tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14095749229767483742024-03-15T10:51:06.763-04:00L.I.F.E.: Living In Faith EternallyMy life is all about my faith in Jesus Christ. The purpose of this blog is to make a difference, fight for righteousness and morality, educate and inform, and to uplift and bless other peoples' hearts with the things that God places on my heart to write. If someone else's life can be enriched by the experiences and thoughts that I share from my own life, then this blog has accomplished its goal!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-5186587924098191902024-03-14T12:10:00.001-04:002024-03-14T12:10:18.281-04:00A Milton Moment<p>During and after <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/how-desperate-are-we.html" target="_blank">the Holy Spirit conference</a> a couple weeks ago, I believed I was on my way to experiencing full healing and restoration in my body. My pain was decreasing and I have been praying and waiting for God to finish what He started. I have also prayed for others (as usual) and have seen amazing healing occur. Yet, here I am....still in a lot of pain and feeling every bit as terrible as before the conference. </p><div class="Ar Au Ao" id=":tg"><div aria-controls=":we" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Message Body" aria-multiline="true" aria-owns=":we" class="Am aiL Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY" g_editable="true" hidefocus="true" id=":tc" itacorner="6,7:1,1,0,0" role="textbox" spellcheck="false" style="direction: ltr; min-height: 354px;" tabindex="1"><div>This morning, I was listening to a message by <a href="https://livingontheedge.org/product/released-breaking-free-from-legalism-and-guilt-mp3/" target="_blank">Chip Ingram</a>. He was describing how much God loves us and how unconditional and unfailing His love is. That fact has always been the ultimate comfort and encouragement to me; knowing that He is the only one who totally and completely loves me. He always has and always will. He never leaves or forsakes. He's perfect and His love for me is perfect and unconditional. No one and nothing can love me like that except for Him. Everyone and everyone else will fail and let me down at some point, but He cannot and will not. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, I have to confess that I'm struggling right now. The degree of physical pain that I'm in (especially after feeling that I was finally getting healed) is a tremendous frustration to me. The anger and tears have been boiling over. I've told the Lord time and again that like Job, I'm not going to turn away from Him. I'll endure everything and still declare His goodness. Yet, at the same time, I can't comprehend how I can tear shingles off of a roof, grab the hem of His garment, or scream "Son of David, have mercy on me!" and still not be granted healing. My pursuit is desperate. I'm asking, seeking, and persistently knocking/beating on the door waiting for Him to answer. A Father knows how to give good gifts to His children. I wouldn't withhold healing from my own children; why is He withholding from me? I have learned to deal with and accept the loneliness and rejection from fellow broken humans. God is not broken; He is perfect and good and that's my hope and anchor. So, then, what is the hold up? Everything He says in His Word about who He is and how He loves me is true and I declare His Word out loud in prayer. Why, then, am I being overlooked? If it's going to be a lifelong thorn in my side like Paul's, why tease me with incremental or temporary relief? </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep4yppvlvUvf1ACzgCm6fxa5kGJ-2Vrjo_MziGISHcdFxDadO5V7GPbOIBI4AxbS7l4WdBEl3Qz7nuiFV4WL9oYLk-WtCclu_2R2Sp8IR3U3fO2G-rLc_OQpqn5z9UVgSDRBV2yAZjfGGTCBV-I4KsUpbu2JIS97UIdaIhkTFuRClksEf2qm0xwv4QDzq/s1400/Milton.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1400" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep4yppvlvUvf1ACzgCm6fxa5kGJ-2Vrjo_MziGISHcdFxDadO5V7GPbOIBI4AxbS7l4WdBEl3Qz7nuiFV4WL9oYLk-WtCclu_2R2Sp8IR3U3fO2G-rLc_OQpqn5z9UVgSDRBV2yAZjfGGTCBV-I4KsUpbu2JIS97UIdaIhkTFuRClksEf2qm0xwv4QDzq/s320/Milton.png" width="320" /></a></div>Right now, I feel like the Milton of God's children; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctOBMFznkto" target="_blank">desperately waiting my turn to have my cake and eat it too....only my turn never truly comes. </a>Everyone else gets theirs (and I help everyone else and make sure that they get a piece) but I end up standing there empty handed; waiting and wondering. Everyone else can walk away and forget that I'm standing there like a fool while they enjoy their portions, but God is supposed to see me and say, "I didn't forget you. The last is first, you know. I saved the best piece for you." I'm still standing here; telling myself that it doesn't matter how long I have to wait around feeling like an idiot. I just need to smile and carry-on (and not burn the place down). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dmp9MXFatuqGp4h_tfn1DndgnsATwgqVIB9-L5ewf2NNsdaJBg577s918FqMAR8iSVGSfg3qf734m9ZYRrOcM8UKbXf7xqnKYjnqzlZneQzcE5Ei5I_ID3hMY9Pt7w4fEUPy1ollbayhxg9ZB6TZzvMMKBKezVutxVzXsvaFNNtSBvR9ZT0iUFELX4F7/s4032/20240314_115258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dmp9MXFatuqGp4h_tfn1DndgnsATwgqVIB9-L5ewf2NNsdaJBg577s918FqMAR8iSVGSfg3qf734m9ZYRrOcM8UKbXf7xqnKYjnqzlZneQzcE5Ei5I_ID3hMY9Pt7w4fEUPy1ollbayhxg9ZB6TZzvMMKBKezVutxVzXsvaFNNtSBvR9ZT0iUFELX4F7/s320/20240314_115258.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Today has already been full of timely reminders. My friend, Earl, stopped by to pray for me (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/pfbid0gDjRuv9ZfmHsXT8uTeqSMgjwQmqzyi9CirZtup5cUh3qJ6aaRbUFb3iexHBzMTagl" target="_blank">God always sends him to love, pray, and speak life to me just when I need it</a>). Also, <a href="https://youtu.be/zlnMcJqLmWU?si=fZSTYXO87ZzMBgkL" target="_blank">the "Give Him 15" post from Dutch Sheets today</a> was a reminder to remember and be refreshed by powerful memories of moments we've had with God. That's why I've continued to wear my Holy Spirit Conference bracelet every day. I know what I felt and experienced and I know and trust who God is. I continue to invite Holy Spirit to come wash over me just as He did a couple weeks ago. I'm practicing the things I've learned that He's revealed to me. I'm holding onto the promises and declaring the truth; focusing on renewing my mind and <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2022/05/releasing-worry-trusting-god-whatevers.html" target="_blank">thinking on all the "whatevers"</a>. He gives me my daily bread every day and I keep focusing on that; one day and one moment at a time. I'm still here and I will continue to endure. I'm hurting really badly; and I cry out to Him day and night. I'm still waiting with hands lifted up in worship and waiting to receive. I don't know what's going on or how long it's going to take, but I recently received a vision of an IV drip. I'm hooked up to Him. That medicine, healing, and power is flowing in; even if little by little. He's moving through my veins. I know it and I believe it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you for reading. One of the last sessions from that conference was about telling people when you're struggling and under attack so people can pray for you. I'm asking for that right now. One of the other things I wrote down from that session was: "Great things happen in exile...will you stay faithful in the wilderness?" Yes, I will. <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/finding-answers-in-wilderness.html" target="_blank">I've been to the wilderness many times before</a> and can now recognize it more easily and deal with it much better. My body may continue to die all around me, but I'm still being renewed every day (2 Corinthians 4:16). I continue to say "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI" target="_blank">It is Well with My Soul</a>." God bless you all!</div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-82218424416329040272024-03-04T00:21:00.006-05:002024-03-04T00:30:29.443-05:00How Desperate Are We?<p> "Just receive." That was the godly wisdom that was given to me by at least two different individuals as I was sharing about my big breakthrough. I had come to the <a href="https://www.vineyardsyracuse.org/holy-spirit-conference" target="_blank">Holy Spirit conferenc</a>e this past weekend full of hope and expectation; and the Lord didn't disappoint. </p><p>It started on Friday night with praise and worship. At one point, people were raising their hands to receive prayer, so I raised mine for healing. My physical pain has reached an intolerable level in my back. The degeneration, arthritis, and inflammation is starting to make walking a lot harder. My feet always feel like I've been standing on concrete all day and my right leg gets so tight to where no amount of stretching loosens anything. I'm 41, but feeling like 81; moving slower and with so much effort that it's exhausting. I've prayed and pleaded for healing, but knew that even <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2012%3A8%2D10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Paul wasn't relieved of whatever thorn he had in his side</a>. I've truly been trying to make peace with living with it until I'm either healed here or in heaven. I pray, take medicine and vitamins, wear my back brace, and endure every day knowing that His grace is sufficient for me. </p><p>This is what I reiterated to the young man that prayed for me. He felt a lot of heat as he was praying, but I wasn't feeling it yet. I knew it took time, and even Steve Nicholson (the speaker for the weekend) walked by and assured him that he wasn't done yet. The young man, who was also named Steve, kept praying. I also prayed over him and encouraged him as well. I told him that I was still very hopeful and would keep waiting to see what the Lord was going to do over the weekend. </p><p>When I went to bed that night, it was a rough sleep. I woke up frequently because my pain was really bad; especially in my feet. Tingly, pins and needles, fire, you name it. It was super uncomfortable. Usually, even with pain, I can get to sleep quickly and usually stay asleep for the most part. Still, I was hoping for something better the next morning. </p><p>For the first session on Saturday morning, Steve Nicholson began his message/teaching. It reminded me of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDqc5dBfAtWTjHtc65XmXxnPVp6ebf_AF" target="_blank">John Wimber Signs and Wonders Conference </a> (check it out if you never have; it's worth it!). For someone as incredibly sensitive and empathic as I am, it is pretty much a certainty that when Holy Spirit is being talked about, I'm going to be overwhelmed by Him. Right on cue, Holy Spirit took over as Steve was talking about Him; even before he started officially inviting Him to come upon us all and he started looking for signs of Him moving in people. I was used to the uncontrollable twitches, shakes, heat, and racing heart (as well as the likelihood that I would fall down if I attempted to stand up). In fact, there was a moment this weekend where my Fit Bit buzzed me and said that it detected a high heart rate even though I appeared to be immobile. I had to laugh to myself. I wasn't moving, but Holy Spirit sure was! I was sitting down, but the Lord was the one that was active!</p><p>I don't know if I can recall a time where I felt so electric (especially my hands)! I've felt it before, but the intensity was off the charts! He asked those who were experiencing it to come forward. I was eager to do so, but knew I had to be careful because I knew I was going down. I made it to the front and sat down before my body gave out under the power. It was overwhelming; and he kept saying "more, Lord." I was like, "Oh, Lord, how can I possible handle any more?!" At one point, he called out "self doubt" and I felt myself tense up and release a couple times. Then, the unavoidable moment where I involuntarily screamed a couple times as this huge wave of intense emotion bubbled up like a volcano and the pressure just burst forth; and I felt myself go limp in the chair as I cried and people prayed over me. It's still hard not to feel a little embarrassed and that others will just see me as being loud and dramatic (but I promise you, this isn't by choice). Thankfully, there's always others that are allowing Holy Spirit to work in them too, and you hear all sorts of things. Steve frequently reminded everyone that they're happy sounds; sounds of freedom, healing, and release. He's right. Any time I've ever had a moment like this, it's been the best thing that has ever happened to me.</p><p>This is when God broke through to me in a mighty way. He told me I was storing pain in my body, and then showed me a vision of Christ on the cross. That's where all the sins went; on Him. The perfect lamb. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/pfbid029YUV8mnsKq2mbF6qEC2RcmjmVm4DqPZ51BURrMpEN5FGPfiNjFf4sa54Ct4ovrRbl" target="_blank">The scapegoat</a>. I realized that God was telling me that Christ <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A2%2C+1+Peter+2%3A24&version=NIV" target="_blank">already took on all the sins of the world</a>. He carried them. That was His job, not mine. Not that I intentionally WANTED to hold onto mine or anyone else's sins, pains, or ailments in my body; I just hadn't realized that that's what I was doing or how to effectively empty myself of it. He was reminding me that I wasn't supposed to be carrying what He already had. He was telling me to GIVE back to Him what He already died for. He allows me to feel deep empathy and emotion; enabling me to love and have compassion for others. I needed to know how to only feel it for the moment rather than feel/carry it for way too long. Whatever I feel in my heart and my body, I need to give it back to Jesus so that He can bring the healing for it; both for me and to share with others.</p><p>As I shared with a few people after the first session, I was encouraged to just keep receiving from Him; especially as I got more prayer for my back. It's hard sometimes, because I always want to be praying, engaging, and connecting. It really is important to just be still and wait. I started noticing that my feet weren't hurting anymore and I felt oddly taller. Some of the tightness in my leg was coming and going as well. My back was feeling downgraded in the pain level. In fact, I took off my back brace after that to experience the rest of the weekend without it. I haven't dared to be out and about without it since I first started wearing it last year, but I wanted to see if I could get a better gauge on where I was at. </p><p>Saturday night, I couldn't stop smiling and felt like I was sleeping/resting in a truly "heavenly peace." I slept WAY BETTER than I had the night before! In fact, my husband's sleep on both nights mirrored mine; or, rather, I think I mirrored his that first night. I remembered just how often that happens and that it's probably some of the stuff I've unintentionally absorbed/stored. I prayed for and released/rebuked it. I even did the same with my high blood pressure and sleep apnea; because I didn't have either of those until Chris had it. I've also often prayed about generational health problems as well. I'll just have to keep giving it all back to Jesus and keep receiving the healing. </p><p>I'm glad I had that personal moment, because it helped me as I prayed for and loved on so many other ladies later on. There was a lot I was able to share with them from the Lord, and I finally felt like I could experience all the various emotions around me without them "sticking" to me. I was able to have a chance to see if I could be rubber instead of glue; letting things bounce off and stick to the cross where it belonged after I felt whatever I was meant to feel in the moment and then release any sad or traumatic things that I was feeling around me. At one point, I and another woman that I was praying over, were breathing in that life-giving breath of God in sync with each other and feeling such peace and joy. That kind of symbiotic emotion is WONDERFUL to experience, embrace, remember, and hold onto forever! </p><p>Grace and peace to you, my friends! All of this is but a fraction of all the amazing things I could share about this weekend. It was so rich in worship, fellowship, wonder, breakthrough, deliverance, and healing for everyone! But, I think I'll leave you with this sonnet that I wrote as I was journaling on August 1, 2022. It cam to my mind during the final session as Steve was talking about coming to the end of ourselves and being desperate for Jesus. In America, we really don't know what it's like. Our persecuted brethren in other countries know. If we really want revival, breakthroughs, healings, miracles, and deliverance (both corporately and personally), we really need to be desperate for Holy Spirit. When we invite Him, expect Him, and make room for Him, He'll come. We have to get out of the way, and be ready to die to self. We have to relentlessly pursue Him; asking, seeking, and knocking without end! He will open that door for us to good things. Be desperate! Don't give up! I'm testifying to the fact that He answers our desperate cries: </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHKIXBtIJSCmCREsgwHWjNXzCMyhRXDgwvaJyy0ma_VaFfifD8Op3-fEcG_RuSgMgdrb3v4-izNl1zJnH6CiEAygTW1Ecu01ECUx8ZzaDIyer3eWBZoEcJJmAw5uH2LxzYKPR_75HsKEFaMg2DYkC01PwYSwRVz4Wl3Op-oVxrcyhPYyUWLpWv4V_EZYJ/s1350/How%20Desperate%20-%20Social%20Media.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHKIXBtIJSCmCREsgwHWjNXzCMyhRXDgwvaJyy0ma_VaFfifD8Op3-fEcG_RuSgMgdrb3v4-izNl1zJnH6CiEAygTW1Ecu01ECUx8ZzaDIyer3eWBZoEcJJmAw5uH2LxzYKPR_75HsKEFaMg2DYkC01PwYSwRVz4Wl3Op-oVxrcyhPYyUWLpWv4V_EZYJ/w512-h640/How%20Desperate%20-%20Social%20Media.png" width="512" /></a></div><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-80767027605434949632024-02-27T22:14:00.003-05:002024-03-13T09:15:41.345-04:00A Label of Love<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM3e7ZJ-gvgI0CwXr8_V9hxdr34STNySZMmpFpADnT2OH8If8Y0VQ-lPNwQPckVNiFNkhGmBf5JACMNPaJiq2SpEXuKv2EKdguubpaV7iL-8Zxof72eauZLeV0Ypf8uv0Mxhut6GrBx5NAPP9nNOtLML3grYP8yyy3uHWTb6W-yimY7MXTAlNKD70THj8/s1080/A%20Label%20of%20Love%20-%20Social%20Media.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM3e7ZJ-gvgI0CwXr8_V9hxdr34STNySZMmpFpADnT2OH8If8Y0VQ-lPNwQPckVNiFNkhGmBf5JACMNPaJiq2SpEXuKv2EKdguubpaV7iL-8Zxof72eauZLeV0Ypf8uv0Mxhut6GrBx5NAPP9nNOtLML3grYP8yyy3uHWTb6W-yimY7MXTAlNKD70THj8/s320/A%20Label%20of%20Love%20-%20Social%20Media.png" /></a></div>For those that knew <a href="https://www.titusfuneralhome.com/obituaries/randy-walgamuth">Randy Walgamuth</a>, several thoughts probably come to mind. They're likely the kind of thoughts that end up in the comments of every Facebook post from Ink Free News that feature his name and mug shot. But for every remark and label that the general public of our community has stuck on him, there are many more that most have failed to mention. This failure is not only due to ignorance, but to the tragic reality that so many people (including believers in Christ) neglect to see an image bearer of God the way the Father sees him.<div><br />For this reason, I felt it was vitally important to give you a glimpse of the Randy that most will never know. It's the Randy that Jesus told stories about; a living example of the heart of the Father and what the Gospel is all about. He's the perfect picture of God's mercy; the one that the Lord left the 99 sheep to find (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A12-14%2C+Luke+15%3A4-7&version=NIV">Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7</a>). This man taught me more about the love and mercy of God than I could ever learn from any evangelist or Bible teacher; and it has marked me for life.<br /><br />I have worked at The Salvation Army since 2014. Early on, I was like most people. I couldn't understand why he made the choices that he did. Chronically homeless and addicted, he lived out on the streets and in the woods; and sometimes in the homeless shelter. I've seen so many people (and agencies in addition to ours) invest in him. I'll never get over how much personal time and resources my own boss, Ken Locke, spent on him. No matter how busy or drained he was, he still went above and beyond for Randy like he was his own brother.<br /> <br />Admittedly, however, I used to feel frustrated. Randy constantly made demands and expected everyone to do and give what he needed without delay or hesitation. He also seemed oblivious to the fact that even those who had to be tough with him (whether it was a police officer, judge, etc.) actually cared about him and were way more lenient than he deserved. Countless cups of coffee, food, clothing, rides, etc. were given to him by numerous people, agencies, and strangers. The time and personal sacrifices didn't seem to sink in and make him grateful; nothing about his lifestyle changed and it usually just got worse. So many times, he was in and out of jail (and the hospital as well). In all my prayers for him, I finally lost it one time as I was thinking about the fact that he got all that medical care, but I (a tax paying and law-abiding citizen) had no health insurance. God changed my heart with one phrase, "Melissa, this could be his reward in full." <br /><br />His reward in full. It broke me. I couldn't get over it. If the most reward he would ever get would be all the things that he gets now, how sad and frightening would that be?! What good would it do me to be angry that he was taking so much now when I would be getting an inheritance for eternity that he may never get to be a part of? Am I really going to be mad about the fact that he got the temporary care for his earthly body that I didn't? What good is it to gain any advantage on Earth but lose your soul (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A26%2C+Mark+8%3A36&version=NIV">Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36</a>)? Was I really going to be that jealous brother in the prodigal son story?<br /><br />That's when things shifted for me; not just in how I saw Randy, but in how I saw everyone. It is so easy to be angry at others when they have something we don't, behave in terrible ways, and even get away with things that they shouldn't. Yet, God sees them the same way He sees us. He forgives their great debt and expects us to do likewise (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A21-35&version=NIV">Matthew 18:21-35</a>). Randy had a record and reputation that everyone could see and judge; and yet God loved and wanted him. I realized just how truly merciful and loving the Father has to be in order to continually and relentlessly pursue this lost sheep of his. If He loves Randy SO MUCH to keep rescuing him and giving him countless second chances, how much more grateful should I be as a child of God? ALL OF US have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NIV">Romans 3:23</a>). Who among us ISN'T a Randy? We have all sinned; and yet, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&version=NIV">Romans 5:8</a>). Every single one of us is a sheep that has strayed. I too have behaved in terrible ways; offending God and others. I can't imagine what my own rap sheet must look like, how great my debt must be, and how much I have truly been forgiven. God has been merciful to me and has spared me from lots of things that I deserved (both here and in eternity) and gave me mercy that I do NOT deserve. The Good Shepherd gave His life for every one of us lost sheep so that we would return to Him and be reconciled through Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A6%2C+John+3%3A16-17%2C+1+Peter+2%3A25&version=NIV">Isaiah 53:6, John 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:25</a>). I've accepted Christ and am safe. Jesus wanted Randy safe too and this is the verse He reminded me of every single time: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV).<div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3GuDC0WDPhqFLTvW0fK4OtA3tVbbY6pLcgRNxWry0Cz4dVK_QP6VBKmYW9NgxlYyJ5_2-MJHXpmcH89U_j-dixwlTLD9j-WDxySrNt1xBsukJ1KXyc7YpwcX9EBnJgTkkRr6OBeKwapHlbOgKc9_tdrKuFbUCx4ElcIOiQXAXlKpTO7V_9Nosdsi5eld/s1426/298722564_5634471693259241_8526483922888371578_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1426" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3GuDC0WDPhqFLTvW0fK4OtA3tVbbY6pLcgRNxWry0Cz4dVK_QP6VBKmYW9NgxlYyJ5_2-MJHXpmcH89U_j-dixwlTLD9j-WDxySrNt1xBsukJ1KXyc7YpwcX9EBnJgTkkRr6OBeKwapHlbOgKc9_tdrKuFbUCx4ElcIOiQXAXlKpTO7V_9Nosdsi5eld/s320/298722564_5634471693259241_8526483922888371578_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left Side Back Row: Friends, Randy and Larry, (both are now home with the Lord).</span></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>In what few years I have known Randy, I saw him soften. He even frequently attended church at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salvationarmywarsaw">The Salvation Army</a> (and on more than one occasion, donated his cigarette lighter in the offering plate). I have watched prayers be answered; even when he would tell us outright NOT to “pray too hard” for him. We prayed all the more; and it obviously worked! I saw Randy experience the heart of God through each act of love, mercy, and kindness (even if he didn't recognize it). God moved on the hearts of so many people to share the Gospel, their time, money, and resources. Ken has always said, "No one has heard the Gospel more times than Randy Walgamuth." Every act of compassion sowed a seed; and God was even more patient than we were to see them grow. Year after year, Ken would say, "I don't think he's going to make it through another winter." We dreaded the day that he would be found frozen outside or something worse.<br /><br />The "something worse" was cancer. Again, no one thought he would last as long as he did. Once more, God showed His amazing love and mercy. Randy didn't suffer alone outside. The last year or two, he was either at The Fellowship Mission, the hospital, or hospice. No doubt the staff was amazed at how many visitors Randy had these past few months. I think he finally understood how to give and receive love. For the first time, he said to me, "I love you, Melissa." I was amazed to hear him say it! "I love you too, Randy." I assured him that there were so many people that did and that God loved him even more. I asked him if he confessed and believed in Christ as Lord. He said, "Yes. Yes I do, Melissa." I don't think any of us saw some big emotional/radical change, but we all believe that on whatever level his mind could still understand, he believed and was making his peace. In fact, that is what Ken assured me of. He said that he had never seen Randy so at peace.<br /><br />I have many more things I could share; and they're only a fraction of the many testimonies that I know others have. People that have known him a lifetime have told me about how much he has been through; even as a kid growing up. Pain and trauma take a toll. I wonder what his life would have been like if his childhood had been different. It makes me sad to think about what his life has been like and how he's the very last of what family he had (even his only child passed in recent years). Despite all the darkness, the light still won out. Jesus shone through so many people that Randy couldn't hide from it. God had His way. Randy couldn't tune out the knocking at the door. None of us may know for sure when/how he opened that door to Jesus, but we believe that he finally let Him in.....and that Christ welcomed Randy into heaven. We love you, Randy! Thank you for all that you taught us! Until we meet again!<br /><br />Update: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/pfbid0xbdm9ixZMcoy44TEXgo7BJmYYKYJvw5mUHvgM96XBmK7BxZfg4Q4VvXoMcB9yuNFl">Click here</a> to read an additional post of my thoughts after Randy's funeral.<span><a name='more'></a></span><br />Note: All opinions, statements, and views expressed are my own, as a private individual and not on behalf of The Salvation Army.</div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-39210191179265313942024-01-01T22:05:00.000-05:002024-01-01T22:05:52.083-05:00My Word for 2024: HopeI truly can't believe I'm already composing a blog post about my word for 2024! Not only does it seem like 2023 went by super fast, I also feel like I still have a lot of growing and healing to do with <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-word-for-2023-enough.html" target="_blank">my previous word.</a> <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/my-word-for-2022-refuge.html" target="_blank">My word in 2022</a> was the same way. Both were difficult but BEAUTIFUL words that carried a lot of growth with it. Those words have been everything for me and I am very grateful for all that God has brought me through and how I've become closer and more in love with Him than ever! He truly has been (and will continue to be) my refuge and safe place; more than enough for me. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREI3gEJ5zsGvF6Q16GVoEP6GuOBeqbj9COBkOrI7qBbLtba55u-jMclsIwV2tqcbIzHfhpYPSnaBKHgRhU9i7gRkXvG-npWMcVGqG1PIuqTNEcV0qrRnjZo4xO9XEuAetoUiONTXamqxFVpd3G_IICFBujFJqGgAJiBY2IVQlOXNy4ub32DIfe-vL2-qc/s1640/Hope%202024%20-%20Facebook%20Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREI3gEJ5zsGvF6Q16GVoEP6GuOBeqbj9COBkOrI7qBbLtba55u-jMclsIwV2tqcbIzHfhpYPSnaBKHgRhU9i7gRkXvG-npWMcVGqG1PIuqTNEcV0qrRnjZo4xO9XEuAetoUiONTXamqxFVpd3G_IICFBujFJqGgAJiBY2IVQlOXNy4ub32DIfe-vL2-qc/w320-h181/Hope%202024%20-%20Facebook%20Cover.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>Given how weighty the previous two words have been, I was hoping for a bit of a break and that I would get something like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162987284320444&set=a.10151474330285444" target="_blank">Isaiah 40</a> (like I did in 2020) or "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10164751443480444&set=a.10151474330285444" target="_blank">Come</a>" in 2021. And there it is right there: I was "hoping." </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week, I had been praying, journaling, and waiting for my word. A lot of things were heavy on my heart and I was unburdening myself to the Lord. I felt emotionally drained and weary. I really needed refreshment and restoration. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPZkm9WACIbh6nVh6zV8T7X3KLP67r2WzIQZ9ZTuQ_aDf5dRMMbe9KB4sKkPofhRhkgBS9qsJgNMtQ6Buw_pMAbg27nUAytv3pl8-cEMLivYrhvSVKe3pJ1ebNMAobMMtblSHoEGZSpYogH2DX-y8zJQ3moF6tuolE47ucUtktT2gEF93jZnoB-y-eL6m/s4032/20231227_121225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPZkm9WACIbh6nVh6zV8T7X3KLP67r2WzIQZ9ZTuQ_aDf5dRMMbe9KB4sKkPofhRhkgBS9qsJgNMtQ6Buw_pMAbg27nUAytv3pl8-cEMLivYrhvSVKe3pJ1ebNMAobMMtblSHoEGZSpYogH2DX-y8zJQ3moF6tuolE47ucUtktT2gEF93jZnoB-y-eL6m/w150-h200/20231227_121225.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>As my lunch break ended, I was leaving the sanctuary and getting ready go back to work. Suddenly, something caught my eye. The decorative bulletin board to my left had several words on it, and the one closest to me said "hope." I've seen this bulletin board many times, but for some reason, it's like it jumped right out and begged to be seen out of the corner of my eye as I walked past it. I'm like, "Hope. Could that be my word?" I had mixed feelings about it. At first, I thought it was restful, beautiful, and the perfect word for me. It made me feel good, relieved, and hope-ful! Yet, simultaneously, a part of me wanted to shut it down because it seemed too generic, cliche, and simple. As always, I wanted to be sure, so I shelved it in my mind for consideration and waited for further confirmation. I was still hoping for something that I considered a "better" word. I knew I was being <a href="And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." target="_blank">a little bit too much like Red and a little less like Andy</a> with that mindset. I had no reason to treat hope like a "dangerous thing" when I knew that true hope does not (and never could) disappoint, because it's JESUS! In fact, that verse had been coming to my mind a LOT, and here it is in context:</div><blockquote>Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:1-5</blockquote><p>When you look at those verses altogether, it would make perfect sense that "Hope" would be the word that follows "Refuge" and "Enough". All the problems and trials that I have had in these past few years HAVE helped me develop endurance and have strengthened my character. Now, I need to progress to being strengthened by my "confident hope of salvation." I want to increase in faith; being secure in Christ and comforted by the fact that I'm filled with love by the Holy Spirit. God will not disappoint me and it's ALWAYS safe to hope in Him!</p><p>Another verse that kept coming to my mind is this one: </p><blockquote>We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9</blockquote><p></p>That definitely screams "hope" to me! I have been feeling every bit like a fragile clay jar. Yet, I am filled with the great treasure that is the Holy Spirit. No matter what has happened, He fills me and never abandons me. He builds me up and restores me. Always. <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQyvl0BXZ7EfgDiUtLs4aIelibVwvpH6XAnfidq4icoKouBCkCoBbHcr_JrGiM95PiZF6jHU2WbjDMguYymRbIKK9vZVc08zsekjOv_4urGrqzEp_rglT5pBMqigAMY6RaIF3LoaVgt77OjeO4bMStxGd3tR04wQLhBXaYgvhefvYDEJw3-mdsLlLCprm/s1683/20231227_081634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1683" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQyvl0BXZ7EfgDiUtLs4aIelibVwvpH6XAnfidq4icoKouBCkCoBbHcr_JrGiM95PiZF6jHU2WbjDMguYymRbIKK9vZVc08zsekjOv_4urGrqzEp_rglT5pBMqigAMY6RaIF3LoaVgt77OjeO4bMStxGd3tR04wQLhBXaYgvhefvYDEJw3-mdsLlLCprm/w200-h160/20231227_081634.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div>It didn't take long for confirmation to come. The very next day, I was bent down and getting something from under the sink in my bathroom cupboard. When I began to stand and lift my head up, my eyes met smack dab with this jar of beauty cream on the counter: renewed <i>hope</i> in a <i>jar</i>. My gosh, you can't make this stuff up lol! I was like, "Seriously?! You've got to be kidding!" I laughed because this is so like God to do this with me; and I also heard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5GFiDdGGGM" target="_blank">"There's Hope in Front of Me", by Danny Gokey,</a> playing in my head lol. I'm like, "Ok, but I still need that third sign." He was very quick about it. Again, I couldn't help but laugh because it's just too perfect! I had a stack of clean clothes sitting in a pile that were waiting to be hung up (I know! Tsk, tsk!). I took the top shirt off of the pile to wear, and what do you think I uncovered as I did so? Yep, that's right! I uncovered "hope"!! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM5CFqK2KCocT_YyArxxfqwbwvhJ98_fDZwXTzQRV1wVFdntF1lTOk-K0wHK71O-BToQSfLZkBGFg8QKEWlDM61rczA1JlsM1LCbI1sjkmHc6uEX1qpq2rcERjT3aMV9xtF2Gc_5sIDM9-kcoSGJ6SCxx1uZsAx003xPC7hyphenhyphenxAorcpr3u8aJ40_x9Rzn/s4032/20231227_081424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM5CFqK2KCocT_YyArxxfqwbwvhJ98_fDZwXTzQRV1wVFdntF1lTOk-K0wHK71O-BToQSfLZkBGFg8QKEWlDM61rczA1JlsM1LCbI1sjkmHc6uEX1qpq2rcERjT3aMV9xtF2Gc_5sIDM9-kcoSGJ6SCxx1uZsAx003xPC7hyphenhyphenxAorcpr3u8aJ40_x9Rzn/w150-h200/20231227_081424.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>"Really. For real?!" I thought. Wow lol! I just couldn't get over it. There it was again; staring me right in the face! I laughed and shook my head, "Ok, ok. I get it." </div><div><br />Next, something else came to my mind. I happened to think about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/pfbid02RBKWqD21poqPCET87LpqrmmC9daRQZdrNhCXcnryQXALd3b5TJyATrxp7PEdo679l" target="_blank">a gift that was recently given to me by my friend, Anita</a>. It was a cross with a word on it. "The word is 'hope' isn't it?" I said to myself. Yep, it sure is; and it has Romans 5:5 on it (as well as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+1%3A20&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 1:20</a>). <p></p><p></p><p>I journaled all of it later in the day and went to biblehub.com to look up the word: ἐλπὶς <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/elpis_1680.htm">elpis</a> . It seemed that "hope" was indeed my word. Nevertheless, I asked God if he could make one of those verses show up somewhere in the next few days; so I could be extra sure. Or, if the number 1680 (the number in the concordance) showed up, that would be cool too. Up until today, I hadn't seen any further confirmation, and I was telling myself, "Melissa, you already know. It's 'hope.' Why are you fighting it?" I know very well why. It's because of all the times I DO hope and things don't work out. "But that's just the people and things of this world. That's not where your hope is anyways," I told myself. Yes, I know that. Maybe that's exactly why I need this word. I was reminded of this in the movie "Slumberland", which I watched this weekend for only the second time since it came out (and I highly recommend it!). You may not get the dream you want, but you're going to get the dream you need. "Hope" isn't the word I really wanted, but it's most certainly the one I need. It's basic, simple, and beautiful; and those aren't bad things. In fact, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAYXlC59yWs" target="_blank">Andy is right</a>: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_ipR0hLJSzOHKBLLKoFZFc7EPpAXY4UvBN952yDMCn6jJs-M9-8ZGbJLRfZJIbqqwsnlq4gXA2Cj4qiG3FnLrCcSoksZnyHK6sVgHIwnvMH-MRpdFxrXm2f55NtD0O1M-Wii4SPAk3qH_obPOj1k1hGQjUhlPLWgy1vrbBxuiQU68aOGTHir0A7fJNz/s4032/20231227_083040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_ipR0hLJSzOHKBLLKoFZFc7EPpAXY4UvBN952yDMCn6jJs-M9-8ZGbJLRfZJIbqqwsnlq4gXA2Cj4qiG3FnLrCcSoksZnyHK6sVgHIwnvMH-MRpdFxrXm2f55NtD0O1M-Wii4SPAk3qH_obPOj1k1hGQjUhlPLWgy1vrbBxuiQU68aOGTHir0A7fJNz/s320/20231227_083040.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote>Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.</blockquote><p>"Hope" isn't meant to be an overused word or cliche. True hope is much deeper than that. It's time to really rest and soak in the REAL hope. Jesus is my hope NOW and for all eternity. He is with me NOW; and I'll also be with Him whenever I go home (or when He comes back for me/us; whichever comes first). I will NOT be disappointed! All the people, things, and cares of this life will all be gone, but my eternal hope is always real and certain. </p><p>Today is the first day of this new year; 365 days of new opportunities and each of those days that we get is a gift from the Lord! As a wonderful bonus, God did confirm that verse for me once more as I was looking back at <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-our-own-shawshank-redemption.html" target="_blank">this old post of mine about Red and Andy</a> for this post. I also had the pleasure of seeing this post in my Facebook memories. There's no doubt about it! I can be confident of my hope, which is Christ, and look forward to all that is to come:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkfBA50X7PvnAung6HzsWa4YaCpzt1qiczfOOz9ryJMCS10KA6YQNgeNIS7plrAQYWpT1a2CzwCdnDNu0q3gvYZavMzZvKIqH5wyWFQn8fs1Kru1DLx00dqZ68APgCEP01gEbPcj9sQ0r3dyGZcCoZk0KM4FZyeCjzoSqzgEdHoRXJx2Y6rLUFRQisM65/s920/FB_IMG_1704128548083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkfBA50X7PvnAung6HzsWa4YaCpzt1qiczfOOz9ryJMCS10KA6YQNgeNIS7plrAQYWpT1a2CzwCdnDNu0q3gvYZavMzZvKIqH5wyWFQn8fs1Kru1DLx00dqZ68APgCEP01gEbPcj9sQ0r3dyGZcCoZk0KM4FZyeCjzoSqzgEdHoRXJx2Y6rLUFRQisM65/w261-h320/FB_IMG_1704128548083.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><blockquote>For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. </blockquote><p>- Philippians 1:20.</p>So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. </div><div><br /></div><div>- Hebrews 6:18-19</div><div><p>Grace and peace to you, my friends! I genuinely HOPE and pray that this will be a blessed year for us all! Our "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoPcyr2oYhg" target="_blank">hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.</a>" On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand! Stay anchored! He is our firm foundation! Amen! God bless you!</p><p></p></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-70415264959143950752023-01-08T14:46:00.001-05:002023-01-08T14:46:17.218-05:00My Word for 2023: Enough<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErsO9LW7huLBUqntsdFwjoK5wZbJENcPP3W-GqdlZdTcoV5DNH_pLr7meCu7hKVun-9kevO949eaFoDbT6CBrWm8PxtxSSeQSUMphDkeeVRseY3x5ctcLoM_kA3jjADhUpoMxeRW8V6LFOIv2WtWfZeng849X2pEqVHDdumbudMKMp3OcpCfLORu4jQ/s1395/Blinking%20Guy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="1170" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErsO9LW7huLBUqntsdFwjoK5wZbJENcPP3W-GqdlZdTcoV5DNH_pLr7meCu7hKVun-9kevO949eaFoDbT6CBrWm8PxtxSSeQSUMphDkeeVRseY3x5ctcLoM_kA3jjADhUpoMxeRW8V6LFOIv2WtWfZeng849X2pEqVHDdumbudMKMp3OcpCfLORu4jQ/w168-h200/Blinking%20Guy.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>I don't know about you, but I don't think anything describes the start of 2023 quite like this blinking guy meme. Do you remember 2019 B.C. (before Covid) lol? <p></p><p>For me, 2019 was an exciting wide-eyed time. The last half of the year was an especially bittersweet period of pruning, growth, and revelation. God had showed me during a sermon on October 13th how important writing/journaling was: "Let's get back to that. This is how you bring my Kingdom to Earth." </p><p>He had also made it clear that I should always "be ready." I remember there was one time I had to scramble to find a paper and pen in my purse because I was so overcome with all the things He was bringing to my mind. He was like, "I told you to be ready!" Since then, I've always carried my notebook and pen with me so I can "be ready" any time He chooses to "download" something. Sometimes it's just for me, and sometimes they are things I feel compelled to blog, post on Facebook, or share in some way. In fact, "<a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/your-heart-is-where-house-is.html" target="_blank">Your Heart is Where the House Is</a>" is a post from that October 13th sermon, and it continues to be something I think about and revisit often. </p><p>I felt reignited and reconnected with God in a deeper way because I knew He had brought me back to what He had marked and anointed me for. That statement was a commission and I knew it. I was excited to be stepping into my purpose and destiny. Like many others, I thought 2020 was going to be a year of clear vision and perspective. I think we all had high hopes for great things. It was supposed to be the year where I was finally going to get some important things accomplished for God (specifically a book that He had been nudging me for years to put out there).</p><p>Now, we've blinked and those three years are gone. Like everyone else, my family and I have had a lot of highs and lows from 2020 - 2022. I don't think very many of us like to remember 2020. In fact, I'm not even going to bother going there lol. The past two years haven't been much better either. It's not that everything has been all bad, but nothing has been the same since Covid and it's made things harder for everyone in so many ways. </p><p>For me, 2022 has probably been the hardest of all. I knew it would be when I got the word "<a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/my-word-for-2022-refuge.html" target="_blank">Refuge</a>" as my word for the year. Yet, it was a comforting word at the same time, because I knew that God was assuring me that He is my safe place. I wouldn't have gotten through it otherwise. There's been a lot of hardships, heartbreaks, and way too many deaths/funerals. Though, on the plus side, we were also kept occupied by a lot of celebrations. I can't remember when I've been to so many birthday parties (including my own), bridal/baby showers, weddings, and graduation parties (including my own son's). It's been a very busy year and I'm so glad that I made it through all of that; plus all the holidays and work craziness of December. </p><p>In anticipating and praying for my new word this year, I was really hoping for something that felt super positive, encouraging, and promising. It was on November 22nd, close to Thanksgiving, that I had been journaling about how weary I was from all the spiritual warfare. I was lamenting everything I was feeling; asking God where He was and to please answer me. I know He never leaves me, but sometimes things just feel like dead air. You just need something very fresh and obvious; something that just smacks you in the face to where you know God is saying, "I'm here and I care. I love you." </p><p>As things continued to get busier at work (and harder in my life in general), writing became less frequent than it should have been. Though, on December 6th, I had one of those days where I was writing and was particularly inspired by the daily "Give Him 15" post by Dutch Sheets: <a href="https://youtu.be/yDEIuVbdFec" target="_blank">The Power of Remembering.</a> Do yourself a favor and check out that post! It will inspire you to reflect not only on what God has done in the history of His Word, but in your personal history (as Dutch described regarding King David). When we testify to what the Lord has done in the past, we are also calling it forth for Him to do it again (watch the video or read the post <a href="https://www.givehim15.com/post/december-6-2022" target="_blank">here</a> for more). I can't tell you how many times these daily posts have been just what I needed and have aligned with what God was already speaking to me (my son and I watch these every day!). Here is just a portion of what I wrote down that day in my journal: </p><p></p><blockquote>What is my armor? What are my weapons? This is no time to lower my shield (faith). That is my defense. My offense is my sword (Word of God). I'm in the Word daily, yes. Yet, so many times I don't take the time to go deep or to open those doors and go down rabbit holes. I'm too busy being Cinderella to be Alice; too busy to be curious. Your Word is my greatest weapon; and to use it in prayer. I don't need to war in vain and in the flesh. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206%3A12&version=NIV" target="_blank">Battles aren't against flesh and blood</a>. We fight these spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. I really do need to weaponize my prayers with Your Word and praise. This worry and fretting and self-pity and wailing isn't doing anything. It's time to use the Word and to testify and remember!</blockquote><p></p><p>Even with that revelation, I still couldn't seem to find my word in December. I was frustrated with myself. I felt like one of the many things getting in the way of finding and discerning it was the distraction of being sick. Early in the month, I had battled some kind of cold/sinus junk. I got over it, only to come down with a nastier version on the 16th (and for extra fun, I also had to deal with pink eye in both eyes). In fact, I'm STILL waiting on my ears to be unclogged so I can hear normally. I'm hoping that the prednisone I was given might finally do something. It isn't very easy to fast and pray when you're supposed to have something in your stomach to take medicine (and you're hoping to fuel yourself with decent food and vitamins to get your health and strength back). It has had me feeling weak and like a failure. I had some moments where I thought that I was possibly on the right track and that something "might" be my word, but it just didn't feel like the kind of "aha" like in years past. I didn't want to just grab and settle for something. I figured the best thing to do was just rest and wait. Even if things took longer or didn't become apparent before 2023 got here, I knew God's timing was perfect and not up to me. </p><p>Enter December 31st...</p><p>We were at Chris' family Christmas gathering when his Mom presented me with a wrapped gift that looked like it had to be a picture frame. Chris was sitting beside me and she and Scott were in front of me, and it looked like he was getting his camera ready. I had no idea what this could be; I was excited and nervous at the same time. This was obviously something special if they wanted to record my reaction. I tore off the paper and what stared back at me left me speechless and in tears. It was me; kneeling with my sword and in my armor. My gosh, it was like when Alice looked through that keyhole and saw herself and realized she was dreaming. For me, it was a dream come true; and I couldn't believe I was staring at it and WASN'T dreaming! My word was within it somewhere; and I was ready to get curious and go down the rabbit hole like I had longed for! Get ready to dive in with me, folks! </p><p>Aside from what I shared before, there have been many times where I (and people who have prophesied over me) have seen me in armor. In fact, I've had an image of me in gold armor. I'm in a battle stance; fierce with intense eyes and my sword drawn in front of me. My blue/green hair is flowing behind me and there's lightning flashing behind me. I've often thought to myself that if I had the money, I would commission a friend of mine (who is an AMAZING painter) to paint the image for me. Though, I have often debated whether to change the armor to silver (or white gold/platinum, beskar, whatever lol) because I have always preferred it over yellow gold. Yet, I figured gold was considered more precious and valuable, so that's why God had it in my mind that way. At any rate, it was one of those unspoken desires that I don't recall ever sharing with Kathy. There is NO WAY she could have given me the desire of my heart unless God had been the One to tell her (so explain THAT to me, all you non-believers!).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTixI-RktQOVPSi06sASHWXH0wl2tmurhS0iabONnWI8m8xQdGSGv_DLqFvS3HDV4xpBKxJBPlROkdkKKL6aAM4CwZDoOWOWmAYK5G_4Fs59e5mVFBZfwunPSD0EmmhBjdfq0USy3MZEnETie8z4OKmaXfvbbueLqiL1_uNGUkDkyanA2WWpsfsCT0MA/s1707/Screenshot_20230102-211919_Facebook.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTixI-RktQOVPSi06sASHWXH0wl2tmurhS0iabONnWI8m8xQdGSGv_DLqFvS3HDV4xpBKxJBPlROkdkKKL6aAM4CwZDoOWOWmAYK5G_4Fs59e5mVFBZfwunPSD0EmmhBjdfq0USy3MZEnETie8z4OKmaXfvbbueLqiL1_uNGUkDkyanA2WWpsfsCT0MA/s320/Screenshot_20230102-211919_Facebook.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>Kathy said that it was after Thanksgiving when she saw this image on Facebook (which, amazingly, showed up in my own feed a few days ago on January 2nd!). She said God told her to paint this for me. She said she felt intimidated by it. In fact, when I unwrapped it, I asked her who painted it because (to my knowledge) she usually did things like florals. When she told me she had done it, I was all the more blown away and in tears. Not only did God tell her to paint this for me, but she stepped out in faith and obedience to do it. Out of love for Him, and for me, she took the time to do something she hadn't done before; because God thought of me and was using her to answer my prayers. She said "yes" to Him. She did a hard thing and took the time to do it; even though she said she was afraid of being able to do it well and didn't want to mess it up. She knew that it wasn't God giving her a spirit of fear; Satan does that. Instead, she tapped into the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201%3A7&version=NIV" target="_blank">power, love, and self-discipline that God gives us</a> to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">accomplish all things through Him.</a> She said she knew I was such a prayer warrior and that this was me. Obviously, it has not be unnoticed by God either. He heard my prayers! He said, "Yes, I see you. I hear you. This is who you are! Remember!" <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBcwU5WfSI46KO_35Tyz5hNac7f1p90gj6LhM9UDdVtKjVLLImeCj-siK6Auu0o0D1oUjRnmnOwc84qxZk_e_WkDYOL1M98zNXSOImthG_W-KJApmMVy8VfOSU6UfWesH_bptk95tstyxckqqTUA0OYAsnI-O63P3POYb2L3O-p7MqJG8jzEjDeF3gQ/s4032/20230108_125924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBcwU5WfSI46KO_35Tyz5hNac7f1p90gj6LhM9UDdVtKjVLLImeCj-siK6Auu0o0D1oUjRnmnOwc84qxZk_e_WkDYOL1M98zNXSOImthG_W-KJApmMVy8VfOSU6UfWesH_bptk95tstyxckqqTUA0OYAsnI-O63P3POYb2L3O-p7MqJG8jzEjDeF3gQ/s320/20230108_125924.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I couldn't stop staring at it. In fact, every time I look at it, it just keeps speaking and speaking and speaking! Kathy said she felt Holy Spirit so mightily over it when it was done. There is just no doubt about it. He anointed her in her gift to do what He called her to do. Then, that gift ignited mine. What a beautiful domino effect! Who knows who will now be blessed as they read this! God multiplies! What a magnificent chain reaction! <p></p><p>One of the many things that hit me when I stared at the picture was that this wasn't my active warrior pose. It communicated surrender, submission, servanthood, rest, and honor. I felt peace. I felt that it was me kneeling to my Commander; and He is pleased. I also felt like even when I feel like a weak and weary warrior, He is still my strength. I can never do it on my own. In my weakness, He is strong and His grace is sufficient for me. Because of Him, it's enough; because HE is enough. As it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: </p><blockquote>But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </blockquote><p></p><p>This verse is in the context of Paul talking about the thorn in his side. Sometimes, we suffer things that don't go away no matter how much we pray. It's hard for us to understand the whys when we suffer unpleasant afflictions or circumstances. In fact, a recent episode of "The Chosen" addressed this pretty well (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZ_Qe1nQWY" target="_blank">watch this clip if you haven't seen it!</a>). Nick Vujicic (the man born without arms and legs), also weighed in on this and explained it just as beautifully (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyI9bngWex4" target="_blank">click here</a> for the segment; it's worth the watch if you've ever asked "why, God?"). Joni Eareckson Tada <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/joni-earekson-tada-praises-healing/" target="_blank">says the same thing</a>.</p><p>"Enough." That word seemed to echo in the moment. I had been striving so hard and hadn't felt like I had found my word. Yet, in that moment, it seemed to appear; and not from "my" efforts. He did it. He's enough. He's made me enough. </p><p><a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/714.htm" target="_blank">I looked on Bible Hub to dive into the verses more</a>. The word for "sufficient" is "<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-size: 15px;">arkeó" which is "to assist, suffice." It's also used in John 14:8 when Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father and that it will be "enough." Jesus answered in verses 9-14: </span></p><blockquote>“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.</blockquote><p>The whole chapter of John 14 is full of reassurance from Jesus not to be troubled; that He is with us and that He would send Holy Spirit to be with us. Peace is with us and we don't have to be afraid. He's got us. He's enough. We have it all because we have Him; and He gives us all His power and authority to do even greater works in His Name! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAtHDiSAMGUM2edUK_b8SH_DvI5bJNM_YgQDOUr_hwh9UlOy6jK2PPaX12Ag8xv0GWAwYOylHjlzOA3xBZlp30G2idE0aDeo9z4E9bClcGxmr9zoMNX4U4AA9hZ8GJ0CEnFZoEUQ7-utP5GoWUmZbJvSb0Jj1hYd316FKRghXisunYwxk0xWcKR2S-Q/s940/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAtHDiSAMGUM2edUK_b8SH_DvI5bJNM_YgQDOUr_hwh9UlOy6jK2PPaX12Ag8xv0GWAwYOylHjlzOA3xBZlp30G2idE0aDeo9z4E9bClcGxmr9zoMNX4U4AA9hZ8GJ0CEnFZoEUQ7-utP5GoWUmZbJvSb0Jj1hYd316FKRghXisunYwxk0xWcKR2S-Q/s320/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div>Up until now, I hadn't had a moment to sit down and process all of this to be "sure" that "enough" is my word. I was pretty certain, but I was taking note of additional confirmations over the passing days so I could piece it all together and see the big picture. On January 1st, I saw these two images in my Facebook feed that included the word "enough" (and were just beyond perfect and fitting!). Then, of course, that warrior image that Kathy had first seen showed up in my own feed on the 2nd. Then, on January 5th, Matthew 6:34 was the verse of the day in the Bible app: "so don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Then, January 7th, my Bible reading was in Hebrews 11. Verse 35 really stood out: <p></p><blockquote> Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.</blockquote><p>This verse triggered a memory from last year when I went to a women's conference. Amazingly enough, this Bible story from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+samuel+21%3A10-14&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Samuel 21:10-14</a> is something that I also recently read in my Bible plan a little over a month ago. Rizpah's sons were killed and they didn't get a proper burial. She spent her days and nights shooing away the birds and wild animals from devouring them. At this women's conference, Eva Rodriguez was telling us that as mothers, we are warriors for our children and families. We have to chase away the birds and wild animals that are trying to devour them. It must have seemed crazy to everyone for Rizpah to spend all her time doing that because her sons were already dead. But, those were her children and she wanted to preserve and honor them even in death; and she got her wish. <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-was-rizpah.html" target="_blank">I found an article that talks about this story even more.</a> Anyways, we have to be the ones to fight for our own kids, because no one else is going to do it. Even if it's all over (or seems like it's over), we need to chase away anything that tries to devour and take away what remains. As the verse in Hebrews says, we can see our dead raised to life again. I will contend for my children; always. My prayers will chase the birds and wild beasts away from my family. Even if it doesn't look like the battle is being won, I know that it will be. Christ is the resurrection and the life. I know what has been prophesied over my marriage and children. Satan cannot have them! I will war until I can war no more; because I am that prayer warrior and I'm not taking my <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206%3A10-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">armor of God</a> off! The painting is on the wall in my living room so I (and everyone in my household) can see it every day and be reminded of my job. </p><p>The final thing that tops it off is when I went back to my 2019 journal to look for the entry that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Right before that entry were some notes before that. I hadn't put the date, but I assume it was from an Activ8 youth conference message because that's where I got the notebook from and first used it. There are a LOT of great notes written down, and among them are these: </p><p>- A life spent for Jesus will be remembered and last for all eternity.</p><p>- "Who do you say that I am?" "Am I enough for you?" </p><p>- Good things can distract from greater things. *I had put "book" in parentheses right beside this one*</p><p>- "Yes, Jesus, but..... <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A18-22%2C+Luke+9%3A57-62&version=NIV" target="_blank">status (scribe), convenience (bury my father), idols (family)</a> </p><p>- "if I had _____ I would be happy" -----> this is the idol detector.</p><p>- Heaven wouldn't be worth it if Jesus wasn't there. He is the price and reward. Is He all you want? Is He your treasure? Is He enough?</p><p>It couldn't be any more clear to me! In 2019, my eyes were open. I was on the right track. Then, I blinked. We all blinked. Now, our eyes are open again. We have all had to learn what's most important. We have been awakening to the fact that we need Jesus more than anything else and that nothing else matters but Him. All the things that got put on the back burner (for me, it's been the book) should be on the back burner no longer. No more excuses; even if those excuses are "good things". I've done a lot of "good things" for Jesus in these past few years, but they weren't that ONE thing; the one thing that I knew I was truly supposed to do. If I continue to be busy, distracted, or brought down by all the thorns of this world, someone is going to miss out on their Alice moment. They won't get their activation, because I haven't done the ONE THING that I'm supposed to do that will show them who they are. I need to follow Kathy's example. I need to do the hard thing; the thing that I've been scared to screw up. The thing I've thought wouldn't be good enough because I have never done it before and don't know what I'm doing. All the people I have asked for help never have time to answer me. I thought I needed them to advise me because they have walked the path before and can show me how to do it. I've been waiting on them while God has been waiting on me. I've given Him all the excuses because I didn't want to mess things up. Yet, all this time, God was just trying to get me to see that it was just ME He was talking to. He picked me; not them. I'm just going to have to go for it. I don't know what I'm doing, and it will probably be messy and imperfect, but it will be "enough." He proved it to me with the painting. He's the perfect One. We just have to be the obedient one. His grace covers it all. It's enough and it accomplishes what He wants!</p><p>Grace and peace to you, my friends! May this truly be a blessed new year! Awakening and revival is on the horizon, and we all have our part to play in that! Like I read today in Hebrews 12:1-3 (and not coincidentally, it was one of the many verses mentioned in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgxNlWUhWE" target="_blank">today's amazing message at church that stunningly echoed much of what I wrote here</a>): <span class="text Heb-12-3" id="en-NIV-30216"></span></p><blockquote>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. </blockquote>Through off all distractions and sin! 2022 and these past few years are behind us! Start fresh, and start with Jesus! Let Him give you new strength! Like Bea said in her message, we need to be good disciples if we're going to succeed in discipling others as He commanded. May that dash in-between 2019 - 2023 be a bridge. I want 2023 to be where 2019 left off, but with the wisdom and growth that came in that dash. It's time to take our places! We are warriors and we can never stop fighting the good fight; especially since we know we've already won! We don't fight for victory, but FROM victory! Jesus already won it. He is enough. We are enough! He's got this and He's got us! God bless you!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYVPbYY7AYapHNFxiSBkx_MYYYRfVcERf3tp2r7UJnQz08Jnrl2n46Pp8sOmMgXakbQQBkGdiYavOyjrj7MsiRSPJN8XeBfHHfCFY6v7s1eHYD79xOan2r09ogbQlhOGN_Vh_5foB5YZqVETFe0vUMmKBQQJmId1sbPoqouocHHpr59HZtaFpbbqZsA/s1500/Enough%20-%20Facebook%20Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYVPbYY7AYapHNFxiSBkx_MYYYRfVcERf3tp2r7UJnQz08Jnrl2n46Pp8sOmMgXakbQQBkGdiYavOyjrj7MsiRSPJN8XeBfHHfCFY6v7s1eHYD79xOan2r09ogbQlhOGN_Vh_5foB5YZqVETFe0vUMmKBQQJmId1sbPoqouocHHpr59HZtaFpbbqZsA/w640-h214/Enough%20-%20Facebook%20Cover.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-5287100755110654272022-08-16T13:00:00.000-04:002022-08-16T13:00:35.593-04:00Finding Answers in the Wilderness<p></p><p><span class="text Prov-25-2" id="en-NIV-17116"></span></p><blockquote></blockquote><i style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo_fjJHZsjpsC39oZxosAu2SdElp1Drn4F7KscucTEWVWioxGzze6WCfUO1bORP5jVBln8ylpfc7hLtYuepnW2zkf4asSM8DDgabmxMRh-0hAQHv3K8yzlQzsXSAuQGoJnWZbqxlL6ETJY4jJcRZBXGa2J8AXbD2tkg_6hTd9s4SRnnSEsLdZIen8QA/s940/Finding%20Answers%20-%20Facebook%20Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo_fjJHZsjpsC39oZxosAu2SdElp1Drn4F7KscucTEWVWioxGzze6WCfUO1bORP5jVBln8ylpfc7hLtYuepnW2zkf4asSM8DDgabmxMRh-0hAQHv3K8yzlQzsXSAuQGoJnWZbqxlL6ETJY4jJcRZBXGa2J8AXbD2tkg_6hTd9s4SRnnSEsLdZIen8QA/w326-h274/Finding%20Answers%20-%20Facebook%20Post.png" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; <br /></i><i>to search out a matter is the glory of kings. <br /></i><i>- Proverbs 25:2</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></i><p>"Did you find everything alright?" That's usually the question asked when you're checking out at a store and the associate is politely trying to make sure you have gotten everything you've come for. Usually, a person's answer is "yes," right? We go into a store with a list or a particular item in mind; and we don't leave until we have gotten what we've come for. Most of the time, we know where something is. We seek and find it right away. Other times, we're looking for something special that we wouldn't typically search for. It may take us longer to find it, but we're on a mission! Even if we don't find it at one store, we keep looking until we finally complete our quest. A seeker's mentality gets a finder's reward.</p><p>What about the non-material things? What about the treasure of wisdom that is worth far more than rubies (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+28%3A18%2C+Proverbs+8%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Job 18:18, Proverbs 8:11</a>)? What about the things that aren't tangible; things you cannot buy, earn, or find in stores? How often do we go on an intentional and purposeful quest for that? How often do we find it when we look for it? </p><p>I have been thinking about this concept because I "found" something that I was looking for. Over the years, I've learned to have that seekers mentality. I know that if I seek the Lord, I will find Him. If I desperately need answers, He will give them to me. That's what His Word says (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A29%2C+Jeremiah+29%3A13%2C+Proverbs+8%3A17%2C+Matthew+7%3A7-8%2C+Luke+11%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13, Proverbs 8:17, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10</a>). The "catch" is being "all in". Being wholehearted and intentional. Just like shopping, you're on a mission; purposefully and intentionally looking for something (and not giving up until you've found it). It's also like when we were recently car shopping for my son. Of all the makes, models, mileages, prices, etc. you don't give up until you find the right one. There were moments where we almost settled for less, but a true seeker's heart will be paired with wisdom and discernment. Those are the things Holy Spirit uses to confirm to you that you've found what you're looking for. </p><p></p><div>I've "found" a lot of treasure to start off the week! It began Monday morning as I was driving to work. I was feeling extra tired and weary; definitely not ready for a new week. I was praying and lamenting about how I was feeling; asking God, as always, for his provision, healing, and refreshment. I also wanted to know that I was seen and that things were going to be ok regarding Chris securing a new job this week. This is a whole separate story, but basically, I've been feeling that this week was going to be the end of our 40 days in the wilderness (July 8th was when he was let go, so that makes today, August 16th, the last day). I had recently read in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A1-15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 4:1-15</a> about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and was struck by how it started and ended - FULL! Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit, and was LED by the Spirit into the wilderness. He was fasting; He ate nothing. HOW did he withstand 40 days of temptation? It was that FULLNESS of the Spirit that sustained Him. He had 40 days worth of attacks from Satan, but He overcame it! After those 40 days were over, He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit; teaching and healing people. </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't been able to stop thinking about this. You'd think I'd already be content and super excited for the upcoming breakthrough/shift that is on the horizon after everything I've been reading, praying, and fasting through. However, I wanted and needed more confirmation and revelation. Jeremy Avila actually kicked that off a few days ago at Friday Worship Night with "You gotta getta word!" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fridayworshipnights/videos/591082762384360" target="_blank">Watch this one</a>! It also includes an amazing word from Roxy where she mentioned Abraham's "yes" to God. If you need a word from the Lord, GET ONE! He'll give it to you if you seek and ask for it! Seriously, go watch that; it'll help you get started (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/scripture-engagement/" target="_blank">check this out too for more ideas;</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrX-PXo06chS-BwObwQXD2MtPpeahJTka" target="_blank">this series is also great about explaining how to see and experience God more</a>). I didn't even know at the time how much it would factor in with what God would show me!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6ExeQEY0Z1bdADTro542YWYfv9XADZdNW9f9xXv-0D6uLsnGqdlXU8dKpuz-jvcEjNWRl9EsN2eTkkV1IsTAejT5LhnELtirOwvIBS-eOyoOn1vVJm4IHFpHmphPBedPksVIAIanBEPrqimIBMHvRqeAEELtsWCvYbEiDHAirB4sMBr7UyupzpDIQ/s940/Finding%20Answers%20-%20Facebook%20Post%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6ExeQEY0Z1bdADTro542YWYfv9XADZdNW9f9xXv-0D6uLsnGqdlXU8dKpuz-jvcEjNWRl9EsN2eTkkV1IsTAejT5LhnELtirOwvIBS-eOyoOn1vVJm4IHFpHmphPBedPksVIAIanBEPrqimIBMHvRqeAEELtsWCvYbEiDHAirB4sMBr7UyupzpDIQ/s320/Finding%20Answers%20-%20Facebook%20Post%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div>Over this past weekend, God was busy bringing the pieces together before I even fully asked for it (it's so cool how He does that; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A22-34&version=NIV" target="_blank">He really does know what we need before we even ask</a>...which was something I read in my Bible plan today too!). Saturday night, he even woke me up from a nap with Hebrews 11:1 in my head. </div><div><span class="text Heb-11-1"><p>Naturally, awakening to a verse echoing in my mind prompted me to read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 11</a> in its entirety. It's a faith builder full of testimonies of so many in the Bible who walked by faith. Some didn't even see the full promise in their lifetime, but "welcomed it from a distance." The last verses say that together with US, they would be made perfect. </p><p>The full impact of Hebrews 11 didn't come until I listened to Dutch Sheets' "Give Him 15" post. I thought I was listening to Monday's post, but I was actually listening to Friday's post that I had missed but intended to listen to later. In it, he was talking about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBFsNdGtlKs" target="_blank">God's timing and about....Abraham</a>. I was awestruck and blessed, and then I heard "see you on Monday" and realized that I had listened to Friday's (and like I mentioned earlier, Abraham was mentioned at our Friday Worship Night). I couldn't wait to listen to Monday's post, but it would have to wait for my drive home.</p><p>In the meantime, I was also exploring two numbers that had popped up on Sunday. One was a total of $15.15 and the other $80 even. Neither one seemed like coincidences. When searching the Bible app, I found the treasure I was looking for in Proverbs 15:15 and Luke 1:80 : </p><p><span class="text Prov-15-15" id="en-NIV-16823"></span></p><blockquote><p><span class="text Prov-15-15" id="en-NIV-16823">All the days of the oppressed are wretched,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-15">but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.</span></span></p><p><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-15-15"><span class="text Luke-1-80" id="en-NIV-24974">And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.</span></span></span></p></blockquote></span></div><div></div><p>Once again, MORE treasure! Bible Hub has some insightful <a href="https://www.biblehub.com/proverbs/15-15.htm" target="_blank">commentary notes on Proverbs 15:15</a>. It explained how the oppressed/afflicted is a mental state. A cheerful heart and good attitude fuels a person and they can draw upon it and feast upon it. Likewise, someone that lives off of a bad mindset will feast off it and wallow in self-pity. It paired nicely with what I was seeking about the wilderness. Like Jesus, John the Baptist experienced growth, transformation, and power in the wilderness. When they both appeared and started their public ministries, they were FULL of the power of the Spirit. They had been feasting on and drawing their sustenance from the Spirit throughout their time in the wilderness. By contrast, the Israelites did the opposite when they were in the wilderness for 40 years. They had an oppressed and anxious mentality. Their mentality left them powerless instead of powerful. They feasted on negativity and scarcity; hoarding manna and quail to feed their flesh instead of feasting on the Spirit of God. I don't know about you, but I want my time in the wilderness to look less like theirs and more like Jesus and John's. I want to emerge victorious, transformed, refined, and empowered! </p><p>To put the icing on the cake, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR8pKeAd3ZA" target="_blank">Dutch's Monday post was about.....Hebrews 11.</a> You can't make this stuff up lol! In it, he talked about agreeing with our brethren in prayer and the synergy of the ages (not just present prayers, but the prayers prayed by those that proceeded us). He describes those last two verses about being made perfect together like this: </p><div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 roLFQS _1FoOD _3M0Fe Z63qyL roLFQS public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-dmr7m" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span></span></span></p></div><blockquote><div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 roLFQS _1FoOD _3M0Fe Z63qyL roLFQS public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-dmr7m" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span>The last two verses of Hebrews 11 give us the amazing answer; they did not receive the fulfillment of their promises because <em>God wouldn’t allow them to be “complete” without us</em>. That is incredible! We, today, are a continuation of these individuals’ callings and assignments. The Greek word translated “complete” also means “to finish; to mature; to reach the intended goal.” Think about the ramifications of this: without us, God can’t <em>finish</em> what He began through those saints; what He started through them cannot <em>mature</em> or <em>reach its intended goal </em>until we grab the baton and run our leg of the race. That is mind-blowing!</span></span></p><div data-hook="rcv-block26" type="empty-line"></div><p class="mm8Nw _1j-51 roLFQS _1FoOD _3M0Fe Z63qyL roLFQS public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 fixed-tab-size public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" id="viewer-19er0" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span>God gave these individuals promises, but He often didn’t give them timelines. He did not tell them He would bring the fulfillment into their lifetimes, although I’m sure most of them expected Him to do so. The eternal God, who transcends time, speaks promises that are sometimes more reflective of His nature and relationship with time than ours. At times, He makes promises to people, knowing full well He will deliver on those promises through their children, grandchildren, or spiritual descendants. I wonder what I may be finishing for some pastor or teacher from a few decades ago? Or perhaps for even some flag-waving patriot warrior?</span></span></p></div><div></div></blockquote><div>I went to Monday night prayer room feeling very "full". I wanted to "getta word" and He more than gave it to me! I entered the wilderness full, led by the Spirit for my/our own good, and I/we are going to leave it FULL; better than when we went in! I definitely feel like I/we will be leaving the wilderness this week and entering into a new season (or ministry?!) FULL of POWER! </div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't help but share Hebrews 11 at prayer room through grateful tears. I also shared about how much the prayers of my grandmothers meant to me. I was told that my Great-Grandma Zerkel would often fall asleep praying for her family members. She would try to get through everyone's names, but sometimes didn't make it. I think about what she might have prayed for all of us and that she would go to sleep with our names and prayers on her lips. Maybe it was something as simple as blessing and keeping us. She always used to write that in birthday cards: "May the Lord bless you and keep you." Keep me? Am I going somewhere? What does that even mean? I never understood it. I didn't appreciate it until recent years when I thought about what that meant as she stuck that birthday wish and a crisp $1 bill in the card. She was a widow for most of her life. She didn't have much, but she loved and thought of us. That dollar bill, and those nighttime prayers, were priceless widow's mites. If a dollar was all she had, she'd at least make sure it was brand new. And those prayers? Still being answered today. He has blessed and "kept" me. I cannot be snatched from His hand (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A27-30%2C+Romans+8%3A38-39&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 10:27-30, Romans 8:38-39</a>).</div><div> </div><div>Faith. Transformation. Prayers. POWER! The fullness and sustaining power of Holy Spirit is what gets us through our wilderness seasons. He leads us there to refine and prepare us for what comes after it. I'm ready to "getta word" for what's next as I leave the wilderness in the rear-view mirror!</div><div><br /></div><div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you need need answers in your life, SEEK THE LORD....with ALL your heart! Go on that mission and don't stop until you've completed it and gotten what you came for! Don't waste time grumbling in the wilderness. Draw off the fullness of the Spirit and let it fuel and sustain you! Fast. Pray. Seek. You'll be transformed, renewed, and prepared for the purposes for which He's working all of this out for good (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>). You'll emerge powerful and victorious; ready to advance His Kingdom in new ways! The faith and prayers prayed throughout the ages will continue on as we pass the torch to the next generation. May He "bless and keep" us all as we give what we have of ourselves to Him! We're creating a continued legacy; or choosing a new one if it wasn't passed down to us (just look at Rahab who was mentioned in that hall of faith!). God bless and keep you all! <br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-65416154306530440802022-07-07T16:15:00.000-04:002022-07-07T16:15:03.750-04:0040 & Fabulous!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2mvU7ug7HujCe8yUIeJ6okd48jaZ14y7WoWsS-3oewYknzsdfkA6-izhtwiRZYKw2U6PmHyGUFlHK6AldTiQaiKoNP-Xod0njBTsQkRHHkC_mCDWrIAAEJvuSNW31Ku18K4beeStgb7zS-IrQY9sW5oGcMGfK07dOey0_NqnXY1NoDSNCUgapg1EZg/s1080/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2mvU7ug7HujCe8yUIeJ6okd48jaZ14y7WoWsS-3oewYknzsdfkA6-izhtwiRZYKw2U6PmHyGUFlHK6AldTiQaiKoNP-Xod0njBTsQkRHHkC_mCDWrIAAEJvuSNW31Ku18K4beeStgb7zS-IrQY9sW5oGcMGfK07dOey0_NqnXY1NoDSNCUgapg1EZg/w320-h320/1.png" width="320" /></a>Forty is a big number; and an important one. It's a Biblical number; <a href="https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/40.html" target="_blank">showing up 146 times in scripture.</a> Think about some of the most notable mentions of it. The world was flooded for 40 days and nights (and we remember that time every time we see GOD'S RAINBOW of His promise and faithfulness to us). There's also the wandering in the wilderness of the Israelites. Jesus' days of temptation also come to mind. "The number 40 generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation...the number forty can also represent a generation of man." </p><div>Maybe that's why people say, "life begins at 40." I definitely feel this to be true for me as I reflect back on four decades of life. I've grown; and not just in height or girth lol. I've grown where it counts; in faith and love. I have definitely had storms, desert wanderings, and many temptations and failures. But, I've also experienced God's great redemption and favor as He continues to show Himself faithful even when I haven't been. His promises are always true; and I'm so thankful for that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul said it best in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A11-13&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:11-13</a>: </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</blockquote></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihJ0Q46l0x-vADO8SHL4t09oBuqTIKhUMwY_-ZMiN4gX57HAFjFsXuOWfSkzefIChnoEODWKAojfSCVUTesuwY6ep1AF2PQdEnweTf-jrn0kA9XPW1n3LDDBONutgM1_D_kDiHkjKtUAoYaYRiSvNIzN9KmDc_O_Qj7ofkLCHRw7zfc-7whLSMRUEVA/s1080/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihJ0Q46l0x-vADO8SHL4t09oBuqTIKhUMwY_-ZMiN4gX57HAFjFsXuOWfSkzefIChnoEODWKAojfSCVUTesuwY6ep1AF2PQdEnweTf-jrn0kA9XPW1n3LDDBONutgM1_D_kDiHkjKtUAoYaYRiSvNIzN9KmDc_O_Qj7ofkLCHRw7zfc-7whLSMRUEVA/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div>My mind and heart has matured; and will continue to do so for the rest of my days. I don't want to think or behave in the frequent foolish ways of a child, but I do want to have the pure heart and faith of a child like Jesus mentions (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A3%2C+Mark+10%3A15%2C+Luke+18%3A17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17</a>). I want discernment, discipline, and humility to be continually cultivated in me; and without losing the joy, wonder, fun, and creativity that are those good childlike things that we should hang onto. I want to learn from the past reflections, and look prophetically forward to what I can't see (but can see "in part"). In fact, there are probably nuggets from my past that still aren't "fully known" yet either! But, there will come a day (ultimately in heaven) where everything is clear and "fully known". It's the three things (faith, hope, and love) that "remain" with us throughout this earthly life that give us a picture of what we will "fully know" in eternal life. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHb0F50du1ZSaJB1ZeN0UtYoiyky1oMhTB4NFo3uT8rQ6p0jG-wN0STLGRzcpar3lFv9hrE_KYyvmuQRhsldAKCEZBaXsiCNiX-9QX7RgSQ472m_cSvdGaIA6FxCqfiDXghOhQZ6tfQ4IhjrLzabj9j7813AngyOSNzn8rwT-i46E70c6bp5Wt1mrug/s1080/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHb0F50du1ZSaJB1ZeN0UtYoiyky1oMhTB4NFo3uT8rQ6p0jG-wN0STLGRzcpar3lFv9hrE_KYyvmuQRhsldAKCEZBaXsiCNiX-9QX7RgSQ472m_cSvdGaIA6FxCqfiDXghOhQZ6tfQ4IhjrLzabj9j7813AngyOSNzn8rwT-i46E70c6bp5Wt1mrug/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>The pictures you are beholding now are a few snapshots of the past; as well as my Rainbow Brite birthday dress of today and my special makeup/accessories lol. That's right, I have no shame. I am unapologetically "extra"....and it's FUN! I have always loved rainbows (and obviously Rainbow Brite). I have also always liked unicorns, Strawberry Shortcake, and all things princess, sparkly, etc. At different stages of life, I've lost my own "sparkle", but have always been restored through Christ. Just like the time <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iKPz2doHM" target="_blank">Rainbow Brite had to restore colors that were destroyed by the Monstromurk</a>, God has brought back all the hues of beauty back to my life every time the enemy has tried to crumble my world and turn everything to gray and ash. As goofy as 80's cartoons can be (though STILL superior to the junk or remakes/makeovers of her and other favorite 80's characters), I can always see the spiritual truth at the heart of it. Is life always sunshine, rainbows, and sparkles? No. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world; but assured us of the GOOD NEWS that HE has overcome it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016%3A33&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 16:33</a>). We live in a fallen world because of sin, but that brokenness is NOT our final condition! We can STILL have sunshine, sparkles, and rainbows (and spread all that around!) if we CHOOSE to; if we CHOSE HIM and abide in Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 15:5</a>)! He who believes HAS eternal life (both NOW and LATER as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a> says). THAT'S why I "smile all the time". That's why people call me "sunshine", "mermaid", "smiley", etc. I have that joy NOW, in part, and will have it FULLY in eternity! I'm excited for that day when all things will be permanently bright and beautiful. No more sin. No more death. No more crumbling world, pain, or darkness. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPKyTY71iRM" target="_blank">There will be a day</a>; and it's coming....SOON!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D80Oq4vgnzV8Av_o7A2M5FsjiJRnVPySa97p9IzO0v4ekjpLQggWj3kGANSQJZB7pwCkIiE1-fyMhfEGn3T1aEbNvu7ycNuEcq_B8rwaM7ONTn5yvFug-mVfgMXqAyyoP6ja2oovDu7cu8nDY9Jdayrdn19gYDNd4g9lG0mIPhi0OuseE3HaNHfBSg/s1080/Birthday%20Donations%20-%20Social%20Media.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D80Oq4vgnzV8Av_o7A2M5FsjiJRnVPySa97p9IzO0v4ekjpLQggWj3kGANSQJZB7pwCkIiE1-fyMhfEGn3T1aEbNvu7ycNuEcq_B8rwaM7ONTn5yvFug-mVfgMXqAyyoP6ja2oovDu7cu8nDY9Jdayrdn19gYDNd4g9lG0mIPhi0OuseE3HaNHfBSg/s320/Birthday%20Donations%20-%20Social%20Media.png" width="320" /></a></div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! Birthday or no birthday, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQymI9M5JE" target="_blank">this is a month of turning points, breakthrough, and celebration</a>! I am excited for all God has, is, and will continue to do! Pray, fast, and persevere! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lana.vawser.1/posts/pfbid02bw3Ldtzro1Smonj7Rg1RVkm2xVPmrYET6jDPtUXHf1vaJhjdBsMEezfknjzd6z9ql" target="_blank">It's time for the Deborahs to arise</a> (she served 40 years as a judge, by the way). It's the "until" moment. Insert your name in her words, "Until I, Melissa, arose!" RISE UP, for such a time as this! Take your place! I definitely feel like I'm rising up in my destiny more and more as the final days draw near! Praise God! Amen! </div><div><br /></div><div>*SIDE NOTE* I'm collecting 40 items (at least!) for The Salvation Army food & diaper pantry for my birthday this month! See list below for most needed items. Or, if you would like to donate to the "mermaid hair fund" (<a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/crazy-haired-jesus-freak.html" target="_blank">so I can continue being a "blue beacon" for others and connect/minister/pray with them</a>) you can Cash App $MKCunning and make a note of it. If you don't live in the area and can't bring physical items, you can also make note of it and do a Cash App donation and I'll buy the items and donate them. Thank you in advance for investing in God's Kingdom!</div><br /><b><u>List</u></b><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Diapers (Size 7 ONLY; this is a highly requested size that we rarely get....and my birthday is 7/7, so it fits lol).</li><li>Baby Wipes</li><li>Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, Bar Soap, Hand Soap, Deodorant, Razors, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Feminie Hygiene</li><li>Laundry & Cleaning Products: Detergent, Fabric Softener, Dryer Sheets, Cleaning Sprays</li><li>Breakfast Foods: Cereal, Oatmeal, Pancake Mix, & Syrup</li><li>Pasta: Noodles, Ramen, Mac & Cheese, Chef Boyardee, Pasta Sauce</li><li>Baking Items & Mixes: Flour, Sugar, Oil, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Frosting, etc.</li><li>Beverages: Coffee, Tea, Juice</li><li>Canned Meats: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Tuna</li><li>Misc.: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Soup, Condiments, Snack Foods</li></ul></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-49606903932250087382022-05-27T15:11:00.002-04:002022-05-27T15:11:29.734-04:00"Go and make great things happen!" <p>When I heard that Mr. Tatman passed away I was sad. Then, I read <a href="https://www.zwickjahn.com/obituary/stephen-tatman?lud=68A5BB3DDCDE0138EE48F90FD949315C" target="_blank">his obituary</a> and couldn't help but laugh out loud when I read, "Per Stephen’s wishes, there will be no services." I heard him saying that last part of the sentence in my mind as only he would say it (anyone that knew him probably understands what I mean). It makes perfect sense to me why he wouldn't want any services; he was modest, humble, and not usually sentimental (though, <a href="https://www.zwickjahn.com/guestbook/stephen-tatman" target="_blank">the guest book entries</a> definitely show some of his softer side underneath the "tough coach/teacher" exterior). I know he probably wouldn't want anyone eulogizing him, but his impact was far too great not to. I'm sorry, Mr. Tatman. You'll just have to shake your head, and throw down an "F" from heaven in disapproval. I'll "pick that gauntlet up" (as you used to say) and write my best anyways. I am going to "give credit where credit is due"; which is another thing that you always said and emphasized frequently. Yes, I know that "less is more", but Mrs. Cook overrode you in that department because she taught me to write in detail. </p><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">I first knew Mr. Tatman as the Dad of my newfound friend. Kate and I hit it off right away when they moved to Berne. When I would go to her house, I was told (and learned very quickly) to keep the noise level down and NEVER bother him; especially when he was watching the sci-fi channel. He had a presence that was initially intimidating, but that you couldn't help respecting. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I also learned that he was very smart and incredibly funny. His humor is the kind where you don't always know if it's safe to laugh because he seldom cracked a smile in his delivery of the joke. You second guess yourself and wonder if he was really intending to be funny. A memory of this that stands out is when I was having dinner at their house. I'll never forget sitting around the table as a 4th grader; trying to fill the silence and make small talk with a man who was a mystery and larger than life. He was scary and fascinating to me. I asked him what he taught. Without even really looking at me, he abruptly and quickly rattled off something like "literature....Shakespeare.." I told him I would like his class. Once again, without looking at me, he promptly said, "you wouldn't like my class." I was rattled and couldn't think of anything else to say. I was stunned into silence (and a part of me was also stifling laughter at the way he said it). I also wanted to insist that I really WOULD like his class, but the rest of me was screaming "don't you dare try to argue with this guy!" So, I let it be. Yet, in my mind, I already knew that whether he meant that as a joke or not, I was going to prove him wrong. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Fast forward to 10th grade English. I always hoped to impress him, but it seemed like it took a lot to really "wow" him; and underclassmen typically didn't do it for him. In fact, I once again made the error of thinking I could make small talk. I had casually asked once, "So, are you looking forward to the Christmas break?" Not looking up, he continued to straighten the pile of papers he was going through and said, "I look forward to nothing. Every day is equal." My sophomoric brain was just as dumbfounded as my 4th grade brain had been. He was simple but so complex at the same time; just like the sentences he taught us to diagram. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">One of my proudest accomplishments of that class is the fact that I got an "A" on my figurative language assignment for "A Tale of Two Cities". He had said that it would be impossible to get a good grade if we waited until the night before to do it (which I did). I had no affection or appreciation for that book at the time; much like he described his disdain for "Canterbury Tales" when he was in grade school. He had explained that he refused to read it and relied on what was actually explained and taught in class so he wouldn't have to read it. I realized that he was telling us the same thing and that all I had to do was pay attention to his lectures and the oral chapter assignments from everyone else. To this day, I still haven't read much beyond the chapter assigned to me ("Knitting") and the opening line of, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." The movie, and content of the class, was more than enough to help me get a good grade and I truly enjoyed his class. It didn't hurt that I understood and used figurative language all the time, so the assignment wasn't as hard for me as it likely was for other procrastinators. My love for Shakespeare also grew. We read through "The Tragic History of Julius Caesar" and "Hamlet". To this day, I still love Shakespeare, and I hope to eventually read EVERYTHING he's written.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I hung on every word, story, saying, and funny thing that he said (I think I still have my English and Speech folder stored away somewhere because everything he taught was so valuable to me). I especially felt this way when I took Speech class; which was the result of a last minute modification to my schedule when I abruptly dropped choir (don't ask lol). It seemed to be an unplanned and accidental thing. However, as Mr. Tatman always said, "there are no accidents." </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">It was DEFINITELY no accident that I ended up taking Speech. I was meant to take that class and I absolutely LOVED it! It's my favorite class of all time for so many reasons. I relished every piece of advice and criticism that he gave me. He made me want to be my best self; and still does. In fact, the following phrases of his are things that I tell myself, and others, quite often: </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">"Always know your mark."</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">"Know your audience." </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">"Everything is done on purpose for a purpose. There are no accidents." </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">"Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes permanent. PERFECT practice makes perfect. You practice how you perform and you perform the way you practice." </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">These pieces of advice have served me well in life. It's not just good advice for stage or athletic performance. This applies to EVERYTHING! You need to know what you're doing and who you're doing it for! Know your audience and hit your mark on and off the stage. Be intentional, purposeful, and fruitful. If you want your words/art to be understood, you have to understand the ones you're communicating your message to! This includes everyday interactions with people; and especially in your most meaningful relationships. If you don't communicate in a way, and at a level your listener can understand, they will NOT receive and perceive the message you're communicating in the way that you intend. Always make every effort to be clear in what you're saying. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaJ6p9RvMrwSyAx-lXYEroXyCd3AIoMY9qvP4MUBw7TGv-xX2fQLhIZGAZGRSwGqVsljfgoMMsFHwlFibVsmiG-DX_93MZphkUpwZ8PJUEEQuFyi_4f25Te6XNaHL74tfBw4N7EcUyAwnleu0NrpRsF1Gc4-mIVLTb4mT4682ApBE7iz02MIfWG3elw/s2186/Tatman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="2186" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaJ6p9RvMrwSyAx-lXYEroXyCd3AIoMY9qvP4MUBw7TGv-xX2fQLhIZGAZGRSwGqVsljfgoMMsFHwlFibVsmiG-DX_93MZphkUpwZ8PJUEEQuFyi_4f25Te6XNaHL74tfBw4N7EcUyAwnleu0NrpRsF1Gc4-mIVLTb4mT4682ApBE7iz02MIfWG3elw/s320/Tatman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There is so much more I could say. I have so many fond memories of every funny moment and nugget of wisdom I mined from him. However, I know I have gone on long enough and I'll end with one last thing; the thing that marked me for life. It happened when I was gathering signatures for my Senior Memories book. His signature/advice was one that I absolutely had to have. I had no idea what he thought of me; or if he took me seriously whenever I told him how much he had impacted me (I think that was one of the few times I made him smile/laugh lol). However, I made one last daring attempt to approach "the reaper" (as he often called himself). I asked him if I could take a photo of him for my book, and the following picture is what I got lol. Secondly, I asked him if he would sign it....and he actually did! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpXIyyo5uVHFhHaEFgNRmkJsqLNsgoeBHVMbj6Fw1e6UGpA4BJTxTr8BcGWTMvmlyTmhDdVBCKuTSMtn40QmP69CdyyOZo9-aupWbysojFHfC_YrFfCOXKrwwqKFyhNKipRvQyYt40_XvVVwEdn_zaOuvc_dFJ6R9NWmqzAxtjBUFR-34hWDLgGtqlA/s4032/Go.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpXIyyo5uVHFhHaEFgNRmkJsqLNsgoeBHVMbj6Fw1e6UGpA4BJTxTr8BcGWTMvmlyTmhDdVBCKuTSMtn40QmP69CdyyOZo9-aupWbysojFHfC_YrFfCOXKrwwqKFyhNKipRvQyYt40_XvVVwEdn_zaOuvc_dFJ6R9NWmqzAxtjBUFR-34hWDLgGtqlA/s320/Go.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I've always been grateful for these words and have heard them in my head (and in his voice) over and over again throughout the years. It's impacted me so strongly! First of all, it's because he addressed me by my first name (he always called everyone by their last name). Secondly, his encouragement and affirmation inspired and fueled me to want to make him proud and to live up to my God-given potential and destiny. I told him I was going to dedicate my first book to him and the rest of my English teachers. He laughed and said I didn't have to do that. Again, I wasn't sure if this was because of his modesty or if he really didn't believe that he had impacted me that much and didn't want any credit (especially if he thought I was a poor result of all his hard work as a teacher). My doubts faded away for the most part, because I'd like to think that his words reflected something he saw in me. After all, he never said anything he didn't mean. He was always sincere. Maybe that's why he started out by telling me to believe in myself after calling me by name. He knew I needed to be reminded to have confidence in how God designed and gifted me. He then affirmed my worth and value as a person; saying that I was important and that what I brought to the world meant something. Then, he sealed it with the commission of "go make great things happen!" He even said it out loud because I sheepishly asked what the last part said. I had initially thought maybe it said "God" because the "&" looked like a "d" to me, so that's why I dared to ask. It still would have made sense if there had been a coma after "God" or an "s" after "make." "God, make great things happen!" "God makes great things happen!" The first is a prayer, the next is an answer and declaration to that prayer. I say "yes" and "amen" to both!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly hope my life thus far has been a fulfillment of the prophetic words that Mr. Tatman spoke over me. I've grown in my identity in Christ and have been doing my best to live on purpose with a purpose; for that audience of "one" that is Christ Jesus. I know my mark, and I get up each day hoping to hit it. When I miss the mark, He covers me with grace and forgives me; showing me a better way to practice my faith so that my imperfect practice doesn't become permanent. I continue to grow, transform, and ask questions; because none of us are "aces" (as he used to say when no one dared to ask a question). We should never stop learning and growing; taking in as much information as we can before trying to discern or toss anything aside. "You can't afford to discriminate," he would say. It's true. As the Bible says, we must be quick to listen and slow to speak (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A19&version=NLT" target="_blank">James 1:19</a>). Being a good audience is just as important as communicating to one. Communication is a "two way street."</div><div><br /></div><div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! May we all live out <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A18%2D20&version=NLT" target="_blank">our greatest commission which comes from Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)</a>. If we are going to "go out into all the world" and "make great things happen" for His name, we have to be a good disciple before we can make more! May we all be good students, disciples, and sowers so that we can <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A9%2C+James+3%3A18&version=NLT" target="_blank">reap a harvest of good things (Galatians 6:9, James 3:18)</a>; just like "the reaper" is reaping in heaven right now for all he's sown (he's getting his own A+ from the ultimate teacher). Remember that Jesus has chosen you (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A16&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 15:16</a>). You are NO ACCIDENT (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+10%3A11%2C+Psalm+139%3A13-14%2C+Jeremiah+1%3A5&version=NLT" target="_blank">Job 10:11, Psalm 139:13-14, Jeremiah 1:5</a>)! He has redeemed you and called you by name: You are His (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A1-2&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:1-2</a>)! He is proud of you! You're His masterpiece and He has commissioned you to do good works and not bury your talents in the sand (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10%2C+Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 25:14-30</a>). "Go and make great things happen" for the Kingdom! God bless you!</div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-55758818906449147252022-05-04T10:57:00.000-04:002022-05-04T10:57:05.382-04:00Releasing Worry & Trusting God: Whatevers!<p>In my previous two posts, I've talked about releasing worry and trusting God. The first post was centered on faith; remembering "<a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2022/03/releasing-worry-trusting-god-manna.html" target="_blank">manna moments</a>" from the Bible, and from every day life, which help us stand firm. Knowing who God is, what His Word says, and reflecting on His faithfulness is the foundation for maintaining and building even more faith to anchor us (especially in the hard times). Though, even with faith, there are still intense emotions that we experience in the midst of it. Faith doesn't mean we can't feel. Powerful emotions often rise up. When they do, we can <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2022/04/releasing-worry-trusting-god-leaning-in.html" target="_blank">lean into them</a> in a healthy way to learn from and process those emotions. As we do so, we release them to God and find His comfort and healing.</p><div></div><div>In my life, I've worked to overcome my "all or nothing" mentality and strive for balance. I've realized that sometimes I stand so firm on faith that I try to stifle and suppress all emotions. Other times, I spend too much time leaning into my emotions that I get stuck in them and spiral out of control into a very depressed state. Both extremes battle brokenness from a different angle. Neither extreme is good for us, and it can be challenging to find that healthy balance. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZxht-lw_H_XW5n9kXpHExmhu16Qbr248IkzQt3ReYDbLBy4mPLcvmwPtp499L_gM5ndGVE4_AK1tCkOEYhTT0J9YojMgT7-1gf3KVA4nU0UxhRfcMr5LzLQtCiGxC_1NcazyjiHT6K2UoT7ggnbBAvq4Y-ZdIBwe0Mo65vw_g1--SOiRE7FiY1Yidw/s1080/Whatevers.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZxht-lw_H_XW5n9kXpHExmhu16Qbr248IkzQt3ReYDbLBy4mPLcvmwPtp499L_gM5ndGVE4_AK1tCkOEYhTT0J9YojMgT7-1gf3KVA4nU0UxhRfcMr5LzLQtCiGxC_1NcazyjiHT6K2UoT7ggnbBAvq4Y-ZdIBwe0Mo65vw_g1--SOiRE7FiY1Yidw/s320/Whatevers.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I sometimes reach the point where I completely burnout and breakdown. I feel completely broken and non-functional; and I struggle to snap out of it. Then, I feel guilty for falling into a dark depressing hole of self-pity; which just piles up on top of everything else that I feel bad about. I tell myself to get a grip, but I've already blown past all the "checkpoints" that I've previously set up for myself. I'm no longer interested in praying, talking to a friend, or encouraging/willing myself to function or think/do positive things. I feel numb, apathetic, and dangerously close to the edge. I've reached "whatever" mode; where I'm like, "It's whatever. I don't care anymore." </div><div><br /></div><div>This is why I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit. I seriously have no idea how I would ever see the light at the end of the tunnel if I didn't have the Holy Spirit to give my whiny depressed flesh a pep talk. When I reach "whatever mode", that's when I start hearing this in my mind: </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:6-8</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you see that? THOSE are the right kind of "whatevers". If I'm going to be in "whatever" mode, that's the good kind of "whatever" to dwell on. However, when I'm just too deep in that hole, I sometimes stay stuck longer than I should and neglect that first part of praying and giving thanks (which is very crucial!). Instead of being transformed by the renewing of my mind (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>), I end up being like the paralytic <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+5%3A1-15&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 5:1-15</a>. Jesus is asking me, "Do you WANT to get well?" and all I have are excuses. That self-pity trap. It's awful! Yet, He STILL has mercy on me and tells me to get up and walk! Get UP and WALK! Sometimes, that's all I can do for a while. I get up and walk; taking one step in front of the other even if I don't feel like it. Then, He meets me in my every day walk and shakes things up! **PSST! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz1iRaxOy50" target="_blank">Be sure to watch this episode of "The Chosen" where they bring this story to life.</a> I cry every time for so many reasons!**<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgQF2B3e7E3MnysBeMMcPbWhpHlZ0o6gNP8s-8HXnI_xUxNPV4aTuUTPPd6GyVVbq_jLt572alOAukFP6kiDxAeWV08vS76wUGaCEtTEylizRnlx8MhvLK3MtCiSbngdUZcbfSOUh_d9ZbXo2-CGiVuysiavttygPBKcdYbshDPnJ882ZCuYx4oa3bQ/s1080/Whatevers%202.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgQF2B3e7E3MnysBeMMcPbWhpHlZ0o6gNP8s-8HXnI_xUxNPV4aTuUTPPd6GyVVbq_jLt572alOAukFP6kiDxAeWV08vS76wUGaCEtTEylizRnlx8MhvLK3MtCiSbngdUZcbfSOUh_d9ZbXo2-CGiVuysiavttygPBKcdYbshDPnJ882ZCuYx4oa3bQ/s320/Whatevers%202.png" width="320" /></a></div>I had been trying to run through my list of "whatevers"; thinking on my "happy thoughts" and "manna moments" so I could start seeing the light again. I wasn't making as much effort as I could have, but I was still getting up and walking. I went to Sunday morning service and that's where Jesus gave me a boost of "whatever". It started when my son, Casey, commented on the coat that I was wearing. It was a coat that belonged to my grandmother and had her initials embroidered on it. He said it must have been a prized possession and that it was nice that I was honoring her. He made it sound a lot grander than what it was. I honestly don't know how much she valued the jacket, but it does have a lot of special meaning to me for many different reasons. So, when he said that, it felt like a warm ray of sunshine. His love and compassion is like a hug from Jesus Himself. Grandma always loved me that way too. When His love shines through people in that "whatever is pure" way, it lets a lot of light in. It brightens you up. And things only got brighter from there! We happened to sing "How Great Thou Art" and that both broke me and lifted me in the best way! I started writing it all out in my journal during worship. He downloaded so much into my heart; including several other songs that I added to my HeartSpeak playlist for this new month. I closed my eyes and I could remember my Grandma. I could see and hear her singing that hymn in church as I stood beside her. I thought about the legacy of faith in my family and how Casey is speaking Christ's love as she did; and he's speaking it because I taught him the language (the language I've learned through what's been passed down in my family). </div><div> </div><div>As broken and messed up as my life has been, I started thinking about all these gleams of life and light shining through. The mosaic of a stained glass window is beautiful, and when the light shines on the many pieces, it's even more glorious! In that moment, God was showing me that this is my story. No matter how bad or broken my past or present seems, He makes the broken things beautiful. Two verses came to mind. First, Colossians 1:17 which says that in Him, all things hold together. Then, John 1:5 which says "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." I felt held together; even with all my broken pieces. I felt illuminated and that I could finally turn my eyes towards the light and see. I didn't want to sit in the darkness and look away anymore. I wanted to be "well." I wanted to allow His light to shine in my darkness and swallow me up instead. The darkness can never overcome light. Light always overcomes darkness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the past couple days at church and prayer meeting, I've been inviting His light to keep shinning on me and in me. I've been going through my "whatevers"; my pre-made list of "happy thoughts" and memories that keep me anchored to truth and reminds me of all the warm sunshine that has (and continues) to light up my life. I will think about "such things". I will be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I will get up and walk because I WANT to be well. I'll be like King David in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+12%3A20&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Samuel 12:20</a>. I'll grieve, but then I'll get up and move on. Like him, I'll take a shower, get dressed, and go worship the Lord. I'll even encourage myself, as he did in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2030:5-7&version=AMP" target="_blank">1 Samuel 30:6</a>, when I feel distressed. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). "Whatever" may come, I know that I can "whatever" myself for good or for bad, but it's the good "whatevers" that I want taking up space in my mind. I will think on such things; and such things will renew my mind, build my faith, and give me life!</div><div> </div><div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! I encourage you to make your own list of "whatevers". What things/memories are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? What lights you up and always makes you smile? Make a list of them and put it in your pocket for a rainy day when you need sunshine. Get creative and make a memory board, collage, scrapbook, slideshow, etc. Showcase your "whatevers" so that you can access that burst of light and joy when you need it. Cherish the moments where God's love touched your heart through the hug, smile, or act of kindness from another. Think on such things. God bless you!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-56597702149212705522022-04-19T22:47:00.000-04:002022-04-19T22:47:07.656-04:00Releasing Worry & Trusting God: Leaning In<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr85dzTSIW4II5E-ZqewtKY_X0_Z3wyjb87sCr5HnzyGNyXNtfhv8Dvw6WOhzIev7gAO1mRO_hF4oGI2EjWkq7K6dzLbQgUeHYuaz9EP846E0G_jTGMeDCX8_q1FWxsuiDlMLN9J8tXIOSXsX-KkU-5mZtzl6hx0yxIcrnDxceed-4ZiNZvzRkj0Y2A/s1080/Leaning%20In%20-%20Social%20Media.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr85dzTSIW4II5E-ZqewtKY_X0_Z3wyjb87sCr5HnzyGNyXNtfhv8Dvw6WOhzIev7gAO1mRO_hF4oGI2EjWkq7K6dzLbQgUeHYuaz9EP846E0G_jTGMeDCX8_q1FWxsuiDlMLN9J8tXIOSXsX-KkU-5mZtzl6hx0yxIcrnDxceed-4ZiNZvzRkj0Y2A/s320/Leaning%20In%20-%20Social%20Media.png" width="320" /></a></div>Last month, when I posted "<a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2022/03/releasing-worry-trusting-god-manna.html" target="_blank">Releasing Worry & Trusting God: Manna Moments</a>", I had no idea how much I was going to need it for myself! I have revisited it a few times; and not just because I was planning on making a "part two" post. My intent was to go deeper by exploring how to have faith when things are REALLY hard and not looking like it's going to work out the way we think. Trouble and conflict will always be present in life; and people and
circumstances will frequently fail to meet our expectations. So, I was
going to focus even more on the faith aspect of things by talking about
people like Joseph, Job, and even Jesus. They all persevered through
hardships because they knew and trusted the Lord as well as His purpose
and timing. However, I was reminded (through my own current hardships)
that focusing only on the faith aspect overlooks a very important part:
the emotions in our heart. We can absorb the truth, change our mindset,
and soak in His promises and white-knuckle it through the hard stuff,
but if we don't address the heart, it's incomplete.<p></p><p>So, what do you do when your faith and emotions seem so entangled? What
do you do in the MOMENT when things are fresh, raw, real, and
overwhelming? How do you have faith when you're sold into slavery and
eventually end up in prison for something you didn't do (Joseph)?
How do you not fall apart when your family and livelihood gets wiped out
and you're afflicted with physical turmoil too (Job)? How do you
embrace being "strong and courageous" (Joshua) when you have to
rise up to a monumental task or you're on the run from someone who wants
to kill you (David)? How do you deal with sitting inside a prison
wondering if Jesus really is the Messiah you thought He was (John the
Baptist)? How do you cope when things don't look or feel very good and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a> doesn't appear to be "working out for good" the way everyone tells you it will? </p><p>Having faith doesn't mean that we can't feel. In fact, acknowledging and dealing with our deep feelings of fear, worry, sadness, etc. is what helps us build our faith even more when we face it and allow Christ to bring healing and wholeness. When we bury unpleasant and perceived negative emotions and trauma, we end up building up walls of protection and reacting out of an unhealthy and broken place. <br /><br />The irony of all this is obviously timely. We haven't told many up until now, but my husband lost his job again; third time in two years. So, now my "part two" comes from the fresh experiences and perspective of an insider rather than a hindsighter or sideliner (if those even count as words). <br /></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoftYYUuLpWWkag40fsERWroz2gV9g1SCOUxcKgTT7W7X1y2egK-1F9NQhyHPs47EOChVqHHmlAjLGDEHWr4x4aJmwAyGL38el2QFSvDuqg1GxezB2-1Fs5EOc-pLJMXOTRyfBsjtEmXHwAcdjOfdZpi23cVBKAPEjyOLFXTHFX67UGe_d0ojJpbhQw/s666/Artax.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="666" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoftYYUuLpWWkag40fsERWroz2gV9g1SCOUxcKgTT7W7X1y2egK-1F9NQhyHPs47EOChVqHHmlAjLGDEHWr4x4aJmwAyGL38el2QFSvDuqg1GxezB2-1Fs5EOc-pLJMXOTRyfBsjtEmXHwAcdjOfdZpi23cVBKAPEjyOLFXTHFX67UGe_d0ojJpbhQw/w276-h149/Artax.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div>On March 31st, I was at work and saw that Chris was calling my phone; and somehow, I knew in my gut what he was going to say. Yet, when he told me, I was calm. Maybe that was the initial grief stage of shock/denial, but I felt relieved. No more toxic workplace or dangerous and gas guzzling long commutes! I also felt confident that this recycled experience was old hash and we'd be fine. I knew that greater opportunities and blessings were ahead, so I was determined to be positive and full of faith. Yet, I knew my emotions would eventually catch up and I didn't want to deceive myself into thinking that they wouldn't. I know how grief works and that there would be more stages to come (anger, bargaining, acceptance). Those stages can also skip around and cycle. Yet, no matter how much you try to prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster, it's never as easy as you tell yourself it will be. In fact, I think I've made it harder on myself by trying NOT to feel; even though I recently read a book about embracing emotions and processing/healing them through Christ. So, I suppressed my feelings as much as possible; because guilt would nag at me if I felt anything negative. I felt that leaning in to learn would lead to me giving in and sinking in (my all-or-nothing mentality rearing its head, of course). So, I would just pray and make myself re-read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 34</a>; concentrating on my <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/my-word-for-2022-refuge.html" target="_blank">word for the year (refuge)</a> and remind myself that I already knew this year was going to be hard. "No shadow of shame is going to darken our faces....He's close to the broken hearted....He's going to rescue us....He's our Refuge." Those were/are the things I kept coming back to and soaking in. I also read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+86%2C+Psalm+91&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 86 & 91</a> and thought about the things I learned in <a href="http://www.livingontheedge.org" target="_blank">Chip Ingram</a>'s series "Finding God When You Need Him Most" that I listened to a few years ago. I was determined not to sink into a "swamp of sadness" like that foolish horse in "The Neverending Story" (which is the image that frequently comes to mind every time I think I'm starting to give into a quicksand of depression and despair). I even went back and re-read my "Manna Moments" post a few times; feeling encouraged and guilty at the same time as I "ye of little faith" finger pointed at myself for feeling even a smidge of fear, worry, or grief. <br /><br />It wasn't until the Good Friday production of "The Passion" that I had a fresh revelation. Over every rehearsal and performance since I've been involved with <a href="http://316communitytheatre.org/" target="_blank">3:16 Community Theatre</a>, I've been ministered to and transformed in some way. It certainly was good medicine for me to be immersed in these performances these past couple weeks. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10166329325255444" target="_blank">Much like a recent Facebook post I shared</a>, the REAL Jesus showed up through Jesse (the actor that played Jesus this year) and ministered to my heart! At one point, I was in the process of walking around "Jerusalem" before the show and felt so heavy-hearted because Chris and I had just learned that day that the job he was certain he was going to get wasn't meant to be. I kept telling myself that I needed to snap out of it and remember to "walk on the water" and keep my eyes on Jesus. I started praying in the Spirit; giving thanks, praising, and reciting parts of the Psalms to encourage myself. I just didn't have time for a fresh cycle of grief! I needed to "Paul and Silas" my way out of this with some chain loosening and wall shaking praise and prayers! But, if you're like me, even when you press that "emotion override" button to walk in faith, it can still feel awkward and fake because you still feel the hurt. That's when I felt God saying, "It's going to be ok, Melissa." I teared up and asked, "When?" Then, I heard that word, "Soon." I thought of that part in "The Chosen" (S2, Ep2) where Jesus says, "Ah, there's that word. Soon. It's the most imprecise thing in the world. What is soon? A few hours? A few days? Years? A hundred years? A thousand years? Ask my father in heaven how long a thousand years is. Then, talk to me about 'soon'." <br /><br />As I thought about how long our "soon" would be, I wondered what I was supposed to do with all the emotions that I didn't know how to get rid of. I walked around and started thinking about Jesse and how he would grieve in the garden that night while we would sing, "Could you not tarry with me one hour? Could you not watch and pray while I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders....". It made me think of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0sHm8_I-BI" target="_blank">Dutch Sheets post about Jesus in Gethsemane</a>; describing His agony and grief as He anticipated what needed to be done for us and how painful it would be. He had the weight of the world on His shoulders. He grieved deeply, but could (and did) say, "not my will, but yours be done." Jesus experienced and expressed those difficult emotions and hurt to God AND still had faith at the same time. Faith and emotions can coexist! Much like when we're told that we can "be angry and sin not" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A26&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:26</a>). We are allowed to feel what we feel; it's just how we respond and heal that matters. . <br /><br />I wanted to kick myself for being so dull! How many times have I been the one to weep with people and encourage them to grieve; telling them to give themselves permission to do so? Yet, I had forgotten to give MYSELF permission to grieve because somehow I got it in my head that grief and faith couldn't exist together! I had to tell myself, "You're not weak because you hurt and mourn. Being strong doesn't mean you can't be broken. Brokenness DOES make me stronger." <br /><br /></div><div>Later that night, I mentioned my moment to my Chris. I said, "It's ok to hurt and to grieve. Faith doesn't mean we don't feel. Jesus grieved in agony in the garden...grieving in ours doesn't mean we don't have faith....I don't know what our 'soon' looks like, but I know our God and I know us. I know that I love you and am proud of you and that that remains true." It reminds me of the songs I've added to my HeartSpeak playlist this month. I know I can be confident that we can continue to be "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhxELo-uD3c" target="_blank">Broken Together</a>". We'll "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s53R3aj5pfc" target="_blank">Be Held</a>", and find healing on the other side of "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPgzd3nwMo" target="_blank">When We Fall Apart</a>." </div><div><br />THAT is the difference between "leaning in" and "sinking in". As a counselor friend of mine once said, "When we're broken, we're teachable." Brokenness really does teach us, grow us, refine us, and bring us fresh revelation and renewal.
How often do we truly attain it any other way? How much stronger do we actually BECOME when we ARE broken and our exposed weaknesses have a chance to mend (IF we surrender to the One who can heal us)? We have a much greater opportunity to gain wisdom and understanding when we are going THROUGH pain and hardship because we're more open and vulnerable. Think about it. How open and teachable are we when we're in a state of self-perceived strength and wholeness? Our pride can get the better of us! We're at the peak of the mountaintop basking in victory and glory; forgetting that we were once in the valley and the struggle we went through to get to our highest points. Trouble in the valley seems so far removed when we feel on top of the world. But, that strength came at a cost. We had to go THROUGH the pain and hardship. "Through" being that key word. We walk THROUGH the valley; we don't pitch a tent and live there. He walks WITH us (and maybe some supportive brothers and sisters walk alongside us as well). THROUGH it, we acquire a new perspective that we might not have ever gained otherwise. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KahnuYJ_yA" target="_blank">If we are willing to sustain the pressing and crushing, that new wine will come!</a> We can do ALL things THROUGH Christ who strengthens us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A13&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13</a>). Yes, listening to and leaning into that brokenness is hard, but it's far less painful in the long run. If we allow ourselves to feel and listen to the pain and emotions, as if they're dashboard lights on our souls, we can understand and let Jesus fix what's going on underneath the hood. Then, we can move forward IN and WITH faith after Jesus has met us in our pain and helped us release it and heal. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think the problem with leaning in (at least for me), is that I frequently become overly cautious about unpleasant emotions. I want to avoid getting stuck in a deep well of sadness and self-pity. Therefore, it causes me to toughen up too much and put on that strong brave face; often resulting in avoiding and suppressing the pain. I should probably keep these two verses in mind: </div><div> </div><div><blockquote>Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-Proverbs 14:13. <br /></blockquote></div><blockquote><div>Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>- Ecclesiastes 7:3.</div></blockquote><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFyJ7yHW6P_Ln1ktsZ8r8N4pck3XmrIoTxPQvzp4NnL4rkNzhBcFjHRPEoPN2sU0fybt0uN7JkJL0KOik7l8f-9ZhWK9vhGK8BGHcgpu5dyTGa3UtHaLyexrmUBcL80DYzMZ-jklY9ucCwOer80cka1WtuEO82_leRlbfoezPZLsQpNOxgUfLorK3Cg/s400/9781400201617.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFyJ7yHW6P_Ln1ktsZ8r8N4pck3XmrIoTxPQvzp4NnL4rkNzhBcFjHRPEoPN2sU0fybt0uN7JkJL0KOik7l8f-9ZhWK9vhGK8BGHcgpu5dyTGa3UtHaLyexrmUBcL80DYzMZ-jklY9ucCwOer80cka1WtuEO82_leRlbfoezPZLsQpNOxgUfLorK3Cg/w134-h200/9781400201617.jpg" width="134" /></a> </p>Ignoring and suppressing emotions doesn't make them go away. That grief is still hidden behind that "brave face" and will leak out in other ways.This is NOT GOOD, and I KNOW that. In fact, <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-our-own-shawshank-redemption.html" target="_blank">I already learned and blogged this two years ago</a>, so how could I have forgotten this so quickly; and ESPECIALLY after just READING a book about healing emotions?! My gosh, I really am a sheep; having to learn things over and over again. However, my Shepherd is so loving and patient. Growth and learning is a lifetime process. In this world, we will have trouble (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016%3A33&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 16:33</a>). Trouble happens over and over again; it has no end in this fallen world. So, we keep on learning and being tested; and hopefully, we find that we have "leveled up" and are gaining more XP (experience points, in case you don't speak gamer lol). For those of us in Christ, our hope is in that second part of John 16:33. We can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world and He doesn't waste our pain! It really can and does refine us! He really does work it out for good like Romans 8:28 says because of that important second part of that verse as well: for those that are CALLED according to HIS purpose! Yes, WE are CALLED to a purpose; HIS purpose. A purpose and plan beyond our pain and circumstances. He's always working it out for that Kingdom plan. But, in that moment where our faith and emotions seem messy and intermingled, it is OK to just be still and know that He's God; and that's enough. He'll sit with us in our pain and we'll just "be" and grieve for a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grace and peace to you, my friends! Whatever we're facing, He'll heal and deliver us from it for His purpose and glory. Be still and know that He's God! Let your brokenness make you teachable! Allow Christ to help you discover the gems that are hidden in your pain and are waiting to be unearthed! Grief and tears aren't a waste of your time. Your tears are precious to Him and He collects them all (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056%3A8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 56:8</a>). Never forget that you are worth more than many sparrows (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A31%2C+Luke+12%3A7&version=NLT" target="_blank">M</a><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A31%2C+Luke+12%3A7&version=NLT" target="_blank">atthew 10:31, Luke 12:7</a>).
Lean into the pain, but not too much to where you slip into despair.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 4:8</a>). Stay anchored in your faith with prayer and praise; it will shake and
break chains/strongholds and set you free (and do the same for others as
well who witness your testimony). <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16%3A25-34&version=NLT" target="_blank">Paul and Silas can attest to that!</a> God bless you! <br /></div></div><p></p><p>****<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ve8vRJLA2TTc5Hg_t0GrQIGjJ6Q5oJATB0jntCqh6Z_oWN8QG4KXc4mvodRD-Hw4zI-icKWxZoxEPt5ByaTx69TWWhe6KM9jQjrtWIyeBDbejkfsg-crAr-unpwB8SMVvRBaydR9-F19_APp7fFM0sm8y46dRsSQVN1H5GI8uanj17GBoQ3PonHMeA/s400/bnim-square-400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ve8vRJLA2TTc5Hg_t0GrQIGjJ6Q5oJATB0jntCqh6Z_oWN8QG4KXc4mvodRD-Hw4zI-icKWxZoxEPt5ByaTx69TWWhe6KM9jQjrtWIyeBDbejkfsg-crAr-unpwB8SMVvRBaydR9-F19_APp7fFM0sm8y46dRsSQVN1H5GI8uanj17GBoQ3PonHMeA/w156-h156/bnim-square-400.jpg" width="156" /></a><br /><br />Experiencing God When You Get a Raw Deal <div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xM-tTs0q8Y&fbclid=IwAR2w8RHp8SihyK4wN8L3Kd4XwUOrp0AxoslKPHJbnMZhbODwj5uJx2SSbFs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xM-tTs0q8Y</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Experiencing God in Times of Crisis</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Z_WCWII_Q&fbclid=IwAR3PADFMdYxIX2En5WaOj1dgo2JrggbITFy5iT8hHTUnElRmAcuE-llEJbs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Z_WCWII_Q</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Experiencing God When You Feel Like a Nobody, Going Nowhere<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XEyZgX_fM&fbclid=IwAR2w8RHp8SihyK4wN8L3Kd4XwUOrp0AxoslKPHJbnMZhbODwj5uJx2SSbFs" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XEyZgX_fM&fbclid=IwAR2w8RHp8SihyK4wN8L3Kd4XwUOrp0AxoslKPHJbnMZhbODwj5uJx2SSbFs" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XEyZgX_fM&fbclid=IwAR2w8RHp8SihyK4wN8L3Kd4XwUOrp0AxoslKPHJbnMZhbODwj5uJx2SSbFs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XEyZgX_fM</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div> Experiencing God When You’re Troubled and Depressed</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O4xYD1lfB4&fbclid=IwAR3AMuoTTcyKQHdoPI8wNZS-ZBIe4TOmcFybVSmVHizT4QidzH8GsrLz-rk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O4xYD1lfB4</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Experiencing God When You are Gripped by Fear</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY7hES1oOOA&fbclid=IwAR2ELDpXWYT7tY4Chg8qeoS4zHXOngozfiH-InKwlajt4IuR--VD0vONnHc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY7hES1oOOA</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Experiencing God When You’ve Blown it Big Time</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTMbNeGBLo&fbclid=IwAR2a8q9fVJQwf7xQszyz_2PH3LKXmT_7-6MtoxE4WcolUVm9Uxe80mYcmu0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTMbNeGBLo</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Experiencing God in Times of Confusion</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nykRgLfqkpQ&fbclid=IwAR2miqmFHMO-fKjofdni3Qwd4VUE2BrswZRGqdTZtudtQ7KGWlhv_KHQuvA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nykRgLfqkpQ</a> <br /></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-73513203319578269092022-03-15T22:02:00.001-04:002022-03-15T22:02:51.028-04:00Releasing Worry & Trusting God: Manna Moments<p>Have you
ever heard (or said), "Well, it's not just going to fall out of the
sky?!" It's an expression that reminds us that what we want/need
isn't necessarily going to be easy and just fall into our laps. While
it's true that we can't expect idleness and laziness to yield good
fruit, we often forget that working, worrying, and striving too hard
isn't how we should expect to get our needs met either. No matter what
it is that we are hoping for (everything from material needs to answered
prayers), we should be counting on God as the provider of those needs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRcuF9xz0ab1HiCUS25F3sn4MUGkhLmx2Xh9q98KNymdPtbL58LD9mDAnkCjzcuPjn2fw_i35gD_9rhrcEvpDvuh2MszWZ_gxZ2E1sG8nn98NLiYQWAhZZ7eIqdJ-34EOeILftQgx7olKbrjEJ11LcI6ljAevwsN4nYvp92xWPsgO2vVPZjvl0lC7dLQ=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRcuF9xz0ab1HiCUS25F3sn4MUGkhLmx2Xh9q98KNymdPtbL58LD9mDAnkCjzcuPjn2fw_i35gD_9rhrcEvpDvuh2MszWZ_gxZ2E1sG8nn98NLiYQWAhZZ7eIqdJ-34EOeILftQgx7olKbrjEJ11LcI6ljAevwsN4nYvp92xWPsgO2vVPZjvl0lC7dLQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr">Our
God is the God who rained down manna from heaven (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+16%3A4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Exodus 16:4</a>). Yeah,
FOOD rained down from the SKY! HE DID THAT! He is the One to whom we
also pray "give us this day our daily bread" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mathew+6%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:11</a>) and who IS
the "bread of life." As He said in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A32-35&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 6:32-35</a>:<blockquote>I tell you the truth,
Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he
offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one
who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.<br /></blockquote>The
SAME GOD who made sure that the widow's flour and oil did not run empty
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A8-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Kings 17:8-16</a>), will provide a gas tank, food cupboards, and a
checkbook that doesn't run empty! The SAME GOD who took a few loaves and
fish and fed THOUSANDS (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21%2C+Matthew+15%3A32-39%2C+Mark+6%3A30-56%2C+Luke+9%3A10-17%2C+John+6%3A1-14&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 6:30-56, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14</a>), is the SAME GOD that works miracles
for us today! He WILL provide for you; miraculously multiplying
blessings with baskets leftover! We don't have to complain, worry, and
hoard like the Israelites did with their manna. We must break off this
"scarcity complex" and TRUST the One who will ALWAYS give us enough! <br /><br />Notice
what story follows the feeding of thousands of people in Matthew 14,
Mark 6, and John 6; walking on water! Let's take a moment to think about
this part in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+6%3A52&version=NIV" target="_blank">Mark 6:52</a>: <br /></div><div dir="ltr"></div><blockquote><div dir="ltr">For they still didn’t understand the
significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to
take it in. <br /></div></blockquote><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr">Are we too of so little faith? Are our hearts so hardened
by all the miracles we have witnessed in our own lives that we cannot
walk on the water? Have we not been provided for thus far? Are we not
still here to live, breathe, and bask in His blessings every day? In the
"bread of life" verse mentioned before, that moment comes right after
the feeding of thousands and walking on water. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A22-29&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 6:22-29</a> says: <br /></div><div dir="ltr"><blockquote>The next day the
crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken
the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. Several
boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the
bread and the people had eaten. So when the crowd saw that neither
Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went
across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of
the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus replied, “I
tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not
because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned
about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal
life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me
the seal of his approval.” They replied, “We want to perform God’s
works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work
God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”</blockquote><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCoNXCW1BjPW4d0n4lrtsj7QvKmLVjvZCNEGxexAjctPhpkiuaVkOJDbw7r_LB-CL3evFveF6B5eUJ2DZnjfj34pM2E1O8-plJEx3MaOh4dOY0y4H5omyp0ei1UpSy_C7GYkvXWvU3yqrIznDcPxAS0UX5TRFquMY_iW0nlsUZmSl8wSzjzAHjPDoTXw=s960" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="624" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCoNXCW1BjPW4d0n4lrtsj7QvKmLVjvZCNEGxexAjctPhpkiuaVkOJDbw7r_LB-CL3evFveF6B5eUJ2DZnjfj34pM2E1O8-plJEx3MaOh4dOY0y4H5omyp0ei1UpSy_C7GYkvXWvU3yqrIznDcPxAS0UX5TRFquMY_iW0nlsUZmSl8wSzjzAHjPDoTXw=w163-h252" width="163" /></a>Finally,
remember Jesus' words in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A19-34&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:19-34</a>. He starts off by talking about
treasure, your eyes being the lamp of the body, and not serving two
masters. That's a lot to unpack in those verses alone, but then he
follows it up with "that is why I tell you not to worry about everyday
life...." We see, value, and serve the wrong things so very often;
worrying about all the things that he goes on to talk about (food,
drink, clothing, etc.) and that all of that worrying won't add a day to
our lives! "Look at the birds....look at the lilies of the field..." He
says. As we scroll through our social media feeds, we see that "these
things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers" (v.32); but WHY should it
dominate OURS when WE who believe KNOW who is taking care of us? Jesus
said the Father already KNOWS our needs and that we are to live
righteously and seek the Kingdom of God first above all else. Then, He
will GIVE US all that we need (v. 33). “So don’t worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for
today." (v. 34).<br /></p>I encourage you, brothers and sisters: <br /></div><div dir="ltr"><blockquote>Give all your
worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. - 1 Peter 5:7. </blockquote></div><div dir="ltr"><blockquote>Don’t
worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you
need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s
peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard
your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7.<br /></blockquote>Grace and peace to you, my friends! Reflect on your own "manna moments" in your life. Trust His faithfulness! Remember how He has always provided for you and brought you through! Count your blessings and name them one by one (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZECFq4BvRQ" target="_blank">as the old song goes</a>). PRAY about EVERYTHING! Declare it over the things (like your gas tank) that you're worried about running empty. Stop complaining and start praying! He'll fill you up and make things last! Don't let worry dominate your thoughts! That flour and oil will last! Trust Him! You are worth more than many sparrows! Never forget that Christ is over all things and gives US all power, authority, and victory through His finished work on the cross (<a href=" https://youtu.be/MCInqnXaqA8" target="_blank">watch this Dutch Sheets "Give Him 15" video</a>...I'm quoting my favorite part below). "ASAH" and God bless you: </div><div dir="ltr"><blockquote>When Jesus said “It is finished” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A30&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 19.30</a>) at
the end of His time on the Cross, He did not quietly whisper those
words, as is often thought. It was actually one word, and He shouted it!
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A50&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 27:50</a>) Nor was Christ referring to His death, as many think.
Jesus shouted the word tetelestai if He chose to use the Greek word John
gives us. However, He spoke both Greek and Hebrew, and was quoting from
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+22%3A31&version=NIV" target="_blank"> Psalm 22:31</a> when He made this announcement. If He actually used the
Hebrew word from that verse, it would still have only been one word,
asah. Either word would have been a declaration that Christ had finished
the assignment given Him. The Greek word actually meant “to pay a debt
in full.” The Hebrew word is also the word for “creating” something.
Perhaps Jesus was announcing the new creation!<br /><br />We do know that
when Christ made this declaration, the ground shook, rocks split and
people were raised from the dead (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A50-53&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 27:50-53</a>). His words rent the
heavens, shook the earth, and broke the power of death. Now He wants to
speak through you. Declare His finished work over your situation. Decree
His victory over the nations. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Read Psalm 2 out loud</a> over America,
Ukraine, the Middle East. Shout “asah” over unsaved family members, your
sick body, your checkbook. Release the roar!<br /></blockquote></div></div>
</div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-85163994940420591892021-12-30T22:10:00.001-05:002021-12-30T22:10:35.379-05:00My Word for 2022: Refuge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhknSybq4wqKrZ2cjqZtAyWHZmCYUf13foYGgJT7oTbm2r2zQyc-ppaDQQxewRVeqUFM5hmURvOG1BiixwN8GDoo9k6DLJzxjYc9z1oWQyRR0GHk_Se07wnvuZbsw9pOq_aKk0bRWsxNV0gwdKh5TkUao9xjhyOeZZ0fv-2N-HeGCVIj3kpZkDIzoVoEg=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhknSybq4wqKrZ2cjqZtAyWHZmCYUf13foYGgJT7oTbm2r2zQyc-ppaDQQxewRVeqUFM5hmURvOG1BiixwN8GDoo9k6DLJzxjYc9z1oWQyRR0GHk_Se07wnvuZbsw9pOq_aKk0bRWsxNV0gwdKh5TkUao9xjhyOeZZ0fv-2N-HeGCVIj3kpZkDIzoVoEg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>This is the third year that I've sought a "word". My past two words ("<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162987284320444&set=a.10151474330285444" target="_blank">Isaiah 40</a>" and "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10164751443480444&set=a.10151474330285444" target="_blank">Come</a>"), have been amazing! It has been a blessing to have this kind of reminder and anchor throughout the year. "Come" has really been fitting for me in 2021 as I've stepped forward into the things God has been inviting me into. There has been so much growth and blessings!<br /><p></p><div>For this year, I really wasn't sure how to begin discovering my new word. Though, I knew I could trust the fact that if I sought and pursued the Lord, I would find it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A6%2C+Matthew+7%3A7-8%2C+Luke+11%3A9-10&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 55:6, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10</a>). In my mind, that blank drawing board felt a little daunting. Yet, I had to remind myself that it wasn't up to me to manufacture anything or pull something out of thin air. Even so, I still initially tried to grab at a word that I "thought" might fit, but it didn't fully resonate or feel legit. It clearly wasn't what God had in mind (another lesson learned from that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KahnuYJ_yA" target="_blank">Christine Caine video</a> I re-watched recently). God took me in the direction that He wanted; just like He always does. Prayer, fasting, journaling, singing/worshiping, and having my five senses alert and aware is what makes it possible for me to hear from God through all the noise of life. You really do just have to be "be still" and "wait on the Lord". You'll find Him (and He'll find YOU) in your daily business and choose seemingly random and sudden moments to pop up and stand out. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first sudden "pop up" came when I was listening to an audio book during my work commute. The book is <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11698720" target="_blank">"Uninvited: Living Loved when You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely" by Lysa Terkeurst</a>. This book has been an amazing read for me for so many reasons; and I HIGHLY and strongly recommend it if you've ever struggled with the things in that title (and who hasn't?!). Not coincidentally, the content has echoed a good portion of that Christine Caine video. Though, this fact alone wasn't the BIG "pop up". It was when the narrator started reciting verses from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 34</a>. Every time I heard her say "Psalm 34" I felt that sacred pause within me. "Wait! Psalm 34? Why does this feel particularly significant?" I knew there had to be a reason and I couldn't wait to read it in its entirety and find out why!</div><div><br /></div><div>When I read it, the familiarity triggered me again. I felt that I had journaled this a few months ago. That's where my precious and priceless blue notebook comes in (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10166030635205444" target="_blank">see side post about how vital my notebooks have become to me</a>). I leafed backwards in time to the page dated May 20, 2021. Right there on the page, I had written "Psalm 34"! WOW! I was amazed; but also could have sworn that it was a different Psalm (and that it possibly started or ended with a "7"). It didn't sound like the Psalm I remembered reading at that time. The Psalm had perfectly spoken to my heart regarding the events that were about to unfold the next day. Oh, well. It said Psalm 34 so I took my own word for it. Had I actually READ my notes/paraphrases following that "Psalm 34" that I wrote down, I would have realized why...but more on that later. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, now I had my two signs; that initial mention that stood out to me, and my own mention from a few months before. I figured that this was likely where I was supposed to focus, but I like to go for "3" to be sure. Wouldn't you know, I got my third as I was scrolling through my feed and saw that one of my brothers in Christ posted something. Within that post, he shared a verse....it and it came from Psalm 34 (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A18&version=NLT" target="_blank">verse 18</a>, to be specific). Hallelujah!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, the work wasn't complete yet. I was wondering whether I was going to get a single word from it, or if it was going to be like when I got "Isaiah 40" (which I also pulled some sub-words from). I sensed it would be one word. So, I just kept reading it and walking through the process. The one thing that I knew was that I loved this Psalm! I felt seen, loved, protected, safe, and secure in Christ. It is VERY comforting and EXACTLY what I've been needing! I even found a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfW2mkkMTAg" target="_blank">Psalm 34 song from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir on YouTube</a> to add to my "HeartSpeak" playlists that I make each month.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My next "pop up" came as I was listening to the book again. It happened when she said the word "refuge." My spirit paused within me again and I was like, "Is this it? Is this my word?" The word DOES show up within the Psalm and basically sums it up. Once again, I wanted to be sure, so I waited for another "pop up". It came in one of the typical "pop up" ways that I've been getting used to. When I see a number that strikes me as unusual or significant, I look it up in the Bible app to see what chapters and verses correspond with it; and there's always a verse that tends to stand out. The number can be anything from the time on a clock, a total on a receipt, an amount in my bank account, etc. This time, the number came from $17.77. When I saw it, I knew I'd have to look up 17:7 in the Bible app. I'm telling you, sometimes it feels like a Bob Barker "The Price is Right" moment where he's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jZRmRSVNLI" target="_blank">teasing the contestant right before the big reveal of something to see if it's there and then they win</a>. I was anticipating this win; feeling strongly that within these 17:7's, the word "refuge" would appear. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I scrolled down the list, I came to Psalm 17:7 which read: <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7" id="en-NLT-14087"></span><blockquote><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7" id="en-NLT-14087">Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. </span><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7">By your mighty power you rescue </span></span><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7">those who seek refuge from their enemies.</span></span></blockquote><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"> *Cue the game show "dings" for the big winner!* <br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7">Whoomp, there it is!! I was jumping up and down in my mind as the word lit up in huge neon lights and the canons of streamers and confetti exploded!!! <br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7">As a bonus prize, these two verses spoke straight to my heart as well: <br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7" id="en-NLT-19341"></span><blockquote><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7" id="en-NLT-19341">But blessed are those who trust in the Lord </span><span class="gmail-indent-1">a<span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7">nd have made the <span class="gmail-small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> their hope and confidence - Jeremiah 17:7.</span></span></blockquote></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7" id="en-NLT-17967"></span><blockquote><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7" id="en-NLT-17967">Then at last the people will look to their Creator</span> <span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7">and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 17:7.</span></span></blockquote><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7">"Well, that's a wrap!" I thought. However (in addition to <a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrew/strongs_2620.htm" target="_blank">diving into the concordance on Bible Hub</a>) there was one more hidden "Easter egg" so to speak. While revisiting my blue notebook entry again, I was just in awe of how Psalm 34 was right there; but it still seemed weird. I started reading my notes and realized it wasn't describing Psalm 34! I typed in some of the words in my Bible app and saw that what I was describing was <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 37</a>!! By golly, I remembered right! It DID have a 7 in it (whoa, what's with all these 7's lol?). I don't know why the Melissa in May wrote down Psalm 34 when she clearly meant to write down Psalm 37 (and I had even <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10165338708260444" target="_blank">posted about its significance at the time</a>), but GOD knew!! HE KNEW! What an AMAZING example of how He works everything out for good for those who are called according to His purpose (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>). I made a mistake when I wrote down the wrong number, but He turned it into the RIGHT number at the RIGHT TIME for HIS purpose! What a wonderful and simple way to show me how redeemable and transformable I am in His hands! He really does take my mess and make things new and beautiful!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7">As blessed as this word is, and all the comfort and security it brings me, I feel there is a bigger reason for it. However, I won't taint this post with doom and gloom with some of the things that I'm sensing in my spirit. I'm going to cling to this word and marinate in Psalm 34. I don't want to get ahead of things or anticipate things that are unclear or may not even be a possibility. However, I know that I need to be prepared, vigilant, and prayed up for whatever may come. Jesus said there would be trouble; it's inevitable. BUT, He has overcome it all and there's no reason to worry (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016%3A33&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 16:33</a>). Even if what I sense does come to pass, no amount of preparation or premature grieving will help it or stop it. He is MY refuge! He's my safe place; my security, protection, and provision. All my hope, faith, and trust is in Him; always. He has already gotten me through many dark times. He'll never abandon me and He'll always walk through the fire WITH me to the other side! He's demonstrated His faithfulness over and over again to me. I believe Him. I trust Him!<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7">
<span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Ps-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Jer-17-7"><span class="gmail-indent-1"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Isa-17-7">Grace
and peace to you, my friends! May His blessings and favor be poured out
on you and your family in the coming year! May His hand of protection
be on you and His angels surround you! God bless you always!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-65051011560356208262021-04-29T12:43:00.000-04:002021-04-29T12:43:08.644-04:00Embracing the Offensive God<p>Have you ever had a day that seemed like it had a "theme"; like it was an episode of a sitcom and you were trying to learn the overall lesson that was blanketed over it? That was my day yesterday and I felt like everything else that was not part of the dive into the rabbit hole just faded into the background like the typical clutter of ordinary days. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjM_ehcB6iw/YIourjyOatI/AAAAAAAAUhA/ptWOXDZiunQChEYuoCQJEPhCHDyI7961ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Embracing%2Bthe%2BOffensive%2BGod.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjM_ehcB6iw/YIourjyOatI/AAAAAAAAUhA/ptWOXDZiunQChEYuoCQJEPhCHDyI7961ACNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Embracing%2Bthe%2BOffensive%2BGod.png" width="200" /></a></div>The things that God revealed to my heart are so numerous that it's hard to even determine the origin of how I began my plunge into the depths. Though, I suppose it began as I was praying in the Spirit (as has been becoming my regular habit in the mornings). As I continued to do this on my commute to work, I remembered that I had just a few minutes left on the audio book that I had been listening to on the Hoopla app and decided to resume listening (by the way, this app is such a gift! You use your library card to check out free e-books and audio books!). <p></p><p>To give you a little background, this book is <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/14004491" target="_blank">"Jesus and the Disinherited" by Howard Thurman</a>. This book was recommended by Ashley Siri; who <a href="http://www.vineyardsyracuse.org/?sermons=reclaiming-our-humanity-part-2" target="_blank">recently shared about it in her message at church</a>. It's unlike anything I expected. In fact, I don't think I knew what to expect at all. There is so much to unpack and contemplate in such a short book! I don't know how he got so many layers into it, but I think I'm going to have to go through it again (probably in e-book or physical book form) because the depth of the content is so stirring that you have to slow down. I had no idea what I was diving into; only that the title and subject matter was enough to draw me in. I'll try to untangle some of the web of wisdom from it, but I don't know if I can yet. I found myself thinking so much about what was said that I couldn't catch up to the next thing that was being described. </p><p>As I went into work, my mind and heart was once again turning over the things I had heard; which seemed to be parallel with what I was already meditating on from this past week. If I were to attempt to summarize it in one word, I guess all I can really say is that maybe it all boils down to this one thing: offense. </p><p>Offense comes in many forms and is experienced on all sorts of levels. When we are offended, we typically feel threatened and/or attacked. These threats and attacks are seen through the lenses of our culture, wounding, experiences, faith background, gender, skin color, you name it! All the facets that make up our identity contribute to how we see, experience, and perceive things. Howard Thurman did an excellent job of presenting the perspectives from all the various angles and stirs up the empathy and curiosity needed to stop, think, and truly take the time to understand. I wonder if he ever could have imagined the kind of "cancel culture" that currently exists which is all based around offense? If more people would read this book, we might actually stop this madness and begin the process of healing and unifying together! It just might help us tear down the walls of pride and protection that get built up as a result of the pain, anger, and unforgiveness that offense ushers in. <br /></p><p>It's no coincidence that one of the many stories that he mentioned was a story that I was wanting to revisit and go deeper into ever since last weekend. It's the story in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+15%3A21-28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 15:21-28</a> where the Canaanite woman pursues Jesus for her daughter's healing. Fady, one of the IHOP students that I met last weekend, was talking about it with me as we were discussing persistence and contention for Casey's healing to come for his ears. He mentioned that on the surface, Jesus' encounter with the woman seemed so cold and offensive (I'm not going to go into all my deep digging, but <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanite-woman-dog.html" rel="" target="_blank">here's a helpful explanation</a> to get you started), but that we have to learn to embrace the "offensive God"; being relentless in our belief and pursuit of Him. No matter no matter how hard it is, we need to know and believe that He is GOOD! We'll receive our reward; just like the Canaanite woman and the persistent widow. We must keep contending!<br /></p><p>This is EXACTLY the kind of thing that Howard Thurman goes to great lengths to explain in the book because we have to reconcile the offenses if we're to embrace Jesus and others. <u>Breakthrough and healing can't come otherwise!</u> It can be a hard thing; just read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A60-71&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 6:60-71</a>! This is the part where many disciples desert Jesus. He outright asked "Does this offend you?" and asked His apostles if they too wanted to leave. Peter says, <span class="text John-6-68" id="en-NIV-26326">“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.</span><span class="text John-6-69" id="en-NIV-26327"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” </span></p><p><span class="text John-6-69" id="en-NIV-26327">Oh, if we all could respond like Peter! Lord, we BELIEVE and KNOW who you are! There is no other that we can run to! If we cannot accept your words, which are words of eternal life, what words can we accept?! If your words offend us to the point where we become prideful, hardened, and unaccepting, we are bankrupt! Help us to work through every offense; whether it's offense at you or others. Help us to USE our offenses to run diagnostics on our soul so that we can discover our wounds and ask you to heal them (wow, it just dawned on me that this stuff is what we learned about in Vine school regarding healing prayer)!<br /></span></p><p>As I continued to explore the depths of "offense", verse 71 jumped out at me because it mentioned Judas. So, I started exploring Judas. I found that it was after one of Jesus' anointings at Bethany (oh man, there's another side trail I won't go into but <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/alabaster-box.html" target="_blank">wow....check this out</a>!) that <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A8-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Judas went to the Pharisees to discuss handing over Jesus</a>. Why? It was more than just his selfishness and love of money. Judas, like the Pharisees, was offended at Jesus. His teachings, healings, and His display of mercy and compassion (even to "sinners"), were offensive to them. The hate and offenses that they had in their heart for "that" kind of woman, or for a tax collector, a gentile, a Roman, etc....was just too much to contend with. They could not accept it and rather than open their hardened hearts to the words of life and make it a WAY of life, their pride and hatred determined that it was too hard to embrace. </p><p>As I kept digging in and praying over all of this, I brought <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10165211584075444" target="_blank">my "offenses" to Jesus about Casey's healing.</a> I know that he/we have to contend for it; and that realization is "offensive." Fady was also the one that talked about the story of the blind man, which contains the verse that God pointed out to me when Casey was a baby and we found out he couldn't hear: </p><p></p><blockquote>Neither this <span class="text John-9-3" id="en-NIV-26444"><span class="woj">man nor his parents sinned,”</span> said Jesus, <span class="woj">“but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. - </span></span>John 9:3. </blockquote><p></p><p>I have always believed that God's glory would be displayed in Casey. Up until recently, I thought that that was all that it meant (God definitely displays His glory through Casey in many ways!). It's not that I didn't want or ask for Casey to be healed and for THAT kind of glory to be displayed, but I had embraced Job's words of "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%202%3A10&version=NIV" target="_blank">shall we accept good from God and not trouble?</a>" Now, I have regrets regarding how infrequently we contended for healing in 18 years and how hard we have to contend for it now. Yet, I know God's timing and wisdom is infinitely greater than anything I can understand. God's grace covers all of this! I believe in who He is and His words of life and healing over Casey; and that it will happen for HIS glory and benefit when HE decides it's the most beneficial. I release the offense of not seeing it "yet" and believe that I WILL see it at some point. </p><p>After releasing so much to the Lord, I felt like He was telling me to get my notebook from my purse. I write in it when He gives me insight. There is also a note tucked inside it. It's a page of prophetic words that were given to me by a very precious and dear friend of mine. I have read this note many times, and I felt Him saying "read it again." It wasn't until I reached the last part of it that I just stopped and started tearing up: "....walk out your calling - you are doing it! - even if it feels like it's slow & steady. Rest in the ordinary - in the gradual unfolding - He's got you!" </p><p>Whoomp, there it is, folks!! Yet another confirmation that God is going to heal Casey's ears because these are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10165199705310444" target="_blank">the words that Casey heard himself</a>! I don't know WHY it has to be "slow & steady" or WHEN it will happen, but it WILL! Waiting is hard because we don't know how long we are waiting (ask Abraham and Sarah!). Dear Lord, help me with this "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10165117453315444" target="_blank">gradual unfolding</a>" and this "slow & steady" pace! It's like our outgoing Vineyard leader, Phil Strout, has said: we live in a "microwave culture" but with God, it's a "crockpot Kingdom." <br /></p><p>It only gets more intense from here, folks! After that moment, I was due for an appointment to take Casey's hearing aids to the audiologist for repairs because they recently stopped functioning. Well, most specifically, the hearing aid for his "good ear" is acting up again; and we were JUST at the audiologist on April 1st and everything was fine! I thought maybe it was a sign; that God is taking them away because He won't be needing them (I sure hope so!). Of course, as of this moment, that isn't the case; still waiting for him to not need them to hear. In the meantime, Casey has to rely on lip-reading and sign language to communicate (which makes everything harder for him, his teachers, and all of us who interact with him). If there's anything I'm still struggling with, it's that. It's bad enough that Casey isn't healed yet, but to be without his hearing aids on top of it? Though, I just got a call before posting this that I can pick them up already and that they're good to go (thank you, Jesus!). </p><p>When I left the audiologist yesterday, I started playing the remainder of the book on my Hoopla app while driving to the pharmacy drive-thru at Meijer. As I pulled up, I saw a blind man with his seeing eye dog. I know this man, so I stopped to talk with him and congratulate him on his new friend. As we were conversing, I asked him how long he'd been blind. He said his whole life; since like 18 months and that he couldn't see at all. He said his eyes were like glass. I told him I would love to pray for him and that I had a hearing impaired son whom I am currently contending for for healing. Then, he said the most heartbreaking thing ever: "I don't have the faith for that....I don't share your faith...I have seen too much, like with that girl running down those three kids at the bus stop, that I don't think anyone is in charge." He apologized a couple different times and said that was just how he felt. I just never would have thought this about him. He wasn't even angry when he said it and I have observed nothing but a kind spirit from this guy in all the time I've known him. I never would have guessed that this was where his heart was. I told him that I have seen the opposite; that even at my lowest when I was going through my divorce and feeling numb, God brought me back. I told him I had experienced so much that I knew He had to be real. "I'm sorry. I just don't share your faith," he said. I was at a loss for words, but one of the last things I said before we parted ways was that I hoped God would meet him where he was at. </p><p>After I picked up my prescription and started the drive home, I prayed out loud: "Lord, he may not have the faith for it, but I do. Open his eyes, in the name of Jesus." I felt the Lord say, "I can't." Wait, what? "I can't. He's blind." Uh, yeah...obviously! Then, I remembered the book I was listening to and all I had learned that day. He's BLIND! He's blind <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209%3A39%2D41&version=NIV" target="_blank">like the Pharisees</a>! Until his spiritual eyes see first, he can't comprehend the things of God or have the faith to accept and receive healing for his physical eyes:</p><p><span class="text 2Cor-4-3" id="en-NIV-28863"></span></p><blockquote><span class="text 2Cor-4-3" id="en-NIV-28863">And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-4" id="en-NIV-28864">The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. <br /></span></blockquote><span class="text 2Cor-4-4" id="en-NIV-28864"></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXCreM_ZgJw/YIoov1L_WMI/AAAAAAAAUgw/IVHMYi4X9twGah8jIcgK9bQUBjggQ0deACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210228_112231_397.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXCreM_ZgJw/YIoov1L_WMI/AAAAAAAAUgw/IVHMYi4X9twGah8jIcgK9bQUBjggQ0deACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210228_112231_397.jpg" /></a></div><span class="text 2Cor-4-4" id="en-NIV-28864">Later on in the evening, I was telling my husband about this encounter; that I first needed to pray for the veil to be lifted and this man's spiritual eyes to be opened first (not coincidentally, I recently read all about this in <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11497573" target="_blank">"Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets</a>). What we both have seen in life has been very different. He cannot see what I see because he doesn't have the lens of faith. I told Chris, "He has to have an encounter with Jesus first before He can see...." That's when I heard my own words and I stopped. That's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10165211584075444" target="_blank">what Victor had told me the night we were all praying for Casey</a>! It's not like Casey doesn't already know and encounter Jesus, but this is obviously going to be something bigger and more powerful than anything he's ever experienced. It also dawned on me as I was praying this morning that just like the blind man has to "see" Jesus, Casey needs to "hear" Him. Casey often takes the voice of God literally; saying that he doesn't think he can hear Him because God's voice is a gentle whisper and "still small voice" and he says "I can't hear that because He's too quiet." I've been trying to encourage Casey to listen for God's voice with his heart/mind, but he's having a hard time comprehending what that means. Maybe that's the encounter and revelation we need to be praying for; that Casey will understand how to hear God's voice with his spiritual ears so the healing can come for his physical ears! We all know that this breakthrough is close and </span>Gianna has shared with me a vision she had about him getting healed. I started to type it out here, but then felt like I wasn't supposed to publicly reveal the details. I'll hold onto it for now. All I know is that Jesus is the unveiler, revealer, and healer! We'll keep contending and pressing in, but it's all up to HIM! He does the work. He determines, the when, where, and how of it. <div><br /></div><div>One more thing that happened as I cried and prayed on my way to work was when I was asking God WHY He would even tell us about Casey being healed when it hasn't happened yet. Why even let us know it was coming and have us impatiently waiting for it? Why not just surprise us with it? I know He can do whatever and whenever; and I have learned to expect it. That's when He reminded me that up until a few months ago, Casey did not. He didn't think miracles like this still happened today. He thought it was only "back then" and he didn't have the faith for it anymore than the blind man does for his. God had to create that expectation for him and tell him it was coming. It was for Casey's sake, not mine, that we had to be told that it is on the way. Last Fall, we thought Casey was losing hearing and started going after his healing. Casey started taking it seriously and he had many powerful experiences with the Holy Spirit since then where we've been praying for him and he felt the presence of God. How kind of God to prep Casey; knowing that with his autism, it is helpful for him to have an awareness of what to expect. He had to lift that veil and show him that healing IS possible and still happens! Ever since then, he has been believing and asking for it! As a mom, it's hard to step back, but this is primarily between Casey and the Lord. These are his ears and his testimony. I want it so badly for him, but Fady's testimony of how his mom stepped back and let go (regarding his sister's healing) has been speaking to me too. As soon as she let go, God did His work in his sister. Alright, Lord, he's all yours! Work it out with him. You're in charge of this!<br /><div><p></p><p><span class="text 2Cor-4-4" id="en-NIV-28864">I feel so incredibly blessed by all the Lord showed me. Praying and digging into His Word really does bring about answers! Another book that I need to read or listen to again is <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11330843" target="_blank">"The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere.</a> That's probably the most insightful book I've ever read regarding overcoming offense and learning to forgive! I strongly encourage you to check it out if you've read this long post of mine and find yourself wanting to know more! ;) My thanks to everyone who has been with Casey on this journey and those that have ministered to me as well. We're going to see a victory! Contend with me for Casey's healing and pray for that encounter that is going to bring it and for him to have his spiritual ears fully opened! Thank you, and amen! <br /></span></p></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-20417522118818792112020-04-28T00:21:00.000-04:002020-04-28T00:21:29.507-04:00COVID-19: Our Own Shawshank Redemption<a href="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FjeMux1GjA7Y%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FjeMux1GjA7Y%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" width="320" /></a>Have you ever seen "The Shawshank Redemption"? Granted, there's a lot of language and content issues, but there are also many important lessons in it too. I've been thinking about that movie a lot lately because there are a lot of scenes that apply to my feelings right now (and probably to all of us in this current season of life that we're walking through together).<br />
<br />
The first clip I want to talk about is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeMux1GjA7Y" target="_blank">this scene</a> where Red is describing being institutionalized:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
These walls are funny.
First you hate 'em... then you get used to 'em.
Enough time passes... you get so you depend on 'em.
That's institutionalized.</blockquote>
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I know what you might be thinking, but this post isn't about arguing the fact that our freedoms are being taken away in favor of government taking control of our lives. Listen to <a href="https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/" target="_blank">Rush Limbaugh</a> or the folks on <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Wire</a> for that. I'm talking about the heart; the personal stuff. Sometimes, in an effort to cope with tough things, it's common to go to one extreme or the other. In my case, you might have read different posts of mine where I've talked about my journey in becoming more "gray" rather than so "black and white." When I realize that I am going too far to one end or another, I work to get back to the gray zone. Thankfully, I've learned over the years how to recognize it and "reset" a lot quicker (prayer takes care of it!). <br />
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Last week, I realized that I was feeling emotionally "institutionalized"; I had begun living within walls that I'd built up in order to protect myself. At the start of the COVID-19 stuff, I had a LOT of emotions; primarily anger, sadness, and disappointment. I dealt with it to an extent, and then decided to ignore it and move on. However, the emotions that I have been trying to ignore (in favor of "adjusting and adapting", and notoriously being "the strong one") were still there and couldn't be suppressed anymore. I realized that I had gotten so used to "the new normal" that I had been becoming more apathetic. I was like Red in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDGNsbLayJw" target="_blank">this clip</a> where he cautions against having hope; saying that it was a "dangerous thing". His buddy, Andy, couldn't fathom it. Despite his circumstances, he had been holding onto hope in an effort to retain something that no one could take from him. Actually, I had been an "Andy" up until recently when I realized that somehow I had become numb and indifferent due to too much "successful" adjustment. I've noticed that I frequently switch to "Red" mode when dealing with the possibility of too much disappointment. I don't want to "hope" because it's too "dangerous". So, I start living within the self-protecting institutionalized walls of indifference so that I don't have to be open to the possibility of pain and disappointment. Grief felt like a luxury that I couldn't afford. I didn't have time for it. Why should I mourn, be sad, or open myself up to the opportunity to slip deeper into those emotions and become depressed? Instead, I chose to deny those emotions because I felt it was a waste of time to hurt or be upset about things I couldn't control. <br />
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<a href="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fquotespictures.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2Fgrief-is-like-a-long-valley-a-winding-valley-where-any-bend-may-reveal-a-totally-new-landscape-cs-lewis.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="403" height="202" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fquotespictures.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2Fgrief-is-like-a-long-valley-a-winding-valley-where-any-bend-may-reveal-a-totally-new-landscape-cs-lewis.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" width="320" /></a>When I realized that my emotions were becoming atypical of my normally empathetic and sensitive heart, I had to take some prayer time to deal with it. I had to pause and question why I felt indifferent and apathetic. I confronted the fact that I stuck my grief in a box and buried it inside without processing it. I knew I had been doing it; it was an old coping mechanism that I had used during the dark days of my divorced years. I learned how to toughen up to the point where I could just focus and forget the pain; refusing to let myself fall apart. However, when you have that box full of unprocessed grief, trauma, and pain, the lid will eventually blow off. Something will trigger it, and it could come when you least expect it; and at the wrong moment in time where you're not prepared to deal with it. Bad things can happen when suppressed emotions come to the surface; especially if you're with other people or in a public setting.<br />
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Thankfully, my realization came more privately. It was a text that triggered it and made me ask myself, "Why am I feeling this way?" It should have made me feel happy, but I felt angry instead. My anger surprised me because it didn't fit the situation. It made me get real with that fact that I had been closing the door to "hope" and staying "comfortable" in "the new normal" (even though that "new normal" wasn't "comfortable" at all)! If I embraced the hope of something that gave me joy, that would mean that all the sadness would bubble up regarding all the people and things that I miss. I don't want to think about the sadness of missing people and events, so I've distanced even BEYOND "social distancing". A life devoid of risk doesn't equal safety, folks. It's a life defined by fear and that's no life at all!<br />
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As I acknowledged my feelings, brought them before the Lord, and confronted the many lies one by one, I remembered these verses:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-5-5" id="en-NRSV-28038">And hope does not
disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. -<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A5&version=NRSV" target="_blank"> Romans 5:5 (NRSV).</a></span><span class="text Ps-34-18" id="en-NIV-14407"></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text Ps-34-18" id="en-NIV-14407">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is close to the brokenhearted </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-34-18">and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34:18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 34:18 (NIV)</a>. </span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text Matt-5-4" id="en-NIV-23239"><span class="woj">Blessed are those who mourn, f</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-4"><span class="woj">or they will be comforted. - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 5:4 (NIV)</a>. </span></span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3&version=NIV" target="_blank">There is time for everything under the sun</a>. Yes, even a time to be sad. It dawned on me that if I was denying my grief, I was shutting out Jesus. Do I not want Him to be close to me in my brokenheartedness? Would I really say "no" to being BLESSED in my mourning; denying the COMFORT that He promises? Oh, Lord, forgive me! I want and need you to be close to me! If this broken heart means that you are close, I am so grateful! Bless me in my mourning and comfort me! Turn my tears of sorrow into joy (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+30%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 30:5</a>). I know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPgzd3nwMo" target="_blank">it's ok to cry and fall apart</a> sometimes. If I want to continue feeling empathy and compassion for others' pain, I have to remember not to fear my own. Like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Tfj-mulms" target="_blank">another clip from another movie</a> that I recently shared with a friend: <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's not their pain you're afraid of. It's yours, Charles. And as
frightening as it can be, that pain will make you stronger. If you allow
yourself to feel it, embrace it, it will make you more powerful than
you ever imagined. It's the greatest gift we have: to bear their pain
without breaking. And it's born from the most human part: hope. - Professor Charles Xavier; X-Men: Days of Future Past.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/bd/34/d8/bd34d812e94c2e2dab6226725cd7715e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="576" height="168" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/bd/34/d8/bd34d812e94c2e2dab6226725cd7715e.jpg" width="320" /></a>Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember, this is just a season! Spring is coming; both literally and spiritually! Winter is ending; renewal and rebirth is coming! "<span class="text John-12-24" id="en-NIV-26605"><span class="woj">Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." - John 12:24. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10163475188840444&set=pb.750050443.-2207520000..&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Much good is going to be produced</a> from this time of suffering together (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>). We'll all love and appreciate each other more. I'm sure we're going to have moments where we feel like Joseph; deeply moved at the sight of our loved ones that we can hardly contain our tears (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43%3A30&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 43:30</a>). I fully anticipate that I, and many others, will be crying with joy when we get to go back to church again, see family and friends, etc. It's all ok! You can cry because you miss them now and you can cry when you finally get to see them later! Jesus is there in our joy AND sorrow! Don't forget: "</span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAYXlC59yWs" target="_blank">Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.</a>" God bless you! </div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-13818989490292588482020-03-21T22:31:00.000-04:002020-03-21T22:31:34.556-04:00Going Further In; Fighting This Invisible War<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3-i4VZnoKs/XnbKWZUywjI/AAAAAAAAS5E/pqF-AIaYB-Y4m9awznudvOOnzxpaMvLugCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1584843104288_25962139-1584839439369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3-i4VZnoKs/XnbKWZUywjI/AAAAAAAAS5E/pqF-AIaYB-Y4m9awznudvOOnzxpaMvLugCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/1584843104288_25962139-1584839439369.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Yesterday, I was taking an hour to pray. During that time, I kept thinking about the song that we've been singing at our Easter play practice these past few months; a song that I listen to every day during my commute to work. The song is, "Could You Not Tarry With Me". I found a version of it on YouTube that you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OFRImHvgcQ" target="_blank">watch here</a> (if only you could hear our cast sing it!). The words are so powerful! Give it a listen! It's about how Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch with Him for ONE HOUR to pray; and how He also asks US to do the same and not sleep our lives away.<br />
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I began looking up <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A31-56%2C+Mark+14%3A27-51%2C+John+18%3A10-11&version=NIV" target="_blank">the scriptures regarding this scene</a>. I really wanted to meditate on it. One of the first things I noticed was something that I may or may not have previously heard in a sermon before. He took the disciples with Him to the garden pray, but then he only took Peter, James, and John with Him when He went <u>further in</u> to pray. They got the same instructions; to stay there, watch, and pray while He went a little further....because there are some things that only HE can do (and do alone).<br />
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As I was thinking about this, I was thinking about how close these three disciples must have been to Jesus; and had the honor of going deeper with Him than the others. You have Peter, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=rock+build+church&qs_version=NIV" target="_blank">the "rock" on which He said He would build His church</a>. You have James and his brother, John. John was <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A26-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">"the disciple whom Jesus loved" and to whom He designated as the one to care for His mother, Mary, while He was dying on the cross</a>. These three also contributed to the books of The Holy Bible. With the exception of Matthew, what other disciple did so? There's no book of Andrew, Thomas, etc. It made me think about that some more; about how their faith, depth, and intimacy really set them apart from the others. They went "further in" with Jesus.<br />
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The sad part is, close as they were with Jesus, they still gave in to the flesh and allowed sleep to overtake them. They weren't vigilant to keep watch; and not just a physical watch either. It was much more than that! Jesus told them to keep watch so they wouldn't fall into temptation. Prayer was supposed to be for their own benefit as much as anything else. <b>When you are prayed up, you are powered up!</b> You are prepared for whatever is to come; whether it's temptation, hardship, persecution, etc. Jesus knew what was coming, and He knew that His disciples should be on guard physically AND spiritually!<br />
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Each time that Jesus returned from one-on-one time with the Father, He kept finding them asleep. Though, we can hardly "tsk tsk" the disciples when I KNOW we all are guilty of this too (who hasn't fallen asleep during time where you're SUPPOSED to be praying? I have!). As so often happens, we are vulnerable and unaware when we are in that state. We are probably more prone to do impulsive things when we wake up and are still sleepy.<br />
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It also occurred to me that right BEFORE the prayer time in the garden, Jesus had told a prideful and boastful Peter that he would indeed deny Him three times. Despite his insistence that he would never do such a thing, it most certainly followed later. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A26-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Peter was also the one who chopped off the ear of the servant of the high priest</a>. This all makes me wonder; would Peter have acted the same way if he had heeded the Master's words to WATCH and PRAY so that he wouldn't fall into temptation? Would a more wakeful and watchful Peter have stayed calmer than a groggy, sleepy, half-conscious Peter who impulsively drew his sword and struck? Quite possibly! Though, even then, Jesus graciously covered Peter's mistake and healed the man's ear.<br />
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How about us? Will we go further in with Jesus? What's our relationship truly like with Him; especially in this crazy time? Will we "watch and pray" so that we don't fall into temptation, or are we just going to sleep our lives away (or binge watch TV and play video games)? Is ONE HOUR too much to ask? Probably, unless you're talking about hours upon hours of mindless internet, TV, movie, and video game time. Turn it off, folks! Put the controller, phones, and tablets down for ONE HOUR! We MUST be vigilant, because this isn't a physical battle here! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:12" target="_blank">We're not warring against flesh and blood; this is an invisible war against the evil forces at work</a> (and I'm not just talking about COVID-19 here!). Wake UP!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow feels like a big day for this! People everywhere are going to be
gathering to worship, pray, and listen to a church sermon (as usual).
The only thing that isn't "as usual" is that it's all going to be done
online. I hope the internet can handle this big of a Jesus party,
because the church cannot be stopped! Amen! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vccsyracuse/photos/rpp.94683104596/10157853668084597/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Our church will be one of them, join us!</a> Additionally, <a href="https://www.1073wrsw.com/county-called-to-pray-together-at-2-pm-this-sunday/" target="_blank">check out WRSW at 2:00 p.m.</a> for a time of prayer. My wonderful friend, co-worker, and boss (Envoy Kenneth Locke) will be on that program leading us all in prayer! I hope you all will gather around the radio (like our parents and grandparents used to) so that we can pray as a church body TOGETHER! If we want to see repentance, breakthrough, healing, and revival, we MUST be praying! Our prayers will rise up to heaven before the throne of God if those of us who are CALLED by His Name are taking this seriously!<br />
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Grace and peace to you all, my friends! Stay vigilant and pray! Don't give in to the temptations of fear, panic, and impulsivity! Go to the Lord in prayer and you'll find peace that surpasses all understanding and strength for today! The Lord will "give us this day our daily bread." Count on Him for your manna; all your daily needs! He knows them and will provide for them! Trust Him! Go further in! Jesus intercedes for us and brings it all to the Father! Watch and pray! God bless you all! <br />
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-90781994291214376642020-01-15T20:05:00.000-05:002020-01-15T20:05:43.763-05:00What's "Inside" and "Staying Woke" <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zSXbSS9EhA/Xh-ud-Lr4UI/AAAAAAAASUo/Zn1-omji0q8OyNhqyzaEVlYvHAtIDTinwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200115_145448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zSXbSS9EhA/Xh-ud-Lr4UI/AAAAAAAASUo/Zn1-omji0q8OyNhqyzaEVlYvHAtIDTinwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200115_145448.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The poem (minus the man's name for privacy reasons).</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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Just a few minutes before our office closed today, a man walked in; a man I don't recall ever seeing before. I said "hello" and asked what I could do for him. He said, "I wrote a poem today. You want it?" My brain was kind of stuck for a second because it obviously wasn't a typical or expected statement/request. I said, "Uh...yeah...sure." What else could I say?! I figured it would be best to be polite and humor him. I also had a twinge of curiosity and a vague sense that this was something God ordained; as if Jesus Himself were asking "do you want what I have for you today?" I wasn't going to say "no" to a message from the Lord; even if, by chance, I wouldn't like it!<br />
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He took out a pen and paper and started writing. I was still intrigued, but a little nervous. I was second guessing my "yes" because his demeanor suggested that maybe he wasn't quite with it. I had doubts as to whether or not this "poem" was going to be anything legible, coherent, or even appropriate. I decided that no matter what, I would just smile, nod, and thank him for sharing. I assured myself that it was going to be ok and that this was going to be meaningful in some way. </div>
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He handed me the piece of paper and I started to read it. As I deciphered the words, I wasn't fully grasping or digesting it all yet. I was hoping I didn't look weirded out or confused; I didn't want to offend him. He asked me if he should submit it to the newspaper and I just said, "Yeah, sure. Go ahead and take it to them." I tried to hand the paper back to him and he told me that that copy was mine; that he had wanted to bring it to me first (I don't know if he meant it specifically for me or for our office as a whole...but it works either way). I was still kind of stupefied by the random event and could only manage to be like, "Oh, ok. Thanks!" </div>
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As soon as he left, I slowly read it a few more times. The more I read and studied each word, the more it dawned on me that it really was a message from the Lord for me. I had so many questions to ask that man, but he was already gone. I just sat there for a few minutes; contemplating and crying. I was amazed; wishing I would have asked him more about what inspired him and caused him to bring that word to me! That's because I had been trying to sort out some thoughts and feelings earlier in the day; regarding the very issue that he named! Not only does my work at the <a href="http://www.sawarsaw.org/" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> deal with those entrenched in alcoholism, but there are friends and family members in my life that are affected by it as well. </div>
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I doubt there is a single person out there who isn't being affected by someone's alcoholism, drug addiction, rage addiction, gambling addiction, etc. Whether it's someone close to you (or even yourself) this "poem"describes us all. <u>Inside</u> every person who does the destructive action is the condition/addiction at work <u>inside</u> of them (which reminds me of what Paul talks about in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A14-25&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 7:14-25</a>). Alcohol, drugs, behavioral patterns, bad choices, cycles, and evil spirits are all contributing factors to these strongholds. However, underneath it all is a PERSON... the REAL self. It's the human being that's been forgotten, buried, suppressed, stifled, and hidden beneath the mess. It reminds me of something Kanye West recently said: </div>
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<i>I’d say when you go to sleep, would you
agree that you are asleep when you’re asleep? And when you wake up, would
you agree that you’re awake when you’re awake? Would you agree that
those are two different states? People who don’t believe are
walking dead. They are asleep and this is the awakening.</i></div>
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Those whose souls are lost (or who are in bondage in some way) are asleep... real life "walking dead." They are in a spiritual coma. Somewhere deep "inside," they are aware and wanting/trying to wake up but...they can't or won't. Maybe they're actively trying to break through, stir, and open their eyes; or maybe they're not. Either way, they are still there; even if it's just a shell of a person who is almost too far gone. Almost. As long as there's still breath, there's still Hope; there's still Jesus! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finding JOY again in the midst of tough emotions</i></td></tr>
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This poem was the answer to the cries and burdens of my heart! I am so grateful for the messenger that God sent to me! Lately (particularly today) it has been a struggle; a maddening, frustrating, saddening, struggle. It all eventually reaches a boiling point that feels like something beyond what I can tolerate. Exhausted by emotions, I tearfully fall apart and wonder how I'm supposed to continue empathizing. How can I come back to a "relation point" in order to continue extending grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those whom I just want to shake and say "WAKE UP!!!" ?! Even when I make the choice to be led by the Spirit, my sin nature screams inside for justice and all my "feelings" collide into each other and nag at me. I tell myself to grin and bear it as I help the homeless man who is demanding that we drop everything for him and meet his needs; and then abuses whatever "help" he gets and continues to suffer the health consequences due to always picking up the bottle. I tell myself to keep on "helping" him and others; even though they don't appreciate or deserve it (after all, this may be all the kindness and "reward" they'll ever get). I try to tell myself not to get mad at that selfish and ungrateful friend or family member that squanders every act of kindness or "second chance" that they get; spitting in our faces and lying/betraying us at every turn with no remorse or repentance. I suck it up and prepare myself to keep sacrificing more and turning the other cheek because the Bible says love perseveres and never <br />
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fails. I want to act in faith and love; yielding to the Lord out of worship and obedience to Christ. I have to take my thoughts captive (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=take+thought+captive&qs_version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:5</a>) and choose it; even though my "feelings" are raging and screaming "I'm sick of this! It's not fair! Why won't they stop and why aren't they reaping what they've sown? Where are the consequences and justice? How much worse does it have to get before they hit the so-called rock bottom?!" Every lamenting Psalm in the Bible echoes my questions and pleas; reminding me that the Lord is as merciful as He is just. He hears us crying out; just like the story of the persistent widow (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A1-8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 18:1-8</a>). He's going to take care of all of it. In the meantime, it's vital to contend for the "awakening" and healing of every person; and continue overcoming evil with good (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A9-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 12:9-21</a>). Prayer and compassion wins out; not hate, bitterness, and vengeance.</div>
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Grace and peace to you, my friends! I'll keep saying "yes" to the Spirit; and I hope you will too! I'll keep saying "yes" to love, compassion, and mercy. Even if the pouting, disgusted, disgruntled, and agitated sinful nature inside me whines and protests, I'll keep praying for Jesus to put my inner "Scrappy Doo" ("let me at 'em!" lol) in her place. It's a constant struggle to get my "feelings" to match my actions. However, as long as I still CHOOSE the facts and promises over my feelings, I won't "gratify the desires of my sinful flesh" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Galatians 5:16</a>). I'll be kind and compassionate; forgiving as Christ forgave me (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A32&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:32</a>). I'll remember this day (and this poem) forever; a reminder to "stay woke" so that I won't have to be like the ones that I'm hoping to see awakened from their own sleep. Amen! God bless you!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-27800340605573100762019-10-22T20:30:00.000-04:002019-10-22T20:37:29.780-04:00Your Heart is Where the House Is<div>
Have you ever found it difficult to understand God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Many of us (even those that don't personally know the Father and Son) probably at least know OF the two of them. Holy Spirit? Maybe not quite so much.</div>
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The current series at church has been about the Holy Spirit. You can <a href="https://vimeo.com/365356538" target="_blank">click here</a> for part one and continue to watch them as they're uploaded each week. Treat yourself to these videos! You'll be glad you did!</div>
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The big reason I was compelled to make this post was because of what the Holy Spirit has stirred in me (and around me) lately. There just aren't enough words, or time, to share every amazing thing that I want to share. However, I felt that this was important to put out there because of the encouragement and fresh perspective He gave me.</div>
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This experience comes from the second message in the series (the video is at the end of this post). A question was proposed for personal reflection: "Holy Spirit, what do You want to show me about Your personality?" If that question throws you off a little (and you need the notes about the personhood of the Holy Spirit), just ask and I'll forward you all the notes from the Bible app. Right now, just roll with me. ;)<br />
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First of all, when it comes to things like this, I usually end up in a sort of "blank screen" mode lol. The TV screen of my mind goes white or fuzzy...or there are those <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gxuIfNeTTE" target="_blank">technicolor stripes with the long "beep" sound</a>. When it comes to pondering things like this in a large group setting (and we only have a short time to be still/quiet and wait) the pressure and distractions often get in the way. However, I ended up thinking about Him being "creative" and how there's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/94683104596/photos/pcb.10157305682254597/10157305677994597/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Creativity Encounter coming up</a>. There's recently been more exploration of encountering God through various forms of art in our church (and it's really neat!).<br />
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As I thought on that word, the first Biblical example I thought of was from the first two verses of Genesis: </div>
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<i>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.</i></div>
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Creation. The very first thing the Spirit of God did was "create" and it was "good." "God saw that the light was good" and He SEPARATED it from the darkness. Just reading that NOW...I feel like the big idea will sink in even deeper (so put "the light was good" in your pocket for a bit). ;) </div>
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<a href="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimg1.etsystatic.com%2F132%2F0%2F12052276%2Fil_570xN.1110262943_2sfy.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="150" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimg1.etsystatic.com%2F132%2F0%2F12052276%2Fil_570xN.1110262943_2sfy.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" width="200" /></a>The next thing the word "creative" sparked in me was music. You might have heard the saying, "Where words fail, music speaks." I love music; whether it's playing the piano, singing, listening to it, or watching/hearing my husband use his musical gifts. Music is powerful; whether there are lyrics or not. Lately, I've noticed just how often God brings songs to my mind in order to speak His heart to me. Originally, I didn't think a lot of it because I often expect to get words or pictures from God the way other people do. While I do sometimes get words and pictures, I've realized that my primary way of receiving from God is through very strong empathetic feelings....and music. It's taken me a while to realize that God was speaking to me through something as simple as songs popping into my head. Once it became clear to me, I really got excited about it! In fact, for both this month and last month, I've been creating playlists for myself and entitling them "HeartSpeak". It's been so thrilling to add songs each month as they come to me in various moments! I notice the theme(s) in them and those songs start attaching to the memories and experiences that I had with Him. It helps me remember what I was learning; and what He was showing me. Songs have even come to my mind for other people (even in my dreams!).</div>
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After the sermon wrapped up, we went into a time of worship. As I absorbed the music and chorus of voices all around me, I felt the Lord saying, "Do you feel that?!" My own spirit testified strongly, "YES!" Suddenly, I was thinking of a song that we weren't currently singing. There's a line that says, "<a href="https://youtu.be/7SPLIKTilvo" target="_blank">let our praises fill this temple</a>." Naturally, we think of the temple as the church; the literal and physical house of worship. However, that line took on a fresh meaning because we had just been reminded of the temple in which the Holy Spirit lives (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A19&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:19</a>). So, the praises filling the temple aren't just worship songs sung in the house of the Lord filling up space in the building. The praises are sung from my heart; radiating out into the atmosphere of the house (body) in which the Holy Spirit has made His home. "Let my praises fill this body" in which the Holy Spirit lives! I could feel every bit of it in my temple!</div>
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I started thinking about myself as a very literal house of the Holy Spirit; thinking about the praises inside my being. The melodies were echoing off the walls in my body, mind, and heart. I thought about God's house being a "house of prayer" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+56%3A7&version=NIV" target="_blank">Isaiah 56:7</a>). I'M a house of prayer; praying continually (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A16-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a>)!</div>
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This definitely makes me want to honor and respect "my house" a lot more. Think about it! There are a lot of things that people won't say or do in a church building. Why? Because it's a sacred, holy place. We don't want to dishonor or defile it in any way. We have reverence and respect for "the Lord's House." We care for it, maintain it, clean it, beautify it, fellowship, praise, pray, love, and serve in it. Now,... think of YOURSELF as "the Holy Spirit's house". If you're a believer, He lives in you. You are His house and dwelling place; His permanent address. He NEVER leaves. He is always "home"; always "<a href="https://youtu.be/YCsNctIbdRM" target="_blank">Right Here</a>" (one of my HeartSpeak songs!). As Kent said, "He's a homebody." ;) The lights are always on; because He IS light and He is GOOD. In Him, there is no darkness (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A5%2C+John+12%3A46%2C+Ephesians+5%3A8%2C+1+Thessalonians+5%3A5%2C+1+John+1%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 1:5,John 12:46,Ephesians 5:8,1 Thessalonians 5:5,1 John 1:5</a>). He exposes the darkness; shining light onto any dark place that foolishly attempts to overcome the light. He SEPARATES us from that darkness that tries to creep in. As the song goes, "<a href="https://youtu.be/_eZ_M3EJG48" target="_blank">This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine</a>...hide it under a bushel, NO!" The brighter the light, the less darkness there is! SHINE (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A16%2C+13%3A43&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 5:16 & 13:43</a>)!!!</div>
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<i>See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you. - Luke 11:35-36.</i> </div>
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<a href="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.ascensionpress.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F05%2Ffire-heart-961194-1-e1526480089364-1024x591.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="800" height="115" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.ascensionpress.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F05%2Ffire-heart-961194-1-e1526480089364-1024x591.jpg&f=1&nofb=1" width="200" /></a>New questions: Do we see ourselves as houses of God? What does our house look like? Do we see OTHERS as houses of God too? Are we treating ourselves (and others) as sacred? I recently had a dear friend tell me that very thing! She said that I "treat others as sacred". It was one of the most beautiful and amazing things anyone has ever said to me! She saw my heart and how much I love and value people. They are precious to God; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV" target="_blank">made in His image</a>. Therefore, they are also precious to me. I will forever strive to love with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A30%2C+Luke+10%3A27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27</a>).<br />
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That's some mind-blowing stuff isn't it? Does it seem difficult to take in and apply? Yes, for the flesh it's definitely hard (Paul talks about it in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A14-25&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 7:14-25</a>). <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:16-26" target="_blank">It's easier when we are led by (and obey) the true master of our house.</a> Much like the movie "Inside Out", that control panel could be yielded to just about any emotion, thought, or temptation (which is why we need to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+10:5&version=NIV" target="_blank">take our thoughts captive</a>). It's always a battle between the Spirit and the flesh (you). Holy Spirit is a GOOD roommate! If you want your way, He'll let you have it (but His way is always better, so we should just listen the first time). Our "ways" bring disorder to the house and breaks down those special rooms (family, friends, etc.). However, He'll always help you repair, rebuild, and restore (and seal off/demolish doors we've opened and rooms we've created that shouldn't be in our house). Mess happens. He's not mad at you; just <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:7&version=NIV" target="_blank">come to Him and ask for His help</a>! You might have let darkness in (intentionally or unintentionally), but it's not too late or too dark to be swallowed up by the Light! The Spirit always illuminates and NEVER goes out! Even if Satan got his foot in the door, Holy Spirit will kick Him out once you revoke the devil's rights to be there! </div>
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Grace and peace to you, my friends! Take care of your house! If it's a mess, partner with the Holy Spirit and get it cleaned out! Don't worry; He's gentle. :) Find some trusted and godly believers to help you and pray with you for deliverance! Shine brightly for Christ! That light inside (that you invited in when you first believed) is always there! He'll never leave you! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A19-22&version=NIV" target="_blank">You are His dwelling place</a>! If you have yet to invite the Light into your heart...don't wait another moment! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Do it</a>...and then tell me, or another trusted friend in the faith, so we can walk with you! "Home is where the heart is" but your HEART is also where the HOUSE is (for the light or for the darkness...your choice on whom you're inviting to live there!). God bless you!<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/367086608">Life in the Spirit - Part 2: Who is the Holy Spirit?</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user10089108">Vineyard Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-42013094020348107702019-04-28T23:09:00.000-04:002019-04-28T23:09:30.458-04:00Remembering Grandpa (Oh, Cripe!)<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ4GLGl9ARA/XMZntmQyYPI/AAAAAAAAQec/792XxszLt3QgXnVqU9HjWGjgQS2ngI6XgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20130112_160113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="530" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ4GLGl9ARA/XMZntmQyYPI/AAAAAAAAQec/792XxszLt3QgXnVqU9HjWGjgQS2ngI6XgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20130112_160113.jpg" width="200" /></a>This past week has been a blur. I feel like today has been a mirror of Monday and Tuesday when the grief was fresh and unprocessed. Being with my wonderful and loving family all week made me feel insulated from it all. All the love, prayers, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10161770674310444&set=a.10152357806795444&type=3&theater">fellowship</a>, and other <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10161772022645444&set=a.10156532661800444&type=3&theater">bright spots in the darkness</a>, helped to create a safe place that made it easier to be "strong" and soldier through. However, now that I've come back home and am resuming my daily life, I feel more aware of the fact that my heart hurts. I feel like I just woke up from a very long dream and I'm trying to remember what has happened.<br />
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At my Grandpa's funeral, I sang <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77v41jbOYs" target="_blank">"Tell Your Heart to Beat Again" by Danny Gokey</a>; which had been suggested by Gianna when I was considering song choices. Even now, I feel like it was a God-thing for Him to have stirred her to mention that song because I'm still repeating the lyrics to myself. All who grieve have to take it one day at a time; telling their hearts to beat again. We close our eyes, breathe, and try to leave the sadness in the shadows and step into the light of grace; because we don't live in the closed doors of yesterdays. Life is a continuing journey where we have to move forward and allow the pain, sorrows, and scars shape us rather than break us.<br />
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This blog post is as much for my grief-processing as it is for anyone that knew <a href="http://www.thegmcfamily.com/obituary/wayne-savers?fbclid=IwAR31SUArZNL9h8shySosQT_XL1El0Vh2wlM-1Qjr4YUvDZ2jzxYITkfnfl4" target="_blank">my Grandpa</a>. It is a blessing to me that my family finds comfort in the ways that God enables me to put my heart on paper. Therefore, I'll share the words I submitted for pastor Clark Stoller to read at the funeral so that it's here for people to read. I had also made a <a href="https://gopro.com/v/Po2E58m6gayqJ" target="_blank">brief slideshow</a> of some of the pictures of him that I had (and my cousin, Nikky, made <a href="https://youtu.be/rUyUQbGKb6I">the longer one that was shown at the funeral home</a>):<br />
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Ask anyone who knew my Grandpa, and
they would likely say that he was a "character". I couldn't agree more
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Grandpa
was a son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. All of these
roles he did well and with that sense of humor that he was known for. We
loved his funny and silly ways. Sometimes, you could just see the
orneriness in his face during a conversation because you knew he was
waiting for the opportunity to interject a goofy comment or something
completely random and nonsensical. It was even funnier if Grandma was
around because she would often reprimand him and say, "Wayne, cut that
out!" However, that usually didn't dissuade him from misbehaving; or
even making a silly face at her. That usually earned him the bonus
comment of, "you're so childish."</div>
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I
am at a loss for words when it comes to describing him beyond the
"character" that everyone knew, because I don't think many people knew
the character behind the character. He didn't usually exhibit any mushy
emotions very well; though he didn't mind if people made a fuss over
him. He often pretended to escape your affections and would give you an
"oh, cripe!"... but he enjoyed every second of it. Grandma always told
me that he was her "biggest baby"; and she usually said it with
fondness. He loved attention from others; even though he didn't usually
reciprocate it in the same ways. Yet, he was still so easy to love
because he was entertaining and good company. In that way, he gave as
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I'm
thankful to have had him in my life as long as I have. I'm blessed to
have tons of memories, pictures, and videos with him in it. When you
have that, a character never dies. "Boy oh boy...." that humor and
personality lives on! We all love him and will miss him so much,...for
"criminey sakes". </div>
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Grace and peace to you, my friends! My heart and prayers go out to those of you that might be reading this and are dealing with grief of your own. Don't go it alone! Stay connected with family, friends, and church family that will lift you up (and I also suggest <a href="http://nextpage.mybooksandmore.com/web1/actions/searchHandler.do?key=9780060652388&nextPage=booksDetails&parentNum=11824" target="_blank">this short and powerful book</a> that I can never recommend often enough!). God bless you all! <br />
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-70148667969284546642019-03-08T16:35:00.000-05:002019-03-08T16:35:51.238-05:00Mining for Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf39muCudo0/XILSVkPJE_I/AAAAAAAAQJQ/luaCshX0ChohZN5aNlx0gdAveZ3PuWy5QCLcBGAs/s1600/img1552012004335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf39muCudo0/XILSVkPJE_I/AAAAAAAAQJQ/luaCshX0ChohZN5aNlx0gdAveZ3PuWy5QCLcBGAs/s200/img1552012004335.jpg" width="200" /></a>This has been a difficult, painful, emotional, and
draining kind of week (or two) in so many ways. There were a lot of
surprising, frustrating, and unexpected things that have occurred that
have been very disappointing, shocking, and blood boiling. Though, there
have also been good things that have also happened because of the unexpected. It's all a picture of how God truly does work things out for
good for those love Him and are called according to His purpose (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>). </div>
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I'm
glad I took this day off of work to rest; not only because I knew that I would get home
late from last night's <a href="https://castingcrowns.com/" target="_blank">Casting Crowns</a> concert, but because of the need to hit the "pause" button.
I've been reflecting on everything with a lot of tears and intense emotions,
but then it caused me to ask myself a few questions: Is this the lens I want to see this
through? Is this what I want to dwell on and remember?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4phwF-1yG4/XILTJIwUFlI/AAAAAAAAQJY/CviNDWfkGQg713AuL88eoSEsT0EPajZXACLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1552077567056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4phwF-1yG4/XILTJIwUFlI/AAAAAAAAQJY/CviNDWfkGQg713AuL88eoSEsT0EPajZXACLcBGAs/s200/PhotoGrid_1552077567056.jpg" width="200" /></a>No, it isn't.
In the mines of this current time, there are nuggets of priceless and
precious gold. The dirt and darkness are part of the experience, but not
the focal point. The objective is always to persevere through the tough
stuff; the rock and the hard places. You find the gold when you don't
give up and use the Light to banish the darkness. Jesus always
illuminates the way when you carry Him with you and before you. He is
the One that makes it possible for you to see, move, and push forward.
Without Him, you're stuck; you can't get to the other side of the tunnel
(and you certainly won't find any sparkling treasure to excavate). </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzJr7QQFFPU/XILTkkNBbdI/AAAAAAAAQJg/r5zQb9FkhxYbhcxjGGL_n_Tn3KI5nAPRQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190307_203232_392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzJr7QQFFPU/XILTkkNBbdI/AAAAAAAAQJg/r5zQb9FkhxYbhcxjGGL_n_Tn3KI5nAPRQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20190307_203232_392.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My daughter, Gianna, praising Jesus.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm
choosing to look at the "haves" rather than "have nots"; the gems and
not the pebbles and rocks. Yesterday, for example, didn't go as planned
(over an hour jammed in traffic, among other things). We missed the
first half of the concert. However, it really is about quality over
quantity. The part we got to enjoy was so deep and rich. Our hearts were
still full and the girls and I were blessed to share it with my Aunt
Jennie. Apparently, she had had a rough day at the "mine" too, so we
were all refreshed together by what we DID get to enjoy. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mkswoo/posts/10161582322625444" target="_blank">We still heard some of the most touching songs ever; LIVE!</a> I still got to see the peace
and joy on my girls' faces as they soaked in God's presence and
worshiped Him. I also got to unexpectedly share it with a family member
that I love, treasure, and don't get to connect with very often
(though, Gianna hogged her to herself as much as possible... but who can
blame her lol?). Aunt Jennie is so much like Grandma; inside and out. The familiar warmth of her
smile, hugs, and laughter was salve to my soul and her positivity and
encouragement help lift the sadness from my day. That's what Grandma was
always good at; <a href="http://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/remembering-grandma.html" target="_blank">she sure was a good "miner"</a>. I know that both of us
strive to be the same way; and that only comes from the faith in Christ
that we all share. Priceless and precious indeed!</div>
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Grace
and peace to you, my friends! If you've been having a tough time in the
mines too, I encourage you to focus on the gems rather than the dirt
and rocks. Christ is the light! In Him, there is no darkness (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+1%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 1:5</a>). <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+1&version=NIV" target="_blank">Read the first chapter of 1st John today and be encouraged!</a> There
is light! There is hope, joy, and redemption! There is Jesus! God bless
you!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-18402875936085707722018-12-15T00:17:00.000-05:002018-12-15T00:17:26.585-05:00When It's Hard to Find the "Wonderful"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://stitchtopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Stitchtopia-HoneybeeSVG-Its-the-Most-Wonderful-Time-of-the-Year-Embroidery-Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://stitchtopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Stitchtopia-HoneybeeSVG-Its-the-Most-Wonderful-Time-of-the-Year-Embroidery-Design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For many people, Christmastime is "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtb3EtjEic" target="_blank">the most wonderful time of the year.</a>"
For others, those song lyrics are the last thing they want to hear
because for one reason or another, it's hard to get excited about
Christmas. Personally, every time my co-worker mockingly and randomly
sings that line to me, I give him a "bah, humbug" kind of look. It can
be a struggle to have the Christmas spirit when you work at the
<a href="http://www.sawarsaw.org/" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> and the "wonderful" time of the year is the most crazy
busy time of the year.<br />
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As
exhausting as all the busyness is, I know it's all worth it. Struggling
families will be getting assistance and generous donors are ensuring
that I still have a job to do as I process monetary gifts and take care
of business. The ministry goes on because of this "wonderful" but busy
time of year. God supplies all the strength and endurance I need to
persevere through a long December; even with an ongoing cold & cough
that is only now starting to taper off. I truly can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A13&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13</a>). Jesus is the one
that propels me onward. He keeps me looking forward to the mystery and
hope of the upcoming new year as the current one wraps up. What a
blessing it is to see the world through "Kingdom" lenses; an eternal
perspective. Christ is my confidence! He gives me peace and joy even on
the most weary days. </div>
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<a href="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*NU2TOkMmQMj7nMifaIj5pg@2x.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*NU2TOkMmQMj7nMifaIj5pg@2x.jpeg" width="200" /></a>The
only thing that sometimes gets me down is when I become aware of the
emptiness and sadness of others. Christmas and New Year's doesn't look
bright and shiny to them. Fear has drowned out Hope because they have
forgotten (or don't know) His name. The holidays have come at a bad time because they've
just lost a job, a home, a loved one, or maybe more than one of those
things at once. They may be dealing with a severe illness or injury, an
addiction, or financial struggles. They may be a veteran struggling to
overcome PTSD and are still fighting a war; the fight for the will to
live. Some have buried parents, siblings, and even babies <a href="http://www.inkfreenews.com/2018/10/31/community-remembers-children-lost-vigil-planned-for-thursday/" target="_blank">and children</a>.
Others have friends and relatives who are incarcerated; whether
literally, figuratively, or both. </div>
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<a href="https://fcscortland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Substance-Abuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" height="146" src="https://fcscortland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Substance-Abuse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The
scenarios I mentioned all have names and faces attached to them; most of them are the people I listen to, hug, and pray with when they're coming in for help. You
may not know the ones I know, but chances are you know someone who is
going through this kind of pain and grief (maybe it's you). It's far too
easy for Satan to use these tragedies for his gain; all he has to do is
keep the focus on the problems rather than the One who solves them. He
cleverly keeps our attention fixed inward rather than upward; on that
next fix, hook up, lottery ticket, shopping spree, or alcoholic
beverage. It's all about keeping you obsessed with filling
the void; returning to empty wells or salt water that can't quench or
satisfy. In fact, some of those wells are <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A13-21%2C+Proverbs+6%3A16-19&version=NLT" target="_blank">downright contaminated with poison</a>; yet the compulsion to draw from them remains and the cycle
continues. The negative emotions and depression deepens and digs its
hooks deeper into your soul; becoming more and more of a stronghold and
stumbling block. </div>
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The
good news is that there IS "good news"; "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2:9-11&version=KJV" target="_blank">tidings of great joy</a>" for ALL people (yes, YOU too)! It's the Gospel message and the whole reason this season is
truly "wonderful": Jesus. I can vouch for the fact that He is the only
One that can rescue and restore a heavy heart and weary soul. He is the key to freedom from those strongholds! I've been
to the empty and toxic wells as much as anyone else. Because of my own
struggles, I can promise you that Hope really does deliver, because that
deliverer's name is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1:22-24&version=KJV" target="_blank">Emmanuel; "God with us."</a> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NLT" target="_blank">He is the way, the truth and the life</a>, who gives us <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A38&version=NLT" target="_blank">living water</a>. Turn away from the kind of
water that isn't good for your soul and turn to the one and only pure
water source. Christ's living water is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22-23%2C+philippians+4%3A8&version=NLT" target="_blank">fresh, pure, and sustaining</a>. HE is the answer you seek. Be a wise man (or wise woman) and journey towards the Savior who has come to rescue and restore you! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpxrK5ItgG0" target="_blank">Fall on your knees</a> before the Savior. Humble yourself before the One who humbled Himself as well. Our Creator came to Earth in the very human form in which we ourselves are made. God came to be with us so that He could also die for/deliver us, and then live IN us through the Holy Spirit. He was forsaken so that we would never have to be. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34:18&version=NIV" target="_blank">In your greatest need and brokenness, He is with you</a>. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you</a>. You are not alone! What a most wonderful time of year it is indeed! <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/hes-snow-wonderful.html" target="_blank">HE makes it wonderful</a>!<br />
<br />
Grace and peace to you, my dear friends! Please, pray for those that are seeking, hurting, grieving, and needing to know the hope and joy that the Prince of Peace brings. In this season of giving, look for every opportunity to <a href="https://www.azquotes.com/quote/738305" target="_blank">do the most good</a>. Give spare change to the Salvation Army red kettles (or <a href="http://www.registertoring.com/" target="_blank">volunteer to ring the bell</a>!!), adopt a family for Christmas, donate food to the pantry, smile at strangers, visit a nursing home, etc. As John Wesley said: "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." Don't waste a moment to make an impact! Be the hope of Jesus everywhere you go; through your words and actions. Love well! Additionally, if you are reading this and are desperate for the hope and peace I've shared about, please comment or contact me. I would love to listen to your heart, hear your story, and pray for you! God bless you!<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbKl-IMg6cs" width="480"></iframe>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-32837023368924289202018-10-21T14:39:00.000-04:002018-10-21T14:42:22.932-04:00Do You Need a Kind & Life-Giving Word Today?This morning's church service was all about the power of words. Our words have the power to hurt or to heal. We were encouraged to be "life-giving fountains" as described in Proverbs 10:11. We were also <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+12%3A36&version=NIV" target="_blank">cautioned about speaking idle and unkind words</a> over others (as well as withholding life-affirming words from those who need it). As Christians, we should be calling out the best in others; inspiring them to embrace who God created them to be. If we see something good in someone, call it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdofBBbabbw/W8zB3W6UgpI/AAAAAAAAPsM/XHEPoVlOQVgFXTnkBj8Wmx3FMM2moUc0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdofBBbabbw/W8zB3W6UgpI/AAAAAAAAPsM/XHEPoVlOQVgFXTnkBj8Wmx3FMM2moUc0gCLcBGAs/s200/Fountain.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you know me very well at all, you know why this sermon resonates with me. I'm all about trying to be a life-giving fountain and am honored every time that someone sees the kind of heart that I have for others. Everywhere I've ever worked, I've had customers ask me why I'm always smiling and they compliment me on being positive and encouraging. Over and over again, I assure people it's because I have the Father's joy in my heart and that I want them to feel loved, valuable, and welcome. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed for and held people who couldn't fathom why I would be so nice to them. I love seeing the looks on their faces as I just listen to them and acknowledge their pain; regardless of what they've done or how bad life is for them. They are always fearful that they've said too much and that they are going to be judged. Yet, they are intensely relieved when they don't see me recoil at their confessions or give them the kind of look that would make them feel small. They see that I am a safe person and by the time we're done having a moment together, they feel much better about themselves and their situation.<br />
<br />
That is why I am composing this post today. I felt the need to offer up kind words today for anyone who is desperately needing them. Have you been feeling down? Has someone said something that has cut you to your heart and you don't know how to get past the pain? Have you been questioning whether or not you matter? Is something weighing on you, or do you just need a refreshing drink of water in the form of a splash of kind words? I encourage you to leave me a comment. If you don't want to share anything specific, just comment "kind word". I'll pray and ask what God's heart is for you and call out whatever good I see in you (I promise you there's SOMETHING....even if I don't know you or know you very well). There are also a few people that I'll be contacting directly today that are coming to my mind.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/a4/33/8ca4337ba7aaf84e9ae7bb0121c3fa0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="521" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/a4/33/8ca4337ba7aaf84e9ae7bb0121c3fa0f.jpg" width="148" /></a>I also want to encourage you to be refreshing to someone else; maybe even to this family that I'm trying to help (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/770825783248975/" target="_blank">click here to learn more and read about my heart for them</a>). Regardless of what you do or don't know about them and their struggles, I encourage you to ask God how He sees them. I urge you to empathize and to think of them and their innocent young children. I further implore you to <u>refrain from any negativity and judgment directed towards them (or even me) for any reason; those kind of comments and messages are not welcome</u>. Words hurt... and it hurts just as much when it's being said about someone you care about just like it would hurt if it were about yourself. I guess what comes to mind is how the onlookers objected to the woman who anointed Jesus, wept at His feet, and dried them with her hair (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+7%3A36-50&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 7:36-50</a>). They wondered: 'Does He not know about the kind of woman who is touching him?' They looked at her past history, her sin, and her bad choices. Jesus was looking at her present, her heart, and her choices moving forward. He showed her mercy, compassion, and kindness; whether she "deserved" it or not. Even if she fell back into old ways the very next day, would that nullify the Savior's love for her or make any kindness spent on her a waste? Absolutely not!! He's not going to shake His head in disappointment and do a "face palm". No matter what, the Father is still going to pursue that lost sheep; because that sheep is infinitely valuable to Him. If that sheep wanders off again, He will keep leaving the ninety-nine to go after it....that's His "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE" target="_blank">Reckless Love</a>". No regrets. You may "know" things that I don't, and I may "know" things that you don't. All that matters is what the Father knows, what He says, and what He wants to do in this family's life. This Kingdom work is going to matter in eternity; one way or another. If you don't want to be a part of it, you don't have to. Just remember that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. You may never know how much that idle word hurt someone; even if you were trying to say it "in love."<br />
<br />
Grace and peace to you, my friends! Please, be aware of the power of life and death that your words have on others. Cherish the life-giving words that people have spoken over you and strive to do likewise. Additionally, forgive those who have spoken curses and painful words over your life (and seek forgiveness from those that YOU have hurt and are needing to forgive YOUR idle words). I'm not immune to this either! If I have been careless with my words with you, please contact me so I can make it right and seek your forgiveness! Let us remember that love covers a multitude of sins (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+10%3A12%2C+1+Peter+4%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8</a>). God bless you!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-82240495621293734802018-04-02T19:06:00.000-04:002018-04-02T19:06:26.806-04:00Empathy, Encouragement, and Endurance<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
few months ago, there was a Christmas party for the leaders at church.
Everyone got a special word from God that had been prayed for just for
them. When I read mine, it didn't really resonate with me. I wasn't sure
how it really applied other than the many tears I had been crying from
being in so much physical pain. I thought maybe it was a nice way of
saying that God saw my tears and my pain; that I didn't have to be
ashamed of what I was going through. It was comforting, but didn't seem
to completely fit because of that first sentence; particularly the words
"gift", "offered", and "sacrifice." Those words had the ring of "it's
not about you". Whatever it was about, it just wasn't clear to me.
However, that word had been given to me for a reason; even if I didn't
grasp it yet. I put it in my coat pocket with the intent of permanently
holding onto those precious words; believing that it would eventually be
revealed to me.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
few days ago, I was emptying my coat pockets when I saw it again. I
opened it up and re-read it. It was like I was reading it for the first
time and I TOTALLY understood! It is talking about my intense empathic
gift which has seemed to be deepening over the last year or two. The
physical pain that I've experienced has drawn me closer to God and has
made me even more compassionate and understanding when it comes to the
pain of others (whether it's physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.). I've
been feeling, sensing, and discerning a lot more when I encounter
people. I can't seem to help but cry with them if they're pouring out
their heart (my pantry visitors at work can attest to that). There's
been times I've tried to be strong and not show it, but I've actually
had someone outright say "thank you for your tears." There truly is
nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to weeping for/with people and
allowing yourself to feel what they feel. To be present with someone in
their hurt and brokenness can make your heart ache something fierce, but
it's also soothing at the same time (especially for them). There is
nothing more precious than seeing someone light up because they see that
someone loves, accepts, hears, and understands them. The tears, the
hugs, and the prayers that I get to be a part of is something that I
fully embrace and that I feel blessed to be entrusted with. I am
overjoyed to show the love and tenderness of Jesus in this way and to
see that people are relieved, refreshed, and comforted. I praise God for
this and give Him the glory! I'm in awe of what He does and how He
stirs me for others; whether it's in person or personal prayers for them in private. It makes me incredibly grateful and awed that He
would pick me for a gift like this and allow me to witness such
miraculous healing power!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
I repeatedly read the words on my card, there was a quote that kept
coming to the forefront of my mind. It's a line from "X-Men: Days of
Future Past": </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>It's not their pain you're afraid of. It's yours, Charles. And as
frightening as it may be, that pain will make you stronger. If you allow
yourself to feel it, embrace it, it will make you more powerful than
you ever imagined. It's the greatest gift we have: to bear their pain
without breaking. And it comes from the most human part of us: hope. </i></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God
truly empowers and strengthens us when we walk through our pain and
help bear the pain of others. We build endurance as we let hope fuel us
for the long haul: </span></span></div>
<div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Rom-5-1">Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace<sup> </sup>with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.</span> <span class="gmail-text gmail-Rom-5-2" id="en-NLT-28011">Because
of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved
privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look
forward to sharing God’s glory.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="gmail-text gmail-Rom-5-3" id="en-NLT-28012">We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.</span> <span class="gmail-text gmail-Rom-5-4" id="en-NLT-28013">And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.</span> <span class="gmail-text gmail-Rom-5-5" id="en-NLT-28014">And
this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God
loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts
with his love. - Romans 5:1-5 (NLT)</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<i> </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grace
and peace to you, my friends! My encouragement to you is to accept the
uplifting and encouraging words that people affirm you with. Even if
it's a struggle for you to accept and embrace the ways God has gifted
and created you, I hope that you will work through it for His Kingdom's
sake. Don't allow Satan to steal and hide the truth from you about who
you are! It is MORE than ok to acknowledge and embrace how God <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+2%3A10&version=NLT" target="_blank">uniquely crafted you</a>! In fact, it is downright necessary to do so! Denying the
beauty of who you are will diminish your ability to serve in the ways
that the Father has made you to serve; cheating yourself and everyone
else out of countless blessings! Embrace and live out your special place
in the body of Christ so that we all can glorify God together as one
and hold each other up! God bless you!</span></span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-11346692973842520672018-03-26T20:10:00.000-04:002018-03-26T20:10:26.921-04:00Crazy Haired Jesus Freak!<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="151el-0-0"><span data-text="true">I love how God shows up and allows me to be a part of something unexpected during ordinary tasks of my day! Today, I needed to stop by a mailbox on my way home to drop off some letters. The closest one on my route was at Walmart (the ONLY reason I ever go there lol). I parked the van and walked towards the store. As I was walking, I passed a gentleman as he was getting ready to load stuff into his truck. I felt that "holy nudge" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyhXeW2CPrg" target="_blank">as the Newsboys call it</a>) in my heart. I felt like maybe God wanted me to pray for him. I was about half-way to the mailbox, so I thought if I was really supposed to approach him, there would be a chance after I walked back. I dropped off the letters and started back towards my van. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5rkk1-0-0"><span data-text="true">The man was just starting to look for where he should return his cart. I came up to him and told him I would take it for him. He was friendly. He thanked me and let me take it. I noticed his patriotic hat, so I asked him if he had served in the military (because I make it a habit of thanking a veteran every time I see one). He said no, and that he just barely missed Vietnam. Then, I asked him if I could pray for him because I felt like the Lord wanted me to. He was completely open and responsive to it and I asked him if he had any needs or something weighing on his heart. He said he couldn't think of anything specific, so I asked if I could put my hand on his shoulder and just say a prayer of blessing over him. I asked for his name and I thanked God for him and prayed over his health, home, family, needs, etc. When I finished, he brought up his newborn grandson that is at Riley's. I prayed again; for healing and that this baby would bring glory to God for the purpose for which he was created and born into this world.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8btb6-0-0"><span data-text="true">After that, we talked for a little bit. He said he was in his 60's and that it was nice to see young people willing to share their faith. He asked me how old I was and I told him 35. He said he wouldn't have guessed it and thought I was in my 20's. I was like, "yessssssss" lol. ;) I told him that my oldest child's birthday was today and that he was 15. I also shared that he was born hearing impaired and autistic. I encouraged him that just as God has used him for his glory, his grandson would be used for the Kingdom too. We agreed that there are no accidents, and I shared about the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/derek.coy.9/posts/821590070945" target="_blank">Activ8 youth conference</a> at my church this past weekend; particularly about and how </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="8btb6-1-0" spellcheck="false" start="578"><span data-offset-key="8btb6-1-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeremiahtnc/" target="_blank">Jeremiah Carlson</a> shared</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="8btb6-2-0"><span data-text="true"> about his experiences in his life and that all of it is being used for God's glory. He emphasized that while there are mistakes, there are no accidents. None of us are accidents; even if we "happened" by "mistake". God plans everything. We're all meant to be here. He encouraged the kids that they were all <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10&version=NLT" target="_blank">God's masterpieces</a>....created on purpose for a purpose. All things (good and bad) can and will be used for God's glory (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>). <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGgdMLNEU5w/WrmDYwo-eYI/AAAAAAAAOV8/GNTK8-xU73EKSgB5Fi_i3O7viM9HQGcFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Crazy%2BHaired%2BJesus%2BFreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGgdMLNEU5w/WrmDYwo-eYI/AAAAAAAAOV8/GNTK8-xU73EKSgB5Fi_i3O7viM9HQGcFQCLcBGAs/s320/Crazy%2BHaired%2BJesus%2BFreak.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy hair, and crazy about Jesus!</i></td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="59qdr-0-0"><span data-text="true">The funniest part about this encounter happened when we were discussing God's purpose for meeting today. He said he felt like God was using it to tell him not to judge a book by its cover. He explained that his generation doesn't always know what to think about mine (tats, piercings, etc.) and that he didn't know what to think about my brightly colored hair when I first walked by. I laughed and told him, "you probably thought, 'she needs Jesus'," and we got a good laugh out of that. I told him it reminded me of a Max Lucado piece that I read years ago where he talked about how he prematurely (and mistakenly) judged a family by how they looked. I encourage you to take a second to read it (it's short!). It's called "<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/label-or-love-1260316.html" target="_blank">Label or Love</a>?" where he says: "I'd applied the label before examining the contents. We've all used labels. We stick them on jars and manila folders so we'll know what's inside. We also stick them on people for the same reason....it's easier to label than to love." </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="59qdr-0-0"><span data-text="true">I also shared with him about a similar message that I saw on Facebook recently. It was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDAXKwekeCY" target="_blank">a short video message from Joyce Meyer</a> (again, take a minute to check it out..so worth it and so funny!) where she talked about the way people judge others based on their tattoos, piercings, hair, etc. I told him about how my Mom didn't like my hair (though, ironically, she was the one that originally forwarded that Max Lucado article to me lol) and that my Dad didn't really care for it either....and that he jokingly asked me if I was a barbarian when I got my nose and tongue piercings. I pointed out the fact that nose rings have their place in the Bible. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Read about the nose ring that Rebekah received when she was chosen as a wife for Isaac</a> (and Joyce referenced <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ezekiel 16</a> and talked about not being "baptized in prune juice" and that legalism isn't holiness). I told him that there's lots of styles of hair, piercings, and tats that I don't like either (I really don't fancy ear gauging) but that it's all just that.... different styles. Everyone has different ways of expression and personal preferences. I explained that God had told me years ago, "It's all about the heart, Melissa" and that it's something that has permanently stuck in my mind and helped me so much in my life. I reiterated that I have met many passionate people for Christ that have a creative/colorful hairstyle, or that have nose rings like me (including our youth conference speaker)."Crazy" hair, tattoos, piercings, etc. are just the "packaging" of a person. You have no way of judging the motives of someone's heart by their outsides! Like the Pharisees, a clean cup on the outside could have a very filthy inside; or a dirty and unattractive exterior could have a pure interior (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23%3A25-26%2C+Luke+11%3A39&version=NLT" target="_blank">Mathew 23:25-26, Luke 11:39</a>) You just don't know...only God knows. We see the outside, but God sees the heart (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+16%3A7&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).</span></span></div>
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I got a big hug from him before we parted ways and he said he'd be sure to talk to me again if he ever saw me. I told him about my job at the Salvation Army and encouraged him to stop by and say hello sometime. I shared about how much I loved my job and that I get to smile and welcome people in, pray for them, and just love on them. I also told him that there have been four drive-thru workers that I've been moved to prayed for recently and that only one of them refused. You just have to say "yes" to God and he'll let you be part of something when you cooperate! </div>
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Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're as inspired and encouraged as I am! I couldn't stop thanking and praising God for allowing me to be part of it as I drove home! I really wanted to put this out there today because I love sharing moments like this (and reading/hearing about others' moments as well). Who doesn't love a good "God story"?! We need to read encouraging stuff like this; and to be inspired to be PART of these moments as well! It really isn't hard to obey a simple prompt from God. I have so many of these awesome moments that I could be blogging about, but I would be writing non-stop if I shared them all! I am so blessed to be a part of God's Kingdom work! I feel so honored that He would include me and choose me to interact with people like this! The good news is, He wants to include ALL of us! You can be part of it too! Just listen....and then do it! Keep on listening and loving well! Ask God to open you up to love better and bigger; to give you HIS eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to listen and love others (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY" target="_blank">watch "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath!</a>). Be receptive to Him and He just might let you have a peek at someone's beautiful heart when you step out of your box to connect with them! That crazy haired, tattooed, pierced hooligan may just be crazy about Jesus too. ;) She could be a crazy haired Jesus freak....like me! God bless you!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-87975202475412813742017-08-28T18:11:00.000-04:002017-08-28T18:23:39.815-04:00My Beautiful Aunt Linda<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, we laid my Aunt Linda's earthly body to rest after a beautiful memorial service. As grieved as we all are, I know we all have peace. Just as the angels had declared that Jesus wasn't in the tomb, but had risen, we know that Linda has been raised to life. It's a beautiful comfort to know that she is with our risen Savior!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSDUVEZC4I4/WaSOyxq5NTI/AAAAAAAANXc/KREp-fUZhQkLcg3XJdWlx5mb91zdjepHgCLcBGAs/s1600/17874_377833080443_886071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSDUVEZC4I4/WaSOyxq5NTI/AAAAAAAANXc/KREp-fUZhQkLcg3XJdWlx5mb91zdjepHgCLcBGAs/s320/17874_377833080443_886071_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I snapped this at our Christmas get-together in 2009. </span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following words are the things that the Holy Spirit put on my heart to share at the service today. It was my honor and joy to be able to minister these words to others just as they were ministered to me when He had me typing and crying up a storm: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As
I have attempted to recall to mind the memories of my Aunt Linda, I realized
that I didn't have the kind of memories everyone else would be sharing. Many of
us who are gathered here have lived with her or near her while most of my
interactions with her has been through family get-togethers and social media. I
don't really recall many moments of one-on-one quality time. However, there are
two prominent memories that stick out in my mind that I believe can speak for
anyone who knew her no matter how much or how little they got to interact with
her.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My
first memory is of when I was a young child and I was told that she was going
to have a baby. I remember that there was a strong emphasis on what a big deal
this was. Every baby is a miracle, but her baby was that much more of a miracle
child. If anyone ever had a mother's glow, it was her. The mere mention of her
son, Zach, would immediately put the biggest smile on her face. She had once
told me about how her co-workers had gotten her a doll that was made to look
just like him. She adored that gift because it reminded her of her most
precious real-life gift; her living "doll" with his Daddy's bright
blue eyes. She truly treasured her husband, son, and family. Sometimes, people
don't cherish their loved ones enough or as deeply as they should; but she did.</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/p__/images/6/61/Pocahontas%27_necklace_broken_by_the_dying_Kocoum.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160126011208&path-prefix=protagonist" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="112" src="https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/p__/images/6/61/Pocahontas%27_necklace_broken_by_the_dying_Kocoum.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160126011208&path-prefix=protagonist" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My
other memory is about my necklace. It's a cheap two dollar necklace that I
bought at a souvenir place while on vacation many years ago. It became a
favorite of mine that I wore quite a bit. One day, it accidentally got broken.
There were beads everywhere and I reacted with the kind of shock and sadness
that Pocahontas did in that Disney movie scene where her mother's necklace was
broken to bits. I hoped that maybe I would figure out how to fix it...if I ever
had the time and know-how to do it. Realistically speaking, I knew I would
probably never get around to fixing it myself. I can't remember how the subject
came up (or if someone had just mentioned that Aunt Linda had the jewelry
making skills to repair it) but she was more than happy to take a look at it
and see what she could do with it. I don't recall how long she had it, but just
like her mom (my Grandma) she was able to eventually get it done and get it
back to me. Like Grandma, she apologized that she didn't get it finished sooner
and tried to explain how it probably wasn't "quite right" or good
enough. Again, just like with Grandma, I could never quite figure out what the
supposed flaw was because it looked like new to me. I didn't care about any
so-called imperfections or how long it took. All I knew is that I was loved
because time was taken out for me and my problem. Aunt Linda was just like
Grandma (and even looked so much like her too). They both had such willing
hearts to love and serve others; always making sure things got done. They
happily invested in their family and friends. Love, laughter, service, faith,
and joy was a natural part of who they were and is why they are both so beloved
and missed. </span></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://a.dilcdn.com/bl/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2014/11/Meeko-repairs-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="800" height="110" src="https://a.dilcdn.com/bl/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2014/11/Meeko-repairs-necklace.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
feel that these two memories summarize the Linda we all knew. We all love and
miss her because she poured so much life into everyone around her. Since the
day she gave back to me my remade necklace, I've never seen it as the cheap two
dollar souvenir that it started out as. Every time I have put it on, it's felt
like that Disney moment where Pocahontas also got her necklace back. What was
so precious had been made precious and new once more, but it was more than
that. Immeasurable new value had been added to it because someone cared enough
to put the time into re-making it. That's what love does; it rebuilds,
restores, renews, and heals. What was once broken is restored and what once was
shattered is </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I </span></i></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">made whole and new again. That's what I think of when I wear my necklace: "My Aunt Linda fixed this for me." That's </span></i></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRuezHxWAfk/WaSQ77KTwRI/AAAAAAAANYM/VRt1dMZDjE88PZYgnYtdYdafisKNPKU-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170807_165935_365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRuezHxWAfk/WaSQ77KTwRI/AAAAAAAANYM/VRt1dMZDjE88PZYgnYtdYdafisKNPKU-wCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20170807_165935_365.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My re-made necklace</td></tr>
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</span></i></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">who she was. She
modeled the healing grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. She walked in love and
poured it into everyone and everything around her. It pained us all to see life
being drained and robbed from her after everything she did to pour life into
everyone else. Our comfort is this; she has been remade! In heaven, she has
been healed and made new. The body that had been broken is now restored, and
what cancer had shattered is made whole and new again. Jesus fixed everything;
right on time (His time) and without any flaws. She, her mom, grandma, Sherryl,
and all of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us
are eternally healed and whole. We will also experience this same joy if Christ
is the Lord and Savior of our hearts. Until then, we must continue the legacy
of faith and love the way they did. In this way, we will truly celebrate and
honor their lives by paying forward all that they have poured into our lives. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grace and peace to you, my friends! I'm including her memorial video at the bottom. Also, here's a link to one of Aunt Linda's favorite songs: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng" target="_blank"><i>I Can Only Imagine</i></a> (I can't wait for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRXC72KSauE" target="_blank">the movie</a>!!). The one thing I'm imagining right now is Aunt Linda and Grandma being with Jesus in heaven. In three days, it will be the 5th anniversary of <a href="https://melissaslifeblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/remembering-grandma.html" target="_blank">Grandma's passing</a>. It's so strange and beautiful that they both went to heaven during the same month, at around the same time, and because of the same reason. I hope and pray that everyone who reads this will get to experience this eternal paradise. The only way is through Jesus. If you haven't accepted Him as your Lord and Savior yet, don't wait another day! You never know when it will be your last! </span></span></div>
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409574922976748374.post-48076452564617442792017-05-04T13:09:00.001-04:002017-05-04T13:09:14.561-04:00Being a Force for Good<div data-contents="true">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKNPoOUYFKE/WQtXrpeTo8I/AAAAAAAAMN0/7kU23r6ZsdYUyDM_fA5xWHADArjZmrE8gCLcB/s1600/R2D2%2B4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKNPoOUYFKE/WQtXrpeTo8I/AAAAAAAAMN0/7kU23r6ZsdYUyDM_fA5xWHADArjZmrE8gCLcB/s200/R2D2%2B4th.jpg" width="200" /></a><span data-offset-key="a4tns-0-0"><span data-text="true">Today is the </span></span><a href="http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/" target="_blank"><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="a4tns-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="a4tns-1-0"><span data-text="true">National Day of Prayer</span></span></span></a><span data-offset-key="a4tns-2-0"><span data-text="true">. It's also </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="a4tns-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="a4tns-3-0"><span data-text="true">Star Wars Day</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a4tns-4-0"><span data-text="true"> (</span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="a4tns-5-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="a4tns-5-0"><span data-text="true">may the fourth be with you!</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a4tns-6-0"><span data-text="true">). At first, it felt odd and awkward that these two days are sharing the spotlight. After thinking about it, however, I see how it's very fitting. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9ejnm-0-0"><span data-text="true">Every day, we need </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-1-0"><span data-text="true">Jesus</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-2-0"><span data-text="true"> more than yesterday. His </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-3-0"><span data-text="true">mercy</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-4-0"><span data-text="true">, </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-5-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-5-0"><span data-text="true">grace</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-6-0"><span data-text="true">, </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-7-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-7-0"><span data-text="true">joy</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-8-0"><span data-text="true">, and </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-9-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-9-0"><span data-text="true">peace</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-10-0"><span data-text="true"> are all things that we desperately need; even more than the air we breathe. Without Him, we have no </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="9ejnm-11-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-11-0"><span data-text="true">hope</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9ejnm-12-0"><span data-text="true">...because He IS hope....our "only hope." Ponder these verses from Lamentations 3:22-24: </span></span></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="v9p9-0-0"><span data-text="true">Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="a608o-0-0"><span data-text="true"> for his compassions never fail.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="bb6n6-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="bb6n6-0-0"><span data-text="true">They are new every morning;</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="9rfb6-0-0"><span data-text="true"> great is your faithfulness.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="f79l3-0-0"><span data-text="true">I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="8b7ku-0-0"><span data-text="true"> therefore I will wait for him.” </span></span></i></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2pc37-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let that sink in. Because of His unfailing love and compassion, we are not consumed. The dark side of this world can't eat us alive or rob us of the victory that was accomplished on the cross. Every new day is a fresh new display of His faithfulness and goodness. He renews and restores our souls and gives us our portion of grace for the day; whatever that daily bread looks like, He provides it like He did the manna for the Israelites. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3i3KMenJhcQ/WQtXukUZnbI/AAAAAAAAMN4/dmSmTV8avOgRlk0Ek4uTgaXzLcszIDk1QCLcB/s1600/img1493915209229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3i3KMenJhcQ/WQtXukUZnbI/AAAAAAAAMN4/dmSmTV8avOgRlk0Ek4uTgaXzLcszIDk1QCLcB/s320/img1493915209229.jpg" width="179" /></a><span data-offset-key="bbuc6-0-0"><span data-text="true">We live in a time where it's easy to become discouraged and depressed. We look at the sith lords in power and feel like we'll forever be dominated by greed, power, and war. Yes, tyranny and injustice is hard to witness; but we do not have to be consumed by it. The previous verses remind us of where our hope and joy is found and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 23</a> tells us who takes care of us. The government doesn't have our backs (and probably never will) but the Lord, <a href="http://livingontheedge.org/broadcast/how-to-experience-god-in-times-of-crisis-part-1/daily-radio#.WQtR9cYpDIU" target="_blank">our Good Shepherd</a>, always does! </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true">If we truly want to see change, we have to go to the source: our hearts. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the ever popular verse for this day, we see how to do that: </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves </i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, </i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. </i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="57c7n-0-0"><span data-text="true">Don't just glaze over the words here. There is some HEAVY stuff in it and we won't see change until we're truly putting these commands into practice. We need to HUMBLE ourselves; that means surrendering and laying down our pride. We need to pray; opening our hearts listen and obey as we earnestly seek His face. That means, pursuing Him, knowing Him, and obeying Him and His commands. That's where the next part comes in; turning away from our wicked ways (repentance). Only then can He heal our land when we confess and repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. It doesn't matter what the government makes legal or illegal. What matters is that WE obey God and repent from our own wickedness. If we SEEK Him in prayer and in His Word, we will KNOW what is right and wrong. We will see things change because people will be living according to God's commands even if they're not the "law of the land." </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true">If there's anything that we can learn from Star Wars, it's that there is always going to be evil and conflict in this fallen world. We should keep fighting the good fight until our dying breath (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A12%2C+2+Timothy+4%3A7&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7</a>). Jesus already gave us the victory and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13</a>). Keep your armor on (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>) and stay connected with other believers; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10%3A25&version=NIV" target="_blank">no one is meant to fight alone!</a> To battle the darkness around us, and within us, remember 1 John 4:4: </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, </i></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0" style="text-align: center;">
<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.</i> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61WKh646kpo/WQtXrpBtnUI/AAAAAAAAMNw/mHpYxELWTmovsIvDQTjv9FPnwCYbKnlzACLcB/s1600/National-Day-of-Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61WKh646kpo/WQtXrpBtnUI/AAAAAAAAMNw/mHpYxELWTmovsIvDQTjv9FPnwCYbKnlzACLcB/s200/National-Day-of-Prayer.jpg" width="200" /></a><span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A24%2C+2+John+1%3A1-3&version=NIV" target="_blank">This One that is in you, friends, is the Holy Spirit!</a> He's always with you and never leaves you. He is supreme, sovereign, perfect, and REAL! He's beyond anything "the Force" could ever be....and He's living in YOU! Isn't that amazing?! Or, if you have yet to know Him (and would like to invite Him into your heart) please don't wait any longer! Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. Accept and believe in Him as your Savior and you will be saved (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 10:9-10</a>)! Confess your sins to Him; He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 1:9</a>). Your name will be recorded in the Book of Life and the Holy Spirit will come to live in your heart right away! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A22%2C+2+Corinthians+5%3A5%2C+Ephesians+1%3A4&version=NIV" target="_blank">He's the deposit guaranteeing what is to come!!</a> </span></span><span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true">You will belong to Jesus and His family! </span></span>Be sure you contact me (or another strong Christian friend that you know) and tell them about your decision for Christ so that you will have someone to walk with you on your journey and help you take your next steps of faith!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true">Grace and peace to you, my friends! We are a "force" for good in this world when we are living according to the Spirit (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A3-5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:3-5</a>). <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A16-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Let's pray hard today, and every day</a>; surrendering ourselves to the will of God as we repent and seek His face! Amen!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bc06c-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599042249221172519noreply@blogger.com0