"I'm with Him." "NO! He's with me!" :)

My husband came home with this picture the other night. I can't tell you how I love it!

You see the lion?

And remember the scripture, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" - 1 Pet 5:8?

And the wolf?

"I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me - just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep" - John 10:11-14.

Ah.... the lion may roar and seek to devour! And the wolf may come in hopes to attack! BUT, we have a Shepherd that looks after His sheep.... and He's stronger and mightier than any wolf or lion!

I love the sheep's confidence in the midst of them both, "I'm with Him" he says as he throws his finger to point to his Savior. I told  my kids we have a new gesture to make. Next time the enemy threatens to come we'll just gesture our thumb to look like we're pointing to our Shepherd! :)

"I'm with Him," right?

But really, no! It's He's "with" me (after the previous post). And hey, "He's with me" is even better than "I'm with Him"! :)))))

I love the I-am-with-you God.

"I'll never leave or forsake you."

That’s the scripture that my husband talked about in class Wednesday night. How sweet! We talked about it together last night. I loved our sharing.

“I will never leave or forsake you.”

Never!

Never leave!

Never forsake!

God says it more than once:

·         Heb 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

·         Deut 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

·         Deut 31:8, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

I love God’s “never”!

I love His “with”!

People leave. Friends do. Sometimes spouses do (though thankfully mine hasn’t!). Sometimes fathers do. Sometimes mothers do. Sometimes siblings do. Sometimes children.

But our Lord “goes with” me! Always “with”! He never leaves! He never forsakes.

“Leaves” / “Forsakes” =  Never gives up on me. Never omits me. Never doesn’t uphold me. Never relaxes His hold on me. Never fails to take me along. Never goes away from me. Never departs from me. Never deserts. Never abandons. Never sends me away. Never leaves me behind. Never leaves me helpless. Never quits me. He’s never separated or detached from me.

How can I ever thank Him enough for His “never”? Or for His “with”.

I’m blessed beyond measure! I’m never alone with Him!

I'm trying to figure out what time it is

Today our preacher read the verses from Ecclesiates 3 that talk about there being a time for this and a time for that... "There is a time for everything," the first verse says, "and a season for every activity under heaven..."  I wrote my husband a note. I told him that I think he's telling me that it's time for me to go to Gatlinburg again. I need some time. I need some quiet. I need some un-interruption.

Sweetly my husband's answer was that the cabin was open for next weekend. He told me to let him know if I wanted him to book it. That's what a call a sweet man.

I came home contemplating the idea. I looked the cabin up Online to see how much "time" was available. As of right now, it's open from Thursday to Tuesday. I thought, wow... I could leave on Thursday right after work... and not come back until I had to. Then, I remembered that Friday is Tabor's first game. Hmmm...??? I could go after the ballgame ended then, right? Get a bit of extra rest during the day, and leave right afterward... getting there in the very early hours of the morning when I could crash and sleep. Then, I remembered my commitment on Monday.... I don't feel it right to ask someone to fill in for me. Hmmm... I think there goes my time.

Perhaps it's not "time" for Gatlinburg after all?

I've been trying to write lately. But it's hard to get my mind to where it needs to be.... basically, stayed for a few solid minutes on one focus. My brain is too scattered. There are too many things going on around me. I need quiet! But there's no quiet, no silence, no stillness.. when my body is made to be still when it needs to!

Perhaps another time? Perhaps this isn't the season?

That's okay too. For dare I complain, because I also love the season I'm in! I'm blessed beyond measure... I can write another day.

I'm sorry.

Well, my day didn't go at all today as I had so selfishly planned it. Sacrificial living... dying to self... isn't an easy thing to do. My flesh so very much fights dying and strives to live! My head knowledge verses my heart's feelings... with the bad attitude of not being able to do what I'd so badly wanted to do; or rather, my bad attitude of doing what I didn't want to... so very much colored my mood.

Hmmm, how shall I put this? I tried... but I also could have acted a whole lot prettier. Does it count when you have an ugly attitude about it but do it anyway? Or did I totally waste the doing in vain?

Ugh! I hate when I get in this mood. I hate when I act this way. I should be hung by my toenails and flogged with a rope! I should have been made to stand in the corner.

Ugly doesn't look good on anybody.

So, my day didn't go as planned? Get over it. Make the best of it. Enjoy it anyway. Right?

Yeah, that's what I'm telling myself in hindsight.

Hmmm... at the humor of God. I was so glad once it was done. But, guess what? The thing that I did today IS NOT the thing that I thought I was going to. THAT thing is planned for Thursday. So... in other words, God is giving me a Do-Over. Another chance. Another time to see if I can get it right this time.

Yuck. I sure hope I'm nicer by then!

(Father, forgive me. Honestly, I have no excuse! I'm sorry. I know better. And I sure don't like me like that.)

Safe from it!

Remember that childhood game of "Tag" that we played... and whoever 'It' was was chasing you, but you could run to "base" so 'It' couldn't get you?

I read a verse today that so reminded me of that visual. It says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe.” ~ Proverbs 18:10

The righteous RUNS to it.... and....is....SAFE!

I love that!

Safe!

Safe... I looked up the word in the Hebrew. I love how it's defined: to be high, to be inaccessibly high, to be too high for capture, to be set securely on high.

Woe! Inaccessibly high! Not accessible to the 'It' that's chasing you! Not capable of being reached. Set securely on high... thus, TOO HIGH FOR CAPTURE!

Is that an incredible reality, or what?

The righteous run to where for their safety? It's simple. They run to the name! They simply run to the "name of the Lord!"

It's His name that is our strong tower! 'BASE' to those that run to it! Oh my goodness, I love that! It's His name that is the base where we're safe!

Have you got an 'It' chasing you?

If so, what's your 'It'?

Someone close to me is very much being chased by an 'It.' Her 'It' is Divorce.

Another is being chased by Cancer.

Another a Drug.

Another a Drink.

Another Financial Disaster.

Another Infidelity.

Another Fear.

Another Insecurity.

Another Guilt.

Another Shame.

Another Sadness.

Another Sorrow.

Another Grief.

Another Regret.

Another Temptation.

Another Devastation.

Another Doubt.

Another Hopelessness.

Another Unbelief.

Another Pride.

Another Financial Gain....


The list is endless..... I've got an It of my own!

'It 'comes in all forms. And 'It' is after everybody! Everybody's being chased by something. Even when we've been deceived by 'It' and we can't see 'It' as our enemy.

Where do you run to when the storms come? Where do you run to when It is chasing you? When he's prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour? (1 Pet 5:8)

No worry! We have a "strong tower." You know!

Ahh... sing with me!

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

(Refrain:)

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

(Refrain)

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

(Refrain)

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.

(Refrain)

This 'Tower of Refuge' stands on the rocks in Douglas Bay as a haven for sailors in distress.

It was when Sir William Hillary took part in a rescue for a Steam Packet vessel and was washed overboard that he realised the coast was too far to swim to, yet a place was needed for sailors to wait for rescue. His dream for this Tower of Refuge was completed in 1832. The tower was kept well stocked with fresh water and bread ready to be offered to those that needed it as shelter from the weather and sea.Many ships wrecked on the rocks which can't be seen at high tide. Dozens of sailors lost their lives when they were agonisingly close to the safety of the shore. This Tower was erected so that shipwrecked sailors could have somewhere to shelter until a rescue could take place in calmer conditions.

God is! He will!

I know I posted this scripture yesterday.... but....I needed it again today.

My trust is in Him! :)

A Hope. A Help. A Shield.

My cousin's Facebook status this morning was the verse found in Psalm 33:20-22 which says, "We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."

We wait....

...in hope....

for the Lord....

...He IS...

our Help

and our Shield.

In Him...

our hearts rejoice...

.... for we trust

........in........

...His holy name.

May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,

even as we put our hope in You.


Yes!

I think I needed the reminder!

I think it's the "waiting in hope" that's often the hardest.

I think that we rarely "wait" until there's nothing else left that we can do except "wait in hope" for Him... for as long as there's something that we think we can do... we're doing. 

Perhaps that's why God sits us there? Because our waits have reason! (Pst, I think that's called faith. He's a rewarder of those that trust Him.)

Anybody else in the "wait" of their moment?

This morning I love the verse! I love the Lord! I love the hope we have in Him. I love His Help that never fails to come. And I love the Shield that He is!

Yep, I needed this verse this morning just as much as she said that she did!

It's the "He IS OUR Help"... and He IS OUR "Shield" that's a very great comfort in knowing!!!

That IS worth rejoicing in Him about! There is definitely "rest" in that knowing! For woe, just think of the Help that He really is! And woe, when I think about it, when I look back, woe too at the Shield that He's been!

Proverbs 30:5 says, "He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." Like I just said, woe, at the Shield that He's truly been! Do we take note of that? Do we give Him credit for that... when He's shielded us from whatever He's shielded and protected us from? "Unanswered prayers"... that were not really unanswered at all, but answered to save us? protect us? shield us... from only He knows what from?

Or the trouble He's shielded us against? Or the exposure from our sin that He's kept hidden in the cleft of His hand from those that would love to expose us? Or the suffering that we've been given to keep us close to Him, because of the things that we might have run to if He hadn't? Or the suffering that we escaped, because of His Shield that wouldn't permit it?

Wonder at all that He's shielded us from that we've never seen or considered? Wonder at all the Help He's done that we've been totally oblivious to and not thanked Him for while we ask for help in all other kinds of things that bother?

I need a Shield!

I need Help!

I have both!

I'll wait!

And I'll rest.

And I'll rejoice in the HOPE that He gives us!

I LOVE that we have HOPE! And that our Hope is IN One Who isn't just Faithful... but is IN the One Who died and rose to save us... and  W H O   K N O W S  that we have need of His Help... and Who's always able to give it!

Can things just be simple a minute?

A friend messaged me this morning asking for prayers. This time for someone else that's battling an old addiction (like sometimes all of us do) again!

I wrote back telling her that I'd pray for him, pray for her, pray for them, and pray for his family. And then I said, you know, you've got to wonder why things just can't be easy for a while? Like... can't everyone just sit up straight and be still. Don't move. Don't turn around. Don't look back. Don't turn to the left. Or to the right. And especially don't turn to a drink or a drug (whether legal or not) or a guy or a girl that hopes to ensnare. Won't everyone just mind their manners, mind their thoughts, mind their actions, and mind their senses. Don't look at something you shouldn't. Touch something you shouldn't. Consume something you shouldn't. Listen to something you shouldn't. Speak something you shouldn't. Or go somewhere you know better than to be going. In other words: Be careful little eyes what you see.... little ears what you hear.... little mouth what you say..... and little feet where you go. That little ditty we learned in bible school years ago.... has profound wisdom that would keep us all out of the trouble that we're quick to find ourselves in if we didn't fail to heed to its advice.

You know, Jesus came to set the captives free! But why so often once freed do we seek to be re-captured.... a lot of times by those very same miserable chains that we earlier fought to get freed from?

Oh Father God, help us! Today, right now, especially help him! For Your Son died and rose again for this very thing!

I'm jealous.

A guy messaged me on Faceback today. He simply said this: "You love God so much....I am envious."

Oh wow! I know him. I know some of the struggle he's going through. I know life's really really hard right now. What do you say when someone says that?

I wrote him back, "I do!!!!!!!!! I'm probably His biggest basket-case!!! But though I'm sure I almost bug Him to death... He sure is good... and He does so much for me! I've told you before (because I mean every word of it) I WOULD BE HORRID WITHOUT HIM! I stay under His feet..... to keep my feet from going other places in the opposite direction of His. :)"

His reply was, "I admire you."

He's down. It didn't take verbalize words to hear it.

"Nah," I said, "it's just the Jesus in me that you admire. I'm yucky when He's not inside. Hey... you can "love Him so much" too! He's big enough for the both of us! And the biggest Thrill you can find!" And then, I asked him how he's doing?

He wrote, "I am OK ...I need him ...now."

"He's there!" I said, "Even before you ask... but especially when you do. I'll pray for you! Be strong... with His help!"

And I left there feeling defeated.

How can I tell him... if I don't know how to?

Our conversation took me back to my remember-when. I remember seeing that passion and love and fire for God in somebody else. I remember wanting that too. I remember coming home and praying daily.... many times daily... "God, make me crazy about you."

I prayed it so much that my kids also started praying it for me. Priceless! I loved hearing it come from their lips!

And now... years later, it's been so long, it's almost hard now to imagine not having had always felt this way. Even in sad times, hard times, mean times, storms, even in the quandry of rebellion... I feel Him differently now. I don't doubt that He's there. I don't doubt that He cares. My passion's still there. My fire still burns.

Part of it is getting into His word!!! And His word getting into me! As Jeremiah (20:9) said and the two guys on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32), there's a fire burning within our hearts and bones when He talks with us on our roads and opens His scriptures up to us. God is awesome and God is good, but His word just fuels it! It's really that good, that invigorating, that wonderful, that wonder-filled!

Tonight I'm burdened to pray for this guy who's seeking a fire, and if he doesn't find it in Jesus, then he'll go back to the fiery passion for worldly things that's burning him up and destroying both him and his family.

Oh, Lord, help him to know You like I do... and then, help us both grow rapidly and ferociously in knowing you more... and more... and more and more and more and more! Fan the flames within our hearts to burn only for Jesus! Burn everything fleshly and fake, until there's only Him left! Help my friend, dear Lord! See him. Hear him. Touch him. Help him. Let him feel YOU tonight! He needs You! He needs Your awe. He needs Your wonder. He needs to know You're there!

"The joy of the Lord is our strength" (Neh 8:10)! Lord, he's weak. He needs some strength. He needs your DeLight. He needs to be strong. He NEEDS Your joy! Do something that only can be explained by You! In Jesus' name, do something specifically special and specifically needed for him tonight. Help him to wake wonderfully refreshed in the morning. And, with the morning, in the mood to seek a word from You in Your Word. Delight him there with an incredible knowing! Give him a word that fits the day and suits his very exact moment!

What if

A lot of time you hear people ask, "What if you died tomorrow?" But, let me ask today, what if you L-I-V-E-D????..... And lived it to the fullest?

What if we didn't just live for the weekends.... but we LIVED on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays, as well, and fully appreciated every day we've been given... and lived it like it was our last?

What if we really didn't whine or complain.... but made positive use of each moment?

What if we didn't hate the time or the place that we're in.... but were thankful to God for each time and each place and each season.... knowing each place and each time and each season had reason?

What if we really didn't do what we didn't want done to us to another someone.... nor said about anybody else that we wouldn't want said about ourselves (whether true or not)?

What if we really knew that our wrong toward another person that wronged us didn't make our wrong any righter?

What if we chose joy..... regardless of our circumstance and the mood that we're in?

What if we didn't begrudge what we didn't have.... because we were too grateful for all that we did?

What if we weren't always waiting for the next moment, or next year, or next season, or next circumstance.... but milked this moment for all that it's worth?

What if we really did honor our father and mother.... regardless of what they did or didn't do with or for us?

What if we forgave.... as we wanted to be forgiven?

What if we quickly re-fixed our downcasted face as soon as our faces fell?

What if we chose not to worry.... ever!...... and fully trusted our Savior?

What if we spent more time on our INsides... than we did on our OUTs?

What if we didn't just ask God to talk to us... but we opened up His word to see what He's said?

What if we actually listened to God, heard what He told us, and did what He's told us?

What if we didn't envy.... but rejoiced when others were blessed?

What if we didn't keep record of wrongs.... but kept record only of rights? :)

What if we never dogged a person to another..... EVER! Regardless! At all. No matter?

What if we were really grate-full... and thank FULL..... totally FULL, completely FULL, full and overflowing absolutely FILLED with thanks, leaving no room for ungratefulness or misery or meanness or bitterness or ___?

What if we stayed contended in the prayers God has answered.... instead of instantly being discontented with something else and quickly begging for more?

What if we totally surrendered and followed our Savior in heart, in thought, in mind, in action?

What if we actually stayed Home... and kept from wondering off to Egypt in our famines of hunger for this thing or that?

What if we truly trusted, truly believed, and was at rest in our trusting Him?

What if we loved like we're told to love.... those we like, those we don't, our enemies..... and we really prayed FOR them and not against?

What if............................................................

Okay.... so as you can see I'm having a "what if" morning.

Seriously though: What if................


And, what if we "lived"?!
.

Hmmm... just sayin'

You know... sometimes your sayer just don't need to say...... I'm just sayin'.

Did I say "dreaming"?? That's NOT a strong enough word!

Okay.... this morning I'm having a moment! An anxious one! A stirring one! An "I-almost-can't-stand-it" one!

Did I title this "dreaming" yesterday? Oh! Perhaps "Desiring!" would have better sufficed!

I'm desiring hugely today! The stirring within me for the things I'm longing to do is agitating greatly!

Every now and then, do you feel like your heart is about to jump out of your skin? Every now and then, do you feel like your want-to is about to make you burst? Every now and then, do you feel it too big to bear? Every now and then, do you feel like "I can't wait".... please, LORD, let it happen NOW?!

Oh Lord, You KNOW my desires! You KNOW what I want! What I wish for! What I hope for! You KNOW my heart! You know my longing!!! Open a door! Pave a path! Prepare the way! Here am I.... Hear my cry! I'm crying send me!!!! In the precious name of Jesus I ask! Yes, in Jesus name!!!! AMEN!!!

"Let the morning BRING ME WORD of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. SHOW ME THE WAY I SHOULD GO, for to You I lift up my soul." (Ps 143:8)

Dreaming...

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 37:4).

Wow... just to think of it! God will give us the desires of our heart?

"Desires" = desires, requests, petitions, (the things we want and thus ask Him for in prayer)

There are so many dreams I have yet to have fulfilled. So many longings. So many things I still pray for, ask for, hope for, petition before Him, desire in my life. There's so much more that I want to do. So many things that I believe God put in my heart to. So much yet to live. So many things that can't happen, won't happen, couldn't happen without my Father's hand. They're too big! Too massive! Too beyond my ability! Too beyond my doing! Too beyond reality... that is, without His help, without His hand, without His making it happen, His enabling, His power, His grace...

Lord, I have a dream! I have so many dreams! So many things that still sit undone upon my shelves of wanting to do! How can I do these things if not for You? How could I want these things if You've not planted them into my heart to want to? They're BIG! HUGE! Impossible without You! Lord, see my heart! See my dreams! See my wants! See my desires! And may You grant, may You give, may You permit, may You provide, may You entrust these things that You've given me to want because of You! I love YOU, Lord! You ARE the DeLight of my life! You are what fulfills, and You alone! May I be about my Father's business! May You enable me to do what You Alone want done!

Still holding hope

Hmmm..... an entry made on Sunday, January 29, 2006 @ 12:16 a.m. on an old site of mine. I was hoping then….......... and my hope still holds!

Mikayla, my hope still holds!!!!

Introducing: Miss Mikayla Hope

Mikayla's name means: “Who is like God” + Hope meaning: "Anxious Expectation"

I anxiously await the healing I continue to pray and to hope for!...

..… for the “Who is like God” moment.... so that others might know!

(Isn't she beautiful? Yes... I was babysitting and we were playing dress-up!)

Dare we neglect Miss Eliana. Eliana means “answered prayer”…… and amazingly that’s exactly what she is! (Eliana is Mikayla's twin sister).

Simply said... I love both of you girls! I'm thanking God today for answered prayers... and still anxiously awaiting another.

The word comes....

    "And the word of the Lord came to"...____ Abraham.... Moses.... Samuel.... Nathan.... David.... Solomon.... Elijah.... Isaiah..... Jeremiah.... Ezekial.... Hosea..... Joel...... Jonah.... Micah..... Zephaniah..... Haggai.... Zechariah...." and on and on and on and on and on... until "the Word" of the Lord "became flesh"!!!

     You know my thinking, "the word of the Lord" STILL COMES!!!!! I love that! The Word of the Lord still comes!!!!!

     And so does the "time come" still to accomplish the word that was sent. I love that just as surely as the "word comes" so does "the time"!!!! God just SAYS... and it IS! "For He spoke, and it came to be" (Ps 33:9). The word of the Lord still comes.

      Often it "came" directly to a person, and often it "came" through others. I, indeed, feel that as I sought His Word this morning that "the word of the Lord came" to me today.

"We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits,

but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us,

a field that reaches even to you" [and in my case, to those in the prisons]

2 Cor 10:13

The KJV says it this way (with the words defined from the Greek word's definition in brown):

"But we will not boast (to glory on account of a thing)

of things without measure (beyond measure),

but according to the measure (the determined extent, the portion measured off, our measure or limit)

 of the rule (a measuring rod, a carpenter's line or measuring tape, a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one's power of influence is confined)

which God hath distributed (divided, separated into parts, cut into pieces, distributed, bestowed, imparted... a part due or assigned to one, lot, destiny) to us,

a measure (the determined extent, the portion measured off, our measure or limit)

to reach (to stretch out; to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (as a hand), to extend to) even unto you."

    Whoa! For do you see what it's saying? Even in the Old Testament times God distributed the land by lot to the twelve tribes of Israel as He Himself alloted it.... as He Himself determined it... as He measured it... and divided it.... and imparted it... and bestowed it... and assigned it to "each" one as He purposed. It is HE that measures His determined extent for us. It is He that measures the portion of fields that He's assigned us. It is He that gives us our measure and the limit that He Himself has already determined for each one of us in the work that we are to do. So that we can "reach".. stretch out and touch or grasp by extending a part of our body (like our hand... and our heart...) even unto all the ones that He's meant and planned and purposed and hoped and willed for us to. Jesus Christ, "the Word that became flesh" (this time in me, and this time in you!) still "being about His Father's business!"

"In Him, we were also chosen,

having been predestined according to the plan of Him that works out everything

in conformity with the purpose of His will,

in order that we.. might be for the praise of His Glory.

For we are God's workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened

in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you.

He made every nation of men... and He determined the times set for them

and the exact places where they should live.

The word of the Lord came to me saying,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you..."

"Ah, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how..; I am only a child."

But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a child."

You must go to everyone I send you to...For I know the plans I have for you..."

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for [those in the prisons that I'm granted to go to] will arise from another place..

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? 

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?

And who will go for us?"

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

I became a servant... by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of His power.

Although I am the less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me:

to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

"See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.

.. (in) the field God (that) has assigned to (you),

a field that reaches even to [again, those that I'm sent to behind the bars of a prison]."

Eph 1:11,12; 2:10; 1:18; Acts 17:26; Jer 1:4-7; 29:11; Est 4:14; Rom 12:6; Isa. 6:8; Eph 3:8; Mark 13:33-34; Col 4:17; 2 Cor 10:13

Shall I just say, hmmm.... tired!

It's been a ferociously busy week this week. Full from the start. With each day starting way way way before dawn! Needless to say, I feel I've forgotten what sleep is...... It seems a rare jewel that I'm searching deligently for and craving greatly!

Nothing profoundly wonderful to say. Just that life is good, because God is...... and I'm really really tired.

Here's what's hard...

It's knowing that God can, believing He will, and then He doesn't that's so confusing and so hurts our feelings.

His ways are not our ways.... but He's always right, He always knows best, and His ways are always good.

I told God on Friday that I don't know many people that don't believe that He can, that don't think He's able to do the impossible. I told Him that it's not that people believe You can't, most people believe You can, Lord; it's just that most people don't believe that You will.

We're told that the faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains... and to be honest, the way I see it is that if you're praying, then you already have at least mustard-sized faith. And it's not like God measures the faith that you have and when you come short He says, "Oops. Can't do it. It doesn't measure up. It's not quite enough." All God really requires is the smallest of faith... not a certain measure.

I think we often get that mixed up. I feel too often that we think that if something didn't happen that we prayed for, that we blame ourselves for not having the 'enough' faith that it took.

Can I be bold a minute? Can I be rawfully honest?

It's verses like these that get me....

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” - Mark 9:23.

"When He came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed Him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. "I am willing," He said. "Be clean!" Immediately He was cured of his leprosy" (Matt 8:1-3).

"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When He had gone indoors, the blind men came to Him, and He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you;" and their sight was restored" (Matt 9:27-30).

"Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to that fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will received whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matt 21:21-22).

""Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:22-24).

""Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well" (Mark 16:16-18).

"While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." (Luke 8:49-50).

Jesus wasn't impressed with those that were seeking a miraculous sign for Him in order for them to believe, so I know that it is not right in that. So, it's not the miracles I seek in order to believe... for I already believe... but it's things that He said like this that makes me wonder what I'm missing in Him?

"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 miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He 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 Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it."....... "I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete..." (John 14:11-14,23-24).

What about the story of not only Peter walking on the water... but what Jesus did when they got to the other side of the lake?

When Peter "saw the wind" against him he began to sink.... Woe, watch where you're looking! Never take your eyes off your Savior!

‎"You of little faith," Jesus said to Peter, "why did you doubt?" Hmm... indeed! And then, when knowing all of that, why do we?

"When they crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when they men of that place recoginized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him AND BEGGED HIM to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and ALL who touched Him were healed." ~~~ l LOVE THAT!

So the other day with Faith... so many of us were grabbing at the hem of His garment and hanging on to it for all that it's worth hoping and begging for a healing.... although God chose her healing to be in Heaven instead of here.... and though we know that that is best, sometimes still that's hard to hold.

Now... even while saying all that I've said... and still not understanding all that I don't... this I still know. (As I said earlier) God's ways are not our ways. God always knows best. And God's ways are always good. It's not this life that we're living for, but we're striving for the next one. And dare we forget what Jesus said to us after John the Baptist didn't understand what was going on in his world, "Bless are those who are not offended in Me." Basically, there are some things we don't understand... but I chose to trust Him anyway. I know He knows... even when I don't. I know His purpose and plan is still being worked out.

Wildly, God has done more in that little 7-year olds life than most people who live a full lifetime! He has done more through her without any effort on her own than we could ever imagine. Therein... lies the miracle! Therein we have MUCH to be thankful!

"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).

(Another "hard" while still knowing God's good: The Lightning Took Him Home)

Speechless

... Earlier today Faith left this home to go to her Heavenly One.

Friends?

A tender-hearted new friend of mine introduced me to the "Big Book." At first I thought he was talking about the Bible. No, for the Bible's not referred to as the "Big book," instead, it's "the Bigger Book." The Big Book is the book: Alcoholics Anonymous.

So, this afternoon, in hopes to learn lots of things I do not know, I find myself settling down and enveloping myself in this Big Book anticipating what it has to teach me.

Already, I'm intrigued. I'm an underliner. A noter. A highlighter. But this book is Online. I find myself greatly needing it typed on physical paper. I feel I must capture the moment physically in some form of action in order to sow it deeper into my brain and I cannot. Perhaps I'll soon have to buy the book in normal book form?

Believe it or not, I could say a lot already just from the Foreword and The Doctor's Opinion, but I'll refrain and note something I've just read in Chapter 1's first paragraph. He writes, "I was very lonely and again turned to alcohol."

Woe!

Alcohol is not your friend! It's not a friend ever at all to anybody! It's desire isn't to help you, but to harm you, to enslave you, to master you and make you bow to its bidding.

And still...

Wonder at all of the things we 'turn' to in our loneliness? Wonder at all the things we reach for in our search for a 'friend?'

I have much to read. But today, just now, at this time, in this hour, in this minute, I'm pondering the things we seek in our loneliness to find "friends" in..............

Oh... at the deception of the enemy that disquises in order to deceive us!