Updated on December 4, 2013
It’s All About Perspective
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. – 1 Peter 1:10
I’ve been thinking a lot about the here and now, in light of eternity.
Some days are so difficult, so trying and so long! It’s hard in my human mind and this flawed human body, to focus on anything else.
I get into the Word, I spend hours in prayer, I connect with others, I do everything I can to keep my heart and my eyes where they need to be. But the background music of my physical reality is sometimes a jarring tune that refuses to be drowned out.
But our God has a different perspective than I do. His plans are centered around getting my soul and as many others as possible into Heaven with Him.
Let’s look at this from the perspective of any parent (of human or fur-babies)… do you sometimes have to allow your child to have discomfort for a moment so that their future well-being is more secure? I think about vaccinations, IV’s, or maybe a foul-tasting medicine. Do I enjoy my child’s tears? NO! But I recognize that this momentary hurt will make them more healthy. I realize that the pain will be fleeting and that these things need to happen in order for things to work properly and according to plan.
Our Father’s promises are based on an eternal viewpoint. When He says He will bring about good for those who love Him, He is referring to things that get our soul where it needs to be. When He promises we will not be shaken, He is expecting that we will lean on His strength and that our faith is what will not be shaken.
He has salvation in mind. And like a dog with a bone, He’s relentless, He’s focused, and He’s possessive. His love for us is that far-reaching.
God’s compassion is unfathomable to us. But it is also not exclusively a physical compassion. It is a compassion that puts Heaven in the forefront! We are standing on the front lines, and God’s main goal is not to keep His soldiers from any and all harm. It’s to win the war. It’s to gain as many souls as possible. Maybe my pain gains mine, maybe my pain gains yours. Either way, I signed up to fight and I am willing to bear whatever it takes.
I kneel and say, “Right Now. I’m in pain. Please fix it. Please heal me.”
The Father answers, with tenderness in His voice. He is willing me to understand. He wraps His arms around me and says, “Just a little while. I will give comfort when and where I can, but this is to be used for my glory, no matter how it came about originally. Your soul is whole, and that is what I see.”
Then He softly asks, “Do you trust me?”
Dearest Father, Thank You always for keeping watch over my soul. Thank You for making my puny existence a vessel You can possibly use to reach others for You… even one, Lord, even just as a tiny part of an encouragement or a salvation. I do trust You. I will continue to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on December 4, 2013
Do You Keep Your Candle Trimmed?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
Oh, You! Light of the world, shining before men!! So exciting, isn’t it? Yesterday we decided that our light of choice is a candle.
So if you’re anything like me, you’re going along brightly lit, flame burning high, offering a sweet aroma while you’re at it… yeah, that’s how we roll… we’re multi-tasking, aren’t we?
Then, BAM… a gust of wind snuffs our flame right out. When our flame is re-lit, we find that we’re smoking up the place and our aroma has gone to, well let’s just say less than desirable and certainly not anything Scentsy would carry!
We’re relit, our flame is high, so what could be the problem?
We forgot to trim our wicks, Brothers and Sisters! This is a necessary step that anyone who knows anything about candles is aware of, but we were so busy we forgot to read up on our new role as light-bringers, didn’t we?
You see, as a candle burns down and the wax liquifies, the wick lengthens and the flame can no longer get enough oxygen. Your candle will burn down too quickly, putting off smoke instead of true light and giving none of the fragrance we desire.
The sweet fragrance comes from the evaporation off the top of the wax pool. If the flame is too high above that pool, there will be no fragrance released into the air.
Now here’s the kicker. The wick of our candles must be trimmed with just the right instrument, because it must be able to reach down into the jar and cut at just the right angle, to just the right length. The instrument also must be very sharp, because any frayed ends of the wick will cause the above problems to re-occur, no matter the length wick becomes.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. – Hebrews 4:12
That sounds like the perfect tool for our wick-trimming, doesn’t it?
Before we trim, we must dig out the bump of of wax around the candle wick.
Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. – Romans 6:2-4
New lives! That’s what we’re supposed to be living! By releasing all that build-up of our human natures, and the cares of this world, we are freeing ourselves to trim our wick so we can shine.
The way we were meant to, the way we aspire to, the way we’re equipped for. Shine, my friends!! Shine on!
Father, through the stresses and cares of this world, please help us to remember to give the proper care to our shine. Thank You for giving us the proper tools to do this, and the opportunity to glow for You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on December 4, 2013
What is Your Light Source in the Storm?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
Recent storms left me thinking about light. Being the light of the world is an important position, don’t you think?
Have you ever been stranded in the pitch black, hearing the noises around you but unable to identify them? Or perhaps hearing cries for help and not able to locate the one you are trying to find? In the dark, we are often too afraid to move, since we are unable to see any obstacles or dangers in our path, or to even know if we are still on the path at all.
Then you see a dim light in the distance. As it gets closer, you begin to identify things around you. You may even feel comfortable enough to get up and walk to the person carrying the light. You notice that your heart rate is slowing and you are breathing easier as your muscles relax. Light has a way of doing that.
And that is our task. We are the light-bringers!
As I sat in the storm, I realized that I would not want to depend on electric lights that would be non-existent if a storm knocked out the power. I’m often like that. I depend on outside sources for my needs, look elsewhere for motivation or strength. When a big storm comes and takes that power source off the table, I’m left in the dark. I want to be a light that doesn’t get it’s power from an unreliable outside source.
I also knew that I would not want to depend on flashlights. Flashlights are like depending on myself. I shine so brightly, but have a limited beam that only reaches a certain area and still leaves other corners dark as night. I also have a limited battery power! Doesn’t take much to drain me down to zero these days. This is not the kind of light I wanted to depend on in that storm, either!
So what light source would I want to depend on? What kind of light would I want to be? The answer is simple…. a candle. I want to be a candle. Dependable, long-lasting, and sweet-smelling. Started with a spark, lit from a flame not originating with me. Able to cast a glow that can be seen for miles around in a dark, dark world. Having the ability to light new candles from the flame within me.
Yes, a candle seems the perfect light for my storms and for my being. But candles require maintenance…. more on that tomorrow.
Father, help me to do my best to depend on You for my flame. Help me to shine brightly for you in every storm, whether my own or others’. Thank you for your trust in me to be a light for someone as glorious as your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on July 3, 2014
I Am From…
We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.”The man answered and said to them, “Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.” – John 9:29-30
I am from flea market pillows,
from scriptures in frames and way too many books.
photo credit: Wonderlane via photopin cc
photo credit: ginnerobot via photopin cc
I am from moving trucks and stacked-up boxes,
from adventures and faith and a leap.
photo credit: Don Hankins via photopin cc
I am from the live oak tree,
its long limbs covered in the Spanish moss I remember as if it were my own.
photo credit: Drriss & Marrionn via photopin cc
I am from Christmas lights and cocoa and a face full of freckles,
from Brian and Austin and Carissa.
I’m from quiet talks and happy dances
and from staying up way too late.
I am from long drives and loud music, laughing too loud and making up big.
From expansive vistas that treat the eyes as well as the soul,
and taking chances because the ones you love are right there with you.
I am from “Remember Who You Are” and “I Love You”
and “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”.
I’m from long glorious family vacations.
I’m from Louisiana and Cajun okra gumbo and fried catfish.
photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano via photopin cc
photo credit: stu_spivack via photopin cc
I am from Lucille picking potatoes in a family plot
so she’d have something to feed her 7 brothers and sisters
and throwing one at Grandpa when he was bent over doing the same.
photo credit: VinothChandar via photopin cc
From warm quilts of polyester scraps that rests on my chair,
and old family photos with colored in places tucked safely into boxes.
I’m from childhood hardcover series that line the walls and smell of old paper and dust,
and from a Bible that is falling apart in the place of honor on my side table, it’s words forever written
on my heart.
Dear Lord, help me to always remember where I’m from, and help me to create a place my children will look back on in wonder and fond love. Thank you for all of the people and places and things that have made me who I am, especially in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you’d like to create your own ‘I Am From’ Poem, here’s the template that I used. It is not my own. I’d really love if you’d leave a link to your own ‘I Am From’ post here in the comments, so that I can follow it and get to know you better! Where are you from, Friend?
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on December 1, 2013
Sunday Scripture: 12/1/13
“Do not let your heart be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in Me.
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;
if it were not so, I would have told you;
for I go to prepare a place for you.
If I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also.”
– John 14:1-3
**Please consider visiting my friend’s blog “Until I Rest In Him”, where I’m guest posting today! Claudia is a courageous, inspirational woman who shares her journey as a Christian living with PTSD and multiple health conditions.
Her blog is subscription only, and posts each Wednesday and Saturday.
I’m sure you will find hope, encouragement and renewed faith with each of her posts, as I always do!
My post there today is called “Should I Chase After Ease Or Choose To Go Deeper?”
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on November 30, 2013
Recommendation Saturday: LIVE Your Gratitude!
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. – Colossians 2:6-7
This past week, we here in America celebrated Thanksgiving.
I want to encourage you today to take to heart the words of scripture and walk in gratitude.
Live it, Love it, Spread it Around!
Please join me each Saturday to share a recommendation that
keeps people full of hope, faith and love!
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community
right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the
“Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button
below, and place it on your website or post,
so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community!
You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag
#recommendsat
so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community
is spreading our hope and love to others
by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on November 28, 2013
Can You Sing “Blue Skies and Rainbows”?
I explore this question over at my favorite spot, Rest Ministries, today!
Follow the link and be sure to take some time to look around at all the this wonderful site has to offer folks like us!
Can You Sing “Blue Skies and Rainbows”?
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on November 27, 2013
The Loveliest Centerpiece
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. – Hebrews 3:2
Ok, so I don’t know much about entertaining or crafts or decorating. I wish I did, but I have come to accept that it’s just not in me… unless you count the hours spent longingly gazing at Pinterest photos of said talents. But one thing I do know… every party table has to have just the right centerpiece!
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, there’s lots of talk about how to find the perfect centerpiece. Many are making their own, and for the rest of the week, new photos will be popping up all over social media as people share their latest creation or find regarding that all-important eye-catcher.
A centerpiece is defined as:
an object occupying a central position
or
one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole
or my favorite,
the most important part of something.
Have you ever noticed in scripture how many times that Jesus has been in the center?
He was in the center of the court with the adulterous woman. (John 8:9)
He was in the center of the crowd during the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:9)
His cross was in the center, between the two thieves. (Luke 23:33)
He is the lamb in the center of the throne. (Revelation 7:17)
I challenge you today, amidst the flurry of preparation, please consider that Jesus is the true Centerpiece. Of life…
of the story…
of your Thanksgiving table.
Jesus, please help us to keep you front and center this holiday, and everyday! We love You, Lord, and wish to honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on November 25, 2013
Is the Glass Half-Full or Half-Empty?
Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. – 2 Kings 4:2-6
Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Silly question, right? But it really is all about perspective, and this question can tell you a lot about a person’s mindset.
A pessimist would say that the glass is half-empty. A pessimist looks at this difficult life as a losing battle, one in which we are ill-equipped from the start. A pessimist sees defeat around every corner and the gray in the cloud that holds the silver lining. And he’s right.
An optimist would say that the glass is half-full. An optimist looks at this difficult life as a chance to succeed in a challenging situation, one in which we can remake ourselves in order to prevail. An optimist sees a win just around every next corner, and the silver lining is so bright, she’s gotta wear shades. And she’s right.
A realist, well, that’s really just a pessimist wrapped in the cloak of an optimist, isn’t it? A realist longs to be hopeful, but is scared to really take that leap. A realist tries to keep the faith, but never really goes all-in. A realist sees the silver lining, but is cautiously optimistic because of the threatening gray in those clouds. And he’s right.
I like to define myself with the fourth option. I know, I know… you’ve never heard of a fourth option. That’s how the enemy likes it! He doesn’t want you to know there is another way to look at life. He tries to keep this fourth option hidden and secret, but today I’m throwing open the doors and letting the light in!
I am a Sovereignist. A Sovereignist is all three of these rolled into one, with God over it all. I am part pessimist because this life is a losing battle we are ill-equipped for from the start. I embrace a little optimist because the silver lining does outshine the gray. And the realist in me recognizes that it is risky to put all your faith into something that may soon be dashed.
As a Sovereignist, I recognize that none of these labels quite fit because we are not defined by earthly terms. We are not weighed down by physical challenges. We are not left to our own devices.
With Christ as our Savior, the war is already won…. each and every battle we face on this earth is merely a distraction meant to discourage. Through Christ we are fully-equipped for each challenge. Through Jesus, we have a champion who walks onto that battlefield on our behalf. And He never loses.
My clouds… pffftt, what clouds? I don’t even need a silver lining! God keeps my blue skies clear and bright. It’s only when I begin to focus on the weather that those clouds seem to roll on in. Because I’ve taken my eyes off the Sun.
Does life as a Sovereignist mean that life is rosy? Um, no! But God is rosy. Does it mean that I never face trouble or sorrow? Uh, again, no! But God faces it with me. Will this new outlook wash all my cares away? You guessed it, another no! But Christ washed my sin away, and that is the only care that matters.
Will you join me in becoming a Sovereignist today? Let’s begin to look at this crazy life through the eyes that see the truth. This world is not our home. There is no glass. (a nod to my Matrix friends on that one) And I serve the One who can keep the water coming.
Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” – John 4:13-14
So no more arguing over whether the glass is full or empty. Just drink up!!
Merciful Father, your care is so amazing. Help us never to forget that we serve a Sovereign Lord who keeps us in His hand. We love you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on November 22, 2013
Which Came First, the Faith or the Evidence?
That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping— believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – Romans 4:17-22
Oh how easy it is to demand evidence before granting my faith to God! In fact, it’s ingrained in my human nature. I am an untrusting creature, suspicious of everything that sounds “too good to be true”. I am double-minded, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:7-8)
So the question is, does Faith come first, or do I need the evidence in order to have strong Faith?
Like the old adage, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”, this one actually has an easy answer! The answer to the old question is that the chicken came first, because God created it, not the egg. The faith answer is just as simple. The above scripture says “This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.”
Abraham was made the father of many nations as a result of his faith and unwavering hope. He did not decide to have faith after receiving the fulfillment of God’s promise.
God is faithful. Our unwavering hope in Him is the evidence.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
I think it’s time to turn my thinking around! Do I only hope in the Lord after seeing evidence of His work in my life? Do I have faith in my God once I think I can see His reasoning? God forbid!
I am called to have a faith that will be substance and evidence of my Father’s goodness! I am expected to have my faith grow stronger as I wait on the fulfillment of the promises.
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping!
Let it be said of me, also Lord!
Heavenly Father, let me never doubt that You are at work in my life. Give me a faith like Abraham’s, a hope that is unwavering. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
