Friday, December 7th, 2007 - am
I was sleeping with my 2 year old daughter, Emily, in her “big girl bed.” Randy came in at his usual 8:00 am time and woke me up when he was leaving to take the boys to school to say good-bye.
I was laying on my left side with my hands apart placed in front of my body. Emily was across from me, in similar position facing me.
I was thinking of how warm and cozy I felt at that time and how nice it was to have the little one sleeping across from me.
All of a sudden I felt a pair of hands grab mine, both at the same time, gently holding them. I thought, “Aaaawww, how nice! Emily wants to hold my hands.” And I felt all warm and peaceful inside.
Then I thought, wait a minute – “How could Emily possibly be holding my hands like this, since she is across from me?”
These hands were coming UP from bottom of bed, holding my hands that were facing downward toward end of bed! So I quickly opened my eyes and it was then that I saw her little hands by her cheek!
The next thing I thought and realized was the pair of hands holding mine were “perfect for me" in size. They fit just right. Not too big like my husband, Randy’s, and not too small like Emily’s.
The next thought that crossed my mind was, “Well, my oldest son, Christopher, has hands very comparable in size to mine, maybe he is playing a trick on me...or something!” It was then that I remembered that he had already left for school with his Dad.
It was at this point -- that all my logic had come to an end -- and I started to really begin to freak out thinking that someone might actually be under the covers with me! After all, I COULD STILL FEEL THE HANDS HOLDING MINE!
Wondering WHAT IN THE WORLD was going on it was at this moment, all of a sudden, as quickly as the hands had orginally grasped my hands, they let go simultaneously. I had felt a comfort prior to my logical brain kicking in with thoughts of reason.
It was incredible!!! Honestly, I don't know exactly what was holding my hands -- Was it an angel? Perhaps. All I knew in my spirit was that it was a way that the Lord chose to comfort me and reassure me that everything was going to be okay...and not to worry.
Wow.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Splinter
As I was in prayer this morning, God gave me an open vision of 3 different scenarios in the lives of Christians as individuals and also corporately in the church.
God showed me a finger and it had a sliver -- you know, a splinter in it.
Now if you have ever had a splinter in one of your fingers, it can really HURT. Usually, it hurts when it goes in and at first you are like "OUCH"...and it is uncomfortable, but you can get used to it being there once it is in place for a while - especially if it is a small splinter.
Every time you touch it or bump it, sure, it hurts at little bit and you are reminded it is there due to it paining you during activity. God specifically showed me that in all the cases presented below, the sliver represents some kind of SIN or situation of sin in our lives.
Here are the 3 different types of scenarios for types of Christians:
1) The first type is the person who gets the sliver and after they say, "OUCH" -- they then look at the splinter and say to themselves, "Oh, you are NOT staying in my finger, you are a foreign object and don't belong there and will not cause me any further pain!" They immediately go to their bathroom, get out the tweezers, a needle, and a match for lighting the end of the needle to sterilize it. They then sit down and begin to dig it out. In doing so, they may cause some slight surface damage, usually - but not always, to the surrounding skin in order to get the sliver out. They work diligently on the sliver until it comes out of their finger. Normally, there is not much else that happens past this point, they simply pluck the sliver out, look at it and then "flick" it away, sending it flying from their finger into the trash.
2) The second type of person is the one who gets the sliver in their finger and after they say, "OUCH" -- they look at it, study it, and possibly think about or may even actually go and get some tweezers, but quite honestly really don’t want to 'bother' with the original point of entry on their finger because they think they might make the wound worse on the surface. They don’t really take time to consider future consequences. They don't use the tools needed to extract the splinter immediately and instead worrying say, "I think I will leave it alone, because everyone knows that slivers will simply work their own way out - eventually." Which may sometimes be true --slivers can work their way out because the infection secretions that build up around the foreign sliver object within our finger. Eventually, after an unspecified amount of time (could be a few days - or week or more) the sliver will usually work its way out due to the pressure mounting behind it.
Sure, the person may have to help it along here and there once it is in an infected state, but for the most part, the sliver works itself out due to internal infection pressure. They watch it as it festers and grows -- they see the buildup of the liquid around it, almost fascinated, they show their finger to other people (all day long), saying, "Do you SEE this thing? Look at my finger! Wow, check it out!" They wait and watch and say, "Okay God, you can take care of this, I am just going to wait on you completely".
In the meantime, the sliver continues to build up infection and although there is not usually damage to the outside surface of the skin, there is MUCH damage going on underneath. The initial ‘sin splinter’ has not only taken root within the finger causing infection pressure mount, but it soon turns a dark shade of red as tissue swells and poison develops around the foreign object. In some cases, as I have stated above, the sliver will just pop out before any serious complications occur. This person's finger is tender, it is very sore. Every time it is bumped or is used in any way, the nerves shoot pain to that area and it hurts. That finger cannot function correctly, the way it was designed, due to the splinter inside of it.
This 'leaving the splinter in' process requires time to work and the infection will need to run its course in order for the splinter to come out. The person is constantly fretting, worrying, and 'babying' that finger since they are painfully reminded of its existence. It is a foreign object; it is not supposed to be there. However, despite exterior and interior damages, once the splinter finally comes out, there usually is no lasting scarring or damage and it tends to heal over well once the healing process is completed. So much so, the person usually can't tell that there was a problem in the first place.
3) The 3rd scenario, is the person who gets the sliver in their finger and after they say, "OUCH" -- they do very much of the very same things described above that the 2nd person did. They let the splinter remain in the finger, let it sit and fester until the infection builds up, and decide to let it come out on its own. The difference is that in this case is that the splinter goes much deeper into the finger and the result is a much greater consequence, than if it had been originally dealt with in the beginning or if it had come out on its own.
So, the splinter causes greater infection as it continues to build. The infected site gets sore and increases until it is almost an unbearable localized pain. It grows due to the mounting pressure because of the person letting it continue and their personal resistance to simply deal with and treat it properly. The infection goes deeper as it spreads and now begins to cause problems in other areas. Now there is not just one problem -- but many.
Infection will slowly travel from the finger upward and soon a red line will appear. It becomes evident that this is a direct result of the infection site. Slowly, this red line begins to creep up the arm, as though someone is drawing a perfect straight line with marker upward just below the skin's surface. The reason for this is that the infection has now reached the blood stream and it slowly begins to cause blood poisoning. It will continue to grow and if left untreated -- as it becomes a worse and worse condition.
The person says to them self, "This is crazy! It was just a splinter! I can't believe how things have progressed and that all this can be the result of such a small beginning! I am not going to go to the doctor...how embarrassing." However, they do eventually end up in the doctor’s office or even in the hospital as they will require antibiotics and immediate treatment due to the fact that that red line has now moved completely up to their elbow and the poison is spreading throughout their blood stream and headed for their heart. If they choose to not get treatment or help to stop the progression, it will ultimately result in some major consequences… perhaps, their finger may have to be removed, should it develop gang green disease or other serious complications and potentially could even result in death.
God showed me these 3 illustrations which He told me can apply to both individuals or even corporately as a group. He said in my spirit, "Dawn, that is exactly what sin in our life is and how it festers. He reminded me that he doesn't like sin and that neither should his children. Sin makes him angry, He doesn't like sin – and if we are followers of Christ, we shouldn't like sin either nor entertain it.
He then asked me to evaluate which type of Christian am I?
How do I handle the 'sin' sliver?
Do I immediately go and get the needle and tweezers when I see a splinter of sin that has infected me? Do I heat the needle up with the fire necessary to sanitize it? He showed me that the fire was 'His Word (the Bible) and the Holy Spirit working together'.
Sure there may be a little bit of 'surface damage' that happens in the beginning when you dig that sliver out, but you are taking care of it, thus eliminating the problem before it can grow through repentance and change in dealing with sin situations no matter how deep or difficult they may seem to be.
Sometimes sin is painful, sometimes it seems to cause more damage on the surface than you would deem is necessary, and sometimes it even hurts people deeply - yes, situations on the surface, because of their instantaneous nature are invasive.
God went on to challenge me and say, “Or Dawn, are you the type of Christian that let’s that ‘ol sliver fester, do you ignore it despite of the pain it is causing, despite the fact that you know it is spreading, and that the infection is growing due to your sin?" It is not supposed to be there, it is not how God created us. He continued, “Do you allow that to sit and fester and do you say, "Lord, I am just going to let you take care of this and I am praying, Lord, that you work it all out."
When we know that God has given us the tools to use as believers, then if we are like him, we hate sin just as much as He does and are willing at all costs to work it out. Of course, we all will get ‘sin slivers’ from time to time simply because we live in a fallen world, but if we don't exercise the tools given to us to deal with the situation, and nip it in the bud, so to speak, sin will grow and fester sometimes with great consequence.
Gods point was that if sin DID get in, if we did get that splinter, not to let sin stay. Not to let it fester. Not to let it morph into more than the original contact. If we didn’t stop the sin from entering in the first place, God most definitely doesn’t want us to tolerate or allow the infection to have an opportunity to begin or spread in our lives or within his church. When we get so steeped in sin, it has lasting consequences and usually involves or hurts many people.
It affects the BLOOD and the HEART. It causes us to become cut off from the Father and can even result in death... all because of something that began as a simple silver of sin.
Yes, the first scenario was invasive, but private only affecting the individual -- but the 3rd one begins to involve other people. When you have an infection that is spreading into your bloodstream - the blood is being poisoned, and it requires immediate medical assistance. Now the situation has gone from a simple sliver to involving medical staff to assist you with IV antibiotics, surgery, and more. It begins to cost money and the time, knowledge, and investment of others.
In the spiritual realm, sin spreads affecting others in much the same way (ie: a little bit of leaven leavens the whole lump, 1 Cor. 5:6 and Galatians 5:9) -- requiring spiritual intervention, prayer, interceding, confrontation and/or deliverance, and personal investment of others around you.
That is why I believe God used this illustration with me. Just as easy as it is for people to get a splinter (and the fact that everyone surely has had one atleast once in their life), SIN affects everyone.
It requires the troops to be called in on your behalf if not dealt with quickly. You are rushed to the ‘church hospital’ and all those people are immediately required to deal with YOUR ‘sin splinter’, something that could have originally been dealt with semi easily in a very short period of time.
A tweezers situation now grown into a full blown emergency room scenario. It becomes a big production that was unnecessary and there is the lasting damage. Sometimes people lose feeling in their finger.
In the spiritual realm, this is equated to losing the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit or clearly hearing God's voice. In essence, we become numb. Sometimes people lose their thumb. Which in the spiritual, equates to their walk with God. Sometimes, they die from the blood poisoning. Which is the equivalent to a spiritual death and eternal damnation.
One final thought:
You might be saying to yourself, okay, Dawn I have heard the scenarios about the sin splinter and am wondering, just where is God in all this? It sounds like WE are the ones doing all the work - using the tools and such. Well, in many ways we are because ultimately we expose ourselves to the sin and thus we have to work (with God) to get the sin out. We get the splinter out...and then he brings the healing.
What I mean by that is - When you are sinning you are the only one who can stop it. Not only is repentance required in this process, but a specific will to TURN from that sin. It requires an action of our will. God can't do that part for us. It does require free will. It does require something on our behalf. It just does, that is how God made us. God will then bless it and bring the healing needed by his shed blood on the cross. (ie: By His Stripes we are Healed...Isaiah 53:5)
Now, God does set things in place to try to help us to make the right decisions so we don’t sin and directs us by the spirit to make changes. He has given us the "medical field guide" (Bible) to use and follow. Once we pluck that sin splinter out by making a new decision, repenting, thus changing our hearts and lives to line up with the Word, THEN God will come in and He will begin the regeneration and healing process to support us in the proper forward motion.
God's balm or His savve, the Holy Spirit, begins the recovery and healing process. It is through Jesus that our wounds are healed. He paid the price, He bore our iniquities, and yes, because He did those things, Because He died on the cross. Yes, it is by His Grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), but this grace doesn't mean that sin can be treated lightly. No, not at all, not all all. In the book of Romans (Rom. 1:16), Paul talks explicitly about this very thing. God says, deal with the sin, and then I will bring about the healing.
God challenged me to consider which scenario is best? Just how did He design us to deal with sin? What does His Word say? How does He tell his Children to deal with sin? Which scenario fits?
And so I now ask you the same questions.
Be blessed!
Dawn
God showed me a finger and it had a sliver -- you know, a splinter in it.
Now if you have ever had a splinter in one of your fingers, it can really HURT. Usually, it hurts when it goes in and at first you are like "OUCH"...and it is uncomfortable, but you can get used to it being there once it is in place for a while - especially if it is a small splinter.
Every time you touch it or bump it, sure, it hurts at little bit and you are reminded it is there due to it paining you during activity. God specifically showed me that in all the cases presented below, the sliver represents some kind of SIN or situation of sin in our lives.
Here are the 3 different types of scenarios for types of Christians:
1) The first type is the person who gets the sliver and after they say, "OUCH" -- they then look at the splinter and say to themselves, "Oh, you are NOT staying in my finger, you are a foreign object and don't belong there and will not cause me any further pain!" They immediately go to their bathroom, get out the tweezers, a needle, and a match for lighting the end of the needle to sterilize it. They then sit down and begin to dig it out. In doing so, they may cause some slight surface damage, usually - but not always, to the surrounding skin in order to get the sliver out. They work diligently on the sliver until it comes out of their finger. Normally, there is not much else that happens past this point, they simply pluck the sliver out, look at it and then "flick" it away, sending it flying from their finger into the trash.
2) The second type of person is the one who gets the sliver in their finger and after they say, "OUCH" -- they look at it, study it, and possibly think about or may even actually go and get some tweezers, but quite honestly really don’t want to 'bother' with the original point of entry on their finger because they think they might make the wound worse on the surface. They don’t really take time to consider future consequences. They don't use the tools needed to extract the splinter immediately and instead worrying say, "I think I will leave it alone, because everyone knows that slivers will simply work their own way out - eventually." Which may sometimes be true --slivers can work their way out because the infection secretions that build up around the foreign sliver object within our finger. Eventually, after an unspecified amount of time (could be a few days - or week or more) the sliver will usually work its way out due to the pressure mounting behind it.
Sure, the person may have to help it along here and there once it is in an infected state, but for the most part, the sliver works itself out due to internal infection pressure. They watch it as it festers and grows -- they see the buildup of the liquid around it, almost fascinated, they show their finger to other people (all day long), saying, "Do you SEE this thing? Look at my finger! Wow, check it out!" They wait and watch and say, "Okay God, you can take care of this, I am just going to wait on you completely".
In the meantime, the sliver continues to build up infection and although there is not usually damage to the outside surface of the skin, there is MUCH damage going on underneath. The initial ‘sin splinter’ has not only taken root within the finger causing infection pressure mount, but it soon turns a dark shade of red as tissue swells and poison develops around the foreign object. In some cases, as I have stated above, the sliver will just pop out before any serious complications occur. This person's finger is tender, it is very sore. Every time it is bumped or is used in any way, the nerves shoot pain to that area and it hurts. That finger cannot function correctly, the way it was designed, due to the splinter inside of it.
This 'leaving the splinter in' process requires time to work and the infection will need to run its course in order for the splinter to come out. The person is constantly fretting, worrying, and 'babying' that finger since they are painfully reminded of its existence. It is a foreign object; it is not supposed to be there. However, despite exterior and interior damages, once the splinter finally comes out, there usually is no lasting scarring or damage and it tends to heal over well once the healing process is completed. So much so, the person usually can't tell that there was a problem in the first place.
3) The 3rd scenario, is the person who gets the sliver in their finger and after they say, "OUCH" -- they do very much of the very same things described above that the 2nd person did. They let the splinter remain in the finger, let it sit and fester until the infection builds up, and decide to let it come out on its own. The difference is that in this case is that the splinter goes much deeper into the finger and the result is a much greater consequence, than if it had been originally dealt with in the beginning or if it had come out on its own.
So, the splinter causes greater infection as it continues to build. The infected site gets sore and increases until it is almost an unbearable localized pain. It grows due to the mounting pressure because of the person letting it continue and their personal resistance to simply deal with and treat it properly. The infection goes deeper as it spreads and now begins to cause problems in other areas. Now there is not just one problem -- but many.
Infection will slowly travel from the finger upward and soon a red line will appear. It becomes evident that this is a direct result of the infection site. Slowly, this red line begins to creep up the arm, as though someone is drawing a perfect straight line with marker upward just below the skin's surface. The reason for this is that the infection has now reached the blood stream and it slowly begins to cause blood poisoning. It will continue to grow and if left untreated -- as it becomes a worse and worse condition.
The person says to them self, "This is crazy! It was just a splinter! I can't believe how things have progressed and that all this can be the result of such a small beginning! I am not going to go to the doctor...how embarrassing." However, they do eventually end up in the doctor’s office or even in the hospital as they will require antibiotics and immediate treatment due to the fact that that red line has now moved completely up to their elbow and the poison is spreading throughout their blood stream and headed for their heart. If they choose to not get treatment or help to stop the progression, it will ultimately result in some major consequences… perhaps, their finger may have to be removed, should it develop gang green disease or other serious complications and potentially could even result in death.
God showed me these 3 illustrations which He told me can apply to both individuals or even corporately as a group. He said in my spirit, "Dawn, that is exactly what sin in our life is and how it festers. He reminded me that he doesn't like sin and that neither should his children. Sin makes him angry, He doesn't like sin – and if we are followers of Christ, we shouldn't like sin either nor entertain it.
He then asked me to evaluate which type of Christian am I?
How do I handle the 'sin' sliver?
Do I immediately go and get the needle and tweezers when I see a splinter of sin that has infected me? Do I heat the needle up with the fire necessary to sanitize it? He showed me that the fire was 'His Word (the Bible) and the Holy Spirit working together'.
Sure there may be a little bit of 'surface damage' that happens in the beginning when you dig that sliver out, but you are taking care of it, thus eliminating the problem before it can grow through repentance and change in dealing with sin situations no matter how deep or difficult they may seem to be.
Sometimes sin is painful, sometimes it seems to cause more damage on the surface than you would deem is necessary, and sometimes it even hurts people deeply - yes, situations on the surface, because of their instantaneous nature are invasive.
God went on to challenge me and say, “Or Dawn, are you the type of Christian that let’s that ‘ol sliver fester, do you ignore it despite of the pain it is causing, despite the fact that you know it is spreading, and that the infection is growing due to your sin?" It is not supposed to be there, it is not how God created us. He continued, “Do you allow that to sit and fester and do you say, "Lord, I am just going to let you take care of this and I am praying, Lord, that you work it all out."
When we know that God has given us the tools to use as believers, then if we are like him, we hate sin just as much as He does and are willing at all costs to work it out. Of course, we all will get ‘sin slivers’ from time to time simply because we live in a fallen world, but if we don't exercise the tools given to us to deal with the situation, and nip it in the bud, so to speak, sin will grow and fester sometimes with great consequence.
Gods point was that if sin DID get in, if we did get that splinter, not to let sin stay. Not to let it fester. Not to let it morph into more than the original contact. If we didn’t stop the sin from entering in the first place, God most definitely doesn’t want us to tolerate or allow the infection to have an opportunity to begin or spread in our lives or within his church. When we get so steeped in sin, it has lasting consequences and usually involves or hurts many people.
It affects the BLOOD and the HEART. It causes us to become cut off from the Father and can even result in death... all because of something that began as a simple silver of sin.
Yes, the first scenario was invasive, but private only affecting the individual -- but the 3rd one begins to involve other people. When you have an infection that is spreading into your bloodstream - the blood is being poisoned, and it requires immediate medical assistance. Now the situation has gone from a simple sliver to involving medical staff to assist you with IV antibiotics, surgery, and more. It begins to cost money and the time, knowledge, and investment of others.
In the spiritual realm, sin spreads affecting others in much the same way (ie: a little bit of leaven leavens the whole lump, 1 Cor. 5:6 and Galatians 5:9) -- requiring spiritual intervention, prayer, interceding, confrontation and/or deliverance, and personal investment of others around you.
That is why I believe God used this illustration with me. Just as easy as it is for people to get a splinter (and the fact that everyone surely has had one atleast once in their life), SIN affects everyone.
It requires the troops to be called in on your behalf if not dealt with quickly. You are rushed to the ‘church hospital’ and all those people are immediately required to deal with YOUR ‘sin splinter’, something that could have originally been dealt with semi easily in a very short period of time.
A tweezers situation now grown into a full blown emergency room scenario. It becomes a big production that was unnecessary and there is the lasting damage. Sometimes people lose feeling in their finger.
In the spiritual realm, this is equated to losing the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit or clearly hearing God's voice. In essence, we become numb. Sometimes people lose their thumb. Which in the spiritual, equates to their walk with God. Sometimes, they die from the blood poisoning. Which is the equivalent to a spiritual death and eternal damnation.
One final thought:
You might be saying to yourself, okay, Dawn I have heard the scenarios about the sin splinter and am wondering, just where is God in all this? It sounds like WE are the ones doing all the work - using the tools and such. Well, in many ways we are because ultimately we expose ourselves to the sin and thus we have to work (with God) to get the sin out. We get the splinter out...and then he brings the healing.
What I mean by that is - When you are sinning you are the only one who can stop it. Not only is repentance required in this process, but a specific will to TURN from that sin. It requires an action of our will. God can't do that part for us. It does require free will. It does require something on our behalf. It just does, that is how God made us. God will then bless it and bring the healing needed by his shed blood on the cross. (ie: By His Stripes we are Healed...Isaiah 53:5)
Now, God does set things in place to try to help us to make the right decisions so we don’t sin and directs us by the spirit to make changes. He has given us the "medical field guide" (Bible) to use and follow. Once we pluck that sin splinter out by making a new decision, repenting, thus changing our hearts and lives to line up with the Word, THEN God will come in and He will begin the regeneration and healing process to support us in the proper forward motion.
God's balm or His savve, the Holy Spirit, begins the recovery and healing process. It is through Jesus that our wounds are healed. He paid the price, He bore our iniquities, and yes, because He did those things, Because He died on the cross. Yes, it is by His Grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), but this grace doesn't mean that sin can be treated lightly. No, not at all, not all all. In the book of Romans (Rom. 1:16), Paul talks explicitly about this very thing. God says, deal with the sin, and then I will bring about the healing.
God challenged me to consider which scenario is best? Just how did He design us to deal with sin? What does His Word say? How does He tell his Children to deal with sin? Which scenario fits?
And so I now ask you the same questions.
Be blessed!
Dawn
Saturday, November 28, 2009
To Season or not to Season - that is the question!
Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late)!
If you are anything like me - you just had your fill of leftover turkey and are happily (?) contemplating the next 'season' of Christmas. Well, maybe NOT. Today, while I was in my thoughts of getting ready for the chaos of the impending holiday, you know --- the chill of winter, shopping, tinsel, bows, gift wrap, snow, and all that jazz, I began to feel that old familiar tension creeping up my back and into the usual holding tank of stress in my shoulders and neck area.
It was at this moment that the phrase, "To Season or not to Season, that is the question..." flashed through my mind. After chuckling to myself for a few minutes at this funny little quip, especially since I had just finished spicing up some food that I had been preparing a few moments earlier, my thoughts quickly raced ahead searching for an answer - any answer - to satisfy that question.
Being ever curious, I posted that very phrase on my Face book profile. And being ever creative, a good friend of mine quipped back, "It depends on the reason for the season." Well, isn't that what friends are for - to challenge us? LOL. So what does "To season or not to season" mean to me and what is the 'reason'? Hum... let's see... concerning gift buying, our economy most certainly was not lending itself to the most lucrative Christmas ever, as a matter of fact, I have about 30 dozen cookies to bake and candy to make, all going to be gifts given this year due to that ever squeaky penny. And as for the excitement of the season -- let's just say that I am still working on that.
So what else? What is the Reason for the Season. Ah, now there is something that is a bit more familiar and friendly to me... The very thought brings great joy into my heart and a warmth all the way down to my toes! One reason for the season is people. They always seem to come into our lives at just the right time, for a reason, a season, a lifetime. Relationships can be so fun and also very sad when things come to an end. Regardless, relationships teach a lifetime of lessons helping each of us to have a solid emotional foundation. Awesome! So what else? Ah, tradition. (Reminds me of 'Fiddler on the Roof'...lol) This is another thing that comes with the season. And oh, how I love many of our great American and/or family traditions...like our Christmas tree, making snowmen with the kids, stringing up the lights, eating popcorn, and so much more!
But, the best thing that comes to mind is the celebration of my loving savior, Jesus. For me, Christ's birth gives me a joy that transforms my life - every day, all year long. Before I came to know and understand his mercy, grace and glory, I had been walking around like a blind man in my own sin and transgressions - until one day I was given clear sight by what he did through the shedding of his blood on that ol' rugged cross. I was an enemy of God and held captive to Satan - But, in an instant Jesus freed me - not figuratively - but literally! I have personally found that He truly loves with an everlasting love... and all my faith and trust is in him alone. What started as a simple statement of belief has blossomed into years of an incredibly awesome adventure. In John 3:16 - one of the paramount scriptures for Christians... it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Freedom! That is it...really, it's that simple... just a simple belief that Jesus is who he says he is...the Son of God - and that he hung on a cross for you and me due to his great love for us, as a sacrifice for our wrong doing! A REAL gift. Actually, the BEST gift a person could ever receive. Not only was I given instant eternal life - it was at this very moment that 'real seasoning' came in. That 'ol seasoning of Amazing Grace... it is just as John Newton wrote about in that famous song, "Amazing Grace" way back in the 1800's... yes, I once was blind but now am found, was blind but now I see.
You know what?
I really think that this season is going to be one of the most flavorful 'seasons' ever - YES, I have concluded that I am going forward headlong into those upcoming holidays with zest and zip! Sounds like it is time to bake some cookies! LOL.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? What have you decided?
And so I challenge you... "To Season or not to Season - that is the question..."
Be blessed my friends! Love to hear your thoughts!
If you are anything like me - you just had your fill of leftover turkey and are happily (?) contemplating the next 'season' of Christmas. Well, maybe NOT. Today, while I was in my thoughts of getting ready for the chaos of the impending holiday, you know --- the chill of winter, shopping, tinsel, bows, gift wrap, snow, and all that jazz, I began to feel that old familiar tension creeping up my back and into the usual holding tank of stress in my shoulders and neck area.
It was at this moment that the phrase, "To Season or not to Season, that is the question..." flashed through my mind. After chuckling to myself for a few minutes at this funny little quip, especially since I had just finished spicing up some food that I had been preparing a few moments earlier, my thoughts quickly raced ahead searching for an answer - any answer - to satisfy that question.
Being ever curious, I posted that very phrase on my Face book profile. And being ever creative, a good friend of mine quipped back, "It depends on the reason for the season." Well, isn't that what friends are for - to challenge us? LOL. So what does "To season or not to season" mean to me and what is the 'reason'? Hum... let's see... concerning gift buying, our economy most certainly was not lending itself to the most lucrative Christmas ever, as a matter of fact, I have about 30 dozen cookies to bake and candy to make, all going to be gifts given this year due to that ever squeaky penny. And as for the excitement of the season -- let's just say that I am still working on that.
So what else? What is the Reason for the Season. Ah, now there is something that is a bit more familiar and friendly to me... The very thought brings great joy into my heart and a warmth all the way down to my toes! One reason for the season is people. They always seem to come into our lives at just the right time, for a reason, a season, a lifetime. Relationships can be so fun and also very sad when things come to an end. Regardless, relationships teach a lifetime of lessons helping each of us to have a solid emotional foundation. Awesome! So what else? Ah, tradition. (Reminds me of 'Fiddler on the Roof'...lol) This is another thing that comes with the season. And oh, how I love many of our great American and/or family traditions...like our Christmas tree, making snowmen with the kids, stringing up the lights, eating popcorn, and so much more!
But, the best thing that comes to mind is the celebration of my loving savior, Jesus. For me, Christ's birth gives me a joy that transforms my life - every day, all year long. Before I came to know and understand his mercy, grace and glory, I had been walking around like a blind man in my own sin and transgressions - until one day I was given clear sight by what he did through the shedding of his blood on that ol' rugged cross. I was an enemy of God and held captive to Satan - But, in an instant Jesus freed me - not figuratively - but literally! I have personally found that He truly loves with an everlasting love... and all my faith and trust is in him alone. What started as a simple statement of belief has blossomed into years of an incredibly awesome adventure. In John 3:16 - one of the paramount scriptures for Christians... it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Freedom! That is it...really, it's that simple... just a simple belief that Jesus is who he says he is...the Son of God - and that he hung on a cross for you and me due to his great love for us, as a sacrifice for our wrong doing! A REAL gift. Actually, the BEST gift a person could ever receive. Not only was I given instant eternal life - it was at this very moment that 'real seasoning' came in. That 'ol seasoning of Amazing Grace... it is just as John Newton wrote about in that famous song, "Amazing Grace" way back in the 1800's... yes, I once was blind but now am found, was blind but now I see.
You know what?
I really think that this season is going to be one of the most flavorful 'seasons' ever - YES, I have concluded that I am going forward headlong into those upcoming holidays with zest and zip! Sounds like it is time to bake some cookies! LOL.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? What have you decided?
And so I challenge you... "To Season or not to Season - that is the question..."
Be blessed my friends! Love to hear your thoughts!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Don't 'cha just love "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?" To most of us, it is so familiar, something we have known since the time we were very young.
I love to camp with my family and one of my favorite things to do is to sit by the campfire at night and stare up into that dark sky and admire all of those twinkling stars staring back at us. Unfortunately, I don't see much of them during the rest of the year, as we don't really think about going outside to stargaze much. Either that - or when we do go out, we are eaten up by the mosquitoes around our house! (LOL)
The English lyrics by Jane Taylor (1793-1824) were first published with the title "The Star" in Rhymes for the Nursery in London in 1806. There are five verses, but most people only know the first one:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky!
When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark, Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark, Lights the traveller in the dark,—
Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Isn't the 3rd line most interesting? "When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon"... it made me stop and think... does that line mean "when HE (God) shines nothing" after the sun has gone? Or is it talking about the 'traveler in the dark' not being shined upon... or could it be BOTH, perhaps? Hum, food for thought...
I love to camp with my family and one of my favorite things to do is to sit by the campfire at night and stare up into that dark sky and admire all of those twinkling stars staring back at us. Unfortunately, I don't see much of them during the rest of the year, as we don't really think about going outside to stargaze much. Either that - or when we do go out, we are eaten up by the mosquitoes around our house! (LOL)
The English lyrics by Jane Taylor (1793-1824) were first published with the title "The Star" in Rhymes for the Nursery in London in 1806. There are five verses, but most people only know the first one:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky!
When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark, Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark, Lights the traveller in the dark,—
Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Isn't the 3rd line most interesting? "When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon"... it made me stop and think... does that line mean "when HE (God) shines nothing" after the sun has gone? Or is it talking about the 'traveler in the dark' not being shined upon... or could it be BOTH, perhaps? Hum, food for thought...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Perspective...
Someone said to me today, "...it's all about your perspective..."
And I thought, huh really, so exactly what does that mean? Perspective...in today's world.
So, I decided to look up what "perspective" meant... here were the basic definations:
A view or vista.
A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).
Okay - look to the past to gain a perspective on the present. That sounds reasonable. Again, I asked myself, so just how does that apply to us here in today's world... Quite honestly, from the way things are going lately in Washington, Hollywood, and the average American's lifestyle, I'd say we actually LACK perspective. Why? Well, when I think about it, I don't see much 'looking at the past to gain perspective on the present' do you?
I mean, seriously, in Washington I have yet to really hear "Wow, look at (this president, administration, ecomonic depression, etc.) did (this thing) and here's how we can learn from them and move forward carefully sidestepping what was done before AND/OR better than that even, "This is what (that president, administration, economic depression) did and how it worked for them - so let's duplicate that part of what they did right." Nope, all I hear is, "Well, they were of this particular party, so we certainly can't admit they did anything right".
As the 'ol saying goes, "History repeats itself". And do you know why it does? History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time". Ouch. We tend to think our ideas are new, fresh, or that THIS TIME it will be different, because it's us, we are in control - I mean really now -don't we?
Instead of Hollywood learning from so many stars that have gone before them - that have crashed and burned - either through drug use, burn out, anexoria, pressure, corruption, divorce or just pick another situation, a deaf ear is turned and Hollywood continues marching on to their own drum beat of selffishness, pride, greed, lust, disgust and mistrust. Tell me I am wrong. After all, one just needs to turn on the tv for 5 minutes to prove my point. Wow.
And what about the average American? The one who is up to their eyeballs in high mortgage payments because they overextended themselves on a house that was "not only huge, but a good buy" at the time - and after all, they could afford it because their job was safe, secure and paid great... not to mention our maxed out credit cards spent on...what? Can't remember...well, that's all right, we had fun, didn't we? And that's what it is all about, FUN, right? Besides - it was cool, there was money, for all of the 'stuff' right?
Sigh. How do we get so off course when the voices of our past - yes, our perspective - are screaming loudly throughout the pages of time and history? The recent unrest in Iran is bringing back memories for those who were there for the chaos 30-years ago, a time that changed Iran's history. People need to be alerted to the probability that if society ignores the past, someone will get hurt.
For example, an examination of the famous 1929 Stock Market crash shows that the conditions and the depression are similar to those of today. However, time represses painful memories and allows historians and others to distort the truth and act as if the 1920s never happened and the depression was an aberration. In today's world, very few Americans remember the depression or for that matter care. EXCEPT when it starts to affect their pocketbook. But, then again - the government will assist us, right? (Will we ever learn!!??)
What about Hitler and the oppression of the Jews? No one would have dreamed such a nightmare could have happened before - and many don't believe it could ever happen again. We need to be watchful. So many countries hate the America's with a passion, and although I am all for diplomacty, sometimes more is needed.. We are foolish to think that if we play nice - so will the rest of the world. It would be wonderful if that was the case, but unfortunately it just is not the way human nature is. And we would be ignorant to think so. And it is even more ridiculous to believe (like some are now claiming) that the Holocost never even happened! (are you kidding me!?)
Then couple all of these things with the fact that we have removed God from just about every American business, our government, schools, most recently our currency, and sadly our family life - and even some churches. So where does that leave us?
Singer, Carman, has a song that sums it up well, "We need God in America again":
Here is a link to a video of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW_l55MTpqI
Here are the lyrics:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay -
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country, Founding fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain by divine call. Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all.
But something happened since Jefferson called the 'Bible' the cornerstone for American liberty then put it in our schools as a light, or since "Give me liberty or give me death...", Patrick Henry said, "...Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
We eliminated God from the equation of American life, thus eliminating the reason this nation first began. From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead, "You need God in America again!"
Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, Fifty-two were active members of their church. Founding fathers like, Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary - could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow The Ten Commandments with all our heart..." These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American - If you subvert the Word of God.
In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have National morality apart from religious principle," and it's true. 'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns to these war zones we call 'public schools'. In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking - In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend. The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade is to put God in America again!
The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for America is him, If we repent of our ways stand firm, and say, "We need God in America again!"
Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation, will be the philosophy of the government of the next" So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics, you eliminate the nation that Word protects.
America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime, number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce. Every day, a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die, while pornography floods our streets like open sewers. It's time to send the alarm from the Church house to The White House And say, "We want God in America again."
My prayer is that we will hear the voices of the history and have true perspective. A biblical perspective like our HEAVENLY FATHER and our earthly founding father's intended.
Your thoughts welcomed and encouraged.
May God Bless America!
And I thought, huh really, so exactly what does that mean? Perspective...in today's world.
So, I decided to look up what "perspective" meant... here were the basic definations:
A view or vista.
A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).
Okay - look to the past to gain a perspective on the present. That sounds reasonable. Again, I asked myself, so just how does that apply to us here in today's world... Quite honestly, from the way things are going lately in Washington, Hollywood, and the average American's lifestyle, I'd say we actually LACK perspective. Why? Well, when I think about it, I don't see much 'looking at the past to gain perspective on the present' do you?
I mean, seriously, in Washington I have yet to really hear "Wow, look at (this president, administration, ecomonic depression, etc.) did (this thing) and here's how we can learn from them and move forward carefully sidestepping what was done before AND/OR better than that even, "This is what (that president, administration, economic depression) did and how it worked for them - so let's duplicate that part of what they did right." Nope, all I hear is, "Well, they were of this particular party, so we certainly can't admit they did anything right".
As the 'ol saying goes, "History repeats itself". And do you know why it does? History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time". Ouch. We tend to think our ideas are new, fresh, or that THIS TIME it will be different, because it's us, we are in control - I mean really now -don't we?
Instead of Hollywood learning from so many stars that have gone before them - that have crashed and burned - either through drug use, burn out, anexoria, pressure, corruption, divorce or just pick another situation, a deaf ear is turned and Hollywood continues marching on to their own drum beat of selffishness, pride, greed, lust, disgust and mistrust. Tell me I am wrong. After all, one just needs to turn on the tv for 5 minutes to prove my point. Wow.
And what about the average American? The one who is up to their eyeballs in high mortgage payments because they overextended themselves on a house that was "not only huge, but a good buy" at the time - and after all, they could afford it because their job was safe, secure and paid great... not to mention our maxed out credit cards spent on...what? Can't remember...well, that's all right, we had fun, didn't we? And that's what it is all about, FUN, right? Besides - it was cool, there was money, for all of the 'stuff' right?
Sigh. How do we get so off course when the voices of our past - yes, our perspective - are screaming loudly throughout the pages of time and history? The recent unrest in Iran is bringing back memories for those who were there for the chaos 30-years ago, a time that changed Iran's history. People need to be alerted to the probability that if society ignores the past, someone will get hurt.
For example, an examination of the famous 1929 Stock Market crash shows that the conditions and the depression are similar to those of today. However, time represses painful memories and allows historians and others to distort the truth and act as if the 1920s never happened and the depression was an aberration. In today's world, very few Americans remember the depression or for that matter care. EXCEPT when it starts to affect their pocketbook. But, then again - the government will assist us, right? (Will we ever learn!!??)
What about Hitler and the oppression of the Jews? No one would have dreamed such a nightmare could have happened before - and many don't believe it could ever happen again. We need to be watchful. So many countries hate the America's with a passion, and although I am all for diplomacty, sometimes more is needed.. We are foolish to think that if we play nice - so will the rest of the world. It would be wonderful if that was the case, but unfortunately it just is not the way human nature is. And we would be ignorant to think so. And it is even more ridiculous to believe (like some are now claiming) that the Holocost never even happened! (are you kidding me!?)
Then couple all of these things with the fact that we have removed God from just about every American business, our government, schools, most recently our currency, and sadly our family life - and even some churches. So where does that leave us?
Singer, Carman, has a song that sums it up well, "We need God in America again":
Here is a link to a video of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW_l55MTpqI
Here are the lyrics:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay -
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country, Founding fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain by divine call. Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all.
But something happened since Jefferson called the 'Bible' the cornerstone for American liberty then put it in our schools as a light, or since "Give me liberty or give me death...", Patrick Henry said, "...Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
We eliminated God from the equation of American life, thus eliminating the reason this nation first began. From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead, "You need God in America again!"
Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, Fifty-two were active members of their church. Founding fathers like, Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary - could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow The Ten Commandments with all our heart..." These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American - If you subvert the Word of God.
In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have National morality apart from religious principle," and it's true. 'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns to these war zones we call 'public schools'. In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking - In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend. The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade is to put God in America again!
The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for America is him, If we repent of our ways stand firm, and say, "We need God in America again!"
Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation, will be the philosophy of the government of the next" So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics, you eliminate the nation that Word protects.
America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime, number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce. Every day, a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die, while pornography floods our streets like open sewers. It's time to send the alarm from the Church house to The White House And say, "We want God in America again."
My prayer is that we will hear the voices of the history and have true perspective. A biblical perspective like our HEAVENLY FATHER and our earthly founding father's intended.
Your thoughts welcomed and encouraged.
May God Bless America!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The best parts of life are the little ones - all added up
Have you ever sat and reflected upon the best parts your life? I mean really reflected.
Using a 'looking glass', as they used to say in the old days when referencing a mirror. And when you peer into that perverbial looking glass, what do you think of? Do you think back to the lunch you had today with a friend or maybe the date you had last night? Perhaps your mind wanders back to a vacation and all of the fun had with family and friends.
It may be thoughts of your wedding, the birth of your children, or some other special life event that brings you joy in remembrance. Does a loved one who passed away come to mind and all of the special memories soon flood your senses? Do you find yourself smiling when you think of all the holidays spent with those you hold dear, laughing together around a decorated table full of bounty, remembering the dinner rolls that got burned without fail - which soon became family tradition?
The children laughing, the anticipation, and most of all, the love... yes, that awe inspiring emotion that drives each one of us and ultimately gets us through whatever we may be facing until we reach the next little one of life, which we quickly add to our special collection. Very similar to what a child does when adding treasured seashells into their bucket at the seashore. What would we ever do without it?
God is love - so scripture says. And I am so glad He cares enough to share His love with us, His creation, so we would not only enjoy it ourselves - but pass it along to others on our journey. Yes, the best parts of life are truly 'the little ones all added up.' Wouldn't you agree?
So just what are some of the 'little ones' that you treasure?
Using a 'looking glass', as they used to say in the old days when referencing a mirror. And when you peer into that perverbial looking glass, what do you think of? Do you think back to the lunch you had today with a friend or maybe the date you had last night? Perhaps your mind wanders back to a vacation and all of the fun had with family and friends.
It may be thoughts of your wedding, the birth of your children, or some other special life event that brings you joy in remembrance. Does a loved one who passed away come to mind and all of the special memories soon flood your senses? Do you find yourself smiling when you think of all the holidays spent with those you hold dear, laughing together around a decorated table full of bounty, remembering the dinner rolls that got burned without fail - which soon became family tradition?
The children laughing, the anticipation, and most of all, the love... yes, that awe inspiring emotion that drives each one of us and ultimately gets us through whatever we may be facing until we reach the next little one of life, which we quickly add to our special collection. Very similar to what a child does when adding treasured seashells into their bucket at the seashore. What would we ever do without it?
God is love - so scripture says. And I am so glad He cares enough to share His love with us, His creation, so we would not only enjoy it ourselves - but pass it along to others on our journey. Yes, the best parts of life are truly 'the little ones all added up.' Wouldn't you agree?
So just what are some of the 'little ones' that you treasure?
Monday, July 6, 2009
When is Enough...Enough?
Have you ever sat and contemplated that? Exactly WHEN is enough... enough?
Enough of what, you may be thinking? Enough of self. Do you ever get so sick of yourself that you can't stand it?
Does your mind, will, and emotions tend to stand in the way of your future?
Many times we may blame others for our lack of launching out or living what we know have been called to do in this life. Have you ever wanted to step out in complete faith and do something that you never have done before - something challenging, something that you only dare think about in the deep recesses of your mind, or just dream about when you rest your weary head and close your eyes at night?
Do you ever wake up thinking, "TODAY is the DAY that I am going to break FREE of what has been holding me back!" Only to have your "but" get in the way once again? You know, "I would, should, am going to do what I have been really wanting to do for so long... BUT... (fill in the blank)."
Ah, yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not alone in this struggle.
We all have hopes, dreams, and aspirations - things that would complete us and make us whole, if we only dared to step out and actually allow them to venture out from our inner self into the reality of this world - yes, into that bright sunshine and piercing blue sky. Personally, I say, ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
It is time to say, "so long self" (as the singing group, Mercy Me so aptly states in their awesome song, video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8)
And DO what I have been instructed to DO by God..."Trust and Obey...without ME in the Way." (A little rhyme I made up - and a paraphrase of scripture, of course!) LoL.
It's time for me to take a leap of faith, so what about you? I'd really love to hear about any hopes, dreams, or aspirations that you have. Please feel free to share, if you'd like. Sometimes, just talking about them makes that stretch from the inner being to the outside world a much easier transition.
God Bless!
Enough of what, you may be thinking? Enough of self. Do you ever get so sick of yourself that you can't stand it?
Does your mind, will, and emotions tend to stand in the way of your future?
Many times we may blame others for our lack of launching out or living what we know have been called to do in this life. Have you ever wanted to step out in complete faith and do something that you never have done before - something challenging, something that you only dare think about in the deep recesses of your mind, or just dream about when you rest your weary head and close your eyes at night?
Do you ever wake up thinking, "TODAY is the DAY that I am going to break FREE of what has been holding me back!" Only to have your "but" get in the way once again? You know, "I would, should, am going to do what I have been really wanting to do for so long... BUT... (fill in the blank)."
Ah, yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not alone in this struggle.
We all have hopes, dreams, and aspirations - things that would complete us and make us whole, if we only dared to step out and actually allow them to venture out from our inner self into the reality of this world - yes, into that bright sunshine and piercing blue sky. Personally, I say, ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
It is time to say, "so long self" (as the singing group, Mercy Me so aptly states in their awesome song, video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8)
And DO what I have been instructed to DO by God..."Trust and Obey...without ME in the Way." (A little rhyme I made up - and a paraphrase of scripture, of course!) LoL.
It's time for me to take a leap of faith, so what about you? I'd really love to hear about any hopes, dreams, or aspirations that you have. Please feel free to share, if you'd like. Sometimes, just talking about them makes that stretch from the inner being to the outside world a much easier transition.
God Bless!
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