'No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us' - 1 John 4:12
That connects with 1 Peter 1:8 that we memorized yesterday. The love for God when we don't see hi. This 1 John opens up that idea of glimpses of heaven, glimpses of God. We all so desperately want to see him and that is a godly, biblical desire but let us not miss out on what God has for us in the mean time. His love is made complete in us. He has given us each other not so much as a substitute but as a part of him. God is here with us, we in a sense can see, touch, hear...His love is around us, in us, and with us. Awe...It is like when my dad us to bake cakes and to make sure the layers were the same and everything was smooth he would cut of pieces of cake. And of course we could eat these pieces. We enjoyed them very much, we still got cake later and the cake later was the best because there was more and icing. But those scrapes were so good. It's like God's love, its not time for us to go home yet and enjoy all of God face to face. But he cuts off those pieces of himself to let us enjoy until we get to the full thing. He wants us to enjoy all of him. Let us not throw those scraps away. We can enjoy both, aka all of Him...'God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.'
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
God Love, Love God
What do cotton balls, snow, cotton candy and flour have in common?
It's not a joke, its the only way I can explain the beauty that God just blessed me with. I have been praying and striving so much to love God and see his love for me. So on my flight from Denver to Salt Lake I was half concious but I know it wasn't a dream. The plane flew through a cloud and not just one little one, a mass of cloud, a city/ kingdom of clouds. I thought I was in Heaven or atleast on the way. It was dark in spots at first but then we would break through and you could see the sun and the light stretched forever. THe city of clouds was just like those four things above. Imagine a hill land covered in snow (covered to the point where you can't see anything else). Now cover that with the shape of a million giant cotton balls. Imagine seeing parts of the city look like mounds of flour like when you pile it up for baking(or playing!) Toss into the sky of this city strips of white stuff like when you pull of chunks of cotton candy. It is all the purest white you can imagine and the light of the sun touches it all with that warm heavenly light. It was a gift from God that I hope I never forget. On top of that he gave a glimpse of a sunset from above, think about it because I can't even explain it.
Witnessing this brought so much joy and peace to my heart. I sat and thought about his love for us, for me. The verse that John and I talked about and then memorized came to mind. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." - 1 Peter 1:8 He gave me this gift but yet I still have yet to see him. I thought about some of the best gifts I've gotten and how I know which gift was given by whom. The best gifts aren't as important as the person that gave it to me. It's my love for them that I cerish most. So stop and imagine and think about how much we enjoy and delight in the gifts God gives us. Clouds, sunsets, stars, mountains, grass, breezes, lighting, rain, etc. See it, we cherish God more! Do you see it? I love all these things so much and have spent so much time just looking and staring and aweing over them. "...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" - Heb 12:28-29 I love this God of mine, I REALLY DO!
It's not a joke, its the only way I can explain the beauty that God just blessed me with. I have been praying and striving so much to love God and see his love for me. So on my flight from Denver to Salt Lake I was half concious but I know it wasn't a dream. The plane flew through a cloud and not just one little one, a mass of cloud, a city/ kingdom of clouds. I thought I was in Heaven or atleast on the way. It was dark in spots at first but then we would break through and you could see the sun and the light stretched forever. THe city of clouds was just like those four things above. Imagine a hill land covered in snow (covered to the point where you can't see anything else). Now cover that with the shape of a million giant cotton balls. Imagine seeing parts of the city look like mounds of flour like when you pile it up for baking(or playing!) Toss into the sky of this city strips of white stuff like when you pull of chunks of cotton candy. It is all the purest white you can imagine and the light of the sun touches it all with that warm heavenly light. It was a gift from God that I hope I never forget. On top of that he gave a glimpse of a sunset from above, think about it because I can't even explain it.
Witnessing this brought so much joy and peace to my heart. I sat and thought about his love for us, for me. The verse that John and I talked about and then memorized came to mind. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." - 1 Peter 1:8 He gave me this gift but yet I still have yet to see him. I thought about some of the best gifts I've gotten and how I know which gift was given by whom. The best gifts aren't as important as the person that gave it to me. It's my love for them that I cerish most. So stop and imagine and think about how much we enjoy and delight in the gifts God gives us. Clouds, sunsets, stars, mountains, grass, breezes, lighting, rain, etc. See it, we cherish God more! Do you see it? I love all these things so much and have spent so much time just looking and staring and aweing over them. "...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" - Heb 12:28-29 I love this God of mine, I REALLY DO!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
An older male version of myself 2 years ago
We went out sharing for the 4th of July last night.
The first and only man we talked to was me! Yes?
He was this nice man, about 50's I would guess, from California but he had sort of an Irish accent. I asked him who Jesus Christ is to him and he replied that he didn’t believe in God. He said he wasn’t a religious man and has never been to church. More questions later found out that his mom was very religious and made him pray, he never liked it. His beliefs are only in what he sees in the since that you can’t see God so he doesn’t exist. He believed that when we die we die just like the trees and just go back into the dirt. There seemed to be a lot of hurt and anger. Because he asked how a loving God could allow the hurricane to happen and allow all the deaths in Iraq. But when we asked what he thought about a just God he didn’t respond. He mentioned that this world was hell and so we asked him where was heaven then and he instantly stopped talking to us. So we said goodbye and wished him the best.
He reminded me of myself because I use to think that the idea of a God was silly and that people devoted so much time to something that you couldn’t see. I also thought that there was no afterlife and like this man said we just die like a tree dies. My heart just really went out to this man. And our God is a faithful and loving God so I know this man will be in heaven! God changed my heart and so I know he will change this man’s heart.
The first and only man we talked to was me! Yes?
He was this nice man, about 50's I would guess, from California but he had sort of an Irish accent. I asked him who Jesus Christ is to him and he replied that he didn’t believe in God. He said he wasn’t a religious man and has never been to church. More questions later found out that his mom was very religious and made him pray, he never liked it. His beliefs are only in what he sees in the since that you can’t see God so he doesn’t exist. He believed that when we die we die just like the trees and just go back into the dirt. There seemed to be a lot of hurt and anger. Because he asked how a loving God could allow the hurricane to happen and allow all the deaths in Iraq. But when we asked what he thought about a just God he didn’t respond. He mentioned that this world was hell and so we asked him where was heaven then and he instantly stopped talking to us. So we said goodbye and wished him the best.
He reminded me of myself because I use to think that the idea of a God was silly and that people devoted so much time to something that you couldn’t see. I also thought that there was no afterlife and like this man said we just die like a tree dies. My heart just really went out to this man. And our God is a faithful and loving God so I know this man will be in heaven! God changed my heart and so I know he will change this man’s heart.
Our faithful God
Yesterday was a wonderful day. I gave it to God in the morning and made it a point to keep him in my day and sure enough he did, showing himself to me when I asked. THe first answer to prayer was when a few of us prayed in the morning one of the girls here prayed that her family's tv would break so that when she would go home at the end of summer, she would beable to talk to her parents. Sure enough her dad talked to her an hour later and his tv broke. I jumped a foot when I heard because God showed us that he is faithful!
So before I left for work I prayed that I would be done by 5:30 because that is when our shift ends, but lately we have had work loads that keep us later and it is my first day back from being sick. It was a request that could only happen by God's hand. I got my board, all checkouts and vacants!(=hard) But I gave it to God. It started as a discouraging day because I didn't seem to be getting much done. But I knew God would be faithful to me. Lunch didn't sit to well in my stomach but I knew God wanted me to work the whole day because I prayed for that the night before and so I prayed for the pain to go away, he was faithful.
Around 2:30 a suprivisor came and told me Amy was sick and so for some of her occupies they crossed out some of my vacants! Yes because occupies take less time. But they were on different floors so I thought it would be more of a hassle. I didn't have keys to them so I called down and had to wait a few minutes for somebody to tell me to go to security to get them, only for them to direct me to my suprivisors. There I couldn't find anybody but The keys were there. It was discouraging but I knew what seemed like a waste of time was going to work out in the end. Sure enough God was faithful. The first occupy was a do not disturb, the next one all they wanted was bed made and more towels (oh and that was a suite which are bigger and so normally take longer!) I went to the next floor for the last of the rooms I got from Amy. On the landing GOd blessed me with face towels that I needed all day! and that room was an easy clean and had left a tip (a little gift from God) So I got back to my floor and worked by faith.
About 5:00 I started my second to last room. I prayed to God that he was a faithful God and I trust him that I will be done by 5:30 I don't know how but I know he is faithful (it normally takes an half hour a room) I went to drop off the laundry from that room and 2 of my sisters appeared, what a blessing from God) So the 3 of us cranked out those 2 rooms and I was done by 5:30! God worked in other little ways but I just had to share that story because all praises go to him and we all need to be reminded that our God is a faithful God!
So before I left for work I prayed that I would be done by 5:30 because that is when our shift ends, but lately we have had work loads that keep us later and it is my first day back from being sick. It was a request that could only happen by God's hand. I got my board, all checkouts and vacants!(=hard) But I gave it to God. It started as a discouraging day because I didn't seem to be getting much done. But I knew God would be faithful to me. Lunch didn't sit to well in my stomach but I knew God wanted me to work the whole day because I prayed for that the night before and so I prayed for the pain to go away, he was faithful.
Around 2:30 a suprivisor came and told me Amy was sick and so for some of her occupies they crossed out some of my vacants! Yes because occupies take less time. But they were on different floors so I thought it would be more of a hassle. I didn't have keys to them so I called down and had to wait a few minutes for somebody to tell me to go to security to get them, only for them to direct me to my suprivisors. There I couldn't find anybody but The keys were there. It was discouraging but I knew what seemed like a waste of time was going to work out in the end. Sure enough God was faithful. The first occupy was a do not disturb, the next one all they wanted was bed made and more towels (oh and that was a suite which are bigger and so normally take longer!) I went to the next floor for the last of the rooms I got from Amy. On the landing GOd blessed me with face towels that I needed all day! and that room was an easy clean and had left a tip (a little gift from God) So I got back to my floor and worked by faith.
About 5:00 I started my second to last room. I prayed to God that he was a faithful God and I trust him that I will be done by 5:30 I don't know how but I know he is faithful (it normally takes an half hour a room) I went to drop off the laundry from that room and 2 of my sisters appeared, what a blessing from God) So the 3 of us cranked out those 2 rooms and I was done by 5:30! God worked in other little ways but I just had to share that story because all praises go to him and we all need to be reminded that our God is a faithful God!
Monday, July 03, 2006
A Letter to my fellow Saints
I'm writing to you an update on how we are doing in New Orleans. Physically we are on a rise after a major fall here. The neuro virus, at least that is what we have decided it is, hit us pretty bad. It started with one girl bringing it back from her workplace and it quickly spread in a matter of days half of us that is 30 people were sick with stomach pains and diarrhea! Now there are only about 15 or so that just have minor aches but are unable to eat other foods then what is on the BRAT diet, mmmm!!! Pray that the sicknesses completely die and we regain complete strength.
Emotionally it was way exciting for the Smith D-Team here because Chris, Eddie and Liz arrived. Great fun has been had but Liz only stayed for a little more than a week but being honoring to your parents was calling her back to Wyoming. She was actually very lucky because the next week was the sick week! And just 2 nights ago Lesley arrived for the week. It's like a Dream! That is what I said because her walking around here is like one of those dreams where somethings just don't seem to fit, but wait all dreams are like that! Anyway it is way encouraging for her to be here along with a bunch of folks from Brandon Pullen's small group.
Spiritually we need a blast of Holy Spirit to reunite us and an get us back on track on what God has planned for us here. There are many conversations to come, BBQs to put on, houses to gut, workplaces to outreach to, teachings to come, and many prayers to go out. With all of them we need from God the faith to believe that they will all be glorifying to God.
Keep us in your prayers, for you are in ours.
Emotionally it was way exciting for the Smith D-Team here because Chris, Eddie and Liz arrived. Great fun has been had but Liz only stayed for a little more than a week but being honoring to your parents was calling her back to Wyoming. She was actually very lucky because the next week was the sick week! And just 2 nights ago Lesley arrived for the week. It's like a Dream! That is what I said because her walking around here is like one of those dreams where somethings just don't seem to fit, but wait all dreams are like that! Anyway it is way encouraging for her to be here along with a bunch of folks from Brandon Pullen's small group.
Spiritually we need a blast of Holy Spirit to reunite us and an get us back on track on what God has planned for us here. There are many conversations to come, BBQs to put on, houses to gut, workplaces to outreach to, teachings to come, and many prayers to go out. With all of them we need from God the faith to believe that they will all be glorifying to God.
Keep us in your prayers, for you are in ours.
Friday, May 26, 2006
New Orleans Update
I thought I would write a New Orleans update.
We left in 3 plutons on Saturday to get to New Orleans and all arrived Sunday safely, except one deer how was hit and killed. It was an encouraging ride for me, I got to know others quite well and better than my greyhound ride I actually got to drive, YES! 8 more people arriived last night and there ares still a few to come.
We eat our meals under a tent that only seats 30 or so, there are 61 of us. But it all works out because we don't all eat at the same time. The food has been great and the 2 girls in charge of it has just made a wonderful schedule, and are providing for those with special diatary restrictions. Cheap, healthy and good meals.
THe weather is hot, but not hot. All day the temperature is roughly the same, it is the humitity that makes it feel so much hotter. A little sweat didn't kill nobody.
Like any warm humide day the mosquitos are out. Every day one gets new red spotted friends somewhere on them, it is sort of like an adventure finding them all. Yesterday God taught me a lesson of not being prideful. I was talking to somebody about mosquito bites and they were telling me about a couple they had on their feet. I pridefully said that I never get them on my feet. That day I got 12 on my feet alone, God smacked me with a hammer!
THe girls are taking over on building, which is only qwo floors with 2-3 girls in each room and 2 bathrooms for each floor. Each room is complete with a queen size bed and if necessary a cot.
THe boys are scattered about three different floors, I tihnk. At first they didn't have air conditioning and were sleeping on the floor or a cot. I'm not exactly sure what their living situation is but the joy that flows out of them is a blessing.
That leads me to my next point, Complaining once again the spirit of God is working through everybody here because I have not heard one complaint. For me living here has been a blast.
We left in 3 plutons on Saturday to get to New Orleans and all arrived Sunday safely, except one deer how was hit and killed. It was an encouraging ride for me, I got to know others quite well and better than my greyhound ride I actually got to drive, YES! 8 more people arriived last night and there ares still a few to come.
We eat our meals under a tent that only seats 30 or so, there are 61 of us. But it all works out because we don't all eat at the same time. The food has been great and the 2 girls in charge of it has just made a wonderful schedule, and are providing for those with special diatary restrictions. Cheap, healthy and good meals.
THe weather is hot, but not hot. All day the temperature is roughly the same, it is the humitity that makes it feel so much hotter. A little sweat didn't kill nobody.
Like any warm humide day the mosquitos are out. Every day one gets new red spotted friends somewhere on them, it is sort of like an adventure finding them all. Yesterday God taught me a lesson of not being prideful. I was talking to somebody about mosquito bites and they were telling me about a couple they had on their feet. I pridefully said that I never get them on my feet. That day I got 12 on my feet alone, God smacked me with a hammer!
THe girls are taking over on building, which is only qwo floors with 2-3 girls in each room and 2 bathrooms for each floor. Each room is complete with a queen size bed and if necessary a cot.
THe boys are scattered about three different floors, I tihnk. At first they didn't have air conditioning and were sleeping on the floor or a cot. I'm not exactly sure what their living situation is but the joy that flows out of them is a blessing.
That leads me to my next point, Complaining once again the spirit of God is working through everybody here because I have not heard one complaint. For me living here has been a blast.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Train whistles
The train whistle haunts me. Not like a ghost or a foe. More like when something in your life isn’t right and God is trying to get your attention. Most are waiting and eager to hear the trumpet of God’s return but before the trumpet must come the train whistle. Maybe it’s just me but I hear it all the time, maybe I’ve lost my mind but I will stand by my belief that there is something in that train whistle. A sign of hope, more like a sign of fear, fear of God. In deaf culture a common idiom is “Train Gone” which means you’re basically out of the loop. The fear of being out of the loop with God scares me. I know he will never forsake me but I know there are areas in my life that need his guidance, need his holy touch, need his breath of grace, and need to be brought forth to his throne. I bring things to the alter, but when I leave I take them with me; I don’t leave them at his throne. Something that I know I’m not the only one guilty of. So after this revelation what do I do? Humble myself before him!
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:7-10
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalm 25:9
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:7-10
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalm 25:9
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Stop
Stop and smell the roses
Stop and look at them
Stop and see their joy
Stop and see their pain
Stop and see their lost
Stop and see their going
Just stop and see
It is so easy to be
Caught in you
And not sky blue
He is all round
Waiting to be found
But the rush of life
Masks the knife
If only we knew
To stop and let only him rule
Stop your heart from sinning
Stop your mind from wandering
Stop your feet from moving
Stop and let him guide
Why wait to fall
Why wait to burn
Why wait for you
Cause it will be too late
So why do you wait?
You already have
Stop and look at them
Stop and see their joy
Stop and see their pain
Stop and see their lost
Stop and see their going
Just stop and see
It is so easy to be
Caught in you
And not sky blue
He is all round
Waiting to be found
But the rush of life
Masks the knife
If only we knew
To stop and let only him rule
Stop your heart from sinning
Stop your mind from wandering
Stop your feet from moving
Stop and let him guide
Why wait to fall
Why wait to burn
Why wait for you
Cause it will be too late
So why do you wait?
You already have
Thursday, March 02, 2006
a Lesson in God's Power
This is part of a letter I had to write in regard to an event in my life I chose to post it for there was a valuable lesson that I learned through this.
I have come to a deeper understanding of what went on Tuesday Feb 21st. Despite what others might believe I was actually in control of the situation. I could have at any point in time stopped but I thought it was helping me release feelings and frustrations I was having about my mental health and all of the events that lead up to my current state of mind. These feelings and frustrations came out in a some what violent and out of the ordinary way. Along with fighting my frustrations I was fighting God in the sense that I was angry that he hadn’t healed me yet. The biggest realization was the joy and peace that was found that I had forgotten. After fighting and struggling I eventually grew tired and unable to continue the struggle. I finally made the choice to stop. In tears I realized that one can’t win at a fight with God but that my walls of pride had to fall down. In tears because of God’s unfailing love for me I once again surrendered my pain and my mental struggles to him. Only he can heal me. I can’t fight this fight on my own. “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:29 I need his strength and guidance as well as the guidance he gives to those saints around me who too are filled with the Holy Spirit. He loves me and many others in my life love me as well and for that I am thankful.
God is sovereign in my life and so even though this was nerve rattling for me and many others I am rejoicing. “Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” – 2 Cor. 6:10 My life is in his hands and so whatever trials that are still to come he will still be there with me. If one is not a believer this may not sound like there is much hope for I am saying that harder struggles have yet to occur. But saying that I am in the Lord’s hands is actually a message of deep love and hope.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” – Nehemiah 8:10
I have come to a deeper understanding of what went on Tuesday Feb 21st. Despite what others might believe I was actually in control of the situation. I could have at any point in time stopped but I thought it was helping me release feelings and frustrations I was having about my mental health and all of the events that lead up to my current state of mind. These feelings and frustrations came out in a some what violent and out of the ordinary way. Along with fighting my frustrations I was fighting God in the sense that I was angry that he hadn’t healed me yet. The biggest realization was the joy and peace that was found that I had forgotten. After fighting and struggling I eventually grew tired and unable to continue the struggle. I finally made the choice to stop. In tears I realized that one can’t win at a fight with God but that my walls of pride had to fall down. In tears because of God’s unfailing love for me I once again surrendered my pain and my mental struggles to him. Only he can heal me. I can’t fight this fight on my own. “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:29 I need his strength and guidance as well as the guidance he gives to those saints around me who too are filled with the Holy Spirit. He loves me and many others in my life love me as well and for that I am thankful.
God is sovereign in my life and so even though this was nerve rattling for me and many others I am rejoicing. “Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” – 2 Cor. 6:10 My life is in his hands and so whatever trials that are still to come he will still be there with me. If one is not a believer this may not sound like there is much hope for I am saying that harder struggles have yet to occur. But saying that I am in the Lord’s hands is actually a message of deep love and hope.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” – Nehemiah 8:10
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Surrender and renew
I try to run and I try to hide
But you promise to never leave my side
Your love is so kind
And I am so undesevering
This plagues my mind
How you could be so unswerving
My pace quickens
My heart skips a beat
My grip tightens
My soul begins to retreat
But it is not until the tears fall
That on my knees I send out a call
O Lord only you
Will satisfy
Through and through
To you I die
Alone on the tracks
I renew my vow
Can finally relax
As I joyfully bow
"Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth." - Psalm 31:5
But you promise to never leave my side
Your love is so kind
And I am so undesevering
This plagues my mind
How you could be so unswerving
My pace quickens
My heart skips a beat
My grip tightens
My soul begins to retreat
But it is not until the tears fall
That on my knees I send out a call
O Lord only you
Will satisfy
Through and through
To you I die
Alone on the tracks
I renew my vow
Can finally relax
As I joyfully bow
"Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth." - Psalm 31:5
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ugly Duckling
Have you ever read the story of the ugly duckling? I think every kid has but when was the last time you read it? I picked up to day when I was waiting for a meeting to start. It is my story! Hopefully yours too!
I was born to 2 unbelievers and grew up always feeling like I didn't belong. I grew up desiring to find what I was looking for and to have friends that truly liked/loved me. Like the duckling I left the old farm in search of a place were I would fit in. In search of my identity. I was found by God and he revealed to me that I am an ugly duckling to this world but to him I was a swan! Our identity in him is the most beautiful of all.
The Ugly Duckling
Once upon a time down on an old farm, lived a duck family, and Mother Duck had been sitting on a clutch of new eggs. One nice morning, the eggs hatched and out popped six chirpy ducklings. But one egg was bigger than the rest, and it didn't hatch. Mother Duck couldn't recall laying that seventh egg. How did it get there? TOCK! TOCK! The little prisoner was pecking inside his shell.
"Did I count the eggs wrongly?" Mother Duck wondered. But before she had time to think about it, the last egg finally hatched. A strange looking duckling with gray feathers that should have been yellow gazed at a worried mother. The ducklings grew quickly, but Mother Duck had a secret worry.
"I can't understand how this ugly duckling can be one of mine!" she said to herself, shaking her head as she looked at her last born. Well, the gray duckling certainly wasn't pretty, and since he ate far more than his brothers, he was outgrowing them. As the days went by, the poor ugly duckling became more and more unhappy. His brothers didn't want to play with him, he was so
clumsy, and all the farmyard folks simply laughed at him. He felt sad and lonely, while Mother Duck did her best to console him.
"Poor little ugly duckling!" she would say. "Why are you so different from the others?" And the ugly duckling felt worse than ever. He secretly wept at night. He felt nobody wanted him.
"Nobody loves me, they all tease me! Why am I different from my brothers?"
Then one day, at sunrise, he ran away from the farmyard. He stopped at a pond and began to question all the other birds. "Do you know of any ducklings with gray feathers like mine?" But everyone shook their heads in scorn.
"We don't know anyone as ugly as you." The ugly duckling did not lose heart, however, and kept on making inquiries. He went to another pond, where a pair of large geese gave him the same answer to his question. What's more, they warned him: "Don't stay here! Go away! It's dangerous. There are men with guns around here!" The duckling was sorry he had ever left the farmyard.
Then one day, his travels took him near an old countrywoman's cottage. Thinking he was a stray goose, she caught him.
"I'll put this in a hutch. I hope it's a female and lays plenty of eggs!" said the old woman, whose eyesight was poor. But the ugly duckling laid not a single egg. The hen kept frightening him.
"Just wait! If you don't lay eggs, the old woman will wring your neck and pop you into the pot!" And the cat chipped in: "Hee! Hee! I hope the woman cooks you, then I can gnaw at your bones!" The poor ugly duckling was so scared that he lost his appetite, though the old woman kept stuffing him with food and grumbling: "If you won't lay eggs, at least hurry up and get plump!"
"Oh, dear me!" moaned the now terrified duckling. "I'll die of fright first! And I did so hope someone would love me!"
Then one night, finding the hutch door ajar, he escaped. Once again he was all alone. He fled as far away as he could, and at dawn, he found himself in a thick bed of reeds. "If nobody wants me, I'll hid here forever." There was plenty a food, and the duckling began to feel a little happier, though he was lonely. One day at sunrise, he saw a flight of beautiful birds wing overhead. White, with long slender necks, yellow beaks and large wings, they were migrating south.
"If only I could look like them, just for a day!" said the duckling, admiringly. Winter came and the water in the reed bed froze. The poor duckling left home to seek food in the snow. He dropped exhausted to the ground, but a farmer found him and put him in his big jacket pocket.
"I'll take him home to my children. They'll look after him. Poor thing, he's frozen!" The duckling was showered with kindly care at the farmer's house. In this way, the ugly duckling was able to survive the bitterly cold winter.
However, by springtime, he had grown so big that the farmer decided: "I'll set him free by the pond!" That was when the duckling saw himself mirrored in the water.
"Goodness! How I've changed! I hardly recognize myself!" The flight of swans winged north again and glided on to the pond. When the duckling saw them, he realized he was one of their kind, and soon made friends.
"We're swans like you!" they said, warmly. "Where have you been hiding?"
"It's a long story," replied the young swan, still astounded. Now, he swam majestically with his fellow swans. One day, he heard children on the river bank exclaim: "Look at that young swan! He's the finest of them all!"
And he almost burst with happiness.
I was born to 2 unbelievers and grew up always feeling like I didn't belong. I grew up desiring to find what I was looking for and to have friends that truly liked/loved me. Like the duckling I left the old farm in search of a place were I would fit in. In search of my identity. I was found by God and he revealed to me that I am an ugly duckling to this world but to him I was a swan! Our identity in him is the most beautiful of all.
The Ugly Duckling
Once upon a time down on an old farm, lived a duck family, and Mother Duck had been sitting on a clutch of new eggs. One nice morning, the eggs hatched and out popped six chirpy ducklings. But one egg was bigger than the rest, and it didn't hatch. Mother Duck couldn't recall laying that seventh egg. How did it get there? TOCK! TOCK! The little prisoner was pecking inside his shell.
"Did I count the eggs wrongly?" Mother Duck wondered. But before she had time to think about it, the last egg finally hatched. A strange looking duckling with gray feathers that should have been yellow gazed at a worried mother. The ducklings grew quickly, but Mother Duck had a secret worry.
"I can't understand how this ugly duckling can be one of mine!" she said to herself, shaking her head as she looked at her last born. Well, the gray duckling certainly wasn't pretty, and since he ate far more than his brothers, he was outgrowing them. As the days went by, the poor ugly duckling became more and more unhappy. His brothers didn't want to play with him, he was so
clumsy, and all the farmyard folks simply laughed at him. He felt sad and lonely, while Mother Duck did her best to console him.
"Poor little ugly duckling!" she would say. "Why are you so different from the others?" And the ugly duckling felt worse than ever. He secretly wept at night. He felt nobody wanted him.
"Nobody loves me, they all tease me! Why am I different from my brothers?"
Then one day, at sunrise, he ran away from the farmyard. He stopped at a pond and began to question all the other birds. "Do you know of any ducklings with gray feathers like mine?" But everyone shook their heads in scorn.
"We don't know anyone as ugly as you." The ugly duckling did not lose heart, however, and kept on making inquiries. He went to another pond, where a pair of large geese gave him the same answer to his question. What's more, they warned him: "Don't stay here! Go away! It's dangerous. There are men with guns around here!" The duckling was sorry he had ever left the farmyard.
Then one day, his travels took him near an old countrywoman's cottage. Thinking he was a stray goose, she caught him.
"I'll put this in a hutch. I hope it's a female and lays plenty of eggs!" said the old woman, whose eyesight was poor. But the ugly duckling laid not a single egg. The hen kept frightening him.
"Just wait! If you don't lay eggs, the old woman will wring your neck and pop you into the pot!" And the cat chipped in: "Hee! Hee! I hope the woman cooks you, then I can gnaw at your bones!" The poor ugly duckling was so scared that he lost his appetite, though the old woman kept stuffing him with food and grumbling: "If you won't lay eggs, at least hurry up and get plump!"
"Oh, dear me!" moaned the now terrified duckling. "I'll die of fright first! And I did so hope someone would love me!"
Then one night, finding the hutch door ajar, he escaped. Once again he was all alone. He fled as far away as he could, and at dawn, he found himself in a thick bed of reeds. "If nobody wants me, I'll hid here forever." There was plenty a food, and the duckling began to feel a little happier, though he was lonely. One day at sunrise, he saw a flight of beautiful birds wing overhead. White, with long slender necks, yellow beaks and large wings, they were migrating south.
"If only I could look like them, just for a day!" said the duckling, admiringly. Winter came and the water in the reed bed froze. The poor duckling left home to seek food in the snow. He dropped exhausted to the ground, but a farmer found him and put him in his big jacket pocket.
"I'll take him home to my children. They'll look after him. Poor thing, he's frozen!" The duckling was showered with kindly care at the farmer's house. In this way, the ugly duckling was able to survive the bitterly cold winter.
However, by springtime, he had grown so big that the farmer decided: "I'll set him free by the pond!" That was when the duckling saw himself mirrored in the water.
"Goodness! How I've changed! I hardly recognize myself!" The flight of swans winged north again and glided on to the pond. When the duckling saw them, he realized he was one of their kind, and soon made friends.
"We're swans like you!" they said, warmly. "Where have you been hiding?"
"It's a long story," replied the young swan, still astounded. Now, he swam majestically with his fellow swans. One day, he heard children on the river bank exclaim: "Look at that young swan! He's the finest of them all!"
And he almost burst with happiness.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Trust God with your homework
"God loves math and that's why he gave humans the idea of math. If you are having trouble with math you should pray about it. In the Bible it says all things are possible through Christ who strenghthens me. If you pray to God about your trouble with math God will help you get it eventually. You should trust God. All you have to do is believe in Him because He works MIRACLES! "
A 13 year old wrote this!
And here are some verses that I found related to work/wisdom/future, oh boy are there more!
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
A 13 year old wrote this!
And here are some verses that I found related to work/wisdom/future, oh boy are there more!
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Pains of Surgery
I read this today from the book "Real Christians don't
Dance". I admit when I have a problem I try to fix my
environments, by getting rid of the idol but what
about the idol in my heart. We have to be cleansed
from the inside out and let me tell you what, it
hurts. humbling yourself before God and being
vulnerably is not the most comfortable place to be at
but that is what needs to be done. Pray with me not
just for me but for anybody else who is going through
this too.
The cartoon character Pogo's famous statement says it
best: "We have met the enemy and he is us." A pure
environment doesn't necessarily make pure people.
Avoiding movies, burning records, staying away from
dances, or turning off the radio does not make anyone
spiritually strong. In fact, these actually tend to
produce the opposite effect, developing fragile
Christians who must live in a controlled, censored
environment � much like people who are so sensitive
to germs and chemical pollution that they have to live
in sterile rooms and breathe only filtered air.
The real problem of evil is inside us and not on
our walls or our stereo turntables. The purifying
process must begin in the heart and mind. The Bible
says: "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those
who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure"
(Titus 1:15). God works from the inside out, not
outside in. A pure heart makes for a pure world, not
vicversasa.
A pure heart comes from knowing Jesus Christ and
having Him recreate our hearts and minds through His
Word. It's strictly an inside job. Once that process
of change has begun, we begin to see differently. The
Word of God becomes a compass that points us toward
truth. With our new-found eyesight, we begin to sift
out truth from wherever we find it � even in the
most unlikely places. "To the pure, all things are
pure."
Dance". I admit when I have a problem I try to fix my
environments, by getting rid of the idol but what
about the idol in my heart. We have to be cleansed
from the inside out and let me tell you what, it
hurts. humbling yourself before God and being
vulnerably is not the most comfortable place to be at
but that is what needs to be done. Pray with me not
just for me but for anybody else who is going through
this too.
The cartoon character Pogo's famous statement says it
best: "We have met the enemy and he is us." A pure
environment doesn't necessarily make pure people.
Avoiding movies, burning records, staying away from
dances, or turning off the radio does not make anyone
spiritually strong. In fact, these actually tend to
produce the opposite effect, developing fragile
Christians who must live in a controlled, censored
environment � much like people who are so sensitive
to germs and chemical pollution that they have to live
in sterile rooms and breathe only filtered air.
The real problem of evil is inside us and not on
our walls or our stereo turntables. The purifying
process must begin in the heart and mind. The Bible
says: "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those
who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure"
(Titus 1:15). God works from the inside out, not
outside in. A pure heart makes for a pure world, not
vicversasa.
A pure heart comes from knowing Jesus Christ and
having Him recreate our hearts and minds through His
Word. It's strictly an inside job. Once that process
of change has begun, we begin to see differently. The
Word of God becomes a compass that points us toward
truth. With our new-found eyesight, we begin to sift
out truth from wherever we find it � even in the
most unlikely places. "To the pure, all things are
pure."
Thursday, February 02, 2006
"Every Warrior of the Light
has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light
has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is."
Paulo Coelho, Brazilian Author
From his book: 'Warrior Of The Light'
has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light
has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is."
Paulo Coelho, Brazilian Author
From his book: 'Warrior Of The Light'
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~ John 13:34
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with Joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clean before my father
I am his child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I will gladly obey
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I dare to see another point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honor
and may your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may you feed a hungry world through me
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with Joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clean before my father
I am his child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I will gladly obey
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I dare to see another point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honor
and may your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may you feed a hungry world through me
Friday, January 27, 2006
My, Your, Our Sovereign God
Is God sovereign in your life? I mean is he really? Do you have the fear of God in you? Are you afraid to pray powerful prayers because you know they will come true. Ask and you shall receive. YOU SHALL RECEIVE. So what do you ask for and how do you react when you get it. When I was younger I would make birthday lists and Christmas lists that way my family wouldn't have to figure out what I wanted. The lists consisted of at least 10 items. Along would come Christmas and I would get stuff that was on the list but yet I wasn't completely thankful because even though my request was granted I really wanted the other items on the list(After 5 years I finally got a CD player that I wanted!) or I wasn't completely satisfied with the item that I did get(I wanted the red ball not the blue one). My point is when we pray and God answers our prayers how thankful are we? Did we want him to answer one prayer before another, did we even want him to answer a certain prayer and are we grateful for the way he answered the prayer?
The reason I brought this up is because yesterday I was faced with the reality that God answers prayers. I prayed in the morning for him to be sovereign in my life and to break me. I took pride in this prayer because I felt so Spirited and decided that it would be a good day because I did my Christian duty. Quickly before I knew what happen he put a big struggle right in front of me and all I could do was face it head on. He decided to break me and show to me that he is sovereign in my life. I wanted to run but he reminded me that I asked for it. I asked for a ball and well I got it. Don't run Christian! Or at least don't run from him but instead run right into his arms. Humble yourself and let go of all your pride and the mask that you wear to look strong. Trust in him to guide you and to comfort you. Sovereign sustaining grace.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Here is the song that is powerful and can't be song without understanding what you are singing. Everytime I sing it I find myself on my knees because God has answered my prayers. I ask you all pray it for yourself if you want God to be sovereign in your life.
Break Me
Travis & Sarah Swan/Katrina Jansson
Wake me
Shake me from my sleep
Move me
And I fall to my knees
Breathe on me
DonÂ’t let my heart be cold
Burn in me
A fire I canÂ’t control
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
When IÂ’m weak, you understand my cry
Holy Spirit come, IÂ’m ready for Your life
Call me, and name me as Your own
Set my mind upon Your ways as I let my way go
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
So Your glory can be seen
Glory for the world to see
Show yourself to the world through me 4x
The reason I brought this up is because yesterday I was faced with the reality that God answers prayers. I prayed in the morning for him to be sovereign in my life and to break me. I took pride in this prayer because I felt so Spirited and decided that it would be a good day because I did my Christian duty. Quickly before I knew what happen he put a big struggle right in front of me and all I could do was face it head on. He decided to break me and show to me that he is sovereign in my life. I wanted to run but he reminded me that I asked for it. I asked for a ball and well I got it. Don't run Christian! Or at least don't run from him but instead run right into his arms. Humble yourself and let go of all your pride and the mask that you wear to look strong. Trust in him to guide you and to comfort you. Sovereign sustaining grace.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Here is the song that is powerful and can't be song without understanding what you are singing. Everytime I sing it I find myself on my knees because God has answered my prayers. I ask you all pray it for yourself if you want God to be sovereign in your life.
Break Me
Travis & Sarah Swan/Katrina Jansson
Wake me
Shake me from my sleep
Move me
And I fall to my knees
Breathe on me
DonÂ’t let my heart be cold
Burn in me
A fire I canÂ’t control
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
When IÂ’m weak, you understand my cry
Holy Spirit come, IÂ’m ready for Your life
Call me, and name me as Your own
Set my mind upon Your ways as I let my way go
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
So Your glory can be seen
Glory for the world to see
Show yourself to the world through me 4x
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Maker of Heaven and Earth
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)
Maker of Heaven and Earth
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
Maker of Heaven and Earth
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Courage to not Run
When faced with something do you choose to run from it or do you choose to take it head on? Pause before you answer this!
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. - Proverbs 28:1"
I'm not referring to anything particular. Financial problems, school problems, relationships, temptations, surrendering of idols, your own sins, your weaknesses or any struggle that you find yourself in. For me I guess it is all of these, I confess. I'm a runner and not in the one foot in front of the other way but the one where avoidance is my way of life.
But there is hope! WE have the Spirit in us and God is on our side.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13"
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13"
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. - Proverbs 28:1"
I'm not referring to anything particular. Financial problems, school problems, relationships, temptations, surrendering of idols, your own sins, your weaknesses or any struggle that you find yourself in. For me I guess it is all of these, I confess. I'm a runner and not in the one foot in front of the other way but the one where avoidance is my way of life.
But there is hope! WE have the Spirit in us and God is on our side.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13"
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13"
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Road marked with Suffering
"Drowned eyes
Dark skies
Lonely nights
Fading lights
You will wipe my tear
every word you hear
Change my heart of stone
For I am not alone
My God is good
for there I stood
looking to the cross
now I count my sin as loss
All my life to give
is the only way to live
Endure the race
to see His Face!"
I wrote these words this evening, reflecting on my most resent struggles and on my past struggles. I was reminded today that dwelling is not good. Dwelling on the negative, dwelling on my sorrows, dwelling on my struggles, and worst of all dwelling on the lies Satan tells me. But Christ died for me and for ALL, no need to dwell. Rejoice instead for he has saved me and I bring pleasure to his eye.
"Blessed be Your Name
On the Road marked with suffering
Though there is pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name"
Dark skies
Lonely nights
Fading lights
You will wipe my tear
every word you hear
Change my heart of stone
For I am not alone
My God is good
for there I stood
looking to the cross
now I count my sin as loss
All my life to give
is the only way to live
Endure the race
to see His Face!"
I wrote these words this evening, reflecting on my most resent struggles and on my past struggles. I was reminded today that dwelling is not good. Dwelling on the negative, dwelling on my sorrows, dwelling on my struggles, and worst of all dwelling on the lies Satan tells me. But Christ died for me and for ALL, no need to dwell. Rejoice instead for he has saved me and I bring pleasure to his eye.
"Blessed be Your Name
On the Road marked with suffering
Though there is pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name"
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