tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52246123549674565202024-02-18T18:11:21.467-08:00Keep Looking UpA GRATEFUL LADY'S JOURNEY WITH HER GOD AND FAMILY THROUGH THIS ONE WILD AND BEAUTIFUL LIFEGr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-5158746275264762952018-03-15T08:28:00.000-07:002018-03-15T08:28:00.173-07:00Mirrors and ReflectionsOld post I started and never finished (until now)... It's been two years since I've written. Perhaps I should stop being afraid of putting myself "out there", and just write .....<br />
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Recently I found myself in the position where I've had to buy a number of mirrors. It's interesting. While it's possible that each mirror, due to size, type, and quality may present a differing reflection, what I noticed more greatly is how I would see myself in the reflection, depending on my state of mind or feelings toward myself in the moment. Was I obsessing about my outward appearance? Or was I looking at myself from a place of grace, and knowledge of my beauty because of my value in Christ? Mostly, I've noticed my external appearance. My inner state of doubt, and of want of belonging and acceptance amongst others, seems to drive my own constant criticism of all that I'm not. Is this all there is for you and I? I have to believe that Jesus did not suffer, die and rise for us, for us to be stuck in this "state". <br />
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How are we seeing ourselves? What lens are we using to see and view ourselves in this life? Do we see ourselves as weak, fat, lazy? Or do we see beloved, made-new, made-whole, ones loved by a God who gave His ALL for us? If you could measure the depth of His love by outstretched arms on a Roman cross some 2000 years ago, why would we not run to the only one Who has given everything, A living God who died for us, to set us free from us looking and seeing "less than" in mirror and heart reflections. Why would we rise and fall by the criticisms of a world and people instead? Why wouldn't we rest in, trust in and lean on this living God and all He says we are to Him, with Him, through Him and for Him. He loves us. He loves you. <br />
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When we will stop being swayed and underwhelmed and unfocused by the madness of this world. The superficiality of this life? Perhaps fully letting go, and being overwhelmed with Jesus grace and love will help us to be released to revival in ourselves, and others? I certainly don't have any answers, save this.... Even though I fully believe in Him as Savior and Lord of my life, heart, mind and spirit - I haven't fully released myself to Jesus yet. But I "know", when and if I do, I just may find everything I've ever wanted and been hoping hard for, I might just release myself from this unhealthy, and unnecessary criticism and expectation - and likewise - release others of it too. Will you be brave today, and lean into and trust Him? Keep going, Beloved! All we need, we can find in Jesus! He is our only endeavor. <br />
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Curiously, I posted this on social media in 2014, on this day. I felt it appropriate to re-share here with this post ....<br />
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Yesterday was rough. Today is a new day and offers a fresh start.<br />So as I prepare to start the day I imagine God speaking these things to you and I...<br /><br />“You’re awesome, don’t let anyone tell you any different.”<br /><br />“You can do all things through Me, who strengthens you."<br /><br />"I am with you all day.”<br /><br />“I love you for who you are, not what you do. I am proud of you because you are mine.”<br /><br /><br />Here are some verses to lean into today...<br /><br />There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) <br /><br />For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1) <br /><br />For He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in His sight in love (Ephesians 1:4)</div>
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And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)</div>
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Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) </div>
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We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you... (1 Thessalonians 1:4) </div>
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Look around you... you are part of the beauty you behold... you are His heart with skin on (made in His image, set apart, called His Beloved and adopted into His family in Christ, through Christ)</div>
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In His Love, and By His Grace ~ </div>
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Amy<br /><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "SF Optimized", system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-18180134790155784132015-03-25T10:41:00.002-07:002015-03-25T10:54:40.390-07:00Our Baby's Birth Story and The Number 7 ~ Encouragement for Your "Onward!"<span id="docs-internal-guid-39c7dfb9-5203-af3a-79f6-d5da1da13909"></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-39c7dfb9-5203-af3a-79f6-d5da1da13909"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I consider myself a mainly optimistic, hopeful person of Christ. But lately I’ve been thinking…. sometimes it seems like things will never change. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe it was just having woken up this morning… Newborn, crying. Five year old not responding to requests and questions. Husband telling me that dream we’ve been working toward and hoping for, still is a long way to being “realized”. And, big dreams of who I would be and what I would be doing in this life, echoing in my heart and mind… mostly not yet realized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then my newborn smiled for the first time, and my daughter responded, and my husband hugged me and whispered how it would all be ok, and we will realize all of our dreams, with God’s faithfulness, ever present help, and perfect timing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s so hard to remember His assurances, His promises, His whispers of His great “plans”. But it happens, and I’m writing to you today to tell you to remember His whispers of protection, provision and passion for you, and prophesy and affirm over you …. with Him, all things are possible, and you will behold the “promised land” He’s prepared for you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every heart dream, every peace, every hope. He’s heard our prayers. He sees the need. He knows our hearts. He is making ways, and He is preparing the above all we can dare ask or think blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can I say this? Well, I had forgotten, but He asked me to share the miracle of my daughters birth to assure you “It Is Well”. This was over a month ago. I’m so very sorry for my delay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had the worst third trimester of pregnancy. You name it, and it happened. Discomfort, pain, illness, all of it. My beautiful baby kept on showing in breach position in every scan and follow up. We were nervous and praying feverishly for the situation to change. For her to turn the proper way. Why is it the entering of the miracle of birth is opposite of what one thinks? Why is it that head down is right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All the fervent prayers, and believing and speaking life, and no changes. I was discouraged. Why God? Is my faith not enough to change this situation? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine our surprise when our scheduled cesarean section was upended by God’s and Baby’s choice, as water broke two days prior to it, and Baby was quickly on the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water broke at 1:30am. At the hospital at 2:30am. Upon arrival I was already 6 centimeters dilated. Computer problems, vein locating problems, and all happened along the way. But there was His peace. Every time a contraction would come, I would utter Jesus name through groanings and large breaths. He was there. It was painful, but He was there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baby came to us healthy and blessed at 7 lbs 7 ounces, at 4:03 (which adds to seven) on 2/7. And we were promptly wheeled into room 107, to enjoy our beautiful "gift".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My husband walked into the recovery room with her singing “Seven times Seventy times”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It turns out that the number Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). Hallelujah! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe my baby’s beautiful birth story was assurance, not only for our family, but for all whom our lives are touching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though this time may be hard, the pain present, and the trials difficult, the situation seemingly turned “on it’s head”.... our Greatest God is guiding, and He is planning on not only making ‘it’ perfect, but complete (both Physically and Spiritually). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Father, You’ve spoken dreams, visions and blessings over us all. Please give us strength, courage and hope to remember that Your plans, Your perfect timing and Your miraculous blessings, are going to come to pass, as You’ve shown us. All of our hope continues to be in You and You alone. May we be encouraged in Jesus amazing grace, and perfect love as we wait upon Him and His Kingdom come and will being done in our lives, the lives of our beloveds, and in this earth. In His Matchless and Wonderful Name, I Pray. Amen! </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep moving forward in hope and keep looking up in gratitude, Cherished Ones! </span></span><br />
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-2773667945622836462014-08-04T18:47:00.002-07:002014-08-04T18:55:00.149-07:00Lessons From My 4 Year OldBefore my husband leaves for work everyday, He exchanges "I love you's" and "I'll miss you's" and then asks my daughter and I if there is anything he can get for us, or do for us before he returns home. (And Yes! I do realize how I am blessed!)<br />
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Our daughter always obliges with utmost enthusiasm to this question, and today was no exception. </div>
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She requested a chocolate topped donut with sprinkles. And we went on our way for the day. </div>
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At one point during our day, we happened by a donut shop to retrieve a blessing for someone else, and I offered, at that point, to get our girl her donut. </div>
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She refused my offer, saying, "Daddy will get it for me, Mama", with all gusto and belief in the world, of that fact. </div>
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As I reflected upon this, I realized some spiritual truth and correlation.... </div>
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Do we trust that God will provide what we've asked Him for? </div>
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Are we willing to wait for His when, will and timing? </div>
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Are we willing to wait for Him to provide it to us, and not someone or something else to provide it?</div>
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God wants us to believe Him. Trust with and in faith as small child that He will deliver what our hearts desire is, and know that He always comes through for us!</div>
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Matthew 18:2-4<br />
2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.<br />
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Don't settle. Wait on Him. He won't disappoint. </div>
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He will ever provide. </div>
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He will ever look after you. </div>
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Romans 8:32<br />
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?<br />
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Go In His Love Today, Beloved Ones ~ And Rest in His promise, in faith, like that of a child....His child!<br />
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-16314673667180397702014-05-27T04:40:00.003-07:002014-05-27T04:40:28.352-07:00Morning RevI woke up today with a plan....work out, shower, time with God, email reduction, make breakfast, send hubs off, etc.....<br />
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If there is one thing I know, it's that God has a funny way of standing our plans on their noses! Love Him for it too!<br />
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This morning went so differently than I planned, and I'm so glad it did. <br />
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I won't be working out today.<br />
Instead, I got to text with a friend, and beloved mentor. <br />
I got to hug my daughter for a minute (she's normally stand-offish with me in the morning, so this is a rare gift)<br />
I got to sit, pray for Ya'll, write to Ya'll, and I got to spend a few intentional minutes with God, taking in His beauty and creation song.<br />
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I came across this, in the Word too, and I knew I had to share it (it's just plain slaying me right now - how "on time" this Word is). </div>
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May you be blessed, as I was, and set right, as I was, in starting the day, and the rest of the week to come, in and through it!...</div>
<br />1 Timothy 6 (MSG).....<br /><br />6-8 A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough....<br /><br />11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.<br /><br />18-19 .... Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.<br /><br />20-21 And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.<br /><br />Overwhelming grace keep you!<br /><br />Indeed! His grace is sufficient! He is more than enough, and You, Beloveds, are more than conquerors in and through Him! Take this truth and fact with you as you begin this work week! <div>
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In His Love ~ Amy O xo</div>
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This life is a gift...take hold of, treasure it and by God's will and means....ENJOY IT! (Preaching to myself now too!) :-) .....</div>
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<b>EXPLORE</b></div>
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<b>ENJOY</b></div>
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<b>EMBRACE</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRIHG_ZkMsrwXqjz1ijNnJhLJp5Obyq_sDh9K8t3KC3vLNla-numvd1PzGw8F3ncfZkdApazGVvsYLgxDS8vkHacydKA5uux9t-bRDlKsrVKsg7w0TAovuxMAlMPiJ-qkVC7VK91LZJE/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRIHG_ZkMsrwXqjz1ijNnJhLJp5Obyq_sDh9K8t3KC3vLNla-numvd1PzGw8F3ncfZkdApazGVvsYLgxDS8vkHacydKA5uux9t-bRDlKsrVKsg7w0TAovuxMAlMPiJ-qkVC7VK91LZJE/s1600/love.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."(Revelation 3:8, NKJV)</div>
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REMEMBER....YOU ARE:<br /><br />A child of God, saved by grace, alive to God and dead to sin, sanctified, a new creation, reconciled to God, free, justified, chosen, adopted by God, accepted, forgiven, predestined, raised and seated in heavenly realms, created for good works, called to eternal glory, more than a conqueror, an overcomer, never forsaken . . . (~ Christine Caine)<br /><br />YOU ARE the righteousness of God in Christ!<br />This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (Romans 3:22) <div>
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And one step at a time WITH HIM, FOR HIM, IN HIM.....</div>
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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)</div>
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His Grace Is Sufficient! By grace, through faith, we are changed and everything changes!....</div>
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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV)<div>
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He's commissioned You to do greater things....</div>
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“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12, NKJV).Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-3433054979603657042014-05-22T11:02:00.000-07:002014-05-22T11:02:31.672-07:00He Is - "I Am"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the privilege of going to worship last night amongst brothers and sisters in NYC, with Kim Walker Smith and Kristene Dimarco of Jesus Culture as the worship leaders. One thing that Kristene sang unto God, was "We believe who You say You Are!". The room, and my heart and spirit erupted in agreement. Yes. Exactly. </div>
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<br />No matter what we are going through today. No matter what's coming against us, acting as a really pressing matter, or a "thorn in the flesh", may we believe God, and Who He says He is! <br /><br />Because when we really believe Him. When we believe in the God of All, the God of Miracles, the God of our Salvation, the God Who Was and Is And Is to Come....It doesn't matter if the relief comes, or things "it"/"they" change/s, because He is truly all we need. Of course, He answers every prayer. It may not be in the timing we desire, or the way we hoped, but all our hope should be in Him to know what we need, and not what we want! <br /><br />This excerpt from Exodus 3, speaks so greatly to my heart this morning, and what I am attempting in exhorting/reminding us of....<br /><br />12 God said, I will surely be with you; and this shall be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.<br /><br />13 And Moses said to God, Behold, when I come to the Israelites and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, What is His name? What shall I say to them?<br /><br />14 And God said to Moses, I Am Who I Am and What I Am, and I Will Be What I Will Be; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I Am has sent me to you!<br /><br />15 God said also to Moses, This shall you say to the Israelites: The Lord, the God of your fathers, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has sent me to you! This is My name forever, and by this name I am to be remembered to all generations.<br /><br />May Your perception of the Greatness of Your God become over-abundant today. <br /><br />May His Love overwhelm and assure Your aching, longing heart.<br /><br />May His Peace, surpass every understanding, and take root in your Spirit assuring you of His steadfast faithfulness. <br /><br />May His Joy overwhelm You, in abundance, to the full, to overflowing, that You may share Him with All whose lives He blesses you to be touching.<br /><br />May His Justice overwhelm You, and You stand up to be an Artisan of Hope, Ambassador of Reconciliation, and Agent of Grace. (~ E Cho)<br /><br />May His Fire, Set within Your soul, and May Your desire of more of Him lead you to more than you can dare ask or think. <br /><br />May You take hold of this truth today.....I’m just one, but I’m one with The One who made heaven and earth. And nothing is impossible for the one who has The One!<br /><br />"Now arise in the fullness of your union with our Lord." Philippians 4:1 TPT<br /><br />God Bless you, Beloved Ones!<br /><br />In His Love and Ever and Only By His Grace ~ Amy O<div>
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If you've not ever accepted Jesus as Your Lord, please reach out to me, through the "contact" section. I want to pray with you! </div>
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Here's some relevant worship songs I felt led to share that go along with this encouragement....</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9P1wdJqGdA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9P1wdJqGdA</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m41WT4_SJWM&feature=kp">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m41WT4_SJWM&feature=kp</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tZ1fWz4fAE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tZ1fWz4fAE</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMNIDW8Vho">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMNIDW8Vho</a></div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-73037374663117476022014-05-08T05:54:00.003-07:002014-05-08T05:54:52.184-07:00Feeling Powerless Today? Giving Is The Best Medicine! I couldn't think of a more worthy causes to give to today....My heart is aching. I may be one, but I can do something....So can you! God answers prayers, through His people! And we heal ourselves as we give unto others! Love wins! <div>
<br /><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/05/half-the-sky-when-youre-ready-to-act-to-bring-all-girls-back-the-esther-initiative/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29">http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/05/half-the-sky-when-youre-ready-to-act-to-bring-all-girls-back-the-esther-initiative/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29</a><br />
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Another simply beautiful and utterly meaningful cause to give toward......</div>
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Searching for a meaningful Mother's Day gift? The best things in life aren't things! Honor a mother by helping to create change in the lives of hundreds of women and children in need. In 2014 Education and Hope is providing scholarships to 212 children and young adults. Over 100 students now attend our after school program where they receive hot meals, tutoring, showers, medical care and love in a family-centered environment. Education and Hope is proud to provide stable employment to 46 people, many of whom are single mothers, the sole source of income for their family. Our support is having a tremendous positive impact on hundreds of lives. Make a secure online gift on our website and include a note in the comment section to let us know who we can send an acknowledgment to, via notecard or email. The blog post below will give you an idea of what your donation amount means to our program. Thank you for being a part of our important work!</div>
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<a href="http://educationandhopeblog.org/">http://educationandhopeblog.org/</a></div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-38419344921217050542014-05-08T05:46:00.004-07:002014-05-08T05:46:41.569-07:00A Prayer and Blessing for TodayMay God speak peace to your soul and calm to your storm. May you sense His nearness even when the winds blow. May you know His joy and strength from the top of your head to the tips your toes. May the hope He stirs in your heart cause you to live with a holy expectancy and trust that this storm too shall pass. And, in the days ahead, may His very real love for you compel you to dance in the rain before the sun breaks through. He goes before you, He's got your back, and He's there, just around the bend. He'll never forsake you. May you entrust your whole soul to Him tonight/today! ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deeperlifeinchrist">Susie Larson</a> <br /><br />Father ~ May it be well with us. No matter what things look like. Be with us in triumph and in trial. Help us to keep moving forward with hope and keep looking up with gratitude! Help us to ever remember that the wind and the waves still know Your Name. In Jesus Name. Amen! <div>
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<div>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-11800129471424855612014-04-30T07:25:00.002-07:002014-04-30T07:25:30.136-07:00My Personal Testimony and a Reflection on Resting in God<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi, I’m Amy. And, I have trust and abandonment issues. </div>
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My biological father was a troubled, angry, problem-laden,
hurting man, from what I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, it’s by God’s grace that I survived my first few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
My mom was a scared 16 year old, when she had me. I know she
always did the best she could to protect and provide for me. Looking back, I’m
so grateful she had the sense of mind she did, despite all she was going
through (most of which I’ll never truly know of, I’m sure).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Eventually, my mom would meet and marry a good, hard-working
man, who endeavored to love and legally adopt me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My biological father never showed up to contest it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I didn’t see him after the age
of four, I think. I believe God to be convicting his heart, even then, despite
him not knowing God, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I pray
he knows Him now) I believe by choosing not to be present, my biological father
was choosing to try and give me a better/the best life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s a hard thing, you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A soul knows abandonment and rejection even when not old
enough to comprehend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
battling with the abandonment, and ineptness of flesh and blood, for so long.
But, as a wise friend once said, “Sometimes the best example is what not to
do”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is truth and fuel in
this. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raised Roman Catholic, I believed in God, but I was far from
Him in relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was truly
saved in high school. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A wildly vibrant blond gal in my class simply known as the
resident “Jesus Freak” (will ever be thankful to God for her) invited me to her
Baptist youth group meeting, and I loved it. I don’t remember the exact moment
or day I became saved, but I know I believed in Jesus, and I know I prayed the
sinner’s prayer, and I know I believed and was very grateful for His saving
grace, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More prominently, I
remember being wildly torn about fitting in to the in crowd, but wanting
desperately to stay in God’s will, out of sin. All of my friends up to the
point were sexually active and drug and alcohol curious and pursuant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a terrible battle. There was such a God-sized hole in
my soul. I wish I had the strength then to choose to be filled by Him and Him
alone, no matter the persecution I feared it would have brought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanting to be wanted can truly drive
one to doing the most futile things, and stay around the other hurting ones/people.
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I ended up graduating and heading off to college in Rhode
Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose the only thing
aside from singing that I was being recognized for, and receiving positive
feedback for… riding horses. And with that, my spirit crying out and sensing my
poor decisions and misdirection, I chose to lose myself entirely to a life of
sin, addiction, and self-sabotage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those were incredibly lonely years. </div>
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I worked and went to school all the time. Working hard became
a covering for what was really going on. No amount of money made, or time spent
making it, could fix that hole in my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That need to be needed, that need to be wanted, that need to
be loved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s shuddering,
however, what the soul believes is love and life, in the midst of utter junk
that it chooses. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I eventually was chosen to study a year abroad in Holland.
It was there that the ugliest of turns was taken, and I chose to enter an
adulterous relationship. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon returning from Holland, I was in the worst of ways. A
scared, lonely, confused woman living as if a child, back in her parents home,
now needing to become apart of the “real world”, yet so longing to be detached
from anything having to do with such an ugly world. </div>
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I found a job training horses in Pawling, NY, which
eventually lent itself to me job-hopping until I found myself in Florida. It
was always one excuse or another, but I really was always just trying to
escape. Later I would realize that it was myself that was the inescapable constant.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I accepted the devil’s lies. I believed that I wasn’t good
enough. Nobody wanted me. Nobody loved me. I was never going to succeed. I was
a failure. I was a nobody, from nowhere, bound to do nothing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost myself to physical relationships
with men, thinking that if I could just give men what they wanted, eventually
someone would choose to keep me around for my willingness to meet their
physical needs and desires. The only time I ever talked to God was to beg Him
for me not to get pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
to be married and begin a life with someone, one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind, even if someone did choose me, I believed I
would never really know what true love is. Love as I knew it, was a battlefield
of misuse, and manipulation. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember being so overwhelmed, and so at my wit’s end,
that one night while doing a security night check at the horse barn, I began
crying uncontrollably and sank to the floor, barely able to breath. I had a
cousin, just days before, give me the number to her therapist, whom she said
was an excellent one; and I pulled up the number on my phone, and at 11PM at
night, I dialed it, and she answered. And an appointment was set. Years of
therapy with this woman would become a catalyst to helping me deal with much of
the pain I was carrying, and also be a blessing to what God is showing me is
becoming a ministry. (God makes ways)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, the fact remained…. I was angry, and while in so much
anguish one day, while riding a horse that I was to train for sale, I got angry
with her, and the horse checked out and reared and fell over backwards on the
both of us; and my leg was broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And suddenly I found myself, unable to “work”. I was forced to rest and
reflect. To stop the incessant movement was near torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broken tibia. Broken hand. Broken heart.
Broken life. I was at rock bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I really thought I was dead, and if I wasn’t, I wanted to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God….</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It just so happened that I had taken a side job, which was
to start in a few days following this incident. You see, it wasn’t an accident.
What the enemy intends for evil, God always intends for good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God makes ways…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was to stay overnight with the kids from a family
originally out of Wisconsin, who enjoyed their winter months in Florida. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents were going away for a week
and needed someone to oversee their 4 girls in the evenings, ages 7 to 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Even with injury, they chose to keep me in that job, which
was a tremendous blessing, because I had immediately gotten fired from my main
job after being injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, this opportunity not only afforded me a safe haven to
recover, but a way to recover and still pay bills while recovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(God makes ways)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t say that I repented and sought God at this point,
though I know I was feeling lucky to have survived. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Eventually after 6 months I was healed and ready to find a
more permanent placement. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are made to rest, to take a step back from the “normal”,
even through vicious and upending circumstances, it isn’t a bad thing, unless
you look at it through skeptical, and pessimistic eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I was so busy keeping busy to avoid the truths that caused
my true pain, my internal pain, I was not allowing myself a chance to heal or
turn to my Savior King. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life can
sweep you up, even if you aren’t really enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s sometimes so much easier to stay in the pain, or stay a
lone-island, than face the root of it all! It’s easier to stay in the familiar
of pain, rather than rest in the peace that God offers. Unfamiliar territory is
still scary, even if it’s landscape is much better, and offers so much more
than the one, one is used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
God….</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I returned to NY, and found a job in a relocation company
in Danbury, CT. This was a miracle in and of itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was terribly unmarketable, even though with business
degree, my expertise was in horse training and farm management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God…. </div>
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The wife of one of my mother’s cousins worked there and
recommended me, and that is the only way I was hired. </div>
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There I met a raw, beautiful, single mother, and
un-coincidentally, the administrative executive for the team on which I was
placed (God makes ways), who invited me to her church one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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At this point, I found my way into singing for a wedding
band, and such. I was still living a life of sin. I kind of shirked at the idea
of walking into a church as a hypocritical mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God…</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
One Sunday morning in October 2005, I woke up in the bed of
a co-worker in New Milford, CT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t know what had proceeded the night before, but I felt as filthy in my
soul, as I looked and smelt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got
in my car and began to drive home, and I remember being completely “done” with
everything. I finally got real with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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I remember driving, crying terribly, and saying “God what
I’m doing is not working”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
an AHA (revelation) moment. And just as I submitted, just as I finished saying
those words, there was the church (to which my single mom administrative
executive friend invited me), and it’s enormous front and cross, appearing to
my right, and I turned my car into that parking lot. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I remember standing in the way back, away from everyone, but
I remember the feeling I felt. I felt as if I found a safe place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A home base. Someplace different. A way
for change to happen. And the music. The singers. They were so wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking “I’m going to do
that!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hope welled within me
that I hadn’t experienced before. </div>
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Months later, I would try out for choir, and that very
night, meet my husband. </div>
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Ironically, I would pursue a relationship with him
originally because I was looking for someone to be a roommate with, and he
seemed to have it all together with a stable job, and outlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God…</div>
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One night on the way home from a date/concert in the city, I
felt and saw him (I had my head resting on his chest) through the reflection of
the glass on the train, praying silently over me. And in that moment, I knew
that I would marry the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
had ever cared enough to pray for me. </div>
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We would be engaged 3 months later. Married 1 year later. </div>
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He would later tell me that my tenacity for encouraging and
witnessing him improve himself in his own life, with his own boundaries with
family and friends, would bless his love for me further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It’s wild how I could help and encourage this man change for
the better, yet I was still so stuck in my own life, ways, bad habits from the
past, etc… While I had sworn off drugs, drinking and even sex (until we
married), I was still so very damaged and manipulative in my comings, goings,
thinking and doings. </div>
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I began to learn and grow and be blessed with Christ-ordained
friendships in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began
to learn God’s Word. I began to believe it and speak it. </div>
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God would use my husband also, and his blessed patience,
persistence, consistency and stability to be a tangible reflection of His
unfailing, grace-filled, miraculous, constant love. </div>
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My husband is like no other that I’ve ever met in this
world. Matchless in compassion, understanding, wisdom and relationship with God
Himself, he is my angel, and my closest friend. God truly chose for me above
all I can ask or think. </div>
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I often struggle still, thinking, I’m so undeserving of such
love, both with Jesus and my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But then He sings over me as in Zephaniah 3:17 “I am in your midst. I am
mighty to save, and mighty to deliver. I will quiet you with my love. You are
my beloved upon whom my favor rests”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I tremble, and gasp. Such love. Such unfailing love. Who am I that
God Himself should bless me so? And the blessings, they continue…</div>
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A day before I found out that I was pregnant with my answer
(my daughter’s name means “God has answered”), I was laid off from my job. It
was devastating at first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found
such identity in being useful in a job. Once again, in my mind, I was being
rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God…</div>
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Once we found out we were pregnant, we determined I would be
staying at home with our baby. </div>
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And then the foundation of my spiritual walk came to be.
Every day for 9 months, I sat and listened to sermons on TBN. Joyce Meyer,
Creflo Dollar, Paula White, Joel Osteen, Charles Stanley. You name the preacher
and I was listening and taking notes, the whole day through. The foundation I
received in my walk with Christ through this time period is still proving
priceless to me. But, He ordained it to be so. He made me to rest, so I could “find”
Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In various ways since, God has made me to walk through
uncomfortable situations in challenging my unhealthy connections,
relationships, boundaries, and damaged defense mechanisms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I imagine He will continue to. In
order to be birthed, one must be pushed, and through really narrow and dark
places at that! </div>
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God has been forcing me to rest, and rest in Him, and pushed
me all along in that, in ways that otherwise seemed devastating. But they were
not. He’s proven them not to be. </div>
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These were just big wake up calls and ways to help me
strengthen my foundation in Him, for the next glories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s proven to never leave me or
forsake me. He’s proven over and over that He loves me, and while I’m peculiar,
I’m called to be a prophet unto the nations, singing and speaking of His
steadfast love and faithfulness! An encourager and exhorter in the body of
Christ, and worshipper of all that He is. Omnipotent. Omniscient. Able.
Faithful. Mighty God!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Had God allowed me to remain on my planned paths, He only
knows where I’d be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shudder to
think, but He truly does work all things for good to those who love Him and who
are called according to His purpose. He makes ways when they are no ways, but
not in ways we may believe or feel are not good at all! </div>
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If there is ever an admonition chant about rest, I can say
it’s this…. Believe God, no matter what it looks like. </div>
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He always comes through. There comes a time in every
believer’s life that your faith will be tested. I exhort you today, you must
believe the report of the Lord. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We must make a choice to believe God. No matter what we are
going through, no matter what our situations, no matter how bad it looks, we
must trust God! We must choose to believe. Take Him at His word. He loves us
too much to leave us the same. He will change us in and through rest that comes
through shock at times. But He will mold you, the clay, for He is the best
potter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes the Bread,
blesses the Bread, breaks the Bread, and then gives the Bread. We are the
Bread. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Go with God and Grow! I
know I will ever be! </div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-46801992016066641432014-04-30T06:18:00.002-07:002014-04-30T06:18:41.778-07:00Resting & Ruminating in Remembrance of His Grace & GoodnessOne of my favorite songs is "Waiting Here For You". Here is the link to watch/listen to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
It's a simple heart cry, and speaks about Waiting on God in hopeful, faithful, expectation for His help to move mountains, and adoring Him in it, and through it all. </div>
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I sing along with Christy Nockels, with every heart conviction, and cling to and believe in, every Word, when I do. Yet, in my life, in the thick of a going-through-ugly moment, I forget about God's faithfulness and might, and I doubt, in fear. </div>
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And ever still, I'm baffled, as God has delivered me from so many things, pits and people. How could I forget His goodness, despite so many deliverances? </div>
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Oh, how I'm ever learning that the Kingdom of God is completely reverse from everything naturally known and observed. I know this, yet still, I can be drawn to doubt and unbelief. Truly I know exactly "where" that man in the Word was when he cried in Mark 9:24, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Yes, I am ever, chronically human.<br />
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He says in His Word...My ways and thoughts are not your ways and thoughts, My ways and thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:8) </div>
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Indeed. In resting and reflecting this morning, I feel so very humbled, and so very blessed, as I remember upon how far He's brought me. How greatly He's saved me. And how greatly He forgives me for my doubt, time after time. </div>
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<div>
And this prayer and confession came up via Rick Renner (one of my most treasured bible teachers).... Yes, this is my heart-call-song this morning, and every day, really (Yours also?)....</div>
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Lord, it is true that You have worked so many miracles in my life. If I were to <br />
try to recount all the times You have saved me, delivered me, rescued me, gotten me out of trouble, put me on a right path, and blessed me when I didn’t deserve it, I wouldn’t have enough time to recite them all! So how could I ever question that You would be with me right now in my present challenge? Of course You are with me and will help me. Forgive me for being so hardhearted as to forget what You have already done for me. And I thank You right now that You are going to help me this time too! I pray this in Jesus’ name!</div>
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And, I confess that I am not forgetful of the many ways God has worked in my life. I am mindful of His mercy and grace and I praise Him for it every day. I am a living testimony of His power. He is my Redeemer, my Healer, my Deliverer, and my Provider. He is the One who rescues me from harm and who meets my every need. I am fully supplied in every area of my life because of the promises God has made to me in His Word! I declare this by faith in Jesus' Matchless Name!</div>
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So may you ever be encouraged, in God. </div>
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As Christine Caine (another favorite bible teacher of mine) exhorts this morning..... It is essential that we allow for “PAUSE” moments in our lives, because it is in those times that we can hear the voice of God, be reminded of His greatness, rest in His presence and allow His peace to be established in every area of our lives.<br />
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Be still, and know that I am God . . . —Psalm 46:10a (ESV)<br />
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Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lordyour God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6</div>
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Reflect on all He is, all He's done and all He's given</div>
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Your Father Walks With You, Especially in the Uphill going</div>
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Blue Skies, And Green Fields (above all you can dare ask or think), Await you on the other side </div>
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Your Father is ever watching over you, ever near, on the long road</div>
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Count your blessings one by one - They are ever all around you</div>
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Walk with Your Father hand in hand, through "it" All. He never leaves or forsakes you. He loves you with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3)</div>
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Amen! Much Love to You, Beloved Ones of God. God Bless your day! </div>
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By His Grace ~ Amy O</div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-63465163838680134472014-04-29T06:57:00.001-07:002014-04-29T06:57:07.288-07:00My One, True CallingPerhaps it's watching my child grow rapidly in leaps and bounds before my eyes, daily...<br /><br /><div>
Perhaps it's reading and experiencing (in) the news of how quickly life can change, end, and be upheaved in a moment...<br /></div>
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Perhaps it's just a feeling so humble and vulnerable in this quiet moment of reflection and immersing with God, the Father. Oh how His amazing grace has saved me so, and keeps on saving me, ever day! ...<br /><br />In all of these experiences, my heart is filled to bursting with the Holy Call that I might share Him more than ever with All (Mark 16:15)<br /><br />Lord, I am concerned for my family, friends, acquaintances, and fellow workers who still don’t know You as their personal Savior. I’ve been concerned that if I tried to talk to them, I wouldn’t make sense, so I’ve shied away from witnessing to them. But I know You can make sense out of anything I say. Today I am leaning on You to help me witness to people in my life. I need You to speak to their hearts at the same time I’m speaking to their ears! Please help me tell them about Your saving grace!<br /><br />I confess that I am a witness for Jesus Christ! I open my mouth and speak the truth in love, and people want to hear what I have to tell them. This is the best news in the whole world — and when I tell it, people get excited and want to give their lives to Jesus. I am not afraid to speak up, to speak out, and to speak on behalf of my precious Savior. What He has done for me, He will do for others, for He is not a respecter of persons. Therefore, I will boldly tell of the grace of God and what He has done for me!<br /><br />I declare this by faith in Jesus' name! ~ R Renner<br /><br />God Bless you today, Beloveds! Be sure to tell of THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE! Sing of His Love Forever! Your life is Your Worship! <br /><br />In His Love and Only, Ever By His Grace ~ Amy O</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-65598602430362899942014-04-29T03:58:00.001-07:002014-04-29T03:58:11.803-07:00Resurrection Day = Every DayEvery day He wakes us, is a good day. New Day. New Mercies. Ever-Jesus, now!<br />
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Because He lives<br />I can face tomorrow<br />Because He lives<br />All fear is gone<br />Because I know<br />He holds the future<br />And life is worth the living<br />Just because He lives<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /><br />
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<br />Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-3915786524988641872014-04-29T03:46:00.003-07:002014-04-29T03:46:39.219-07:00Brief Reflections for Today....This came to me as a word in due season, yesterday, and I felt led to share it here, as it may encourage you too....<br /><br />When you've perpetually pondered problems in the pit. Pick yourself up and purpose to permanently persevere in passionate pursuit as His prodigal protege! <br /><br />Lift up my head to remember Your way is downward, Your truth is sacred, and Your life is enough. May I have the courage to pursue Your ideas of success, accomplishment, and arrival. Move us forward in Your name. ~ John 14:6 ~ E FreemanGr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-1450417294254143482014-04-28T19:50:00.002-07:002014-04-28T19:50:49.072-07:00Failure or Forward Progress? ~ I Cannot - God Can! Good Day, Ya'll! <br /><br />Another Personal Share (hoping to encourage you in your own struggle and journey, as I'm transparent and vulnerable).....<br /><br />The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again..... ~ Proverbs 24:16<br /><br />Oh boy, I've tripped again! Truthfully, I have tripped so many times in one particular area. Much more than 7.<br /><br />My husband and I will be celebrating 7 years marriage, roughly 8 years together in May.<br /><br />While a glorious occasion, no doubt, something plagues me. It seems as I have made some progress in certain areas, yet I am just stuck in others.<br /><br />Particularly when it comes to financial stewardship and management.<br /><br />This is where I usually insert/place blame in growing up in a financial-management challenged home. But that is just an excuse. I'm a "big girl", and I have every ample opportunity to have learned, grown, and improved in this area.<br /><br />I can say....I've tried just about everything...budget sheets, tracking avenues, envelope cash only systems (thank you, Dave Ramsey), but somewhere the pride in me keeps me from changing my ways in a healthier fashion.<br /><br />My husband confessed to me early last night that he was restless and couldn't sleep well because he felt that "we weren't doing well financially again". I knew we had overspent the budget this month despite God really showing up and providing extra $$ favor. Truthfully I had stopped keeping track a week ago by how much our overage was, because I knew I had failed again. Avoidance just delays the inevitable truth, unfortunately.<br /><br />I have been given the entrustment and stewardship of grocery and miscellaneous spending in our marriage. I think I've stuck to budget only 1 month out of the 8 years that we've been together. Yeah, I know. Sad. And I've never been under budget. We've saved nothing, all this time. <br /><br />I'm bleeding out here. I've given the responsibility of budget management and grocery shopping to my very patient, ever understanding, ever compassionate husband, only to take it back to try and prove myself again, yet, always seem to fail in it.<br /><br />I've had pride up until this point, now I can feel every bit of me sad over consistent failure, and willingly, I let go last night.<br /><br />As my husband, rightfully, again, was going over his observations and concerns, I crumbled.<br /><br />We have so many dreams and visions. We want a house with a big yard for our children to play in freely, and to retreat to without close-quarter condo living and all of it's interesting ins and outs. We also have tremendously burdened hearts to help and give to others, like never before. No doubt my giving from our misc budget this month is one of the causes of overage. Makes for a hard-pressed "cheerful heart" in giving. But still I know I must and will give somehow! Just how?<br /><br />I once heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results! I believe God has sustained us all this time by grace, but He cannot and will not promote us if I don't completely either give into humility in this area, and also change my ways. Oh how I long to be that Proverbs 31 woman! I seem so far from it, most of the time! Here's to ever-growth in Christ!<br /><br />I keep on suggesting that I'm happy to get a part time job, but my beloved husband says no. He's already working so hard, two jobs. And it causes my heart pain to know how hard he is working, and how much I'm foiling his efforts, in a sense. He puts it/says it, this way... It doesn't matter if the hole in the bucket is large or small, no matter how much water you put in it, it's going to leach out if there is a hole at all!<br /><br />He's right.<br /><br />Bottom line: My poor choices and lack of progress in this all, are causing our dream achievement, helping hand, and heart desires to be delayed, so I will stop trying, because I can't. But He, can! I think it is Staci Eldridge who puts it so eloquently, "Christ in you can! Christ through you!!! Christ in you - the hope of glory!!! Inhale Jesus, Exhale Self!" <br /><br />So, I've fallen again...but I'm not completely out. God has woken me up (picked me back up) today, so He's not done with me yet. New day, new mercies, and new beginnings, in Him. <br /><br />So I will take hold of the fear, shame and doubt, cast my cares, dust myself off from the fall in the dirt again, and keep going forward with Him. His strength is made perfect in my weakness His Word says. Lord I believe, yet help my unbelief!<br /><br />And then this final thought came as I was just about to post this....<br /><br />"Sometimes I feel like my doubts and shortcomings make Jesus seem weak, but it’s me that is in a moment of weakness. He is strong enough for my doubts. I’m so thankful for His faithfulness! He will cause my victory, in His will & time and through my faith in action! And also, even in moments of fear or doubt, we are still charged to tell others about Jesus." ~ Renee Swope<br /><br />“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Victory is nigh! I must confess it and believe it, no matter what the "now" looks like.<br /><br />I love the vulnerability Christ displays when he called Thomas in close to reveal his scars (John 20:19-31). In sharing today, my heart hope is that I would be diligent about sharing my “hole-i-ness” with others so that ultimately they might see and know their own, and remember upon God’s mightiest works and believe!<br /><br />Lord, today I pray my eyes, my mind, and my heart are set on You, no matter the circumstances. And Lord, help me to change my ways, and walk more responsibly, creatively, uprightly that I might be blessed and be a blessing! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.<br /><br />Have a beautiful day, Beloved Ones! I pray it’s filled with God’s loving presence, favor and grace!<br /><br />Thanks for being my sounding boards, and my inspirations!<br /><br />Love, Grace and Peace ~ Amy OGr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-20508946013490149382014-04-28T03:48:00.001-07:002014-04-28T03:48:19.485-07:00You and I - John The Baptist-like? <div class="MsoNormal">
Reading in John 1 this morning....here are a few of my observations/takeaways.....</div>
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This Chapter is written by the Apostle John, about John the
Baptist. </div>
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It mainly points to God being divinely man. </div>
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There are a few things about John the Baptist that tickle me
a bit, because they reference similar calls on our own lives....</div>
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* He's divinely appointed messenger for Jesus (points the
way to Him)</div>
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* He's a preacher who's theme is repentance.
(turn away from the old ways and habits/cling to new ones in Christ
that serve you better/best)</div>
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* He's a fearless confronter (while I may not be this
completely yet, I find encouragement and comfort in knowing God is ever giving
me opportunities to grow in this "weakness" because He wants me to be
more like one of His greatest prophets! you too?) </div>
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* He's known for his remarkable lifestyle (enough said)
:-</div>
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* He's known as uncompromising (And Amen = in business, in family, in heart, in home, in travel....you are
the light of the world, His light to point people to Him! Your integrity and
character, and encouragement draw people unto you, and therefore unto Him!)
:-) </div>
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Lastly, taking a cue from the first sentences in this
Chapter....Jesus is the Word. Stay in THE WORD! :-) </div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-38990065590901470452014-04-02T06:07:00.000-07:002014-04-02T06:07:13.370-07:00A Tearful Inner-Tantrum, Tumultuous Tribulation, and Terrific TestimonyWhat words could there be for such a Great God?! One Who will never leave or forsake. One Who loves so furiously and endlessly. <br /><br />I have a testimony, and I feel led to share it here, because I know we all could use a little encouragement right now. May this bless You! <br /><br />What words are there when one who tries to encourage, isn't encouraged themselves? <br /><br />When the past 2 days have been hell, with endless tears, and heart ache. And the questions come flying through the mind and heart...Why the same old mountain, God? Why the same old hurts? <br /><br />When self pity takes over and one chooses to no longer cling to truth because it's become so clouded and faint in the overwhelming midst of unbelief and distrust. And then the revelation....pick yourself up Girl, this is no way for a woman of God to act and believe. Choose life, not death. <br /><br />And the forgiveness pleas come even as I turn the key in the door to leave to begin the day. And what seems the ever present request, passes my lips and sings over my heart and head yet again...Help me, Lord...<br /><br />Then the storm grows more wild.....<br /><br />What words are there when the mechanic tells you that the problem you thought needed fixing, was not actually the problem? <br /><br />That you've been driving around in your vehicle and the actual brakes aren't functioning, and the miracle is we are still alive. The physical brakes have seized and need replacing. Just as the proverbial brakes need fixing/replacing, otherwise you aren't safe. And then comes the quote near $1000 to fix the problem. And you don't have it. And you don't know how you will ever have it. There is nothing left when the bills are paid at the end of the month. How, God? Why, God? <br /><br />Phone calls are made, and a kind soul can fix the car today, for $625 plus tax instead, and you go, thankful for any reprieve at all, yet still so unsure as you drive in your currently unsafe vehicle into an even bigger storm. Lord, will You calm these winds and waves? Where is Your favor? Where is this peace that surpasses all understanding that You've declared You've given? <br /><br />The sun is shining strong and consistent for the first day in forever, outside, and the winter is slowly exiting stage right, yet the dark storm cloud of issue and pain still looms within. <br /><br />As you walk and wait, you look to the child entrusted to you with thanks over experiencing their joy and thrill of being outside in the coming of this new season, your mind overwhelms your trust capacity. How? Why? God, Help?! She trusts so easily. She is loved, provided for, and protected. She trusts. May I be more like this precious little child, God! <br /><br />And you return to the mechanic when the repairs have been said to have been completed and you breath deep, handing over the credit card. You brace for the blow. The total charge is $666. Indeed the enemy has had a hand in this trial. It is stamped in the number of the cost of it. But, God?! God why have you permitted this? And, for one of the first times ever, the answer comes quick and sure!<br /><br />The cashier leaves your credit card in your hand, and gives you your keys, and the unthinkable, unfathomable grace-laden words come. The ones You never expected.... "It's already taken care of!" <br /><br />How? Why? And the whisper comes quiet and sure, 'My Beloved One, Do you trust Me?' <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!<br /><br />And then you turn and someone who's rendered so much hurt, is there, with compassion in their eyes, and hands you happily and freely, another card with credit on it enough to help cover groceries for the rest of the month. Even now my enemies are showing me loving kindness. <br /><br />Could it be? My God, My God, You HAVE NOT forsaken me! My own Isaiah 61:7 promise coming to pass before my very eyes....<br /><br />'Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.' (NIV)<br /><br />And still the same questions can come "God, How? Why?" But these don't matter. They never did. Just like my natural storm never mattered, nor my self-imposed mind over truth storm never mattered either. <br /><br />Because when you are His child, the only formidable question that can be formed is ..... "How could you believe that He loved you enough to die for You, yet not believe He loves You enough to call, sustain, fight for or provide for you through 'It' 'All'?! <br /><br />It is by grace through our faith (given in every measure) that we are saved. Likewise, it is by grace through faith that we are changed. We need only believe. He has seen and will see us through the/(HIS) REST. <br /><br /><div>
If there were ever a declaration from our Jesus today that we must grab hold of and put on as the only armor strong enough to overcome in the struggle/battle (that is THE LORDS), it is this...<br /><br />IT IS FINISHED! <br /><br />I leave you with some deeply relevant scripture truth and encoruagement today...the only words I know to leave after such a God-glorifying testimony. Be loved today, and be His love, Daughters of THE King! Place every hope and trust in Him Who Saves, Delivers and Quiets Us with His Love! (Zeph 3:17) He's Everything we need! <br /><br />1 John 3 (MSG)<br /><br />What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.<br /><br />But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.....For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.<br /><br />Psalm 29:10-11<br /><br />Above the floodwaters is God’s throne<br /> from which his power flows,<br /> from which he rules the world.<br />God makes his people strong.<br />God gives his people peace.<br /><br />Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG) This is God’s Word on the subject....I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
A Prayer for Peace: God, You know everything I'm dealing with and I'm thankful for that. I just need to feel the power of Your presence. Lord, help me take my focus off my circumstances and put it right on You. Take my worry, frustration and fear, and give me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me see things from Your point of view. You're not intimidated by anything. You have complete control over everything. No matter what happens today, I know You'll give me the grace to get through it in victory. Even now I am filled with peace and joy because Your presence is with me. Lord, I thank You for Your peace and I pray that You would use me as a witness of Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen. (Joyce Meyer Ministries)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In His Love and Only By His Grace ~</div>
<div>
Amy O</div>
</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-9266236995571547962014-03-01T17:34:00.000-08:002014-03-02T17:59:01.414-08:00Surprise!
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I love how God prompts our Littles to bless us with truths
and wisdoms.<br />
<br />
There is simple beauty in receiving a needed "word", "out of the
mouths of babes".<br />
<br />
Yesterday, while sharing with a beloved friend, my daughter, my
"answer", whom had been happily coloring beside me, asked me for
help. When I gladly obliged, I asked her what color she wanted me to help with
specifically to help finish the coloring. She enthusiastically replied,
"Surprise me, Mama!", and proceeded to leave and go play. She trusted
me to help, and she casted her cares and proceeded with other adventures.<br />
<br />
How this speaks to me, and gives me the answer in which I was seeking not only
for me, but for my beloved friend.<br />
<br />
We must trust God to help. Ask for His help. Ask Him to surprise you. Cast that
care and keep moving forward. He is and will answer you, above all You can
dare, ask and think!<br />
<br />
Psalm 142:5 ~ "I cry to you, LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my
portion in the land of the living."<br />
<br />
Psalm 30:2 "LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed
me."<br />
<br />
Psalm 28<br />
Common English Bible (CEB)<br />
I cry out to you, Lord.<br />
You are my rock; don’t refuse to hear me.....<br />
6 Bless the Lord<br />
because he has listened to my request for mercy!<br />
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield.<br />
My heart trusts him.<br />
I was helped, my heart rejoiced,<br />
and I thank him with my song.<br />
8 The Lord is his people’s strength;<br />
he is a fortress of protection for his anointed one.<br />
9 Save your people, God!<br />
Bless your possession!<br />
Shepherd them and carry them for all time!</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-71465169613498848152014-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:002014-03-02T17:58:37.114-08:00Frozen....A Revelation and Soliloquy<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day, Disney movie "Frozen" came out on
iTunes for purchase....and guess who were one of the first house holds to
purchase it?<br />
<br />
Of course, our little princess-blessed home was!<br />
<br />
Once you watch this film, it's easy to understand how this has been Disney's
highest grossing film of all time.<br />
<br />
It's title song "Let It Go", sung by Idina Menzel, with it's gripping
melody and lyrics, coupled with a stunning musical arrangement is particularly
very catchy and heart home-hitting for anyone facing a great going through of
the heart, mind and soul.<br />
<br />
I am always interested in seeing "making of" and
"behind-the-scenes" snippets for these things. I love to research and
discover the people and the work that goes into the making and creating of a thing.<br />
<br />
I came upon the video of the song writers of the film. They are a mother and
father of two young girls, who wrote all of the songs for this film. The time
and the hours put into the writing and "discovering" of these songs
were countless.<br />
<br />
One things that spoke to me particularly was when they said that to even begin
writing the songs they spent 18 months for 2 hours a day, on a conference call
with the writers of the film, learning about who the characters were that were
singing the songs, and getting to know them inside and out.<br />
<br />
Once they did this, they than began to write, and there were a lot of songs
that reached the chopping block, before they "discovered" "Let
It Go" (the signature song), than most of the rest of the songs came from
this.<br />
<br />
This is strangely peculiar to me.<br />
<br />
Recently, God has been calling me to dig deeper with Him. Get to know Him
better. I have a lot of hearts desires that I want to fulfill for Him, and my
crying out prayers lately have been, "How, God?", and "What,
God?" I am trusting Him for the divine favor, anointing and blessing to be
able to move forward in these dreams, particularly in writing books and songs
that glorify and bless Him and His Kingdom.<br />
<br />
Interestingly , in this busy day in age, and lots of pull in all different
directions, I conveniently often get my Word "on the go". I listen to
sermons, and I read devotionals, and I listen to worship music and praise as
often as I can, praying as often as busy life allows. Most of the time, my
kitchen is my most favorite everyday tabernacle.<br />
<br />
Yet I least often sit and be still and seek Him in His Word, regarding my own
particular life relevance. There are a few minutes in the quiet of the early
morning before every one wakes up that I journal, but it isn't nearly a searching
in the scripture for my personal "rhema" (in my understanding this
means "stand out" scripture and guidance from God on particularly
relevant things in my life and journey with Him and for Him).<br />
<br />
And if I don't get to really know my God and His heart, by pursuing knowing Him
in and through His Word, how can I know Him well enough to create my life song
for Him!? Wow!<br />
<br />
It took a lot of time, effort, and researching and searching within one's
anointing to be able to create the beautifully finished work of a timeless
creative work such as the movie "Frozen", therefore why wouldn't it
be so with a wanted timelessly beautiful life and life work for God?<br />
<br />
One other thing that struck me from what the Disney "Frozen" song
writers had said was, "You have to write a lot of wrong songs, to find the
right song". I love that!<br />
<br />
I both love and dislike that failure is inevitable in the journey of maturity
in a thing, project or life. But within that failure is the blessing of the
keys to rising further, and more greatly to a next level or point in it.<br />
<br />
I've been afraid to "go for it" out of the knowing of the inevitable
fear of failure. Truthfully, I don't care for the pain and upset failure
brings. I've experienced enough hurt and harm in my life from the pain of
failure. By my God is greater, and I've failed to embrace this truth! Hence my
parilzation in the moving forward in hope and trust in The One Who is Greatest!<br />
<br />
So, if I just "Let It Go" and let God (The One who will never leave,
fail or forsake me or quit loving me), I will find in my measure of faith, in
my willing heart for Him, that He will and can bless me more abundantly above
all I dare ask, or think. And use me as the blessing I long to be. No pain is
so great that it shadows or even comes close to Jesus' ultimate pain and
sacrifice on that cross at calvary.<br />
<br />
It's time for the ceiling to become the floor, and to let great grace be our
fuel to go to a deeper level with our Father and Friend. Search for Him and You
will find Him, and most of all yourself, and "what (and Who) you are made
of".<br />
<br />
If there ever was a time to "Let It Go", it is now, for such a time
as this, Beautiful Children of God and pioneers of faith for Our Great and
Mighty King!<br />
<br />
Love you All! Thanks for reading through this lengthy post! Praying it has
blessed and encouraged you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In His Love and By His Grace ~ </div>
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Amy O</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-61552774307238488482014-03-01T17:20:00.001-08:002014-03-02T17:57:46.201-08:00Stuffing My Face (Celery or Prayer?)
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Personal Revelation Share...<br />
<br />
May be an encouragement to someone out there, so I thought I'd share...<br />
<br />
Ever since I was a kid, I've had a really big problem with binging, overeating
and self-destructive eating tendencies.<br />
<br />
It always starts the same. Either I'm procrastinating in making a decision on
something, or I'm worried about someone or something, and I get up and go
straight to the cabinets.<br />
<br />
I'd stuff my face, but to be honest, my mind never got calm or received the
peace in which I was longing for, nor did my appetite ever get squelched, or
quenched, nor did my hips ever lie! <br />
<br />
I had recently heard Joyce Meyer's testimony about quitting smoking. She said
that she would be driving down the highway, puffing on cigarettes saying out
loud "I hate smoking. I don't like to smoke.!" The testimony ends
with her desire to smoke, completely leaving her within a short time.<br />
<br />
So I took a queue from this spiritual Mama and started declaring about 2 weeks
ago "I hate overeating. I hate binging and stress eating. I hate eating
unhealthily".<br />
<br />
And this was great, although, it was only one step of the journey. I needed to
not stop doing the bad habit, but start doing the better habit. So I had begun
to pray instead.<br />
<br />
Every time those familiar tendencies arose, I would begin to pray, and not just
for myself to stop, but for all the people, and things that I could think of
that needed prayer covering. I began to speak life, and use the very instrument
(and weapon) that the enemy was trying to keep "stuffed" and
"full" with food and unnecessary things, to combat him and this hell
tool.<br />
<br />
Our words are containers of power. There is no greater weapon than the
trust-filled, worship-giving power of prayer.<br />
<br />
If you struggle with this same issue, please, even if it's a whisper, PRAY! You
don't have to be loud for your prayers to be heard!<br />
<br />
I've noticed a big difference since this new revelation, and I pray that it
encourages and blesses you too!<br />
<br />
Here are some relevant quotes and scripture...<br />
<br />
"When you move in a negative emotion or thought, you are empowering the
enemy against yourself. Everything the enemy seeks to bring against us we can
turn it around by moving in the opposite spirit and afflicting him
instead."~ G Cooke<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 6:12 declaration:<br />
"'I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is
beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'—but I will not be mastered by
anything."<br />
<br />
The enemy is terrified of every woman who studies God's Word, prays with power,
loves with grace and serves with joy. C Caine<br />
<br />
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5b-7)<br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18<br />
English Standard Version (ESV)<br />
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.<br />
<br />
God Bless you! Here's to breakthrough and better habits embrace and blessings!<br />
<br />
In His Love and Grace,<br />
Amy O</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-60206087395914966542014-03-01T17:18:00.001-08:002014-03-02T17:55:48.356-08:00My Epic Gym Failure...<div class="MsoNormal">
It was just a matter of time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could only pass by the newly opened gym touting the $10
per month fee sign, before signing up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tight budget, small condo = next to no budget room, nor
physical space for a cardio machine. And it was long past due for me to start
incorporating regular cardio into my fitness routine. I had plateaued, and my
weight loss stopped, yet I still have 10 more pounds before my goal weight is
reached. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So off I went. I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd
joined a gym before, years earlier, and felt really out of place, and
under-educated. However, this time around, having done Lisa Lynn workouts
(http://lynfit.com/collections/fitness-nutrition) for about 1 year, feeling
pretty fit, and about thirty pounds down, I felt I could give it a more
confident try. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then it happened...about 3 days in, I began pushing myself
very hard. Almost everyone at the gym seemed so much more fit and better
looking than I, and truthfully, I got caught up with the hype of the fitness
beast. And frustratingly, sadly, unnecessarily, I injured my back very badly
about 2 weeks in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's the point: After 1 year of working out with Lisa, I
never got injured. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lisa's (http://lynfit.com/collections/fitness-nutrition)
metabolic workouts were designed to boost your heart rate, and jump start your
metabolism, as well as keep it working strong all day; without all the torque
and insanity of other main stream workouts, or killing yourself at the
gym. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line: You don't need to kill yourself at a gym in order
to get results. In fact, you may be doing more damage than good. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lisa recommends 30 - 45 minutes a day cross-training cardio
and working out with one of her DVD workouts 3 times a week. Since I've
healed, and really began to follow her experiential wisdom, I've found the
pressure's off, and no more injuries, yet the results still keep coming, and
I'm more motivated to continue with this journey. I'm down 5 more pounds this
week, and feel more strong and fit than ever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope you can learn a lesson from my testimony. All the
best in your fitness journey in 2014! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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In His Love and By His Grace ~ Amy O</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-14112023037920376402013-09-15T19:30:00.001-07:002014-03-02T17:54:25.897-08:00Seriously? Yes! Gleaning and Growing from God through Basil… <div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AiDgdu8PcWmjUXRlI9eHEtnPyqMXJfKi-Bz6GPE2AeQqOdpORNqoACpAzCNZrw4gZRbLKw_Sux44TwUahtGSXAY79DDe67_8922tE1tpR9Q687zHF8JKYvUjPd6dYqs3T17Ze1Npyko/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AiDgdu8PcWmjUXRlI9eHEtnPyqMXJfKi-Bz6GPE2AeQqOdpORNqoACpAzCNZrw4gZRbLKw_Sux44TwUahtGSXAY79DDe67_8922tE1tpR9Q687zHF8JKYvUjPd6dYqs3T17Ze1Npyko/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me? Born with a green thumb? Not so much. I’ve
been known to kill a few plants in my time, so far.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine my hubs surprise when I came home from Home Depot
around Spring-time, with a bag of MiracleGro Soil, and some planters. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a prayer and determination, I planted, and watered, and
hoped, and sure enough, my Basil sprigs eventually made their way into lengthy
blooming stems of green. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, I was overjoyed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved having something thriving and green to look at, that
I’d had a hand in growing, right there on my porch, every day. It
made me feel like I was accomplished, blessed, and favored. Finally, I got
something with growing, right, and the “fruit” of the labor was showing in
full!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While, I’ve used a few leaves here and there to add to a few
dishes through out the summer, I’ve held back, actually dreadfully
procrastinated, in harvesting this plant altogether.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now, the cold weather has begun to set in. And
I’ve snapped off more end blossoms, than I care to admit. My plants growing
season has come to an end. Harvest time is upon me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In honesty, there were a few things holding me back:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew I needed to not let the tremendous fruit of the
bounty go to waste, and I knew that the best way to do this is to make pesto.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew harvesting the giant plant would be tedious. Along
the way, after asking some questions, I found out that each leaf had to be
plucked without the stem attached, to embark upon this pesto-making journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never have made pesto before. I didn’t have, nor did I
know a recipe, and I really dislike failing at something. What if I messed up
and all the growing, harvesting, and pesto making was all in vain?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really didn’t want to part with the sight of the beautiful
green thriving plant on my porch, for the entire world and I, to see, every
day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m telling you all of this because there is a spiritual
lesson to glean from it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is no coincidence that I lay prostrate before God earlier
this week, hands open and extended, pouring out my desire for Him to take all
that I am, and do His will. I want to bless nations, I want to worship in
spirit and truth and be able to be the prophet unto the nations that I believe
He created me to be (Jeremiah 1:5)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has been doing a work in me. In essence I was that
beautiful green thriving plant sitting on my porch, looking great, but capable
of being greater (a beautiful pesto). Nourishing, blessed, enjoyed so much more
greatly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trouble is a harvest must take place. A pruning. A
paring down. A stripping of all the leaves (things, bounty of the appearance),
to reveal a far greater end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am wise, made in my Father’s image, and I can recognize
that my soul (mind, will and emotions) does not appreciate the intensity of a
stripping down of sorts, so I procrastinate, and I hold back, and I try and
look good for the harvester instead, and I fight the harvesting for the
greater, the better, the more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t I realize I am created for so much more than just to
be seen beautiful? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t I realize that I can be nourishment to “the body”, a
blessing, a garnish, even an amplifier to other beautiful “nourishments” in the
kitchen kingdom? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t I realize that to reach my full potential, I have to
go through a bit of pruning and mixing up to be turned into my ultimate best?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t I understand that I’m being handled by THE Master
Chef, and even though I don’t know the recipe that makes me my best, He does?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’m here now, determined to stop procrastinating, and be
a blessing, and go through the uncomfortable process of a harvesting, so that I
can become all I was intended and begun for, in the great Garden of Eden, The
Master Chef’s magnum opus. I must do my part, becoming who I am in
Him, and be ready, with a willing heart, to accomplish every good thing I was
planted and grown here to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here’s to the harvest, here’s to knowing that the best,
my best, our best, is yet to come!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All He needs is our willingness in faith, and He will do the
rest!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a few final thoughts…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was never about me, it’s never about us to begin
with. Who are we to interfere with our process, ultimately
interfering with Kingdom work? To guard ourselves is futile, for us, and for
others who need Christ in us. There is something in me and through
me no other person, or work from another can accomplish in this world, in God’s
Kingdom, in such a time as this!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His ways and thoughts are higher, no, HIGHEST! Stop trying
to figure Him, or His greatness out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He knows every fear, He sees every tear, He knows every
hearts desire, and He knows us even better than we know ourselves. Surrender
to His great mercy, goodness and love. He works all things for good!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew 9:35-38 (AMP)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the
kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with
pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed
and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed
plentiful, but the laborers are few.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
38 So pray to the Lord of the harvest to [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A35-38&version=AMP#fen-AMP-23418a"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">a</span></a>]force
out and thrust laborers into His harvest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May He force us out of our places of comfort, mold us, and
thrust us out as laborers, conduits and catalysts, in being His hands and feet,
to reach the lost and the broken. May we stop harassing,
distressing, and dejecting ourselves, making ourselves helpless, believing the
enemies lies, and being paralyzed because of it. May we break free of every
chain, every bondage of self and the enemy and allow ourselves to be pliable to
the work of God’s mighty hand and will. May we see His goodness in
the land of the living because we are not only the harvested, but also we
become His harvesters, His “artisans of hope, ambassadors of reconciliation,
and agents of grace”. (~E Cho)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May God be glorified in, through and on account of us and
our journeys and testimonies, no matter what lay ahead. May we know Him, trust
Him, and bless Him and His Kingdom, in all ways, always! In Jesus Mighty Name.
Amen!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In His Love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amy O</div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-33552116621245150422013-08-12T21:14:00.000-07:002014-03-02T04:50:02.845-08:00His Tree<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. ~ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Psalm 1:3</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5XctpbSe8S7G7ZBITSWcZyVd9jxR0YvUiizKxMUyUfdHR5GvgnF2NCFqcCFF3aYNraPWpllrCc1wA18d0w5r0tblMe4sGpmWGJRkoy3gxbnwIhVaY1MdQryc4sDlhCw-vKVzDeihi4U/s1600/IMG_4657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5XctpbSe8S7G7ZBITSWcZyVd9jxR0YvUiizKxMUyUfdHR5GvgnF2NCFqcCFF3aYNraPWpllrCc1wA18d0w5r0tblMe4sGpmWGJRkoy3gxbnwIhVaY1MdQryc4sDlhCw-vKVzDeihi4U/s320/IMG_4657.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJcaxk_JwQ_bwMbiaHFPXHcUYlScfYwqb5RtIwW5HqR9ty7zZOjKT0PYpnzY-0U1izuwAfp-vQgegItSNEp41CVkXN69GdugRycu07ZHGZZEZn0UO_eCwyFbhBaN-YYhOk3tfkCpon5Y/s1600/IMG_4658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJcaxk_JwQ_bwMbiaHFPXHcUYlScfYwqb5RtIwW5HqR9ty7zZOjKT0PYpnzY-0U1izuwAfp-vQgegItSNEp41CVkXN69GdugRycu07ZHGZZEZn0UO_eCwyFbhBaN-YYhOk3tfkCpon5Y/s320/IMG_4658.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">There is a monumentally large tree that grows in the parking lot of our condominium complex. I pass it everyday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">It's stature is monumental in comparison to the other trees in proximity to it. It is a lone tree protruding from a 5x10 grass area, in the middle of a parking lot. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">This tree appears old and worn, and yet every season, it testifies to it's great health and vitality within, despite it's limited, limiting surroundings. <b>It blooms, it drops its leaves, and re-blooms with every season. There it stands, mighty and blessed to be.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Astoundingly, it's wild to perceive what seems that the root structure of this tree alone, must hold the entire lot together, let alone the hillside on which it and the adjoining condominium structures rest. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">The trees existence and health are important to those things, people and places it is surrounding. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">I mention this today, because seeing this tree has begun me thinking on how this so readily aligns with all of us as believers and our faith walks.... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>You may not look the most beautiful outwardly, but You are alive in Christ, having all nourishment, approval, blessing, favor and love you need to not just survive, but thrive! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>Seasons bring change, but with the change of Seasons comes opportunity to adapt and thrive in the circle of God's glorious creation. </b></span>Change, supply, drop your leaves, re-grow them, and just be according to the seasons. <b>Be in tune with your surroundings, most of all to Your Heavenly Father, and Creator</b>! As Joyce Meyer says "I may not be where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. I'm ok and I'm on my way!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>You may not have the territory you want, but you have the territory you need. In fact, you being planted where you are, no matter the size or the circumstance, is probably the very thing holding that ground together. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trust that God, is ordaining every happening of your being. Trust in His divine order. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Trust that you've been given as a source of life, not just to sustain and be, but to provide what is needed for all around you. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>You are a gift. A provision of His grace and love. And by just existing, you reflect the handiwork of His mercy, grace and love. You are a miracle, Set Apart! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. ~ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Isaiah 44:14</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>If you are going through so much right now, rest assured, He's planted you beside His rivers of Living Water, and the rain is nourishing you now to restoration and redemption unlike you can even dare ask or think! You need only trust Him. "Be it unto according to your faith", He says! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">~ Isaiah 60:13</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>You are apart of a gloriously made, God ordained whole. You matter, as does everyone and everything around you. All working together as one body, we glorify The One Who is called Yahweh. The Great "I Am".</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>You are not your own. Your life and existence are not Your own to do with what You will, when and how you will. You are a cherished, favored, beloved, ordained and chosen creation of the Most High God. May you continue to remain planted on the foundation of His promises, His Word, and continue to be founded on, grow in, and be fruitful in all that He has called you to...persons, places and things! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">To Him be the glory, honor and praise - Forever and ever! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">A prayer for us today...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Father, Thank You for my beloved brethren. Thank You for each and every one of them as they draw nearer unto You. Father, grant them Your peace, Your serenity, Your favor, Your blessing and let them feel the "MiracleGrow" of Your love fertilizing the very ground that they are growing from. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Whether mountain or valley, hillside or plain, rock cliff or grassy oasis, they reside, help them to marvel in the truth that they originate from, are sustained by, and are </span><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">testament</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> to the mighty works of Your hands, and the faithfulness and able-ness by which you tend all. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Help them Lord, today, that they may further see their intrinsic value to this great whole, Your Body, in which we move and have our being. Let them see their intrinsic necessity to the delicate ecosystem of Your great Plan, in which You've chosen to plant them. And let the hope that waters that plan, rain down now afresh and anew.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">May scales fall from eyes and we truly see in the Spirit, the </span><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">blessing and glory given when we just be in You and from You, and do as You've created us to. Fear, cease. Hope, rise.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Clarify these things for us today God. That which You intend for us. Help us to become aware of the reverberations of our obedience in purpose, and help us to know intrinsically and solidly, what each of our purposes are. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">May we continue to stand bold, strong and courageous in You and the power of Your might, pressing on to the high calling and prize that is in You. That is You, Jesus. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Thank you for the life offered us and the great purpose bestowed on us at all, because of Your great sacrifice and love, Lord. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">May we continue to live our lives as a thank You to You Lord, for all You've done. Let us live lives that are poured out for You, God. For we want lives that not just look good, but are good, Father. Shake our foundations today, that we may know it is from You, through You, in You and for You we are, and will be. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">We love You Lord, and re-dedicate ourselves today, not in the pursuit of fixating on the negative aspects of our individual situations, but on the truth that You are with us, and will never leave us or forsake us, and all we are, all we hope for and all we long to be, and do is found on the foundations of Your love, Your way, Your truth and Your life. May we look to You, our Hero, defender of our souls, and Master Tender. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen and Amen! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">God Bless you Brothers and Sisters. Keep Moving Forward and Keep Looking Up! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">In His Love, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Amy O</span>Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-55152693089253474922013-07-31T07:45:00.000-07:002013-07-31T11:19:59.449-07:00A Complete & Finished Work<div class="MsoBodyText">
But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and
You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.<span style="background: #FDFEFF;"> ~ Isaiah 64:8</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Last Saturday, I brought my daughter to enjoy a birthday
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The party was held at a pottery painting studio.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My daughter picked a beautiful spotless princess off of
the shelf, and after listening to the instructions proceeded to paint her
princess in all shades of beautiful colors. She was so proud of her
creation. She chose each color so carefully. She covered every space, so there
was no untouched areas. She placed her princess on a shelf to dry with
the utmost care and pride, and would glance at it continually with a look of
utmost approval and satisfaction.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I had wondered at one point, why her, as well of these
other works of art by the kids were not being placed in the kiln. And by the
end of the party, was told, that we would not be taking the princess home that
day. It takes 7-10 days for this beautiful painted creation to go through a
refining and completed process, wherein it will be glossy, finished, and ready
for presenting.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I tell this story, because it is a good reminder.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So often I can get frustrated with God and His timing.
While I trust Him, that He is sovereign, and knows my every need. So often, I
mistake my wants for needs, and my wants never align with my needs.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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In Isaiah 55:8, The Lord says, <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">“For my thoughts are
not your thoughts,</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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neither are your ways my ways,”<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>declares the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<b>9 </b>“As
the heavens are higher than the earth,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> so are my ways higher than your ways<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> and my thoughts than your thoughts.<b> </b>As
the rain and the snow<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> come down from heaven,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>and do not return to it<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> without watering the earth<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>and making it bud and flourish,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater,<b> </b>so is my word that goes out from my
mouth:<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> It will not return to me empty,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>but will accomplish what I desire<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> and achieve the purpose for which I sent
it.<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>You will go out in joy<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> and be led forth in peace;<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>the mountains and hills<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> will burst into song before you,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>and all the trees of the field<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> will clap their hands.<b>13 </b>Instead of
the thornbush will grow the juniper,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> and instead of briers the myrtle will
grow.<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span>This will be for the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s
renown,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> for an everlasting sign,<span style="background: white;"><br />
</span> that will endure forever.”<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We look around and
we see the works of His hands. The majestic beauty of creation, the timeless
portraits of beauty painted in the sky through sunrise, sunset and even storm.
The glorious myriad of species, animals, plants, all touting the glory of
God. Even the rocks cry out His praise. Are we not more valuable than these?
(Matthew 6:26)</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Yet we, we His people, we cry out complaint, frustration, and stress. We quip
at dreams not achieved yet, children not behaving yet, spouses not arriving or
cooperating yet, bills not paid yet, errands not run yet, and all that we think we are not and have not, yet. And there is no time, never enough time. (But what about His perfect ways, will and timing? Do we forget He is sovereign?) <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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And then we get frustrated, oh so frustrated with those
around us, we blame and point fingers, and run, oh how we run. We run
until exhausted, weep and cry out to God... “where are You? Do you not care?”<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
And He answers, “You are my beloved children upon whom my favor rests. My ways
are higher. My thoughts are higher. My plans are to prosper, not harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. Hope in your final outcome (Jeremiah
29:11) Trust me. I will never leave or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)” </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Do we not see? How He has so beautifully created all that is in the world, don’t
we see ourselves included in this, In Him? And in this, we are set apart! Don't we in this, entrust and hope in that we are
all the more who He tells us we are...<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">“</span>fearfully
and wonderfully made.”<span style="background: white;"> (Psalm 139:14)<br />
</span>”the apple of His eye.”<span style="background: white;"> (Psalm 17)<br />
</span>”His treasured possession.” (Deuteronomy 7:6)</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><br />
</span></i>As I was writing back to a beloved sister and friend this week the
following words poured out, and I believe they are not just for her but for all
of us to receive and ruminate on...<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">If you could only see who you are through the
eyes of Christ! If you could only see what your fellow Christ-family and your
beautiful God-given family see. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">You are so much more than
the enemy would have you believing! And praises that you are pressing into God
in your time in the valley. That’s what the Christian walk is all about.
Drawing near to Him, and in that, in Him, we find all we need. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">I am standing today
believing God for His peace that surpasses all understanding to flood into you
and sing over you (Zephaniah 3:17) be blessed beloved, faithful, strong,
capable, peace- filled, joy-filled child of God. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">May the storm within cease and the new day dawn
revealing the promise that He is the potter and you are the clay. He, the most
skilled and glorious potter never leaves a masterpiece undone. And even when
the clay has crumpled into an utter mess and ball again on the potters wheel,
we can still be molded to beauty. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">And that clay which once was a lump on the potters
wheel, through the refining fires of flame, will become a beautiful finished
masterpiece. Sculpted, painted, re-worked, fine-chiseled, covered in protected
finish, all taking a great deal of effort, energy and time. Finally the
finished work is called to resting in the most prominent place in the potters
house. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white;">You’ve always been the
apple of His eye no matter what else you were told or who told it to you! </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Be blessed to know today
that He loves you so much He’s set you apart and he will set you on a stand,
because of your willing heart. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">That’s just it. He’s whispering to us today...”just
bring your willingness, no matter how unworthy you feel. I will do the rest”. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">He is faithful. He is sovereign, over all. Overseeing
all! In authority over all. The Master Potter. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">The faithful Friend and Father who tenderly oversees
every detail of one’s finished outcome. Not just in the mother’s womb, but in
the womb of the world. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">You are a masterly constructed glorious work and
beloved child of the most high God! Praise Him! For His best is coming!
And I know that’s above all we can dare ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20) </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Just bring your willingness. Doing what you can, even
if that’s just trusting Him each minute, and He will do the rest! REST! Rest in
Him. </span></b></div>
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<h2>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5224612354967456520" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5224612354967456520" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5224612354967456520" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5224612354967456520" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5224612354967456520" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
You are beautiful, made of God, from Him. </h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You go through this
process of creation in maturation of spirit, body, mind and truth, so you can
bless others through their own. </b></div>
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We are all connected. All blessed. All beloved. </h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s purpose today
to love ourselves and others in and through the Father’s eyes. Let’s love one
another as we all go through, so we can bless one another through it
all! His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10)</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Blessings, Peace, Joy and Favor Be Upon You and Your
Beloved Today, Brothers and Sisters, <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Remember, All is Grace (Ann Voskamp)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In His Love, Amy O</span></h1>
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Father, Thank you for my beloved brothers and sisters.
Father would you tenderly reveal Yourself to them today, would You tenderly
speak over them Your songs of love and peace. Would you comfort them with the
quiet of Your loving arms, embracing them as they go through their storm and
trial. Would you bless them with all things beautiful as they go through their
seasons of rest in You. And Father, help us to trust. Help us to continue to
draw near unto You, the author and finisher of our faith. For we trust that You
who has begun a great work in and through us, will see it through to it’s
glorious completion, because it is Your Great Work! We are Your great work! And
You are at work within us when we confess and believe Your Son our Savior.
Thank you, Father! For loving us so. Thank you Jesus for all You are, and all
You’ve finished up on the cross. May we see that all of the works of Your will
and your higher ways always are for good, and always for the greatest and most
glorious blessing of all whom You are touching in and through them! May we be
loved today, knowing that we don’t earn these honors and privileges of being
your chosen ones, but we rest in the promise of just being and belonging to The
One who Is! Jahweh! In Jesus Mighty and Blessed Name I Pray This. Amen. <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-65707032047871696162013-07-04T09:11:00.001-07:002013-07-04T09:11:58.878-07:00"In God We Trust" - Happy Independence Day, All! Yes, this, today and everyday, this...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYh11VCqkiY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYh11VCqkiY</a><br /><br />"In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise - in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"<br />- Psalm 56:10-11 (NIV)<br /><br />Intro Psalm 56:10-11 {Toby McKeehan of dc Talk}<br /><br />Sunrise over the mountain of freedom<br />As we are living and breathing<br />Counting the blessings that fall on us all<br />We go down into the valley before us<br />Singing and shouting our chorus<br />Donning the Armor of Light<br />That we're leaning on {Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith}<br /><br />For we know that we are nothing without it, oh yeah<br />Overall, under Him we make our stand {Rachel Lampa}<br /><br />In God we trust<br />For He is faithful<br />We put our hope in Him alone<br />Through any valley<br />God will sustain us<br />Until the day He brings us home {Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rachel Lampa, Jaci Velasquez, Steven Curtis Chapman}<br /><br />So long, long is the road that we walk on<br />On every journey we stay strong<br />If we are believers in love and the power of His hand now<br />We can endure anything now<br />We know in our hearts He is here now<br />Lovingly, mercifully<br />Watching over us all {Steven Curtis Chapman, Crystal Lewis}<br /><br />When we're falling only He can save us, oh yeah<br />If we follow, He will surely lead us on {Jaci Velasquez}<br /><br />In God we trust<br />For He is faithful<br />We put our hope in Him alone<br />Through any valley<br />God will sustain us<br />Until the day He brings us home {Mark Stewart of Audio Adrenaline, Janna Potter of Avalon}<br /><br />Lay down<br />Lay down your troubles now<br />Lay down<br />Lay them down {dc Talk - Michael Tait, Kevin Max, Toby McKeehan}<br /><br />In God we trust<br />For He is faithful<br />We put our hope in Him alone<br />Through any valley<br />God will sustain us<br />Until the day He brings us home {Anointed - Da'Dra and Steve Crawford}<br /><br />Outro Ad Libs {Selah - Nicole and Todd Smith; Russ Lee; Anointed}<div>
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Took this photo while out on my morning walk today! God Bless you and yours on this Independence Day and every day! </div>
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In His Love ~ Amy</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-86143669350088734282013-07-03T12:03:00.000-07:002013-07-03T12:11:19.870-07:00What Of His Love? Reflections on God's Love For You...When we get a revelation of the Father's love for us, every fear is washed away, our strength is renewed, every impossibility becomes possible, and grace Himself gives peace to our hearts and minds...All because He loves you. ~ Amy Elizabeth Billings<br /><br />Did you take time to reflect today on Jesus' amazing love for you? Have you believed in your heart, or just confessed with your lips "He loves me" today?<br /><br />Like the song, by David Crowder "How He Loves", says...He is jealous for you. He loves like a hurricane, and you're a tree that's growing and residing by His rivers of living water. <div>
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We ever grow, ebb, prosper and bend beneath the weight of His great love, mercy and grace. And we really don't have time to maintain any regrets or do it all on our own, in our own strength, when we trust in, believe in and be blessed through His great love for us! You can only love as well as you know your Father and His great love. He is love. He loves you!<br /><br />Please take a moment to listen to this song by Christy Nockels today, and reflect on the love of Your Heavenly Father for you....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfQOYDd_lHw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfQOYDd_lHw</a><br /><br />Lyrics to "Be Loved" by Christy Nockels<br /><br /><div>
have you ever let yourself be loved by the One who made you?<br />have you ever told your soul to believe that His heart is on your side?<br />you could even try to run away but there is nothing you can do<br />so just be loved, be loved, He loves you<br />just be loved, be loved, He loves you<br /><br />have you ever let yourself be held by the One who holds this world?<br />have you ever told your soul to rejoice that His arms are open wide?<br />you could even try to run away but He’d come running after you<br />so just be held, be held, He holds you<br />just be held, be held, He holds you<br /><br />we didn’t earn it, He just chose to give it, and its in our resting that we rise up singing rejoice, again I say rejoice<br />rejoice, again I say rejoice<br /><br />you are loved, be loved, He loves you<br />you are loved, be loved, He loves you<br /><br />you are loved, be loved, He loves you<br />just be loved, be loved, He loves you</div>
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Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224612354967456520.post-12461318034280514142013-05-26T21:20:00.003-07:002013-05-26T21:20:46.891-07:00Lessons From The Dentist & Jesus<div class="MsoNormal">
What started out as an ordinary dental check up turned into
a spiritual and life lesson…</div>
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As the dentist was showing him how he should be brushing his
teeth, the pressure to use the stroking motion, the man replied, “But, I don’t
feel like I’m doing enough”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Precisely!” exclaimed the Dentist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve been doing too much, and as a result, your gum line
is receding terribly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All you need
to do is be consistent, gentle and thorough. “</div>
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Amen and Amen! What if that were it? </div>
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What if we stopped trying to do to succeed and accomplish,
but risking ruining present goodness? </div>
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What if we remained consistent, gentle and thorough, and
were doing more than enough? </div>
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It doesn’t matter that the rest of the world is in a wild
“Rat Race”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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My husband, the same man in that dentist chair that day,
said tonight, “There is strength in numbers, yes, but there is no faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t do what everyone else is doing,
just for the sake of being apart, but do what God is calling you to do, and
have peace in that”. </div>
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What if God is just calling us to not go all out, all the
time, but just remain consistent, gentle and thorough in all areas of our
lives? Couldn’t you just feel the joy arising in you in this moment to think
it? </div>
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We will never arrive, so what are we striving so hard for? </div>
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Rest. Be. Go for a walk outdoors on your lunch break. Take
your shoes off and walk in the grass barefoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride on a rollercoaster. Sit with a book. A steaming cup of
coffee or tea. Let the dishes in the sink be, and just go and sit with your
family, and enjoy the present of the present! See those faces, alive and
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dream together. Play
together. Be together. Enjoy this life that Jesus died to give you, because,
Hallelujah, you have it! That’s more than some can say in this moment. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
No amount of striving, accomplishing and succeeding can
prove what you already are…a beloved, and blessed child of the Most High
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He adores you, even if you
never did another thing, and His is the only opinion and blessing that matters,
anyway! The rest is just icing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now go eat that cake! </div>
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In His Love, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amy O</div>
Gr8fulLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171440226704116076noreply@blogger.com0