Friday, December 31, 2010

Entering In

As we prepare to usher in the new year, many thoughts, phrases and verses are swirling around in my mind.

"I will enter into His gates with thanksgiving in my heart! I will enter His courts with praise! I will sing this is the "year" the Lord has made! I will rejoice for He has made me glad!

"He's turned my mourning into dancing, He's lifted my sorrow. I can't stay silent, I must sing for His joy has come!"

All of our woes are turning to "Whoas!"

God's promises are tried and true. He is not a man that He should lie.

Praises usher in the promises of God.

With God, ALL things are possible! There's NO such thing as impossible!

"Dream the impossible dream."

Live a Supernatural life.

Live big. Dream big. 




The phrases go on and on. But they all come down to this:   God IS Good!
Everything means "something".
Nothing happens by chance.
God is in control.
And for those who love Him
and live by His Word,
all things work out for GOOD!

Here's to hoping you have a wonderful New Year celebration and that the peace which comes from knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior will fill your heart as you enter into 2011!


Monday, December 20, 2010

No Matter What

No matter what, I praise God for all that He is because He is worthy. No matter what, I choose to see the goodness around me. No matter what, I praise Him for ALL things, both good and adverse.
Because of the promises in His written Word and because of the promises He daily whispers to my heart, I can say that I thank Him for it ALL!

Many would say that this has been a "bad" year and that they are ready to move on to better things. I say, this has been a year with both difficulties AND triumphs! Because I am in Christ Jesus, I can claim the promises of God. One Scripture that comes to mind is Romans 8:28 which promises that God works ALL things for GOOD to those who are in Jesus and who live by His Word.

Since the promises of God are true and trust-worthy, those who know Him as Messiah have no reason to be fearful or worrisome. Because nothing is impossible for Him, we ARE able to overcome every adversity. His Spirit is living and breathing. God in Heaven is not a god made of stone. He is flesh and blood, encompassing an ever passionate, beating heart.

Dear one, I pray that you may take comfort in these words; the promises of God. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, I encourage you to call out to Him. He WILL answer.

With a heart full of love, prayers and blessings - Merry Christmas to you!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Leisure

Today I got up at 6:30a.m., fed the animals, then went back to bed and stayed there until 9:00a.m.! Now, it's 10:30a.m. and I'm sitting in my pajamas, messing around with my blog! OH! The blessing and necessity of leisure time!

Relaxing and participating in leisurely activities is something I am still learning how to do. My "personality type", in the past, has not allowed me the gift of leisure. However, upon realizing that God never intended me to fit into a "personality type" and in my quest to seek to be all that He desires for me to be, I am learning that He does, in fact, allow me leisure time. Not only in my quiet time with Him, but in my daily responsibilities as well.


My mom and dear friend
enjoying each other's company
Christmas 2008













I have a friend who asked me a couple of years ago what it is that I enjoy doing "for fun". Sadly, I could not answer her. I was so busy and caught up in the responsibilities of life, that I had actually forgotten what it is that I like to do. To be honest, I don't know if I every really even knew to begin with! EEK.


My son enjoying conversation with a friend
June 2009













I have realized that many of us get caught up with the idea that constant activity is some form of piety. At some point, my perception of leisure became synonymous with laziness. I have now realized that it was a trap in my thinking, set by the enemy, in order to tangle me up in religiosity. Oh how thankful I am for God's grace and the revealing of His Spirit in my life!


All of this to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed my leisurely morning, am thankful for it and blessed by it.
I wish you a very blessed day and hope and pray that you are better at enjoying your leisure time than I am!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Awesome Giveaways at Leelou Blogs!!!

I just LOVE great giveaways, don't you? I'm sharing a link here for a site that has several AWESOME Giveaways going on at one time-just in time for Christmas! You have until November 30 to enter, so check it out!!!

Love & Blessings!

HERE'S THE LINK!!! Leelou Blogs

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thankfulness


As I reflect upon all that has happened this year, it would be very easy to feel a bit down. But when I consider it through the eyes of Jesus, Adonai-Lord and Master, Savior and Redeemer, I can't help but be thankful.

If the only thing Jesus ever gave was salvation, that would be enough. But He has given so much MORE.
He has given Life. He has given healing. He has given provision. He has made intercession. He has given Himself.  The list of all He has done and continues to do each and every day is infinite.

In light of THIS, Jesus, Savior of the world, I choose to be thankful. For better or for worse, I am thankful.

Are you?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Christmas Tag Swap

Little did I know that embarking on this journey into "blogland" would provide me the opportunity to connect with so many gifted people! I am overwhelmed by the Creator's creative nature in so many people!

I am sharing this link for any of you who are interested in participating in this amazing and fun Tag Swap. Have fun with it and PLEASE post pictures of your creations! I would just LOVE to see them!

Wishes for a blessed day!


http://creativebreathing.blogspot.com/
Blue Bird Paper Crafts





Aren't they all ADORABLE?!?!

http://creativebreathing.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Reaching Out

Upon reflecting, this morning, on the past few years of my life and the many trials we have been faced with and comparing that with the joy and elation I have been experiencing lately, the Lord spoke with resounding clarity. "You are filled with joy as a result of reaching out to others with encouragement. It is the natural blessing of loving people." WOW!

I then realized just how TRUE that statement is. All of my life I have struggled with small bouts of depression. What the Lord has shown me, many times over the years, is that when I determine to reach out to others despite my current turmoil, He, indeed, blesses me with an uplifted spirit and the strength to go on!

Feeling good is the natural result of loving and caring for others. It's HIS design! Isn't our God so loving and gracious? It is exactly what Jesus did in His life. It is what He did on the cross. And it is what He continues to do today!

While He walked the earth in bodily form, He encouraged, uplifted, healed and blessed people. While He hung on the cross, He forgave and interceded for people. Now, upon the throne, He continually uplifts, blesses, encourages, heals and intercedes for us! What an amazing Lord and Savior!

Before He left the earth, He told us, as His followers, to DO the same as He does. Uplift, encourage, bless, intercede, heal...need I say more?

Well, I WILL say more! I will say to you, dear reader, "Have a wonderfully blessed and encouraged day! And remember, He formed you in your mother's womb and KNEW you before you were born. He has an amazing plan for your life if you will just submit your will to His!"

Love & blessings!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

COTTON PICKIN CUTE: Please Pray for Dan and Kate!!!!

As a Follwer of Christ, I believe it is important to be aware of other's sufferings and that it is both our responsibility and privelege to lift other members of the Body of Christ up in prayer whether we know them personally or not. Thus, I am sharing a link to a prayer request for another family in need. I hope you'll join me!

Love and blessings!


COTTON PICKIN CUTE: Please Pray for Dan and Kate!!!!: "I just found out my dear friend Kate's husband Dan is in the hospital. If you don't already know Kate you is just the sweetest person from..."

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Thoughts on Holiday Shopping

For the past several years, the Lord and I have really been simplifying my life. I have been pondering over this a lot lately, especially with Christmas quickly approaching.



In my determination to be led by His Spirit, I have been seeking Him out as to how He would have me go about my holiday shopping. With resounding clarity He has told me to keep it inexpensive, to keep it simple and to keep it personal.


By this, He means to support my community by shopping at my local businesses, online from my friends who have personal websites (ie. Etsy), and to really consider each person as I am shopping. He has reminded me to follow His leading so that I will spend the right amount on the right things.

I would encourage you to also do likewise. Check out the Etsy website (http://www.etsy.com/) which has endless goodies, and other websites by people you know. If you know others who handcraft items, phone them up and see what they have for sale this season! It's a wonderful way not only to support one another, but to give some really wonderful gifts to the people we love!

Here are some of my favorites that I hope you'll check out!







   




Be sure to check out my blog site for a complete list and links to more of my favorites!
Happy shopping and many blessings!



Monday, November 8, 2010

Pumpkin Pancakes Anyone?

When I began this blog, I had every intention of posting something every day and I was pretty consistent for the first couple of weeks, but now...not so much.

I realized last night that I have allowed the daily toils of life to keep me from doing some of the things that I really love, ie: writing!

Upon realizing this, I decided to simply share a recipe - a recipe for pumpkin pancakes!
YUM! So here it is!
2 cups flour
3T brown sugar
2t baking powder
2t baking soda
1/2t salt
1/2t each, cinnamon & nutmeg
1/4t cloves
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin
1 egg
2T vegetable oil
2T vinegar OR lemon juice

In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. In a medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisk until just mixed. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup servings onto hot, lightly buttered griddle. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip and cook for a couple minutes more, until done.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Needs

We all know that through out life we will have many different "types" of friends. For instance, acquaintance-friends, life-long friends, family who are friends, etcetera. Some people move in and out of our lives at various times and others remain no matter what.

As I have determined to go deep with the Lord and do some major "soul searching" and have asked Him to reveal myself to me, I have learned many things. The passing of my mom from this life into heaven has added a whole other dimension to this process.

The other day, a friend (one of those friend of a friend who has now become an acquaintance friend, but is dear to my heart becasue she is a sister -in -the- Lord friend), was visiting from Washington. Knowing that my mom passed away last month, she had asked me how I was doing. I'm pretty sure I gave her some sort of "pat" answer. Then she looked and me and asked, "Lysa, what do you need?"

I have to tell you that I was momentarily taken aback. I didn't really know how to answer that. In fact, I wanted to weep with gratitude for her asking. There are so many things going on in my life and my mom's passing is just one component in all of it.
After a brief pause, I gave a general answer of needing the Lord to fulfill His promises to me. After a second brief pause, I added that I need people to care; or at least for people to show that they care.

You see, by nature, I am a very sensitive, empathetic and caring person. It is my nature to be concerned about people and to SHOW them that I care. I do this in various ways, depending on how the Holy Spirit leads me. I have determined that when He says "move" or "go", I do it. For me, this comes naturally.

Through my conversation with my friend, however, I was once again reminded that not everyone thinks like I do. Another dear friend pointed out that often, people project their own needs and personalities onto others. For example, she admitted that when she is stressed-out or tired, she likes to be left alone for some quiet time. So, she assumes that everyone else is like that as well. Thus, she will not "bother" other people who may be stressed or who are dealing with alot of things going on in their lives.

While I understand what she is saying, I don't believe that this is the way God wants Christ-followers to be.
Jesus went to people. Jesus met the needs of others. And when people went to Him; sought Him out, He never turned them away. He was/is never too busy for us as we often are for one another.

When word "got out" that my mom had passed away, many people came out to my parents house to pay their respects and express condolensces and of course, many people attended her Celebration of Life service. But I have to candidly share that since then, not many people have expressed much concern for my well-being. In fact, it's pretty much been "life as usual"; with people expecting me to continue on as the care-taker, giver, visitor, friend, etc. that I have always been. I'm not saying that this is "bad". What I am trying to convey is that I have feelings and needs as well. And, quite frankly, no one (up until the other day) has stopped to ask what those needs may be.

Please, dear reader, do not feel as if I am trying to make anyone feel guilty or that I am finger-pointing. All I am doing is sharing, from my heart, what the Lord has given me permission to share. Not only because it's what's on my heart, but because it's on His heart as well.

He desires for us to care for and love one another; to bear one another's burdens when the other person is too weak too bear it alone. Jesus is the ultimate friend. He knows what we need when we need it. Yet, He desires for us to express those needs; both to Him and to one another.

Expressing my needs to others is a new concept for me. I've rarely ever done it because I have always been the one to meet the needs of others. The Lord revealed to me, through my friend, that this is something in my thinking that He wants to change. It is right to share our needs with others. It is okay to ask for help.

On the other side of that, the Lord wants others to realize that He has created us all differently and that we must be careful not to assume things about others based upon our own thoughts, desires, preferences and /or personalities. His desire is that we extend beyond ourselves and into the mind of Christ; to be and do all that He desires for us to be and do. We can't do that if we filter everything through our own perspectives. We can only do it in and through His Spirit who knows each of us and who is ever ready to lead and guide us.

I hope and pray that my "being real" here has helped someone. I know it has helped me tremendously! So, thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you. Much love and many blessings!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Love and Prayers

I had not intended to write this blog. In fact, I haven't been writing many blogs lately because I simply just have not had much time. But while waiting for my household to finish getting ready yesterday morning, I logged onto my blog to see what was going on in "blogland".  I had just finished reading a post by a dear sister in Florida which caused my heart to break and cry out to God on behalf of her and her family when these thoughts occurred to me and the Lord said, "Write it down".

The Scriptures tell us to "pray without ceasing", to "make our requests known to God", to pray for the will of heaven to be done on the earth, to praise God in ALL things and to remember each other in prayer and with fasting if necessary.

I have been holding so many people and things up in prayer lately that it could be overwhelming if the Holy Spirit wasn't leading me and holding me during these prayer times.

The Lord has been reminding me for the past several months, over and over, that He is all about People. He created us. He loves us. He cares for and about us. We are the core of who He is. We have been created in His image. If our main concern is not other people, then we are falling short of being who we are meant to be.


I am reminded of what an honor and a privilege it truly is to pray for others. I, too often, easily get caught up in my own life and circumstances and forget to pray for others. When I do this, the Lord brings it to my attention through my tendancy toward depression. The enemy intends for me get stuck in that place of depression, but Jesus, ever loving, gently reminds me; holds the mirror before my eyes and says, "Lysa, pray for others."

O that men would behold the heart of the Lord and see that He loves each of us. O that men would behold the heart of the Lord and extend His love to others. Oh! But His Spirit is ever present, ready to remind us in His wonderfully loving way!

Dear reader, the Lord loves you. I love you (because of Him and through Him).

I pray you have a truly blessed day. I pray that you feel His presence in a real and tangible way. I pray that His peace and comfort guide you today. I pray that you know Him more as you seek to love and serve Him by loving and serving others.

Blessings to you and yours!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Which Way?

The Bible says that we war not against flesh but against demons and principalities.


Unfortunately, these often work beside willing co-conspirators who are, indeed, flesh.



Jesus is Love. I must choose the Way of Love. 
If I am a True Christ-Follower, I will choose Love.

This is not easy; the Way of Love. In fact, it is the most difficult Way of all. I do it, not by myself, but with the help of His Spirit who compells me forward. He compells me to love. He supernaturally enables me to love. It is not in me , my flesh, to love. It is dying - daily - to self - which enables me to love.



The cry of my heart is to love Him more!
Thus, I must love those whom He loves.







Oh that the Way of Love was easy!
Alas, it is not so.

The Way of Love is narrow.
The Way of Love is difficult.


The Way of Love is...
The Way of Love is...


The Way of Love is the only Way.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

What Do You See?

If you would stop for just one minute,
You would see my need for compassion

If you would just look up,
You would see the pain inside of me

If you would look outside of yourself,
You would see me

If you would allow your eyes to meet mine,
You would see the desire of Christ's heart

Thursday, September 9, 2010

In Memory of My Mom

For those of you who haven't heard, my mom passed away on Tuesday morning.
It was sudden, unexpected, but for her, it was peaceful and welcomed.
She longed to be with her Lord and Savior, and He has granted to her, her deepest heart's desire.
I miss her terribly. I love her immensely. And I understand completely.
When I gave birth to my own children, I thought I fully understood a mother's love; my mom's love for me.
But what I have realized upon her passing is that it goes even deeper that I previously thought.
In heaven, we understand things perfectly. Now, her love for me is perfect; more so than it could have ever been while she was on the earth.

Upon going through pictures, I realized how quickly time really does go by.
I realized how many things we forget with the passing of each day.
But mostly, I realized what a mess we make of things. So often we allow our own emotions and perceptions to effect our relationships with others.
Now that she's gone, when I look at those pictures, I see HER. I see who she was on the inside. I see her beauty, her personality, her heart and her spirit.
All I see is a wonderful woman with a heart of gold.


Life is too short to hold onto grudges. Life is too short to live with regrets. Life is too short to remain stuck in all of those awful places Satan so desires for us to remain.

My mom and I had a good relationship and I am so very thankful for that.
It wasn't perfect and we certainly didn't always agree with one another, but we were always the best of friends.


A Mother's love is an inkling of God's love. And His love is for each and every one of us. If, by some circumstance, you didn't grow up with your mom, please know that God loves you immensely. He loves you with a deep, abiding, fierce love which is almost beyond comprehension. All you have to do is accept it. He's here waiting for you now.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Congratulations on Tea for Two!

Warm Congratulations go to Tracy Suzanne at http://www.cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/ as the winner of my Tea for Two Giveaway!
I hope you enjoy many warm and cozy moments around this little set!

Please check back often as I plan on doing several more Giveaways before the end of this year!
Next up, Angels All Around Us Giveaway!

Many blessings,
Lysa

Friday, September 3, 2010

Hard Pressed

So, we're at the end of week two of being officially "back in school".  A few months ago, I developed this blog which I am trying to keep up with; and have recently incorporated fun "Giveaways" with it. I have embarked on an Etsy adventure (www.etsy.com/shop/manycrowns). Another project the Holy Spirit has been nudging me to do is officially under way. I'm working part-time at Twigs (http://www.yeringtonflowers.com/), which I love. Our home-fellowship group is nearing it's three year anniversary. I am still a wife and mother, not to mention countless other things (hence the name for my Etsy site). Suffice it to say, I am feeling a bit hard-pressed from every side.
How about you? I thought so.
Isn't it a comfort to know that there are others out there feeling the same way; to know you're not alone?
I think so.
But what's even better than that is the fact that we have a Father in Heaven who is with us all the time, all the way. His Spirit is ever hovering about, giving strength and courage. Jesus is faithfully, constantly by our side, holding our hand and lifting us up.
Upon contemplating all of this, I have realized something about myself. And that is, I have come a long way!
Although I have been feeling the pressure of life, I have not cracked!
I have found that I have grown as a child of God, and what would have caused me to melt down in the past, has very little effect on me now.
Through the trials and fire of life, this vessel has hardened.
The Bible says that trials test us so that we might be able to withstand and continue to praise God whatever the circumstances! Wow!
We can't do this on our own, but by the faithfulness of God, we can! He is ever on our side, cheering us on to victory!
As a child of God and a co-laborer with Christ, we would like to encourage you today.
If you're feeling hard-pressed, know in your heart of hearts that we are cheering you on! You can do it! One step at a time, one breath at a time, one moment at a time!
If Christ is for you, who can be against you? Nothing else matters. You have victory!
Praise God and bless you!

Monday, August 30, 2010

And the Winner Is...

I wanted to post a quick announcement and Congratulations to Caitlin! Caitlin is the winner of my "Good Reads" Giveaway!
Send me your address and I will get it out in the mail right away!
I'm having a blast with these giveaways! And hope you'll all keep commenting for the opportunity to "win"!!!
Blessings!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Where There are Two or More

The Lord promises that where two or more are gathered in His name, there His Spirit is also.
Upon sorting through some things I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway centered around this Bible passage.
A teapot and tea cups; perfect for two friends to gather for loving fellowship and a cup of tea!
Tea For Two Giveaway!!!

To enter:
Comment on this blog = 1 entry
Link this blog to your social network(s) = 2 entries per social network
Visit any of my blog links = 1 entry
Purchase from Jenna's etsy OR Like A Child Sites = 2 entries
*Please make sure to comment on here and let me know that you've visited these links!
**Drawing to be held on Monday September 6, 2010 (Happy Labor Day!) and mailed or hand delivered to locals on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
Blessings and joy to you!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Good Reads

I love to read and have been a moderate "book collector". However, I have come to a place where it is time to let go of some of the things I hold dear; my books are some of those things!
In honor of "Back to School" time, I have put a few books together for my "Good Reads Giveaway".
I have chosen four which have been helpful to me at specific times in my life. I hope you will post a comment so as to have a chance to "win" these great books! Many Blessings to you.


Good Reads - Giveaway!!!



Follow my blog = 2 entries
Comment on my blog = 1 entry
Visit Jenna's etsy site (http://www.trulytruetreasures.etsy.com/) = 1 entry
Purchase from Jenna's site = 2 entries
Link my blog to your social network = 2 entries per network

This drawing will end on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Great Reads will be mailed or hand delivered to locals on Monday, August 30, 2010.

Have fun and I hope you win!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Simply Giving

For the last couple of years, the Lord has been doing a cleansing work in me. It is His desire that I be a giving person. This, actually, comes pretty natural for me. He created in me, from birth, a giving nature. I love to bless other people.
However, through the process of life, I had become a bit cynical and tight-fisted; prone to hold onto "things" which have sentimental value or that I just happen to like!
Over the course of my latest grand adventure, the Lord has had me letting go of things. In this journey, He has led me to some wonderful people who have wonderful blogs, etsy accounts, boutiques, etc. These wonderful people have awesome giveaways which both bless others and promote their sites.
I felt the Lord strongly urge me to consider this in my own life, on my own blog.
I'm not crafty, nor am I trying to sell anything. I just simply want to bless others with things that I have held dear to my heart over the years, yet am willing to part with.
Everything I am giving is meant to encourage and uplift! Don't worry, you won't receive any "trash" from me! I know where to put that stuff!
So, here I am and here IT is! My first giveaway!
Miscellaneous items from the heart!
Here is how to enter:
Comment on my blog = 1 entry
Share my blog on your blog = 2 entries
Share a link to my blog on your Facebook, MySpace or Twitter account = 2 entries
(That is 2 entries per social network!)
That's a total of 9 potential entries! WOW!!! (Please make sure to send me a message or comment telling me if you link me!)
Have fun and I hope you win!
***Entries for this giveaway must be received by August 29, 2010. Items will be mailed or hand delivered to locals on Monday, August 30, 2010!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Freedom & Religion

While we say that our forefathers seperated and fought for our freedom of religion, I submit to you, this:
Jesus came to earth, died and rose again to give us freedom from religion...
Blessings!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

I Said a Prayer for You Today

I have prayed for you today. I have asked the One True God to touch you in a real, tangible way. I have asked Him to breathe on you that you may know the depth and the width of the Father's love. Oh how vast and beyond measure it truly is! Yet, once you've tasted it, there's no going back. To have experienced the Father's love is to have experienced perfection. A heart that has glimpsed this will never turn away from it's source-Jesus.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

My Sentiments Exactly!

About three years ago, the Lord turned my feet to a new direction. Though the path is the same, the work He is doing in me is new.

Consequently, this new direction the Lord has me on has left some people in my life feeling angry, irritated, confused, sad and/or judgemental. Though this has been difficult for me at times, I have realized that it is for the Lord to help them along in their journey and for me to remain faithful and obedient to Him in mine.

I (literally) have just finished reading an excellent book in which the author, through her main character, captures my thoughts perfectly, almost as if she had read my mind. Rather than reinvent the wheel so-to-speak and try to re-articulate her thoughts into my own words, I have chosen to quote directly from her book.

My thanks to God and to Anne Perry via Anna Zarides in The Sheen on the Silk:

"God doesn't leave people. We leave Him. You created a God in your own image, one of laws and rituals, of office and observances, because that requires only outward acts. It's simple to understand. You don't have to feel, or give of your heart. You missed the grace and the passion, the courage beyond anything we can imagine, the hope even in absolute darkness, the gentleness, the laughter, and the love that has no shadow. The journey is longer and steeper than any of us can understand. But then heaven is higher, so it has to be steep and far.
A church can help. People can always help. We need people. There's nothing if we don't care. But the real climb is made not because this person or that person told you what to do, or lifted you on the way, it is made because you hunger for it so much, no one can stop you. You have to want it so that you will pay what it costs.
(You) have helped, but Christ redeemed them...
We all make mistakes... But we are here to help, not to judge. Only God can teach you how to do that, not even the best of men, not when the pain is beyond bearing. Be gentle. Reach out. What gain is in it for you doesn't matter."

So, dear friend, I will leave it at that-for now.

Love and blessings!

Monday, August 9, 2010

All Out

The last half dozen years or so have been a journey of "all outs".

As I have desired to live "all out" for the Lord, He has been faithful to reveal to me what He desires to get "all out" of my life, attitude, thought processes and character.
In order to live "all out" for the Lord, one must be "called out". We are called out from the world and into His marvelous light.

The process of being "weeded out" by the Lord is not at all fun, but absolutely necessary.
It had to be revealed to me that in my desire to be transformed, somehow I had fallen into the trap of being conformed. Strangely, as I had been, what I thought was transformed into the image of Christ by leaving the conformity of the world, what had really happened was that I had been conformed into what was deemed acceptable by (for lack of a better term) "the church". I had left one conformity for another!

Jesus began to (continually) remind me that while He walked the earth visible to the eye of man, He would say to them, "I am about my Father's business. I do what I see my Father do. I say what I hear my Father say." Then He promised that He would send One who would enable us to do the very same thing! The Holy Spirit is the One who desires to be at the helm of our lives, leading and guiding us. He has moved me into a place where I live and breathe Him. I desire to do only what I see Him do. I have purposed to say only what I hear Him say.
Am I always successful? No. Do I fall short? Sometimes. Do I let that stop me? Absolutely not.

Walking in the leading of the Holy Spirit has set me on a course of true freedom. True freedom is living as He has called me to live.  To be free means that I am not afraid of man, but that I fear God. A reverent holy fear which compels me forward. If I were to fear something else, it would be to fear falling short of my God-ordained destiny. I desire to be all that He has called me to be.


This morning the Lord revealed to me that I still care too much.
I care too much what others think and this is what is holding me back from moving on to the next "thing", "phase", "path", "step" (you choose the term you like best). Having identified my "problem" I am confident that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will yet overcome this area which needs to be "moved out" of my life. I know I am closer to being rid of it than I was a year ago, yet, I had hoped by now I would be completely free from it.

This journey I am on has been a long, often arduous one. But I know that if I stay the course, he who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it until the day of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The same is true for every believer. To say one has gone as far as he/she can in the Christian faith is mistaken. This walk; this life of being a Christ-follower is a journey in which one reaches his/her destination when he/she is in the (physical) presence of Chrsit.
 Don't stop. Keep moving. Stagnant water breeds disease.
If you need a pick-me-up, encouragement, help, -call out to the Holy Spirit. Call out to another brother or sister in the Lord; one whom you trust. One who will encourage, uplift, strengthen and edify. One who will carry you if necessary. One who will sit down beside you if you can't presently move.
And if you currently have no one like that in your life, send me a message and I would be blessed to come along side of you and be that one to help!

Christ's love and blessings to you!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

"Conditions"

As I sit here at my computer, contemplating this blog post, I am wondering why it's been such a challenge to write lately. I mean, I love writing! Writing has always been the easiest method of communication for me...why the dry spell?

I'm not getting any direct answers, just some "random" thoughts...

Well, they're not really random since I am possessed by the Spirit of God and have purposed to take all thoughts captive as unto Christ. The thoughts running through my head are from Him. I'm simply wondering what it is He really wants me to share!

Since He gave me the title for this post right from the start, I suppose He wants me to share my most recent experience with you.

Late last week I felt myself spiralling into a pit of depression. There are many things going on in my life which have contributed to that spiral (details which I won't bore you with) however, upon recognizing what was happening, I cried out to God. I asked Him, "When did simply being Your child cease to be enough?! Why are there so many conditions to everything? I've done all I know to do!"

Ever so gently He told me that simply being His child has never ceased to be enough and that all the conditions I was feeling being piled on top of me were man's conditions; ie. "prayer life", "quiet time", fasting, having "enough" faith, "keeping the rules", etc. etc.

Over the next few days He led to me to Scriptures which speak of His kindness, His goodness, His gentleness and His unending love. He had me revisit Scriptures of the lives of renowned forefathers. He showed me how imperfect they were and how He remained faithful to them. He pointed out how He blessed them despite their short-comings. He had me read of how men fail men, yet He never fails. And most importantly, He said to me, "Lysa, I love you. I have never stopped loving you and I will never stop loving you. Remember the promises which I have made to you and hold fast to them. Run everything man says to you through the filter of my Spirit. I am good. I intend good things for you. I uplift and encourage. When I chasten, it is always with and in love. Listen to Me, Lysa and you will not be discouraged nor dismayed. My peace I give to you."

How gracious He is! I am so thankful that by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, I have direct access to my loving Heavenly Father!

And so do you dear reader. If you are struggling, I encourage you today to crawl into the lap and arms of your Heavenly Father and tell Him all about it. I guarantee you won't be sorry!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Jesus, My Friend

This week the Lord has been revealing to me how He has been taking me back to my childhood so that I can become the woman He has destined for me to be. When Jesus said to be as a little child and to have the faith of a child, He wasn’t speaking to the children who had gathered around Him but to the adults! We don’t have to tell children to act like children, they do it naturally! I think it’s interesting that we spend our time telling our children not to be silly when, maybe, we should be seeking to become as children!


At a very young age, my mom would tell me that Jesus loved me and that He was always beside me. I never doubted her, I believed it. In fact, I knew it! And I knew it because He walked with me and talked with me. I had a real, tangible friendship with Him. My mom loves to tell stories about how from the time I was about three years old I would “disappear” into our back yard and when she would go looking for me she would find me talking with Jesus. Or how, often times, she would hear me arguing with my little friends about how Jesus was playing with us even though they couldn’t see Him. I saw as a child and I believed as a child and Jesus was there!


I don’t know when I ceased to have that kind of fellowship with the Lord, but I know I came to a point about thirteen years ago where I wanted it back! I was going through a difficult period in my life and I knew that I wanted to get back to that place. In fact, it was the Lord Himself who revealed to me that I needed to get back to that place. And so it began. He was ever faithful to draw me in; closer and closer to Him.

Then, about six years ago, the Lord started me on a “regression”. I didn’t realize it at the time, I was simply thankful for all that He was doing in me. As I think back to the beginning of my “regression” I can’t help but chuckle at the way God works. I have never liked being the center of attention. I am a somewhat private person and am content with being a “wallflower”. However, upon beginning my “regression” the Lord chose to do much of it publicly. Jesus began showing Himself to me in the middle of Sunday morning church services. You might be thinking, “Well, that’s great! But how is that so “public”?” Well, it’s “public” because He wouldn’t just show Himself to me, but He would pour His love on me in such a way I would just “melt”. I would stand or sit there crying and crying; soaking in His love and in His presence. A few times it was so intense that people came up to me to see if I was okay. I often heard people whispering about me; assuming that I had some great sin or burden in my life and that was why I was crying so much! HA! Funny thing-assumption!



Anyway, after a period of time, the Lord began bringing back memories of my times with Him as a child. Not just memories though. He brought back sights, sounds, smells and feelings. He vividly showed me our times together, as if on a movie projector. All the while, whispering of how we were (and still are) making more memories together!



Jesus is such a loving Savior and Friend! Oh how He desires friends! He wants us not only to love Him as Lord, Savior and Master, but as Friend. Is He your friend?


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...