Walking Through The Desert

Posted on June 21, 2016 by darla05

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It gets old when you are walking in the dry desolate desert like the Israelites did. The spiritual dryness and praying that the Lord bends down his ear from the throne of grace and hears the cries of his children. Oh sure, we as Christians, can adjust our robe and say, ” I would never do as the Israelites did ” or “If I would have seen the miracles like they did” I would never doubt. Seriously, we would do exactly like they did maybe even more. Look at this world today.

When we are walking through the fire it is hard to remember all what the Lord has done for us in the past. Guess that is why the Lord say, REMEMBER what I did and why the Jews celebrate Passover and other events so that we NEVER forget. We are told to tell our children and our children’s children. R_E_M_E_M_B_E_R_ ~
SO many of us KNOW the Bible. We know the saying, if God and you are not as close as you use to be , who moved? Draw closer to God and he will draw closer to you according to James 4:8.
I read today and what perfect timing for us…
God is saying to you today. “Everything will work out. I am in complete control. I know what the medical report says. I know what the financial situation looks like. I see the people who are coming against you. I know how big your dreams are AND hear me clearly, I will not fail you.”
I wrote this down on a sticky note and placed it on my desk lamp to REMIND ME of this….. Joseph woke up in a prison BUT went to sleep in a palace the very same night. WHY? Because he trusted God in his dungeon. Trust God no matter where you find yourself today. HE will take care of you.
Thought I would share this. Perhaps someone else is going through the desert right now. Putting this out here to let you know that you are not alone. I get it. I know. I am there. This desert is dry, hot and wears you out. Exhausting… I know, I am seeing the trail of my footprints in the sand. But, there is still that still small voice inside of me that reminds me, there is streams in the desert.
I keep hearing…. “Trusting in me means trusting in my timing.” Lord, give us a little more faith to believe what we already know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Daily Devotion, Faith, Hope, Israel, Perseverence, prayer | 2 Comments

Vintage 1966- 50th Birthday Today

Posted on May 23, 2016 by darla05

 

50 years today. People are asking what are you going to do , for this is a “BIG” birthday. What is Don going to get you for he spoils you rotten. How are y’all celebrating? My answer is… simple.  We had an outdoor dinner at the farm  last night with the kids and our best friend, Dee.  Don  has asked several times what I wanted for my birthday? I really don’t know.

I am enjoying the silence this morning on the farm for the first half of my birthday.  All the dogs are sprawled out around me on the floor and I do know what I want for my  birthday, as I  humbly whisper to the Lord.

I want my Dad to be healed from Cancer. I want my dear friend, DeeDee to be healed from Cancer. I want  Don to  retire so we can enjoy this farm that we have worked so hard to have. I want to see my loved ones happy and whole. I want to see the world I live in go back to being more simple.  Faith, Family and Friends were the Southern way of life growing up .  I want the world to slow down and people to put down their phones and truly care and cherish the person that is in front of them.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed as we all were reminded this week as we said goodbye to one I adored. Brandon Clough left us much too soon. It is so hard to say goodbye to one that filled my heart with so much joy through the years. The last words he wrote to me were, I love you on a  Facebook message.  How I wish I could tell him one more time how proud I was of him. How much I adored him. He was truly like a little brother to me. Please remember friends, work is NOT the most important thing, family and friends and honoring the Lord is the only  goal worth attaining.

How I have changed reflecting back. What have I learned? What can I share with the younger generation that would have a lasting impact? For starters…

I don’t know how people make it day to day without the Lord. Living in this world,  it is hard some days,  even knowing  my future is secure in my Heavenly Father’s righteous right hand. I have come to a place that I truly have accepted that I do not have to be right. I do not have to be first. I do not have to be praised.

TRUTH….  It is worth fighting for. The world is fighting against it every single day. A lie does not become truth and wrong does not become right just because our society says so and embraces it . The Lord’s word is sovereign over all.  I do have to stand for truth no matter the risk. I do require honesty and kindness in my relationships. It is what I ask for in all my relationships and I give both back whole heartily.

I  look in the mirror and I have changed through the years but I have learned to love myself…  wrinkles, flaws, mistakes  and all. Funny, how just  a few years ago, I would not go out of the house without being dolled up and dressed to the nines, ( which I can still do from time to time) but,  now it is jeans and t-shirts and many days without make up. The dirt on me is ok, for it shows I have spent time with the horses, they are the reason for why we bought this farm. They are the ministry that the Lord has given us. For the lost and abused children, for the hurting adults, for the days that the world has beat us up. We can go out with them in the pasture, in the stillness and find solace. Best therapy money can buy. One of my birthday presents from Dee is a plaque that says, “The sound of hooves on the ground defines freedom.”

I  have learned to respect myself enough that when others continue to not show respect time and time again , it is time that they exit the door in my life. Some people can stay in my heart but not in my life. Forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation and that is ok. Walking away at times is the wisest thing and the kindest thing I can do for myself. Harsh words do not have to be said. I  now know, I do not have to have the last word.

The Lord continues to show me that I cannot be more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing Him. This needs to be a routine soul search for us all .  He draws  a line in the sand for us all.  We  must choose which side we are going to be on. We can please people or We can please Him but we  cannot have both. We have to learn this lesson to do the work He has called us to do.

I AM committed to Him. The days I fall on my face, He is still  my guide.  He picks me up when I have lost my way.  We can wander away  so quickly  if we place our focus on our circumstances.

I want to stand firm as His Prayer Warrior no matter what battle comes my way.  His grace does abound in deepest waters. When the water is over my head it does not really matter anymore how deep the water is for He promises He will be my guide.  He has chosen me. I do not have to fear for He is with me. I do not have to be discouraged for He is my Father. He will strengthen me and he will uphold me .

Truly striving to be a  DIFFERENCE MAKER. I want to know when I am gone that the world was a better place because I lived that dash in between , the 1966- … To do this I MUST place circumstances that I have no control over at the foot of the cross. I must trust Him even when I do not understand or have the whys answered.

Half a century old , as my son said yesterday. Well, for this second half, may I have the wisdom, strength and courage to finish this life well. So that…. The Lord  will have the words to say to me that I long to hear, “Well done”. Those two words hold my future. They are my victory. They are my trophy at the end of this race in life.

Lord, thank you for my family. Thank you for my husband of twenty years through the mountains and potholes of life.  Thank you for true friends.  The greatest gift on earth for me is being a Mother to Joshua and Ashley . Now, it is a mother also to 3 horses, 5 dogs and 1 cat later.  May we all grow old serving the Lord, together,  for with our Lord on our side, the best is yet to come ~

Now, I am longing to walk down the gravel road to the barn and spend time with my beautiful horses.  Work is on the back burner for the day. No farm work today either. NO daily cleaning either.  Just going to enjoy the simple things of life for today. Thank you Lord for giving me this life to live. For your name sake, lead me and guide me ~

 

Posted in Believe, Christian, Christian Inspiration, Courage, Daily Devotion, Determination, Discipline, Encouragment, Faith, finding ourselves, Forgivness, Friendship, Inspirational | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

To Live and Proclaim… What Cancer CANNOT Do…

Posted on May 9, 2016 by darla05

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This morning I look out the window at the horse farm. The green pastures, white fencing and old Southern trees bring a sense of peace that is so needed this morning. For this is the morning my Dad starts Chemo, Massive doses of Chemo for a disease that has spread in his stomach, chest and neck. 6 rounds  ( a round is four days a week 4/6 hours a day , 3 weeks off and  back on again. ) of treatments for 6 months.

Yes, there are times that I wish I had a crystal ball so I would know how this all plays out. I have cried. I have begged the Lord. I have worshiped the Lord and I have sat in silence. Cancer truly does not have a face until it is one of your loved ones. Four years ago, I was sitting in the Doctor’s office and I was told I had cancer, I went through all the thoughts of who is going to look after my loved ones, my horses, etc. My Doctor called back two weeks later and said he made a mistake in looking at the test results. Relief…is an understatement.  But, nothing prepares you as you are sitting with your Mom and Dad and listening to the Doctor tell you that your Dad has cancer , aggressive cancer. The fighter inside me wants to stand up and say , not a chance. You have made a mistake~Not on my watch !

As I am battling a hundred different thoughts this morning, banking on so many scriptures, I am asking  the Lord, please give us all a little more faith to believe what we already know. There always comes a point in all of our lives that we have an unsuspected reserve of strength that emerges when life puts us to the test.

My Mom and Dad have this kind of strength.  I just talked to them on the way to the Cancer center.  Tears stream as I cannot be there. I will keep driving back and forth from Alabama to Arkansas.It is hard to see your parent’s go through this as many of you have. It is an added hardship when you are  6 1/2 hours from them.

Yes, fear has come knocking on their door, all of our doors, but, Mom & Dad  are kicking it to the curb. My Dad has said that they have been so blessed. Never really had a serious sickness, us kids have never been serious sick and this is just something they have to get through. Mom says, “He is amazing, he has more strength and determination to fight this, more than ever.” Dad said, “we got to have faith.” They both  said, there is a reason for this. God has a plan and he will get the glory from this.

So… God, whatever your plan is, I ask you to hold my Mom and Dad in the palm of your hand. Strengthen their faith. Bring encouragement to them in this valley and timely help ! May we trust that your will, God, will never take us to a place that your grace will not protect us.

Friends and Family, one last thing, Please don’t share your horror stories to others that are fighting cancer. Positive thoughts are POWERFUL thoughts. I cannot believe how many people have said the most thoughtless things already. The word says, “As a man thinketh… so is he.” If you cannot say something encouraging , Please for the love of God, be quiet.

Second, don’t say, “Call if you need something”.  Why do  we say that people ? Seriously, most likely that call is not going to happen. Better yet, why don’t you pray and ask God to lead you in how you can help someone who is sick or housebound.

Life goes on even though this horrific disease has come. May this be a lesson to us ALL. When someone is sick, widowed, etc.  There are meals that are needed, grass that needs cutting, Groceries that still need to be there and lots of encouragement and cards along the way. Family and loved ones are traveling back and forth to their sick family members. How can you be a difference maker?  PRAY and ASK  God . God  is searching for those who want to be a difference maker, not the ones that just say, Praying for you or Call if you need something.

If you live as a Christian it is monotonous to remind people that you are one. This is a place in life where using your words is not the preferred method. “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”_ St. Francis of Assisi

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Posted in Believe, Biblical perspective, cancer fighter, Christian, Christian Inspiration, Confidence, Courage, Daily Devotion, Determination, Encouragment, Faith, Grace, Inspirational, Pray, prayer | Leave a comment

This Fight IS Not Just For You ~

Posted on April 27, 2016 by darla05

 

 

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Our world has gone crazy. When you read the news and see what the hot topics are today don’t you think, what in the world is happening? Twenty years ago, we would have never ever heard of these debates. Even ten or five years ago.  What has changed?

I believe we have taken our eyes off of the Creator and placed them on the creation. I am not here to judge and it drives me nuts when we as believers  start speaking about our beliefs and what we stand for that there is ALWAYS someone that says we are judging or we are being moralistic. Please come up with a new line.

I am the first one to say I have made more mistakes than I care to count. Last year, I truly fell on my face and this warrior dropped her sword and felt as if the enemy laid me at his feet. What I learned through that long violent season is I took my eyes off of the Lord. I placed them on the circumstances.  It was not often enough that I was on my knees.  It was not often enough that I was in his word. I listened to the lies of the enemy and he won the battle. But, I am here standing still saying he did not win the war. God pulled me out of the pit and clothe me with righteousness that I did not deserve. So trust me when I say, I am not here to judge but  be a voice to tell the truth.

Friends, we are NOT called to fit it or follow others. The Lord created us to stand out. The Lord equipped us and appointed us to lead others to Him.

We need to step out to the FRONT LINE. We need to fight for those who are too weak to fight for themselves. We need to STAND for the principles that we grew up on and we need to speak the TRUTH no matter the cost. Even the Lord said he despised lukewarm. Get on the fence or get off  the fence but stand for something.

We need to look forward to the great victories that are in front of us. We do not have to hide behind insecurity or fears any longer. Strip away the doubts and the what if’s. We got to believe.

The Lord will turn our pain into passion to change this world, we simply need to ask of Him.  We HAVE To find our way to the front line. FRONT AND CENTER !  We have to hide this truth in our heart, We have got to be strong in the power of his might and to prove to the enemy,we are the army of the Lord and we have won the victory. We have to chose what side we are on , the darkness or the light because this fight is not just about you or me, it is for ALL those we love dearly ! Lord, remind us of your faithful ways.

May we fall on our knees and say, All that is within me Lord desires to be a difference maker for you. The mountains before me are nothing for with YOU… I am a mountain climber.

May the Lord give us courage to step out in faith and bring revival to our homes, our community and ultimately our nation.  Zechariah 10:5 says-” Together they will be like MIGHTY WARRIORS in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the Lord is with them and they will put the enemy to shame.”

The righteous are as BOLD, BRAVE and COURAGEOUS  as a Lion. Proverbs 28:1

Posted in America, Believe, Biblical perspective, Christian, Christian Inspiration, Confidence, Courage, Daily Devotion, Determination, Discipline, Encouragment, Faith, Faithfulness, Hope, Perseverence, prayer | 1 Comment

Fearlessly Authentic

Posted on March 24, 2016 by darla05

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This last week my mind is running non stop on marketing.  I am really able to concentrate on my real estate career  with Keller Williams since the farm house remodel is almost behind us, THANK GOD ~

I have heard such encouragement this week since I have signed on with Keller Williams. I love the people. I love the encouragement these amazing people I surround myself with bring to the table. I love that they believe they will continue to rise in the market place  because they believe in lifting up their agents and training and educating them to be the best they can be. Not just in real estate but they encourage you to have a joy filled life.

This morning, as I am focusing on a marketing plan for my business and learning so many new procedures, I am reminded of who I am  in Christ.  There is no better place to find that truth than the word of God. The truth is,  we all  have special gifts inside of us,  hand-tailored by God for you and me to bring to the table that no one else brings. You’re the only one whose got that “it” from God. ~

I read something that I wrote some time ago. Funny, how my own thoughts can speak to me in a totally different way because of the different season I am in right now. I thought I would share a lot of it again.

Following God is like copying the work of a master artist: only God gives each of us different colors and medias to copy it with. No one has all the right materials and all the right abilities. Some of us may have to paint ours entirely in blue, some of us may not have a pencil to get the general shape in place. But sometimes we can share our materials to help others complete their picture.

When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are surrendering our ways to line up with his ways. God uses the unique blueprint he designed from the beginning , the unique gifts he gave only you to fulfill His purpose and His plan for your life as well as the body of Christ.  We need to share our gifts and quit trying to share gifts that were not ours to share.

We should all learn from our competitors but never copy. In business, we need to find something that sets us apart from our competition. Uniquely different but oh so marketable.

We should be focusing on our walk  and  not someone else’s walk. At the end of our life when we stand before Almighty God, we will be answering for what we did with the gifts and abilities he gave us NOT others. There is no win in comparison. It is a trap. It is an outward characteristic of an inward heart problem. We have to get to the root.

Be Fearless. Be Fearlessly You ~ Imitation is not flattery, it really is a lack of creativity. Our God that we serve makes no mistakes. He is the creative master painter. No two sunrises or sunsets are ever the same. The colors are vivid, each with its own shades, own shape and it is beautiful breathtaking. No two handprints are the same. No two fingerprints are the same. God made us all different for a reason. To not embrace ourselves is to not embrace the creation of the Creator.

He knew us in our Mothers womb. He designed each one of us to be wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made. As the song Wonderfully Made by Sarah Harts says,” If we could just see just for one day, the way that he sees us.” It would truly change everything.

Friends, we TRULY rise by lifting others. I am so thankful that our vibes attract our tribe. I am surrounded by a fierce tribe. They inspire me to be the best me I can be ~

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Posted in Daily Devotion, Determination, Discipline, Encouragment, Faith, finding ourselves, Inspirational | 2 Comments

The Bend In The Road

Posted on March 14, 2016 by darla05

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This is what the Lord says “Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”Jeremiah 6 :16 –

Reflecting this morning on  my writings through the years  and notes that I keep. This scripture really stood out to me this morning for the changes that I am making this week.

My hope, my prayer for each one of my loved ones is  each one of us ask for the tried and true way. The wisdom of God and his ways. May we follow FAITH and not feelings as hard as that is for us all at times. May we trust in the Lord with ALL of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding or cultures understanding. May each one of us acknowledge God in ALL ways, in EVERY aspect of our lives and he will guide us and HE WILL make our paths straight.

To change our nation is to first change our homes. Let’s bring God back to the CENTER of everything in our lives. For he is an all or nothing God. He is Lord of ALL or he is not Lord at all.

PERFECTION is something that we will not achieve on this earth. Our true testimony to others is  how we act when all hell breaks  loose and our circumstances are anything but perfect.  This last year has been one of difficulty.  My faith has been tested and this warrior has been on her knees on more days than I can count. I am so thankful for the God of second chances. ( really of endless chances).  I am the first to admit that there have been times that I have acted like any thing but the faithful believer.  Trials, temptations and life circumstances have gotten in the way of clarity on many days. But God, he knew my mistakes would be made long before I ever made them and he still said this blood… this blood I shed is for you. The Lord’s unconditional love is something our finite mind just cannot understand.  It is the Lord that says he can make beauty out of brokenness and ashes.  He and he alone appraises our worth and he tells me that I am the daughter of the most high God. When we think and really believe we are the royal child of the King, it changes everything ! EVERYTHING !!! We  truly will understand it is for the sake of HIS NAME that we ask him to lead us and guide us.

My prayer this morning is…Teach us  your ways, Lord. I pray not my thoughts but your thoughts. Lord, I ask for you to  reveal to us the power you have placed within us. Strip away all of our selfishness and clothe us with more of you. Help us all to see each other through your eyes. May we never feel that we are walking all alone. Break our hearts into little pieces for the things that break your heart. You are a  faithful God. Search us and knows us well. Reveal to us anything that will keep us from following you. Thank you for meeting us right where we are in our journey and inviting  us to come to where you dwell in holiness, where our hearts and your heart can be one.Guard our thoughts Lord, our words, our decisions, our steps. Guide each one of us with your righteous right hand. Thank you Lord  for your mercy and grace. Thank you Lord that your grace found me ~

May each one of us say today… As for me and my house, We ARE serving you Lord.

Posted in Faith, Grace | Leave a comment

Car Wreck and Valentine’s Day-

Posted on February 15, 2016 by darla05

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Because (she) loves Me says the Lord, I will rescue her. I will protect her, for she acknowledges My name. Psalm 91:14

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Sunshine, working around the farm  and hunting awesome little gems in salvages stores for our farm. We decided to grab a pizza at Salvatore’s and take it home for dinner. This city woman gone country really loves the simpler way of life now.

Turning on our highway, one mile from home, I was at a dead stop with blinker on to turn left and waiting for a car to pass me, when all of a sudden, I did not have time to say anything to Don, in a split second, ALL I could see is this big silver truck coming straight at us in the rear view mirror. The jolt was so hard when it hit that it knocked one of my earrings out of my ear onto the dashboard. My sunglasses went flying off also with my hair pulled out with them.  When the impact was over, I looked around and  thanking the Lord that Don was fine. The young teenage driver was fine.  The young man was on his cell phone messing with his bluetooth and looked up and never had time to put on his brakes. IF we would not  have been wearing our seat belts, we both would have been thrown into the  front windshield.

I was immediately hurting. I guess because I tensed up seeing it was coming and Don never knew what hit us. The ambulance came, firetrucks and all the cops and state trooper. I signed the papers stating I did not want to go on an ambulance ride for Valentines. But, oh Lord, did I already feel the soreness.

Amazing Grace on Valentine’s Day. The first words were I cannot believe how well the Lexus SUV held up. A direct hit at a fast pace from a big Toyota Tundra. The trucks front bumper was pushed back to his wheel base and yes my car took a major hit but it was still drivable. We were ok. We both said to each other it was God’s protective hand.

Is a wreck what you want to happen to you anytime much less Valentine’s Day? All of our answers will be NO NO  ! But, on this day we celebrate love, we were once again reminded of the ultimate love. His GRACE has happened to us.  HIs grace and mercy and protection found us.

This morning when we have to do all the not so fun stuff, insurance company call, take the car to the body shop and get the rental as so many of us know the drill. It is ok because My God alone is my rock and my salvation. He is our mighty rock and our refuge, we may stumble but we will not fall for the Lord holds us by HIS hand and commands his protective angels over us.

God never gives a thorn without his added grace ~ Grace and more grace came after us like a white water riptide on Valentines.  God’s grace finds ways of coming after us in ways that we never thought possible.

Amazing Grace… how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me… sing with me this morning…… T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.

We made it to home sweet home,  our horse farm, Summer Breeze Farm ~

 

 

 

Posted in Daily Devotion, Encouragment, Faith, Grace, Inspirational | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Do You See The Roses or the Thorns?

Posted on February 6, 2016 by darla05

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This morning I found myself going through saved files of things I have wrote. I found this one and boy did it hit home for me. My own writing speaking back to me.

Do you ever have those days when you feel like you are not as close as you use to be in your walk with the Lord? Seasons…  There are seasons in the valley, seasons on the mountain top and seasons in the desert. Each one is building  our character.

I have joked and said before Lord, don’t let this be one of theses character building days. Thank goodness the Lord can look down at our request at times and just smiles instead of bopping us on the head. The Lord knew I needed to read this again, recognize where my heart was when I wrote it, adjust my sails and get back to the place where he is my center of it all.

Life has a way of distracting us. Getting us off course. Living for the Lord is a daily decision. When we place him on the back burner, our fire starts to burn low and lower, if we do not adjust our course, the fire could turn to ashes. Thankful  for the reminder from two years ago. Thought I would share it again because we all need reminders, I know I sure did.

2 years ago-

It is one of those all to familiar nights when I cannot sleep. You know the ones where you look at the clock over and over again to see what time it is now. So, I have grabbed the caffeine and I will make good use of these early hours by writing what has been on my heart.

I have been thinking about how dissatisfied so many of us Christians are today. I find myself searching and asking why? Is it because life often crowds in and saps the strength we need for the truly important things? Is it we are veering our eyes off of the Lord and placing them on people, things or our present circumstances? I believe we all can say, YES to both of those questions.

I hear so much complaining these days and yes, I am guilty of it also. Why, when we serve a risen Savior who willingly took our place so that we could have everlasting life. If we never received another blessing from above that would be enough. It was the priceless perfect gift.

I think of the Israelites in the dessert and how the Bible tells us over and over the complaining they did. The Lord burned with anger against them on many occasions. I think of the occasion when some of the people were grumbling against Moses. The Lord told Moses to call them all together for a meeting. The grumbling people showed up. The Lord opened up the earth and swallowed them up and the meeting was adjourned . End of story. The plagues, the biting snakes that killed many. All were sent because of the act of complaining and being dissatisfied.

This act of complaining is a stronghold and it is a mighty stronghold. Thankfully, we serve a God who is ruler over ALL ~ We do not need more to be thankful. We need to be thankful MORE. The job or the co-worker that we would like to bop upside the head. Think about how many would love to have the job you have that cannot seem to catch a break. The children who are being disrespectful and crying and fighting and getting on that last nerve, think about how many single Mothers would love to be staying at home with their beloved child.

Sometimes, we just don’t have the strength we need to fulfill God’s purpose in us. We find it difficult to serve, to use our spiritual gifts or to even realize the dream and the purpose that God gave us. BUT GOD…. Those two words are powerful. They throw a curve ball in every circumstance, BUT GOD, if we ask for HIS strength , he will give it to us. His strength fills us with life to complete the things that HE alone wants us to do. It also opens our eyes to the wonder of it all. It brings us back to the basics of this life that HE created. The basics being everything is created for His glory and His purpose. When we open our eyes to the wonder that God gave us the spiritual and material blessings to bless others, it changes our perspective. We start being focused on the eternal and not earthly focused. This past Sunday at church we were given a great quote by C. S. Lewis, “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’, aim at Earth and you will get neither.” Powerful.

Being more Christ like is a process. It is daily being on the potter’s wheel and being molded by His righteous hands. He strips away the imperfections in each one of us. Each day he is molding us to be more like our redeeming Savior. Sometimes the potter’s wheel keeps spinning and spinning. It keeps working on that one area that is just not quite right. In the end, it is truly a one of a kind masterpiece.

When we start to feel the discontent rising in us. Before it ever comes out of our mouth , if we will stop, wait a minute, pause and pray, the Lord will answer us and will encourage us and will give us the strength we need according to Psalms 138:3.

Take to heart that we are created in the image of God. He works through our gifts and talents to show the world how much he loves them. IF, we let him, He will do amazing things in us. Pray for the strength to break the stronghold of complaining. It is a joy robber. I want to be a joy giver. As Joyce Meyer’s says, Complain and Remain or Praise and Raise. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. With God’s help we will do mighty things. Psalms 60:12.

Lord, I come before you this morning. I am so thankful that this is the day that you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, we know that we enter your gates with a heart of thanksgiving and into your courts with praise . We want your presence . We seek your face. Lord, give us your strength to have a heart filled with thanksgiving and not a heart of discontentment. Father, open our eyes to the beauty around us.

Open our eyes to the work that you are doing each and every day. Each day from you is a gift, may we untie the ribbons and open it with a spirit filled with excitement for the new day is dawning. Forgive us of our complaining. Forgive us for the times we have taking our eyes off of you. You are the potter and we are the clay. Your ways are best so we willingly come to the potter’s wheel. Thank you for you endless grace and mercy. Thank you for your everlasting patience. I cannot seem to fathom it but I am so thankful for it. Thank you for the work that you are doing in each one of us. May each day we give you ALL the praise and the glory and the honor. In Jesus name, I pray these things, the name above ALL names. Amen ~

Posted in Christian Inspiration, Daily Devotion, Discipline, Encouragment, Faith, finding ourselves, Inspirational | 2 Comments

Worth The Wait ~

Posted on February 1, 2016 by darla05

DSC_1042.JPGThis dream that I chased for years is finally in my view. This picture is one of my horses, my super star Baltazar. Bali (his nickname) is  grazing on a beautiful warm sunny February 1st day next to our backyard   As I relax and sit in my rocker and take this view in, my eyes fill with tears. Tears of joy. 

I  whisper … thank you Lord. But, somehow that does not seem like enough. There are those moments when you are so grateful that there are no words. I only sit in the stillness and reflect on how many prayers,  years of requesting for what I am enjoying at this very moment.

The sound of doves in the background is music to my soul. The sounds of nickering and neighs of my beloved horses, makes my heart skip a beat. Laying on the ground in the paddock with Bali today, and letting him graze as I just looked up in the sky, I saw a hawk soaring in the sky. He was breathtaking. He was confident. He reminded me who gives us life. How taking our next breath is a gift.  Watching him fly , I cannot help but think of the scripture, They who WAIT for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

As the sunshine hit my face, My soul was being restored for the cares and concerns that I have carried. As I was literally laying down beside a 1200 pound animal, I understand the 23 Psalms better today. I have memorized  it since I was probably five years old. But today, it took on another meaning.  For as I was laying down in my own pastures, God’s  word written by King David, came to life…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Thankful for His grace. Thankful for His mercy. Thankful that he granted me my prayer. Thankful for His presence today with my beloved horse. Taking in all His glory on a sunny  Winter day in Alabama ~

Tell the Lord what you are thankful for today !

 

Posted in Daily Devotion, Faith, Perseverence, prayer | 1 Comment

Just… Be Still

Posted on January 26, 2016 by darla05

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The remodeling of the old farm home. How do I make it mine on a budget? It is going to take time, TIME- I am one that wants it done quickly. Yesterday as I was in Hobby Lobby looking at stencils to put a scripture inside these walls, I saw the scripture Psalms 46:10, Be still and KNOW that I am God. I think this is the one. So simple and yet profound.

Be still… being still is NOT a lack of action. It is a posture of trust.   We need to be still. We need to be planted . Regardless of the winds, the waves and the culture around us.

What does this say to me ? As I ponder on this, he is still patiently telling me, Darla, delight in me. Trust in me. Commit ALL to me and then BE STILL and know my peace like a river.

So this early morning, I will make the choice to slow down, enjoy the process of the farm coming together one day at a time. Be still  and thank my Father that He is in complete control. Because sometimes, we need to be reminded to stop everything and put our eyes on the Lord.

 

1. Zechariah 2:13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

2. Psalm 46:10-11 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

3. Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you while you keep still.”

4. Habakkuk 2:20 “The LORD is in his holy Temple. All the earth—be quiet in his presence.”

5. 1 Samuel 12:16 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!

6. Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.

Posted in Believe, Christian Inspiration, Confidence, Daily Devotion, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment