Dear Jesus,
I wonder if you get alot of letters from your children this time of year....I've actually felt a bit blue this Christmas, but I'm wondering if you do too? Boys and girls writing to Santa not knowing that you are the only one who can satisfy our deepest desires, Moms and Dads not reaching for the Bible to read about how you were sent and born for us, and others rushing around with a full list, but closed and empty hearts....Do you need someone to cheer you up this Christmas?
I wanted to write to you this letter and tell you Happy Birthday, Jesus! I'm confident you look great! ;) As they say, you are not bound by time in Heaven! ....Heaven is something I think about lots, Jesus. How's my mansion coming along? Does it have the horse barn connected to it yet? Actually, I don't need anything fancy as you know....I just want to know that you'll come get me when it's time because I still want that hug and to ride those heavenly horses.
Speaking about horses, Jesus, I've told and retold you about mine. She doesn't deserve to be in pain...if not for me, could you heal her for her? She's a good horse as you know, and not one to boast. She takes care of me and teaches me things that you need me to hear so could you do a little miracle? That's something on my Christmas list this year.
Thanks again for coming to this world and saving me and everyone else. I'll admit I'm probably more naughty than nice, but I'm forever thankful you saved my life. You always help me to do right even though it's quite hard at times to put up with me I'm sure!
You are my closest and dearest friend, Jesus. I love you so much! I thought it was so amazing and fun when you let me and my dear cousin go to South Dakota this year and ride my own horses (even Kitty was great) in your beautiful creation. I felt you so near, I did not want to leave. You did amazing things on this trip! You provided everything we needed with many helpful friends--why we even joined in on a birthday party! I'll never forget this trip we took with you, Jesus, and I hope you will allow even more trips this nice.
My stocking of blessings this year is full. I'm thankful for my family and friends and others who you have provided to help me this year...For my job, my health (even if its up and down), my truck. I may not have alot as some do.....but my biggest blessing is definitely YOU!
There's this little worthless tree this year full of problems and trials hanging on one side and the other. Filled clear full from top to bottom..sometimes I just don't know where to put or do with them all? Sometimes I think my little tree with fall. I try to clean it best I can, but seems like I just get sticky with sap or pricked by needles. It's surprising my tree still stands, but I think that's because I got the tree stand from you Jesus and it holds it tight! Thank you for that. Help me not to focus on my sad looking little tree, help me to look up to see that you are the star at the top of my tree. Shining there for me to see! I know my tree doesn't have many presents under it nor is it decorated in glorious ornaments....I'm glad/relieved that you still love and shine on this little tree.........because the little tree I'm describing is me.
In closing, take pity on the world this year. It's so hard to be down here. Add to my list courage and faith because that is something I'm lacking. Help me not to miss what you need done from me and forgive me when I fall flat on my face! I'm sorry to have an icy heart sometimes so thanks for fixing my icy heart and melting it so many times.
All my love to you I send, Jesus! Merry Christmas! Thanks for all you've done for me this year! Appreciate all your help! Never let me go!
Lots of Love,
Sandy
P.S. I'm sure I left out many things so we'll talk again real soon!!!!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Fight or Flight?
I've had many thoughts about things and it comes down to this: do I fight or do I flight when trouble comes calling?
When horses are in danger they will do one of 2 things: fight or flight (run because they know they are fast). Lots of times horses choose flight. It's much easier than standing your ground or risk getting hurt and they feel like they are doing something that will save them from the danger.
Here's one example I'll share with you: My dear horse (my best friend) is having lots of problems with head tossing and acting hurt/abnormal. We found a good chiropractor who thought she may have landed hard on her back and hit her head because a few of her ribs seemed bruised and her neck was tight and she had many sore areas. She said that she had a horse who died doing that! Getting a lump in my throat (because I didn't want to cry there, but I did later) I immediately thanked God for sparing her and thought this must be the right decision that I made to bring my horse to her.....but Kitty is worse. Now, the chiropractor says it will take a few adjustments so I'm holding onto some hope, but it's hard. I went from high to low and have just kinda felt low ever since....stuff piles on top of stuff....Not knowing what's exactly wrong or what will work is a hard combination....yet I feet blessed that God spared my horse......
.....Yesterday, Kitty was really bad and couldn't stop doing her tossing/uncomfortableness. It's been really hard to escape the world and be refreshed (riding is my stability/refocus with God time) when your horse is in pain. I've tried many things to help her and she was perfect for 5 months! I felt so sure that God was going to heal her!!! But now it's hard to even look at her... I was trying to almost ignore her so I wouldn't see the problem. I was fleeing, giving up, done. Yet Kitty is still fighting. I feel ashamed of myself. My horse is not blaming me though I've blamed myself over and over. So I'm fighting for her! We will have to change our hard workouts to very light easy workouts with little to no riding to keep her happy, but I can't just walk away from her anymore than I can walk away from God. Just as Kitty needs me to be there for her, I need God to be there for me and walking away from Him or questioning His ways won't save me from difficulties, but with His grace will help me through them.
Sometimes I think that being a good Christian soldier means that the fighting will be glamorous and noble instead of ugly and painful. Fighting is not a joyful, heroic thing, sometimes it's just a long process of standing your ground and grasping to hang onto the Hope that God knows, cares and loves you and He is in control.
God, Help me stand my ground when I want to run away. Increase my faith. Take away my doubts and emptiness so that I can be filled with good things from you. Amen.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1. Corinthians 16:13
Mark 11:23 - For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
When horses are in danger they will do one of 2 things: fight or flight (run because they know they are fast). Lots of times horses choose flight. It's much easier than standing your ground or risk getting hurt and they feel like they are doing something that will save them from the danger.
Here's one example I'll share with you: My dear horse (my best friend) is having lots of problems with head tossing and acting hurt/abnormal. We found a good chiropractor who thought she may have landed hard on her back and hit her head because a few of her ribs seemed bruised and her neck was tight and she had many sore areas. She said that she had a horse who died doing that! Getting a lump in my throat (because I didn't want to cry there, but I did later) I immediately thanked God for sparing her and thought this must be the right decision that I made to bring my horse to her.....but Kitty is worse. Now, the chiropractor says it will take a few adjustments so I'm holding onto some hope, but it's hard. I went from high to low and have just kinda felt low ever since....stuff piles on top of stuff....Not knowing what's exactly wrong or what will work is a hard combination....yet I feet blessed that God spared my horse......
.....Yesterday, Kitty was really bad and couldn't stop doing her tossing/uncomfortableness. It's been really hard to escape the world and be refreshed (riding is my stability/refocus with God time) when your horse is in pain. I've tried many things to help her and she was perfect for 5 months! I felt so sure that God was going to heal her!!! But now it's hard to even look at her... I was trying to almost ignore her so I wouldn't see the problem. I was fleeing, giving up, done. Yet Kitty is still fighting. I feel ashamed of myself. My horse is not blaming me though I've blamed myself over and over. So I'm fighting for her! We will have to change our hard workouts to very light easy workouts with little to no riding to keep her happy, but I can't just walk away from her anymore than I can walk away from God. Just as Kitty needs me to be there for her, I need God to be there for me and walking away from Him or questioning His ways won't save me from difficulties, but with His grace will help me through them.
Sometimes I think that being a good Christian soldier means that the fighting will be glamorous and noble instead of ugly and painful. Fighting is not a joyful, heroic thing, sometimes it's just a long process of standing your ground and grasping to hang onto the Hope that God knows, cares and loves you and He is in control.
God, Help me stand my ground when I want to run away. Increase my faith. Take away my doubts and emptiness so that I can be filled with good things from you. Amen.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1. Corinthians 16:13
Mark 11:23 - For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
"God, How much do you love me?"
It's a question I have to ask again and again....Life just doesn't let up...I try to force it too sometimes, but it won't budge. Yesterday was rough, and today was worse. My emotions were not very good yesterday so I tried to overcome them today...I even almost laughed when my finger didn't find its way out of a door so good. And despite this nasty cold and loss of sleep, I was starting to overcome these problems.
I took Missy for a ride today (but also noticed that Kitty was doing some strange things again) but was so thankful to ride Missy in the beautiful fall weather I didn't want Kitty to distract me. Missy even laid down for me after our ride to show me what a good girl she was...though I was distracted by Kitty and felt a surge of gilt rush through me I just couldn't shake.
I should have known!!! Last week, Kitty just didn't seem herself but I couldn't put my finger on it...maybe she is in heat?....just having an off day.....Let me explain that Kitty has a very high pain tolerance and she loves me a ton! I can't think of any other reason she would let me ride her while she is in pain. Last Friday I took Kitty to a show and she just didn't want to do things but yet there was no head tossing or lip smacking so I just though she was being a "stupid, stubborn mare." (I should know..us girls can be stubborn and stupid!!) My heart knew better as Kitty began to get "snugly" at the horse show wanting to cuddle with me and content to keep her head in my arms trying to tell me in her sweet way that she didn't feel good and something hurt. She's odd though and tried rearing small rears several times with me and wanted to go out the "out" gate. She hurt, but I wasn't listening quite enough to her that night. She is such a willing horse for me that she did everything even winning a few classes, but it all felt half-hearted and not right to me. Speed was no different...we ran slow times as I knew something was wrong as she wouldn't go any faster which is unusual as well. Other competitors asked me, "Doesn't she usually run faster?' "She's just not feeling well tonight," was always my reply. Now I was really not starting to feel well either.
Today she has her head tossing back and is in more pain...So who's the "stupid" one now I thought as I let Kitty enjoy some grass and told her how sorry I was. How can you love me so much when I hurt you. Thankfully, I know who to call in the morning, I just hope we can get scheduled fast and that it works again! Last time something in her neck/poll was off and causing her all the pain and symptoms. Please Pray for Kitty and me!
Now I find myself on a guilt trip...saying things like, Kitty would be better off with some person who didn't always hurt her and listened to her better! What kind of a horsewoman do I think I am? How can she love me through all this? How can she keep a glowing personality through all I put her through and through all she goes through? If my little buckskin could love me so much after what I put her through, I wondered if that was how God thought about me? Here I am---a little messed up human being who struggles to keep her fingers out of doors, and her Christian self intact with how messed up and beat up just one day can get.....and God's telling me He loves me? Even when I hurt Him. Even when I don't listen. Even when I'm stubborn and stupid. Can God really love me that much?
I think He can. Why? He gave me this little buckskin as a token of His love. Kitty is God's horse, but He asked the insignificant me to take care of her and God shows me how much He loves me through her. Because if a horse that God created can love me this much, then my God must really, REALLY love me!
Yes. I know that God loves me so much and He loves you too! Thanks, God, for loving me through it all.....keep reminding me, I am weary and homesick.
I took Missy for a ride today (but also noticed that Kitty was doing some strange things again) but was so thankful to ride Missy in the beautiful fall weather I didn't want Kitty to distract me. Missy even laid down for me after our ride to show me what a good girl she was...though I was distracted by Kitty and felt a surge of gilt rush through me I just couldn't shake.
I should have known!!! Last week, Kitty just didn't seem herself but I couldn't put my finger on it...maybe she is in heat?....just having an off day.....Let me explain that Kitty has a very high pain tolerance and she loves me a ton! I can't think of any other reason she would let me ride her while she is in pain. Last Friday I took Kitty to a show and she just didn't want to do things but yet there was no head tossing or lip smacking so I just though she was being a "stupid, stubborn mare." (I should know..us girls can be stubborn and stupid!!) My heart knew better as Kitty began to get "snugly" at the horse show wanting to cuddle with me and content to keep her head in my arms trying to tell me in her sweet way that she didn't feel good and something hurt. She's odd though and tried rearing small rears several times with me and wanted to go out the "out" gate. She hurt, but I wasn't listening quite enough to her that night. She is such a willing horse for me that she did everything even winning a few classes, but it all felt half-hearted and not right to me. Speed was no different...we ran slow times as I knew something was wrong as she wouldn't go any faster which is unusual as well. Other competitors asked me, "Doesn't she usually run faster?' "She's just not feeling well tonight," was always my reply. Now I was really not starting to feel well either.
Today she has her head tossing back and is in more pain...So who's the "stupid" one now I thought as I let Kitty enjoy some grass and told her how sorry I was. How can you love me so much when I hurt you. Thankfully, I know who to call in the morning, I just hope we can get scheduled fast and that it works again! Last time something in her neck/poll was off and causing her all the pain and symptoms. Please Pray for Kitty and me!
Now I find myself on a guilt trip...saying things like, Kitty would be better off with some person who didn't always hurt her and listened to her better! What kind of a horsewoman do I think I am? How can she love me through all this? How can she keep a glowing personality through all I put her through and through all she goes through? If my little buckskin could love me so much after what I put her through, I wondered if that was how God thought about me? Here I am---a little messed up human being who struggles to keep her fingers out of doors, and her Christian self intact with how messed up and beat up just one day can get.....and God's telling me He loves me? Even when I hurt Him. Even when I don't listen. Even when I'm stubborn and stupid. Can God really love me that much?
I think He can. Why? He gave me this little buckskin as a token of His love. Kitty is God's horse, but He asked the insignificant me to take care of her and God shows me how much He loves me through her. Because if a horse that God created can love me this much, then my God must really, REALLY love me!
Yes. I know that God loves me so much and He loves you too! Thanks, God, for loving me through it all.....keep reminding me, I am weary and homesick.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly!
This may not be a very good read....Several times I've tried to blog something, but come up empty...or maybe too full....too overwhelmed by the step Jesus is trying to teach me. Some steps come easier than others. This years step is tough....it seems higher than all the rest.
It's been a year where God is teaching me to trust Him. I must not be learning very well as the step is painful....but God has been gentle too. It was hard for me to tell God that He could have my horse because I knew she wasn't mine anyways....but God healed her. She has been great for almost 3 months now! I am so thankful that He is letting me take care of her longer!
I've had poor health this year too....viruses and RA flares, body pains, etc...it's kinda opened my eyes to how fragile my life is...most of the time I'm being held together by medical drugs....this isn't a blog about feeling sorry for me....it's just thoughts of late.
One Thought: Being a Christian is not easy! A REAL Christian. Trusting Jesus is always easier when things are going good! But "Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly!" Taken out of Life's Lessons from a Horse Whisperer by Dr. Lew Sterrett. It's not that I don't want to be an excellent worker of Jesus Christ....It's like horsemen Sterrett says, "The only way to do something with excellence is to start out doing things poorly, and then learn from your mistakes." It's tough! I wish I could just have a whole bunch of trust in Jesus without having to go through tough times and mistakes, but would I learn anything if everything always fell nicely into place? Would I really trust Jesus with my life if I never had to lean on Him?
He also mentions in this book that what we need and what we want are two different things. I really really want to be able to go places all over the United States with my horses...I have a saying, "I want to enjoy God's creation on His creation (my horse)"! As I'm struggling with my body week after week and having one truck problem after another....I start to lose my trust in Jesus....saying things like, but God it's only 2 weeks out of the entire year! If I'm this bad at this young, I'll never be able to go anywhere soon! Why can't you let me have fun? Look at what I've had to go through! Can't you give me a tiny break? Others get to have fun....
Now, I have a twisted mind and also one that can think a little too deep for ones good, but I do know one thing: Proverbs 16:9 says, In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
I know this because I make plans and they sometimes go completely haywire! I can attest to this verse and submit that yes, The Lord has determined my steps. It's NOT what I wanted. But I needed it. It's like that first let down you get when your parents tell you you can't do something that you really want to do because they know it will only hurt you....
Ah...but if you read Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
I'm not sure exactly what this verse means so I'd love your thoughts....but Proverbs is the book of wisdom and lately I could use some! So I'm committing this horse vacation (for one example) that I want to do to Jesus.....I'm not sure what all needs to be committed...I feel that I planned alot without Him, but I thought He was okay with our decision to go to South Dakota.....He's even worked out a few details for us, but will our plans succeed? What does that mean? Succeed could mean lots of things like no one dies=success...that's just obvious right? ;) What if we make it all the way over there and one of us gets sick a horse gets lame? Is our success only in getting there?
So let's now not overthink this verse....let's just go back to what the verse says Commit to the Lord...Commit means to Devote, Apply, Pledge...loads of good definitions....I need to first devote whatever I do to God....because the Lord determines our steps. Ugh..why do I feel that there are people who don't commit anything to God and still have success! And people who commit everything to God and seem to have no success!
I'm learning that sometimes our reward or success isn't in this lifetime, it's in the next one! I'm talking about when we have died and gone to Heaven to be with Jesus! Maybe my trip through life won't be a success in this lifetime, maybe I won't get what I want....maybe all I will get is what I need to be successful in gaining my ultimate want and desire to be with Jesus forever....to hug Jesus!
I mentioned earlier in a blog that the hugging lines to Jesus in Heaven must be long and they might be....but Jesus gave me a little insight for that today....Human hugs don't last....you get a hug and it lasts for a few seconds if that and the warmth of that hug and love is gone quickly as you need another and another.....but when Jesus gives you a hug....it will last FOREVER!!! The warmth will always be there and the love will never leave you! Even after Jesus's hug is physically over, you will feel it forever! So really, He never stops hugging you! Chills. Jesus's Love is Lasting! Wow! I want that Hug!
It's been a year where God is teaching me to trust Him. I must not be learning very well as the step is painful....but God has been gentle too. It was hard for me to tell God that He could have my horse because I knew she wasn't mine anyways....but God healed her. She has been great for almost 3 months now! I am so thankful that He is letting me take care of her longer!
I've had poor health this year too....viruses and RA flares, body pains, etc...it's kinda opened my eyes to how fragile my life is...most of the time I'm being held together by medical drugs....this isn't a blog about feeling sorry for me....it's just thoughts of late.
One Thought: Being a Christian is not easy! A REAL Christian. Trusting Jesus is always easier when things are going good! But "Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly!" Taken out of Life's Lessons from a Horse Whisperer by Dr. Lew Sterrett. It's not that I don't want to be an excellent worker of Jesus Christ....It's like horsemen Sterrett says, "The only way to do something with excellence is to start out doing things poorly, and then learn from your mistakes." It's tough! I wish I could just have a whole bunch of trust in Jesus without having to go through tough times and mistakes, but would I learn anything if everything always fell nicely into place? Would I really trust Jesus with my life if I never had to lean on Him?
He also mentions in this book that what we need and what we want are two different things. I really really want to be able to go places all over the United States with my horses...I have a saying, "I want to enjoy God's creation on His creation (my horse)"! As I'm struggling with my body week after week and having one truck problem after another....I start to lose my trust in Jesus....saying things like, but God it's only 2 weeks out of the entire year! If I'm this bad at this young, I'll never be able to go anywhere soon! Why can't you let me have fun? Look at what I've had to go through! Can't you give me a tiny break? Others get to have fun....
Now, I have a twisted mind and also one that can think a little too deep for ones good, but I do know one thing: Proverbs 16:9 says, In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
I know this because I make plans and they sometimes go completely haywire! I can attest to this verse and submit that yes, The Lord has determined my steps. It's NOT what I wanted. But I needed it. It's like that first let down you get when your parents tell you you can't do something that you really want to do because they know it will only hurt you....
Ah...but if you read Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
I'm not sure exactly what this verse means so I'd love your thoughts....but Proverbs is the book of wisdom and lately I could use some! So I'm committing this horse vacation (for one example) that I want to do to Jesus.....I'm not sure what all needs to be committed...I feel that I planned alot without Him, but I thought He was okay with our decision to go to South Dakota.....He's even worked out a few details for us, but will our plans succeed? What does that mean? Succeed could mean lots of things like no one dies=success...that's just obvious right? ;) What if we make it all the way over there and one of us gets sick a horse gets lame? Is our success only in getting there?
So let's now not overthink this verse....let's just go back to what the verse says Commit to the Lord...Commit means to Devote, Apply, Pledge...loads of good definitions....I need to first devote whatever I do to God....because the Lord determines our steps. Ugh..why do I feel that there are people who don't commit anything to God and still have success! And people who commit everything to God and seem to have no success!
I'm learning that sometimes our reward or success isn't in this lifetime, it's in the next one! I'm talking about when we have died and gone to Heaven to be with Jesus! Maybe my trip through life won't be a success in this lifetime, maybe I won't get what I want....maybe all I will get is what I need to be successful in gaining my ultimate want and desire to be with Jesus forever....to hug Jesus!
I mentioned earlier in a blog that the hugging lines to Jesus in Heaven must be long and they might be....but Jesus gave me a little insight for that today....Human hugs don't last....you get a hug and it lasts for a few seconds if that and the warmth of that hug and love is gone quickly as you need another and another.....but when Jesus gives you a hug....it will last FOREVER!!! The warmth will always be there and the love will never leave you! Even after Jesus's hug is physically over, you will feel it forever! So really, He never stops hugging you! Chills. Jesus's Love is Lasting! Wow! I want that Hug!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Are you balanced?
The other day, I was horseback riding (surprise! ;) ) bareback and thinking that I hadn't ridden bareback for awhile and wondering if my balance would be off....I have a very springy horse that takes more balance to ride bareback but it is so good for leg muscles and riding balance so I do it!
Riding everyday helps to keep your riding skills necessary for balance, training, and knowledge of the horse. I'm told if you want to ride your whole life you need to ride your whole life! Balance is so important in riding! If your horse spooks, trips, jumps, bucks, rears, bolts, etc. how well your balance is will determine whether you stay up or fall off.
While riding, thoughts began....Wonder how balanced I am spiritually? What does it take to be spiritually balanced? Am I a balanced Christian or am I ready to fall off next trial?
If I stopped riding horses for a month, my balance would be off next ride...bad? maybe not. but perhaps not as confident and surely not as smooth. The less I ride, the less balance I would get.
If I stopped reading God's word and praying to God, my spiritual life would be unbalanced. I get a funny picture of a beginner on horse-back who gets on bareback with no instructions and asks the horse for a trot.....and splat they are on the ground tasting dirt in a matter of seconds. I find it to be the same way with my spiritual balance.....If I'm not reading God's word and talking with Him, I'm liable to fall on my face and eat Satan's dirt next trial I face!
Keep your spiritual life balanced so Satan can't throw you off!
Riding everyday helps to keep your riding skills necessary for balance, training, and knowledge of the horse. I'm told if you want to ride your whole life you need to ride your whole life! Balance is so important in riding! If your horse spooks, trips, jumps, bucks, rears, bolts, etc. how well your balance is will determine whether you stay up or fall off.
While riding, thoughts began....Wonder how balanced I am spiritually? What does it take to be spiritually balanced? Am I a balanced Christian or am I ready to fall off next trial?
If I stopped riding horses for a month, my balance would be off next ride...bad? maybe not. but perhaps not as confident and surely not as smooth. The less I ride, the less balance I would get.
If I stopped reading God's word and praying to God, my spiritual life would be unbalanced. I get a funny picture of a beginner on horse-back who gets on bareback with no instructions and asks the horse for a trot.....and splat they are on the ground tasting dirt in a matter of seconds. I find it to be the same way with my spiritual balance.....If I'm not reading God's word and talking with Him, I'm liable to fall on my face and eat Satan's dirt next trial I face!
Keep your spiritual life balanced so Satan can't throw you off!
Above: Riding with my cousin Rachel at High Knob in Shawnee
Below: Keep your balance even when life is going upside down! Kitty tolerating me for a "headstand."
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Does God pick favorites?
There are sometimes no answers to questions and there are sometimes no words for feelings....but let's save this for another day....(see upcoming Unspeakable Joy)
The other day, I was up to my ears in decisions and pressing matters and I couldn't help but laugh...yes laugh....normally, that is not my reaction....But I'm learning to give it all to Jesus and trust Him. I can't save myself. I am powerless. (Job 40) God asks Job who are you to question my ways? Can you save yourself? Can you speak out of thunder?
So, I thought, here you go....here's another one for you God! Are you sick of taking so much from me yet? It's not natural for me to want to let go of something I think I can hold. But, I'm learning this gives me freedom! God's got this...even the slightest little thing that's bringing you down...It's no problem for God!
WARNING!! Don't by any means think that I have this down...I'm such a messy, messy person (the more I study the Bible the more messy I feel...but the more loved too!!) and the only reason I can tolerate myself is knowing that Jesus loves me and WANTS to hear from me! I'm very hard on myself, but God is trying to free me of myself to do His work fully and joyfully...yes even when it's not so fun and full of pain! God is constantly on the move in our lives. I just don't always have the eyes to see that until after the fact....Peter, a guy who if God wanted to show favoritism to by all means Peter probably deserved a little more attention from God than well....me! I mean Peter was persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, soul saving, etc!! But listen to what Peter says, (Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Peter, a man of God, whom God spoke through and used a ton says God picks no favorites. Peter finally realizes this TRUTH!!! God loves you as much as He does me or Peter or the thief on the cross...This is just hard for us to grasp since we tend to pick favorites...favorite dinner, car, person, item, family, place, etc.
And if that's not bad enough we tend to lift our favorites up...Did you hear about this family who is serving Jesus? They are just so on fire! Jesus is just really using them...He just loves them so much! That family is a picture perfect example of following Jesus....that singing group.....that preacher.....that missionary......there are many etc. You've heard em...so have I....but let's be careful! We are putting favoritism upon that person, that family, group, etc and soon other Christians can think they are not good enough...not part of the church enough....not talented enough.....not loved by God enough, etc.....They can end up saying, "God must only love people who are really on fire for Him....great, I'm worthless to Him..He must not love me as much as them."...WAIT HOLD ON FOR ONE MINUTE!!! YOU ARE LOVED BY JESUS!!! GOD SHOWS NO FAVORITISM!! GOD IS JUST SO JUST!!!!
btw, It's good to be good examples to others for Christ....I have people in my life who are great examples to me of following Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength....I think Paul states somewhere that if you don't believe my words than believe my actions and seek to do them and grow in Christ....It's wonderful to have godly examples to follow....to really see someone on fire for Jesus!
Now before you ask me is there anything wrong about lifting those up who are following Jesus? No, there is nothing wrong with that...chances are they need that encouragement...Satan is at constant work to those who are on fire for Jesus. What I'm trying to get across is that if we don't lift up even "the least of these Christians" you are going to put out more fire than smokey the bear! I know....my fires been burnt out a few times.....Praise God that He has provided fire starters in my life! God, Himself, is actively stoking my flame, providing more wood, and more heat.....Do we have to all be Peters and Pauls? Nope! Even the smallest light can shine bright in the dark! It's ok to be a little light! Do what God calls you to do....don't let others sway you, don't let Big Lights blind you and make sure you ask God where He wants you because that is the BEST SPOT THAT YOU WILL SHINE THE BRIGHTEST!!!
JESUS LOVES YOU!!! LOVE EVERYONE!! It really comes down to love alot doesn't it?
The other day, I was up to my ears in decisions and pressing matters and I couldn't help but laugh...yes laugh....normally, that is not my reaction....But I'm learning to give it all to Jesus and trust Him. I can't save myself. I am powerless. (Job 40) God asks Job who are you to question my ways? Can you save yourself? Can you speak out of thunder?
So, I thought, here you go....here's another one for you God! Are you sick of taking so much from me yet? It's not natural for me to want to let go of something I think I can hold. But, I'm learning this gives me freedom! God's got this...even the slightest little thing that's bringing you down...It's no problem for God!
WARNING!! Don't by any means think that I have this down...I'm such a messy, messy person (the more I study the Bible the more messy I feel...but the more loved too!!) and the only reason I can tolerate myself is knowing that Jesus loves me and WANTS to hear from me! I'm very hard on myself, but God is trying to free me of myself to do His work fully and joyfully...yes even when it's not so fun and full of pain! God is constantly on the move in our lives. I just don't always have the eyes to see that until after the fact....Peter, a guy who if God wanted to show favoritism to by all means Peter probably deserved a little more attention from God than well....me! I mean Peter was persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, soul saving, etc!! But listen to what Peter says, (Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Peter, a man of God, whom God spoke through and used a ton says God picks no favorites. Peter finally realizes this TRUTH!!! God loves you as much as He does me or Peter or the thief on the cross...This is just hard for us to grasp since we tend to pick favorites...favorite dinner, car, person, item, family, place, etc.
And if that's not bad enough we tend to lift our favorites up...Did you hear about this family who is serving Jesus? They are just so on fire! Jesus is just really using them...He just loves them so much! That family is a picture perfect example of following Jesus....that singing group.....that preacher.....that missionary......there are many etc. You've heard em...so have I....but let's be careful! We are putting favoritism upon that person, that family, group, etc and soon other Christians can think they are not good enough...not part of the church enough....not talented enough.....not loved by God enough, etc.....They can end up saying, "God must only love people who are really on fire for Him....great, I'm worthless to Him..He must not love me as much as them."...WAIT HOLD ON FOR ONE MINUTE!!! YOU ARE LOVED BY JESUS!!! GOD SHOWS NO FAVORITISM!! GOD IS JUST SO JUST!!!!
btw, It's good to be good examples to others for Christ....I have people in my life who are great examples to me of following Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength....I think Paul states somewhere that if you don't believe my words than believe my actions and seek to do them and grow in Christ....It's wonderful to have godly examples to follow....to really see someone on fire for Jesus!
Now before you ask me is there anything wrong about lifting those up who are following Jesus? No, there is nothing wrong with that...chances are they need that encouragement...Satan is at constant work to those who are on fire for Jesus. What I'm trying to get across is that if we don't lift up even "the least of these Christians" you are going to put out more fire than smokey the bear! I know....my fires been burnt out a few times.....Praise God that He has provided fire starters in my life! God, Himself, is actively stoking my flame, providing more wood, and more heat.....Do we have to all be Peters and Pauls? Nope! Even the smallest light can shine bright in the dark! It's ok to be a little light! Do what God calls you to do....don't let others sway you, don't let Big Lights blind you and make sure you ask God where He wants you because that is the BEST SPOT THAT YOU WILL SHINE THE BRIGHTEST!!!
JESUS LOVES YOU!!! LOVE EVERYONE!! It really comes down to love alot doesn't it?
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Are You In or Out?
I've been doing this study of God's attributes and am learning lots! There are quite a few questions that are really tough to answer and some I don't know how to answer.....
While horse back riding with my sister, I mentioned some things that I had been learning and how I felt pretty inadequate as a Christian and rather selfish.....here we are only on this earth for a little while and what am I doing? Rapped up in my own troubles, concerns, etc. We are here to be Jesus....to be lights....to go low(do the dirty work)....to bring hope...
It's not that I'm never selfless, but I've been thinking that "I" get in the way too often....I can't do that because: I'm tired....I'm not good enough....what will people think about me....that's just not me, God,....My life is too busy, etc.
Is my life really mine? Yes, God, I'll follow you when it's convenient, when life slows down, when I figure this big decision out, when I'm married, after I take that dream vacation, etc. Forgetting that I promised God 100% of me...of I.
So to help myself out with being less selfish (which is extremely hard), I'm trying to first give God my best time...my best me....sometimes I do my Bible study when too tired or rushed...I've even skipped it occasionally (that's why I like yearly devotional studies--they help tons!)...And as far as prayers: be more intimate and real...not just reciting the same words....I've prayed Psalm 27--great read, btw!.... and even out loud praying, etc. Sidenote: but I absolutely love that Psalm! Was it David who wrote it? Very heartfelt read!
It troubles me to think about the percentage of me that is given up to Jesus....Never was good at stats, probabilities or percentages....but I know Jesus doesn't expect me to be 100% amazing because then He wouldn't have had to die for me....still, this crazy idea came to my brain on our ride....and I blurted out.. "So to become less selfish I should just do the opposite of what I really want to do!"(btw, for you over-thinkers, I'm not saying that what you want to do is necessarily a bad thing and this was probably an extreme version selfish test!) I get really fired up about things and without thinking I said I should do it for a whole month!!! My sister seemed impressed and said something like...."Wow! That would be really hard!" When my brain finally caught up to my mouth, I said..."well maybe for just a week...maybe..."....It was tough, but fun! I like challenges...but wheu!!! I found out that I am pretty selfish....unfortunately, the more I read the Bible and learn about Jesus the more I see these two truths: 1. I need Jesus so very much in my life! 2. Boy, I need to work on about 40 pages of stuff!!! I'm hoping and praying that Jesus will give me some answers on what I need to work and focus on for now.....because if you are like me and someone hands you 40 pages of what you need to work on you'll probably raise an eyebrow, jaw drop and look for the nearest trash can!
God also comforted me with this about being selfish or not in it 100%.....Do you remember Jonah? he was a good prophet of God...but when God told him to go preach to Nineveh...what did he do? He ran. I find that odd...a prophet of God running from God....anyways He hated the Ninevehites and did not want to go preach there.....so you could say that He was 100% not in!!!! 100% selfish! Even after being swallowed by a whale and spit back out....Though Jonah went to Nineveh, his heart was still full of selfishness (but these people are soo bad, God!) and I'd say some hate and anger too (As he sits under his shade tree waiting for God to destroy Nineveh....)....which God doesn't do......Jonah throws a little fit, but God still used Jonah! Pretty inspiring to me! What's more inspiring? God loved those wicked people so much that He gave them another chance. Everyday, God gives us chances to be 100% in! What I find fascinating is that even when we aren't 100% in or up to it, GOD STILL USES US! Praise be to Jesus for using me and you anyways!
While horse back riding with my sister, I mentioned some things that I had been learning and how I felt pretty inadequate as a Christian and rather selfish.....here we are only on this earth for a little while and what am I doing? Rapped up in my own troubles, concerns, etc. We are here to be Jesus....to be lights....to go low(do the dirty work)....to bring hope...
It's not that I'm never selfless, but I've been thinking that "I" get in the way too often....I can't do that because: I'm tired....I'm not good enough....what will people think about me....that's just not me, God,....My life is too busy, etc.
Is my life really mine? Yes, God, I'll follow you when it's convenient, when life slows down, when I figure this big decision out, when I'm married, after I take that dream vacation, etc. Forgetting that I promised God 100% of me...of I.
So to help myself out with being less selfish (which is extremely hard), I'm trying to first give God my best time...my best me....sometimes I do my Bible study when too tired or rushed...I've even skipped it occasionally (that's why I like yearly devotional studies--they help tons!)...And as far as prayers: be more intimate and real...not just reciting the same words....I've prayed Psalm 27--great read, btw!.... and even out loud praying, etc. Sidenote: but I absolutely love that Psalm! Was it David who wrote it? Very heartfelt read!
It troubles me to think about the percentage of me that is given up to Jesus....Never was good at stats, probabilities or percentages....but I know Jesus doesn't expect me to be 100% amazing because then He wouldn't have had to die for me....still, this crazy idea came to my brain on our ride....and I blurted out.. "So to become less selfish I should just do the opposite of what I really want to do!"(btw, for you over-thinkers, I'm not saying that what you want to do is necessarily a bad thing and this was probably an extreme version selfish test!) I get really fired up about things and without thinking I said I should do it for a whole month!!! My sister seemed impressed and said something like...."Wow! That would be really hard!" When my brain finally caught up to my mouth, I said..."well maybe for just a week...maybe..."....It was tough, but fun! I like challenges...but wheu!!! I found out that I am pretty selfish....unfortunately, the more I read the Bible and learn about Jesus the more I see these two truths: 1. I need Jesus so very much in my life! 2. Boy, I need to work on about 40 pages of stuff!!! I'm hoping and praying that Jesus will give me some answers on what I need to work and focus on for now.....because if you are like me and someone hands you 40 pages of what you need to work on you'll probably raise an eyebrow, jaw drop and look for the nearest trash can!
God also comforted me with this about being selfish or not in it 100%.....Do you remember Jonah? he was a good prophet of God...but when God told him to go preach to Nineveh...what did he do? He ran. I find that odd...a prophet of God running from God....anyways He hated the Ninevehites and did not want to go preach there.....so you could say that He was 100% not in!!!! 100% selfish! Even after being swallowed by a whale and spit back out....Though Jonah went to Nineveh, his heart was still full of selfishness (but these people are soo bad, God!) and I'd say some hate and anger too (As he sits under his shade tree waiting for God to destroy Nineveh....)....which God doesn't do......Jonah throws a little fit, but God still used Jonah! Pretty inspiring to me! What's more inspiring? God loved those wicked people so much that He gave them another chance. Everyday, God gives us chances to be 100% in! What I find fascinating is that even when we aren't 100% in or up to it, GOD STILL USES US! Praise be to Jesus for using me and you anyways!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)