change, or life does not go as you had planned. On my life journey I am coming into the realization that [I am, Who He Says I am.] It matters less of what I think of myself, or the way others treat us or (make us feel of ourselves), or even the title we long for. Those things do not define us- He does.
I can tell you a few worldly titles that I cherish and could define me: wife, step-family, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, sister in law, daughter in law, dog/cat mom, sister, niece, friend, employee.
It was not until I began to realize who He was, I could start to understand who I am. To be honest, this often a daily struggle for me. It is getting better, so we might could bump it up to a weekly struggle on a good month! So what takes it from a daily to weekly to monthly struggles… It is when I remind myself who He is and then my fleshy thoughts fall into place… I am not good at remembering.. not sure if that is you too.. but maybe if you are reading this, it will help.
Greeting
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Redemption in Christ
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earthāin Him. 11In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
15Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Himat His right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him tobe head over all things to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the [a]course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Brought Near by His Blood
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the fleshāwho are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by handsā 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Christ Our Peace14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Christ Our Cornerstone
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Who is HE to me?
He is my comforter, my protector, He gives me rest and hope, my encourager, He understands me, forgives me, supports me, wants what is best for me, disciplines me, He goes before me, He has got this! The battle is already won. If I allow Him, he gives me peace by being still. He tells me to not be anxious. He reminds me to pray and read. He is whom I talk to in the middle of the night. He is whom I ask for coverings over my family. That is why I praise Him, and talk to Him. He gives me wisdom and has allowed a book of life for me to study and follow. .. If I could just make enough time. He steers me from all the worldly and fleshy ways that this cruel world brings.
Who am I to Him?
All the highlighted areas and then some! He created each one of us. We are chosen, not a mistake or accident or overlooked, with no purpose. We are needed and he loves us. And by the way- you are a Daugher of a King- that is who you are! You are the pineapple of his eye!
I have learned so much from the Biblical teachings and discussions led by High Praises Church, Williamston, SC. They have a great pod cast (this is my first experience with pod casts) They have a You Tube Chanel now with GREAT MUSIC… and an app. The point is not about the advanced technology… but the avenues to spread true Biblical knowledge and help people come to understand WHO HE IS. .. so we can better understand Who We Are.
**Disclaimer- the intent of this blog is not to embarrass any of my previous grammer or english teachers…….or anyone for that matter, including myself š
Whether we are driving a car, snow plow or preparing our garden for spring, itās important to focus on where we are going or the project at hand.
I would say, it is pretty important to stay between the lines of the road if you are driving or to watch where that pile of snow you are pushing will end up. On the other hand, the garden sure looks neat (organized/together) when you plant your rows straight.
Well, here in the south, we do not have a lot of experience with snow but I believe all of us can relate to keeping it between the lines. We even take a test on it to be able to lawfully drive a car. Some of us study for it some of us do not.
In studying the Bible, it gives us wisdom on how to plow or drive through our life. Luke 9:62 tells us:
But Jesus said to him, āno one having put his hand on the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.ā NKJV
What does this mean? To me it means, if you are always looking back you cannot focus on where you are ādriving.ā In the old days the plows were in front of you. Now a ‘days we pull them behind us if we are working in the garden. {for planting a future crop} Do you get it?
He is and will continue to do great things in our lives our future. We do not need to look behind us and focus on the past. If we do, He cannot use us to benefit His kingdom- our future.
So what is it going to be? Are we going to let go of the past and focus on what lies ahead with expectation and promise? Are we going to ālet go and let God?ā
Are we going to continue to make a mess of our garden or get in lawful trouble for not keeping it between the lines by always looking back? Will God be able to use us just as we are with all of our past and sins alike?
He can and he will if we just focus on Him face forward to the Son light!
Plow forward.
His love and mine, Lauren
Photo credit: Earl Morris as he plows around a stump (Photograph taken for International Harvester’s Agricultural Extension Department.)
How did you read or interpret the sentence? What- are- you- talking-about?
Was it: What are YOU talking, about? I don't understand. I have no idea what you are talking about. Or did it hit you this way? What or whom are you talking about?
As all of those words swirl in your mind, regardless I think the next sentence or thought would be: I want to know.
I heard an old song listed below. I have included the lyrics for a quick read. I think it was written in the 40’s by a gospel writer named Chuck. You can correct me if I am wrong. I am pretty sure the title is called, Everybody’s Talking About Something. It was a quick reminder of how we talk about a bunch of stuff that really does not matter and/or can actually hurt others. I know none of us do that! When we allow chatter between us that is not kind, true or necessary.. What is the point? It draws attention to ourselves and is not very becoming in the long run. Does it really make us feel better about ourselves? If we were honest… it leaves a film on our hearts and reveals much deeper struggles taking place.
We can find comfort knowing, if we fail or fall short, God forgives us and sometimes people do too.
People are attracted to REAL people.. (ok some are addicted to fake lives on reality TV- not anyone of us, I am sure š ) Being able to be a real person, honest about our struggles, and sharing our testimony of how God has become present in our current situations, -giving hope and glory to our creator; now, those are good conversations to have. That will allow us to focus on looking for His presence in our situations. Let’s celebrate the positive, focus on the little things that bring us joy even in the midst of a deep uncertain situation.
If you do not have experiences or you do not understand how God is working in your life, or if you do not know the Heavenly Father that I am speaking of, I would love to chat!
Let’s try to do the opposite of what comes natural when spending idle time in chit-chat. Let’s work hard to talk about the good. Everyone has bad.
God is good. All the time, God is good. Those that only know the bad- let’s share some good.
Just something to think about.
His love and mine- Lauren
Everybody is talking about something You can hear as the crowd passes by, Some are talking about their wealth and their riches, While others talk of their troubles and strife. Well, I don’t know how to talk to a rich man, When compare, I’m a beggar, no doubt. But if you’re talking about that old time religion Then I know what you’re talking about.
If you’re talking about the old time religion, Then I know what you’re talking about.
About the kind that will make you love your neighbor, When old Satan will say, “Turn him out.” About the kind that will comfort you in sorrow, And it never fails to make you shout. Well, if you’re talking about tha old time religion, Then I know what you’re talking about.
I like to talk about the day when Jesus saved me When my poor soul was sinking in sin. I like to talk about the way He has kept me Through the shadows, the storms, and the rain. I like to talk about the day of his coming When I see His sweet face in the clouds. Well, if you’re talking about that old time religion Then I know what you’re talking about.
So God created manĀ in HisĀ ownĀ image; in the image of God He created him;Ā male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:27 New King James Version (NKJV)
The other day, I finished my lunch and anticipated opening my fortune cookie. All in fun. I happen to like the cookies; Knowing the little paper with words of “wisdom” are waiting to be read, excites me. Bear with me- it is the little things in life that excites me the most. My little words of wisdom for the day read:
“Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his own image.”
I sat there for a minute, and pondered what did that mean to me? I was imediately drawn the the word (his).
As I walked back to the office from lunch, my mind starting buzzing like a hive of bees. Then it hit me.
..Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his own image… His image (our heavenly Father) or ourimage?
Does our image (mirror) His Image?
With a burst of heavenly energy, that makes you feel most alive- I had to share what was going on in my head. My sweet friend Kaylea was so kind to lend an ear. As we discussed what that meant for us as Christians or daughters of the King, I blurted out Big H or little h.
Big H= His Image
little h= our image (his/hers)
As we walk through this experience that we call the life journey, are we reflecting the Big H or the little h? Are our actions a direct reflection of what would show people who Jesus was? Of course we cannot be Jesus- but we can try to let others see Jesus through us. OR are our actions a reflection of a selfish human (fleshy) behavior? Does this take any of us back to the-
WWJD? What Would Jesus Do?
Maybe we need a new bracelet to remind us to make honest efforts to reflect His image and not ours.
Is the image we are trying to create for ourselves (reputation) a mirror of His image? Maybe we are trying to re-invent ourselves?
We all fall short… but learning and being aware will help us mirror the image of our creator, our Heavenly Father.
Did you ever wonder why cuss words were bad? I remember as a kid thinking- what makes those words- bad? Who was the one, that deemed those words bad? How are they any different than any other word?
I just know we were not allowed to utter them; even if we accidently hit our toe on the bed; or we would get our mouth washed out with a bar of soap! You were lucky if you did not soap on the back of your bottom front teeth. This punishment also applied to back talking. Oh, and the word DERN was close enough to the other 4L word that it was prohibited as well.
As I recall, I watched my brother go through this type of punishment more than I ever had too. Did y’all just see my face crack a smile when I typed that?- Ha!
In my pre-teens, I remember getting in trouble calling my younger brother an idiot. So I made up a word instead; ‘Onionette, pronounced (un-yet) with a southern dialect or draw. Not sure why I chose it. I guess it sounded close enough to the meaning.
We will not go off on the rabit trail to why I thought calling him an idiot made me feel better when he frustrated me.
All the older siblings reading this- raise your hand. I am sure you know what I mean. For the rest of you; you may never understand š
Yes, I loved him, but gosh he “never” got in trouble š Ok, I take that back. He did get in trouble, but for whatever reason, so did I. He took me down with him.
As I have grown older, I have learned that the letters F*E*A*R can turn into the most debilitating 4L word. I found my heart shouting it daily. Think about the following types of fear. Can you relate to any of them?
Fear of the unknown
Fear that I ‘messed up
Fear that I made the wrong decision
Fear that my life was not going the way I wanted
Fear of what people would say about me
Fear of gossip you cannot control
Fear of what life would be like without ______
Fear was I doing the right thing
Fear that I would be taken the wrong way, missunderstood
Fear that I was letting someone down
Fear that those chains would never break
Fear that I was not doing something right, that is why I did not feel God.
Fear that I would be cold that day because I did not wear the right clothes
Fear that I would not be accepted
Fear that I could not sleep and get rest..
Fear I would not have enough money
Fear I was not good enough for _______
Fear that I would not be happy
Fear that it would never end…….
Fear that I would get wet and mess up my hair or shoes when I did not know it was supposed to rain…..
You see, FEAR can be dibilitating. It will make you want to stay home in your pajamas and not show your face. It will make you not want to be in the presence of other people. Let’s face it, it will make you want to crawl in a hole and never come out. I am sure you can come up with your own list and I could go on and on with mine. FEAR can be so serious or just plain silly when you think about it.
Webster dictionary defines fear as being used as either a noun or verb: 1a : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. b(1) : an instance of this emotion. (2) : a state marked by this emotion. 2 : anxious concern : solicitude. 3 : profound reverence and awe especially toward God.
There it is. The WORD WORRY. You know, sometime I wonder is it fear or is it worry? What is the difference?
Webster also defines worry as: 1a : mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : ANXIETYb: an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation 2: a cause of worry : TROUBLE, DIFFICULTY
A cause of worry: trouble, difficulty
I can tell you, as my faith grows, I have learned that I am not supposed to worry or be fearful. I do not have to be in charge of every detail of my life telling it which way to go.
Let’s go back to reverence and awe. Make no mistake that God is all powerful and in charge. We should not fear him as in afraid of him but with a respectful Heavenly, all knowing, Father reverence and respect. For He is here to give us hope and a future. He will leave the 99 to come get you.…
I am reminded of 1 Peter 5:6-7.
No matter which translation you like to read, I generaly chose the New King James Version (NKJV), but I know sometimes it may be harder to read or get the gist of a story line with words such as thalt, shalt … Just becareful, some translations change words and meanings, but it is ok to compare.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I will share with you several translations of 1 Peter 5:6-7, and you can see for yourself what was trying to be communicated with us on the subjects of fear and worry.
The Bible is full of wisdom on how to combat fear and worry. There are many stories we can learn from or use as examples. I encourage you to start exploring those stories and scriptures if you are in a thirsty place to recieve more encouragement.
How do I get started- you ask? In most Bibles there are pages in the back that make references to certain words, subjects or people. If you can get your hands on a Student Bible, it dives deeper to define the stories that I am speaking of.
Is my worry and fear gone? I can’t say that it is. The enemy tries to slap me in the face with it daily. But, I can battle those self defeating (fleshy) thoughts with the knowlege and wisdom that God is in control of my life, if I let him be. I do not have to carry around the weight of fear and worry. I can give it to him and he will gladly hold it for me.
James 4:6-10 (NIV)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: āGod opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.ā[a]7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
God does not promise us that are lives will be without pain, and hurt, good times or bad.
He does not promise that if you follow his every rule that you will not go through and experience horrible worldy things.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Leah Sustar is one special lady. Through her annointed singing and worship, she introduced me to this powerful song that glorifies our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice He made not just for me, but for all (daughters of the King). If only we ALL realized- it is- nothing but the blood, that can save us from this cruel world we live in. I pray that it would not only, be in our words, but in our heart as well. I love you, Leah. My sister in Christ by our Heavenly Father- The King. – Lauren
There is a blood that cost a life That paid my way Death its price When it flowed down from the cross My sins were gone, my sins forgot There is a grave that tried to hide This precious blood that gave me life In three days He breathed again And rose to stand in my defense So I come to tell you He’s alive To tell you that He dries Every tear that falls So I come to tell you that He saves To shout and to proclaim That He’s coming back for you There is a blood that sights the blind That heals the sick, the lonely finds It has the power to free the bound As chains they fall upon the ground So pour it out to cleanse my soul And let His liquid glory flow Because He lives to make me whole I owe my life, I owe my all So I come to tell you He’s alive To tell you that He dries Every tear that falls So I come to tell you that He saves To shout and to proclaim That He’s coming back for you So I come to tell you He’s alive To tell you that He dries Every tear that falls So I come to tell you that He saves To shout and to proclaim That He’s coming back for you This price, this blood This price, this precious blood This one He sacrificed to wash away my sin What can wash away my sin? Nothing, nothingWhat can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood, nothing but the blood What can wash away my sin? Nothing, nothing What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood, nothing but the blood There is a grave that tried to hide This precious blood that gave me life But in three days He breathed again And rose to stand in my defense So I come to tell you He’s alive To tell you that He dries Every tear that falls So I come to tell you that He saves To shout and to proclaim That He’s coming back for you Yes, I come to tell you that He saves To shout and to proclaim That He’s coming back for you
Do you ever watch DIY or home remodeling TV shows?
Flip or Flop * Property Brothers * Love it or List it * Rehab Addict *Good Bones * Fixer Upper
I do. I am also addicted to house hunters especially in destination locations. I like to see how much things cost, and what the areas look like. To me it is kinda like traveling from the luxury of my recliner on the budget of the TV bill. Not sure about your TV bill, but it is at least a one night stay somewhere each month. Do you not think so?
Do you have a DIY project you are currently working on or would love to have done? Sometimes things just need a change or renewal or refreshing. Sometimes things get old and drab- worn out. Things start to peel, crack, wrinkle or fall apart. Sometimes we like to keep up with the trends. Like the famous olive green appliances, pink tile, blue & white ducks, roosters, or stainless shiney. You cannot forget the subway tile era. You know, the country chic, shiplap, contemporary, or vintage? Some times we might worry that the crome is out of style and we need to upgrade to copper hardware or fixtures. Those of us that are experts know, the trend is open concept… take down those walls, with the kitchen being the heart of the home.
Maybe your desire is to clean out that closet or clear the clutter, and quit sweeping those dust bunnies under the rug. Whereever you may be on your journey to remodel or clean-out projects, I am sure you are ready for the end result.
Let’s switch gears and think about ourselves in the perspective of DIY projects. Is there anything that needs to be refreshed or cleaned out or remodeled when it comes to our lives and how we carry ourselves or how we act? Are you ready for new results. I am not talking about adding a fresh coat of paint to your face….. although that little bottle of Double Wear from Estee Lauder is more expensive than a gallon of paint! Not to forget about the brush you need to paint it on..
Is there something that we need to quit sweeping under the rug? Are we the heart of our home, do we have an open concept when it comes to sharing our testimony or what do people “see” when they observe our space? Do we constantly think, we must keep up with the trends at ALL COSTS$? Are we falling apart, worn out, are we worried about those skeletons in our closet that we are hiding and we desperately want them removed?
Guess what? You have all the help you need. You do not have to do it yourself. I can tell you that God can not only meet you at the point of your remodel, he can coordinate it and provide that help you need… it is already paid in full. If you need a jumpstart read this from 1 Corinthians 6:15-20:
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
I would like for you to think about this:
My life is unique and should not be compared to yours. Who likes green grass, not to mention a beautiful manicured lawn? I heard once, that grass is never greener on the other side if you tend to, or nurture your own. Can you imadgine how much better you will feel when you can see change or fresh renewal? Would it not be nice to know that when you open that closet, a bunch of stuff will not fall out on you? I am thankful that God continues to clean my closets and runs to my aid when I am falling apart or need a new look or perspective on life- my life. Or maybe it is just the need for a little rest from all of my ‘projects that I am sure I over’thunk.
Our heavenly Father is the best partner for all of those projects. All you have to do is invite Him in, provide a little hands on labor, focus, lots of patience and He will direct your paths.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
Don’t worry if you started your project and did not finish it.. He can come to your rescue to get you back on track. Did you set it aside because you realized it was more than you can do on your own? You thought you were a little more qualified than you actually are? Are you worn out? Are you confused?
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Do you have a dirty ‘house or remodeling that needs your attention? How do you start?
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Are you ready for a change? All you have to do is pray the following:
At this point, are you doubting that your self renewal is too big or too little of a project to even get started? No Mam or sir… remind yourself of this: Don’t skip this orange box.. that we will call Isaiah 43: 1-9.
1But now, thus says theĀ Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:āFear not,Ā for I have redeemed you; I have calledĀ youĀ by your name;YouĀ areĀ Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters,Ā IĀ will beĀ with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When youĀ walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For IĀ amĀ theĀ LordĀ your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I haveĀ loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for IĀ amĀ with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, AndĀ gather you from the west; 6 I will say to theĀ north, āGive them up!āAnd to the south, āDo not keep them back!ā Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earthā7 Everyone who isĀ called by My name, WhomĀ I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.ā 8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And theĀ deaf who have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, āIt isĀ truth.ā
…. Ok. If you did not read the entire box, you are missing out… so here is another one…. Make sure you read this one.
18 āDo not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness Andrivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
No matter where your emotional part of your brain has you held captive today .. keep reminding yourself this… repeat over and over … I (God) have called you by name: – insert your name here – You are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Bottom Line
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…. proverbs 91:4
His love and mine -<the daughters father & the fathers daughter >
thedaughtersFather 