Friday, January 11, 2013

So Confused - Musical Monday - On a Friday!!!

This song has been heavy on my heart lately!
Not sure why, but I do love it!

"We Are" by Kari Jobe

We are the light of the world.
We are the city on a hill.
We are the light of the world.
We gotta let the light shine.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Hope is a Matter of Perception

I have high hopes.
My mom used to call me Pollyanna, in reference to the Disney movie where a young lady ALWAYS comments on the best part of every situation.



Sometimes my positive outlook takes people by surprise. I am forgiving and accepting, almost to the point of naivete.

This does not mean that I don't feel down sometimes. I get depressed. I feel bad about myself, and about others. I often find myself wondering if I'm bipolar or something.

Then I think that it really does not matter. I have HOPE!

I have hope that the Lord really has great things in store for me.
I have hope that my children are really blessings, and that He has great things in store for them!
I have HOPE that my husband is a heavenly blessing, despite the things that drive me crazy about him!
I have HOPE that those who only seem to notice the negative things in their lives will some day see the Glory and blessings that come from God.

How you see your circumstance is all about perspective.

Seek to find the positive in every situation, and you will be AMAZED at the blessings you have received.

I recently found out that I am going to be an aunt again!
The circumstances are not ideal, because my brother is not married to the mother of his child, and I don't know her very well at all. Some people might have major problems with this, and that's okay.
My perspective is that I LOVE kids, and having a new niece or nephew will be AWESOME!
My brother will make an AMAZING daddy - so that's great too!
The situation might be difficult at times, but if I seek the positive, I will be blessed by the nuances and craziness that is human nature.

"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..." Lamentations 3:25

Friday, January 4, 2013

Putting On Your New Self in the Morning

When I get up in the morning, I do not enjoy picking out clothing to wear.
I want to be comfortable more than anything. The style of my clothing is reflective of the fact that I just want to be comfortable. I am a mom, with three young children. I am running around, crawling around, and playing all day long.

I do not wear many suits or dresses. I sometimes wish I did, but that would require so much more effort!

This year I am going to strive to ignore the clothes, and make sure "...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24).

Instead of debating what color sweater to wear, or whether my ripped jeans are appropriate for the day, I will focus on the righteousness that God has placed in my life. I will look for HIS holiness in my life, and say a prayer with each article of clothing I place on my body. That my torso may hold a Heart that honors God in every beat. That my pants may cover my legs as they are lead in God's path for me today. My socks may bless my feet as they walk the walk that God has prepared for me.

Lord, please help us to put on our new selves, that you have created. We are still moms, children, and members of society. Let our outward appearances reflect You and Your Glory!
AMEN

"...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." —Ephesians 4:24

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Breaking Old Habits ~ Beginning Anew with Prayer

I am very guilty of having deceitful desires.
I have acquired very bad habits of spending money to buy things to fill the voids in my life.
My heart yearns to fill those voids with prayer and connection with the Lord.

Before I put any monetary or physical possessions ahead of my relationship with the Lord, I will say a prayer, asking for guidance and strength against false idols.

Having more STUFF will not make me happier. It will simply clutter my home, and my relationships, with unimportant junk.

Dear Lord,
Please help us to remember what is important, and to look to You in all things. Help me to shed the habits I have acquired, and to seek You first. Teach me, Lord, to accept what I have as gifts from You, and to be thankful for everything I have. I pray that I may learn from Your messages Lord, in prayer and scripture, every day of my life. Amen

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires..." —Ephesians 4:22