Surroundings

The past few years have definitely changed my perspective. Full-time work as a buyer from international places is definitely different than being self-employed and serving international ministries. As I work from home again but for an employer, the dynamics of years ago are not quite there. I am still finding working at home a good shift during this season.

I’m actually finding many good things this year! Though distractions come in a variety of ways.

-Amazing youtube worship can fill the air since I don’t share the office with eight others.
-I can pray or sing and not bother co-workers but still be connected via messaging.
-Zoom calls and facetime – so you can see each other unmasked.
-News – I have the choice on what I want to hear. Some days a headline is enough.
-Cats become like glue when you are there daily. (I do miss escaping from cat hair.)
-Sweater or thermostat? A bit more control.
-FRESH AIR!! I love open windows!

It really is our choice for perspective, isn’t it?

Do I want my knowledge to be what darkness is covering the earth or how the light is showing in brighter ways?

Today, I definitely opt for LIGHT!

John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

What surrounds us does not have to decide for us.
May you feel you have the choice today!

above the waves

on the easel

I heard someone over Christmas say, “Oops, I forgot, I’m not going to speak negative, that was negative.”

I think she is is her 80’s and still decided there was a change she felt would be worth it for her life! Keeping up with news, friends, and family – is not always encouraging. Many of the topics most will discuss are the negative ones. She had also commented about getting the paper again. I suggested if she wanted to stay positive – skip the newspaper! :0)

One thing is for sure – the good news of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven is definitely something to uplift us!!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:1-3, 10

The waves will come – it’s part of any great beach scene… but be sure to look up and see what God wants to show you for this coming year. I’ll be taking some time to paint, pray and ponder…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Have a wonderful celebration of the NEW! Thank you for joining me on this journey. Praying God’s bountiful blessings to you and yours!

unthinkable

Yesterday was a little thought stretching on what we might consider obstacles.

Today, imagine yourself in the journey with Mary and Joseph when they hear what God has in mind for them…

“You will be with child”- but I’m a virgin!
A quiet divorce – “Keep her as yours!”

How would you advise them?

Mary was told she was “highly favored” yet she could be stoned because of this pregnancy. She still said, “Let it be unto me according to Your word.” Joseph was ready for separation but heard the Lord in a dream – STAY.

Mary and Joseph listened, trusted and moved in faith. The simplicity from John 10,

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

 

I pray you will seek His voice and find a new measure of comfort and knowledge of His great love for you. That He also desires for you to birth something more amazing that you could ever dream (not necessarily a child.) It’s not about the obstacles seen on this earth but about His heavenly plans laid out before you were even born. Trust that He knows you more intimately than you know yourself and that you are filled with all the fullness of God. 

Using both the Luke 1 and Matthew 1 stories of Joseph and Mary. You might even see how you might advise Elizabeth and Zechariah with the obstacles in their part of the story. 

obstacles

This word brought more than I could “fathom”.

Do you feel earthly life should have no obstacles?
Can Christ followers expect an easier life? 
Are some obstacles acceptable?

As I study the Word, I see how my view of life on this earth has been in error. As I minister to and walk with hurting and stuck people, I recognize places I am still there too. I return to repent and seek His wisdom and revelation.

Thankfully He is generous through the Bible and sharing when we listen!

Yes, His Word does say we will do immeasurably more… Eph 3:20
But I also read those verses many glance past…

In this world you will have trouble… John 16:33
You are blessed when you are persecuted… Matthew 5:11
Count it all joy when you face trials… James 1:2

As we come into the Kingdom with our yes to Jesus, we are now not only of this world but also a threat.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

God gives wisdom generously. His answers are the only ones that will bring the peace needed when the obstacles seem too large.  Ask – seek – knock…

 

you are

…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Looking in our mirror we often see flaws and failings, but that isn’t our TRUE reflection.

We really should be asking God what He sees in us?

In Christ, we have been made new.
In Christ, we are redeemed.
In Christ, we are more than conquerors.

We are not our past, we are not our circumstances, we are not our job or family. We are each made in His image and likeness. Unique. We are not designed to be like everyone else but to be more and more who He created us to be. It’s not about what we once were, but what we are becoming.

I’d like to challenge you to seek His perspective and ask Him to share how He sees you. You are His beloved, His chosen one and He wants to share His heart with you.

 

describe your river

Sunrise Paddle

What is in our daily water?

Deep thoughts and rich conversation are happening as I facilitate a class on Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare. Definitely has me more aware of what I’m storing in my river and what I’m using for my personal flotation device.

Jesus came to set us FREE – why are we not living from HIS freedom?
Are we letting HIM renew our minds, our actions AND our words?
Do doubts, lies and curses come out of our mouths?

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

Flu is going around…I’m next.
Well last year…it will probably happen again.
Even saying, “I’m worried” or  “I’ll never be…” or …”______”

Fill in your own…or maybe a better plan is DON’T! 
What are your thoughts and conversations usually focusing on?

Most news and updates with friends or family are what negative has been happening. We often need to know those things BUT He tells us not to be anxious and all things are possible. We need to recognize what is in our river and then it’s our choice if we focus on what Jesus really did to bring us LIFE or stay gazing on the one who seeks to muddy our waters.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

We don’t need to settle for only a season of thankfulness when He came to give us a life of abundance. Everyday should be a focus on the blessings God has so generously given. Let us look different than the world and be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2)

thanks seasoning

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Transition – Available

Several years ago I was having the word “gates” come up so much I did some study and prayer, this verse really impacted my daily life as I meditated on it. Add to that doing a “negativity fast” where you don’t speak negative things…my thoughts didn’t change overnight but my heart certainly had a turn around and the thoughts soon followed.

That wasn’t necessarily my goal but I did notice the difference in me and a great difference in my relationship with the Lord and others. My times with Him became much richer and earthly relationships much easier.

Being thankful brings LIFE to relationships.
Sharing gratitude shows VALUE to others actions.
Honoring others gives HOPE in the most trying times.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I pray you will make thanks and praise part of every day! 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

grounded

I have many things in this world I prefer to avoid and the past few weeks of politics was a good reason to disconnect more and pray. I love how being in the Word can bring internal peace that news, tweets and posts will never reach.

Refreshing, inspiring, convicting and sharpening. It’s definitely alive and active!

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

We can’t cover our heads in the sand but we can make sure our mind’s foundation is rooted and grounded in His love.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

words make a difference

I’ve learned the hard way that words can hurt deeply. Growing up I didn’t FIT in since I grew quickly – both tall and wide. You might actually go WOW if you saw the growth chart from the Dr. I can still see that line showing normal development and mine. LOL

I also developed that wrong sense of getting back at others for the hurt I felt. So wrong and how I wish I could take my words back…but I can’t and you can’t.

BUT…We can start NEW- every second we can start NEW! Change can begin with you!

Did you know there are more negative adjectives than positive ones?
It takes LOTS of positive words to overcome a negative already said?
Sometimes it takes LOTS of years to defeat the words spoken to us.

Many people have been more impacted by negative words than fists. News media, social media and more are affecting us each day as we listen and read words.

In the beginning God created GOOD things with His words. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

If we are going to make a difference in this world – just like our Creator – we need to start with our words.

Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 in prayer

a promise

Sword

How often are you making promises to others?
Do you find yourself unable to fulfill them?

I’m being more careful with this. I have a promise to my mom still undone. Helping her with woodchips. They are still a calendar item, but put aside due to rain, our availability and more. We both know it will be done and I’m thankful for her grace in the timing.

An internet search shows a range of 3000 to over 7000 promises from God. I’m not out to prove a number…but do you think we can rely on His words?

How often are we incorporating these promises in our prayers and conversations instead of whining, complaining and saying God is distant (when He dwells in us)?

As I am reading the Bible, I’ve been listing some of these promises and using them in my prayers. Very impacting to me.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

God is faithful to complete the work that he has begun. Philippians 1:6
No weapon formed against us will prosper. Isaiah 54:17
Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you. Matthew 7:7
God is not a man that he should lie. Numbers 23:19
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Many are relying more on the words of people than the Word of God.
Who should really be trusted and relied on the most?

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

His Word is trustworthy and His promises are definitely worth praying!