The Power Of One ~ Leading From Behind

Posted on October 10, 2014 by darla05

leader

I have reverted back to the three o clock hour and writing what is on my heart. So Good Morning to you. I see a nap in my future today.

I have been observing and thinking about the role of so many in the church. Especially women in the church. There is a difference between judgement and discernment and there are many times I have to ask God to keep my attitude in check on these two.  Judgement is ugly and is a sin . When our grace increases our judgment decreases. Discernment is a  powerful gift from God.  So my question is , How many of us really long to have the heart of a servant? How many of us are fine with NOT being in the spot light and NOT getting recognized  for the work we have done for the kingdom and not getting any  credit for what we have done whatsoever?

To be a true leader we are called to have the heart of a servant.  I think sometimes we over complicate things. What is a servant? Merriam Webster says, ” it is one that serves others <a public servant>; especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer.”

What is servant leadership? In the Gospel of Mark,  scripture tells us that,“whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be servant of all.”  The Bible tells us that the last shall be first and the first shall be last.

It is not something that comes naturally in any of us to want to be last. Let’s be honest, who likes to be the last in line at the grocery store when everyone ahead of you has their cart filled with groceries that could feed an army. Who liked to be picked last when we were little kids at recess when they were dividing up teams? I know the Lord is still working on me when it comes to going to Walmart.  Especially when there are tons of people waiting in line and there are  three , YES only three cashiers open with five or more people in each line. Patience  is a a virtue.

 I love this quote. “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” — Jack Welch 

A good leader must know how to be a humble servant. At the front, a leader cannot keep watch over his followers. At the back a leader can guide, teach, and protect. Doesn’t a shepherd guide his flock from the back?

How many of us are truly  wanting to grow others in the kingdom of God? Do we really? Or, do we want to grow our reputation or our agenda? Living a Christ filled life is making a difference by becoming Christ like which means that we have to die to ourself DAILY ~ Every day, truly putting on the clothes of servanthood and walking it out, Less of me and more of you God.

We have all  heard it said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”

Each one of us are called to be difference makers. We are called to ” STAND OUT” and not “FIT IN”. IT only takes one godly man or woman to make a dramatic difference, even in the deepest darkest of circumstances.

Our Redeemer tells us that, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world-like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13 NLT)

Have you ever felt like I am not in a position to make a difference? I need to move up the ladder to have any influence.? Do you really?   If we really believe that God is Sovereign over all things in our life than we must believe that we  have been put right where we are by the Lord to be an influence and in a godly way to move people in the right direction.  Our God can do a lot with a little. We should  influence each individual person in our lives right where He has planted us for this season. The cashier, the server when we are eating out, the clerk at the cleaners , right where we are planted.

If you have grown up in church you are probably familiar with the name of   D. L. Moody, one of the great evangelist of his time.  Who does not know the name of  Billy Graham? But, my  real question is  have you ever heard of  the names of Edward Kimball or Henrietta Mears?

Edward Kimball was the difference maker that allowed us to know the name of  D. L. Moody.  Mr. Kimball was a shoe salesman. He worked at a shoe store in Chicago, Illinois  and felt led by the Lord to share the gospel with  a young Dwight. Dwight Moody responded to the message  that was shared with him and  gave his heart to Jesus Christ.  He  ultimately became a DIFFERENCE MAKER in a huge way and went on to be the greatest evangelist of his generation. It was because of Edward Kimball’s faithfulness to share the gospel that the Lord reached D. L. Moody, who in turn reached millions.

Have you ever heard of Henrietta Mears? In the late twenties,  she was called to teach a Sunday school class at the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California. Under her guidance, the class grew from 400 to 4,000. She was faithful where she was planted and in time went on to found Gospel Light Publishing and Forest Home Christian Conference Center in Southern California. Of the people she influenced, 400 went into full-time Christian service. Among them there was Billy Graham.

The servanthood of one can be powerful. It is not usually the ones on the stage that make the most dramatic changes in our lives. It is the ones that most of us have never heard of. It is the little faithful Sunday School teachers that taught us Bible scriptures to memorize. It is the Coach that believed in us and poured into us when no one else did. For me , it is My precious Grandparent’s who taught me that the only way to true contentment is for Jesus to be the center of our lives.

With the passing of my Grandmother recently, I continue to think back on the legacy they left being in their pastoral  ministry of 55 years. My Grandmother’s life here on earth may have just ended on September 3, 2014 but her legacy continues long after. She was the quiet prayer warrior that made a difference. The faithful servant in all that she did.  You would never leave without hearing her blessings and how much she loved you. What a difference maker she was. What a difference she made in my life but seldom did she ever take the platform for all to see.

Our lives can make a difference. In Ezekiel 22:30 God says, “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” (NLT).

God is looking for that one who can make his or her mark. He is searching for all the millions that say they know him.

We may be the only Christian whom some people will ever know. The fact is that God can do a lot with a little and it is usually in the day to day events. The check out lines when you share about life and the Lord. It is visiting people when they are sick and down that make the biggest differences and it can turn the tide in their lives.

Think about the little boy whose lunch fed the masses.  Just ask that boy what the difference one can make.  He  was willing to share his lunch one day and saw Jesus feed 5,000 people, PLUS women and children, with his little “happy meal” and think about it, we NEVER even knew his first name. Most of us would have at least wanted our name in the paper and how we gave up our lunch to feed others.  At least an honorable mention right?

God is just looking for one someone like you, someone like me. Will you be that one person? Will you be ok being this someone even if you never get the credit, the power or the position that you think you want?

Most  all would love to be a Billy Graham or  D. L. Moody.  Maybe you will be. But most of us will not be. Are you willing to at least be an Edward Kimball or a Henrietta Mears?

How many of us are willing to do what we can, where we are planted, with the influence that God has given us to share the love and grace of God? Never underestimate the power of one. One spark can start a tremendous forest fire.  I think of the childhood song that I learned in Sunday School by a difference maker in my life.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going.

And soon all those around, can warm up in glowing.

That’s how it is with God’s love,

Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone;

You want to pass it on.

May each one of us , Pass our love for Christ on. Whether we will be the next Joyce Meyer or D.L. Moody or Billy Graham only God knows, but we can be the very best we can be with the gifts that we have been given. Most of the time I find, we will make the most difference for him by being behind the scenes and not looking for any credit for us. We will be elevated in the eyes of our Father when we are looking to give him all the praise and glory . It is all that really matters.  Pass it on ~

Posted in Daily Devotion | 3 Comments

Prayer vs. Presence

Posted on September 30, 2014 by darla05

prayer wheel   True Christian friends are like streetlights along the road, They don’t make the distance any shorter, but they definitely make the road easier to navigate when they are  traveling the path with you.

My husband has been saying around our home lately that there is something that needs to be said about people that make no time for others in hard times. The all about me attitude is everywhere and it is in the body of Christ today. There  is presence missing with prayers. We need to start praying about this ! He told me that he has on his heart something heavy. Darla, can you start thinking about Prayer versus Presence. ~PRAY about this ~ Can you write about it?

Doesn’t it all come down to , Less of me and more of you God ? I do not have adequate words or language to describe how such words effect me. In the South, the Bible belt, we say, “We are praying for you,” like “Hello” or “How are you ?” Do we really do what we say we are going to do? Are we somehow using one of the most powerful gifts the Lord has given us in vain? Does it somehow make us sound more spiritual at least in our own eyes and ears when we say this?

Whenever I am aware that a friend is praying for me, I am deeply touched. I am deeply moved. I am deeply thankful. How does it make you feel? I believe the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and we know when someone is being sincere. One of the characteristic’s of the Holy Spirit is He reveals ALL Truths.

If or when I tell someone “I’m praying for you,” this is  a huge thing for me. For me, I have a prayer journal. It works for me. It might not work for you but I like to write down list and write out my prayers to the Lord. It is something that I can go back and reflect on . It is something that I can go back and read and see all the prayers answered and all the confirmations given. It is where I can go back and read through the years and see how much the Lord has stretched me. My prayers these days are more about others than myself. The Lord had to do a lot of stretching. He continues to G-r-o-w-   and  S-t-r-e-t-c-h-   each one of us.

I humbly have been labeled a “Prayer Warrior.”  But, I do not pray for everyone I know. I am usually one that prays in my private ,”PRAYER CLOSET.” The ones that truly know my heart know I am uncomfortable praying out loud. I have started doing it but it is so outside my box. It is so intimate for me.  My prayer time is mostly fellowship with my God. Intercession happens when the Lord lays someone on my heart strongly or if a friend confides in me and ask me to pray for them. When I intercede for someone without being asked to, it means that I am deeply concerned for them.

The Lord has laid on my husbands heart that we as “Christians” need to put actions to those prayers. Presence is needed. We need to attach the hands and feet of Jesus to those prayers. There are times that a brother or sister in Christ needs presence. Jesus never passingly said, “I ‘m praying for you” and left it at that. Jesus was our ultimate example . He ALWAYS first saw a need and met it. He ALWAYS saw a hurt or physically pain and healed it and then he ministered to them .

One beautiful example that can bring this point home is this past Sunday our campus Pastor, Keith Linsey at Church of the Highlands at Greystone was talking to my husband Don. Don was sharing my health concerns with what is happening with our Pastor. Pastor Keith said, “I will be praying. Tell Darla, I will be praying for her. ” Then Don said he turned right around and said, ” Let’s pray for her right now.” This touched my husbands heart in such a meaningful way. I think it is a lesson for us all that at times we need to put action, physically action to our prayers. How many hearts can we touch with this loving act of kindness?

Friends, when someone is having health issues or concerns or depression or fiery darts thrown their way, please understand many will not ask for prayers or help. I would be half dead before I literally picked up the phone and asked for help. There are times I desperately would love it but I don’t want to be a bother or burden. I hate the saying, “Call me if you need something.” It has broke my spirit when I have seen how ones that say they love others make no time for them when they are in a storm. I have witnessed it recently even when one was on their deathbed. Some, still could not make time. This speaks volumes. One of the things my husband says over and over is, ” WATCH what people do and not what they SAY. It will tell you all you need to know. It will tell you their true character.”

In this day and age we need to pray like never before together. We need to pray for each other. We need to pray for the character of our Sovereign God to be poured out on all flesh.  We need to pray out what King David prayed out.  We all should be seeking the will of God not our will. Our Pastor Chris, Sunday encouraged us each day, EVERY DAY, pray this prayer…

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

There is nothing more powerful , NOTHING, than a warrior for Christ armed with Prayer, Presence (acting as the hands and feet of our Savior) and the word of God. It is a force to be reckoned with. It breaks spiritual strongholds in the realms of darkness. The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in our God who is being prayed to.

1 John 5:14-15 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him.” We need the passion behind the prayer. We need purpose behind the prayer – KNOW that God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers will always be in the best interest of His children. The more of Him we seek the more our desires will line up with His will. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God’s will, God  will respond powerfully!

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians tells us, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

The Bible commands us, ” pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.’‘

I am pleading  that we become more aware of our words even if the words are, ” I am praying for you.” They are just idle words if we do not do what we say. My motto that I have said for 25 years as a Manager of many people through the years is, ” My word is my bond.” I strive my best to hold up to that standard. BUT, the Lord has checked my spirit lately and has taken this quote over my heart to a new level. He want us to be accountable on every word we speak. He is listening. So it simply boils down to if I say, “Hey, let me call you right back.” DO IT ~ If I say I am going to be there at 12:00. BE THERE and don’t be late. If I say, let’s do lunch, DO IT~ EVERY single word ~ Is this hitting home with anybody else???

When we say, ” Prayers sent.” Send them. Better yet, GO and pray with your friend. If you cannot physically go because of distance, call and pray, email a heartfelt prayer.  See how your friendship will deepen. See how the Lord will minister to both of you. When you simply show up, God will show out ~ He loves doing that kind of thing. The power of prayer should not be used loosely. It should never be underestimated. The word of God says “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

My hope is that these words touch the hearts that it is meant to touch.  Today someone will pick up on a phone to a friend and say I am thinking about you.  May I pray with you? Someone will show up unannounced to a home with a meal, or flowers, or go visit the person that has been sick or in the hospital. Acts of kindness are always remembered. Acts of kindness make lasting impacts. Acts of kindness with prayers breaks the back of the enemy. Each day the Lord is teaching us  to Listen and Obey, Be Real and Transparent.

I am planting the seed that my soulmate has asked me to plant. I know the Lord will provide the water for this seed. SO THAT, each one of us can say theses words, pray these words and listen to His still small voice when we ask….

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, that keeps me from following you. My heart has deceived me many times before and I have walked in my own desires. Strip away all of our selfishness and clothe us with more of you. I ask these things in the powerful name of Jesus. There is no other name ~

Posted in Daily Devotion, prayer | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Cardiologist, Endless Tests And Changes

Posted on September 26, 2014 by darla05

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Have you ever asked yourself after having a run of life changing things happen to you, “What else can happen?”  As you can see from the picture above there are changes happening immediately in our home. My son is leaving reminders along the way.

I secretly went into the Doctor yesterday  morning after having chest pains really bad the night before. I did not tell anyone that I was going. Well, after endless questions and exams and blood test , x- rays and an EKG, I felt like my life just got turned upside down. Hearing the words, “We are not saying you have had a heart attack but we are not saying that you have not, but, your EKG is so abnormal and  your cholesterol numbers are 281.  We have made you an appointment with a Cardiologist. You will be seeing him in less than an hour.” I was saying, ” Wait…. What?”  I am thinking in slow motion. I started thinking I might need to call my husband at this point.

I call Don and he rushed to the Doctor’s office. Sitting in this huge waiting room filled with people, I  noticed and said , “I am the youngest patient in the room.” Don said , “No, there is someone younger over there behind the desk .” He worked there. Don and his dry sense of humor.

More test and another EKG  was done. After waiting for some time the Doctor walks in the room.  Nice, friendly man, with his reading glasses half way on his nose. He asks so many questions. He said, ” We are the experts and  I trust our EKG that was just done and it looks much better than the first one.” He ruled out a heart attack but said, “This is serious.”

He agreed with what the other Doctor had told me, with the numbers I have, I could have a heart attack or stroke any moment.  I kept being told, “This is serious.” I told him in a nervous laughter that, “I kinda got that after this morning and seeing you, a Cardiologist.” He ask if I have been under a lot of stress. Which I answer, “Yes, can you give me a September do over?” When he ask me to list them and I list the first five, he sits down and takes his glasses off and says,”WOW, that is a lot of major events and deaths of loved ones is a hard one to deal with.” I said it has been a tough ride lately.   He said the only thing that is going to get these numbers to drop as fast as they need to is meds. You have a family history of heart disease and it is in your genes.  Drastic changes are needed such as meds, changes in diet and eliminating stress. As he was writing out his  prescriptions, I asked him if he could write out a script for eliminating stress in which we both laughed.  I left there after a full day with Doctors with the instruction to be back tomorrow to do a Nuclear Stress Test.

So,  no caffeine for 24 hours. No food or nothing to drink after midnight.  This morning, I get my little outpatient band after endless paperwork, which I was not even reading, just signing after awhile and the testing and WAITING begins. A small amount of radioactive liquid (called a tracer) is injected into my bloodstream through an IV.

 I go to another room where there is equipment that it is similar to a MRI .  Huge special cameras are above me. The tech  has  my one arm with the IV  strapped to my body where I cannot move. The other one is over my head. They slide you into this semi open space and  take pictures of your heart once the tracer moves through your arteries. I was  required to have 2 sets of pictures taken by the camera at 2 different times staying in this horrible position for about 12 minutes each time. These pictures give doctors detailed information about blood flow into your heart. They might see that some areas of your heart are blocked and not getting all the oxygen it needs.

Then , lets not forget the treadmill part of the test. They start you off slow. Have your IV hooked up again and continue injections at different intervals. They continue to raise the elevations and the speed.  I was good up until the last minute and started to get light headed. Next, it is time for the trusted oh familiar camera room again. This time I lay face down for about 5 minutes of pictures.

I was talking to the Lord as I was laying in the  strapped position letting him know that this was not fun at all. Not cool. This entire month Lord has been crazy. Lord, I am suppose to be at the Ladies Recreate Conference at church that I bought the ticket for months ago, not here.  I know I am not suppose to question and I am suppose to trust in you always but this is starting to get really tough. I know the story of the Footprints in the Sand but Lord? Lord? Please forgive me for the doubts that are entering into my mind.

After a little sleep this afternoon, I sit here and wonder, how does life get turned on a dime? How do you eliminate stress? When people are in your life, they bring stress. I saw a shirt that said, “Dogs bring me joy….humans not so much.” Let me add horses with that and it sums up how I feel.

I have not gotten the results from the latest test and probably will not for several days. All I keep thinking is… I have to get a game plan. How do I fix this? I am a “fixer.”  One thing my immediate family and  my parents have told me today is, I have to eliminate stress and  that will mean some people in my life.  “You do so much for people when they need or want your time but when you need help  from these same people, they are no where to be found. Only, if it is convenient  for them. ” This keeps ringing in my ears. Lord, show me how  to extend love to  the ones that are sometimes unloveable. Show me how to have healthy boundaries.

I think I am going to fall off the grid for awhile. No more social media for a while. I think I need a season where there is  a lot of rest. Some time by the ocean. More quality time with the Lord and time to seek out the changes that I need to make and a game plan.

It is time I truly seek the will of God like never before. Whatever it takes to know what are you calling us to do Lord? Where?  He promises us he will give us wisdom if we earnestly seek for it  like precious jewels. I know it is time to take this journey with Him a step further. It is a season of growth and an in-depth study of the character of my God that I so desperately want more of with each passing day.

I know that there is a reason for everything even if I don’t know the reasons right now.  I know and have seen God’s hand give courage and strength that was needed this month as with many times before.  His grace has amazed me.  I know God is my shelter. I  truly need some  alone time in the shelter of my God Almighty ~ Time with the one that holds my life in His hands. Time in the secret hiding place with the only one that holds time in His hands.

I keep hearing the lyrics of an old song from college days by Harvest ring in my head. Voices. Where are all the voices in my field? Where are the millions that love me? Where are the millions who say they know me? Where are the millions who will stand and follow me? Here we are Lord. Show us the path. Lead the way ~

Posted in Daily Devotion, Determination, Discipline, Endurance, Faith | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Dear Past, Thank you for the lessons, Dear Future, I am READY ~

Posted on September 24, 2014 by darla05

 

 

 

brokenHaving FAITH doesn’t mean you have no doubts or fears. It means you trust God and do what’s right in spite of your fears~

September has been a month shadowed by darkness. Saying goodbye to one I loved so dearly, my precious Grandmother. My beloved horse getting a serious injury. Attending the funeral of my children’s Grandfather. My Dad back in the hospital for more heart test only to hear there is blockage again. These are just to name a few.  The traveling has gotten old. The nights of not sleeping have caught up with me, watching how people act in hard times can cause you to have little faith in humanity. I have been so physically sick from all of it.  Can you say S_T_R_E_S_S_  ! We all have it. We all deal with it. This month is my month to deal.

I don’t have it all figured out. I am trying to sort out all the pieces like a big jigsaw puzzle. But, I would like to share something that simply made me stand in amazement of God’s grace and mercy.

My previous life with my former husband was anything but a cakewalk. We were young. We were selfish. We had so much growing up to do. When we divorced, it was truly one of the worst divorces on record. People think theirs was bad until they know ours and then they will gladly stick with the hand that they were dealt. Custody battles. Emptying of savings accounts that was saved for years to fight this never ending battle. It was the most broken I have ever been in my life.  I was devastated. I truly thought my life was over. My pain was agonizing. It was the worst of times.

I knew the Lord had changed my heart in this matter two years ago. I knew so much healing had taken place. But, there was more healing that still needed to take place.  The lesson that the Lord has been teaching me all came into play for this past week.

My ex husbands father died last week. He was a great man of character. A war hero who won several medals including the Medal of Valor and The Purple Heart to name just two. My two children loved their Grandfather so very much. I traveled with my son to go to the funeral in Kentucky.

During the drive, so many memories came flashing back in my mind. Fear was so close to me that my hands were trembling and I had to truly face my fear. I was walking right back into my past. My son grabbed my hand and said, “Mom, it is going to be ok, I am not going to let anything happen you you.” What a blessing this man before my eyes has been to me. How blessed am I to be called his Mother.  There our moments I thought I would …. bolt, because it would have been easier on me. But, it was not about me. It was being there for my children. Supporting them. Loving them and standing beside them  through a difficult time.The saying I say a lot because of being a horse lover/owner came into play, ” Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”

God and God alone took me to my past but one thing was new, I knew He was there. I felt His presence. He gave me His strength that I needed . He allowed me to walk into what I thought could be Hell again and He made it beautiful. He gave me new memories to replace the old.

My heart broke when I saw my ex husband. He was grieving. He was hurting. To see his family again was a time of healing in spite of a tragic circumstance. He was thanking me for coming. He hugged me and we sat down together. He told me he wanted me to sit with the family during the funeral because I am family.  So many precious words were said to me that I will cherish for the rest of my life. We all shared several meals together. Shared some memories of the past with family but this time we were laughing.  Walking beside the Father of my children to his Father’s gravesite was surreal. Arm in arm and talking  to him through this and trying to encourage him was somehow beautiful. Only God can do this. Only God can heal like this. Only God ~ I was so proud to be the Mother of my beautiful son and daughter. They displayed such character . They showed so much strength because they placed their pain aside to support their Father and their precious Grandmother who we call “Queen.”

God gave me such beautiful closure on one of the worst periods of my life. He truly makes all things new. He truly walks thru the fire with  you and in  the fire and never lets go of your hand. He truly whispers, I have you. I am your rock and fortress. Believe in me. Have more faith in me. I will never fail you.

I am here to tell you that  it does not matter what you have gone through in the past, God is asking you to allow Him to heal you. The word “past” means completed, ended and time has already elapsed. Yes, you may still be hurting from the happenings of the past, but the Lord wants you to give those memories to Him. He is the only one who can really touch and heal you in a miraculous way.

Now that all these things are in the past, He says your “past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes”. Isaiah 65:16b. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind, as He will take care of them.

Our God will uphold you with His righteous right hand and help you to cope with the past hurts. He wants you to “forget the former things and do not dwell on the past”. Isaiah 43:18.

I know now, I  understand now that God was using this  raw material for working out my present and my  future. My past was a training ground for my promotion in Him. He is using my past to touch other lives and turn it to a message to bless others. But He cannot do this unless I  allow Him to heal me completely first~

My past husband and I took different paths.I truly wish nothing but happiness for my ex husband. I want him to find a companion that he can enjoy his life with and someone to love him. He has not found that with the woman he chose after me. But, God can make all things new. The lens in which I view him in has been restored. God has truly taken the pain and hurt away. Our God is the ultimate Physician.

The path I chose, led me to a beautiful soul that I have been with for 19 years. My husband is a man of character. A man who loves the Lord. A man who has known success and has stayed humble. He loves my two children and has done more for them than you could ever imagine. He would lay down his life for them. He has been  a wonderful blessing and I am so thankful for his love.

It has taken me years to deal with hurts from the past. Years of carrying baggage around that I was not meant to carry. I am so thankful that the Lord never gave up on me. I am so thankful that my husband has been a wonderful support system and has showed such loyalty to me.

Please know, once you are healed and cleansed by our Almighty God, then you can focus on serving Him and using your past experience to bless others. Our God is able; let go and let Him help you. He truly takes the junk of the past and turns it around. Beauty from ashes. Driving back form Kentucky, I was in tears of His presence. His glorious presence. HE is faithful and I was truly standing amazed at the grace He showed me.

There is a beautiful fall picture that I have seen of a pumpkin a while ago. It told the story that our lives are like a pumpkin. God reaches in and removes all the junk from our lives. After He has emptied us of all the things that He did not want for us,  he places a light inside each one  of us.  His light. A light that will shine for him. Lord, let our light shine for you ~ ALWAYS ~

I encourage you to allow our loving God to heal you and be set free from the excess baggage you are carrying with you. It is not worth carrying all this pain; you need to be set free. If you let Him, you can get your deliverance today and go on to be what He has called you to be. God is waiting on you! HE has been there all the time ~ He has made us His masterpiece – Believe it ~

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Sometimes, God takes a long time to move…. Suddenly. ~ Standing on the promises of the one that holds time in HIS hands and age to age HE stands ~

Posted on September 16, 2014 by darla05

blessed is she

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In An Identity Crisis, Who Defines You ?

Posted on September 12, 2014 by darla05

Psalms 5-11

So many things in this world are clamoring for our attention. I don’t know about your life but I can tell you mine has been on speed dial for quit some time. There are times that we can all give so much to others and our task at hand, that we find ourselves empty.

During this journey with the Lord, we will learn things daily about Him. We will also learn things daily about us and others.  Sometimes those things are not a pretty thing to behold.  He is constantly refining us to be more like Him. Many times the lesson at hand is painful but we must go through it to deepen our roots and to be clothed with more of Him.

I truly feel like my identity is under great attack every day as the enemy bombards me with fiery darts and lies.   I have learned  that Satan does not wait until we are spiritually fit or physically fit for battle, he attacks when we are weak. He never gives us a break to catch our breath. There is never a cease fire.  He will  challenge us with many fiery missiles during our times of physical, spiritual or mental weakness. Sometimes we are emptied of all three at the same time.  He truly comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Instead of questioning why these things are happening, we should be asking, are we going to let him defeat us? Our battle cry should be… Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world ~

So many times we are so concerned with what we look like from the outside. The opinions of others is something that we have to constantly battle on this daily walk.  In growing with the Lord, I keep wondering am I going to blossom into what He wants me to be?

Sometimes it is  so painful to grow when everybody is watching. Sometimes it is hard when the refining and pruning is going on by our Sovereign Lord. The critics and criticism and harsh words that can be said by others is loud and literally can level you to the ground. If we make a mistake, our Christianity is  the first thing questioned. Know,  we will make mistakes, but in our weakness, He is strong.  This is why our eyes should be focused on the one that is perfect and not on others. He is the only one that is faithful. He is the only one that extends amazing grace and endless mercy. In the times that I have been leveled by the enemy, I am so thankful that the Lord’s mercies are new each day. He delivers and saves us from our anguish because of His unfailing love.

The Lord has a way of whispering that  he is here every step of the way through the fire. Many times His confirmations are endless, we only need to lift our eyes up and see things from a different perspective.

The Lord tells  us in His word  that He and He alone appraises our true value and worth. He already proved his love for us and how much we are worth at Calvary.  He wants our roots to grow deep. He wants our branches to bear fruit. During the times when the waves over take us and knock us down or even pull us under, He wants us to know that though we are small, we have a Savior who walks on water. He will reach down and lift us up.  He will stand with us in the storm. His word says , blessed are the ones that take refuge in Him.

Each day, we are growing. We are growing because we are planted by the river of life. We serve the God of living water. With each passing mountain and valley and sometimes flood, we are growing strong and beautiful, ALL for Him. We are growing with each sound of his voice.

In the times of crisis, we have to stand and claim and repeat often that HE and HE alone is bringing out the beauty from the seeds that He has placed within us.  At times, we have to be still and know that HE is GOD. In the quiet still moments, He revitalizes us. He is wanting us to know that He is our hiding place. He will protect us in the times of trouble and He will surround us with songs of deliverance. Sometimes the music is in the form of an encouraging word from a  trusted friend. Sometimes it is in the perfect timing of His word. Sometimes it is in the beauty of His creation.  All the time He is telling us that with him on our side we will push back the darkness. We will have victory over these trials because we serve a God that is the light of the world.

We know that it is always darkest before the dawn. In those deepest darkest moments, lift your eyes and know that He is God. Know that out of all the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession. Deuteronomy 14:2.

A friend today posted these powerful words  and it fits so perfectly with what I am writing. “It’s awfully hard to not care what others think of us, especially of those we love and respect. But we must keep our ear pressed to the lips of God, and let His voice alone direct our path.” Thank you Cindy ~

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

Pastor Wayne Hilsden in Jerusalem  posted , “When we die to ourselves, we won’t feel a thing when people try to hurt us. Well, to be honest, I have not mastered this but with the steady hand of my Savior, I know he will keep holding my hand every step of the way until I do. It is so reassuring to know that He never gives up on us.  He is faithful.

May today we claim what He wants us to know… WE are His treasured possession, We have been chosen by the King, the king above all kings. The name above all names, There is no other name…. JESUS ~ The King who defines who we really are.

 

 

 

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~My Grandmother’s Work On Earth Is Done~

Posted on September 8, 2014 by darla05

grandmotherSometimes, finding the right words to express what I feel is hard. I don’t know if there are words to adequately describe the events of the last week. Saying goodbye to my Grandmother this past week has been one of the hardest weeks to endure of my life. Seeing my father standing over her casket and crying is a hard thing to witness. Death has a way of bringing out the best in people during this time. Many times true love is shown, servants hearts are made and true friendships are revealed. It is a time that hearts are  revealed. It is also a time of  short tempers, unkind words and the ugliness of  pride and control can sneak in between family members.   I have always heard that true character is always revealed during hardship. Well, as I am reflecting on the past week events, I am searching for the lessons to be learned .

My Grandmother was a Proverbs 31 woman if there ever was one that walked this earth. As I was by her bed side all day Tuesday and holding her hand much of the time, memories flashed back and forth in my mind.

As a child going to visit my Grandparents was always a joyous time. My Grandfather was always the center of attention. There were always people in their small home, laughter and old stories always centered around big family dinners. There were never harsh words spoken in their home. There was always such a feeling of love, acceptance and playful joy  from every corner of their home. We would  laugh, talk and share. I always felt safe there.

My Grandfather was a Pastor for 55 years. There was never a time in their home that I did not learn more about Jesus. Never entered their home that I did not hear a prayer at some point during the visit.  I see the plaques in stores today that say Jesus is the center of our home, well, there was no visible plaque in their home BUT all who entered the threshold knew that Jesus was indeed the center of their home.

If there is one theme that resides this week with me , it is over and over I heard that my Grandmother was such a kind and sweet woman. Quiet and reserved but a prayer warrior. Everyone says that they can never remember a time that they ever heard her complain. Ever ~  What a legacy she left to all who knew her.  We could all use more of this beautiful characteristic of her.  When harsh words were spoken around her,  she would smile and show love still. She taught us that love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast, it is not self seeking and it holds no records of wrong. It encourages, it endures  and it last….. it last long after death.

One friend of Grandma’s shared with me that she was in a circle of people and the speaker was asking each one to share a precious memory or one of the happiest times that you can remember. Without a seconds thought, she raised her hands in the air and said her happiest day was when she found Jesus.  How I smiled. It says it all. As I write this, let me say I hope we all find Jesus. More of Jesus everyday ~

Tuesday night was the  last time I saw her. I just remember kissing her face and hands. It was as if I couldn’t get enough of her at that moment because I knew it might be the last one. She was so very tired and she was struggling so to breath. Even with the oxygen mask and breathing treatments , there are times she was gasping for air. She opened her eyes once and gave me a strong  squeeze as I was holding her hand one last time and as  I was pouring   out “I love you’s” to her, thanking her for being the best grandmother to me .

I know she has taken the  most amazing journey now  and that God is with her now. She now knows true peace. Her suffering has ended and she has been given the words, “WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT” many times. I wish I could just be on the sideline to have heard them. I know that we will see her again. The words of their dear friend, Pastor McMasters keeps ringing through my head from her funeral. This life is temporary, so short compared to eternity. We who have the Lord will be reunited with her again for eternity. Those of us that don’t serve the Lord will never see her again so say your final goodbyes. Even at her funeral, there was an invitation to make sure all knew the Lord.  The more of my loved ones that are in Heaven with each passing one, the more I long to be there with my Lord and my family.

This world is not our home . We are just passing through. We are citizens of Heaven, thanks to the redeeming shed blood of our Savior. If there is one thing I ask of the Lord, one thing that I seek from this life of 97 years of this precious woman is that we learn from it. We love instead of react. We let many things go. Let the hurts of the past go. Let the pain of the past go. Place them at the foot of the cross once and for all. I know there is a time for everything. Without darkness we would not know  light and without death we would not recognize the  wonderful miracle of life. Death is a fate for us all and none can bypass it unless our Lord decides to return before we die.  There were times that I  pictured  death as a curtain closing upon us marking the end. Now, I see it as more of the opening of a curtain revealing the beginning . It is the beginning of life everlasting.  It really is just the beginning of life with the one who is the way and the truth and the life ~ The only life I care to know, a life with Jesus.

There is a promise that I have made to her, to myself and more importantly to my Lord from this past week. It is a promise of restoration, a promise that I will continuously seek out ones that are hurting and encourage them. I will continue to see a need and meet it. I will be a difference maker for my Lord and my family name, “GOZA.”  The beautiful name of an Italian heritage. My Grandparent’s, they started a legacy for the Lord many years ago when that went into the ministry. May each one of us that has their DNA running through our veins pick up the flaming torch where they left off in their journey. May we live with a purpose. May we focus on eternity.

Lord, use each one of us. Our talent, our strengths, our gifts that you have given us to continue this legacy that they started. One person at a time. May we be a part in leading the lost and the hopeless to you. Increase our love and passion  so that we will be difference makers for you. Thank you for the examples that you gave us here on earth through my Grandparents. There were truly a blessing and they are the biggest reason I am standing here today knowing that you Lord are my foundation on which I stand.

Just like the song we chose to honor her life with , She is resting high on that mountain. Her work on Earth is done. She has gone to Heaven shouting her love for the Father and the Son. I miss you already ~ Keep looking for me MeMa  because when I get there, I will be looking for you too ~

 

 

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We CAN DO ALL THINGS

Posted on September 1, 2014 by darla05

 

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We all have days when we question, we have a setback, we feel defeated. The mountain just seems to high to climb.

I keep thinking over and over about the scripture Phil. 4:13.  Most of us know it. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I remember as a child my Mother had it taped on the bathroom mirror.  All things simply means ALL things. We don’t get to pick and choose. We only are deemed a failure IF WE choose to give up. He has given us the strength and the ability to conquer any trial if we will  press forward.

I am so thankful that the Lord did not give up on each one of us. None of us can fathom His mercy and His grace. So say this scripture when the task at work is piling up.  Believe this scripture when your marriage seems to be crumbling around you. Pray this scripture when whatever trial is on your journey. Speak, Believe , Pray and trust our God knows what He is doing.

God knows that we will never grow in character unless we go through struggles. As hard as trials are IF we can look at them as something to learn from and not run from, we will grow more Christ like. He will equip us for the task at hand. We must do our part and pray and FOCUS on Him and stay in the word.

When Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan , it was flood season. It was RAGING. God’s instructions were for the priest to stand in the middle of the raging river. I can imagine their fear. I am sure many could see the fear in their eyes. But when they took that step of faith, God parted the Jordan.

Our strength comes from our God. We must take a step of faith first. When we step out in faith , He gives us the right words to say. He brings people in our path who need an encouraging word. He works through our gifts and talents. IF we let him, let me say it again, IF WE LET HIM, God can accomplish amazing things through us. All is possible.

So from this horse owner/lover to you, there are times when we have to climb back in the saddle, EVEN when we are doubting, we have to face our fear. Even when we have left some of our confidence on the ground from past mistakes, falls  and injuries, we cowgirl up ~ HE is right there every step of the way.

Train your mind and your spirit by constantly reading and meditating on the word. GUARD the entrances of your heart, what we LOOK at, LISTEN to and TALK about in abundance will eventually manifest in our life.

Lord, help each one of us to look at our life and our trials in a different light. Teach us and guide us to look at our life through your perspective. Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP ~ Our hope is in you Lord ~ ALL the day long.  Amen ~

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~Broken Crayons Still Color ~

Posted on August 27, 2014 by darla05

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God thou wilt not despise.” Ps. 51:17

Have you ever seen a “broken spirit?” Have you ever seen a “broken heart?” A person that is so destroyed, they  no longer postures themselves to disguise it? This person has come to terms with their fragility and there is no more hiding. Your heart has so much physical pain that you truly feel like it is breaking.  You lose your breath.  This hopelessness and broken state would cause most people to inwardly cringe at the thought.Every person has their “breaking point”; a place where once she  is taken there, she no longer is the same person again. I know, for I have been there.

How many people live their lives in fear of this “breaking point”. Thousands succumb to a tedious life of mediocrity by  emptying their wallets to numb the desire for more; numbing the pain with people or material things  or  substances because they fear the risk of where it might take them, or what it would make them. Some loose themselves in reckless abandonment to  do it all or have it all  before life consumes them or their window of opportunity.

Our Pastor Chris just taught a series about Worship. We all worship something. We were designed to worship our Creator. If we do not worship Him, we are still worshipping something. What do you think about the most? What do you focus on the most? Whatever you worship, you become. Whatever we choose to worship , can change us.

I am so thankful that in God’s eyes, a person who has risked it all to no avail, and has come to the end of themselves is actually in the best position.  They are  in the position to receive grace. When a person is completely broken, they can now accept their personal  vulnerability, their fragility and come to the humble beginning place where God can rebuild them. So many mornings, I think back to the wonderful words of a spiritual mentor of mine. She said, “Darla, what you are describing to me  is brokenness. The Lord has broken you and emptied you. Now, He can pour into you all the good things that he wanted you to have in the first place.”  I think of her words when I am questioning where do I belong? I think of her words when I feel like,  I don’t belong.  It is amazing to me how may times I feel my confidence rattled on this journey of discipleship.  The feeling of being in a room full of people and feeling alone. Does anyone really understand you? I call it the “Charlie in the box syndrome” instead of the Jack in the box. Sometimes I feel like I am the last of the Mohicans.  Each time I start to feel this and I will take a moment to stop and evaluate things, I am finding that I have taken my eyes off of my Creator. I have started focusing on the circumstances or as much as I hate to admit it, myself.

I wonder sometimes why I am so drawn to horses. Why would anyone spend so much time and money and energy and Doctor trips for them and myself for  this hobby. I can tell you my spirit is so responsive when I am with them. Words are spoken rarely. It is a spiritual understanding. It is body language. It is looking into the eyes of this magnificent horse and seeing yourself, the good, the bad and the ugly.  They teach me everyday that they reflect the leadership that I give. They reflect the confidence I possess or do not possess. The Lord uses them so many times for my spiritual lessons. In the quietness with them, His voice speaks volumes. Sometimes it is the only time I can find peace is in the quiet time sitting with the horses and listening for the whisper of the Lord.

When I have these  thoughts that can literally paralyze me , when I am struggling, I must choose to re-direct my energy. I must choose to seek His righteousness and establish my true identity. I must choose to start living each moment living life on the inside out. God created us  in His image and even with our human shortcomings, WE are a  masterpiece. The gift of self-will has caused many to rebel with a spirit of pride. The nature of pride repels the hand of help from anyone–even God. This is the quickest way to move out from under the protection of the Almighty One. How I want and desperately need and desire to be in the protective fortress of my God Almighty. 

Being broken is not bad, it is actually just the beginning. The more broken you have become, the better God’s restoration power can be seen through you. As Our Pastor quoted, “a man on his face before God can never fall from that position.”  When God is finished with the masterpiece of your life and my life, it may not be what you or I  expected, but it will definitely be better than anything we  could have made of it.

If there is one line that is engraved on my heart, it is His Mercies Are New Every Morning. I am so thankful. So thankful that our God is not a God of disorder but of peace. May we all continue to run forward in His love and His approval. Some morning it may just be one foot in front of another. Baby steps but steps in the right direction.

My hope and prayer is for each one of you that read this is that you choose this day  to serve the Lord Almighty. Have a wonderful day. Be Blessed. Bless others ~ Now, it is off to the barn I go ~ There are three horses who are waiting for their breakfast ~

 

 

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Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her. Luke 1:45

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– The World Has Plenty Of Critics- Be A Difference Maker –

Posted on August 20, 2014 by darla05

 

 

creator vs critics

 

There is only one way to avoid criticism – Do Nothing- Say Nothing-  And Be Nothing- Aristotle

Found this wonderful picture/lesson on Pinterest and had to share ~

Some people, no matter what you do, are not going to be for you. Even if you changed, met all their demands and did everything they asked, they would still find something wrong. I’ve learned that we can all save a lot of heartache and pain by learning to ignore those critical voices. You don’t need those people’s approval. You don’t have to have them cheering you on. They may try to make you look bad, but if you will stay on the high road and let God fight your battles, the more they talk the more God will bless you. They may try to take you down, but God will use it to take you up. Keep focused on your future, keep focused on the Word, and let His truth strengthen you to ignore the critics and move forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

Posted in Believe, Biblical perspective, Daily Devotion, Faith | 1 Comment