Something is afoot in Miami. The ground has begun to tremble with the pounding of soldiers feet. A fresh wind is blowing over the called out ones. A wind that beckons us to listen as the Spirit of God speaks.
It has always been the heart of God for those of us still managing planet Earth, to lean fully into the things He directs. Sometimes we are placed in a position of rest to wait for our time to march. It's not a comfortable place to be, simply because one feels left out. A feeling of being displaced...
Yet faithfulness calls and says to maintain...to continue to learn...to love what He has given you to do at the moment...to see beauty outside your comfort zone. And to be content without becoming complacent. See others...family, friends, mere acquaintances, as people God loves. See them on a natural level as well as a spiritual level. If we aren't careful, we will become so work oriented (spiritually speaking for now), that we will over-look the preciousness of life as we know it. We deny our natural understanding to focus on the spiritual. And even though we are told not to LEAN on our natural understanding, we MUST acknowledge it...just don't use it as a crutch or make it complete truth. Simply because God can change a situation in the blink of an eye. Everything is not as it seems much of the time.
Something has begun to stir, where I thought maybe there would be none...anymore.
I'm not sure yet, just where this wind will blow. But I sense it marching down main street, down the side roads, the alleys, the businesses...the churches! I knew it was coming in 2005. But as the years stretched out, the assurance became little more than recognition that maybe I had gotten it wrong...again.
The dreams...the dreams! They over-took my night hours. "I have a fresh word!" one of them insisted. "South and West"...and then the gate to the city of Jerusalem was facing "south & west"..."you'll walk where demons walk...but as long as you don't lay near the fire, you'll be okay." Then there was the dream of my life being enveloped within a house without a foundation. Another dream of descending into dirty water with dead fish floating in it and my Mother waiting just at the exit to call to me to pass through the clean water and she would give me food to eat once I was clean again. So many dreams without complete understanding because it seemed as if just the opposite was happening.
Being the analytical person that I am, trusting too much at times in what my natural eye beholds, I lose sight of the spiritual. God is always orchestrating, but we must be in tune with what He is directing, lest we become dull of hearing.
But today...today, I could almost feel the wind blow over my face, snapping me to attention.
Waiting for instructions, here you'll find me...in Mary's World.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Time For An Upgrade
It's been more than 20 years since we've done anything major to the place we call home. Oh, we've had bits and pieces redone, but not the whole.
We began our "upgrading" December of 2010, when we decided it was time for new transportation. It had been 10 years and 200,000 miles later for our car and pick-up. At the time we didn't realize we would be purchasing two vehicles...at least not at the same time! But two weeks after driving the new car, our truck decided it was through with us and left Dennis stranded beside the very busy, no shoulder, Highway 10. So now, we...by the grace of God...have a couple of new rides. That was our first upgrade.
Now, a very important long-term event is starting to look possible. Coming into the 21st Century, we are modifying our humble abode...one room at a time. Nothing outrageously expensive. No...not getting crazy with it...just getting with it.
Our motivation? The possibility of having guests in six weeks. I've wanted this for some time, just didn't have the time or motivation to start such a task. But now I am excited! Not overwhelmed, not anxious...just excited. We will be doing most of the work ourselves (no extra money =}) except for the lovely 1970's blue tub in our master bath. See!!! I told you we were outdated!!!
Bought the necessary tools and products to begin on the room that has served first as a study, then a nursery, a school room, and eventually as a bedroom for our youngest, very beautiful, daughter until she grew all up and decided she was done with that small abode. And when her sister decided the same thing about her room, a change in our lives took place and we had to re-group...Dennis & I. Lindsey's room became our study and Meg's room, a guest room. Just in case one of them needed to see Mom & Dad. Later it became a catch all.
So Meg's room gets my attention first. She had this wonderful idea of painting it dark cherry, ceiling and walls! And that's all I'll say about that! Yesterday, I purchased primer, color for the ceiling (it's excited too), color for the walls and woodwork. Prime first, then paint door, closet door, trim, planked wood and cornice Next the ceiling and walls!!! Wahoo!!! Then we will bring in our office desk, computer, file cabinets; hang some sheers, pictures and shelving. Bring in an occasional chair to sit next to my Mom's Drum table and we'll be good to go with the refurbished room.
Then on to what is now our office/study, Lindsey's old room. That will be our new guest room. My thoughts are to create a beach atmosphere. We'll see how that goes...one room at a time. =} Those are the two most important rooms at this moment, but our plans are to go next to our bedroom, then the bath, then the living room, kitchen, and last but not least, Dennis' Man Cave. This will take a while!!! I'm thinking upwards of a year. (Not his room, but the whole)! But at least we'll have taken away the clutter and renewed our very first house that over the years has become a home with many, many memories! The memories stay, the look goes! =} I can hear the girls cheering as I type. Last trip home, they sat side by side on our couch, eyes roaming around the living room, twinkling with mirth as they giggled and whispered. "How long have you had that grapevine wreath with the gold lame` ribbon, Mom?" Lindsey asked as her eyes danced. That did it. It has to go...
Why am I sharing this with you? It's not that I think you need to know we are finally doing something about the inside of our house, it's for a totally different reason. Hope you've made it this far with my ramblings.=]
As I was showering this morning, the Lord was visiting with me about this new upgrade. And because I am a person that believes everything is significant, our decision to renew our house, was symbolic of Christ's love for us as his children. He doesn't leave us in the same condition for our entire life here on planet earth. From time to time, we need "cleaning up, re-newed with fresh revelation". We just can't live on what was. His Spirit is new and fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness, the Word tells us. And I have found that to be very true.
Yet, there was something else I heard the Spirit say. "Sometimes it hurts. The renewing process...sometimes it hurts." As I left for work yesterday, I gave Dennis instructions for what I needed him to do for me as his part of this process. (I'm probably the only wife that does that...right?) Because the room is relatively small, I am going to need the shelving that is already in the room, to stay. But first it must be taken down and the trim at the ceiling will have to have a portion of it cut out so the shelves can butt up against the ceiling. It's just gotta be this way so the right side of my computer desk will fit beneath the shelves and they can serve as a ministry CD/DVD shelving unit.
He called me at work. "This isn't going to work, Mary. Your trim will break when I try to get it off the wall. It has too many knot holes," he said. I was busy..."Make it work. You can figure it out...I know you can," said I. And he did!
Just like the process Dennis had to do to save some of the board for later use, and throw some away after being cut and disposed of, God is in the pruning business so that the new, cleaned up with a new look, will serve a different purpose. A needed purpose. A purpose different than it had served before. Not BETTER, necessarily (maybe better)...but DIFFERENT! Sooooo exciting! I love how God interacts with us! Always showing us...well, most of the time...His divine purposes. We don't HAVE to know, just obey, trust Him. He's got us! And He loves us deeply. So deeply, He laid His own life down so we might live! Don't you think we can trust Him? He TOLD us there would be pain and suffering in this world, but we need not worry because this is not all there is! When we've finished our task here, we'll step into a brand new home, that will serve a different purpose. We can take "one room at a time" to see the beauty unfold gradually. We don't have to see immediate results. We won't see immediate results. First there must be the cutting away, letting go of some things that have been held tightly in our grasp, then the refreshing comes.
As the natural (the Lewises humble abode) gets a fresh look, I pray...I know...God is at work in our hearts refreshing, rearranging.
While this is happening you can find me, as always...in Mary's World.
We began our "upgrading" December of 2010, when we decided it was time for new transportation. It had been 10 years and 200,000 miles later for our car and pick-up. At the time we didn't realize we would be purchasing two vehicles...at least not at the same time! But two weeks after driving the new car, our truck decided it was through with us and left Dennis stranded beside the very busy, no shoulder, Highway 10. So now, we...by the grace of God...have a couple of new rides. That was our first upgrade.
Now, a very important long-term event is starting to look possible. Coming into the 21st Century, we are modifying our humble abode...one room at a time. Nothing outrageously expensive. No...not getting crazy with it...just getting with it.
Our motivation? The possibility of having guests in six weeks. I've wanted this for some time, just didn't have the time or motivation to start such a task. But now I am excited! Not overwhelmed, not anxious...just excited. We will be doing most of the work ourselves (no extra money =}) except for the lovely 1970's blue tub in our master bath. See!!! I told you we were outdated!!!
Bought the necessary tools and products to begin on the room that has served first as a study, then a nursery, a school room, and eventually as a bedroom for our youngest, very beautiful, daughter until she grew all up and decided she was done with that small abode. And when her sister decided the same thing about her room, a change in our lives took place and we had to re-group...Dennis & I. Lindsey's room became our study and Meg's room, a guest room. Just in case one of them needed to see Mom & Dad. Later it became a catch all.
So Meg's room gets my attention first. She had this wonderful idea of painting it dark cherry, ceiling and walls! And that's all I'll say about that! Yesterday, I purchased primer, color for the ceiling (it's excited too), color for the walls and woodwork. Prime first, then paint door, closet door, trim, planked wood and cornice Next the ceiling and walls!!! Wahoo!!! Then we will bring in our office desk, computer, file cabinets; hang some sheers, pictures and shelving. Bring in an occasional chair to sit next to my Mom's Drum table and we'll be good to go with the refurbished room.
Then on to what is now our office/study, Lindsey's old room. That will be our new guest room. My thoughts are to create a beach atmosphere. We'll see how that goes...one room at a time. =} Those are the two most important rooms at this moment, but our plans are to go next to our bedroom, then the bath, then the living room, kitchen, and last but not least, Dennis' Man Cave. This will take a while!!! I'm thinking upwards of a year. (Not his room, but the whole)! But at least we'll have taken away the clutter and renewed our very first house that over the years has become a home with many, many memories! The memories stay, the look goes! =} I can hear the girls cheering as I type. Last trip home, they sat side by side on our couch, eyes roaming around the living room, twinkling with mirth as they giggled and whispered. "How long have you had that grapevine wreath with the gold lame` ribbon, Mom?" Lindsey asked as her eyes danced. That did it. It has to go...
Why am I sharing this with you? It's not that I think you need to know we are finally doing something about the inside of our house, it's for a totally different reason. Hope you've made it this far with my ramblings.=]
As I was showering this morning, the Lord was visiting with me about this new upgrade. And because I am a person that believes everything is significant, our decision to renew our house, was symbolic of Christ's love for us as his children. He doesn't leave us in the same condition for our entire life here on planet earth. From time to time, we need "cleaning up, re-newed with fresh revelation". We just can't live on what was. His Spirit is new and fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness, the Word tells us. And I have found that to be very true.
Yet, there was something else I heard the Spirit say. "Sometimes it hurts. The renewing process...sometimes it hurts." As I left for work yesterday, I gave Dennis instructions for what I needed him to do for me as his part of this process. (I'm probably the only wife that does that...right?) Because the room is relatively small, I am going to need the shelving that is already in the room, to stay. But first it must be taken down and the trim at the ceiling will have to have a portion of it cut out so the shelves can butt up against the ceiling. It's just gotta be this way so the right side of my computer desk will fit beneath the shelves and they can serve as a ministry CD/DVD shelving unit.
He called me at work. "This isn't going to work, Mary. Your trim will break when I try to get it off the wall. It has too many knot holes," he said. I was busy..."Make it work. You can figure it out...I know you can," said I. And he did!
Just like the process Dennis had to do to save some of the board for later use, and throw some away after being cut and disposed of, God is in the pruning business so that the new, cleaned up with a new look, will serve a different purpose. A needed purpose. A purpose different than it had served before. Not BETTER, necessarily (maybe better)...but DIFFERENT! Sooooo exciting! I love how God interacts with us! Always showing us...well, most of the time...His divine purposes. We don't HAVE to know, just obey, trust Him. He's got us! And He loves us deeply. So deeply, He laid His own life down so we might live! Don't you think we can trust Him? He TOLD us there would be pain and suffering in this world, but we need not worry because this is not all there is! When we've finished our task here, we'll step into a brand new home, that will serve a different purpose. We can take "one room at a time" to see the beauty unfold gradually. We don't have to see immediate results. We won't see immediate results. First there must be the cutting away, letting go of some things that have been held tightly in our grasp, then the refreshing comes.
As the natural (the Lewises humble abode) gets a fresh look, I pray...I know...God is at work in our hearts refreshing, rearranging.
While this is happening you can find me, as always...in Mary's World.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The "Filter"
I had heard it referred to only one other time. And now once again, "filter" enters my hearing world. This time it was from a young person talking about the brassiness of the older generation. "They lose their filter," she said with great compassion.
Some time ago our eldest spoke yet another truth to her mother, (which she usually has no problem doing.)=} Not sure where she got THAT trait from. She said, "Mom, you need to engage the filter between your brain and your mouth." WHAT? I didn't realize there WAS one! And now, all of a sudden at the ripe old age of 60 something, I'm told that it isn't necessary to speak everything I think. We laughed...well...I laughed.
I am continually learning new things! I love it! There's a modern term for "think before you speak." Come on now...be honest. How many of you out there in cyber space knew that? It is quite the mouthful. But it does bring the chuckle to a normal boring day. Even for one that may be losing her "filter." Not sure I ever had much of one to begin with. Maybe it was all clogged up with the necessities of life, much like our vacuum gets after vacuuming up cat hair through-out the house.
Now tell me again why people choose not to have children? Oh my...what a trip it's been. I love my girls so much. All the wonderful experiences they give me, I would not trade for anything I can think of. Sometimes they make me cry, (never on purpose). But mostly they make me laugh. Even as I'm typing this, my face is all stretched out in this huge smile.
All I'll need at the end of my days, are my girls beside me...just being themselves.
(And my Dennis, of course) =} Not that I think that's anywhere close, so don't get all excited everyone! I've still got this "filter" to clean out.
Until that time you will find me... in Mary's World.
Some time ago our eldest spoke yet another truth to her mother, (which she usually has no problem doing.)=} Not sure where she got THAT trait from. She said, "Mom, you need to engage the filter between your brain and your mouth." WHAT? I didn't realize there WAS one! And now, all of a sudden at the ripe old age of 60 something, I'm told that it isn't necessary to speak everything I think. We laughed...well...I laughed.
I am continually learning new things! I love it! There's a modern term for "think before you speak." Come on now...be honest. How many of you out there in cyber space knew that? It is quite the mouthful. But it does bring the chuckle to a normal boring day. Even for one that may be losing her "filter." Not sure I ever had much of one to begin with. Maybe it was all clogged up with the necessities of life, much like our vacuum gets after vacuuming up cat hair through-out the house.
Now tell me again why people choose not to have children? Oh my...what a trip it's been. I love my girls so much. All the wonderful experiences they give me, I would not trade for anything I can think of. Sometimes they make me cry, (never on purpose). But mostly they make me laugh. Even as I'm typing this, my face is all stretched out in this huge smile.
All I'll need at the end of my days, are my girls beside me...just being themselves.
(And my Dennis, of course) =} Not that I think that's anywhere close, so don't get all excited everyone! I've still got this "filter" to clean out.
Until that time you will find me... in Mary's World.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
My Gift to You This Thanksgiving Morning
Hanging on my fridge, for approximately 4 years now, is a writing by Max Lucado, one of my all time favorite Christian writers, that seems to hear the heartbeat of our God. As I was pouring my coffee this morning, I was thinking of my girls enjoying their Thanksgiving week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Cape Hatterus in Frisco. What a beautiful beach! And they both are sharing this time together, with those they love. I love that.
A few things must be accomplished this a.m...but I have this nagging desire to give all those who need a hug from God, a copy of Mr. Lucado's insight. So, without further ado...
EACH DAY
by Max Lucado
It's quiet.
It's early. My coffee is hot.
The sky is still black.
The world is still asleep.
The day is coming.
In a few moments, the day will arrive.
It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose.
And so I choose.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred;
No injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...
The tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven.
I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust.
My associates will not question my word.
My wife will not question my love.
And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being...
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
"...the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
~Galatians 5:22
May your day be blessed in Jesus.
Until that day when I meet Him face to face, you will find me here...in Mary's World.
A few things must be accomplished this a.m...but I have this nagging desire to give all those who need a hug from God, a copy of Mr. Lucado's insight. So, without further ado...
EACH DAY
by Max Lucado
It's quiet.
It's early. My coffee is hot.
The sky is still black.
The world is still asleep.
The day is coming.
In a few moments, the day will arrive.
It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose.
And so I choose.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred;
No injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...
The tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven.
I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust.
My associates will not question my word.
My wife will not question my love.
And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being...
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
"...the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
~Galatians 5:22
May your day be blessed in Jesus.
Until that day when I meet Him face to face, you will find me here...in Mary's World.
Friday, November 12, 2010
To Adorn or Not to Adorn
"And let not your adornment be MERELY external...braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses, but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." I Peter 3: 3-4
In my study of the Scriptures this morning, this particular verse grabbed me because of so much misunderstanding of what the apostle Peter was trying to convey. Much of the time we grab a verse and say, "aha! I KNEW those people were sinning against God and all that is holy!" Please understand I am not set on proving anyone wrong in their faith of the Scriptures and their understanding of them. I love trying to unlock the mysteries of the Word of God. Some things just seem contradictory, yet I know that not to be true. We must "study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." And I realize I am far from understanding all that is in there. But it is our guide to living and we must find a place of peace with the Spirit of God. So here is my take on this particular situation:
The apostle does not condemn true ornament, nor does he condemn the desire to appear in such a way as to secure the esteem of others. God does not condemn real ornament. The universe is full of it. The colors of the clouds and of the rainbow; the varied hues of flowers; the plumage of birds, and the covering of many of the animals of the forest; the green grass; the variety of hill and valley; the beauty of the human complexion, the ruddy cheek, and the sparkling eye, are all of the nature of ornament. They are something superadded to what would be merely useful, to make them appear healthy or more alive. Few or none of these things are absolutely necessary to the things to which they are attached. The eye could see without the various tints of beauty that are drawn upon it, and the lips and the cheeks could perform their functions without their beautiful tints, and the vegetable world could exist without the variegated colors that are painted on it; but God meant that this should be a beautiful world; that it should appear well; that there should be something more than mere utility. The true notion of ornament or adorning is that which will make any person or thing appear well, or beautiful, to others; and the apostle does not prohibit that which would have this effect in the wife. The best thing she was to seek, was not that which is merely external, but that which is internal, and which God regards as of so great a value. The outward adornment was not to be the main or principal thing. Her heart was not to be set on it. He does not say she should wholly neglect her personal appearance, for she has no more right to be offensive to her husband by neglecting her personal appearance, than by having an obsession with it.
Synopsis:
Those whose heart is set on God, will from the heart honor and adore Him above all else. I feel better about myself when I do not neglect the external as I build upon the truth of God's Word for my spirit life. I can accomplish so much more when I feel I am at my best outwardly as well as inwardly. My outward appearance does not make my heart glad, it adds to my heart. "First the natural, then the spiritual." How we care for the external shows pretty much what the internal is. God is a God of beauty and order. Don't be ashamed to make yourself look well. Sure there is a limit. But I think we all know what that limit is. He is faithful and will draw us back to the truth if we wander too far away. It's all a heart issue. Be beautiful today!!!
Until the next time, you will find me here...in Mary's World
In my study of the Scriptures this morning, this particular verse grabbed me because of so much misunderstanding of what the apostle Peter was trying to convey. Much of the time we grab a verse and say, "aha! I KNEW those people were sinning against God and all that is holy!" Please understand I am not set on proving anyone wrong in their faith of the Scriptures and their understanding of them. I love trying to unlock the mysteries of the Word of God. Some things just seem contradictory, yet I know that not to be true. We must "study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." And I realize I am far from understanding all that is in there. But it is our guide to living and we must find a place of peace with the Spirit of God. So here is my take on this particular situation:
The apostle does not condemn true ornament, nor does he condemn the desire to appear in such a way as to secure the esteem of others. God does not condemn real ornament. The universe is full of it. The colors of the clouds and of the rainbow; the varied hues of flowers; the plumage of birds, and the covering of many of the animals of the forest; the green grass; the variety of hill and valley; the beauty of the human complexion, the ruddy cheek, and the sparkling eye, are all of the nature of ornament. They are something superadded to what would be merely useful, to make them appear healthy or more alive. Few or none of these things are absolutely necessary to the things to which they are attached. The eye could see without the various tints of beauty that are drawn upon it, and the lips and the cheeks could perform their functions without their beautiful tints, and the vegetable world could exist without the variegated colors that are painted on it; but God meant that this should be a beautiful world; that it should appear well; that there should be something more than mere utility. The true notion of ornament or adorning is that which will make any person or thing appear well, or beautiful, to others; and the apostle does not prohibit that which would have this effect in the wife. The best thing she was to seek, was not that which is merely external, but that which is internal, and which God regards as of so great a value. The outward adornment was not to be the main or principal thing. Her heart was not to be set on it. He does not say she should wholly neglect her personal appearance, for she has no more right to be offensive to her husband by neglecting her personal appearance, than by having an obsession with it.
Synopsis:
Those whose heart is set on God, will from the heart honor and adore Him above all else. I feel better about myself when I do not neglect the external as I build upon the truth of God's Word for my spirit life. I can accomplish so much more when I feel I am at my best outwardly as well as inwardly. My outward appearance does not make my heart glad, it adds to my heart. "First the natural, then the spiritual." How we care for the external shows pretty much what the internal is. God is a God of beauty and order. Don't be ashamed to make yourself look well. Sure there is a limit. But I think we all know what that limit is. He is faithful and will draw us back to the truth if we wander too far away. It's all a heart issue. Be beautiful today!!!
Until the next time, you will find me here...in Mary's World
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Isolation Chamber
For some time now...approximately 1and 1/2 years, give or take a few months, I have felt quite isolated. Oh yes, I have my wonderful friends and I still connect with clients on a daily basis. For the most part, my life continues to be busy, yet with plenty of "down" time...time for rest. Sometimes the resting part, even though appreciated, stresses me just a little. I've always been a worker. From the age of 9 years, most of what I remember is rising early for the demanding chores of farm life, to getting into bed at a decent hour for the rest needed to accomplish all that must be done the following day. Not much has changed since then, except for this very empty feeling I have on occasion.
My husband and I accepted pastoral positioning in March of 2006. With vision and great anticipation of the things to come, we put our hands to the task. Many unexpected things began to take place within the first year. One of our co-leaders, and very close friend, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and left us just a few weeks shy of a year after the diagnosis. My beautiful sister left this world only 25 days later, being released from the shell of a prison she was in. A rare disease, PSP, had attacked her body, causing the brain to short-circuit from the body. Knowing everything that was happening, yet not being able to move any part of her body, except the eyelid...on occasion. She could not even communicate her needs or desires. PSP robbed her of her life, causing a complete dependency upon love and the care-giving of her devoted husband.
The church that began as "Heart of Worship" went through many changes also. Using what we had until we got what we needed, was a challenge (to say the least) that we met, knowing God was our provider. The church grew fast, with an awesome nursery and kids church. We formed a prosperous women's group and developed leadership meetings...and as fast as it grew, it diminished. Short-sightedness and being new at what God had put in our hands, we made more than a few mistakes, causing a walk-out of our newly formed worship team and then a disturbance was felt in the midst of our women's group, to bring division there as well. Many trying things happened that surrounded the whole church body, that I won't expound on. But, all the while, God was teaching my husband and I about true leadership. Yet, slowly I began a "fall/slide" down from the top of the world. It was as if only a few believed in what we were doing. And now, four years later, only a faithful few remain.
We re-grouped and changed our name to "LifeGate Church", keeping the same by-laws and vision. We knew what we were called to in Miami. We were just having a hard time getting there. A new field takes much plowing. Ridding the field of danger to new plants. And it all was happening without us trying to make it happen. We prepared ourselves for service to those God brought our way, and left the results up to Him. So, here we are, trying to understand and find our way. Not sure where we are headed.
"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10, has settled in my spirit of late. I ran across a newsletter from Os Hillman a few months back, and it spoke to me, so I copied it off. Once again, I ran across this same newsletter this a.m. So, I am really feeling this is God's response to my continual question, "What are we doing here, in the place we find ourselves to be?" May I share it with you?
"There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities...simply inactivity. During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others."
Hopefully the chamber will open soon...until then, you will find me in Mary's World.
My husband and I accepted pastoral positioning in March of 2006. With vision and great anticipation of the things to come, we put our hands to the task. Many unexpected things began to take place within the first year. One of our co-leaders, and very close friend, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and left us just a few weeks shy of a year after the diagnosis. My beautiful sister left this world only 25 days later, being released from the shell of a prison she was in. A rare disease, PSP, had attacked her body, causing the brain to short-circuit from the body. Knowing everything that was happening, yet not being able to move any part of her body, except the eyelid...on occasion. She could not even communicate her needs or desires. PSP robbed her of her life, causing a complete dependency upon love and the care-giving of her devoted husband.
The church that began as "Heart of Worship" went through many changes also. Using what we had until we got what we needed, was a challenge (to say the least) that we met, knowing God was our provider. The church grew fast, with an awesome nursery and kids church. We formed a prosperous women's group and developed leadership meetings...and as fast as it grew, it diminished. Short-sightedness and being new at what God had put in our hands, we made more than a few mistakes, causing a walk-out of our newly formed worship team and then a disturbance was felt in the midst of our women's group, to bring division there as well. Many trying things happened that surrounded the whole church body, that I won't expound on. But, all the while, God was teaching my husband and I about true leadership. Yet, slowly I began a "fall/slide" down from the top of the world. It was as if only a few believed in what we were doing. And now, four years later, only a faithful few remain.
We re-grouped and changed our name to "LifeGate Church", keeping the same by-laws and vision. We knew what we were called to in Miami. We were just having a hard time getting there. A new field takes much plowing. Ridding the field of danger to new plants. And it all was happening without us trying to make it happen. We prepared ourselves for service to those God brought our way, and left the results up to Him. So, here we are, trying to understand and find our way. Not sure where we are headed.
"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10, has settled in my spirit of late. I ran across a newsletter from Os Hillman a few months back, and it spoke to me, so I copied it off. Once again, I ran across this same newsletter this a.m. So, I am really feeling this is God's response to my continual question, "What are we doing here, in the place we find ourselves to be?" May I share it with you?
"There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities...simply inactivity. During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others."
Hopefully the chamber will open soon...until then, you will find me in Mary's World.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Matters of the Heart
I rarely listen to music on my commute to work. I like the quiet sounds that surround me. The noise of my car's tires as they rotate on the asphalt, the gentle hum of the air conditioner in the warm months and the soft flow of warm air caressing my feet, as the heater gives of itself, in the cool months. On occasion I will insert a music CD, if I'm feeling especially lonely for my girls or if I need a pick-me-up spiritually. And then, there was a time some years ago, that I constantly had a teaching CD in the drive, filling my being with anything pertinent to life. But not so much now. Only occasionally...
A couple of days ago, as I was heading down Veteran's Boulevard, my heart was reaching out to God for my family, asking His protection of mind, body and soul...and for His presence to be not only understood, but accepted on a moment by moment basis. I began to sense His presence with me as I talked with Him. And this blog is a result of that meeting. This is what was impressed upon my heart...
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, O God. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me." It was a song we at Fellowship of Christians sang many a time, many a year ago. It was a Scripture song taken from Psalm 51:10-12. I never could sing the whole song without tears streaming down my face. It was as if I stood in His presence, humbled at the thought of never seeing His face or being in His presence. Why did this song attach itself to me, now, at this time in my life? I have been a Christian since 1973, and now, God is impressing this Scripture upon my heart. It hasn't left me since that day driving to work.
I decided I must know what could actually take His spirit from me. First, I read the whole Scripture reference and included verse 13, to get a better understanding of what He was saying to me. Here is how it reads in the NAS translation.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted. " Psalm 51:10-13
Okay...there's the reason we need His Holy Spirit with us. But what must we do to cause His presence to leave us or for Him to refuse to sustain us with His spirit?
II Kings 13:23 says, "But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence until now." Wow! There really IS a time God will say, "enough." Disobedience was found in the leadership of the camp, by being willing to do only partially, as God instructed. The king of Israel gave up before he should have...not completing the instructions. Oh my! Now, God would withdraw His covering, and give only partial victory.
II Kings 24:20 says, "For through the anger of the LORD this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon." Zedekiah was self-serving. So he was denied the presence of God and if you are curious as to what happened to this young king, read II Kings 25. I know this all sounds extreme, but before Jesus paid the price of our wrongdoing, this is how people were dealt with. Now it's mainly "matters of the heart". Something much worse to have to contend with.
Lastly, Jeremiah 7:15 says, "And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, all the off-spring of Ephraim." A few of the things I gleened from this passage (the whole chapter) is this:
1. Do not trust in deceptive words.
2. Practice fairness with others.
3. Do not make life more difficult for strangers, orphans or widows.
4. Serve God alone. Put nothing between you and Him.
5. Stealing, murder and commiting adultery, lieing, and giving to the kingdom of darkness, are all lumped together and are dealt with the same. Especially when we do any, or all, of these things then come and stand in the house of God (the church) and proclaim that we are delivered, then go back and continue with the same standards.
In this particular place, God had declared His love for them, but they refused it by not hearing His voice. "And I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer." Verse 15: "And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, all the offspring of Ephraim." Going to verse 23..."But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you. Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward."
True...He was speaking to a disobedient people back in the day. I do understand that. But is there a message here for us today? God has given us much here in the good ole U.S. of A. We are such a blessed nation, even though it is struggling at the present time. The reason? Could it be from disobedient leaders as stated in II Kings 13:23? And could we bring it closer to home? What about our own decisions? Are they obedient to God or are they self-serving? Is it possible we struggle in life because we have not made Christ a part of our decisions? Just a passing thought...
One thing I know. I cannot live without His Holy Spirit directing me. Do I make mistakes? Oh yes...certainly I do. But it's when I'm not listening. Except to my own selfish ambitions. But He always...always, gets me back on track, because my heart belongs to Him and it's desire is to fulfill all that He has placed me here to fulfill.
Create in me a clean heart, O God...never take your Holy Spirit from me. Don't allow me to sit too long in my own doings, Lord. Keep my eyes on the goal and off myself. Teach me to follow your voice only and not consider any other. I know You are for me and not against me. Your ways cause me to prosper in mind, body and spirit, like no other. My life here is short, but will be somewhere for eternity. I will always have an awareness of life for all eternity. Let it be in Your presence and those you have given me to love here, for this time. Make us always aware of your presence and acknowledge You as God of the Universe and all things created, and serve no other. Just as I enjoy hearing my own children's voices, I know You must also wait with anticipation to hear MY voice. Let me always hear your heartbeat as it sends it's message to all mankind that You have made a way for us to live a full life, if we will but hear your instructions and obey.
For the time being, I will be here...in Mary's World
A couple of days ago, as I was heading down Veteran's Boulevard, my heart was reaching out to God for my family, asking His protection of mind, body and soul...and for His presence to be not only understood, but accepted on a moment by moment basis. I began to sense His presence with me as I talked with Him. And this blog is a result of that meeting. This is what was impressed upon my heart...
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, O God. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me." It was a song we at Fellowship of Christians sang many a time, many a year ago. It was a Scripture song taken from Psalm 51:10-12. I never could sing the whole song without tears streaming down my face. It was as if I stood in His presence, humbled at the thought of never seeing His face or being in His presence. Why did this song attach itself to me, now, at this time in my life? I have been a Christian since 1973, and now, God is impressing this Scripture upon my heart. It hasn't left me since that day driving to work.
I decided I must know what could actually take His spirit from me. First, I read the whole Scripture reference and included verse 13, to get a better understanding of what He was saying to me. Here is how it reads in the NAS translation.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted. " Psalm 51:10-13
Okay...there's the reason we need His Holy Spirit with us. But what must we do to cause His presence to leave us or for Him to refuse to sustain us with His spirit?
II Kings 13:23 says, "But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence until now." Wow! There really IS a time God will say, "enough." Disobedience was found in the leadership of the camp, by being willing to do only partially, as God instructed. The king of Israel gave up before he should have...not completing the instructions. Oh my! Now, God would withdraw His covering, and give only partial victory.
II Kings 24:20 says, "For through the anger of the LORD this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon." Zedekiah was self-serving. So he was denied the presence of God and if you are curious as to what happened to this young king, read II Kings 25. I know this all sounds extreme, but before Jesus paid the price of our wrongdoing, this is how people were dealt with. Now it's mainly "matters of the heart". Something much worse to have to contend with.
Lastly, Jeremiah 7:15 says, "And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, all the off-spring of Ephraim." A few of the things I gleened from this passage (the whole chapter) is this:
1. Do not trust in deceptive words.
2. Practice fairness with others.
3. Do not make life more difficult for strangers, orphans or widows.
4. Serve God alone. Put nothing between you and Him.
5. Stealing, murder and commiting adultery, lieing, and giving to the kingdom of darkness, are all lumped together and are dealt with the same. Especially when we do any, or all, of these things then come and stand in the house of God (the church) and proclaim that we are delivered, then go back and continue with the same standards.
In this particular place, God had declared His love for them, but they refused it by not hearing His voice. "And I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer." Verse 15: "And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, all the offspring of Ephraim." Going to verse 23..."But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you. Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward."
True...He was speaking to a disobedient people back in the day. I do understand that. But is there a message here for us today? God has given us much here in the good ole U.S. of A. We are such a blessed nation, even though it is struggling at the present time. The reason? Could it be from disobedient leaders as stated in II Kings 13:23? And could we bring it closer to home? What about our own decisions? Are they obedient to God or are they self-serving? Is it possible we struggle in life because we have not made Christ a part of our decisions? Just a passing thought...
One thing I know. I cannot live without His Holy Spirit directing me. Do I make mistakes? Oh yes...certainly I do. But it's when I'm not listening. Except to my own selfish ambitions. But He always...always, gets me back on track, because my heart belongs to Him and it's desire is to fulfill all that He has placed me here to fulfill.
Create in me a clean heart, O God...never take your Holy Spirit from me. Don't allow me to sit too long in my own doings, Lord. Keep my eyes on the goal and off myself. Teach me to follow your voice only and not consider any other. I know You are for me and not against me. Your ways cause me to prosper in mind, body and spirit, like no other. My life here is short, but will be somewhere for eternity. I will always have an awareness of life for all eternity. Let it be in Your presence and those you have given me to love here, for this time. Make us always aware of your presence and acknowledge You as God of the Universe and all things created, and serve no other. Just as I enjoy hearing my own children's voices, I know You must also wait with anticipation to hear MY voice. Let me always hear your heartbeat as it sends it's message to all mankind that You have made a way for us to live a full life, if we will but hear your instructions and obey.
For the time being, I will be here...in Mary's World
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