Several years ago, on Christmas Day, I received a gift I never expected. We had gathered as a family, opened gifts, and I thought our Christmas morning ritual was over when Daniel said, "Wait Mom. You have one more gift. Lindsay will you help me?" They were both grinning from ear to ear as they went down stairs. Anxiously I sat and awaited their return. I heard a little commotion downstairs, then each of them came upstairs carrying a rocking chair! Daniel had been saving his money for months in order to buy me 2 rocking chairs. You see, since he was a small child I had told him about my Grandmother and her rocking chair. I remembered her rocking in that little chair. I remembered the creaking sound it made as she rocked for endless hours. I would tell my children that story and always end it by saying, "I just love rocking chairs".
As I look back on that Christmas morning, I recall an overwhelming feeling of being known. I remember tears stinging my eyes as I realized that Daniel had been listening all those years. He remembered the stories of my Grandmother, but most of all, he remembered that I always told him how I loved rocking chairs. His gift proved a simple fact to me. He knew me. Ah...the feeling of being known.
Last night I received an email from my sister in law. It was a personal email written to Lindsay and I. As I read it, I remember once again that overwhelming feeling of the joy of being known. She had taken an experience Lindsay and I recently had, understood our thoughts and concerns, and echoed back to us the fact that she knew us, and how we were feeling. Ah...the feeling of being known...
Isn't that something we all long for? I am not married. But many times I see couples who are very close, whispering to one another, giving one another a knowing look, or squeezing each others hand. I always pause for a second and think "How nice it is for them to truly be known in such an intimate way".
It's no wonder we all have that longing. It's a God-made feeling for us to enjoy. The Bible says this:
"You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know Me, believe Me and remain steadfast to Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." Isaiah 43:10
We are created in God's image. Our Creator longs to be known by us. In fact, He has chosen us to know Him! He not only longs for us to know Him, but as we grow in our knowledge of Him we learn to believe Him. The more we believe Him, the more we remain steadfast to Him and begin to understand that He is Yahweh. "I am He". No matter what we are going through, we know we can always trust The Great I Am.
Ah...What a lovely thought. The God of the Universe, our Creator, longs to be known. The peace and joy we find when we are truly known comes straight from our Father. That's how He created us, and that's what He deeply desires...."That you may know me"..... As a single woman, when I have that longing to be known, to be understood, I can always look at Jesus Christ. He understands that feeling. After all, He shares the same desire.
Much Love,
Kim
Monday, August 18, 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Love at first sight
It was love at first sight that day I saw you at PetSmart. There were so many puppies in that little closure. But you were the one that caught my eye, or should I say, I caught your eye. Lindsay caught your eye too. You kissed our hands and faces until we knew it was true, forever love.
We brought you home that day, shocking your "Bubba" when he saw you. It was love at first sight. The two of you were inseparable. The two of you played together hour after hour. You were always teasing us, making us laugh, and by our side when we needed you. Your unconditional love was always exactly what we needed through the hard times, tears, and through the best of times. Waiting at the top of the steps to give us a kiss when we walked in from a long hard day, you were the first one we saw, and it was love at first sight.
Our family was in constant transition. We said hello, and goodbye to friends and family time and time again. Lindsay and Daniel moved in and out. Friends stayed with us, then moved out. We lost other family members.You were the one constant love in our lives, never leaving us, never rejecting us, and never failing us. It was constant, consistent love you showed us day after day. You never left my side, and loved all of us more every single day.
Today as you laid on the blanket, you kissed our hands and faces as you became drowsy and then fell asleep. As I slipped out of the door and looked back, it was love at last sight.
You were one of a kind. We had a rare bond that I will hold in my heart forever. And someday, I pray, you will be in heaven. As soon as I see you again, it will be love at first sight.
I miss you more than I ever dreamed I would. I will always love you, Gordon. "Stinky" "Stinky man" "Grover" "Gordoms" "Widdles". You would answer to anything. haha So blessed to have you for 13 wonderful years. God knew exactly the dog we would need by our side as we walked our journey. Today you needed to go and rest in peace. No more suffering and no more pain. You're forever in my heart.
Love you so, but you knew that everyday of your life. Of all the people in the world, God gave you to us! We were blessed for 13 years by your love. I miss you terribly. That will eventually fade, but my love for you will never go away.
Always and forever, dear Gordon,
Thank you for all your love.
We brought you home that day, shocking your "Bubba" when he saw you. It was love at first sight. The two of you were inseparable. The two of you played together hour after hour. You were always teasing us, making us laugh, and by our side when we needed you. Your unconditional love was always exactly what we needed through the hard times, tears, and through the best of times. Waiting at the top of the steps to give us a kiss when we walked in from a long hard day, you were the first one we saw, and it was love at first sight.
Our family was in constant transition. We said hello, and goodbye to friends and family time and time again. Lindsay and Daniel moved in and out. Friends stayed with us, then moved out. We lost other family members.You were the one constant love in our lives, never leaving us, never rejecting us, and never failing us. It was constant, consistent love you showed us day after day. You never left my side, and loved all of us more every single day.
Today as you laid on the blanket, you kissed our hands and faces as you became drowsy and then fell asleep. As I slipped out of the door and looked back, it was love at last sight.
You were one of a kind. We had a rare bond that I will hold in my heart forever. And someday, I pray, you will be in heaven. As soon as I see you again, it will be love at first sight.
I miss you more than I ever dreamed I would. I will always love you, Gordon. "Stinky" "Stinky man" "Grover" "Gordoms" "Widdles". You would answer to anything. haha So blessed to have you for 13 wonderful years. God knew exactly the dog we would need by our side as we walked our journey. Today you needed to go and rest in peace. No more suffering and no more pain. You're forever in my heart.
Love you so, but you knew that everyday of your life. Of all the people in the world, God gave you to us! We were blessed for 13 years by your love. I miss you terribly. That will eventually fade, but my love for you will never go away.
Always and forever, dear Gordon,
Thank you for all your love.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Sittin' On The Front Porch Waiting...
While talking with a friend on the phone last evening, he began to describe to me where he would love to be at that very moment. "Here's my dream, Kim. Let me describe it to you. I would love to be at a cabin, in the mountains, sitting on the porch and sipping a cup of coffee. Just watching the squirrels, and hanging out..."
As you all know, I love the mountains. Sitting on the porch at my favorite cabin is heaven on earth to me. My friends verbal painting caused me to think of our Heavenly Father. Picture this: Our Father sitting on the front porch of a cabin, watching, His eyes searching the horizon for one of His children to show up in the far distance. He is searching, waiting, watching. All at once He sees His child far in the distance. He stands to His feet, reaching out his arms. As the child slowly approaches, head down, feeling ashamed, our Father turns and steps off the porch. The child never leaves His sight. He begins to walk faster toward His child, calling his name. The child begins to look up, remembering where he came from, remembering the days he walked with his Father. It seems so long ago, and yet our Father feels like no time has passed.
Our Fathers steps quicken, until He is running. The child sees His Father running, arms wide opened. As he views this magnificent sight, he begins to look straight ahead. Their eyes lock. Then the child begins to run. The miles that once separated them no longer exist. Instead, they are within inches of one another. And the child falls...he falls into our Fathers arms. Over come with relief, joy and peace, he begins to cry. Immediately our Father is crying tears of joy. "Oh my child, I've been sitting on the front porch waiting. I've never forgotten. Never once have you left my mind. Welcome home, child. Let's sit down, have some coffee, and relax together. You are finally back where you belong."
I don't know about you, but I have certainly had my moments where I have been that child walking over the horizon, head down, feeling ashamed. Without fail, my Father has stood to His feet and ran to greet me. We have both shed tears of joy.
As I grow older, those times seem to be farther and farther apart. I am learning to never let my Father leave my sight. Life is much easier if we never walk away from where we belong. If I keep my eyes locked into His eyes, safety and love abound. There's no place safer than that front porch with my Father. For me, that's Home.
This blog was inspired by a conversation with my friend David, and by this song, "Come On Home" by Brady Toops. (give it a listen. It's an awesome song). All glory, praise and honor to Him!
Much Love everyone!
Kim
As you all know, I love the mountains. Sitting on the porch at my favorite cabin is heaven on earth to me. My friends verbal painting caused me to think of our Heavenly Father. Picture this: Our Father sitting on the front porch of a cabin, watching, His eyes searching the horizon for one of His children to show up in the far distance. He is searching, waiting, watching. All at once He sees His child far in the distance. He stands to His feet, reaching out his arms. As the child slowly approaches, head down, feeling ashamed, our Father turns and steps off the porch. The child never leaves His sight. He begins to walk faster toward His child, calling his name. The child begins to look up, remembering where he came from, remembering the days he walked with his Father. It seems so long ago, and yet our Father feels like no time has passed.
Our Fathers steps quicken, until He is running. The child sees His Father running, arms wide opened. As he views this magnificent sight, he begins to look straight ahead. Their eyes lock. Then the child begins to run. The miles that once separated them no longer exist. Instead, they are within inches of one another. And the child falls...he falls into our Fathers arms. Over come with relief, joy and peace, he begins to cry. Immediately our Father is crying tears of joy. "Oh my child, I've been sitting on the front porch waiting. I've never forgotten. Never once have you left my mind. Welcome home, child. Let's sit down, have some coffee, and relax together. You are finally back where you belong."
I don't know about you, but I have certainly had my moments where I have been that child walking over the horizon, head down, feeling ashamed. Without fail, my Father has stood to His feet and ran to greet me. We have both shed tears of joy.
As I grow older, those times seem to be farther and farther apart. I am learning to never let my Father leave my sight. Life is much easier if we never walk away from where we belong. If I keep my eyes locked into His eyes, safety and love abound. There's no place safer than that front porch with my Father. For me, that's Home.
This blog was inspired by a conversation with my friend David, and by this song, "Come On Home" by Brady Toops. (give it a listen. It's an awesome song). All glory, praise and honor to Him!
Much Love everyone!
Kim
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Your Love's Amazing
While staring in the mirror, getting ready for church, she began practicing her smiles. There's her "I'm doing great. How are you?" smile. There's the "I've missed you, too. We must have lunch soon" smile. The "My life couldn't be better. God is good." smile. And then " I feel wonderful. So good to see you! How are you?" smile.
All along, she's dying inside. Her heart is breaking. She believes the Scriptures, lives her life righteously, trust God in all things, and yet this gnawing pain will not go away. It comes and goes. Some days are better than others, but it's always felt somewhere deep inside. She's given it to God, worshiped Him, thanked Him even during the hurt, trusted Him with her life and all she is feeling. Yet, it's still there.
She quickly wipes a tear as it falls down her face, not wanting to mess up her makeup, or have her mascara drip. The sooner she can leave, the better it will be. While at church, it's much easier to put that smile on her face, encourage others, and redirect her pain into something good.
But the questions still linger. He found someone new. He found a better family, better children, and better friends. Are they sweeter, prettier, or more fun? They must have been worth walking away from her. What did she do wrong that caused him to leave? Yet she is his own flesh and blood.
Her mind drifts back to a conversation she had with him when she was a young teen. "Will you please come home from 'work' earlier, and maybe spend more time with me?" "Sure baby. Anything for you" he replied. One more broken promise. One of many broken promises. One more thing that still stings. The hurt and lies run through her mind over and over. Lies about herself, lies about other things. Erasing the tapes is easier said than done.
She has many friends and family. She is blessed to be loved and cared for by so many wonderful people. Yet it continually gnaws at her heart- the one who should have loved her most, failed her. What was wrong with her and her family? Yes, it would have taken hard work, but wasn't she worth fixing things?
Gathering her thoughts and emotions, the church service is amazing. God's presence enters the room like a blanket wrapping His arms around her. As she leaves, the pain she felt earlier lessens. Her smile is genuine now. Feeling lighthearted, she continues with her day, laughing, singing and spending time with loved ones.
God IS good. He IS faithful. Whether she sees it or feels it every second of the day, He never leaves her side. Looking back, she realizes that she is loved more than any man could ever love her. Her Heavenly Father adores her. He keeps all His promises. And He will never leave.
Note from me:
Dear friends, as I write this fictional story, I realize that even though life doesn't go the way we think it should, God never changes. Life certainly changes. It has it's ups and downs, good times and bad times. Sometimes sorrow pins us to the floor for a while. But there's always a light, dim as it may seem, at the end of the tunnel. Christians, let's get real with one another. We all suffer. Let's allow the church to be a safe place to laugh and to cry. Let's bring our hurts and pain before Him, surrounded by fellow Christians, and love one another through every part of life, no matter how big or small. Can we do that? No gossiping about our brothers and sisters in Christ, no sharing "prayer request" in order to gossip in a Christian manner. Together we can work on it, anyway. Together we can creat a safe haven for all who need a place to come and open up. We can't always fix the pain, but we sure can make the load lighter with a hug, kiss, or encouraging words. Let's do what God has called us to do. Let's be the true church, which means love.
Much love everyone,
Kim
All along, she's dying inside. Her heart is breaking. She believes the Scriptures, lives her life righteously, trust God in all things, and yet this gnawing pain will not go away. It comes and goes. Some days are better than others, but it's always felt somewhere deep inside. She's given it to God, worshiped Him, thanked Him even during the hurt, trusted Him with her life and all she is feeling. Yet, it's still there.
She quickly wipes a tear as it falls down her face, not wanting to mess up her makeup, or have her mascara drip. The sooner she can leave, the better it will be. While at church, it's much easier to put that smile on her face, encourage others, and redirect her pain into something good.
But the questions still linger. He found someone new. He found a better family, better children, and better friends. Are they sweeter, prettier, or more fun? They must have been worth walking away from her. What did she do wrong that caused him to leave? Yet she is his own flesh and blood.
Her mind drifts back to a conversation she had with him when she was a young teen. "Will you please come home from 'work' earlier, and maybe spend more time with me?" "Sure baby. Anything for you" he replied. One more broken promise. One of many broken promises. One more thing that still stings. The hurt and lies run through her mind over and over. Lies about herself, lies about other things. Erasing the tapes is easier said than done.
She has many friends and family. She is blessed to be loved and cared for by so many wonderful people. Yet it continually gnaws at her heart- the one who should have loved her most, failed her. What was wrong with her and her family? Yes, it would have taken hard work, but wasn't she worth fixing things?
Gathering her thoughts and emotions, the church service is amazing. God's presence enters the room like a blanket wrapping His arms around her. As she leaves, the pain she felt earlier lessens. Her smile is genuine now. Feeling lighthearted, she continues with her day, laughing, singing and spending time with loved ones.
God IS good. He IS faithful. Whether she sees it or feels it every second of the day, He never leaves her side. Looking back, she realizes that she is loved more than any man could ever love her. Her Heavenly Father adores her. He keeps all His promises. And He will never leave.
Note from me:
Dear friends, as I write this fictional story, I realize that even though life doesn't go the way we think it should, God never changes. Life certainly changes. It has it's ups and downs, good times and bad times. Sometimes sorrow pins us to the floor for a while. But there's always a light, dim as it may seem, at the end of the tunnel. Christians, let's get real with one another. We all suffer. Let's allow the church to be a safe place to laugh and to cry. Let's bring our hurts and pain before Him, surrounded by fellow Christians, and love one another through every part of life, no matter how big or small. Can we do that? No gossiping about our brothers and sisters in Christ, no sharing "prayer request" in order to gossip in a Christian manner. Together we can work on it, anyway. Together we can creat a safe haven for all who need a place to come and open up. We can't always fix the pain, but we sure can make the load lighter with a hug, kiss, or encouraging words. Let's do what God has called us to do. Let's be the true church, which means love.
Much love everyone,
Kim
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Bamboo Flooring and Other New things
As I sit here this morning, I can't help but laugh at my old dog, Gordon. I wish I could get a picture of him. The last two days he's been so funny. At age 13, he has never walked on anything in our home except for carpet and linoleum. I have replaced the old with something new. We now have Bamboo floors, and tile in the kitchen and baths. Gordon is quite confused. He hates walking on the new floors.
The past two mornings, he has woke up and stood in the doorway of the bedroom, looking down the hallway and crying. I am not sure if he wants me to come back to bed in the bedroom so he can continue sleeping, (which is tempting) or if he wants me to carry him down the hall so he doesn't have to walk on the floors. Either way, it's not going to happen. He's a 60 lb dog. Nope I'm not carrying him. He has to walk. He is so resistant to this new change. But it's here, and he will learn how to manage it.
Sudden change. Don't we all resist it a little bit? For me, like Gordon, I start out crying. Then, wanting to hold on to the past, I reluctantly begin to figure things out. Before long, I am easing myself into the newness of the change. Eventually, I am walking and enjoying the walk. Soon it's my new normal. I begin move on with life, hardly remembering there ever was a change.
This morning as I watched Gordon reluctantly take steps on this new surface, God reminded me of a Scripture that I have leaned on often throughout my life.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (say it with me y'all) "Do not call to mind former things, or ponder on things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."
Just as Gordon dreams of having carpet to walk on again, he will eventually forget the carpet and the new flooring will become his new normal. And whatever change God is bringing into our lives will become our new normal. It may take a while. But eventually, we will embrace the new adventure He is taking us on. If we open ourselves up to the change and don't keep wishing for the former things, we will learn to love the newness He brings.
Trust Him in the midst of what may seem like chaos and confusion. He is doing something new. And if He is doing it, it will become a beautiful part of our lives.
Much love everyone! Thank you so much for reading.
Kim
The past two mornings, he has woke up and stood in the doorway of the bedroom, looking down the hallway and crying. I am not sure if he wants me to come back to bed in the bedroom so he can continue sleeping, (which is tempting) or if he wants me to carry him down the hall so he doesn't have to walk on the floors. Either way, it's not going to happen. He's a 60 lb dog. Nope I'm not carrying him. He has to walk. He is so resistant to this new change. But it's here, and he will learn how to manage it.
Sudden change. Don't we all resist it a little bit? For me, like Gordon, I start out crying. Then, wanting to hold on to the past, I reluctantly begin to figure things out. Before long, I am easing myself into the newness of the change. Eventually, I am walking and enjoying the walk. Soon it's my new normal. I begin move on with life, hardly remembering there ever was a change.
This morning as I watched Gordon reluctantly take steps on this new surface, God reminded me of a Scripture that I have leaned on often throughout my life.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (say it with me y'all) "Do not call to mind former things, or ponder on things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."
Just as Gordon dreams of having carpet to walk on again, he will eventually forget the carpet and the new flooring will become his new normal. And whatever change God is bringing into our lives will become our new normal. It may take a while. But eventually, we will embrace the new adventure He is taking us on. If we open ourselves up to the change and don't keep wishing for the former things, we will learn to love the newness He brings.
Trust Him in the midst of what may seem like chaos and confusion. He is doing something new. And if He is doing it, it will become a beautiful part of our lives.
Much love everyone! Thank you so much for reading.
Kim
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Beautiful Things
I currently live in a construction zone. I don't mean this figuratively, but literally. Everywhere I look I see sawdust, tools, doors leaning against my walls, kitchen utensils in boxes, and my stove and refrigerator in my dining room. My lawn is covered with saw horses, tools, and things that need to be thrown away.
And yet, I looked at Lindsay last night and said, "I am SO happy." Honestly, I couldn't be more content and joyful.
You see, I had to go on a journey to get here. Once again, thinking I knew exactly what was best for my life, I had adamantly decided that I needed a change. I needed to sell my house and move to a new location, a new home. I agonized over this decision for months. I looked at houses, talked to realtors, and planned my move. All the while, praying through where I should move to and what house would be perfect for me.
Yet, underneath all the plans I had made, there was the still small voice of my Father saying, "I want you to stay where you are." I continued to blow right past that voice. After all, moving is what made sense for me during this time in my life. Continually praying and seeking God's perfect will, I kept looking at new homes, new areas, a place to start my new life. I knew FOR SURE that I did not want to endure living in my home while it was being remodeled. The idea of doing that made me so anxious. The thought was unbearable.
One morning I woke up, after wrestling with this move all night. I knew, in a matter of moments, exactly what I was supposed to do. Keep my house! Renovate the whole thing! I finally said to God, "Yes, Lord. I will stay here. I have never taken on a project like this before. But I will trust You to give me wisdom and strength to transform my current house into a beautiful home. I surrender." As soon as I relented, perfect peace washed over me. I knew that I knew that this was God's will for my life.
By laying down my own ideas and notions and following God's perfect plan for me and my family, I have become the most grateful woman alive! Peace fills my heart and home. I have a wonderful team of men working on my house. I have been blessed beyond measure with the money to fix my home the way I have always dreamed I wanted it.
Yesterday, Lindsay and I took a shopping trip to Home Depot and then to Lowes. So excited that we could hardly contain ourselves, we began purchasing the decor for the inside of our home. The final thing we purchased was a mirror surrounded by wood. On the wood was carved the simple words, "Live, Laugh, Love." That's what I am asking God for my home to be. I am humbly asking Him to fill my home with Life, Laughter and Love.
You see, when you come to a place in your life where you totally desire God's perfect will, no matter what, then living in a construction zone is beautiful. I am one happy woman- saw dust, tools, and all. Why am I so happy? Because I finally stopped being so hard headed and listened to that still small voice that was guiding me all along.
I am grateful beyond belief. God is allowing my dreams to come true. Peace and joy fill my heart. This can only come from Him. Looking all around me today, I should be stressed. But I am not stressed. Instead, I am one blessed woman. Amazing friends, a wonderful family, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Each and every day the beauty of my renovated home begins to become visible. Gratitude washes over me daily.
"You makes beautiful things out of dust. You makes beautiful things out of us." Gungor
One last thing. There is an analogy here about what God has done in my life over the years. Those of you who are closest to me have watched the process. Yes, God truly does makes beauty from dust.
Much Love everyone. Thank you so much for reading. You all are so special to me.
And yet, I looked at Lindsay last night and said, "I am SO happy." Honestly, I couldn't be more content and joyful.
You see, I had to go on a journey to get here. Once again, thinking I knew exactly what was best for my life, I had adamantly decided that I needed a change. I needed to sell my house and move to a new location, a new home. I agonized over this decision for months. I looked at houses, talked to realtors, and planned my move. All the while, praying through where I should move to and what house would be perfect for me.
Yet, underneath all the plans I had made, there was the still small voice of my Father saying, "I want you to stay where you are." I continued to blow right past that voice. After all, moving is what made sense for me during this time in my life. Continually praying and seeking God's perfect will, I kept looking at new homes, new areas, a place to start my new life. I knew FOR SURE that I did not want to endure living in my home while it was being remodeled. The idea of doing that made me so anxious. The thought was unbearable.
One morning I woke up, after wrestling with this move all night. I knew, in a matter of moments, exactly what I was supposed to do. Keep my house! Renovate the whole thing! I finally said to God, "Yes, Lord. I will stay here. I have never taken on a project like this before. But I will trust You to give me wisdom and strength to transform my current house into a beautiful home. I surrender." As soon as I relented, perfect peace washed over me. I knew that I knew that this was God's will for my life.
By laying down my own ideas and notions and following God's perfect plan for me and my family, I have become the most grateful woman alive! Peace fills my heart and home. I have a wonderful team of men working on my house. I have been blessed beyond measure with the money to fix my home the way I have always dreamed I wanted it.
Yesterday, Lindsay and I took a shopping trip to Home Depot and then to Lowes. So excited that we could hardly contain ourselves, we began purchasing the decor for the inside of our home. The final thing we purchased was a mirror surrounded by wood. On the wood was carved the simple words, "Live, Laugh, Love." That's what I am asking God for my home to be. I am humbly asking Him to fill my home with Life, Laughter and Love.
You see, when you come to a place in your life where you totally desire God's perfect will, no matter what, then living in a construction zone is beautiful. I am one happy woman- saw dust, tools, and all. Why am I so happy? Because I finally stopped being so hard headed and listened to that still small voice that was guiding me all along.
I am grateful beyond belief. God is allowing my dreams to come true. Peace and joy fill my heart. This can only come from Him. Looking all around me today, I should be stressed. But I am not stressed. Instead, I am one blessed woman. Amazing friends, a wonderful family, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Each and every day the beauty of my renovated home begins to become visible. Gratitude washes over me daily.
"You makes beautiful things out of dust. You makes beautiful things out of us." Gungor
One last thing. There is an analogy here about what God has done in my life over the years. Those of you who are closest to me have watched the process. Yes, God truly does makes beauty from dust.
Much Love everyone. Thank you so much for reading. You all are so special to me.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Trust Without Borders
I don't know about you, but I seem to have a song, or a particular CD for every season in my life. Whatever the song (or songs) are, I play them over and over again, singing (and sometimes shouting) them out to my Father.
As life goes on and I hear the songs again, they remind me of the season in my life that I was in when I used to play the song over and over again. I always remember what was going on in my life, how I was feeling, and what God did during that particular season.
For the past two weeks I have had one song that has become my theme song. It's called "Oceans", by Hillsong. (Thank you Linda Graham for telling me to listen to it). The entire song seems to be about the season of life I am in. Please indulge me while I share a few of the lyrics, and what I have learned about myself, and my faith over the past several days.
"You call me out onto the waters, the great unknown"...This perfectly describes my life for the past 18 months. I have been living my life on the edge, following Christ into the great unknown. At times it has been difficult, painful and frustrating. It also has been a beautiful journey full of miracles, grace and mercy.
God has done some things in my life that are so unbelievable, and incredible. I have witnessed miracles. I am no longer afraid of "the great unknown". I view life as an adventure now. I have seen God's Hand and His works up close and personal, so I know I have nothing to fear in this new great unknown life I am living.
"Where my feet may fail, and fear surrounds me, You've never failed and You won't start now." Wow! Truth! There's really not much I can add here. There have been days I was so fearful. God has never failed me. Never! I have never walked alone. I am entering the next adventure in my life with nothing but shear trust that He will not fail.
"My soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours and You are mine." I have literally gone to bed at night and felt His embrace, the warmth of His love, peace that makes no sense. I should have been worried and afraid. But instead, I have felt the warmth of His embrace amidst the chaos that was going on around me.
Last night I was having dinner with a life long friend. We have both fought battles that we never dreamed we would be fighting. While our battles were very different, we both have seen who God is, and what He can do in incredible ways.
She and I were discussing this song. We began to talk about the lyric, "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders." We both got very excited as we began to discuss what this means to each us. Trust without borders! That's my greatest, deepest desire for my life. I want to live my life so abandoned to God, that my faith has no borders. I want to ask Him for any and everything. I want to believe that there are no limitations to what He can and will do if I will only ask. I do not want to miss anything that He intends for me.
I have watched what he's done in my dear friend, Lisa's, life. I have also watched what He has done in my life. All I can say is this- I want more! I would not change one second of my journey. My journey has shown me so much about my Father. I want more of Him. I want to go deeper with Him. I totally trust Him, in the darkest times, and in the best of times. He truly makes beauty from ashes. Even as I am typing, I could shout!
My hope, and my prayer is that each of you will allow Him to lead you to trust without borders. If He is calling you to something that frightens you, take the leap! He will not fail! He will do greater than you could ever imagine.
As I enter this next adventure in my life, I am excited. I know it will come with difficulties and stress. But I also know that God is leading me to take this leap of faith. As I obey Him with "trust without borders" He will walk with me every single step of the way. His presence with be so near, I will almost be able to touch Him.
To my precious friends who are reading this...If He's calling you...Leap!!! Whatever that means in your life, walk upon the waters! The journey is so beautiful!
"Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander...For I am Yours, and you are mine..."
As life goes on and I hear the songs again, they remind me of the season in my life that I was in when I used to play the song over and over again. I always remember what was going on in my life, how I was feeling, and what God did during that particular season.
For the past two weeks I have had one song that has become my theme song. It's called "Oceans", by Hillsong. (Thank you Linda Graham for telling me to listen to it). The entire song seems to be about the season of life I am in. Please indulge me while I share a few of the lyrics, and what I have learned about myself, and my faith over the past several days.
"You call me out onto the waters, the great unknown"...This perfectly describes my life for the past 18 months. I have been living my life on the edge, following Christ into the great unknown. At times it has been difficult, painful and frustrating. It also has been a beautiful journey full of miracles, grace and mercy.
God has done some things in my life that are so unbelievable, and incredible. I have witnessed miracles. I am no longer afraid of "the great unknown". I view life as an adventure now. I have seen God's Hand and His works up close and personal, so I know I have nothing to fear in this new great unknown life I am living.
"Where my feet may fail, and fear surrounds me, You've never failed and You won't start now." Wow! Truth! There's really not much I can add here. There have been days I was so fearful. God has never failed me. Never! I have never walked alone. I am entering the next adventure in my life with nothing but shear trust that He will not fail.
"My soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours and You are mine." I have literally gone to bed at night and felt His embrace, the warmth of His love, peace that makes no sense. I should have been worried and afraid. But instead, I have felt the warmth of His embrace amidst the chaos that was going on around me.
Last night I was having dinner with a life long friend. We have both fought battles that we never dreamed we would be fighting. While our battles were very different, we both have seen who God is, and what He can do in incredible ways.
She and I were discussing this song. We began to talk about the lyric, "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders." We both got very excited as we began to discuss what this means to each us. Trust without borders! That's my greatest, deepest desire for my life. I want to live my life so abandoned to God, that my faith has no borders. I want to ask Him for any and everything. I want to believe that there are no limitations to what He can and will do if I will only ask. I do not want to miss anything that He intends for me.
I have watched what he's done in my dear friend, Lisa's, life. I have also watched what He has done in my life. All I can say is this- I want more! I would not change one second of my journey. My journey has shown me so much about my Father. I want more of Him. I want to go deeper with Him. I totally trust Him, in the darkest times, and in the best of times. He truly makes beauty from ashes. Even as I am typing, I could shout!
My hope, and my prayer is that each of you will allow Him to lead you to trust without borders. If He is calling you to something that frightens you, take the leap! He will not fail! He will do greater than you could ever imagine.
As I enter this next adventure in my life, I am excited. I know it will come with difficulties and stress. But I also know that God is leading me to take this leap of faith. As I obey Him with "trust without borders" He will walk with me every single step of the way. His presence with be so near, I will almost be able to touch Him.
To my precious friends who are reading this...If He's calling you...Leap!!! Whatever that means in your life, walk upon the waters! The journey is so beautiful!
"Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander...For I am Yours, and you are mine..."
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