HOLD ON TIGHT

As I write today today I know that some of you are facing incredible trials and pain. For some of you are feeling that you are at breaking point, that you just can't bare any more. you have been crying out to Jesus , enough enough . I know for me that walking through my health issues these past few months have been the most difficult circumstance I have ever had to face in my life and I can tell you I have had many times that I have felt that God had abandoned me . But there is hope there is comfort in the knowledge that all that Jesus withstood on the cross, that he came out the other side to sit at the right hand of God He rescued me from the miry clay and set my feet on a rock, we all have times that we feel we are sinking, I know I truly do , but god wants to set our feet on the rock that's steadfast and firm not soft under foot that allows us to sink. The best way to get on the rock is to stay connected with Jesus, through prayer, worship and finding verses that you can hold onto . Promises in his word that will pull you from the clay look through the bible for yourself and see The steadfast ability Jesus to withstand incredible pain How much pain ? How long did he endure such incredible pain ? Why did he endure the pain when he was the son of God ? Being thankful of the answers you will find in the bible will give you an open door to all that God has to offer's to deal with our own trials and sufferings
Isaiah 40 ;3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD make straight in the desert a highway for our God Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
How steadfast are we ? What is our tolerance level ? If it falls short ask yourself what can we do to build it up ? The ball is in our court god does not just magically create a perfect pain free life for us But then does give us the tools to withstand the pain this world throw at us to endure. I love the Lifehouse "broken" song Holding on barley breathing.. In your name I find healing ... There is nothing to hold on to other than you Jesus Everyhing else will fail you or slip through your hands You will loose your grip because when you hold on to worldly things the Grip is only one handed When you hold onto God the grip is two handed, he hold on to you as you are holding onto him. It is his desire to cradle you in his arms and hold you ever so tightly for as long as it takes. Friends will stand by you for a time but not forever. God is there forever and he also knows the outcome of what you are going through, he has an insight that nothing or no one in this world can offer.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, 'Destroy them!' Psalm 18:32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. Psalm 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude John 19:-30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the Lord. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land."

God wants to restore our broken bodies, loss of health, loss of hope, loss of faith , and so much more and bring us back to a place of wholeness Jesus suffered and endured so much pain for us and then he rose again. Our hope today is in him and him alone , keep pushing through because Jesus promises us victory on the other side.

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone
He is peace to the wounded and hope to the helpless one
HE IS HERE, HE IS HERE
Be still my soul be still
Be still my soul be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
BE STILL MY SOUL BE STILL ( Lyrics Kari Jobe )
I have just purchased a Kari Jobe cd and as usual always in Gods perfect timing.
Isn't it funny how often we come across something that is so part of Gods timing and plan for us, things that if they came week earlier we may not have noticed or listened to.
How often do the conversations of the past week all point to something that God is trying to teach us, a pastoral word here, a friendly correction there, a piece of music, a scripture that you may have read 100 times before but never felt the fire in the words.

I have struggled for so long it seems with health issues and been almost begging God to put an end to it now, almost demanding and threatening God, "right now, if you know whats good for you God ". All my efforts and prayers have been based on my own agenda, my own desires, my own need to be healthy so I can achieve goals, to feel worthy of love, To get the job done , whilst all along I have been completely missing the "Teachable moments " That God has been wanting to reveal to me.

Do you know it is all going to have a good ending , because thankfully for some of we "Bull at a gate Christians ". God Will sometimes use people around us to bring us a word of truth that we so desperately have needed to hear. Through the tender words of a friend I was able to finally hear what God has been trying to tell me all along and when I am obedient to this teaching I will finally see the breakthrough that I have been waiting for.

The key here is that brick by brick God has been trying to pull down a wall that I have built myself to protect a place deep inside of me that I have allowed myself to believe was what was keeping me safe, what i could rely on always.
When in actual fact my own self reliance was beginning to destroy me and God wanted to show me that it is Himself and only him that I can rely on , who will bring me internal peace , no matter what the situations around me hold.
Psalm 46;10-11 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

God often does not create the situation that we find ourselves in but he will often use that situation to teach us and bring about change in us. He loves us beyond our wildest dreams and will do all that he can to draw us into a new and fruitful season in our lives for the better of ourselves and the better of the people that he wants us to share himself with.

So I am going to submit myself to the refining fire of God safe in the knowledge that he is bringing about change for the better and a new season of life for me . I bet I am not the only one out there who could do with some refining. Malachi 3;3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver "
As my very wise Pastor said to me recently , sit quietly take time to be at PEACE with God , TRUST that God has it all under control and that looking to external situations all the time to bring me peace will always fail me if I dont have INTERNAL PEACE OF GOD first.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

THE END OF LIFE AND THE BEGINNING OF NEW LIFE

In my bedroom I am fortunate enough to have two magnificent tree ferns outside my french doors, I deliberately go to sleep with my curtains open on that side of the room so that when I wake in the morning I have the pleasure of experiencing the full beauty of theses ferns as the sun rises and shines through their foliage and shows off their lush green colour. Last summer my ferns took a beating , they were badly sun burnt and withered away to almost nothing. To my delight our long cold wet winter proved very beneficial to my lovely ferns and from my window I could see tiny rolls of new life poking up through the top of my fern. It was not until spring however that the true glory began to be revealed , over the last two weeks I have watched as each one of these baby fronds slowly transformed from a three centimeter tight roll to a magnificent one meter long lush green frond. Each morning as I lay in bed more and more of what was hidden inside this tight little roll was revealed, as the bud unraveled I was surprised to see that on the end of each shoot there were teeny tiny baby rolls that were unraveling to form the many side shoots from the main frond. So today the process is almost complete and I have my beautiful tree fern in full foliage to greet me each morning to remind me how awesome my God is that if he cares enough to create such Majesty and new life in a dull bunt out tree , how much more does he love us and want to bring forth new foliage . He wants to unravel those tightly woven little balls we have created in our own lives and slowly unravel the pain, hurts , regrets, bitterness, lost hope that we have stored up in them.
Matthew 6;26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Gods hearts desire is for us to prosper and experience fullness of life and a life filled with joy, not pain and suffering . He wants to shape us and mold us into wholeness . He does not want us to remain in that place of burnt out dead wood that is of no use to anyone let alone ourselves. Trust God that he is a gentle good God , he knows that with my tree fern it is a slow process to unravel the new growth and If I grew impatient and went outside and pulled the new growth open myself it would not be ready for the suns rays and it would wither and die. God knows the same is true with us, he wants to slowly bring forth new growth on strong stems that he has strengthened within us with his spirit as he has tenderly sown his word and love into us. Give in to Gods love and tender mercy today and allow him to bring forth the seeds he has sown in you.
Romans 15;13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

trust

Isaiah 26:2-8 (NLT)
Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust. The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot, and the needy walk all over it . But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name.

CLEARLY GOD WANTS ME AROUND FOR A BIT LONGER

I cant tell you how awesome it is to walk my journey through life with God by my side directing and guiding me.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
I was booked in for an operation next week, I had my thyroid removed 8 weeks ago and I have regular blood tested to monitor how my adrenal gland and hormones are functioning so that my thyroxin medication is doing what it should.
I had a blood test last week that showed my levels at 10 times higher than they should be, I was concerned that perhaps I should postpone this second operation, but my surgeon and Gp said it will be ok, however I still felt uneasy.
This is where the God is awesome part comes in.... I had a call yesterday from an anethasist to say that if the operated in my current state of health there was a great risk that I would have a stroke during the surgery...Nice, thanks for the heads up ...
The funny part is that this person was the anesthetic Registrar that just happened to stumble across my tests, only my GP had a copy of these results.
The second brake that God put on was a friend sent me a message yesterday to say that she could not get me out of her mind and prayers yesterday.
I was not feeling at peace at all about this op and now that it has been postponed I feel at peace . As Christians we are so blessed to be able to have an internal alarm that tells us weather something is right or not, because our God is as solid as a rock and trustworthy beyond measure.
....Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
When we abide in God he in turn abides in us, it opens a path of communication that as Christians enables us and our Christian friends around us to hear from God. it is the hearing part that is so important. If we don't position ourselves in the word and will of God then we may miss the signs along the way when he is desperately trying to say something to protect us . "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:9-11
If you are not hearing from God , then perhaps you may need to look at your position in life and make some adjustments , a shift in you will create a shift in your spirit.
1 corinthians 3 :16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

30 DAY CHALLENGE

ATTITUDE WILL DEFINE WHO YOU ARE
YOUR PROBLEM Is not he enemy... It is your attitude.... YOUR attitude belongs to you .. Not the people around you or your circumstances :)
God requires us to do an attitude check many times over , it is our bad attitude that gets us into so much bother. I always find that even in the middle of a bad attitude if I decide to make a change the there is an immediate shift in the situation.
It is so easy to fall into the enemy's snare and take the road of the bad attitude . God wants us to be more than conquerors . He wants us to live a full and victorious life filled with his spirit and his attitude. ROMANS 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So listen to his promptings and prepare for a change TAKE MY 30 DAY CHALLENGE :)It takes 30 days to form a new habit... So for the next 30 mornings I am planning to ask God to show me things in my attitude that could do with a tune up.... Who is with me...
Post your daily changes on this blog each day and lets see together the change that it brings in us.

THE BUDS OF SPRING ARE ABOUT TO BLOOM

The first day of spring today. As I look out my window and see the absence of sunshine as the rain trickles down without ceasing I am looking desperately seeking some sign of hope amongst the trees in the garden that there is new life forming amongst the dreary gray from the bare branches that are yet to spring forth an array of shades of green. My garden has lay dormant for moths now with no sign of life , just bareness , not even the birds can find a reason to stay . From the outside there appears to have been nothing going on out there at all, but in actual fact there has been an overwhelming amount of activity from within these dormant trees , They have been drawing precious nutrients from the ground to sustain them for the warmer months, they have been growing which they cannot do while they are covered in foliage, there has been a dying off of old dead wood that no longer has a use or is able to support the weight of fresh new foliage. What i can see however is the slightest shade of green on some branches , tiny brown buds with a tinge of green at the tip that will open to luscious new green leaves and delicate pick blossoms about to spring forth on my fruit trees that will soon turn into juicy ripe apricots in summer.
How similar is our life sometimes when we have been through a very long tough winter where there has been far too much gray and dead branches with very little signs of renewing and life or sign of new foliage. How easy is it for us to walk through these times and feel a sense of hopelessness and no end in sight. This year in Melbourne they say we have had the coldest and wettest winter in 15 years .... for allot of us it feels more like a lifetime and a winter with no end when we wake up each morning to more gray with rain and a 7 day forecast that shows very little change. The reality is though that the sun is going to shine again , the days are going to get longer and the trees will soon be covered in a canopy of fresh new foliage, and God has an awesome forecast ahead for us to step into .
Same too works for us if we have spent the winter season in the palm of Gods hand being nurtured, fertilised, renewed , fed , watered, and pruned. God uses these dark gray times to renew us and bring forth new life on new branches that he has made strong enough through the winter to carry the weight of the new foliage that he wants us to carry into the next season of our lives.
15 :1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
The hard part is for us to submit to the winter seasons in our life and submit to Gods pruning and shaping. God has such great things ahead for us but he needs to get rid of some dead unproductive wood in order to do that, submission can be very hard and painful for us especially if you are like me and you want a plan and a map that you yourself has approved set down before you first. But we must trust in the God who formed us, created us and knows every step of our lives and we must submit and allow him to bring us into alignment with him, even when we cant see light at the end of the tunnel we must trust that God can see the end of the tunnel and it is good.
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.
John 15 :5-8 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Remain in God , firmly attached to the vine and we will grow and flourish , no matter how much gray and rain we are living in right now . He promises "THE SUNSHINE WILL COME "
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE

SUNDAY....
Jesus said, "I will build my church" Matthew 16:18. The church is important to Jesus , he loved it so much that he gave his life for it Ephesians 5:25.
If we are have the mind of Christ, we will love the church, too, and give ourselves to it.

The Greek word for "church" is ekklesia, which means an assembly. In Acts 19:39, 41, it is used for a large group of townspeople. But among Christians, the word ekklesia came to have a special meaning: all who believe in Jesus Christ.

There is not better place for us to be than in the presence of God today , in fellowship with other believers. The church has been put in place by God as a place of worship, refuge renewing and fellowship for believers.
Position yourself in his presence today and soak in this living waters , renew your strength so you can be a strength and help for others this week to come. We cant do it on our own :)

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Psalm 21:6 For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.

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Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

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Psalm 36:8 They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.

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Psalm 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.

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Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

FRIENDS

PROVERBS 18;24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Today my thoughts have been about friends and how important they are to us. I have been recovering these last 3 weeks from surgery and have been totally blessed by the love and caring from my friends, it has been a very humbling experience.
Friends play such an important role for us, we can give to them and we can receive from them, we can love and be loved, share our deepest thoughts and hear their deepest thoughts, laugh and cry together, share joy and pain .
Most of we girls would have spent a great part of our lives looking for that elusive " Best friend ". We have an inbuilt desire within us to seek out that soul mate..best friend..life long buddy. The sad part is that for some of us we never seem to find that person, we begin our hunt in the primary school play ground and when we finally think we have found the one.... our hearts are broken when they tell you one lunch time to go away they have a new best friend now. But never to be deterred we try again and again all trough school and beyond.
Then heaven help us !!! we grow up marry have children and are thrust into the world of "the mothers play Group " trying to find a whole new circle of friends to fit into. I f we thought the school yard was hard , it was only a mere walk in the park compared to hormonal new mothers. Our task to fit into this frightening play ground begins at first light preparing our baby in his finest outfit , packing the nappy bag being sure that nothing is forgotten , preparing ourselves in our slimmest looking clothes so we look like the most together hottest mamma in the room. Then off we go ready to walk into the unknown hoping that we will connect with these mums and develop a life long kindred spirit with at least one of them.
I spent many years wasting my time on trying to be the person that I thought other people would want me to be in order to have them want to be my friend, the joke is however that all I really had to do was be who God created me to be and just simply be their friend. I did not need to jump through hoops trying to be the sort of person who would appeal to others.. I just had to be me and use my talents that God had placed in me to love the women around me and in turn they would love me back.
I cant tell you the amount I times that I have allowed myself to be put in the position of walking away from women feeling completely shattered and unworthy to hold the title of being their friend subjecting myself to inane comments, and allowing Satan to scream in my ear "just go home you stupid woman , who would ever want to be your friend " I was leading myself to the slaughter each and every time because I was listening to the wrong voice time and time again.
The funniest part of all this however is that all along from the day I was born I had my best friend right there with me every day jumping up and down before me saying "pick me !!! pick me!!! " God was there all along, a truly faithful friend handing me unconditional acceptance and love.
He was right there the days I was sitting at home in the depths of loneliness just waiting and hoping that I would look to him and share my deepest thoughts with him. He was waiting for me to place my hand in the warm safe palm of his and feel truly loved. He was there in my deepest times of rejection whispering in my ear " No Janelle don't listen to them listen to me, hear my words , my truth, my love for you, spend time with me and I will show you how much I love you ".
Thankfully I can tell you that person is not me today. I know who I am, I know who God created me to be, I know the gifts placed within me to love and nurture those around me, I have set aside time with my "best friend " for him to whisper in my ear truth and not lies.
I have been exceedingly blessed to have learnt the truth of friendship.
Take the time my friends to stop and ask God who you are ? who he wants you to be to the people around you ? Because therein lies your answer to being a true friend to others . You are bringing friendship to the table not coming empty handed wanting to take friendship from others. “The world of the generous gets larger and larger – the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller” (Proverbs 11:24).
Micah 7;5 says ; " Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words." The prophet saw no safety or comfort ,but in looking to the Lord, and waiting on God his salvation. When under trials, we should look continually to our Divine Redeemer, that we may have strength and grace to trust in him, and to be examples to those around us.
Charles Spurgeon said. " I trust my soul in thy kind hands "
Who are you trusting with your soul ? God is the only one who will not damage your tender
heart and be your true faithful life long friend.

SOMETIMES GOD NEEDS TO SHOUT

C.S. Lewis said ; “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

Fifteen years ago I went to Koorong book store to buy a new bible, after over an hour of searching for just the right one for me from the amazing array of choice I gave up in frustration and decided to leave feeling rather dissatisfied .

As I turned to walk away a hard cover bible fell from the top shelf hitting me on the head and almost knocked me out. Clearly the obvious choice to me was I had to buy this one, if only for a funny story to tell.

I still have that bible and in the front cover where there is provision to fill in "who presented you with this bible " I have written "God, because he dropped it on my head."

Today I found myself back at the same store to purchase a bible for Lucy, I was not in a particularly good frame of mind as I had a cold and a thumper of a headache. I stood for 20 minutes looking at all the choices and found the one that was the perfect choice that Lucy would love , It was however in hardback and cost $40.00 which was twice the amount of money I had to spend so I decided to leave and have a look online and see if I could find something suitable, as I turned to walk away I was startled by a loud thump as a bible came crashing to the floor directly behind me. Now being the tidy person I am I picked it up without looking and placed it back on the shelf and again began to leave.

Tap tap .... I felt the Holy spirit tap me on my shoulder "Do you remember the last book that fell to the floor in this store ? "he said .... How blonde am I !!!! Yes I do I said to myself with a grin on my face and looking around at the same time to see if someone else dropped the book.

I picked the book up from the shelf and realized that I was holding a paper back copy of the bible that was perfect for Lucy but was out of my budget and this one was $20.00 exactly the amount that I had in my hand. I actually laughed out loud... two times... same store,,, two perfect bibles .... what are the odds ??? No there are no odds, just God getting my attention.

Isaiah 42:20 You see many things, but do not pay attention. Your ears are open, but not any hears.

Zechariah 7:11"But people refused to pay attention. They shrugged their shoulders at me and shut their ears so that they couldn't hear.

ANNIE MELINDA LANE

Today August 25th 1994 , 16 years ago
I was in my bed at The Anglis hospital holding Our Annie Melinda Lane who was only one hour into her journey through life.
I spent the day prior to this day cleaning my home, playing games with Steph whom was only 3 years old and Liam who was only 14 months old , taking my then 6 year Old Robert to school and home again. I was a busy mum to say the least. Well by 4 pm this day my home was spotless, my children had had all their needs attended to and dinner was cooked for my In Laws who were coming for dinner, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together and home they went, only to return at midnight because Annie was on her way.........
How precious are the memories when I look back and recount every detail leading up to and the birth of my precious girl. That first look into her eyes I never forget, those precious Sapphire blue eyes flickering open and shut in an attempt to adjust to her new surroundings. Her tiny fingers reaching out for me. The very best of all was the overwhelming sense of joy as she crept and wriggled on top of my belly looking for my breast to suckle on and truly bond with me and know that without a doubt that I would love, care for and nurture her for all her days to come.
To have the privilege of watching Annie grow and mature over this past 16 years , to witness first hand her love for God, her love for her family and friends, her magnificent voice when she sings. The compassion that is stirred within her and her ability to take action when she sees a need. Her strong sense of justice for others are all part of her God given character that was placed in her tiny heart when God first formed her withing my womb. Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Even when Annie was two and they thought she had Cystic fibrosis , God you were there loving her , guiding the surgeons hand and taking care of our worried broken hearts
How blessed Mike and I are as her parents to have had God along side with us every step of the way as Annie journeyed through life . I have read my fair share of parenting books but none come close tho the wisdom and insight that only the Holy spirit can give to you when it comes to raising our children .
Thank You God for the truth and wisdom in your Word , Thank you for trusting us with such a precious gift as Annie to raise in your ways .Proverbs 22 :6 Train up a child in the way he should go ; and when he is old he will never depart from it.
Annie the kingdom of Heaven is yours keep learning, keep loving, and keep looking forward. Mathew 19 :14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

NOT SO EASY BUT WELL WORTH IT

Loving your life can be much easier if you just follow a few basics that God  outlines for us in Proverbs 3 some will come easily and some may need a little work or perhaps change of attitude. But this I know,  you will be richly blessed  and love your life if you walk in his ways.

1,  Remember the word and keep it in your heart.

2. Be filled with love and faith, write it on your heart, then God and people you meet will know     you love God

3. Trust God not yourself

4. Talk with God always and ask him what to do.

5.  Your wisdom comes from God alone

6.  Give God the best of your wealth

7.   Be teachable and open to Gods rebuke

8.  Be discerning

9 .  Don't be fearful , the Lord is your confidence

10. Be giving today ; don't wait till tomorrow

11. Don't gossip

12. Don't be violent, bad temped or angry

13. Don't mock people or think you are better than others

14. Be humble in all that you do

15. Be graceful and show mercy and compassion to the people around you

PLACE THEIR HAND INTO THE PALM OF JESUS

How many of you remember being like me back in your younger days ? Sometimes I would watch girly movies about the transformation of the Ugly duckling into the beautiful swan and it would inspire the rescuer in me to want to do that to some of my peers . You know the young awkward girl with the glasses, daggy clothes, low self esteem, everyone picks on her, the boys laugh at her.... Or perhaps it was the girl from the broken home whose dad beats her up, she gives herself to every boy who wants a go, she smokes, she drinks, she is always in trouble with school or the law, her friends are in short supply ...... Even in my young age with plenty of troubles and brokenness myself I would get along side these girls and befriend them and try my best to rescue them and fix them, I would have them over and do make overs , I would go shop lifting with them to help them find a better wardrobe, I would go and stay over in their homes and meet their awful parents and talk with them for hours attempting to help them. But the reality was that to some degree I was just as broken myself, same same but different. I was in no position to help them although I had very good intentions I lacked the very core thing that they were lacking and that was God and his awesome gift of salvation. My Children are very much like me today, they all have the desire to seek out the broken and lonely and help to fix them. At dinner last night we were all talking about this very situation and their desire to rescue some of there peers. I shared with them my revelation I received when I was saved that it will not be by their strength that the rescue will be possible or sustaining it can only be by God. Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, Not by power, but by my spirit said the Lord.
We may think we can save these people but it is only God, It is our job to direct people to Jesus and only through their salvation and his love, grace, tenderness and mercy for them will they be free of the hold Satan has over them. It is a spiritual battle that needs to be won for them not a natural physical battle. Ephesians 6 :10 -12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms
The life blood and freedom they will receive from Jesus will sustain them for their lives but your friendship may be fickle at times, you may get in a fight and have a falling out, they may move away.... so many factors that can change but Jesus is the only true Rock that will stand with them today and forever more, never wavering, never changing, always holding out his hand of redemption no matter how low they go. Revelation 22;13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Keep seeking out these lost souls ,keep loving them , keep praying for them, keep being their friend but Most important of all is ; Keep taking them back to the cross for that is the only place that they can be made whole again.
He is fully God. Isaiah 43:10,11 states that besides the Lord GOD there is no Saviour. Jesus, however, is called "the mighty God" (Is. 9:6) and "our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2.13). It takes God to save sinners.

WHAT IS THAT WOMAN DOING RESTING!!!!

What do we do when we are told by God to stay, abide and rest. 

Now, why don't you stay here tonight, as the others did, and I'll find out what else the LORD may have to tell me." Numbers 22 :19

For those of you who know me you will know that REST is not one of my favourite words, however I am quickly discovering the power of resting.

God can do amazing things when we  Rest. Stop! Abide ! Remain ! Obey !.  There comes an incredible refreshing and understanding, a renewing of your mind when we can no longer run about and fill our brain with OUR to do list, OUR unfounded worries, OUR plan for our lives, OUR plan for our kids lives, or OUR plan for God in our life.

Sometimes , like I believe in my case, God will force our hand and make us stop so he doesn't have to shout in order for us to hear him. Now I am not saying that God brings sickness, but he certainly does use it to his advantage if need be to slow us down and abide in him.

God uses this time to whisper tender words into your heart, to show you things in his word that you have quickly skimmed over in the past while simultaneously  listening to your 6 year old read her school reader, making, 6 school lunches, spooning breakfast into the mouth of the uncooperative 2 year old , signing permission excursion forms, and sending a text message to confirm your two pm appointment.  How can we possibly hear clearly what God has to say in this environment.

I urge you don't keep running and giving God your left overs like I did, stop and drink from all that God has for you and just see how you whole perspective changes and how you crave his daily input in your life.

God cant fully use a burnt out , stressed out Mum. but he can use a holy spirit led warrior woman of God willing and able to hear what he wants us to do and then follow through and do it, bearing fruit in all that we do.

John 15 :4-8

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

OUR SECURITY BLANKET

How many of us remember our favourite snuggle thing when we were little, you know, that blanket that you carried until the final shred was too small to recognise what it started its life out as, or the teddy that now has been reduced to just a ear.
My little Meg has a patchwork blanket that I made for her when she was born and she still sleeps with the last remaining shred, when we traveled with her as a baby all we had to do was put this rug on the floor of an airport and lay her on it and she would drift off to sleep, it quickly became a prized item that would have had devastating results if it was ever lost, it actually held more value in our last minute bag checks than the passports.
I was thinking last night about how often do we hang on to something in our lives just like the blanket, we clutch it close to our heart at night when we go to bed, we hold it firmly in our hands when we are feeling sorry for ourselves. We keep it as a trophy, a reminder of our past, our hurts, our failures . We hang on to our treasure for dear life in fear of letting go.
We often use it as an excuse to not move forward or to break free of the things that bind us and keep us from the journey God intends for us.
In my case here I am in bed post operation and post severe anxiety that I have lived with for 3 years. I have many symptoms that have not returned since my operation and I am beginning to feel better physically and healing physically. But what about mentally, there is a choice there, I could chose to remain in the place I have been for 3 years, constantly behind the 8 ball with panic attacks, heart palpitations, exhaustion, psoriasis , or I can allow God the best surgeon of them all to heal me inside as well and mould me into the thriving warrior woman completely aligned to him and his purposes.
How easy would it be for me to hang onto my last shred of my blanket that has served me well, kept me protected, given me an excuse to not fully participate, allowed me to use it a crutch at times.
Is it scary to let go and move forward , yes most certainly, but will you experience freedom beyond your wildest dreams when you do let go. yes most certainly.
I know most of us, especially we over thinking women have shreds of security blanket that we are still holding onto, but it is time to let go of this false security and hang onto the only thing that will last GOD.
Ephesians 1:18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
There is a new treasure out there to be had. Our Lord is faithful. we can become consistant and free. He loves because he is love. He sees the treasure in me because he put it there. Jesus is in me and I am in him.
We are known in Heaven, Our identity as God sees it, gives us an authority over any opposition. We need to rise up from our infirmities and no longer allow ourselves to be shaped by our past.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
Life in the spirit is simply just letting go of a life that no longer works.

LET GOD WALK BEFORE YOU

Why is it that when we face a "crisis " in our lives that we allow our brain to kick in and fill us with fear way before we allow the holy spirit to kick in and fill us with his promises?
The bible says that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, ( Romans 12:2 )
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I know this truth -first hand, believe me that this is a daily renewing and often many times over in the day for me. My mind will often go to places that are not uplifting and life giving.
from a personal perspective I have to have an operation today and for the first month of knowing this my brain has slipped into the most negative thoughts with me allowing only a sprinkling of hope to sneak in . I have gone to sleep at night dreaming of the most ridiculous scenarios. perhaps I will die!! perhaps i will never talk again (God forbid, those who know me would know that this would not be possible , i always have far too much to say )
Our only hope in these times of difficulty is to stand on Gods word and rest in his arms through prayer. I cannot do it alone I can only do it with God walking along with me , guiding me, loving me and showing me his plan for my me.

I am standing firm on these scriptures today while I face this operation.
I was feeling alone and really wanted my mum to go with me and then I read this, I have my heavenly father with me, and he doesn't have to sit in the waiting room with My husband , he can sit right there on the table with me for the whole surgery
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
I was worried that things might go wrong , but I Know this :
Jeremiah 29:11For 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
I was worried I would lose my voice all together and God showed me this
Isaiah 40 :9 Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!"

Matthew Henry said :" We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for them. When the Lord pours out an especial spirit of prayer, it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in mercy. Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer. He never said, Seek ye me in vain."

Is there something in your world that you are facing and need the strength and courage that only the Holy spirit can give? Then search your heart and the word for scriptures that will encourage you, guide you and give you Hope for the future.

LETS NOT MISS THE SMALL THINGS

My beautiful dog Ruby clearly just lays about with not a care in the world , her future involves food, water, wood fires , walks and cuddles. Simple!!
How much time to we waste in our minds on trying to map out our own future and the outcomes of events ahead of us?
We so often get caught up in "trying to figure it out " When what we should be doing is taking our concerns to God in prayer and trusting that he has the best outcome for us.
We end up focusing too much of our time attempting to make a plan when in fact the plan has already been made for us.
It is such a simple message for us. lets not miss the small things !!!

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. Jeremiah 29:11.
We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. He will give us, not the expectations of our fears, or the expectations of our fancies, but the expectations of our faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for us .

Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

Ask God today what his plan for us is and lets be prompted by the holy spirit not our own wayward thoughts

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

I was reading this today and just wanted to share it

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary It becomes children to be grateful. When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that he is Lord of heaven and earth, which obliges us to come to him with reverence as to the sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good. Our blessed Lord added a remarkable declaration, that the Father had delivered into his hands all power, authority, and judgment. We are indebted to Christ for all the revelation we have of God the Father's will and love, ever since Adam sinned. Our Saviour has invited all that labour and are heavy-laden, to come unto him. In some senses all men are so. Worldly men burden themselves with fruitless cares for wealth and honours; the gay and the sensual labour in pursuit of pleasures; the slave of Satan and his own lusts, is the merest drudge on earth. Those who labour to establish their own righteousness also labour in vain. The convinced sinner is heavy-laden with guilt and terror; and the tempted and afflicted believer has labours and burdens. Christ invites all to come to him for rest to their souls. He alone gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they seek him in fervent prayer. Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ. This is the gospel call; Whoever will, let him come. All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest. The truths Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon. Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? Let us come to him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows. But forced obedience, far from being easy and light, is a heavy burden. In vain do we draw near to Jesus with our lips, while the heart is far from him. Then come to Jesus to find rest for your souls.

BE A FOUNTAIN OF JOY AND LOVE

JESUS died at Easter on the cross so that we can live free joy filled lives, lets not ignore this and continue to live as we always have lets renew our heats every day and walk in the joy of our Lord, spreading our joy and hope like an infectious disease.
God wants us to be people who are his light not people who are down trodden and beaten by life all the time, we are called to live a victorious life.
Ephesians 4:22-24
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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
I urge you , and at times myself what are we showing the world about Christianity. Is it that we just go to church on Sunday and there is no change in us or is it that we have an infectious joy about us and people just want to be near us .
I have the privilege of working alongside Sarah who has to be the smiliest person I have ever met, She is filled with love for God and it literally overflows from her heart for all to See I am sure God looks down at her and is well pleased

HANG ON FOR THE RIDE

Well what a month it has been in my life . There has been births the beginning of new life. Deaths, the end of a journey. Weddings, the start of a new chapter in life. There has been many triumphs and some times of defeat. There has been conflict, and resolution. There has been growth and awakening spiritually.

There has been fellowship, love and friendship. There has been flat out hard work and flat out recovering from the work. There has been moments of sheer joy with my children, and moments of correction and guidance.

But one thing always remains the same throughout, and that is the Love and companionship of Jesus, he has been by my side every step of the way through thick and thin, guiding me, prompting me, loving me, standing with me, healing my heart, renewing my strength, talking with me, encouraging me. And best of all being my friend .

Along that journey my children have been watching and learning from me, my unbelieving friends and family have been watching and seeing how I handle things and My brothers and sisters in Christ have been cheering me on and encouraging me.


I would have my life no other way,


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12 : 1-2

FREELY FREELY YOU HAVE RECIEVED

— Romans 5:20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.

How awesome is that, God,s Grace is far greater than any sin we can do or even think of doing , If sin increases so too does Gods grace. We have done nothing do earn his favour it is there as a free gift to each and every one of us.
We have no concept relay as to how much he loves us and how he delights in blessing us and giving us the desires of our heart. HE IS !!! The perfect father,
Our earthly parents sometimes fall short in our eyes of what we think parents should be, and so too do we when it comes to our own children. But God Will never fall short, His Love and grace surpasses all of our understanding.
It is a gift that is freely given and we are asked to freely receive, the price has been paid on the cross.
So step out today and walk in the freedom that Gods grace has given us , don't walk in the bondage that Satan tries to hold us in. We can live in freedom, uninhibited freedom, just like the silly monkey swinging in the breeze with not a care in the world.
God is the ultimate conqueror of evil with good
2 Peter 1: 3-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

BEST OF LUCK!! YOUR TIME STARTS NOW

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”- Psalm 139:23-24

The way a person lives can't help but demonstrate what we believe in.
Are we sold on what you believes in, or are we neither here nor there about it?
Do we believes in something, do we have an understanding and resolve of its greatness, or is it just a one among many beliefs that we can set aside when some new interest comes along?
God promises heaven to all of us who choose to believe in and love Jesus Christ.
The way we answer the following questions has a huge impact on the way we will live out our lives.
Do we believe heaven awesome?
Will God fulfill his promise to take us there?
Have we done enough to seal the deal ?
If we choose to believe in the greatness of the promises and in God's faithfulness to fulfill them, we will then choose to live differently.
The awesome greatness of God's promises call for faith that obeys and faith that looks beyond our inevitable death.
It is so easy to live for the here and now and not have a kingdom vision for our lives , eternity is such a hard concept to grasp, but in order to have all that God wants for us here on earth then we have to pursue God with passion in our hearts and love him far beyond our human parameters and understanding.
We have only a short time here in this world ,
Best of luck !!! your time starts now. Your time can start now even if you have messed up along the journey so far, however as Christians we don't need any luck Our God goes before us every step of the way forging a path for us to walk on.
Just walk and keep walking forward. Phillipians 3 :14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.