From time to time I may share on here thoughts from my husband, but before I do I want to share little bit about him. Joe is his name, we have been married for 11 years this coming March, it has been a blessing to grow with him. We have learned so much together getting us to this point in our lives.
Our marriage is something I really cherish, having someone beside you to love and support, and share good times and bad with is truly what I believe God designed marriage to be for (helpers) Genesis 2:18. Someone, who, not only is there for the love that we all long to have in our lives, but also someone, who knows you, who is committed to you, and who wants to help you grow to be the best that you can be.
Who is honest with you about your flaws, but gives you grace, forgiveness and support when you do make mistakes.
Who is patient that you are growing, and understands that they are growing to.
Someone who can help you by praying for you. Seeing how they can better themselves and motivates you also to do better.
That is this man for me. My husband ❤️😍
Im very blessed, but I don’t say this to boast because I believe we all have something special, God really has blessed us all, I don’t believe the Bible would be so universal if I didn’t really believe in that.
It is so important that we dont get focused on others, but we look to our lives and what God has given us and work with that, because each of us has something that is very special, whether it is something about you, your spouse, your family, friends, life….anything… we can not focus on what we dont have but rather what we do.
so as I count my blessings I’m very thankful for my husband, who I can as his wife honestly say that, he doesn’t do this stuff part time, he truly does practice what he preaches, and that is evident in our home and I am so grateful, but on the same token we are still human and we are like I said before
growing,
trying each day and may make mistakes along the way.
Our prayer is this, that we…
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
So here is something from my best friend, partner in life, my husband and Im sure you will see more from him in my future posts as well.
LIVING HOPE
BY: JOE MURDOCK
It has been said that the Gospel writer John is the apostle of love and Paul is the apostle of faith and Peter is the apostle of hope. Peter specifically talks about a living hope. I find this to be an interesting idea since hope only seems to be a word that means waiting for something. But is that all that this hope means? Let us examine this living hope that Peter mentions in 1 Peter.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5
So my initial thought is, how does one live out hope? I think it is important to first understand how hope is defined scripturally. Biblical hope means much more than what man has mindlessly limited it down to or has over zealously used it. In some instances hope today is used as no more than wishing and in other cases has be made to seem so far beyond our comprehension that it is impossible to understand. Yet Peter tells the first century Christians and us to have a living hope! Hope according to the Strong’s concordance is to anticipate usually with pleasure, expectation or confidence-faith hope. Isn’t that interesting a faithful hope. Just like everything in Scripture, faith is always going to be connected to the words that are pleasing to God.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
Since we now understand what hope is biblically and Peter mentions a living hope, a question I have is with a living hope is there a dead hope? Guy N Woods in his commentary on 1 Peter writes when He (Christ) allowed himself to fall into the hands of the Romans and to die on the cross, the hope of the disciples was blasted and their faith failed. Peter with his faith gone, returned to his nets John 21:3. Sadly for too many when things start to get tough, they will give up. This attitude or mindset must be defeated. But without a proper understanding of what we hope in, our hope can easily die and we go back to doing what we did before we had hope in Christ. Friends that only leads to empty promises and a life full of sadness. Remember what Paul said in Ephesians
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:6-10
Empty words come from those who have a dead hope which is no hope at all! We must continue to press onward towards the goal that is set before us and not allow the snares of this world to trip us up.
Finally as we have defined hope the way God would have us to understand it, let us now live it out. That is what God would have us to do and what Peter means when he says to have a living hope. A hope that is not dead but one that is thriving and producing fruit in ourselves and in others. What an encouragement it is, to be able to share in a living hope with our church family.
“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:24-25
Are we willing to eagerly wait for the coming of Christ? Not idly but full of faithful anticipation and excitement for the time when we are redeemed!
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
What are you struggling with right now that you have put off until tomorrow?
It doesn’t even need to be tomorrow, maybe it’s just “later”
say for instance it is the ever popular in need to….Read my Bible…
“I need to read my Bible”
“I need to be better about praying”
What about committing to Christ, going to church, being a better steward of your time….
I want to talk about waiting, something that I have been and at times still can be guilty of…
This type of waiting is not “patiently” waiting as in
“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.” Psalms 130:5-6
this is the “procrastination” waiting.
From verywellmind.com I found an article Tips for overcoming procrastination, that said this about procrastinating…

As I read this I definitely see so much truth in these statements, there was a time in my life that I would actually call myself a procrastinator, I would prefer not to label myself that way anymore because I used to admit to it not seeing any problem with it, because somehow, someway, I would seem to get things done…. (but I “sold” so much time for this lifestyle, and no to mention, health and sanity as well)
sticky notes on rustic wood background concept for time management procrastination
Gods word has helped me overcome so many of my old, harmful habits, and still continues to do so, I take steps forward each day that I choose to, follow, seek, and depend upon it and Jesus.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6
Let’s just take a second and break down what this is telling us….
Blessed: happy, joyful, and truly thankful.
Are those: those who do what this says👇
Who hunger and thirst:what do we do when we are hungry and or thirsty, we start thinking of what we want to eat, drink, and we eat and drink.
It’s rare to say that we would call ourselves hungry and sit in front of food or water, and let ourselves starve, or thirst.
We don’t say I’m hungry, and thirsty, tomorrow I will eat, unless we are trying to fast, or don’t have the means to do it.
“And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” Revelation 21:6
God will satisfy the needs of the hungry and thirsty but we must choose to:
1. understand our need for it
2. choose to take it, just as much as we choose to eat or drink, to fulfill our physical needs, we also have spiritual needs.
For righteousness:to be morally right, or justified, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, seek to be morally right, not just right, as in have the right answers but right as in their actions proves them right, and not right to ourselves, or the world but to the One God who created us, and that makes a fruitful Christian.
For they shall be satisfied: seeking to do the right thing, the answers can be found in Gods Word, the living waters…is not just a “good read” but when applied to our moral character and actions it is truly satisfying to the soul….
So….
What are you waiting for,
What harm is waiting doing to you?
Why do we wait until we are spiritually deprived and starving before we will spiritually feed on the bread of life! Waiting to make positive changes until it is a convenient time, is most likely only going to pull you further away making the time that would be convenient, less, and less convenient.
Don’t get fixated on tomorrow, tomorrow you will most likely regret something you didn’t do today,
Don’t wait to be perfect before you try to make a change, we only kid ourselves when we think this way…circumstances will probably look ugly when you realize you need to change. Right now if you see an area in your life that you should be better in it, my advise would be start, no matter how difficult, scary, or impossible it may seem.
One important detail about change that we must understand is that it isn’t always easy, the process can be hard, changing habits, and lifestyles that were hard on us can be just as grueling as the pain we faced because of this issue, if not even more…
My last post I wrote was on honesty, and this is a very important quality that we must have as we make changes. Its so important to surround ourselves with honest people, be an honest person, and have an honest heart when reading or hearing the word of God, as much as we possibly can, because there will be times where we will want to give up, or look back, remember the good and not the bad that comes with damaging habits, and we will lie to ourselves and say again, it’s not so bad, to give in, give up, or set some important things aside to indulge ourselves in harmful habits again….
I think this is a major reason why we may procrastinate certain things in our lives because we know that some things, some changes that we know we need to make are just plain difficult.
So how do we do all of this? How do we stop procrastinating, or waiting for the perfect moments to be and do better, and how do we push through, when it gets difficult?
And just so you know there are many, many stories in the Bible of these very patterns of human behaviors that you can look too and see what happens you give in to yourself and of give up on God rather than push through…
Let me just say there will be times that It gets worse before it gets better, but the better is worth the worse, we must see the end goal, we must have hope, faith… and understand the greatest act of love that taught us how to start fresh….
Jesus
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—” John 3:1-23
Baptism into Christ places you in the the kingdom of God, there are so many benifits to being in His kingdom it would take me blogs and blogs to tell you all about it which Im sure you will continue to hear about it from me… but for now let’s just say one of the greatest benefits of that is the hope of heaven, eternal peace, surrounded by the purest LOVE…
I think we all have some sort of grasp on Love, in some way or another, we either have it, have known it, want to know about it, or we long to grow in it…
What’s stopping us from reaching that love and it’s full potential is ourselves…the thought of tomorrow I will take care of that, or I’m going to wait until I feel better, I’m not good enough for any sort of Love, I fear what I might need to do, change or give up, to be in a better place.
let me ask you…
What are some important changes that you will put off?
What are things you often give up on when they get difficult?
I ask myself…
why do I fear difficult circumstances, so I wait, or avoid change.
I tend to fear uncomfortable, vulnerability, and the lack of my own self sufficiency, I don’t want anyone else to know that this life is hard, and I need help at times, every single one of us needs help actually.
And that is why God had given us, Jesus, each other i.e. the Church and His word to guide us into all understanding of the truth, that is why it was so important to Jesus that He teach his disciples of this.
Teach each other, help each other, and Love each other, are some of His core teachings.
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
If we wait too long on trusting God, we will become self reliant (to the extent that we can) and not now how to be reliant on God when we really need Him, it is best to make that change right now, rely on Gods help…Just face the fears, whatever they may be, YOU CAN TRUST that God will be right there by your side even through the difficult stages, that are bound to show up.
When you make a commitment to start working out, are the days always easy? no, are there set backs? yes, and are there going to be times where you have to push through? absolutely, but with and end goal in mind, we can start.
Don’t wait to start, with an end goal like heaven,
it’s so worth the process, for, that hope makes every challenge we face worth it. But even so the change of life style here on this earth and being a part of the spiritual kingdom of the Church of Christ, has many benefits too (you can read about this unity and love, and christian walk in Ephesians 4) …. waiting just gives us more time to doubt and delay… and I’m afraid waiting only makes it harder to commit in the future.
Proverbs chapter 24 is where the thought of this Post came from, I hope it encourages you as much as it did me, to stop waiting, to be strong, push through when it gets tough, to get back up when you fall, not giving up but always trying and be better. Thank you so much for reading, Please as always let me know if you have any questions. May God Bless you, and may you desire to know and seek His word, His Truth.
“A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate. One who plans to do evil, Men will call a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited. Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:5-14
“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?” Proverbs 24:15-22
I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34
Finding ways to comfort my little co sleepers, as they transition to sleeping on their own,
We came up with this lullaby, or maybe I heard it, I don’t know but I like to sing it to them before they go to bed, and I hope they can always sleep in peace knowing that God will be there. ❤️
Good night,
Sleep tight,
Go to sleep little babies,
Close your eyes,
Say a prayer,
And know that God will be there.
Click the link above to hear their cute little voices sing it!
Sometimes the thought of being honest scares me like no other…
So you may know from either my Instagram, or recent blog posts, or maybe you don’t know at all but I have decided to challenge myself in 2020 to be more BOLD.
So far I have been working on keeping up with blog posts once a week, sharing truth in my life as well as being more intentional about knowing it myself…
so with that being said I must share this next word that comes to mind as I dive into, this “Boldness” that like I said before is way out of my comfort zone (see take courage post)
Honesty,
I don’t think honesty comes without courage at times, unless your a 3 year old telling your mom how her cooking is, or how her hair looks in the morning ( I may or may not know this from experience) kids they are maybe a little too honest, is that even a thing?
When we think of honesty, most of us would say it would be a quality that we would like in a spouse, friend, some of us really enjoy being around our family because, they are honest (or maybe it’s the other way around, we dislike the honesty) but when we have honest relationships with others we can be ourselves.
We are being who we are, without that feeling that we need to hide behind a mask which is really something to cherish!
But does honesty always come as a positive, or does honesty at times bring about conflict, tension, and sometimes maybe even break relationships, how should we use this very powerful tool within ourselves….
Let me first start by being honest with you…
Every time I get ready to post a blog post, or instagram post, and in the past Facebook (which I got off of because I was getting overwhelmed with the amount in information that was feeding into my brain, and it was making me feel very anxious) but I get really nervous! I think about my friends and fellow readers, or followers, people that have decided to read what I have to say. I want to say the right things so that nobody gets offended, or hurt feelings because of something I may have said, that maybe people think I’m directing my posts at them which is not the case what I write is from a broad observation, of time, expierence, research, listening, study, and my own life, I don’t ever direct any posts to a particular person, but I pray that maybe they would help someone. Honestly I mostly write because it helps me.
When I take the time to research and share information I really try hard to make sure I myself am practicing what I share, before you hear about it, and I know I am not perfect… I can always do and be better, I don’t ever want to be put on a pedestal…I get easily embarrassed when there is attention put on me… so honestly, I share because, I care… I spend so much of my time throughout the week in thoughts about how I can help others understand, how I can be a better Christian, wife, mother, friend, neighbor, the list goes on and on, and there are times where, I just feel like I have failed, it’s easy to get discouraged over that but I have to constantly remind myself that I am trying to grow, and that there may be times that growth comes with some hard truths, that feel painful, and difficult to swallow because there are times where, I too don’t want the truth (but I need to hear it)…
Which leads me too this topic of honesty!
When Jesus speaks parables unto multitudes of people he would often say
“And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!””
Mark 4:9
This phrase is found a few times in the New Testament, why do you think we need to be told to hear?
Multitudes listened but only few heard, I mean it should be an obvious thing if we have ears, we can hear right?
But you have heard the statement in one ear and out the other?
How many of us actually listen to what is being said to us?
Honesty is something that starts within ourselves, honesty starts within the heart and it starts with the individual, can you make anyone be honest with you?
and is it possible to become unaware of the fact that we may not be honest with ourselves?
in my last post (The Jesus Trend)
I touched on this idea,
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-4
its very easy to notice the flaws in each other, before we see our own. WE BECOME BLINDED. Dishonest with our own hearts. The word of God must be read from our hearts, applied to our hearts, and first change us before we start challenging others.
I find it interesting when I read and see how Jesus often uses that phrase “he who has an ear let him hear”
many heard this, but many walked away assuming nothing was wrong, maybe it crossed their minds as an interesting thought, but never did they stop and really listen to the truth that was being spoken to them.
But some did, Jesus disciples wanted to know more, wanted to know why? they had ears and they heard, they had eyes and they perceived..
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. “Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:10-23
They were listening with honest hearts wanting to know the truth about Jesus teachings, what do we do with this information. Not simply being there to “hear” the message in one ear out the other but really listening with an honest heart.
Lets read of the parable again from Lukes account of the Gospel of Christ.
Luke 8:4-15
And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Hearing the word, Hold it Fast (That is to remember it a remind ourselves of it daily) in and HONEST and good heart, we will ….WITH PATIENCE, Bear fruit!
If we look back to Matthews account, Jesus tells His disciples ( Followers of Jesus)
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:17
The prophets, and righteous men before Jesus only spoke of these mysteries that were to come. Jesus, who was The mystery revealed, was standing before their eyes answering their questions, teaching them.
Some of us say, well if I had Jesus standing before my eyes, I would be asking so many questions….Really?….would you?
WE HAVE THE BIBLE!
the before, the present, and the what is to come with Jesus….
The Old Testament, before Jesus, You can read and see our human nature, our failures, Gods patience, Gods guidance, Gods Love, But also Gods seriousness. When He says it He means it.
The Prophets spoke on behalf of God of things to come. The righteous men were followers of God…But even the prophets and righteous men made mistakes. Sometimes they questioned their purpose in life and sometimes they even failed.
But Jesus, came knowing His purpose, and did not fail, despite the difficulties that it came with, where most of us would just give up…
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
Isaiah 6:8-11 (prophecy about Jesus)
Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness, teach all truth, and complete the Word of God… If I could help you understand all of it I would but I am not capable on this type of platform, nor would I want to do it because I can not perfect it anymore for you than it has already been done, and Im still growing in it, THE BIBLE, has it and we are all capable of learning from it but you must open it and read it with and honest heart, I do not wish to add or take away any of that.
Now if you see the Old Testament, was before Jesus, the New Testament, is after Jesus, That is after Jesus Died on the cross, and rose again. The Gospel accounts, are the present Jesus, His life here on this earth MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN. Each one is the same time period, pretty much the same stories just from different perspectives, the perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. When Jesus died on the cross The law that was physical to so many, became a law that was spiritual a law to be obeyed first and foremost with in our hearts, “fruits” are produced when you are obedient to the truth. Honest with yourself is the only way you can get down and cultivate that soil, trees don’t produce fruit, overnight, usually it takes time and maturity and strong roots. From the Gospels, we have the establishing of the Church (Acts) and the letters to the either the churches in the different areas, or letters written to individuals, the Teach them the truth, to help them stay strong, and be encouraged to continue on following Christ, Because the enemy works very hard to take that away (with lies)
So I ask, how do you read the Bible, Is Jesus just a story? or is His message Truth? and what do you do with that? Being Honest with yourself is the first step towards a much better life, both now and forever.
Be thankful for the honest relationships in your life, be thankful for the truth even when it may be difficult to hear, and don’t be afraid to ask difficult, honest hearted questions, that will lead you to the truth.
Thank you as always for reading, I hope and pray that this would help you look closer into the word of God, to search for the truth, and to wholeheartedly seek after knowing it and follow it.
We are seeing Jesus lovers popping up all over the internet,
I just can’t help but notice,
And please don’t get me wrong I love Jesus too, and I don’t think we should ever be ashamed to tell others about Him.
But I just can’t help but question the truth behind the matter of some,
And I wonder is this a trend or is this for real,
I am all for spreading the good news of Jesus, I’m all for encouragement, I’m all for helping others Find God!
But I just can’t help but think of the sermon on the mount, the words from Jesus himself, for 3 chapters of the Book of Matthew we have the greatest sermon ever preached, please understand one thing as you read the Word,
The chapters in the books were mans adding not Gods, when you read the sermon on the mount don’t pull this verse out and use it the way you want it…
““Judge not, that you be not judged.”
Matthew 7:1 read the entire sermon preached by Jesus….
Understand why it’s there, what it’s purpose was, and the context of the entire message.
This message is for you not for you to throw in someone else’s face, if someone is trying to help you because they see you going down a not so good path, please grab their hand as they are trying to pull you from destruction and thank them….
I would post the whole sermon but instead, I would greatly encourage you to open your Bible and read it for yourself from start to finish starting in Matthew chapter 5. Jesus didn’t stop preaching at the end of chapter 5 and pick up where he left off a day later, he preached continuously from chapter 5 through to chapter 7, It’s an important message!
““Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM M E, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”
Matthew 7:13-29 NASB
It hurts a little to see the mass amount of people proclaiming Jesus, how much they love Him and The message of grace…backed by such worldly lifestyles!
Its seems more like confusion than a message of truth to me,
Jesus came to save us from this world that we want to participate in while holding on to the Jesus diamond cross around our neck,
he died on that cross for you,
and you get to wear it,
Does that not seem backwards to you!
(I’m not saying that everyone does this but this is just an example)
He told us to carry our crosses not flaunt them
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
Luke 14:27 NASB
Go and find out what this means.
And I don’t share this out of hate or judgment but care and concern because the fruits of our life will always speak so much louder than the words that come out of our mouths,
Or in this case, the posts of our social media accounts.
This is an avenue that I try to be cautious of because it is so easy to show the world a different you, it’s easy to be a “Jesus lover” or “saved by grace” On the internet, but who are we at home to our families, friends, spouses, who are we to our co-workers or neighbors, and most importantly who are we to God?
What kind of fruits are you displaying in public, or private, how do you yield to temptations? (self-control)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:19-26 NKJV
Each one of those fruits should be dissected in our lives, they are hard to master, but not impossible, we have an example and we must follow it everyday especially as we proclaim to be His followers, we must be different from the world.
Let us not be conceited…
Provoking one another…
Envying one another!
Social Media has to be the largest outlet for this kind of behavior, provoking (look at me)and envying (look at them)…
What is your purpose to show Gods glory or yours? trust me I know it’s easy to get caught up in attention…but is it worth your soul or someone you may be affecting as they watch your example.
“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. S ee how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
James 3:1-18 NASB
This is hard to share, I’m not trying to exalt myself above anyone else by any means,
Please take this with a sincere love from me and for the truth.
And thank you for taking the time to read, with love,
Beverly
I was in a rut a few years back wondering why things just didn’t feel like they matched, I thought I was doing everything right…this sermon really helped me put things into perspective. Please take the time to listen, I pray it would help you as it did me!
I remember the first time I ever called My husband,
We were in high school and I had a major crush, I was so shy, apparently he liked me but he couldn’t tell I liked him (I wonder why)
So anyways we didn’t end up dating then but I always knew I wanted to marry him, and of course we did end up getting married and I’m very blessed to be his wife…
But that call…
He messaged me once on MySpace and gave me his number, and I sat there in my room for about an hour trying to work up the nerve to call him, I needed to do it….
But for me this wasn’t easy at all I didn’t know what to say, what were we gonna talk about? he probably just thinks I’m weird, why would he want to talk to me? he probably doesn’t even like me, I’m gonna ruin it, but I have to call, because I really like him…
How!?
I was so scared…
I wasn’t the type to call up my friends for advise, or ask my mom, or even my sisters, I didn’t want anyone to know I liked him this much and I didn’t know what to do…
This song kind of became my song, because, of all the things that helped me work up the nerve it was this song….
I hope you dance,
I had to replay it about 10 times before I decided to call.
I wasted about an hour in worry, but it happened I talked to the love of my life..
But this is not a post about our love story this is a post about comfort zones, and EXIT-ing them, because we all know that there is so much more behind that door that we fear to open ,about finding strength and courage when you feel like you don’t know how or why or what, this is a study I did a few years back and I hope that maybe you could gain something from it:
Let’s start with courage, What is this word anyways and what does it really even mean?
Courage is the quality of mind that enables a person to face the uncomfortable feelings, difficulty, danger, pain, or maybe even love, without fear…bravery
We can find many bible stories in both the Old and New Testament with stories of acts of courage! Courage was not a lacking quality in our bible hero’s, those who set an example for us to see that when you take your faith and trust in God and mix it with some courage, and remove the fear of man that stops you from action…you have yourself an unstoppable man or woman of God!
Now quite the contrary, you can’t help but relate this to that little place we all hold within us called our comfort zone,
How many of us actually really like it there?
I think if we were all actually honest with ourselves we wouldn’t even call it comfortable, I think we would call it the place where we settle, because we are too afraid of change, and a possible uncomfortable situation that might come when we exit. That exit door labeled: courage.
Now let’s take a look a Jesus and His use of courage in teaching others, and this may actually surprise you…
And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2
But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well. Matthew 9:22
And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here. ” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Mark 10:49
“Take courage”
…the healing stories of Jesus, most of us focus on the fact that these people had such great faith that they were made well by Jesus, but what I notice is what Jesus tells these newly healed people
“take courage”
Now Why do you think take courage is the first thing Jesus told these people who were healed? …I wonder if it was maybe because they were entering a place that was suddenly new to them, a paralytic walking, a sick woman made well, a blind man seeing. Sure, this was a happy time for them but it had to be scary too the person they thought they were had suddenly been changed by their faith yes, their choice, yes, but changed and now that they were a new person, they were about to face new challenges, I’m sure new obstacles and they had a responsibility to take courage, as they entered this new life,
this obviously better new life.
To take courage, not be afraid of the things ahead of them, to move forward with an understanding that Jesus saved me I have a new life and an opportunity now so take courage!
I kind of know what that feels like, being defined a certain way for so many years of your life, I always thought I forever would be a “shy” person. My negative self talk was loud, and I let the fear of what I assumed others might think of me controlled my own voice! Physically I was not sick but mentally there were days that it would eat me up inside.
But what if it doesn’t work, what if people don’t like what I have to say, what if people make fun of me, what if they think I’m weird or don’t like me…those were always my worst fears…
I do believe we all, as humans desire to be approved of, to be accepted, to be liked and loved, and there are very few people who surround us who probably know us for who we really are!
But God knows you…
He actually knows exactly who you are, who you are meant to be, and everything you are capable of becoming.
He sent no better example than His very own son, to lead you through this life, and fulfill every desire of your self and more than I think you or I can fathom. But to get there it, takes courage,
It’s quite scary to open the door that so few will go through, it’s scary to go against the grain, separate your self from what you have known, and or been, or have been surrounded by for your entire life.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
Revelation 3:20-21
The path where very few will go has always been narrow because not many are willing to trust and obey, we want to pretend to be “Christian” for the likable benefits of Christianity, but when we become possibly “unlikeable” or things get a little tough, scary, or just maybe out of our comfort zone, we exit that door as quickly as we can, and let me tell you I don’t want to hear these words one day…
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM M E, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.””
Luke 13:24-30
We fear God the way we want but not the way He would have us to, because the way He would have us to, pushes us beyond our personal safety nets and boundaries, outside of our comfort zones, and humbles us to where we must fully depend on God for Love and support and let me tell you he won’t let go of you there! But it requires courage, because surrounding us we don’t have many that will hold our hands through what we are about to enter. The spiritual battle grounds are rough, we have an attacker the devil who is the biggest liar on the planet, all those comments you tell your self about how you will never be good enough, they don’t come from a good place, pretty much anything he can think to twist he will, which has led this world into such a dark place of pain and sorrow which we have gotten quite good at masking as a society.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH
Ephesians 6:10-14
Now how about taking courage with Truth?
Preparing yourself with truth to step out of your comfort zone, pulling up your comfortable tunic preparing to step into battle, stepping into battle with Gods word, with truth. With every piece of His word. His truth!
What do you think would happen if they went into battle without girding up their loins? They would most likely trip and fall because they were not prepared.
But what if it doesn’t work, what if people don’t like what I have to say, what if people make fun of me, what if they think I’m weird or don’t like me…
well let’s see what what happened to Paul and Timothy
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Philippians 1:12-14
Well It looks like people didn’t like what they had to say….Sending them to prison!….oh but what about those that did though?
so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Philippians 1:14
When we are working for the Lord to better our lives for him, to grow closer to Him, to know Him and to understand His word, and to have a hope of eternal life with Him we must understand that in order to have growth we need to have challenges. Whether we challenge ourselves out of our comfort zone or we are challenged by someone else out of our comfort zone to practice Gods word it is important to take that courage. Not to be scared, but to understand that God will work through you as you face every challenge as long as you follow Him.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33
Follow the lead of Jesus who has overcome the world!
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”
Psalms 27:14
Be strong and let you heart take courage…. it takes the strength with in us to act courageously, with all of the verses found within the Bible we can find many verses about courage that first say be strong, clearly courage is something that takes strength…
I want to go back to Ephesians 6
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10
The very first verse tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17
He gives us all the tools but the first thing He asks is that we be strong in Him…
Strength Is built up, strength gets stronger through exercise, but first strength takes commitment. To be strong means to first have the strength to start, and then continue.
True strength can only comes from God. So I will conclude with these verses
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:8-9 NASB
What an encouraging verse!
Encourage to infuse courage into our souls!
“Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
2 Corinthians 5:5-10
My friend if you have made it to the end of my long blog post I thank dearly for reading! My goal is to help and I pray that it may help someone somewhere, I’m very thankful for the internet and the ability to share Gods word and my thoughts. If you have read this and don’t own a bible I would love to help, if you have read this and own a bible but not sure where to go from here I would also love to help. Please do let me know… I know from experience, because I still have a difficult time asking for help, which is why this was so important to me because taking courage may also mean to ask for help..Or if you have read this and have been encouraged, I pray that you would continue on, strong and courageous!
We made it back home from our annual trip to Cold Bay, Alaska It’s really a blessing, and I’m so thankful that we have the ability to go to this place every year and do what we do! I hope that everyone has a place that they can go, to take a little break, change pace, think, reflect, and most importantly be in nature, take part in God’s creation, which is really amazing!
Have you ever felt like you just wanted a break to change your pace?
The Holidays are coming up,
And the real new year is coming up as well,
How many of us are actually thinking about our New Years resolutions (maybe, not yet, too early, I know)
We gotta get through those indulgent holidays first, I know!
Your probably wondering where I’m going with these thoughts, well so am I,
When I started this blog I wrote that this was my way of reflection, decompressing my thoughts, so I’m actually just writing what is in my head right now, as I sit on another plane, heading to another place, another break from reality I guess you can call it!
Not because I dislike my reality, I actually really love my life, but this hasn’t always been true for me…I have surely had my struggles, and by no means do I have the perfect life.
But let me share something with you,We all know what Phillipians 4:13 says,
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV
We read this and we are empowered, aren’t we,
ALL THINGS!
CHRIST,
WHO STRENGTHENS US!
Really amazing to think about isn’t it?
I strongly believe that Christ does strengthen us, and that he can help us overcome SO MUCH!
But in context this actually is talking about lifestyle, and being content no matter what because we have CHRIST, and no matter what, he has got our back, whether we are in the storms of life, or full of joy, whether we are rich or poor, hurting or happy.
Philippians 4:4-14
Rejoice in the Lord always:
Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
Which surpasses all comprehension,
Shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brethren,
Whatever is true,
Whatever is honorable,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is of good repute,
If there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise,
Let your mind dwell on these things.
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,
Practice these things;
And the God of peace shall be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,
That now at last you have revived your concern for me;
Indeed you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak from want;
For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;
In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both having abundance and suffering need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Philippians 4:4-14
So as I sit here in flight, reflecting, thankful, and rejoicing in the blessings that God has given me, I am also so very thankful for the struggles as well because they have taught me so much, they have helped me grow,
Those reality breaks, they don’t have to wait until the New Year, or the trip, sometimes we just need to stop breathe, and think, what am I doing and why am I hurting, and give in to Gods Guidance, and Christ’s strength.
PAUSE,
You are never too far gone for God to work with you,
Content in all circumstances means that, whether life is going great, or life is difficult you have the Creator on your side wanting to help fix you!
And sometimes it hurts, sometimes it’s hard, but it’s only because he knows how much you deserve, and he wants to give you more! But sometimes we get so stubborn in our ways thinking life can’t get better and we shouldn’t feel content regardless of the circumstances, when it’s good we feel guilty, when it’s hard we feel hopeless, and we feel like we need to have all the answers rather than just trust the process!
So with all that being said,
I get stubborn too,
I think life is something I need to handle all on my own,
I think well I’m already this far in, I can’t stop now, I can’t turn around….
That’s why I say take a break to look at your life, where is the first place you take your computer when it’s broken, well I’m sure if you knew the designer personally you would take it straight to him, but most likely your either gonna read the manual it came with, or your gonna take it to someone who has, and has studied it and knows how to fix it.
We are not computers but we have a designer a Creator, we also have a manual (Gods word, the Bible) and we also have people who have put in the time and effort to read and work on themselves through that manual, and speaking from experience myself, I know it works!
I’m learning to be less stubborn in my ways, and more dependent on God, more trusting of Him, and content in every circumstance, because it is true that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32 KJV
His work always leaves me so in Awe!!
“Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
Psalms 46:8-11 KJV
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Psalms 62:5-8 KJV
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:12 KJV
“And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. [ But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” ]”
Matthew 17:20-21 NASB
“Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?””
Luke 8:22-25 NASB
“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.””
John 16:22, 33 NASB
As always if there was ever anything that you could get from taking the time to read my blog my prayer for this always is that you would takethe time to desire the Truth in your life, we are are capable of being stronger than we think, which is exactly why Christ came to die for us, I pray you would find a Bible and read it and learn about that! And the love that He has for us!
May God bless you and you be able to find what it means to be content in all circumstances! And what it means to be able to do all things through Christ who strengthens you ❤️
Homes are built, but they are not just built when you have a special home it is not only built but it builds…when a home is created out of a solid and loving foundation that home continues to build…its always a process…
This is my home,
It’s made of many houses,
People,
A mom and a dad,
Grandpas, and grandmas,
Aunties and uncles,
Sisters and brothers,
Cousins,
An environment,
The sea, the wind, the fish, the berries
The sunsets, and sunrises,
The drives,
This is the place that built me,
A piece of me that rests in my heart,
A piece of my process,
My home is still being built,
As I grow I watch this home change,
Its now a home with a new place,
A few additions,
A home where I am the mother,
Raising her babies,
Creating a new home,
But coming back to mine,
I find that home is never the same place,
It may be for a short period of time,
A place where you find comfort,
But it changes as we grow,
You can go back,
But you can’t go back,
You can share,
But you can’t save,
You can hold,
But you can’t stop,
Home is a place that rests in our hearts,
A comfort that is found in a place called,
Love,
How I wish memories wouldn’t fade,
Things wouldn’t change,
But change is not always bad,
Sometimes change is good,
Change is part of our purpose,
Our purpose is to grow,
Grow and spread,
Spread like the flowers that God gave the earth,
Or the wings that fly through the sky,
Spread that beauty and that love,
Pass it on to those you love,
Especially those sweet little souls,
Those eyes that look up at you,
To find your smile,
The ones that see all of the good,
The ones that fear the bad,
Home is a real place for everyone,
Whether we feel it or not we all have one,
Homes that are physical fade,
But a home built in your heart is always there,
As our surroundings change that home must adapt,
For me there is one constant in my home,
It’s the foundation,
The real comfort that allows me to rest my head at night,
It shelters me,
And tells me everything will be okay,
When life changes,
It doesn’t,
Knowing that,
I can accept change,
I can see beauty,
I can have purpose,
I can have home,
I can find home,
I can feel home,
I can can give home.
Home is where your heart is.
Here we are again!
My favorite time of the year! For the past 9 years we have been so fortunate enough to travel back to my childhood home…first it started with Joe and Me traveling back to show him where I spent my childhood, not realizing we would spend every year after revisiting that place! Appreciating it more and more each year, more so now when I get to see the joy on our children’s face as they get to enjoy some of the wonderful things that have made
My childhood!
Berry picking,
Minnow fishing,
Banyos (aka village steam bath house)
Dirt roads,
The ocean,
The moss,
Being wild and free,
Watching bears,
Taking long drives,
Catching fish,
Playing cards,
Spending time with cousins,
4 wheeler rides,
And so much more!
Honestly growing up I never really realized how blessed I was to be from such a beautiful place! As I raise my kids, and life gets so busy, I think back and really miss the slow paced simple life that I once had I don’t know if that was the child in me or the actual fact that it is a different lifestyle! There are times that I long for my life to just slow down. Which is why each year we take this opportunity to go and just SLOW DOWN! Just be a family and enjoy each others company, and the beautiful environment that surrounds us!
So here you have it Cold Bay, Alaska one of my favorite places to be!
Our 2018 family trip!
Brooklyn just told me mommy I miss Cold Bay, I miss the sunsets and my sunset dance! The first night we got a sunset we drove hoping to make it to watch it go down, from the lovely spot pictured above we didn’t make it in time because it was going down quickly so we stopped on the road to take pictures and Brooklyn was having a blast giggling and dancing and she obviously held tight to that moment! The memories and moments children keep are sometimes the sweetest an simplest moments that don’t go as planned!
The cousin crew…
Subsistence life…
Wild and free…
“There is no land like the land of your childhood.” -Michael Powell
You only get one childhood, there comes a time where life becomes clearer and we become adults, things are just not as simple anymore, not as pure and perfect as they once seemed, but then along comes children of your own, and you begin to revisit that childhood, whether it is in, the foods you ate, the movies you watched, the games you played, the people you loved, the things you did, or the places you had been.
All of a sudden those children help you again to see the purity in the world, if you stop just a second to see the world through their eyes, you may get a glimpse of your childhood again, it doesn’t last long but those moments are every bit worth every second, and to know that you are sharing what once brought you so much joy with your own children, is a whole new joy within itself, and life is a beautiful thing!
Skiff rides and Truck drives
(They both seem to put Norah right to sleep)
Whether it’s the ocean bay or the bumpy roads, neither of these things get old to me when we are in the village! Im always up for a trip out on the ocean or a long drive on the dirt roads!
And here is some more fishing, family, and fun!
And that’s a wrap to our 2018 Cold Bay getaway!
P.s. Two more cousin crew members will be joining us next year!
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
Usually when asked to close your eyes and go to a place that is calm and peaceful,
We think of mountains, beaches, meadows, rivers, forests
the sounds are those of waves crashing, or birds chirping, wind blowing, rain pouring
Where is your place of peace?
And why is it, that this place usually involves nature,
I honestly don’t know, maybe yours doesn’t involve nature
But when I think of complete peace within myself I’m near the ocean,
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
A warm breeze, and the sun setting
I love sunsets,
I could watch them all day!
if only…
Why do we get these glimpses of beauty? Why can’t we just stay there forever?
What’s so beautiful about the sun setting?
to me it is that I can actually look at the sun without being blinded by its brightness
the colors of the sky amaze me and the reflection of light seen upon the water shows just how powerful God really is.
To think that this earth just accidentally happened, to me is hopeless
What’s the point of the beauty if this is all just an accident
What the point of joy, if we don’t have love
What’s the point of life when we don’t have a God,
What is our purpose if it is not for Christ
(Now hold on…)
A long time ago God created the world,
Whether you believe it or not, it doesn’t change a fact!
In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. Genesis 1:1
The world was a perfect place of absolute peace, not a worry, not a sorrow, not a burden, not a tear.
God made animals, and he made a man, this man was different from the animals because God breathed His own breath into him…
His soul into man! ( how blessed are we)
That soul was uncorrupted knowing no evil, man was given a helper, a woman (taken from and for the man, but also given a soul of her own)
Together they were given a perfect home to enjoy and be completely taken care of!
God, because of His love gave them a free will (yes, you have choice in this life)
In this perfect garden there was a tree…a tree to understand,
Understand something different from what they knew,
Knowledge of good and evil,
With that tree of knowledge came another thing that was death
The perfect home and everlasting life would be severed through disobedience,
Death!
A tempter came told the woman you won’t die you will just be like God, don’t you want that..to know good and evil…the thing is they already knew good, but it couldn’t have been considered good without the counterpart evil. Good without evil is perfect!
(What did God say when he created it all, “it is good”,perfect. Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and behold, it was very good.)
Back to the fruit of that tree of knowledge of good and evil…
Eve took it
She didn’t die instantly
What!!??
she passed it on to Adam,
Everything changed!
Here comes the knowledge…
They instantly understood what evil was…
disobedience to their Creator,
They were ashamed, and instantly wanted to hide away! Naked, vulnerable, and now they understood the one thing that God wanted to keep them pure from!
Evil!
But a God so loving knew this would happen
He had a plan of redemption,
The Tree of Life…
in order to live they must now take from that…you see all along it wasn’t about forcing anything for God, God is Love and all He wants is children that love Him, not because they areforced to, but because they want to love Him! The peace, the beauty, the wonders, the love, they all come from God!
And He gave us an opportunity to do that, His word is a gift, a gift of life, and manual on how to live it to the fullest, it’s a powerful message of His love, we don’t want to read it because that just seems so unfair that God would just create us, put us in this world, and then make us read a book on how to live in it…
(so unfair right)
I think not…
But honestly the whole thought of reading the Bible used to burden me, but what I have actually realized is that it is not His Word that is a burden, but the world and the lies within it, they damage us!
They take us away from those places of peace, calmness, and love. So far away that we need to deliberately close our eyes and think deep to find that happy place again!
God knows our burdens, He gave us this gift inside the gift, that is Christ!
A perfect example, to come to earth and show us how to cast every burden aside, He did something that none before Him could ever do and that is die for our sins!
We killed him, in anger, in jealously, in lies, In deceit, in selfishness! But still He said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”Luke 23:34
The walk of a perfect life, to a cross ofcrucifixion, an absolute selfless act to pay a price for heaven to give to us, for everyone who cares to understand, everyone who cares to say Glory to God in the highest, I love Him because He first love me!
Everyone Who understands the necessity of the death that Christ faced for us, and the necessity of the need to clothe ourselves in that death, burial, and resurrection.
The death defeated sin, but only defeated sin for those that would remove it through His holy cleansing power!
Rest is found through His love,
Fear of death, defeated!
Comfort is a promise! For now and forever through Christ, but only for those willing to receive that comfort! It’s not a simple as speaking, it’s not as simple as a thought! Death came when disobedience happened in the Garden of Eden,
Life comes through obedience, to the Tree of life.
Taking from that Tree of life, to live in the comfort and peace in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Close your eyes, and imagine a place
Where you are completely at peace,
Find yourself in that happy place
Tell me, what part of that exercise involves chaos, clutter, fear, darkness.
We do that to ourselves, while our hearts LONG for that peace,
God wants us to trust His journey for us, (not my will, but His)
It hurts sometimes as we walk this journey with Him because there are so many things that we have only ever known, that have been weighing us down,
God wants to help us remove them to find that peace,
that removal can be painful,
That place of comfort, will one day be our never-ending home!
Time was created by God who doesn’t exist within that matter of time, that’s hard to take in, but the beginning and the end are something created by Him to teach us that this world is not the home we should strive for because it doesn’t last forever,
Peace with Him though,
That can start now,
And that never needs to end,
Obedience,
Removal of selfish motives,
Putting on love,
Again God who created us didn’t create us to force us into anything,
We all have a choice,
The lie that tells you that, He is unjust, unloving, and fake,
Or even the lie that tells YOU that you are unworthy to be saved!
Is the same lie that started the fall of man,
“Surely you will not die,” said the serpent!
“You will be just like God” said the serpent!
As hard as we may try, we could Never compete with God,
Call yourself a “lucky accident” that came about from a mashing of rocks billions of years ago!
Or call yourself a child of a Creator that loves you and will give you every opportunity to turn to Him,
Who knows how to free you from the chaos, fears, and darkness.
He doesn’t promise it to be easy,
But promises freedom, peace,
Comfort, and love!
“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9
What is your promise?
What is you image of peace?
What is your life?
What is your purpose?
Where is your peace?
As my title emphasizes my love for the truth, if you have any questions about my post, I would first recommend reading the Word for yourself, here are the listed scripture references, any further questions please let me know!
Creation and fall of man
Genesis 1-3
The righteous and wicked contrasted
Psalms 1
Proverbs 14
The works and the Word of God
Psalms 19
What is the Tree of life?
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.” Proverbs 11:30
Revelations 22
About Jesus and his care:
John-chapters 14-16 (read this without the chapter breaks, it breathtaking, beautiful, and comforting. The chapter breaks in the Bible are man-made not necessarily meant for stopping points sometimes we miss great passages from stopping too soon.)
And why did Jesus Die?
Collisions 2 and 3
The whole Word of God is full of this love, and knowledge! The Bible is truly and treasure given for our benefit, not for our burden! My prayer is that you would read it filterless, with the ability to break down the barriers placed upon your hearts! The promise is truly fulfilling! May God bless you always!
