Sunday, February 28, 2010
It is Well with my Soul
or
I hope that link works. I've been having trouble with some links.
As many times as I have sung that hymn I never knew the story behind that hymn until a few years ago. I encourage you to watch the link and hear the story for yourself.
I was going to write about busyness tonight, but I will have to save that for another time. I'm just too busy. Just kidding.
I think some people feel God is far away from them because they don't see big miracles taking place in front of them. God does perform big miracles. I'm not sure if you believe the Bible stories as just that or if they are something much bigger than that to you. It's supernatural really. Kind of like how the words of the hymn came to Horatio G. Spafford. His pain and suffering was heavy but he was at peace. How is it that people can be at peace during times of grief, and suffering? How is it that people can remain with faith in a God who could have prevented it? Those are questions I've asked and been asked.I don't want to get in a debate or go too deep, but I want to share what is on my heart.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on the first date we had been on in I don't know how long, probably a year. A few things happened but let me give you a little background.
Last year we had a young adult egg hunt at our church. One large egg, the prize egg was hidden in the church dumpster. Knowing the people who hid the egg, I encouraged my experienced husband to go dumpster diving. It paid off as the egg was among a mountain of stench. Inside was a movie theater gift card, enough for two tickets!
Well we have been talking about taking a date night. Things just kept happening and we never did. So the opportunity came again and this time we jumped on it.
It was a busy Saturday and we were running late for a birthday party at the local skating rink. I grabbed my lotion so I could finish putting it on in the car. After the party we planned to drop the kids off at my parents and head to the theater. In the car the best I can remember I took off my wedding ring and sat it in my lap while putting on lotion. When we got to the party I got out of the car and I never remember putting the ring back on.
We dropped the kids off at my parents, made a quick stop at the mall to do something for my mom and then to theater to watch The Blind Side, what a great movie it was. It wasn't until on the way home Ian realized his wallet was missing. We knew we had it at the ticket counter, but after that we were not sure. We drove back to theater, crawled on our hands and knees looking for this wallet. I had just bought it for him at Christmas. He had the other wallet as long as I knew him. It even had embedded stickers Ericka had put in there when she was about Evan's age. It had family pictures, all kinds of important stuff, and cash.
Those of you who know the story of our life for the past few months understand this was a little heart wrenching. After all we just wanted to go out, we were not spending any money we didn't have, all we wanted was a night to be together, alone, without kids or anyone else.
We have had a season of trials but also a season of blessings so to all the sudden get another blow. It was like okay take a deep breath, what is going on here. We didn't say much to each other the whole way home. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut in times like these.
I slept hard last night, I think I stayed in the same position all night. Ian made it up for Sunday school late, but he made it. I was still getting myself and the kids together. While getting myself ready Evan sliced his finger on a picture frame. So I had this kid screaming and slinging blood everywhere. He was scared of a band aid. But either I am in shock again or I really have peace. I was not at all bothered that I overslept and missed Sunday school once again. I calmly got the band aid on the kid and we headed out the door.
It was then I realized I left my ring. I frantically searched and swallowed deep remembering my steps yesterday. Yes, I lost my wedding ring yesterday as well. One of the first things to pop in my thoughts was "you don't need that ring where you are going."
I waited on that ring. I wore an engagement ring for the first five years. We saved up to buy the wedding band. He surprised me for our fifth wedding anniversary with it. He put it on my hand for the first time during our renewal service. It was a beautiful marquis surrounded by a band of diamonds.
But yet again I didn't cry for some reason I had peace. I even found some humor in the situation. You religious people may have a problem with this but a secular song even crossed my thoughts, one I hadn't heard in years and I am convinced it was a Holy Spirit thing. The song basically says "Some people want diamond rings, some people just want everything, but everything means nothing if I ain't got you." At first it hit me as yes Lord everything means nothing if I don't have You. But Lord I have you and I have everything. Then of course the thought followed about Ian. Our marriage isn't over because he ain't got no cash and I ain't got no diamonds. These things remain, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE!
Thinking further tonight about what to blog about the hymn, It is well with my soul began playing out and I read about how the words came to a man who was under a lot more suffering than me.
But I related to
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
Lord you have taught me it is well with my soul, my soul is well and that is why I am at peace. The enemy wants me to believe that I am losing everything, but I am gaining everything. My faith, my hope, my trust and my love remains Lord for you.
Is it well with your soul today?
Dreaming of more faith, more hope and more love today!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thirsty
As I was drinking the water that song "Come to the Water" by Tenth Avenue North began playing in my thoughts. If you have not figured it out, yes, I have a song for everything.
I normally would not post again so soon, but I felt compelled to ask the question what am I thirsty for this morning. I'm on my way to work in about 20 minutes, but what am I thirsty for? How about you, what are you thirsty for this morning?
Yes I am still thirsty for water this morning but I'm also thirsty for more of Jesus. Read this.
What was He offering her?
Love.
Hear the lyrics "Love is here, love is now, love is flowing..."
He knew who she was, He knows who I am, He knows who you are and still He is offering His love to you now. Have you received His love?
It's life changing, healing, and overflowing.
Dreaming Big of love overflowing,
Heather
Friday, February 19, 2010
Let it Rain
I love that song by Michael W. Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZfrbb9mg3A&feature=related
When we praise the Lord and give Him the glory and honor He is so worthy of, expect the floodgates of heaven to open. God doesn't just want our praise without obedience, He wants praise with obedience.
I've been quite on the blog this week as I have been busy being sick, being with my family and starting a new job while keeping my home business and cleaning job going. I have experienced a week of blessings, ones I would call the floodgates of heaven blessings. I also call them confirmation blessings to let me know yes, this is the way, walk in it!
Isaiah 30:21 And when you turn to right or to the left you will hear His voice behind you saying "This is the Way, walk in it".
The overall message I am hearing is turn back to God and His ways. Everything will eventually burn away into nothing and the only things that matter are those things which are eternal. Read the entire passage of Isaiah 30. Again its hard to keep my mind on me when my flesh, my talents, my legacy will one day be gone. The only thing that lives on is my relationship with Jesus Christ and my soul.
The most important thing everyday is to wake up and praise the Lord for another day. Another day to praise the Lord with every breath in every thing I do. Whether it be working on the job or with my business or being with my kids, being with family and friends. Once time has passed it is gone. I want to make the best of everyday by being obedient to God's call in whatever task He lays before me each day. Is today where I thought I would be? No, but I'm headed down the right path because I hear His voice saying Yes, this is the way, keep walking this way, we are almost there!
Today I am dreaming big of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and again, over and over WORSHIP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqBxizNZJ4&feature=related
Can you hear His voice? Are you still waiting, be faithful, be consistent, cry out to Him and soon He will hear your call and answer you from Heaven! Be encouraged today and keep dreaming big!
Heather
Friday, February 12, 2010
In Relationship
God never sleeps, He is always watching over me. The thing that has gotten me through these days is knowing God is with me. I tell Jesus about everything. I cannot honestly say I do this everyday, I'd like to.
I desire to have a deeper relationship with God. Being in a relationship requires participation and trust. I'm learning to say this out loud; I trust you Lord to take care of me, I trust you Lord to give me creative ideas, I trust you Lord to guide my hands. I trust you to provide. I welcome Your Love and Comfort.
He cares about the very details of our lives. He knows all our junk and is still jealous for us. Her pursues us. We are not used to that kind of love. Unconditional love is hard thing to come by. My circumstances are requiring things out of me that would have been impossible for me to do a month ago. God is giving me favor and grace. I asked Him a week ago to help me renew my faith and be joyful. We talked about my heart and all I could do was cry out, I need You. I asked Him to speak loudly and clearly and He has done that. There are times when I have been in the valley. Here recently I said my valley had a sink hole and I fell into it. God was just as much with me then as He is today in a day of rejoicing, I just did not acknowledge He was. I didn't feel like He was with me, I felt forgotten and I was hurting. But He heard my cry and He answered me. I know that He is the One True God. Jehovah Jireh!
Our circumstances that challenge our faith are good. We are able to see God move supernaturally. He is worthy of our love and praise. I long for You Lord! I love You, I trust You! Help me to see who needs Your love. This is not something that needs to be kept quiet and private all to myself. I must what share what He is doing in my life. I grieve for Him when I am distracted and my focus leaves Him. I am not going to beat myself up over yesterday. I have to evaluate my schedule. There are so many opportunities, but what has God called me to do this day? Put those things off that are coming between me and you He says. He is waiting with open arms.
I Praise God for the privilege to be in relationship with Him and the sacrifice Christ made so that I can be free. The freedom to change is in my hands, I choose to make my relationship with God a priority.
Thank you Lord for grace to stay up yet another morning until 4 am. He is the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I go to bed. I am crazy for Him. Are there any other nuts out there like me or am I alone? Who else has church at 4 am?
I am thankful for all the great love songs there are to sing about Him. This right here is the key. It's the answer to everything. That empty void is gone and here He is speaking loudly through others, through my spouse, through my children, through His provision. I crave to stay in this place! Mountain tops!
God is working miracles in our lives. Every need is being taken of despite Ian was laid off. My business venture was a huge success. I give God all the glory and thank Him for this favor that I did nothing to deserve. I found out today He provided the exact amount of profit I needed. I say that is another way He is speaking loud to me.
I hope whoever reads this knows they are not alone and the same grace and favor that I received this week can be yours as well. It all starts by seeking God. We have to give him room to work in our lives and we have to be willing to give up those things that keep us away from Him. There are so many scriptures that come to mind but instead of sharing all them here is the song I am singing this morning and soaking in God's love. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI
I hope you will do the same thing today, just soak it in!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Healing Love
It's so amazing when He sends others to you with His love. That's why it is so important to pay attention to those "Holy Spirit" nudges that tell you to love on others. God needs everyday people to share His love. I remember one time driving down a main road in town. There was this guy walking by on the street and I had this nudge to roll down the window and yell out "Jesus loves you and He cares for you!" I remember my next thought, "What in the world?" I could be shot! That would not have been a natural thought for me. Normally I would have thought, get off my road, idiot!
We never know what people are facing, but Jesus does. I am always in need of Jesus love and isn't it an added bonus when He sends it through friends and family. Just this week I experienced this and what a difference it has made. My heart cried out like David's in Psalm 13 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+13&version=NIV Notice in the last verse he says but I will sing to you Lord for You have been good to me. He was honest before the Lord about how he felt but He knew the truth. God already knows us, so it's okay to be honest with Him.
Psalm 123:1 I will lift my eyes to the One whose throne is in heaven! We have to continue looking upward. The temptation may be to keep your head down, but look up! This past Sunday our praise team sang this song, what a fitting one it is, it is called I Will Lift my Eyes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te0hy2YcLgg&feature=related
We are nearing Valentines Day. Today I reminded that there is no greater love than the love of Christ! Although I love my husband and my children deeply, even that love cannot touch God's love. I can't even comprehend it. If I only have one thing to be thankful for it is Jesus Christ and His love.
If we can just grasp hold of that our eyes will be open to the world as Jesus sees it. It is hard to keep looking at yourself. If you stop thinking about yourself it is hard to stay depressed. When God's love is poured in your heart there is no stopping the overflow!
I am thankful for so many things, my supportive husband who deals with my imperfections day after day. I am thankful for the way God is at work in the hearts of my children. I continue to dream big that one day I will have my "literal" house in order! I dream that I can be like the Proverbs 31 lady who was able to work her butt off, keep the respect of her family and stay beautiful. That's another topic on another day. Honestly, this week I am failing in my house but I keep dreaming big for higher things today. Starting with my messy room!
Closing with this today Desert Song by Hillsong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLYxnrtBAVs I have reason to sing and praise and I will not let this room keep me down today! But Lord if it be your will please command these clothes to be put away in the closet and the dust from the carpets to rise and be thrown out. Hee Hee! Help me Lord get this house cleaned among the other things I must do today so I can bring a smile to my husband's face.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Amazing
There are times in our lives when God is quiet but it doesn't change the truth that our God is an awesome God and an Amazing God! Malichi 3:6 For I am the Lord; I do not change! Hebrews 13:8 I am the same yesterday, today and forever!
When I reflect on my own life I have changed a lot, even in the last few years. Situations and circumstances cause me to change. I can be swayed by my emotions, I may not want to be but I am human and a woman at that! All you other ladies can say you have your emotions in check, but keep lying to yourself if you want to. Think about this, when have you ever entered a room without scoping out the other people in the room. Women always compare themselves to other women. I call that being swayed by feelings, emotions, and interpretation. I do it, and I have several lady friends who openly admit they do it too. God wants us to be confident in Him and place our total trust in Him.
That can be a hard thing to do sometimes when our environment or circumstances are not comfortable. We by nature like to be in control of our lives. It seems odd to say I have no idea what I'm doing today or tomorrow but I know God is in control. Have you ever heard that and wanted to roll your eyes, I have. Especially if you grew up in church because you hear the same thing over and over and watch people do the same thing over and over, some very stupid things. I'm one of those people so lets go ahead and get that out of the way. I don't want to do stupid things, but I do, because I am human and I am not God. I have learned God is in control even when I feel out of control. See what Matthew 6:25-34 says http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&version=AMP
We don't need to be frustrated when we are not perfect, after all we are human. It is important to have a heart for God and the things of God and continue to dream toward that but lets also remember how Paul dealt with this, see Romans 7:15-25 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207:15-25&version=AMP
Isn't it amazing how He chooses our weak areas to shine through in our lives? For example I clean the sanctuary building of our church. If you would have asked my mother could I clean well, she would have laughed! She allows me to clean her house when before she wouldn't have given me a chance. I have been in positions where I had to do budget and accounting, count inventory and manage people. I never completed 9th grade and I finished school with a general education diploma. I have not been perfect in any of these things but God has shined through in all of them.
Whatever you're facing today, count it all joy, and keep dreaming big!
Monday, February 8, 2010
I'm a small town gal with big dreams. Once upon a time, a long time ago when Internet arrived and was made available in a small town, a young lady with big dreams created her first email account. She was scared to use her real name for she had been told many frightening stories about the big bad Internet. With great determination she pressed passed her fears and began dreaming big.
Without dreams our lives wither away. It is important to have dreams and goals no matter how small. It takes little dreams and little goals to make a big dream a reality. You have to see the goal to aim at it. Chances are you probably will not hit the goal the first time, but if you keep aiming at it, eventually you will.
My dream is to share my words and thoughts with the world.
I think it is important to be positive about your dreams even when you miss the mark. I'm glad that I chose to create this blog and to dream big today.