Do You Ever Think in Fast Forward?

I know I do!  I want to know where things are headed, know the outcome of situations, know that everything is going to turn out okay in the end, so I try to think ahead, analyze and OVER analyze, and generally just lose ALL perspective, becoming very narrowly focused and perhaps even somewhat obsessive. And that's not always the best thing never a good idea.

I don't think I do these things because I'm not happy where I'm at during that point in time.  I think part of it is patience, in which I often have a short supply and being SO used to everything being up in the air and inconsistent and unsure, that I don't really know how to act when the Lord is in control of something and I need not worry.  The latter is where I am right now...I have so many great things going on in my life right now, and I am very blessed.  But because of the great things...there are some BIG things that can be great, probably will be great, but will require some hard work, time management and discipline.  I pretty much suck at all of those.  That may be a little dramatic, but the point is still the same.  I am struggling with keeping focused on the steps in the process, enjoying God's blessings and not trying to think too far ahead.

The bible verse I am focusing on today is how I am going to end this post that I've been drafting for two days...it says it ALL.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 New International Version (NIV)9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Praying for all of those who pass by my blog.  Blessings to you all!

S

My Cup Runneth Over

In Psalm 23:5 (the whole book of Psalm 23 is pretty awesome by the way) but I digress...Psalm 23:5 says .."You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows"

This analogy is in my heart and my mind today after a simply fantastic weekend with RC.  My "cup" is not only full, it is full to the point of overflowing.  It can't be contained.  It's spilling over the edge and I am having a hard time grasping ALL that the Lord has planned for us, for me and just in general in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

God's hand in my life is SO evident right now...more than I can ever remember in my adult years.  I don't have all the answers, am still a sinner saved by grace through faith and will make mistakes in the future.  It just is the way it is.  But...I am very much focused on serving God, placing my trust in Him to help lead, guide and protect me in all that I do.  I think that RC is part of the equation as far as that's concerned, but I also think that the desire I have to serve the Lord, to be committed to the relationship with HIM first...that's SO much more important than anything I could ever give or receive from RC...and it should be that way.  Our individual relationships with God should be first.  It's just one of the things that attracts me SO much to RC.  He is a Godly, loving man who isn't afraid to share what's on His heart.  You can just see God working in and through him, and it's exciting, amazing and just plain COOL!

I know I'm excited and overwhelmed and just giddy because of the newness of our relationship.  But I also know that it is because we have both prayed over this, sought counsel from friends/pastors/family and neither made the decision lightly to enter into a relationship with each other.  It's amazing the peace I have about all of it.  The changes, BIG changes, that may come because of what my future may hold.  It's scary, of course it is.  But I have a peace that, at least for the moment, is keeping me from freaking out.  And I'm grasping ahold of that and praying for the rest.  I am blessed beyond belief to be sharing this time with RC and am very much aware that God's timing, guidance and encouragement brought us together and I want to be prayerfully lifting up EVERY aspect of our relationship...I want to make sure that I am keeping my focus on God's plans and not my own, no matter how excited I am.

My cup is full to overflowing, running over without ceasing.  And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Blessings,
S

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What DOES it mean to be a Daughter of THE King?

Psalm 45 references the daughter of the king.  Have you read that verse? I probably have too at some point and I've heard the phrase many times, but thinking today about what it means...The passage talks about the king's daughters who were honorable people...among many other things, but think about this in a greater sense.  Being a daughter of THE King?  That's as noble, honorable, blessed as you can get kind of stuff.  He loves me THAT much.  When RC tells me that I am a beautiful daughter of THE King, a princess...it's really a wonderful compliment, reminder and encouragement that God has plans for me...little ol' me...and I want to be obedient, patient and honoring in that since He does think of me that way.  I have to realize that in His eyes I am HIS...He is jealous for ME...and that's no small thing...

My pastor directed me towards Romans 8 which also discusses being His child, His daughter, His son.

Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Adoption to sonship? To 'daughter'ship?  How HUGE is that?  v16 says the Spirit HIMSELF testifies with our spirit that we ARE God's children...and THEN it goes on to say we are HEIRS....of GOD...ummmm, seriously? 

Have you heard this song?
Hold Me

My favorite line in the whole song..."I love You more than the words in my brain can express" Think about it...how much we love God.  It doesn't even BEGIN to touch how much He loves us.  Considers us HIS child.  HIS son. HIS daughter.

My heart is full to overflowing and part of it is RC...part of it is a renewed commitment to serve God where He leads.  Take steps of faith.  Big ones. Little ones.  Just trusting Him. 

I don't know that I can fully grasp the concept of being a daughter of the King.  It's just too big.  It's overwhelming. But I know He died for ME and for YOU.  It's so simple, but SO powerful.  He Love Us.  Period.

Blessings,
S

Leading, Following and Getting out of the Way

Do you remember the old bumper sticker that says Lead, Follow or Get out of My Way?  I have had that thought in my head for a couple of days and thought I'd try to formulate some coherent thoughts about it in a post. 

Lead(ing) I have been and still am in many ways a leader.  I lead my children everyday in various activities, I lead my four legged children by their leashes, I lead the praise band by making song selections and playing the main instrument...you get the idea.  I also recognize that to be a leader, I must be a follower.  First and foremost a follower of Jesus.  Which I don't always excel at, but I am becoming more and more aware of on a daily basis.  But also following the leadership of those in ministry around me, the relationship leadership of a strongly valued Christian boyfriend and following the path that I am seeing laid out before me.  I have to get out of the way in order for this to be possible!

Does that make crystal clear sense to you like it does me?  It seems fairly simple.  In order to be an effective leader, a Christian example that is able to do His work through the gifts, talents and opportunities I am given, I must first be a follower who is willing to put self aside and get out of my own way in order to grow spiritually and thrive.  Well if it's so simple, why am I not doing it?  Yeah, I'm puzzled by that too.  But I know that I'm saved by grace and thank goodness for that, because it means He loves me anyway even when I don't get it right.

I am stepping out in faith towards a big decision in my future and I am praying hard about it and that I am not only making the right decision, but also preparing my heart for what lies ahead.  To be a leader, a follower and getting the heck out of my own way.  I am off to do some prayer and bible study time while my kids nap...but I wanted to throw out these random thoughts in hope that they might encourage someone and so that I can see it in black and white for myself.

My prayer for today....Lord, help me be an effective leader, following YOU and those around me that are called to impact my life and help me get out of the way so that YOU may do YOUR work in and through me! Amen

Blessings to all who have stumbled upon this post!
S

Guidance, Preparation and Submission

Whew...that's a big title...however it is very fitting for where I am this morning.  Over the last year or so, I have had time to reflect, grow and learn more about myself.  But that's where I'm 'stuck' now...for lack of a better term.  I have such a flood of emotions on my heart and mind right now and I'm a little overwhelmed, I'll be honest.  I know that God is with me and I am not fearful of the future, but am focusing rather on praying for guidance and preparing my heart for what God's plan is...ohhhh how simple that sounds!  But submission to God's plan isn't always that easy, right?

Feeling undeserving of God's blessings, unprepared to use what I know (and what I don't) to make a difference in someone else's life is doubt that I know doesn't come from Him.  I found the verse this morning in Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message Bible versions shown here) that says....

16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

I am praying about taking my first mission trip in October with RC and a group from his church.  I have often thought about participating in a mission trip - and haven't had the actual opportunity to do it yet.  Now that the chance is here, I find myself kinda scared and filled with doubt if I would actually be prepared and able to be a vessel to deliver God's word in Peru.  Matthew 28 tells me that God is with me...and I know this...in my head...my heart however...is lagging a bit.  I want to participate for the right reasons and because God has called to do it, not just because RC would be there and it would be amazing to share that with him.  But I don't think I need to separate that from it either, because that IS part of the reason why THIS opportunity is a big decision!  The desire of my heart is follow HIM where HE leads...and I've been feeling a little like a bystander in my life for a while...and I really feel the pull to make some changes and STEP OUT IN FAITH.  Whew...my emotions are all over the place and this post reads a little like a mess...but if you take anything away from this...I pray it is this...

Prayer is NEVER a bad thing....even if you aren't sure exactly what you are praying for!  God is always there for us.  Even if we're a big ol' mess.  He loves us THAT much!  I just heard this song while I was listening to the radio online...and I just HAD to share it...I could've written it...wow...God's timing...whew!  Give it a listen! There is an annoying commercial at the beginning, but this is a great video!

You Love Me Anyway by Sidewalk Prophets

With that....I'm off to enjoy the last day of my vacation. Blessings to you and your family!

S

Update - Praise Report - Prayer Requests

WOW...I haven't blogged since May?  Seriously?  I'm not sure how that happened, except for life has been nuts!  I will update my pictures soon and get caught up somewhat on my Project 365, but right now I want to share what is going on with me lately.

I am so very blessed that I hardly know where to start!  I have been very busy in the last few months, still enjoying some dinner dates with a friend (who used to be bachelor #1 for those paying attention - God blessed us both with a great friendship and I couldn't be happier about that) and actually spent some time with a new friend and enjoyed getting to know him and gaining yet another great friend in the process!

But the biggest praise and actually the biggest prayer request is for my new relationship with a wonderful man that I'll call RC on here.  I've actually known him all my life and reconnected with him on Facebook last year on our old church's page.  Little by little the Lord began to show me that He had other plans in mind for RC and I, and I proceeded slowly since our families are such close friends and we hadn't seen each other in many years.  Through many twists and turns we have hung out on several occasions either at supper or at his church (he is quite a talented musician) and I finally felt the Lord's prompting to share my feelings with RC back in the spring...a BIG step for me!!!  My Boundaries girls and close friends have been praying this situation up for months and the Lord has also been 'working' on RC too...loooooong story short...we have made the decision to give this relationship to the Lord and follow His guidance as we go forward and I couldn't be happier.  I feel SO very blessed and am thanking God for bringing us together and if you feel led...please pray for us...we would definitely appreciate it!

I am finishing up a 2 week stay at the campground and while I'm sad about going home, I have SO many things I am excited about (and I'll share more later about) that I'll kinda be glad to get home and get on with it! :)

I pray blessings on all who read my posts and hope you will let me know if you have specific requests that I can pray for as well.

Blessings,
S