Tonight in church, while we were singing, I heard that still small voice say, Be Still. If you know me, you know I don't like to stand still while singing, so it was tough. While trying to be still, I tried to start praying, but again I heard, Be Still. I didn't move, I didn't think, I just listened.
Isaiah 46:10-11 says, "“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
There is something so renewing about being still and allowing God to speak into your life. Tonight I was totally blessed by it.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Voice Inside
Lately I have noticed a lot of people writing about dreams and the importance of doing everything in our power to reach for them. To be honest, in the past, I was not the type of person who paid much attention to my dreams because they never seemed to come true, so what was the point. I lived my life in fear of failure; not even trying to succeed. I lived life in fear of simply living. I just existed.
Thank God that is the past. I am thankful that my Abba Father loves me too much to allow me to continue living in defeat and failure. I am thankful for the new beginning He has given me. Each and every day we receive another new beginning from His hand. I love it. No matter what yesterday brought, today is a new day, a new day to experience Him and to serve Him with my life.
I recently saw a picture on Facebook that really spoke to my heart.
I love it! The old me would have looked at my dreams and said, "What's the point, you can't accomplish it." but the new me tells me that the voice in my head is a liar, and I believe it!
Philippians 4:13 has taken on a new meaning the last little while. " For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." I have known this verse most of my life, but now it is becoming very real for me. Because I can do everything through Christ who gives me the strength I need, the things I say "I can't" do, I need to say, "I choose not" to do. When I choose not to reach for my dreams, it is a result of the fear again. That is not a choice I choose to make any longer; I just don't!
I need to start living my life focused on the dreams God planted in my heart a very long time ago, as well as new ones He is blossoming in my heart now. I need to focus on using the gifts and talents God gave me to accomplish those dreams, and I know I can do it.
I am thankful for the people God has planted in my life who have my back; people I know are there to encourage me along the way. I can do this! I can fly! Right Big Bro?
Thank God that is the past. I am thankful that my Abba Father loves me too much to allow me to continue living in defeat and failure. I am thankful for the new beginning He has given me. Each and every day we receive another new beginning from His hand. I love it. No matter what yesterday brought, today is a new day, a new day to experience Him and to serve Him with my life.
I recently saw a picture on Facebook that really spoke to my heart.
I love it! The old me would have looked at my dreams and said, "What's the point, you can't accomplish it." but the new me tells me that the voice in my head is a liar, and I believe it!
Philippians 4:13 has taken on a new meaning the last little while. " For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." I have known this verse most of my life, but now it is becoming very real for me. Because I can do everything through Christ who gives me the strength I need, the things I say "I can't" do, I need to say, "I choose not" to do. When I choose not to reach for my dreams, it is a result of the fear again. That is not a choice I choose to make any longer; I just don't!
I need to start living my life focused on the dreams God planted in my heart a very long time ago, as well as new ones He is blossoming in my heart now. I need to focus on using the gifts and talents God gave me to accomplish those dreams, and I know I can do it.
I am thankful for the people God has planted in my life who have my back; people I know are there to encourage me along the way. I can do this! I can fly! Right Big Bro?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Attitude of the Heart
This morning I had my attitude checked by God. I was waiting in the drive thru line at Timmy's, about 4-5 cars back from the entry when someone pulled up from the other side. All the vehicles in front of me went in bumper to bumper not allowing that vehicle in line. Although there was another vehicle behind me who also was there first, I did the right thing and let that other person get in.
I must admit I was a little shocked though, that the other driver didn't even acknowledge what I did; didn't even look at me. I got a little ticked off. If you had been in the car you would have heard me say, "REALLY? You couldn't even say thank you???" Suddenly there was that check in my attitude. That wasn't why I did it. So I told God I was sorry and quickly prayed for that woman's day. When I got to the window for the coffee, I was handed the coffee and told that the woman ahead of me had already paid for it.... and I had been upset because she hadn't acknowledged me. Wow! What a lesson.
It isn't just what we say, it's what we think, it is the attitude of our heart that counts. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, " throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." That is the person I want to be, not the old self, but the new self, the one whose attitudes match the desires of my heart. It starts with our thinking but needs to settle a little lower in our hearts.
I would like to be able to say that I had a great attitude all day long, but that would be a lie. I had a bad attitude at work a couple of times, one person got to see it and that is one person too many. I need to keep working on it, one day at a time.
If you know me, you are wondering why I was in the Timmy's drive thru. Since I don't drink coffee, I wasn't there for me, I pick it up for a friend at work. So I wasn't even the beneficiary of the free coffee. To the lady who paid for the coffee this morning, my friend says thank you for the coffee and I say thank you for the life lesson. I have a feeling I gained more from your $1.80 than my friend did, at least I hope so.
I must admit I was a little shocked though, that the other driver didn't even acknowledge what I did; didn't even look at me. I got a little ticked off. If you had been in the car you would have heard me say, "REALLY? You couldn't even say thank you???" Suddenly there was that check in my attitude. That wasn't why I did it. So I told God I was sorry and quickly prayed for that woman's day. When I got to the window for the coffee, I was handed the coffee and told that the woman ahead of me had already paid for it.... and I had been upset because she hadn't acknowledged me. Wow! What a lesson.
It isn't just what we say, it's what we think, it is the attitude of our heart that counts. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, " throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." That is the person I want to be, not the old self, but the new self, the one whose attitudes match the desires of my heart. It starts with our thinking but needs to settle a little lower in our hearts.
I would like to be able to say that I had a great attitude all day long, but that would be a lie. I had a bad attitude at work a couple of times, one person got to see it and that is one person too many. I need to keep working on it, one day at a time.
If you know me, you are wondering why I was in the Timmy's drive thru. Since I don't drink coffee, I wasn't there for me, I pick it up for a friend at work. So I wasn't even the beneficiary of the free coffee. To the lady who paid for the coffee this morning, my friend says thank you for the coffee and I say thank you for the life lesson. I have a feeling I gained more from your $1.80 than my friend did, at least I hope so.
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Clean Slate
It's January, a new year is before us and since it is only January 2nd we haven't had much time to screw it up yet! I have been thinking a lot about 2011 and all that happened in that year. There were many good things, but some things that made me sad as well. The best thing about a new year is that you have a clean slate and can start all over again. That applies equally to the good and the bad of the previous year.
It is easy to figure out why one would want a clean slate when it comes to the bad things, but the good things? Why would anyone want a clean slate for those things as well? In my opinion, it is too easy to sit back, celebrate the successes and stay there. Where is the challenge in that? You can only grow from those good times for so long, then you get stuck.
How can you challenge yourself to grow this year? What new goals have you set for yourself, including both short and long term? What can you do to make this world a better place in 2012? Is there a person in your life that you can choose to invest in this year? I do not believe for one minute that we were ever created to just exist on this planet. It isn't just about me, and it isn't just about you (sorry to burst your bubble). I believe there is a purpose to our lives, a purpose that is meant for the good of others.
When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, he answered. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31) It is interesting how I am not even in the equation. Jesus never mentions the importance of looking out for "Number One", being me, because I am not.
I have heard it said that the word JOY is an acronym for putting Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last; when we do those things, we will have true JOY. From experience, I know this to be true.
It is early in the morning on January 2nd, 2012 and we have 365 days left to make a difference in our world. That's right, it is a leap year this year so we get a bonus day. What are your plans for making a difference this year?
Revelation 21:5 says, "He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”"
I love it, I love that my slate is clean and that I can focus forward on becoming more of the woman I was created to be. I am so very thankful for the lessons of 2011 but more importantly for the opportunities I find before me for 2012.
Here's to a great year!
It is easy to figure out why one would want a clean slate when it comes to the bad things, but the good things? Why would anyone want a clean slate for those things as well? In my opinion, it is too easy to sit back, celebrate the successes and stay there. Where is the challenge in that? You can only grow from those good times for so long, then you get stuck.
How can you challenge yourself to grow this year? What new goals have you set for yourself, including both short and long term? What can you do to make this world a better place in 2012? Is there a person in your life that you can choose to invest in this year? I do not believe for one minute that we were ever created to just exist on this planet. It isn't just about me, and it isn't just about you (sorry to burst your bubble). I believe there is a purpose to our lives, a purpose that is meant for the good of others.
When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, he answered. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31) It is interesting how I am not even in the equation. Jesus never mentions the importance of looking out for "Number One", being me, because I am not.
I have heard it said that the word JOY is an acronym for putting Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last; when we do those things, we will have true JOY. From experience, I know this to be true.
It is early in the morning on January 2nd, 2012 and we have 365 days left to make a difference in our world. That's right, it is a leap year this year so we get a bonus day. What are your plans for making a difference this year?
Revelation 21:5 says, "He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”"
I love it, I love that my slate is clean and that I can focus forward on becoming more of the woman I was created to be. I am so very thankful for the lessons of 2011 but more importantly for the opportunities I find before me for 2012.
Here's to a great year!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Desires of My Heart vs. The Heart of My Desires
On the last night of my Colombia missions trip, I lead a team devotional on the Heart of Our Desires. I began with a piece of handmade paper for everyone and wrote the following verse on the top of it.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I then asked the team members to write out what the desires of their hearts were on that paper, put it in the envelope provided, seal it, sign it and date it - June 27th, 2011. As a team we decided that Christmas Day would be a good day for us to open the letters. Today is Christmas Day.
I heard a speaker a couple of years ago who spoke on the heart of our desires. God tells us that He will give us the desires of our heart, but we don't always get what we want. Why not? God sees the big picture and He knows what we truly want and not just what we want at the moment. It is kind of like that big huge piece of chocolate cake sitting in front of me calling my name. Although that cake looks amazing, that dress in the store window that I need to lose 20 lbs to fit into will look so much more amazing than that chocolate cake will taste.
So tonight I opened my envelope to see what it was I thought the desires of my heart were almost 6 months ago. It is funny because a couple of the things on the list wouldn't be there if I wrote it today and if I were to re-write it, there would be other things that would be on it, but aren't there now. Some things I am in the process of accomplishing and other things are on the list and remain on the list, but for now God says, "Not yet, my child." So I continue to wait, but actively waiting, continuing to go forward becoming who I was created to be.
I put my letter back into the envelope and back into its special spot. I have decided I want to look at it in another 6 months on the first anniversary of the day I wrote it. It was a good lesson for me. I love it. I continue to trust that God has my best interests at heart and He just wants me to grow more into the woman He created me to be, a woman of love, of life and of passion. I am getting there one day at a time.
It was a great Christmas gift.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I then asked the team members to write out what the desires of their hearts were on that paper, put it in the envelope provided, seal it, sign it and date it - June 27th, 2011. As a team we decided that Christmas Day would be a good day for us to open the letters. Today is Christmas Day.
I heard a speaker a couple of years ago who spoke on the heart of our desires. God tells us that He will give us the desires of our heart, but we don't always get what we want. Why not? God sees the big picture and He knows what we truly want and not just what we want at the moment. It is kind of like that big huge piece of chocolate cake sitting in front of me calling my name. Although that cake looks amazing, that dress in the store window that I need to lose 20 lbs to fit into will look so much more amazing than that chocolate cake will taste.
So tonight I opened my envelope to see what it was I thought the desires of my heart were almost 6 months ago. It is funny because a couple of the things on the list wouldn't be there if I wrote it today and if I were to re-write it, there would be other things that would be on it, but aren't there now. Some things I am in the process of accomplishing and other things are on the list and remain on the list, but for now God says, "Not yet, my child." So I continue to wait, but actively waiting, continuing to go forward becoming who I was created to be.
I put my letter back into the envelope and back into its special spot. I have decided I want to look at it in another 6 months on the first anniversary of the day I wrote it. It was a good lesson for me. I love it. I continue to trust that God has my best interests at heart and He just wants me to grow more into the woman He created me to be, a woman of love, of life and of passion. I am getting there one day at a time.
It was a great Christmas gift.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
So What Is Christmas About Anyway?
I can tell you what it is not about... it is not about the tree with the beautiful light bulbs, or the garland and decorations. It is not about the reindeer on the front lawn or the houses so beautifully decorated. It is not about the jolly old man in the red suit. It is not about standing in line at the mall waiting to pay for the gift you settled on for Aunt Sally because you couldn't find anything better. It is not about all the baking. It is definitely not about the peanut butter cups or the caramel corn I have been making and making and making. It just isn't.
Some of us get so busy at this time of year with concerts and party after party after party, that we are so exhausted and we end up forgetting what it is that is truly important and what or should I say who Christmas is about anyway. Just look at the first 6 letters in the name of the holiday and you will see who it is... it is Christ who is the centre of Christmas. Why is it that we get so busy celebrating the day that we forget about Him?
He came as a little baby so he could experience life as we experience it. He was born in a dirty old barn; a feed trough was his bed. His first visitors were shepherds, the lowly shepherds, the ones who took care of the sheep. He came with the goal of dying, so that we wouldn't have to. A little baby, just a little baby who came to save us. His birthday is coming and He wants us to celebrate by loving Him and loving one another.
Some people are in it for what they can get, not for what they can give. He wants us to be in it for Him, loving Him by loving others. He wants us to love our neighbour. So who is our neighbour? It isn't just the family next door, it is the woman across town that needs a ride to her doctor's appointment; it is the homeless guy who just wants something to eat. It is the single mom who just needs someone to come alongside her and encourage her on her path. It is a lot of ordinary people.
Matthew 25:34-40 says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’"
I don't know about you, but I want to be able to stand before Him and be one of those who He calls blessed by His Father. So today, I couldn't care less about wrapping gifts, I couldn't care less about what is under the tree for me. I just want to be one of those people who is ready to love those who Jesus loves. For Christmas this year I want eyes to see like Jesus sees, I want a heart like His.
For me, Christmas is about a baby who came to revolutionize the world. One thing I know for sure is that 2011 is the year He revolutionized my life.
Happy Birthday Baby Jesus.
Some of us get so busy at this time of year with concerts and party after party after party, that we are so exhausted and we end up forgetting what it is that is truly important and what or should I say who Christmas is about anyway. Just look at the first 6 letters in the name of the holiday and you will see who it is... it is Christ who is the centre of Christmas. Why is it that we get so busy celebrating the day that we forget about Him?
He came as a little baby so he could experience life as we experience it. He was born in a dirty old barn; a feed trough was his bed. His first visitors were shepherds, the lowly shepherds, the ones who took care of the sheep. He came with the goal of dying, so that we wouldn't have to. A little baby, just a little baby who came to save us. His birthday is coming and He wants us to celebrate by loving Him and loving one another.
Some people are in it for what they can get, not for what they can give. He wants us to be in it for Him, loving Him by loving others. He wants us to love our neighbour. So who is our neighbour? It isn't just the family next door, it is the woman across town that needs a ride to her doctor's appointment; it is the homeless guy who just wants something to eat. It is the single mom who just needs someone to come alongside her and encourage her on her path. It is a lot of ordinary people.
Matthew 25:34-40 says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’"
I don't know about you, but I want to be able to stand before Him and be one of those who He calls blessed by His Father. So today, I couldn't care less about wrapping gifts, I couldn't care less about what is under the tree for me. I just want to be one of those people who is ready to love those who Jesus loves. For Christmas this year I want eyes to see like Jesus sees, I want a heart like His.
For me, Christmas is about a baby who came to revolutionize the world. One thing I know for sure is that 2011 is the year He revolutionized my life.
Happy Birthday Baby Jesus.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Phenomenal!
If you have walked into my office the last few weeks and asked me how I am, my answer has usually been "Phenomenal!" One of the professors in particular would increasingly roll his eyes at my response and walk away without engaging in further conversation. The other day when he was at my desk he asked how I was and he got the same "Phenomenal" and his response was, "Okay really? Someone needs to tone it down." I looked at him and told him why I am "Phenomenal!"
This year, 2011 has been the most amazing year of my life. Since my trip to Colombia, God simply flipped my life upside down and I feel like I am a totally new person, willing to take on life. I work in a place that I love, with people that I love. I became a grandmother to a beautiful little girl. Life is Phenomenal! (I should have added I have a beautiful daughter and I am blessed to have amazing friends! All true.) As I told this professor why Phenomenal was such an ongoing answer he smiled, shook his head and said that maybe he should stop being so "grinch-like."
I wouldn't have thought that 2011 would be this way because of the way it started, but as the year progressed God started doing some amazing things in my life, in my heart, healing past hurts, opening my eyes to truths that I didn't connect before between my head and my heart. I am re-evaluating so many things, because I am becoming a different individual.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
I am becoming more bold, willing to try new things, do things I never thought I would even attempt before. I participated in my first 5k this year, walking, but I was in it. What a blast! So now I cannot wait to see what God has in store for 2012; it's coming soon.
So how am I? Life is more than just good; life is more than just great. Life is PHENOMENAL!
This year, 2011 has been the most amazing year of my life. Since my trip to Colombia, God simply flipped my life upside down and I feel like I am a totally new person, willing to take on life. I work in a place that I love, with people that I love. I became a grandmother to a beautiful little girl. Life is Phenomenal! (I should have added I have a beautiful daughter and I am blessed to have amazing friends! All true.) As I told this professor why Phenomenal was such an ongoing answer he smiled, shook his head and said that maybe he should stop being so "grinch-like."
I wouldn't have thought that 2011 would be this way because of the way it started, but as the year progressed God started doing some amazing things in my life, in my heart, healing past hurts, opening my eyes to truths that I didn't connect before between my head and my heart. I am re-evaluating so many things, because I am becoming a different individual.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
I am becoming more bold, willing to try new things, do things I never thought I would even attempt before. I participated in my first 5k this year, walking, but I was in it. What a blast! So now I cannot wait to see what God has in store for 2012; it's coming soon.
So how am I? Life is more than just good; life is more than just great. Life is PHENOMENAL!
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