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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

No turning back

USCCB - (NAB) - June 30, 2009:
"As soon as they had been brought outside, he was told:
'Flee for your life!
Don't look back or stop anywhere on the Plain.
Get off to the hills at once, or you will be swept away.'"


Once we get our marching orders we are to proceed full force ahead...not stalling or dwelling on what once was.

Concupiscence gives us a propensity for sin...it is only by God's grace that we can move beyond into the abundant life that God has planned for us.

Monday, June 29, 2009

YouTube - Standing on the Promises

Touching Jesus' Cloak

Loved Beyond Measure: Jun 28, 2009:

"She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak."


I was so down and out yesterday that I couldn't even make it to Church. My husband and daughter went without me. My faith is intact and I know that the Lord can still heal...but I'm beginning to understand that sometimes the healing can happen indirectly (for whatever reason He destines)...either through the prayers of others, or the healing hands of doctors...none of it is beyond God.

My husband came home from church with the following passage for me.

"She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.'"...Mark 5:29

I'm claiming it!

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 34

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 34

I will bless the LORD at all times; praise shall be always in my mouth.
3
My soul will glory in the LORD that the poor may hear and be glad.
4
Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
5
I sought the LORD, who answered me, delivered me from all my fears.
6
Look to God that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush for shame.
7
In my misfortune I called, the LORD heard and saved me from all distress.
8
The angel of the LORD, who encamps with them, delivers all who fear God.
9
Learn to savor how good the LORD is; happy are those who take refuge in him.
10
Fear the LORD, you holy ones; nothing is lacking to those who fear him.
11
3 The powerful grow poor and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.


Praising God today for how wonderful He is...He gives hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 28, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 28, 2009:
"There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.
She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors
and had spent all that she had.
Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.
She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak.
She said, 'If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.'
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction."


She 'had spent ALL that she had'...oh boy...can I identify with that! I feel totally spent...all my energy and strength of body, mind and spirit seem to be completly gone. The hope that I hold on to though, is that from past experience I know that this is not a bad place to be because it is when God can do His mightiest work.

Dear Lord, let me just touch Your cloak!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 27, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 27, 2009:
"Jesus entered the house of Peter,
and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
He touched her hand, the fever left her,
and she rose and waited on him."


As we are healed by Him we too are to rise up and be of service to others. The blessings that the Lord bestows on us are to be passed on as we in turn become the blessing.

Friday, June 26, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 26, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 26, 2009:
"Reading 1
Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him
and said: 'I am God the Almighty.
Walk in my presence and be blameless.'"


One thought pops out when reading this. Abram was 99! Wow...it is NEVER too late, and you are never too old to start walking with the Lord. To walk in His presence...means to focus on (and desire for) His will for us at each moment...it is the path to holiness.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Your Body is God's House part 2

Joyce Meyer Ministries — Broadcast

"Nothing is beyond the reach of His restoration project. Even ancient and devestated ruins can be rebuilt. As you surrender to the Master Builder you will be His apprentice repairer and restorer."

TW p66


Praise God!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you wiht my righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10)"

USCCB - (NAB) - June 25, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 25, 2009:
"Gospel
Mt 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'"


Today's Gospel seems kind of harsh...I mean these people were obviously doing some 'good' things. So, why do you suppose the Lord said 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers?'

I think this goes back to yesterday's message. Just because something is 'good' doesn't mean that it is good for us. We need to be in relationship with Our Lord and listen to His voice and will for our own lives. You have to know Him, before you can know what He wants from you.

Sitting Tight : A Catholic Reflection: "'Go back...and submit.' –Genesis 16:9
God told Abram: 'Don't just do something, sit there.' God did not need Abram to have a son by Sarai's maid to help God fulfill His promises (see Gn 15:4). Then Sarai's maid, Hagar, tried to help God protect her by fleeing into the wilderness. God told her to go back and stay put (Gn 16:9). Sometimes the best thing we can do is nothing. For example, the Lord told Moses that He would fight for the Israelites against the Egyptians. Moses had 'only to keep still' (Ex 14:14). Isaiah prophesied: 'By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies' (Is 30:15)."



Here is an excerpt from Uniformity with God's Will by St. Alphonsus Liguori: Please go read the entire thing...it is awesome.


"Perfection is founded entirely on the love of God: “Charity is the bond of perfection22 Col. 3:14.;” and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God’s: “The principal effect of love is so to unite the wills of those who love each other as to make them will the same things33 St. Denis Areop. De Div. Nom. c. 4..” It follows then, that the more one unites his will with the divine will, the greater will be his love of God. Mortification, meditation, receiving Holy Communion, acts of fraternal charity are all certainly pleasing to God—but only when they are in accordance with his will. When they do not accord with God’s will, he not only finds no pleasure in them, but he even rejects them utterly and punishes them.

To illustrate:—A man has two servants. One works unremittingly all day long— but according to his own devices; the other, conceivably, works less, but he does do what he is told. This latter of course is going to find favor in the eyes of his master; the other will not. Now, in applying this example, we may ask: Why should we perform actions for God’s glory if they are not going to be acceptable to him? God does not want sacrifices, the prophet Samuel told King Saul, but he does want obedience to his will: “Doth the Lord desire holocausts and victims, and not rather that the voice of the Lord should be obeyed? For obedience is better than sacrifices; and to hearken, rather than to offer the fat of rams. Because it is like the sin of witchcraft to rebel; and like the crime of idolatry to refuse to obey44 1 Kings, 15:22, 23..” Theman who follows his own will independently of God’s, is guilty of a kind of idolatry. Instead of adoring God’s will, he, in a certain sense, adores his own."


This next excerpt really spoke to me. I like what he has to say about making use of 'ordinary remedies'.

4. It is especially necessary that we be resigned in corporal infirmities. We should willingly embrace them in the manner and for the length of time that God wills. We ought to make use of the ordinary remedies in time of sickness— such is God’s will; but if they are not effective, let us unite ourselves to God’s will and this will be better for us than would be our restoration to health. Let us say: “Lord, I wish neither to be well nor to remain sick; I want only what thou wilt.” Certainly, it is more virtuous not to repine in times of painful illness; still and all, when our sufferings are excessive, it is not wrong to let our friends know what we are enduring, and also to ask God to free us from our sufferings. Let it be understood, however, that the sufferings here referred to are actually excessive. It often happens that some, on the occasion of a slight illness, or even a slight indisposition, want the whole world to stand still and sympathize with them in their illnesses.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 139

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 139:

"You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!"



It is often much easier to appreciate God's handiwork 'out there'...in nature, in art and music...in babies...but in us? Our own bodies are also part of God's creation. Today I'm going to praise Him and give Him thanks for mine...instead of whining and complaining.

Watch Joyce Meyer Ministries — Broadcast. Today's message is 'Your Body is God's House'.


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A Different Road

"He wants so much for you to experience the fullness of His plan by aligning your goals and vision with His plans for you."
--TW p66

I got this incredible 'light bulb moment' earlier where I got a clear sense of what 'the narrow path' is. Maybe this is common sense to everyone else, but I'm a bit slow with these things. The 'narrow path' is whatever God's will for me is. The wider path is anything outside that will...doesn't mean it is necessarily bad, just not what I'm being called at the moment. It is the path of God's provision. It is about walking in relationship with Him.


A Different Road

I’ve traveled long
I’ve traveled hard
And stumbled many times along the way
I’ve bruised my knees a lot
And turned my back on God
And seen His mercy
I’ve been quick to judge
And slow to learn
So many times I’ve gotten in the way
I think I know so much
I’ve questioned God enough
But still He loves me

So now I’ll walk a different road
I want to see Him there before I even go
I’ve run ahead and gone too slow
I’ve got to be still now
Wait upon His will now
This time,
It’s gonna be His time

Don’t want to live without
The peace that comes to me
When I am by His side
I’ve known the freedom there
Can’t find it anywhere
But in Christ Jesus
I believe He’s got a plan
Everything in His time
I may not always understand
Everything in His time
Everything in His time

by K. Troccoli, B. Sudano, N. DiGesare

The Narrow Gate

USCCB - (NAB) - June 23, 2009:

"'Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.'"


Often being a disciple of Jesus means walking a path that is not popular.

Monday, June 22, 2009

TW Day 7 (moving forward)

"The person on the path of God's provision, as we have seen, may experience a 'two steps foward and one back' movement, but the direction is set. This person moves forward confident of God's love and acceptance through the cross of Christ. His or her life doesn't reflect an 'on again-off again' experience, as the cross of Christ is a stabilizing force. His confidence is not in his own flesh, but in God's blessed provision. This person learns from her steps backward through observation and correction. No 'failure' is beyond God's ability to redeem or His desire to make good. This person isn't perfect by any means, but he or she moves forward trusting in God even after experiencing a setback."


Sometimes we find ourselves smack in the middle of the desert, where we don't seem to be making much progress forward at all. But the thing to remember is to get our eyes off of our own 'flesh' and how much WE are accomplishing...and set our eyes 'in God's blessed provision' and the work that He is doing within us.

YouTube - "The Blessing" by John Waller

Go forth

USCCB - (NAB) - June 22, 2009:
"Reading 1
Gn 12:1-9

The LORD said to Abram:
'Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk
and from your father's house to a land that I will show you.

'I will make of you a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
and curse those who curse you.
All the communities of the earth
shall find blessing in you.'"


The Lord is not saying...I'm going to bless you greatly and THEN you can GO FORTH and do as I say. That's not how it works. If we wait for that, we may be sitting on our laurels for quite a while. The strength and the grace come as we activate our faith in obedience. We need to step out of 'the land of our kinsfolk' which is whatever our 'comfort zone' is and march directly to 'the land' that He will show us.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

YouTube - Be Still My Soul by Selah

USCCB - (NAB) - June 21, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 21, 2009

"He woke up,
rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?""


Thank You Lord for being there to quiet the storms of life. I still have so far to go in my faith walk...but You are there each step of the way...calming my fears.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Grace is enough

USCCB - (NAB) - June 20, 2009:

"Therefore, that I might not become too elated,
a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan,
to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness.'
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me."


This reminds me of St. Teresa of Avila who supposedly told God 'if this is how You treat Your friends, no wonder why you have so few of them'. LOL.

God knows human nature so well, and knows that it is in the dark times that we learn our best lessons...so therefore He allows His children to suffer...but never without His grace being present in abundance.

Blessed Be Your Name

Friday, June 19, 2009

Being Mindful

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Knowing Christ
Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:3)

We have to use our minds, to be thinking consciously as we move through the day how we can respond in the present moment the way Jesus would. We have to be mindful of when we are wasting time; of when our conversations become idle jibber-jabber; of when we are being pulled away from the duty of the moment by the glitz of Twitters, Texts, and whatever is next. At those times, we need to consciously pull ourselves back into God’s presence, into a silent dialogue with the Spirit, seeking how we can better serve God in that moment… how self-love can give way to Divine Love (and remember St. Paul’s definition of what love is (see 1 Cor 13:1-8)).

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus


USCCB - (NAB) - June 19, 2009:

"For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,

and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Father's Day

Father's Day : A Catholic Reflection:

"When Satan tempts us, he questions whether we are sons and daughters of God the Father (Mt 4:3, 6). Prayer is primarily expressing and deepening our relationship with our Father through the Son and in the Spirit. Prayer is a preoccupation with our Father's name, kingdom, and will (Mt 6:9-10). Prayer is an experience of our Father as Provider, Forgiver, and Protector (Mt 6:11-13)."

OUR FATHER

USCCB - (NAB) - June 18, 2009

USCCB - (NAB) - June 18, 2009
Gospel
Mt 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'

"If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."


Time to get back to the simplicity of prayer. Sometimes we get so dry that we can't even pray for ourselves, and that is when having praying friends comes in handy...they carry you through the dark and dry times. That is what has been happening here lately.

Lord, I'm so grateful for all those that You have put in my life already, and please bring me more holy friends.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Weigh In Info

Weigh In Info:
"My Weigh in Report

You lost 3.5 lb (2.4 %) since you last weighed in on Monday, 01 Jun 09.
At that rate it will take you about 4 months to get to your goal weight."


I had my weigh-in at my doctor's appt. today and was amazed to see that I had lost a little...wow...and here I was in sweats and on the first day of AF. Not bad at all...woohooo.

YouTube - "Fingerprints of God" Steven Curtis Chapman



I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where theyre coming from
Theyre coming from a heart thats broken in two
By what you dont see
The person in the mirror
Doesnt look like the magazine
Oh but when I look at you its clear to me that

I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
Youre a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And youre covered with the fingerprints of god

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by gods hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what hes been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and

Just look at you
Youre a wonder in the making
Oh and gods not through no
In fact hes just getting started and

Chapter 5 Part 1 - True Confessions...

God Is Doing a New Thing: Chapter 5 Part 1 - True Confessions About Being "Reconciled" To My Body: "I have been putting off facing into this chapter, I think. I read the pages up to the place where the Mirror, Mirror Exercise begins. Funny how I did that...It is dated 4 days ago...haven't touched the book since."


Wow...this is EXACTLY where I've beenwith that too. Funny thing is how God has pushed me into it... my body has been poked and examined from every angle...by what seems like everyone that comes near me...lol. I was in the ER on Sunday suffering with anxiety...and had to go through a series of tests and x-rays and so forth. Today I go back to my own doctor for a follow-up. So this whole 'body' thing is getting a lot of focus. More then I'd like it to, really.

Here's one exercise that I did do when I was in the middle of an anxiety attack...I'd lie back (prefferably in a nice warm tub)...tense my body and then let it relax. I would then start at my toes and work my way up. Just drawing my focus to that particular area and give God thanks and praise, for how well it is designed and how healthy it is. Even the areas that I've had issues with in the past...specifically my tummy area and reproductive organs. I came to a place of forgiveness and even more then that...gratitude. Had everything worked the way it was supposed it, I most likely wouldn't have my two precious children in my life...who came to me through adoption. I think that I'm finally ok with my size and shape also...actually it is not so bad for a woman of my age. Ofcoure there could be some improvements on my general health...I especially need to add more recreation into my to-do list...but other then that, I'm very grateful. There are so many far worse off then I am.

So my friends...it is time to move forward...

YouTube - I'm Not Cool - Scott Krippayne

One Day at a Time

USCCB - (NAB) - June 17, 2009:
"Reading 1
2 Cor 9:6-11

Brothers and sisters, consider this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work."


Just keep doing what you feel is God's will for the moment (without getting yourself in a tizzy over it...lol), and God will provide the grace you need.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fortitude in the Desert


Intercessors of the Lamb - 04-20-09 Desert Spirituality

"In the desert, in the times of waiting, of searching, fortitude, a gift of the Holy Spirit, works so powerfully within us because it gives us the power to change. It gives us the strength to allow God to change us. The Spirit is always saying, "That was okay then, but now I want you to do this or be this. Things have changed. Let this go. Let's do this.” There is always change. We are continuously in a growth process. And it takes courage to change. There will be tests; there will be dry times in prayer. There will be aridity. There will be real desert times. That takes courage. This is when we call on this gift of fortitude. This is when we find the Holy Spirit coming to us with this gift, as if to say, "Hang in there! Hang in there." Even the psalmist used to say, "Oh, Lord, how long? How long do I have to endure this?" Through fortitude, the Spirit tells us, “It is just a little while longer, just a little while. We are almost there." He knows how to give us hope, doesn't He? He knows how to keep us going. This is how the gift of fortitude works. We can persevere. We can stay faithful."

Excerpts from THE FRUITS OF HIS LOVE

Excerpts from THE FRUITS OF HIS LOVE
Mother M. Angelica


The Value Of Suffering
Suffering in any form was, from the beginning of time, a mystery, and a blot on the human race. It was feared, dreaded, and shunned—a sign of contradiction and a curse. Jesus came as man and, because He accepted the consequences of our fall and suffered as we all suffer, He elevated suffering, transformed it, gave it power, and considers the pain of each member of the human race His pain. So much so that when I alleviate the pain of my brother, or am compassionate with his life, Jesus considers this done to Him.
There was suffering, pain, hunger and thirst, before Redemption, and there is still suffering, pain, hunger and thirst after Redemption. Redemption gave me more than an exemption from pain: it gave me Jesus, grace, the Spirit, love, peace and joy. It raises me above pain.God does not will that I suffer, just as He did not will that Adam and Eve sin. But since they sinned and I inherit the weaknesses that are a result of that sin, I do and always will have something to endure.
Christ's Redemption merited for me a participation in His Divine Nature as God through grace, and a participation in His sufferings as Man, through the Cross.
He came down from glory to my suffering level that I might rise from my misery to His Glory. But to do this I must take upon myself the whole Christ—suffering and resurrected.
He took upon Himself my sins that I might sin no more.
He took upon Himself my weaknesses that I might have grace to overcome.
He took upon Himself my pain that I might hold His Hand in mine.
He took upon Himself my humiliation that I might be raised to His Throne.
He took upon Himself ridicule and insult that I might stand tall in persecution.
He took upon Himself the loss of His friends in His hour of need that I might never be alone in the hour of my need.
and then
He stood alone, abandoned by God and man, so that I need never feel desolate or rejected.
Now it is our cross—His and mine.
Now there is a reason behind each tear, each pain, each heartache.
Now the cross is no longer in the mud of despair—it is raised on high and on it is God's own Son.
Now it is no longer a sign of His vengeance but a sign of His love.
Now it no longer destroys but molds and renews.
Now it no longer oppresses my spirit but empties it so that it may be filled with God.
for
Each heartache empties my soul of me and fills it with Him.
Each tear washes my soul and makes it more beautiful to His Eyes.
Each disappointment strengthens my will to cling to Him alone.
*Each anxious day makes me look to Him for support.
*Each tension-filled hour makes me reach out to find serenity in His grasp.
*Each pain is added to His on the Cross to redeem the world.
*Each doubt makes me search for Truth and hold it fast.
Each separation gives me an awareness of the one thing necessary.
Each time my love is spurned I know how He feels when I ignore Him.
Each time I am treated unjustly, I know His feelings when He was called a devil.
Each time pride, jealousy, or ambition rears its head I see His Crown of Thorns.



Electronic Copyright © 1999 EWTN
All Rights Reserved

Prisoners of Hope

Joyce Meyer Ministries — Broadcast

YouTube - I OFFER MY LIFE TO YOU

severe test of affliction

USCCB - (NAB) - June 16, 2009:

"We want you to know, brothers and sisters, of the grace of God
that has been given
to the churches of Macedonia,
for in a severe test of affliction,
the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty
overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

For according to their means, I can testify,
and beyond their means, spontaneously,
they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part
in the service to the holy ones,
and this, not as we expected,
but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and to us through the will of God,
"


This reminds me of the passage where Jesus heals Peter's mother in law and then first thing she does is gets up and serves the others there.

There are many graces that come through suffering...and we can glorify God by allowing those abundant graces to flow from us to others as it was intended. The main thing is to give yourself to the Lord first and then be obedient to His will as you give of yourself to others according to your means.

Monday, June 15, 2009

YouTube - Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real




It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

YouTube - Definition of Me- Steven Curtis Chapman w/ lyrics

The truth of femininity

USCCB - (NAB) - June 15, 2009:

"We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things."


Not sure why I'm still on this subject but the only reason I can think of is that God wants more to come out of it. The above passage is from today's readings...interesting.

As Christians fully living out our life of faith, the world will NOT see us as we trully are. We cannot be judjing ourselves by their standards.

Look at the picture below...this is what I'd consider femininity...fully embracing what God has called you to be and doing it in a way that does honor to your particular sex.

I went out to buy a skirt.

Conversion Diary: I went out to buy a skirt. - The diary of a former atheist

I thought this article (link above) was great. It really explains my own struggles with the whole shopping world...and the 'mirror' in particular.

I took one of those silly facebook quizes yesterday that asked 'how girly are you'...and I was slapped in the face with 'you are 12% girlie'...huh? I'm VERY girlie thank you very much. AH. Well...I think that what fully mature stay at home moms (maybe even homeschooling)that are focused on their kids think of as being 'girlie' or actually the term I like best 'feminine' and what the world things are two different things. Shopping for ourselves is pretty much non existent, hair and make-up? If I get to brush my hair and wash my face with ivory soap, once in the morning then I'm doing just fine thanks. Menicures? Sure...I cut the kids nails pretty regularly...or at least I used to...which reminds me. My own though...I guess they don't mean picking at them, do they? Heals? Sure I own tons of healed shoes...I might even be tempted to wear a pair to church...but quite frankly they are'nt that great for running after kids. I do like skirts though...and to wear my hair long(so be it if it is not colored)...and to take nice long hot baths, and I like pretty things around my home, and to watch chick-flicks...doesn't all that count?

Anyway...just some thoughts...

Sunday, June 14, 2009

YouTube - Shout to the Lord - Hillsong



I made it to Mass (in the midst of a anxiety attack)and by the Grace of God was able to stay through the entire thing. Shout to the Lord was the closing song (this was a traditional Catholic Mass...so it a bit un-usual...but God has no boundaries), I think I was the only one singing with arms up in the air and with tears flowing down my face...but oh well. After Mass I was able to receive the 'Annointing of the Sick'...what were the chances of that as well? God is so good!

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
Let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

YouTube - Third Day - Communion

Blood-Covenant and Communion

Blood-Covenant and Communion : A Catholic Reflection:

"When we receive Holy Communion, we are covenanting to pour out our lives in total love for the Lord, to repent of our sins, be washed in His blood (see Rv 7:14), and to obey the Lord in every detail of our lives. Make a blood-covenant in Holy Communion today on this feast of Corpus Christi."


I'm betting that most of my visitors are not Catholic...so I'm not sure how familiar you are with the fact that we don't have 'altar calls' like other denominations do. However, something that I've heard before really struck me. Communion time is the Catholic's 'altar call'. When we leave our seats and come forward to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord, and the priest says 'the Body of Christ' as he hands us the Host (or places it in our tongues)and we then say 'AMEN'...we are saying so much with that very simple word!

Body and Blood

USCCB - (NAB) - June 14, 2009:
"While they were eating,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, gave it to them, and said,
'Take it; this is my body.'"


Today in the church it is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Again...how timely...as I'm dealing with the body both on the TW study and my personal cross of the moment.

I've heard it often throughout the years in different homilies and books that we too are called to be 'Eucharist' to others. While watching Joyce Meyer online yesterday this subject came up again. She read the above passage and then made the point that we are to blessed and then 'broken' before we can be given away as 'food' for others. This 'breaking' is a very important part of our Christian walk. I for one don't much care for it...lol...but then again, I'm not quite there yet anyway. It's good to know that even through the 'breaking', Jesus is right there by our side...and still feeding us with His own Body.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Solitude...a dwelling place of God

Intercessors of the Lamb - Teachings:
"The more light that comes into our souls, the more we are going to see the specks and dirt and dust. It is a beautiful process because it is initiated by the Holy Spirit. He is light. He wants to give us light. He doesn't want us to be in the dark. We are His children. He does not want us to stumble and fall. Everything about the world is darkness. Everything about God's Kingdom is light and He wants us to have this light.

In order to receive this light we have to have some time alone with Him. Solitude is where God dwells. Solitude is not a means to God like silence is. Silence is like an atmosphere--a climate. But solitude is a dwelling place of God. And that is very important."


Dear Lord, give me the strength to not fight this calling into solitude...but to instead look forward to the Light in faith and hope.

New Creation

USCCB - (NAB) - June 13, 2009:

"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come."


Oh Lord, I'm standing on Your Word...I need to be made new. I'm in a dark rut at the moment...but I know that You are here with me Lord. I WILL be still and listen...I honestly can't do anything else.


Friday, June 12, 2009

be still and know



Our God is so amazing. He has been showing me all kinds of things about my latest struggle...including what is actually going on (exercise(and I use the term loosely) induced hyperventilation due to post nasal drip). He's also directing me on what to do about it (stay away from dairy, and drink more water is part of it). I also need to put some things on the backburner and 'be still'. I have a one day retreat tomorrow...so that should be a good kick off.

Responsorial Psalm

USCCB - (NAB) - June 12, 2009: "Responsorial Psalm
Ps 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

R. (17a) To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.

I believed, even when I said,
'I am greatly afflicted';
I said in my alarm,
'No man is dependable.'

R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise."


I've been going through pretty severe anxiety lately. I've turned it over to the Lord...and have suffered in (relative)silence, but now I feel Him leading me to post about it...to humble myself and request the prayers of others on the journey with me. I want to be released from this affliction...not so much so that I won't suffer...but so that I can stop focusing on myself. There is nothing like an anxiety attack to magnify every little blurp you may be feeling.

I'm feeling that He wants to do more with this...use this for my benefit somehow. In prayer, I asked Him 'why now, Lord...I have so much that needs to be done'...His response... 'All you need to do is obey Me!'. Wow...ok, Lord...I hear Ya. He goes on to say, 'Be still and know that I am Lord'. I want to cry....

Battlefield of the Mind

God Is Doing a New Thing: Chapter 4 - A Path of My Choosing Part 2:
"Keep praising Him for His attributes, his provision, His grace, His love...any thoughts of self, trade them, replace them with thoughts of 'Oh, God! How GREAT you are!' 'I need YOU so much!' 'Thank you for all YOU do and are!' 'Thank you that YOU are bread for my hungry heart!'"


Poetry in Motion

Holy Experience: Attend to Your Life and You Make it Art: "Maybe it's just me who is still learning that it's not perfection that makes one's life a work of art. It's how one sees. It's taking me a lifetime to wrap the corners of my heart around it: beauty isn't a product to be be found in the material world. It's a function of the way the eye and soul work together."


You really need to click on the link above and go read the entire thing...BEAUTIFUL!

"But we all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18)

You are a work in progress. In fact, the Lord calls you His poetry. You are His poetry in motion, His masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10) ---Thin Within p48

Today's First Reading

USCCB - (NAB) - June 12, 2009:
"Reading 1
2 Cor 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,'
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God."


Isn't it amazing that today's First Reading is exactly what we're dealing with in our TW study right now? God is so good.

"For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
Less of us, more of Him. We have to constantly put to death our 'fleshy and sinful nature'...so that Jesus's life within us can grow.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

"While I'm Waiting" Music Video- from the movie FIREPROOF



Lyrics to While I'm Waiting :

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Observation and Correction

Here is how this principle works. At any given point in time, you can choose to note any behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes that haven't worked for you'. --Thin Within p 36


Then it is what you choose to do with it that makes the difference.

1)You can choose to Listen to the Holy Spirit, which will bring conviction, further observation and corrective suggestions. Which then lead to Peace, joy & abundant life.

Or
2)you can choose to listen to 'the world, flesh or devil' who will offer you the club of condemnation and lead you to repeat the behavior. It then further leads you to stewing, denying, rebelling or striving.

When you walk the path of God's provision, your focus is on God. You will experience the way in which He inspires, enables, and empowers you every step of the way. It is a path on which we are being progressively conformed to the image of Christ. We rest in the fact that God knows we are flawed, and we praise Him that He has provided the solution for our problem. He loves us so much and wants absolute intimacy with us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).--Thin Within p38

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 98

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 98:
"Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
5
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song.
6
With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy to the King, the LORD.
7
Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell there.
8
Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy,
9
Before the LORD who comes, who comes to govern the earth, To govern the world with justice and the peoples with fairness."


What? You don't feel like singing? Things aren't going as you think they should? All the more reason to sing praises to God. To focus on the good and what is going right instead of all the little things that aren't quite there yet. It is such a temptation to dwell on negative thoughts and stressful situations. It is time to give it all to God and just allow Him to use it all as He will. Sing praises!

YouTube - Jars of Clay - Something Beautiful


[verse]
If you put your arms around me
Could it change the way I feel
I guess I let myself believe
That the outside might just
Bleed it's way in
Maybe stir the sleeping past
Lying under glass
Waiting for the kiss
That breaks this awful spell
Pull me out...of this lonely cell

[chorus]
Close my eyes and hold my heart
Cover me and make me something
Change this something normal
Into something beautiful

[verse]
What I get from my reflection
Isn't what I thought I'd see
Give me reason to believe
Never leave me incomplete
Will you untie this loss of mine
It so easily defines me
Do you see it on my face?
And all I can think about
Is how long
I've been waiting to feel you move me

[chorus]
Into something beautiful
Into something beautiful

[bridge]
And I'm still fighting for the
Word to break these chains
And I still pray when I look
In your eyes, you'll stare right
Back down into something beautiful

[chorus]
Into something beautiful
Into something beautiful
Into something beautiful

Day 5: My Body, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

"But we have this treasure (the presence of God)in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7)

The jar of clay referred to in this pasage is you. It is your body and your soul (mind, emotions, will, and feelings). We are vessels, containers of the life of God. But we are not the contents of the vessel. God is. We cannot produce His life, but we can reflect it. The beauty and value of the vessel is found in what it contains. We continue to be transformed more and more as we look to God rather then ourselves."--Thin Within p48


These little jars of ours can get all beat up sometimes with a few cracks here and there...but it doesn't have to detract one iota from it being able to proudly showcase what is within. In fact the scripture passage is telling us, that the weaker the vessel the more God can be glorified...because we'll be able to tell for sure that it is all coming from God and not from ourselves.

I struggle with alot of physical issues. Nothing really serious but just enough to put a damper on things. When it springs up, I often wonder why is the Lord allowing this now. I think I have my answer.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Today's First Reading

USCCB - (NAB) - June 10, 2009:
"Reading 1
2 Cor 3:4-11

Brothers and sisters:
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit
for anything as coming from us;
rather, our qualification comes from God,
who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant,
not of letter but of spirit;
for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life."


He has 'qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit' (not of legalism but of grace). The Spirit gives life.

Praise God for His constant prodding and feeding of our spirits...leading us further and further along. The Lord is indeed putting a new ministry in my heart as I discern Godly goals for my life...if there is anyone reading this, if you could pray for His will to be done...and for me to be able to respond accordingly.

Blog Roll

Hi there. If you are currently reading the Thin Within book and blogging about it, would you leave a comment with the name of your blog so that I can add it to my side bar?

Rescue

There is hope!

This pendulum-swinging lifestyle is reflected in what we call the 'path of my performace'. Living this way is falling into the trap of the legalist.

In this situation self is actually the focus rather than God. Even if the person is a believer, he or she will think that the solution to any failure is to 'try harder'. This struggler is always searching for the next book, the next program, the next church service, to find the 'key' to success. What is missing of course, is the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to 'observe and correct'.

The truth is, grace isn't missing at all. It just hasn't been fully embraced. Those who find themselves in this predicament are like thirsty travelers who are unaware of a nearby fountain of life-giving water. The legalist swings from feeling good about her accomplishments on the one hand, to realizing that she can't keep up the pace on the other hand. Eventually she just gives up altogether, seeing herself as a 'failure'. Self-loathing sets in and she wallows in guilt, self-condemnation, self-pity, and sin. Before long, she goes out in search of another diet, another regimen, another set of rules.

Thankfully there is an antidote to this pendulum pandemonium. There is hope! There is no reason to stay stuck. Our God is willing and He is able. If you find yourself on the path of your performance, you can jump ship into an ocean of grace, deeper than any sin, broader than any transgression. It is cool, refreshing, and free. It cost our Savior everything, but in His love He offers it freely to us. --Thin Within p40-41


Oh my...talk about being convicted. Praise You Lord for loving me too much to allow me to remain where I'm at...for showing me the Light of Truth.

YouTube - As The Deer

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 99

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 99:

"Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his footstool; holy is God!
6
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who called on God's name; they called on the LORD, who answered them.
7
From the pillar of cloud God spoke to them; they kept the decrees, the law they received.
8
O LORD, our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God, though you punished their offenses.
9
Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his holy mountain; holy is the LORD, our God."


"Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his footstool; holy is God!

Day 4: A Path of My Choosing

No food can even begin to compare with the satisfaction that comes from basking in His presence. No drink can quench the thirst of the soul crying out for the Lord. --Thin Within p36


One of the most memorable homilies that I've ever heard was at St. Colman's in Brockton over a decade ago. This was pre kids, so it was just me, my husband and our cousins and best friends, Joe and Grace. The four of us would bring it up in conversation long after the event...giving each other silly quizes on it like 'what was the cat's name' lol. Even though I no longer remember who preached it...I do remember the subject. 'Basking in God's presence'...the preacher told us of his cat 'Rinquist' and how at every turn he'd find the cat just lying around in his driveway just basking in the sun'. That cat didn't have to work very hard to be in the sun...he just needed to find the right spot and enjoy it. Same with us in the Son's presence.

For today Lord, may I be able to climb on Your lap and just soak in Your presence...even the midst of my daily chores and routines.

By the way my cousin/friend Joe is now basking in God's full presence in heaven. For the rest of us, we'll just have to settle for a little taste of it.

Burning Bush Conversations

Holy Experience: Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline: <br>Burning Bush Conversations:
"God, hear me saying....
.... heart beat ....
I am dry and brittle and
ready to snap

God, I hear You saying...
.... heart beat ....
How else to be kindling for
a burning bush?"

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Waiting...

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » High Seas:
"Even Jesus Himself had to wait for His mission, growing in humility, wisdom, and knowledge.

But we want holiness now. Along with our food, videos, success, text messages, and nearly every other form of communication and gratification. As a result, we have slowly un-learned how to wait—'how to grow and become strong.' Instant gratification is one of Satan’s special weapons, for in bringing it to our times, he has made waiting and suffering almost unbearable, even to the modern Christian. "


Perhaps the biggest lesson that I'm learning right now is to wait on the Lord.

Beyond Measure

God Is Doing a New Thing: Chapter 3 - Going For Godly Goals - Part 1:
"PLEASE DO NOT USE THE BATHROOM SCALE AT ALL!!! I know this is radical, but you know how I have been singing the song 'Focus on the Lord Focus on the Lord?' The scale is THE BEST WAY TO STOP FOCUSING on the LORD and to focus on yourself and your supposed performance! PLEASE DON'T GO THERE! You and I both have done that before and has it served us well? NO!"


Well...when I asked the Lord for a new name for this blog and felt Him leading me to 'Loved Beyond Measure'...I didn't realize the full impact of what He was asking me. WOW. I'm taking Heidi's challenge and am going to be putting away the scale until the end of this study. This is a little bit out of my comfort zone...time to fly in His arms!

YouTube - Leona Lewis - Footprints In The Sand Lyrics



I was reminded just now of what the Lord showed me a while back...how it doesn't always 'feel good' to be carried...especially if we preffer to have our feet planted on solid ground. So...it is altogether possible that instead of enjoying being carried high in the Lord's arms, we find ourselves struggling to get back down. So sad when we look at it that way. For today Lord, remind me that when things aren't going exactly as I expected them to and I start to feel off kilter...remind me that I'm being held in Your loving arms and I just need to relax and enjoy it.

YouTube - Shine Jesus Shine

Watching the High Lights

Watching the High Lights : A Catholic Reflection:
"We have put ourselves in a position where we desperately need the Holy Spirit day by day, moment by moment, to keep us 'set aflame and burning bright' (Jn 5:35). Satan will tempt us to take a 'breather' by stepping out of the hot lights into the darkness (see Jn 3:19); however, stepping away from Jesus is the devil's trap. We must continually come to Jesus (Mt 11:28), and never move away from Him. Jesus will always give us light (Eph 5:14).
We must fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 3:1), the Light of the World (Jn 8:12). 'Walk in light, as He is in the light' (1 Jn 1:7)."

Today's Gospel Reading

USCCB - (NAB) - June 9, 2009: "Gospel
Mt 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
'You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.'"

God created us for His glory. He wants our lives to reflect His joy, love, grace and compassion so that people will recognize Him in our countenance. The Bible calls this 'glorifying God'. You might say that we become advertisements for how wonderful God is when our lives display His majesty and wonder to the world." Thin Within p.27

Day 3: Going For Godly Goals

"As you listen and draw closer, you will hear God speak specifically to you about His plans for you--plans for a hope and a good future. And as you continue your journey, you will want your own visions, plans and goals to line up with His. Our sincere desire is for you to experience the freedom for which you were created and to catch the vision that God has for your life. Today we will focus on the purpose of life and the blessing of adopting Godly goals."


I'm a great fan of the book 'A Mother's Rule of Life' by Holly Pierlot...it has changed my life. It is an awesome tool to help with setting Godly goals. It shows us the five areas that need to be addressed...Holly calls them the 5 'Ps'. P1= Prayer, P2=Person, P3=Partner, P4=Parenting, P5= Provider. I have prayerfully and with the direction of the Lord set up my own 'rule'by examining each area of my life and seeing what needs to be done on a practical level to maintain it...it is so freeing to see it all in black and white and not have to re-invent the wheel each day on what needs to be done around here. While I'm 'waiting on the Lord'...instead of focusing on my stomach or being tossed everywhere by my ADD tendencies, I instead set out with the grace of God to just do the next thing on my 'rule' aka to-do list. I thereby live in the moment and that is where the Lord meets me...in my regular day to day activities...washing the dishes now becomes a wonderful dialogue with the Lord.

Monday, June 8, 2009

He Chose Me to Be

He Chose Me to Be by Mother Angelica

"Your body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since you received Him from God. You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 6:19) We have a tendency to think our body is our own and we can do as we please with it. But this is not so. We were created by God—created as weak human beings—part animal, part spiritual. Our dignity as human beings was degraded by pride and rebellion in the beginning by our first parents Adam and Eve and then by our own wrong choices. God's love for us devised a way to raise us above our degradation—above our own nature, and set us apart as beings He could rightfully call "sons." He sent His own Son to take our flesh upon Himself—live and die as one of us and then rise from the dead so we would be delivered from our slavery to sin. What a price was paid for one so fragile in nature, so vacillating in will, so prone to evil. The Great King looks for a peasant to raise up to the dignity of a Prince. Each one of us is a kind of Cinderella, who is beckoned by the King to live a new life. The choice is ours, but the prize is His—He has already a right to everything we are, everything we possess. He has only good to give us. Why do we so often prefer what harms us? Is the right to choose good and evil more precious to us than peace, happiness and joy? Would we rather be miserable and misuse our freedom to choose rather than be humble and admit God Knows what is best for us? What price He paid to save us and what price we pay when we do our own will? No, we do not have a right to do as we please with our life or anyone else's. Our life belongs to God and that God is powerful enough to maintain it, good enough to sustain it and provident enough to care for all its needs.

Week 2 Assignment! Keep Focused! :-)

God Is Doing a New Thing: Week 2 Assignment! Keep Focused! :-): "If we develop an ability to focus on Him, praise Him, pray to Him, we will find that those things that lure us to food when we aren't physically hungry will fade! Honestly! Not only that, but a lot of other challenges in our lives will fall into their rightful place. It is the 'Seek first His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well' principle again!"


Our challenges will fade because He will provide for our needs. He will either remove the challenges completly, or He will provide us with enough grace to endure it...either way it is a win-win situation. So...why don't we (I) utilize this font of grace more often? I want to bring it ALL to Him...nothing is too big or too small for my Heavenly Father. I can tell right away when I begin to lose focus...my anxiety goes sky high, a bunch of things just seem to go way out of control and get to overwhelming proportions. This was never God's intent for my life.

There is a misconception by some that God created us and then left us alone to fend for ourselves. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

YouTube - DON MOEN - Creator King

He loves ME...

His is an active love that has motivated all that He has done since the beginning of time. When He paints the evening sunset, it is because He loves you. When a child embraces you, it is because He loves you. When the birds sing, the sun rises, the flowers waft a heavenly scent, it is all because He loves you.

He was inspired to initiate relationships with human beings from the beginning of creation because it is in His character to love. He woos you and draws you, placing in you a desire to draw near to Him. That desire is kindled by His love for you. His word reminds us that we love Him only because He first loved us. ---Thin Within p18

YouTube - Don Moen - Rescue

TW Day 2

He desires you to know Him--to be in relationship with Him, and to be absolutely authentic before Him.


Ok...in order to know Him, we have come before Him and listen (be still and know that I am God). In order to be in relationship with Him, we need to come to Him frequently and again 'listen'...like any other relationship it requires give and take. Ofcourse 'listening' is not merely 'hearing' but soaking it all in and acting on what we are hearing. Then there is the authenticity stuff...ooo...that's a little harder for me. I'm thinking that it may be a bit harder for many of us...remember how Adam and Even 'hid' once they discovered they were 'naked'. There are many ways of hiding and 'nakedness' is not simply an absence of clothes. We need to come fully before the Lord without any pretence and without any thing else that may block our way.

Oh Lord, may I be fully authentic before You today...wipe away anything that is not from You.

Abbey-Roads: Deus caritas est.

Abbey-Roads: Deus caritas est.: "Who can separate us from the Love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus! And so it is that between them there is but a single life, a single love ... The Love between the Father and the Son... The Holy Spirit."

Holy Experience: Soul ADD

Holy Experience: Soul ADD: "Lord, when I pay attention to everyday graces...
I'm spending my life in God-worship. Could there be a better investment?

Cause me today to pay attention to Your gifts.... a cure for Soul ADD."


Yes...spending our life in God-worship is exactly what we were created for. Oh Lord, let it be.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Waiting on the Lord part 2

God Is Doing a New Thing: "Waiting for the Lord will never leave us wanting. He WILL meet us. He WILL satisfy. This is where the wording of things is a bit awkward...If we wait for hunger, our focus is on our body, ourselves. But waiting on the Lord, our focus is on HIM. He will then say, 'Guess what, dear one? Your body needs fuel now. Come and dine with Me!' Isn't that a glorious thought? :-) No guilt, no condemnation, no self-focus. Then our meal time can be a time of praise and worship... 'Lord, thank you for the amazing flavor and texture in this food. You are so creative! Thank you for the abundance. Thank you for supplying my needs. You are an awesome Provider! Thank you for my body that YOU have created--fearfully and wonderfully!'"


This is AWESOME! I admit...this is a new perspective for me. The other times down this road, I waited was on hunger...yikes. You get exactly what you seek. I want it to be different this time.

special situations...

Blogger: God Is Doing a New Thing - Post a Comment:
"For those who have diabetes, it is always best to talk with a doctor, but the Hallidays know many people with diabetes who have done really well with this approach. Typically, you don't want to wait long after the first signal of hunger. Don't wait for a growl. That is NOT a sign of hunger for most people and can cause you to really crash if you wait for that...or to eat too soon! Either way, a growl isn't reliable. Then, what you eat is vital. If you know that there are foods that make you feel good physically, then ask God to help you to have those on hand for when you are hungry. It doesn't take much to fend off a true blood sugar crash...it is just the right something that the Lord will lead you for your body."


Heidi posted this on her comments section and I thought it was so brilliant that I needed to post it in a place that I can re-read as often as needed. I don't have 'diabetes'...but I do have other 'issues' with blood sugar that will be helped by the above suggestion.

Waiting on the Lord

God Is Doing a New Thing: "I challenge you to begin to wait for physical hunger before you eat. (Yes, I know some may take issue with this phraseology, but I think it fits for people just starting out or others of us who 'pre-empt' hunger by eating for a variety of *other* reasons!). Note when you are drawn to eat and *aren't* hungry and ask God to show you if you are not hungry, what it is that is making you think about food--why are you drawn? Food only satisfies physical hunger. All other 'needs' or wants require something else to be satisfied.

What do you learn about yourself and about God as you wait for physical hunger before eating?"


It is 7:30 PM right now and I've done my fair share of eating outside of hunger already today...so it is time to stop and give it a rest. One little step...

The only answer

God Is Doing a New Thing: "I felt God impress upon my heart that maybe someone here can use the encouragement found in some of the words that were a part of the prayer at the end of the chapter...


Lord, You are the only answer to the emptiness I feel when I am not with You. The fullness of Your being is what I crave. The intimacy of Your embrace is what I long for...Help me to make You the first place I run to when I have longings in my heart. I don't want to waste time turning to other things that will never satisfy the need I have for intimacy with You. My soul waits for you, Lord. (Psalm 33:20) Amen."


Thanks Heidi...that's exactly what I needed.

"You see, when I am vulnerable, I am prone to being "needy"--to feeling empty. This is when I can start reaching for anything to fill the emptiness...




As you and I continue the early part of this sojourn we want to ask God to make each of us--I want to ask Him to make ME--to be aware when I am doing this before it happens. This is the crux of much of our disordered behavior and disordered eating. It really isn't about the food, the computer, the books, the busy-ness. It is about my heart, about your heart...and, mostly, about GOD."


Here Heidi touches on the exact thing that I was referring to in my previous post...that when I stray from the awareness of His constant care and nurture is when I start feeling the need for 'self care'. Funny...the name of this blog is 'Nurturing Self' and yet that is the exact thing that I need to get away from. It is not about being a martyr, or rejecting the good things that God brings into our lives...but just making sure that they come from His own hand and in His own timing. All good things come from Him...but He sets proper boundaries for our own good.

God Is Doing a New Thing

I'm redoing the Thin Within study along with Heidi from God Is Doing a New Thing. I'll use my blog here to post my own reflections on it and to really digest all the wonderful stuff that she is putting out there without taking up too much space on her comments box (even though I plan to make use of that too).
"God wants our hearts to belong to him (not to some 'skinny' ideal or even to some vision of 'health and wholeness!'). As we relinquish our hearts to him, we WILL change from the inside out."


I need to relinquish my own desires in order to embrace His fully...and that means letting go of what I SHOULD weigh, or what size I think I should wear...and even how I need to feel. I know that God loves me more then I love myself and I need to trust that He won't lead me in the wrong path. 'ALL' I need to do is act in obedience to Him and He will take care of the outcome...whatever that may be.
2.) Are you willing to foster an awareness of Jesus' presence in every moment of your life? You can do this in your heart even in the midst of a hustle bustle work schedule or being with your kids or running errands or whatever you do. Truthfully, there is no way to experience the kind of lasting, deep, penetrating transformation that we really need apart from developing an awareness of his constant care and presence with you. Truly, this can be quite simple, but it is NOT easy!


I really hunger for this 'awareness' of His constant care. I think it is when I stray from it that I get myself in trouble and try to grab for it in my own way (and that's never good). It is like the kid from the rich family but yet feels the need to go begging for food at the neighbor's house...how pittiful really.