I wrote this letter a long time ago, but thought it would be good to post today with it being Veteran's Day.
Dear friend,
I will be honest, as I always am; I’m not sure what someone in the military would want to read. I’m not sure what words someone would want to be encouraged with, but I do know that God has asked me to make an effort.
I’m not a brilliant writer, but words are my world. I analyze and debate within myself as to what is the better way to communicate a message to another person. Of course, when I’m not sure what message I should be sending, I go to prayer.
It’s similar to the way you may feel approaching your daily tasks. You may not know exactly what detailed steps you need to take along your path, but you know you need to make a move. God is my anchor point, so when I’m unsure, I know I can get the confidence I need through prayer to make a move.
The road I move along may look much different than your road. Mine consists of struggling to roll out of bed, as I am not a morning person, and prying my 2-year-old from her blankets so we can venture out for another day that looks much like each previous day. Routine surrounds me in a pleasant way. Work, dinner, cleaning, and entertaining a 2-year-old is on the agenda before returning to bed.
I could not imagine a life without the comfort of my own bed in a home with my family, and it is this reason alone that I thank God for making us all so different. God leads us down different roads. Your road may look much different but as our roads interconnect we have the ability to make an impact on others even when we are unaware.
Some may be bound up in the debates and details of our government and its role in the military, but I drop all of it to be simply thankful. I am thankful that God has allowed our differences to lead us to varied destinations. I am thankful for the person strong enough to train and take a stand where ever they are led, so our enemies do not cause danger to our children within the proximity of this land.
While I may not have a clear view to the road you are traveling, I want you to know that there is someone thankful for the work you do along the way. Even when you feel you haven’t made a monumental impact, your willingness is enough to make a difference. With this letter I also am sending prayers, and I hope God has a special blessing for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
With God’s love and a thankful heart,
Melissa
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wow...deception is running wild.
So, just like any day when I got some free time I scurried up to the computer to see what was happening through Facebook. I stay up to date with friends and family this way and use it as an outlet for things on my mind occasionally. Well, today was slightly different. When looking at the home page, I was blown away by a post an old friend of mine had placed on her page.
She had posted an image from a homophobia page. The image on one side had two gay men leading up to a romantic kiss, while on the other side was orphans starving to death. The caption read: If the picture on the left (gay men) shocks you more than the picture on the right (orphans), you need to revise your views on immortality.
There is so much wrong with this logic, I don't even know where to begin. Hence the reason I am typing a blog about it rather than commenting on Facebook, especially since there are so many deceived people ready to argue.
My mind raced with several comments I might have injected. I don't believe either picture is shocking. We have gays living just as orphans are dying. This is a corrupt world after all. However, if both were to reach death the orphans would no longer have to suffer as they are swept away in the arms of Jesus, and the sadness for those deceived living homosexual lifestyles would be not having the same luxury. (Romans 1:25-32)
One group of people doesn't rank higher than the other. Jesus Christ died on a cross to bring salvation to everyone. However, He will let go those who turn to wicked ways of living. And yes, for those God has told to take care of the orphans and are not, they are also in disobedience. (James 1:27)
God is the judge of both, and we have Scripture to lead us in the right direction if we will heed to its instructions.
The other problem I have with posts and comments in regards to homosexuals is the word homophobia. Seriously, people act as if being a Christian automatically makes you scared of a gay or lesbian as if they are the Boogie Man. Just because I don't agree with their lifestyle, the same as a drug addict, does not mean I hate them (as a true Christian, I'm not suppose to let hate overtake my heart anyhow), and it does not mean I am scared because someone is gay. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Yes, arachnophobia, I am scared sometimes of a little spider crawling across the floor because I don't want to be touched or bit by the eight-legged creation. However, I'm not scared a gay or lesbian is going to touch or hurt me in anyway. (Matthew 10:28)
Those who take comments and ideals in regards to homosexuality without running it alongside Scripture(truth) are being deceived and I find that more shocking or sad in the whole scheme of things. Too bad there isn't an image I could post to counteract the fuel to the fire of deception.
She had posted an image from a homophobia page. The image on one side had two gay men leading up to a romantic kiss, while on the other side was orphans starving to death. The caption read: If the picture on the left (gay men) shocks you more than the picture on the right (orphans), you need to revise your views on immortality.
There is so much wrong with this logic, I don't even know where to begin. Hence the reason I am typing a blog about it rather than commenting on Facebook, especially since there are so many deceived people ready to argue.
My mind raced with several comments I might have injected. I don't believe either picture is shocking. We have gays living just as orphans are dying. This is a corrupt world after all. However, if both were to reach death the orphans would no longer have to suffer as they are swept away in the arms of Jesus, and the sadness for those deceived living homosexual lifestyles would be not having the same luxury. (Romans 1:25-32)
One group of people doesn't rank higher than the other. Jesus Christ died on a cross to bring salvation to everyone. However, He will let go those who turn to wicked ways of living. And yes, for those God has told to take care of the orphans and are not, they are also in disobedience. (James 1:27)
God is the judge of both, and we have Scripture to lead us in the right direction if we will heed to its instructions.
The other problem I have with posts and comments in regards to homosexuals is the word homophobia. Seriously, people act as if being a Christian automatically makes you scared of a gay or lesbian as if they are the Boogie Man. Just because I don't agree with their lifestyle, the same as a drug addict, does not mean I hate them (as a true Christian, I'm not suppose to let hate overtake my heart anyhow), and it does not mean I am scared because someone is gay. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Yes, arachnophobia, I am scared sometimes of a little spider crawling across the floor because I don't want to be touched or bit by the eight-legged creation. However, I'm not scared a gay or lesbian is going to touch or hurt me in anyway. (Matthew 10:28)
Those who take comments and ideals in regards to homosexuality without running it alongside Scripture(truth) are being deceived and I find that more shocking or sad in the whole scheme of things. Too bad there isn't an image I could post to counteract the fuel to the fire of deception.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
What we will endure for a child…
I’ve never been so exhausted. I feel as though my back has broken in half at my rib cage with every muscle requesting a vacation. I am continually told I shouldn’t be tackling certain daily tasks the way I do in my condition. My condition being that I am pregnant.
Aside from the physical strain on my body, the waves of nauseating moments and limitations (mostly bending over) I have faced throughout the last 9 months, I still have to embrace the thrill ride of delivering the child who currently wants to kick her way out my side. Sounds a bit crazy, right?
Well, women volunteer their bodies to the growth of children every day. They endure ridiculous morning sickness, or anytime sickness. Then they move on to never receiving rest from an average of 20 to 40 pounds of extra carriage. Lastly, labor can take hours spent with contractions, possibly pain medicine and pushing like no one has ever seen.
All of this for a little baby who usually cries the first time they see you. Of course, Mommy doesn’t care about all the pain and suffering she may have felt, she is looking at beautiful blue eyes, tiny hands and this small baby bundled ready for her arms.
Many have said this in past; I know I have, that a mother’s love is similar to God’s love for His children. To put a different spin on this love, I believe a mother’s love is similar to Christ’s love for God’s children.
Christ volunteered His body up for the growth of God’s children. He endured ridiculous ridicule and torture. Then he moved on to carrying the weight of our sin on His body. Lastly, hours were spent hanging from a cross.
All of this for a little child who usually runs the first time they are introduced to the love of Christ. Of course, Christ doesn’t mind all the pain and suffering He might have felt, because he is looking at a precious child of God ready to love with open arms.
Aside from the physical strain on my body, the waves of nauseating moments and limitations (mostly bending over) I have faced throughout the last 9 months, I still have to embrace the thrill ride of delivering the child who currently wants to kick her way out my side. Sounds a bit crazy, right?
Well, women volunteer their bodies to the growth of children every day. They endure ridiculous morning sickness, or anytime sickness. Then they move on to never receiving rest from an average of 20 to 40 pounds of extra carriage. Lastly, labor can take hours spent with contractions, possibly pain medicine and pushing like no one has ever seen.
All of this for a little baby who usually cries the first time they see you. Of course, Mommy doesn’t care about all the pain and suffering she may have felt, she is looking at beautiful blue eyes, tiny hands and this small baby bundled ready for her arms.
Many have said this in past; I know I have, that a mother’s love is similar to God’s love for His children. To put a different spin on this love, I believe a mother’s love is similar to Christ’s love for God’s children.
Christ volunteered His body up for the growth of God’s children. He endured ridiculous ridicule and torture. Then he moved on to carrying the weight of our sin on His body. Lastly, hours were spent hanging from a cross.
All of this for a little child who usually runs the first time they are introduced to the love of Christ. Of course, Christ doesn’t mind all the pain and suffering He might have felt, because he is looking at a precious child of God ready to love with open arms.
Friday, September 30, 2011
They missed one…
While waiting at the doctor’s office, I scanned through a magazine and came across a collection of articles featuring fathers in the local area nominated as the best dads. Not one of the fathers was extra extraordinary with any super power except for taking their job as dad seriously and holding their children dear to their hearts.
I decided after reading through a few of these dad stories, the magazine missed one. Brandon, my husband, is the best dad I know. Our first daughter, Autumn, is 3-years-old and soon our second, Brooklyn, will be born.
The Lord wanted to bless Brandon with daddy’s little girls and he cherishes his time as a daddy. In the evening, you can find Brandon helping prepare dinner, sitting around the table with us, cleaning up the spaghetti-covered face and fingers of a toddler and then having pretend tea time in Autumn’s bedroom floor.
Of course, Autumn enjoys many of daddy’s interests as well. While Brandon enjoys making house plans on his computer, he and Autumn love to pull out the bag of blocks to construct a house or castle also.
As Autumn has grown in the past year, she has become a mini-Brandon. They both love music and will dance together. They love to be outside, so Autumn will follow daddy cleaning the yard or working on something before Brandon will help her ride her bike or bang on her drums.
Brandon works full-time and runs a small yard care business, so these moments in time with his little girl are very important to the both of us.
I am very proud our girls have such a great and wonderful father they can spend time with, love and learn from as they grow and mature.
I decided after reading through a few of these dad stories, the magazine missed one. Brandon, my husband, is the best dad I know. Our first daughter, Autumn, is 3-years-old and soon our second, Brooklyn, will be born.
The Lord wanted to bless Brandon with daddy’s little girls and he cherishes his time as a daddy. In the evening, you can find Brandon helping prepare dinner, sitting around the table with us, cleaning up the spaghetti-covered face and fingers of a toddler and then having pretend tea time in Autumn’s bedroom floor.
Of course, Autumn enjoys many of daddy’s interests as well. While Brandon enjoys making house plans on his computer, he and Autumn love to pull out the bag of blocks to construct a house or castle also.
As Autumn has grown in the past year, she has become a mini-Brandon. They both love music and will dance together. They love to be outside, so Autumn will follow daddy cleaning the yard or working on something before Brandon will help her ride her bike or bang on her drums.
Brandon works full-time and runs a small yard care business, so these moments in time with his little girl are very important to the both of us.
I am very proud our girls have such a great and wonderful father they can spend time with, love and learn from as they grow and mature.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
To an unknown god…
I was reading a passage in the Bible (Acts 17:23-30). It said in short there were a group of people not focusing on the Creator, and instead worshipping at an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Paul wrote, saying they were ignorant and there was an amazing Creator, our true, one and only, God to serve.
First, I thought of the area of my life where I could be ignorant serving something unaware. What came to mind was a show I had recently become addicted to watching and needed to lay aside to better use my time elsewhere.
Next, I thought of what others may have sitting in their lives taking away from serving God. There was one item in particular that stood out louder than words.
The item has taken a form of god in many people’s lives. This particular item can light up a room in darkness. It is considered a necessity by most. It is never forsaken, rarely left behind. It is taken to work, church, and the dinner table, and even for some, to bed. It has many tools. It predicts the outcome of the day; it helps everyone communicate and even gets us up out of bed in the morning.
Yes, I am sure you know by now I am referring to your cell phone. I am so frustrated by the usage of this device. I wonder what our lives would be like if we served God with as much enthusiasm as the cell phone hanging out of our pocket?
At work employees take time to neglect their duties for a quick text, call or to surf the Internet. The exact image sits on the pews at church as nearly half the congregation cannot end a text conversation, or go two hours without a Facebook update.
The cell phone usage and addiction is sad, pathetic and makes me angry. Again, I’m only a bystander. The true God is the one being neglected.
What if we were to let Christ light up the room and consider Him our necessity, never forsaking Christ or leaving Him behind? What if we brought Him throughout our day, praying to Him at work, the dinner table and before bed every day? How about letting Him get us up in the morning, guiding our day and being in the midst of our daily conversations?
I bet if nothing else, if we were serving God in a more real way instead of our unknown god, He would be so big in our lives that we would leave the phone in our cars when entering the sanctuary for church service.
First, I thought of the area of my life where I could be ignorant serving something unaware. What came to mind was a show I had recently become addicted to watching and needed to lay aside to better use my time elsewhere.
Next, I thought of what others may have sitting in their lives taking away from serving God. There was one item in particular that stood out louder than words.
The item has taken a form of god in many people’s lives. This particular item can light up a room in darkness. It is considered a necessity by most. It is never forsaken, rarely left behind. It is taken to work, church, and the dinner table, and even for some, to bed. It has many tools. It predicts the outcome of the day; it helps everyone communicate and even gets us up out of bed in the morning.
Yes, I am sure you know by now I am referring to your cell phone. I am so frustrated by the usage of this device. I wonder what our lives would be like if we served God with as much enthusiasm as the cell phone hanging out of our pocket?
At work employees take time to neglect their duties for a quick text, call or to surf the Internet. The exact image sits on the pews at church as nearly half the congregation cannot end a text conversation, or go two hours without a Facebook update.
The cell phone usage and addiction is sad, pathetic and makes me angry. Again, I’m only a bystander. The true God is the one being neglected.
What if we were to let Christ light up the room and consider Him our necessity, never forsaking Christ or leaving Him behind? What if we brought Him throughout our day, praying to Him at work, the dinner table and before bed every day? How about letting Him get us up in the morning, guiding our day and being in the midst of our daily conversations?
I bet if nothing else, if we were serving God in a more real way instead of our unknown god, He would be so big in our lives that we would leave the phone in our cars when entering the sanctuary for church service.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Beauty of a woman
What do you see when you look at me? Could it be beauty, not likely.
I don’t wear stylish clothes. I don’t spend money on nails, hair or jewelry. You won’t find layers upon layers of makeup on my face either. I’m lucky if I can go a day with clear skin and my legs not sprouting a field of hair after shaving the night before.
Scars from work and other bumps along life decorate my hands. If my skin glows it isn’t from the sun glistening it, it’s because it is the palest body in the room. My main accessory is a hair tie on my wrist and around my hair, and in my purse are the basic necessities for brushing my teeth, not a city full of glamour.
What do you see when you look at me? Could it be virtue? That is what I want to be true.
Though I may not have the best appearance to the eyes of this world, I know the beauty in my life. I do not wear it in my attire. Instead, it is the beautiful love my husband and I share with each other and with our children. It is in the assurance I have in my faith for Christ as my Savior.
Young women do not need to seek attention through their exterior, while missing out on the interior of their temple. When ladies do this, it often means they are in need of a building up of who they are on the inside. It is hard battling low self-esteem, but the truth God can reveal to us is a great weapon for the fight.
I don’t have to wear what the manikin just inside the store window displays to turn eyes my way and feel good about myself. The low-cut shirt or skirt can remain on a rack. I would rather spend my energy instilling good values of modesty for the children looking up to me. Instead of spending 30 minutes before bed attempting the latest beauty tip, I want to read and pray with my daughter.
No longer is my desire to avoid the discomfort of others talking negatively about what I look like, because I know people are going to talk and it is time I adjust my focus elsewhere.
It is my desire to work toward being a virtuous woman and learn the beauty secrets God has for His daughters.
Proverbs 31
Monday, July 25, 2011
Be Used By God
Sometimes God uses the imperfect people with flaws to show His power where He can receive the glory He deserves. (This is similar to a phrase I heard spoke on television.)
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
According to God’s purpose and saving grace is much better than the standards we lay at each other’s feet, or even at our own.
Is it a lack of confidence, direction or laziness keeping us from reaching out as God’s hands? I would imagine everyone would have to answer this for themselves. If I were to categorize my lack of motivation at any given time according to the statement above, it would be a combination, making me human.
I think first we need to know we are flawed, but what makes us amazing as saints, is that God can anoint us with His righteous power. Many have heard “we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.” Well, it isn’t well known in vain. We, as humans, need to be reminded on a regular basis we are capable of doing more. We don’t need to lean on our crutch of what we are incapable of completing, but rather, taking hold of the tools only God gives us to do the job. The only person holding us back away from the path laid out with God’s will is ourselves. In addition to having joy through our salvation, we can have strength and confidence.
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Once you realize who you can be with the Lord, now you need direction. You are ready to move, but to stay in His will, you need His guidance.
It can be as simple as your conscious or conviction leading you to know what is right or wrong in a moment and as in depth as searching Scripture for a message and purpose in your life.
For instance, I recently studied Titus. With my research, I learned elder women and men are called to be helpers in teaching younger generations how to interact with their families. The older women are to lead young ladies in how to raise their children and love their husbands. It would be incredibly special for someone to impact a family in such a meaningful and positive way. (Titus 2:3-5) However, with children’s negative behaviors and a lack of commitment running throughout families, I am pretty sure we dropped the ball on this one.
God’s Word is a light for our feet so we know which steps to take. Relying solely on another person’s telling of Scripture and beliefs is not personal enough to continue to feed God’s purpose into our lives on a day to day basis. So, the next step would be having our own knowledge with application, and these two will set us apart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Lastly, we must fight laziness and unwillingness. If our mindset is at a place where we think others can do the job God has laid out for us or find every excuse to remain slack, then we are wrong. We should have an eager heart ready to follow Christ and further the kingdom of God with the resources we have.
One of the biggest resources we have is God’s love. God love d us enough, and now it’s our turn to love others in the same manner.
We don’t need to meet high scholarly standards to love another person and make a difference. A person may be limited with their vision according to talents or intelligence, but they are always capable of love.
Through Christ’s love we are able to receive salvation along with a Holy calling on our lives where we can reach beyond our understanding into a new realm of purpose. Of course, it takes a willing heart in obedience, confidence in who you are with God and God’s guidance throughout your life.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
According to God’s purpose and saving grace is much better than the standards we lay at each other’s feet, or even at our own.
Is it a lack of confidence, direction or laziness keeping us from reaching out as God’s hands? I would imagine everyone would have to answer this for themselves. If I were to categorize my lack of motivation at any given time according to the statement above, it would be a combination, making me human.
I think first we need to know we are flawed, but what makes us amazing as saints, is that God can anoint us with His righteous power. Many have heard “we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.” Well, it isn’t well known in vain. We, as humans, need to be reminded on a regular basis we are capable of doing more. We don’t need to lean on our crutch of what we are incapable of completing, but rather, taking hold of the tools only God gives us to do the job. The only person holding us back away from the path laid out with God’s will is ourselves. In addition to having joy through our salvation, we can have strength and confidence.
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Once you realize who you can be with the Lord, now you need direction. You are ready to move, but to stay in His will, you need His guidance.
It can be as simple as your conscious or conviction leading you to know what is right or wrong in a moment and as in depth as searching Scripture for a message and purpose in your life.
For instance, I recently studied Titus. With my research, I learned elder women and men are called to be helpers in teaching younger generations how to interact with their families. The older women are to lead young ladies in how to raise their children and love their husbands. It would be incredibly special for someone to impact a family in such a meaningful and positive way. (Titus 2:3-5) However, with children’s negative behaviors and a lack of commitment running throughout families, I am pretty sure we dropped the ball on this one.
God’s Word is a light for our feet so we know which steps to take. Relying solely on another person’s telling of Scripture and beliefs is not personal enough to continue to feed God’s purpose into our lives on a day to day basis. So, the next step would be having our own knowledge with application, and these two will set us apart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Lastly, we must fight laziness and unwillingness. If our mindset is at a place where we think others can do the job God has laid out for us or find every excuse to remain slack, then we are wrong. We should have an eager heart ready to follow Christ and further the kingdom of God with the resources we have.
One of the biggest resources we have is God’s love. God love d us enough, and now it’s our turn to love others in the same manner.
We don’t need to meet high scholarly standards to love another person and make a difference. A person may be limited with their vision according to talents or intelligence, but they are always capable of love.
Through Christ’s love we are able to receive salvation along with a Holy calling on our lives where we can reach beyond our understanding into a new realm of purpose. Of course, it takes a willing heart in obedience, confidence in who you are with God and God’s guidance throughout your life.
Be Used By God
Sometimes God uses the imperfect people with flaws to show His power where He can receive the glory He deserves. (This is similar to a phrase I heard spoke on television.)
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
According to God’s purpose and saving grace is much better than the standards we lay at each other’s feet, or even at our own.
Is it a lack of confidence, direction or laziness keeping us from reaching out as God’s hands? I would imagine everyone would have to answer this for themselves. If I were to categorize my lack of motivation at any given time according to the statement above, it would be a combination, making me human.
I think first we need to know we are flawed, but what makes us amazing as saints, is that God can anoint us with His righteous power. Many have heard “we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.” Well, it isn’t well known in vain. We, as humans, need to be reminded on a regular basis we are capable of doing more. We don’t need to lean on our crutch of what we are incapable of completing, but rather, taking hold of the tools only God gives us to do the job. The only person holding us back away from the path laid out with God’s will is ourselves. In addition to having joy through our salvation, we can have strength and confidence.
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Once you realize who you can be with the Lord, now you need direction. You are ready to move, but to stay in His will, you need His guidance.
It can be as simple as your conscious or conviction leading you to know what is right or wrong in a moment and as in depth as searching Scripture for a message and purpose in your life.
For instance, I recently studied Titus. With my research, I learned elder women and men are called to be helpers in teaching younger generations how to interact with their families. The older women are to lead young ladies in how to raise their children and love their husbands. It would be incredibly special for someone to impact a family in such a meaningful and positive way. (Titus 2:3-5) However, with children’s negative behaviors and a lack of commitment running throughout families, I am pretty sure we dropped the ball on this one.
God’s Word is a light for our feet so we know which steps to take. Relying solely on another person’s telling of Scripture and beliefs is not personal enough to continue to feed God’s purpose into our lives on a day to day basis. So, the next step would be having our own knowledge with application, and these two will set us apart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Lastly, we must fight laziness and unwillingness. If our mindset is at a place where we think others can do the job God has laid out for us or find every excuse to remain slack, then we are wrong. We should have an eager heart ready to follow Christ and further the kingdom of God with the resources we have.
One of the biggest resources we have is God’s love. God love d us enough, and now it’s our turn to love others in the same manner.
We don’t need to meet high scholarly standards to love another person and make a difference. A person may be limited with their vision according to talents or intelligence, but they are always capable of love.
Through Christ’s love we are able to receive salvation along with a Holy calling on our lives where we can reach beyond our understanding into a new realm of purpose. Of course, it takes a willing heart in obedience, confidence in who you are with God and God’s guidance throughout your life.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
According to God’s purpose and saving grace is much better than the standards we lay at each other’s feet, or even at our own.
Is it a lack of confidence, direction or laziness keeping us from reaching out as God’s hands? I would imagine everyone would have to answer this for themselves. If I were to categorize my lack of motivation at any given time according to the statement above, it would be a combination, making me human.
I think first we need to know we are flawed, but what makes us amazing as saints, is that God can anoint us with His righteous power. Many have heard “we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.” Well, it isn’t well known in vain. We, as humans, need to be reminded on a regular basis we are capable of doing more. We don’t need to lean on our crutch of what we are incapable of completing, but rather, taking hold of the tools only God gives us to do the job. The only person holding us back away from the path laid out with God’s will is ourselves. In addition to having joy through our salvation, we can have strength and confidence.
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Once you realize who you can be with the Lord, now you need direction. You are ready to move, but to stay in His will, you need His guidance.
It can be as simple as your conscious or conviction leading you to know what is right or wrong in a moment and as in depth as searching Scripture for a message and purpose in your life.
For instance, I recently studied Titus. With my research, I learned elder women and men are called to be helpers in teaching younger generations how to interact with their families. The older women are to lead young ladies in how to raise their children and love their husbands. It would be incredibly special for someone to impact a family in such a meaningful and positive way. (Titus 2:3-5) However, with children’s negative behaviors and a lack of commitment running throughout families, I am pretty sure we dropped the ball on this one.
God’s Word is a light for our feet so we know which steps to take. Relying solely on another person’s telling of Scripture and beliefs is not personal enough to continue to feed God’s purpose into our lives on a day to day basis. So, the next step would be having our own knowledge with application, and these two will set us apart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Lastly, we must fight laziness and unwillingness. If our mindset is at a place where we think others can do the job God has laid out for us or find every excuse to remain slack, then we are wrong. We should have an eager heart ready to follow Christ and further the kingdom of God with the resources we have.
One of the biggest resources we have is God’s love. God love d us enough, and now it’s our turn to love others in the same manner.
We don’t need to meet high scholarly standards to love another person and make a difference. A person may be limited with their vision according to talents or intelligence, but they are always capable of love.
Through Christ’s love we are able to receive salvation along with a Holy calling on our lives where we can reach beyond our understanding into a new realm of purpose. Of course, it takes a willing heart in obedience, confidence in who you are with God and God’s guidance throughout your life.
Where to find God’s heart…
It’s held between the praying hands of a parent on their last bending knee for the wavering child tossed about by peer influences.
It’s above countless outstretched arms with hands releasing human pride in turn for tears of praise.
It’s captured in the tiny fingers and toes of a wide-eyed newborn clinging to be loved.
It’s tucked away in the empty pocket book of those who have laid down their last dollar to lift up another one’s mission.
It’s surrounding the movement of a healed limber, once subject to the poison of cancer.
It’s connected to the training and teachings of a child as they first learn to pray.
It’s behind the bold stance of teen to abstain from sex until the night of her wedding.
It’s leading in a 20-year marriage going on 20 more.
It’s within the encouraging words of a friend spoken with love and truth.
It’s following the steps of those refusing to play the game of hypocrisy.
It’s foreseeing the last hold of an addiction chain binding up a weary body.
It’s echoing in the cheers of Christ’s salvation given freely to him who confessed.
It’s resting in the peace that surpasses our own understandings.
It’s found where there is a searching soul!
It is all around us. It is God’s own heart. I want to be a woman after God’s own heart.
It’s above countless outstretched arms with hands releasing human pride in turn for tears of praise.
It’s captured in the tiny fingers and toes of a wide-eyed newborn clinging to be loved.
It’s tucked away in the empty pocket book of those who have laid down their last dollar to lift up another one’s mission.
It’s surrounding the movement of a healed limber, once subject to the poison of cancer.
It’s connected to the training and teachings of a child as they first learn to pray.
It’s behind the bold stance of teen to abstain from sex until the night of her wedding.
It’s leading in a 20-year marriage going on 20 more.
It’s within the encouraging words of a friend spoken with love and truth.
It’s following the steps of those refusing to play the game of hypocrisy.
It’s foreseeing the last hold of an addiction chain binding up a weary body.
It’s echoing in the cheers of Christ’s salvation given freely to him who confessed.
It’s resting in the peace that surpasses our own understandings.
It’s found where there is a searching soul!
It is all around us. It is God’s own heart. I want to be a woman after God’s own heart.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Looking at phrases with a different perspective…
By Melissa Cotter
Why do we put the ball in God’s court, He’s already won the game. We just need to know what team we will have played with when the buzzer sounds.
I heard today in a prayer, “God save them,” and I’ve heard in past similar statements. While no harm is intended with this prayer, do we stop and realize that God has already saved them (everyone)? God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost have already worked a great deal on the behalf of those who have accepted the Gospel as their lifestyle and those who have not.
We ask God to save souls, to find the lost, to do this and that. What makes you think He hasn’t already accomplished this task, and how often do we ask anything of those living an ungodly life, since it is their choice? God already gave His love and salvation. What words do we offer in regards to how God has already set up a plan and purpose for their life? My guess is not a whole lot, and I say this in reflection of myself.
Before we can speak with confidence to those who turn away the love and salvation God offers, we need to own to the fact that God has already done His part. He has already handed out a path of salvation; the ball is in their court. We don’t choose who God saves and doesn’t, He took care of everyone when Christ said it is finished, sacrificing more than we could ever know while hanging from a cross, offering His blood and body.
Next time you feel the tendency to pray for what you might think is a “lost soul,” realize they are not lost. God knows where they are, and though they may be deceived, God has given them the same precious gift of a loving salvation with admission into heaven. Of course, it balances on their choices.
Leaving off with the thought of choices, makes me ponder more on God giving free will. We have the Lord’s will for our lives, we have what we perceive as His will along with our own, and then we have the guidance already laid out with Scripture.
I read a church sign on my way to work every day. Many times the message is uplifting or provokes me into deep thought at 6:15 a.m., which is pretty good work considering I’m still half asleep at this time. Once I read a comment in regards to Jesus controlling everything. I was a little bothered by the statement.
I thought to myself, if Jesus is in control of everything wouldn’t that mean He is making choices for us? I have read a number of times through Scripture there are those who follow after His will and others who turn from Him.
He is said to be a gentleman, giving free choice to people. Yes, He wants the best for us and for us to be our best, similar to a parent and child, but if He is in control of everything it takes away from our consequences and rewards connected to our own actions.
Though Jesus is all-powerful and can work miracles in our lives, He usually is able to help “control” our lives when we are hand and hand walking with His steps making the choice to change ourselves from the inside to the out.
Okay, so I drove past this church sign this morning. It said, “Serving two masters will leave you half-hearted.” Pretty clever, but my first reaction was that Scripture tells us that we cannot serve two masters. It isn’t a possibility. If we are half-hearted with God then we aren’t serving Him as our master, leaving us with only one master, (if you can do the math).
If you love God with all your heart, you will keep His commandments. It doesn’t say if you love God for this part of your life and this corner of your heart you will keep some of His commandments. We really need to have our thoughts and desires in check when it comes to serving God as our master. He cannot be played.
He said that if you are luke-warm, He is going to spit you out. That means it’s an all or nothing lifestyle with the Lord. I’m not sure “half-hearted” servants will make Heaven their permanent home; just a thought.
By Melissa Cotter
Why do we put the ball in God’s court, He’s already won the game. We just need to know what team we will have played with when the buzzer sounds.
I heard today in a prayer, “God save them,” and I’ve heard in past similar statements. While no harm is intended with this prayer, do we stop and realize that God has already saved them (everyone)? God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost have already worked a great deal on the behalf of those who have accepted the Gospel as their lifestyle and those who have not.
We ask God to save souls, to find the lost, to do this and that. What makes you think He hasn’t already accomplished this task, and how often do we ask anything of those living an ungodly life, since it is their choice? God already gave His love and salvation. What words do we offer in regards to how God has already set up a plan and purpose for their life? My guess is not a whole lot, and I say this in reflection of myself.
Before we can speak with confidence to those who turn away the love and salvation God offers, we need to own to the fact that God has already done His part. He has already handed out a path of salvation; the ball is in their court. We don’t choose who God saves and doesn’t, He took care of everyone when Christ said it is finished, sacrificing more than we could ever know while hanging from a cross, offering His blood and body.
Next time you feel the tendency to pray for what you might think is a “lost soul,” realize they are not lost. God knows where they are, and though they may be deceived, God has given them the same precious gift of a loving salvation with admission into heaven. Of course, it balances on their choices.
Leaving off with the thought of choices, makes me ponder more on God giving free will. We have the Lord’s will for our lives, we have what we perceive as His will along with our own, and then we have the guidance already laid out with Scripture.
I read a church sign on my way to work every day. Many times the message is uplifting or provokes me into deep thought at 6:15 a.m., which is pretty good work considering I’m still half asleep at this time. Once I read a comment in regards to Jesus controlling everything. I was a little bothered by the statement.
I thought to myself, if Jesus is in control of everything wouldn’t that mean He is making choices for us? I have read a number of times through Scripture there are those who follow after His will and others who turn from Him.
He is said to be a gentleman, giving free choice to people. Yes, He wants the best for us and for us to be our best, similar to a parent and child, but if He is in control of everything it takes away from our consequences and rewards connected to our own actions.
Though Jesus is all-powerful and can work miracles in our lives, He usually is able to help “control” our lives when we are hand and hand walking with His steps making the choice to change ourselves from the inside to the out.
Okay, so I drove past this church sign this morning. It said, “Serving two masters will leave you half-hearted.” Pretty clever, but my first reaction was that Scripture tells us that we cannot serve two masters. It isn’t a possibility. If we are half-hearted with God then we aren’t serving Him as our master, leaving us with only one master, (if you can do the math).
If you love God with all your heart, you will keep His commandments. It doesn’t say if you love God for this part of your life and this corner of your heart you will keep some of His commandments. We really need to have our thoughts and desires in check when it comes to serving God as our master. He cannot be played.
He said that if you are luke-warm, He is going to spit you out. That means it’s an all or nothing lifestyle with the Lord. I’m not sure “half-hearted” servants will make Heaven their permanent home; just a thought.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Are you wearing camouflage?
“I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
If anyone were to walk up to me and ask me if I believed in Jesus Christ, I would have a straight-forward answer, “Yes.” However, there are days in daily conversation I feel I am wearing camouflage in the midst of my friends, family or co-workers.
I follow along with their topic of choice for discussion, whether it is weather, shopping, marriage or whatever else comes across the table. Day after day these conversations fill the air. Nothing said is terribly negative or polluting our minds, but after a time has passed, I am left to wonder if I could have brought more to the table, shinning a brighter light for what the Lord has done or can do in my life.
His power resting within my soul is covered by a camouflage outer layer where I blend into my surroundings. I am not seeking to stir up strife, but at the same time, if I had the opportunity, would I stir up the fire? (2 Timothy 2:24)
While I wonder this, I know I am not the only one in camouflage. It seems to be the growing fad.
In silly conversation, a group could be discussing how a woman is in charge of the house, how the man is only to agree with her desires and apologize for all his wrong doing. The group chuckles with nods of agreement. But wait a second. Where was the true follower of Christ who knows that this mindset is not what God intended for a couple and that it can hinder a marriage? The Christian blended in with a few laughs himself.
Discussion leads to household income and expenses. There are complaints of bills and wishes for extravagant items. No one stops to count it a joy they can pay for their necessities or give God the glory due for His work in our finances. No one has committed a great sin, but yet no one set them apart as God has called us to be peculiar either. (1 Peter 2:9)
I am not meant to blend in with my environment. I am not meant to camouflage what could be an opportunity to impact others or plant a seed. I am not meant to lean on my own understanding, rather the truth given by God. (Proverbs 3:5) His Word is to be profitable for me and others, but it can’t be until I tear off the camouflage to reveal a heart containing God’s loving truth. (2 Timothy 3:16)
If anyone were to walk up to me and ask me if I believed in Jesus Christ, I would have a straight-forward answer, “Yes.” However, there are days in daily conversation I feel I am wearing camouflage in the midst of my friends, family or co-workers.
I follow along with their topic of choice for discussion, whether it is weather, shopping, marriage or whatever else comes across the table. Day after day these conversations fill the air. Nothing said is terribly negative or polluting our minds, but after a time has passed, I am left to wonder if I could have brought more to the table, shinning a brighter light for what the Lord has done or can do in my life.
His power resting within my soul is covered by a camouflage outer layer where I blend into my surroundings. I am not seeking to stir up strife, but at the same time, if I had the opportunity, would I stir up the fire? (2 Timothy 2:24)
While I wonder this, I know I am not the only one in camouflage. It seems to be the growing fad.
In silly conversation, a group could be discussing how a woman is in charge of the house, how the man is only to agree with her desires and apologize for all his wrong doing. The group chuckles with nods of agreement. But wait a second. Where was the true follower of Christ who knows that this mindset is not what God intended for a couple and that it can hinder a marriage? The Christian blended in with a few laughs himself.
Discussion leads to household income and expenses. There are complaints of bills and wishes for extravagant items. No one stops to count it a joy they can pay for their necessities or give God the glory due for His work in our finances. No one has committed a great sin, but yet no one set them apart as God has called us to be peculiar either. (1 Peter 2:9)
I am not meant to blend in with my environment. I am not meant to camouflage what could be an opportunity to impact others or plant a seed. I am not meant to lean on my own understanding, rather the truth given by God. (Proverbs 3:5) His Word is to be profitable for me and others, but it can’t be until I tear off the camouflage to reveal a heart containing God’s loving truth. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The sight of someone's pain...
I feel the hurt on you.
What more could I do?
To wipe away the tear,
And return to you cheer.
To support your heaviness,
To seek further happiness.
Not in the power of this hand,
Rather one who counts the sand.
Bringing peace in the midst of sorrow,
Giving you a brighter tomorrow.
With a scarred hand, He gives more
With comfort, He knows how to restore.
I wrote this poem at work right before going to a funeral. The funeral was beautiful. At the funeral I learned something about myself. Though, I can be a heart hard to figure out, I feel the hurt painted across a friend's face. I have a deep sense of empathy, not always sympathy, but definitely a heart that hurts when a friend is in pain.
What more could I do?
To wipe away the tear,
And return to you cheer.
To support your heaviness,
To seek further happiness.
Not in the power of this hand,
Rather one who counts the sand.
Bringing peace in the midst of sorrow,
Giving you a brighter tomorrow.
With a scarred hand, He gives more
With comfort, He knows how to restore.
I wrote this poem at work right before going to a funeral. The funeral was beautiful. At the funeral I learned something about myself. Though, I can be a heart hard to figure out, I feel the hurt painted across a friend's face. I have a deep sense of empathy, not always sympathy, but definitely a heart that hurts when a friend is in pain.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A tale gone untold
This is a letter to some military men that I have never met, but God open an opportunity for me to write to them.
Again, I am at a loss for words. Though, there are thoughts roaming my mind, it is often hard for me to put them into words, mostly because I am unable to write or type as quickly as my mind runs. So, while this may not come across as fluent as I might hope, I still want to share what my heart feels.
I am unknowledgeable in regards to the details of the military. The only picture I have representing the men and women serving our country is from media, books and those I have met with life accounts of war experience. The latter two are the most interesting to me.
Since I began reading novels of my own choice in high school, I have always gone to war stories. I have read classics such as “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O'brien and “A Rumor of War” by Philip Caputo among others. One of my favorites is “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier,” by Ishmael Beah.
I read these powerful stories because they touch a world that is untouchable to me. I could never imagine the experiences soldiers have encountered, and reading their words is my small window.
In addition to the printed stories, I have had the privilege to meet several veterans for articles I wrote as a reporter for a city newspaper. I met a man who witnessed the events of Pearl Harbor while working at a nearby farm in Hawaii before joining the military himself. Another man told me the story of the USS Indianapolis sinking as one of the last living survivors residing in Missouri. There aren’t enough affective adjectives to describe the sadness and fear written across his face as he told how at 17-years-old he watched each of his friends die that day.
While I acknowledge the stories I’ve come to know about a few soldiers, I dare not say I have been shown the whole picture. I couldn’t even say with these few stories there was much more than a glimpse as compared to the reality so many millions have embraced serving our country.
There are stories unwritten, untold and some buried with the life of a loved-one. It is this sacrifice I cannot fathom; the sacrifice to carry images, thoughts, and recounts of situations and events on a daily basis while putting this big word our “country” first.
This brings to remembrance a conversation I had with a friend. She told me that after her son had returned from the frontline in Iraq, they took a trip to New York City. Standing at ground zero, her and her son began to cry. She looked at him and he said he couldn’t tell her, he could never share this part of his life with her or anyone.
No matter the books or stories told, there will always remain hidden experiences of a soldier. Whether those experiences come from the intense training, a complete change of frame of mind in some cases, the battleground, or simply being knowledgeable to happenings no one else is aware of, there are tales going untold.
Of course, while this is true, it also is true that there is a God who understands, a God who can comfort, and a God who knows what it is to watch His Son die on the battleground for the greater good. What's more, God allows His Son to be our Savior on the battleground for us, whether we need physical, emotional or spiritual strength. He listens and He knows the untold tales of a soldier.
2 Corinthians Chapter 1
3)Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4)Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5)For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6)And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Again, I am at a loss for words. Though, there are thoughts roaming my mind, it is often hard for me to put them into words, mostly because I am unable to write or type as quickly as my mind runs. So, while this may not come across as fluent as I might hope, I still want to share what my heart feels.
I am unknowledgeable in regards to the details of the military. The only picture I have representing the men and women serving our country is from media, books and those I have met with life accounts of war experience. The latter two are the most interesting to me.
Since I began reading novels of my own choice in high school, I have always gone to war stories. I have read classics such as “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O'brien and “A Rumor of War” by Philip Caputo among others. One of my favorites is “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier,” by Ishmael Beah.
I read these powerful stories because they touch a world that is untouchable to me. I could never imagine the experiences soldiers have encountered, and reading their words is my small window.
In addition to the printed stories, I have had the privilege to meet several veterans for articles I wrote as a reporter for a city newspaper. I met a man who witnessed the events of Pearl Harbor while working at a nearby farm in Hawaii before joining the military himself. Another man told me the story of the USS Indianapolis sinking as one of the last living survivors residing in Missouri. There aren’t enough affective adjectives to describe the sadness and fear written across his face as he told how at 17-years-old he watched each of his friends die that day.
While I acknowledge the stories I’ve come to know about a few soldiers, I dare not say I have been shown the whole picture. I couldn’t even say with these few stories there was much more than a glimpse as compared to the reality so many millions have embraced serving our country.
There are stories unwritten, untold and some buried with the life of a loved-one. It is this sacrifice I cannot fathom; the sacrifice to carry images, thoughts, and recounts of situations and events on a daily basis while putting this big word our “country” first.
This brings to remembrance a conversation I had with a friend. She told me that after her son had returned from the frontline in Iraq, they took a trip to New York City. Standing at ground zero, her and her son began to cry. She looked at him and he said he couldn’t tell her, he could never share this part of his life with her or anyone.
No matter the books or stories told, there will always remain hidden experiences of a soldier. Whether those experiences come from the intense training, a complete change of frame of mind in some cases, the battleground, or simply being knowledgeable to happenings no one else is aware of, there are tales going untold.
Of course, while this is true, it also is true that there is a God who understands, a God who can comfort, and a God who knows what it is to watch His Son die on the battleground for the greater good. What's more, God allows His Son to be our Savior on the battleground for us, whether we need physical, emotional or spiritual strength. He listens and He knows the untold tales of a soldier.
2 Corinthians Chapter 1
3)Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4)Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5)For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6)And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
