Good morning my friends. It has been a long time, I apologize. I have not had much time for my hobbies but am doing very well. Being in the classroom after all these years has posed some challenges but nothing that can't be overcome. I have been getting every sniffle, cough and cold imaginable but God is good. He sure is teaching me resilience.
I do however think of all of you often. I wonder when I will create again and wonder how your lives are and what God is doing. Please leave me a message if God is doing something in your life, I am so encouraged by that.
This morning in my quiet time I read a devotion from Streams in the Desert that really spoke to me. I know times are tough right now for so many and it is often difficult to see the light. This devotion put a beautiful perspective on things. Sometimes the darkness can be the most beautiful place to be, it's all how you view it. Here is the devotion:
In the famous lace shops of Brussels, there are special rooms devoted to the spinning of the world's finest lace, all with the most delicate patterns. The rooms are kept completely dark, except for the light that falls directly on the developing pattern, from one very small window. Only one person sits in each small room, where the narrow rays of light fall upon the threads he is weaving , for lace is always more beautifully and delicately woven when the weaver himself is in the dark, with only his work in the light.
Sometimes the darkness in our lives is worse, because we cannot even see the web we are weaving or understand what we're doing. Therefore we are unable to see any beauty or any possible good arising from our experience. Yet if we are faithful to forge ahead and "if we do not give up" (Galations 6:9), someday we will know that the most exquisite work of our lives was done during those days when it was the darkest.
If you seem to be living in deep darkness because God is working in strange and mysterious ways, do not be arraid. Simply go forward in faith and in love, never doubting Him. He is watching and will bring goodness and beauty from all of your pain and tears. J.R. Miller
The shuttles of His purpose move
To carry out His own design;
Seek not too soon to disapprove
His work, nor yet assign
Dark motives, when , with silent tread,
You view some somber fold;
For lo, within each darker thread,
There twines a thread of gold.
Spin cheerfully,
Not tearfully,
He knows the way you plod;
Spin carefully,
Spin prayerfully,
But leave the thread with God.
from the Canadian Home Journal
To you, all my friends, from church, school, family and cyberspace, I pray blessings upon your lives and the joy of the Lord to fall upon you.
Hugs,
Melanie
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Devotion from Streams in the Desert
Monday, July 28, 2008
God's purpose or mine?
My Utmost For His Highest really ministered to my heart this morning. Currently I am struggling with my voice and have been for about 3 months. As some of you may know I used to sing professionally and for the past 7 years have been singing for the Lord. Well, for the past 3 months I just can't seem to get my voice to work. It is hoarse almost everyday and quite a hindrance in my ministry. Yesterday at church, after attempting our morning rehearsal, I grew weary and stepped down. It was too difficult to push through and I just couldn't hit most of the notes because my voice just wasn't there.
Now that I am entering a new season in my life, going back to teaching, I have been wondering what the Lord has been doing. I have wondered if my voice is the way it is because He wants me to focus on the new path He is leading me on or if it is just allergies??? In any case this devotion reminded me that no matter what is happening good or bad, that God wants me to depend on Him and on His power right now. I don't have to think about what He is doing or what the goal is. If I can stay calm, faithful and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil in life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me.
So may we all enjoy the process of the things that we are facing right now and know without a shadow of a doubt, that God is on the throne, is in control and will enable our step by step obedience if we seek Him and that when we do obey, our God would be smiling down upon us and be glorified!!!!
In Jesus name!!!!
Amen
My Utmost For His Highest Devotion
We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see "Him walking on the sea" with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see "Him walking on the sea" ( Mark 6:49 ). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.
God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.
God bless you,
Hugs,
Melanie
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Doubt Your Doubts
July 1, 2008
Doubt Your Doubts
Today's Truth
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Friend to Friend
Billy Graham once said, "Most of us do not understand nuclear fission, but we accept it. I don't understand television, but I accept it. I don't understand radio, but every week my voice goes out around the world, and I accept it. Why is it so easy to accept all these man-made miracles and so difficult to accept the miracles of the Bible?"
Faith is a personal issue and often demands that we give up what we can see for what we cannot see, but just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. Let me share some ways to weaken your doubts and strengthen your faith:
- Read the bible consistently.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
You may have heard the familiar Old Chinese saying, "There is a good dog and a bad dog fighting within each of us. The one that is going to win is the one we feed the most". The same is true when it comes to faith and doubt. We weaken our doubt by strengthening our faith in God. The Word of God feeds the new nature God gives us when we surrender our life to Him. As that new nature grows stronger, the old sinful nature becomes weaker and as that old nature becomes weaker, faith in God grows. A steady diet of the Word produces strong faith. Read the bible each day. Memorize a verse of scripture each week.
- Turn to God constantly.
Mark 9:14-29 tells of the man who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus Christ and pleads, "If you can do anything, take pit on us and help us". Jesus responds, "If I can! All things are possible to him who believes". The dad exclaimed, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!"
Sounds just like us! We believe but we also doubt. In those moments, we must be honest enough to cry out to God! Jesus didn't punish this man for his doubt. He healed his son. God always responds to honesty!
- Focus on God continually.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
We focus on the mountain while crying out to God for help, wondering if He really will do anything. We need to remember what God promises and does not promise. God does not promise to remove the mountain or that we will even understand the mountain. However, God does promise to help us climb the mountain and He does promise to climb it with us. We must make the continual choice to fix our gaze on God and our glance on the circumstances. When doubt comes, refuse it.
- Seek out faith-builders persistently.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
We need to look for people who will encourage us to be faithful instead of constantly looking for ways to undermine our faith. Did you hear about the farmer that had a brilliant dog? He also had a neighbor that was negative - no matter what. If it was raining, the farmer would say to his neighbor, "Boy, look at it rain. God's washing everything clean." The neighbor said, "Yeah, but if this rain keeps up, it's going to flood." Then the sun would come out and the neighbor would say, "If it keeps that up, it's going to burn the crops." The farmer thought, "What am I going to do with this guy?" He made a plan! The farmer trained his dog to walk on water. He didn't tell his neighbor - just took him duck hunting. Boom! Boom! They got two ducks. The farmer said to his dog, "Go get 'em." The dog sprinted across the water, picked up the ducks and hopped back in the boat, nothing wet, just his paws. With a confident smile, the farmer asked his doubting neighbor, "What do you think of that?" The neighbor quickly replied, "He can't swim, can he?" Do you know people like the neighbor? Run from the doubters in your life. We struggle enough with doubt on our own and should not compound it by investing time in doubters and cynics. Look for people who walk in faith, who believe God and study His Word. They will encourage and build your faith while weakening your doubts.
Women have so much in common. We have the same problems, the same fears and the same doubts. Don't let fear and doubt wreak havoc in your heart and mind. Stay in God's Word. Don't be afraid or ashamed to cry out to Him when you are afraid. Keep your eyes on Him and look for other women who do the same. Will you join me in a new commitment to becoming a woman of faith? Remember, when doubt knocks on the door, just send faith to answer it - and you will find no one there!
Let's pray
Father God, I want to become a woman of faith, but I am so weak. I constantly battle fear and my faith seems so small. Please give me a new thirst for Your Word. I choose to focus on You, Father, instead of focusing on my circumstances. Help me to find faith and to be a faith-builder each day. I now turn to You, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Now it's Your Turn
- Make a list of your top five fears.
- Choose one verse from today's devotion for each fear.
- When that fear comes, cry out to God and pray that verse of Scripture aloud.
- Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and record it in your journal.
- Share your decision to be a woman of faith with other women who have the same desire.
Hugs,
Melanie
Monday, June 30, 2008
2 Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said:
"My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all... One is Evil: It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good: It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed.
Have a great day,
Be blessed
And be a blessing to others
Melanie
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Family Love
Well, my step daughter left yesterday to go back to TN. It was such a great week that we had together and I was sad to see it end, so I took comfort in the Lord and the wonderful memories that He has allowed us to share by scrappin this page. She is truly a lovely young lady and her brother and sister are so blessed to have her in their life. We love you Tori always and forever!!!
Supplies:
Stamps: CTMH Spot on Backgrounds
Ink: CTMH Crystal Blue
Paper: CTMH white daisy, All dressed up paper stack,
Accessories: CTMH buttond, KI memories metallic letters
Monday, June 16, 2008
Girlfriends of God
I found this to be so comforting for my own personal situation, but don't we all have a situation??? This scripture from Corinthians 12 is so powerful and helps to put life into perspective. Life doesn't seem to get any easier and we know we are going to face difficult times in our lives however with the Lord we don't have to be weak, cast down or defeated. We literally can be empowered and strong in our struggles by the power of His Holy Spirit!!! Amen and thank you Lord. I pray that whatever circumstance that you may be facing that you will see it as an opportunity for God to move powerfully in your life. Enjoy this devotion by girlfriends of God. Their website is on my side bar.
June 16, 2008
The King's Kids
Today's Truth
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 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 12:9-10 NIV).
Friend to Friend
The angels were hovering low in our church on this particular Sunday morning. It was a special day for a group of ten "kids" known as the King's Kids. They were leading worship by singing a special song -- only many of the kids couldn't carry a tune, walk on their own, or even control their limbs. We sat in silence as the unlikely band of worship leaders stumbled onto the stage. Each of these children of God had a disability and visible handicap. The "Kids" lined up on the stage, many with adults standing behind them to support them, both physically and emotionally. Kristen, a young lady with Down's syndrome appeared to be the leader. She stood out in front of the others with confidence and strength of passion.
The sound track began and the King's Kids began to "sing" with their hands in sign language. "Press on," their hands proclaimed. With wide sweeping motions and uninhibited praise, Kristen sang with arms and hands to the One who loved her most.
There was one girl in particular who caught my eye. She was not able to do the signs by herself. Her limbs were much too weak and uncontrolled. I watched as this gal leaned into a woman standing behind her and surrendered her arms and hands. While the others signed the words to the song, the woman moved her young challenged hands in tandem with the others. Beth simply leaned into her helper and relinquished control.
Then God spoke to my heart, That is what I want you to do. Lean into me, relinquish control, and allow me to move your life in a symphony of worship.
We all have disabilities. Some are visible to the naked eye and some are hidden except to the trained eye. While the handicaps vary, God longs for each one of us to do as Beth did on that Sunday morning. Lean into Him, relinquish control, and allow God to move us to His song.
There was not a dry eye in the 2,000 seat sanctuary. Their disabilities were visible, yet those of us who sat in the pews had disabilities that were not visible to the naked eye, but just as real. God turns our "disabilities" into our abilities when we lean into Him and allow His strength to work through our weaknesses.
As God said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9NIV). Therefore, I say with Paul, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 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 1:9-10 NIV).
Today, lean into God and allow Him to move your hands and feet to the song that He is singing for you.
Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Take my hands and feet and move them to Your rhythm of life. I yield myself totally to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
How would you describe your willingness to give up control of your life to God?
What are some areas that you tend to hang onto?
What do you think would happen if you gave control of your life totally to God?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Longing for you!!!
A quick card I made with an image Sabrina sent to me from Japan. Thanks Sabrina!! This one will be a cute one for my hubby!
I used CTMH markers in shades of yellow to color in the giraffe and cranberry for the hearts. Also used our double sided textured cardstock.
RAK!!!!
Ok, so I'm taking a quick break from packing to post this very sweet RAK. OMG, when my hunny came in tonight he had the mail and to my very big surprise was a package from Aimee. She sent me this pretty card and instructions and materials to make this purse album. I was just astounded by her kindness. In the craziness of my day, trying to prepare for our trip to Florida this random act of kindness made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Aimee, you are such a sweetie!! Those papers are gorgeous and the colors are scrumptious. Be sure to check out Aimee's blog!!!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Celebrate The Battle
Good morning friends!!! If you are in need of a good devotion and happen to be going through some trials, check out Girlfriends in God on my side bar. I know so often when the going gets tough it's hard to look up, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's hard to understand what God is doing. Often times we can become downcast and discouraged, we even fail to praise God.
However it is in the midst of these difficult times that God is usually trying to do something amazing. It's then when we must walk by faith and not by sight. We must take our eyes off our circumstances and fix our eyes on God. We must remember that He is the God of all creation, His ways are higher than our ways, He knows the beginning from the end, so does He not know how to handle our circumstance???? Of course He does and much better than we know how to. He wants us to completely trust Him and surrender our will to His so that He can bless us. So while you're going through your trial, remember to praise Him and thank Him for what He is doing in your life even if you don't understand.
Here's an excerpt from the devotion
More from the Girlfriends
Card for a friend!!!
Here's a little cupcake card that I made for a sweet friend! Again I used my stickles for the icing and some ribbon that Sabrina sent me from Japan, which I lOVE!!!! I also used my new 8x8 glitter pads from DCWV, love that blingy paper,although it doesn't seem to be showing up very well in the photo.
Have a great day everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll try to post some more later!!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
My First Bella Card!!!
I finally got a chance to play with my Bella images that Jenn sent me. Oh what fun!
I used a lot of stickles for the cupcake, prima flowers, CTMH autumn craft buttons, Teen Girl PP (retired CTMH), sunny yellow marker for her hair, bubblegum marker for her dress and shoes, peach whip re-inker with blending pen, chalk with the blending pen for her skin, corner punch to make the round scallop circle and the side scallops, simple stitches for the bubblegum polka dots along the sides, shimmery ric rac attached with liquid glass, and some pink rhinestones for the flower centers.
Thanks again Jenn!!! I just love her!!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
A couple of Cards!!!
These are the images I am sending out for my SBS 16 image swap. Thought I would show a couple of samples using the images. Used Spot on Backgrounds stamp set to make the pink polka dot paper and my cuttlebug EF for the yellow and black paper.
Simple Beauty and Creative Basics Paper and ric rac. The little bird house is Studio G.
RAK!!!!
Here's the card Jenn made and sent to me with all of these images. She stamped 4 of each Bella!!!
Ok, so I was so wanting some of these Bellas and lo and behold what came in the mail but these incredible images from Jenn!!!! Check out her blog!!! She's super cool!! I was so touched by her kindness and like a kid at a candy store all at the same time. Check out the beautiful card she sent along with it, OMG!!! I really will need some practice but I hope to have some cards to show with these adorable Bellas soon. Thank you so much Jenn, your a sweetie!!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Thought for Today
When we find ourselves ready to judge another person’s motives, let’s pause and remember—only God can see the heart, and only His Word can expose its motives. Our responsibility is to let the Lord and His Word convict us about our own hearts.
Click here to read the whole devotional from Our daily bread
Friday, May 16, 2008
little license stamp set
Good morning everyone!!!! Well, I just wanted to let you know that both the USB ports are broken on my computer. I was trying to transfer some pictures from my camera and well......... nothing. I'll be creating this weekend in preparation for our crop next weekend. Our church holds quarterly crops and they are so much fun!!! Check out the archives if you want to see the last crop, it was in February. As soon as I get those ports fixed I'll post some pics of all the new artwork. For now I'll just post some things that I have in my files. Hope you all have a great day. Melanie
This is a little matchbook photo album that I made using CTMH CS and patterned paper. I made the plaid paper by adding the lines with our sweet leaf marker to the baby pink PP. I added our retired summer accent beads for the chain and stamped the images with our LITTLE LICENSE stamp set. The baby Pink and Sweat leaf CS is sanded and all papers are ink distressed with bubblegum ink.
The friend card was cased from a book many years ago. I just loved all of the detail and had to make my version of it. I used Little License to make the small flower background as well as the stamped words. The word "Friend" uses swirly strokes alphabet stamp set.
The 3x3 card is all stamped using little license. I just love this little set!!!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Love For All !!!!!!!!!!
Hello my friends,
Smiles & Hugs,
Melanie
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Bible Study Guide
Good morning friends!! I wanted to share a few things that the Lord had laid on my heart. For those of you who are prayer warriors I would like to ask you to please pray for my step son Dusty . He has been struggling with his walk and has been going through a rough time in his life. He is turning 21 this month and is desiring to know God, His will for his life and to gain understanding of the Word of God. Please pray that he would be diligent in searching out the scriptures, walking in the light and resisting those things that cause him to stumble.
As he has been attempting to study the Word he asked for any tips or advice on how to get the most from his reading. I sent him a bookmark that I was given at our ladies spring event last year that contains 5 questions to ask yourself after you have read the scriptures. While commentaries and dictionaries and concordances are amazing resources that I use often, sometimes we forget to allow scripture to reveal scripture, to hear what God has to say directly to us. So I thought this might be a blessing to some of you. I know that it has helped me.
ASK YOURSELF
1. WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT GOD?
2. WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT LIFE?
3. WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT MYSELF, MY ATTITUDES, PRIORITIES, FEARS, FAILURES, OR DESIRES?
4. IS THERE A LESSON I CAN APPLY TODAY?
5. WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM MY READING AND PRAY BACK TO GOD FOR UNDERSTANDING, INSTRUCTION OR HELP?
This next section will be lengthy and is an example of how to apply these questions to your daily reading. This is taken from my personal journal from today's through the word reading.
2 Cor 4-5
1. What did I learn about God?
* I learned God has shone His light through Jesus Christ that we might have knowledge of Him * Jesus in us allows us to walk through the trials and not be destroyed. For He is our life and we'll be raised up with Him one day. * God doesn't want us to be hopeless, but filled with hope of the eternal. * God gave us the guarantee of the Holy Spirit. * God reconciled Himself to us through Jesus Christ.
2. What did I learn about life?
* Even though we may be hard pressed on every side struggling with things in life, we are not crushed or forsaken, we are not destroyed because Jesus is working life in us. He overcame the grave and He will raise us up with Him. Who else in history did this? NO ONE!!! * Even though our outward man is perishing our inward man is being renewed daily. Our affliction here on earth is temporary and is nothing compared to what awaits us - the eternal weight of glory. * We will be delivered from these earthly bodies and God wants us to live with that hope. * Life is short and temporary, we're just passing by.
3. What did I learn about myself, my attitudes, priorities, fears, failures, or desires?
* I need to be walking as light in the darkness of this world. * I don't need to be afraid because I have the Holy Spirit sent by God to assure and guarantee my place in this world. I'm only a passer by, RESIDENCE-HEAVEN! * I need to remember things which are seen are temporary, things unseen are eternal. * I must walk by faith, not by sight. * I must desire to be well pleasing to God. * I must WALK IN IT!! I am a new creation in Christ and my old ways are passed away and all things have become new.
4. Is there a lesson I can apply today?
* Look at everything through eternal glasses. When I need perspective I must remember I'm here temporarily, I'm here with the spirit of God to work in and through me and I need to walk by faith!
5. What can I take from my reading and pray back to God for understanding, instruction or help?
* Lord help me to live in the light and to be filled with the hope of eternal glory. Help me to overcome the struggles of this life by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to know you are with me always, that I am never forsaken. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus name, Amen
God bless you all and I pray that you would receive the blessing of God's personal message to you today.
By His grace,
Melanie
Monday, April 21, 2008
Devotion for the day!
Here is one of the devotions from the 3 that are listed on the calvary website. This one was especially powerful to me and I pray it will bless your day.
| April 21 | ||
| David also rose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. | ||
| 1 Samuel 24:8 | ||
| David’s insights into the Lord, his dependence upon the Lord, his passion for the Lord are revealed in the Psalms he wrote during the time he was fleeing from Saul because the man who had nothing but anger toward him was God’s instrument to make him into the man he desired to be. The same is true with us. “Lord, change me,” I pray. “I’m tired of the smallness of my soul, the hardness of my heart. Make me different than I am.” “Okay,” the Lord says. “I’ll send you an anointed instrument to help accomplish this change.” “Good!” I say, thinking it will be an anointed teacher, a Christian book, a close friend. But He sends a Saul or two throwing spears at me. Who has the Lord allowed to be in your life who throws spears at you, who brings grief to you? That person is the anointed instrument of God to work in you the love, kindness, and tenderness you long for. There’s no other way for the Lord to change you but to send a Saul or two your way. The question is, what will you do? Will you cut the fringe? I doubt that the blind man in John 9 would have washed in the pool of Siloam - or literally “sent one” - had there not been mud in his eyes. Why does God allow people we think are mud to get in our face? The reason is to cause us to go to the true Sent One and wash again. When everything is going well, I have a tendency to cruise on automatic pilot. But when there’s mud thrown at me, I make my way to the Lord in desperation. I pour out my heart to the Lord and get into the water of the Word once again. David said to Saul, “The Lord will judge between you and me. The Lord will work things out. The Lord will deal with you eventually. But I’m not to touch you because you are God’s anointed instrument in my life.” What about that person who breaks your heart? Are you going to take them down a peg or two - or, like David, will you wisely choose not to touch the Lord’s anointed? | ||
If you would like to view the devotions, go to ccgreenvalley.org and on the left hand side click on resources, then devotions. There are 3 different devotions available daily and all of them are such a blessing.
God bless your day!
Smiles,
Melanie
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Let your worship be your mirror
Here is a devotional that I thought was really eye opening. As many of us have become health conscious it's easy to get carried away with looking a certain way. It is important to be healthy and to take care of the temple God has given us and to not be lazy, however we must remember that God made all of us different, with different body shapes and sizes. We must not fall prey to the media and their ideas of beauty. Some are big boned, some are very small boned and that's OK!!!! To try to fit into an image that is not realistic is the enemy working on your mind. We don't need to give him a say in this matter. I really liked this devotional... Let worship be your mirror!! Enjoy and God Bless and love who God made you!!!! You are beautiful!!!!!!!
Let Worship Be Your Mirror
Cory Bradley
Our culture is obsessed with images. The media, the internet, the workplace, and even sometimes the local church; image seems incredibly important to many facets of our life.
Can you imagine a day in which you didn't get dressed and prepare yourself for the day without using your mirror as a reference? Probably not.
Well, can you imagine getting dressed, washing your face, making sure all of your hairs were in place, only to do so with someone else's mirror or image as a reference?
If you are saying no or think that may sound absurd, believe it or not, it is something we do everyday when we do not make worship apart of our daily routine.
Recently, I had sort of a meltdown on Myspace while viewing all of the beautiful faces and toned and fit bodies; I thought to myself, "What's wrong with me? No one looks at me and admires me in such a way that reflects my value and worth."
After giving God my laundry list, I heard God clearly respond to me and tell me that things aren't that much different with Him either. He said, "Cory (that's me), maybe it's not what wrong with you, but maybe the problem is what others are looking for."
He went on to say, now with sort of a melody behind Him: "Instead of searching and asking others about your insufficiency, why can't you be more focused on what I see?"
As a worship leader, I have come to realize something. When we worship God, we are washing ourselves and the images we tend to embrace that God has nothing to do with. Worship, praise, and adoration of who God is provides us access to the thoughts of God and how He perceives our lives.
Our standards of beauty are changed through every encounter. The more we reflect on Him, the more our beauty is revealed. Worship is the perfect looking glass.
From the times of Moses until now, worship is man's greatest tool to cleanse away the worldly perspectives we have regarding this life. It is how we renew our lives and most importantly, how we embrace how beautiful we are in the sight of God.
This day, let worship be your mirror.
You may be surprised on how great you really look!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday: Day of The Cross-Suffering
In the her book "No Ordinary Home", Carol Brazo has a chapter on special things that her and her family do during Holy Week. Here is an excerpt from that chapter on Good Friday:
" I had been struck all spring by the holes in the hands of Jesus. Holes in His hands. Holes in His feet. A gaping hole in His side. Holes in the one person who was whole. Those holes, those punctures in the Holy One, were made to match the holes in my soul, in my psyche, in my body and spirit. The holes that left me crippled were healed by the holes meant to cripple Him who knew no holes. And so I came to view the cross, not as an instrument of torture, but as an instrument of healing.
Each of us, from oldest to youngest(my four year old), took a piece of paper and listed our holes. We catalogued those places inside us that knew sin intimately, places where wholeness was not known. And then we left the comfort and beauty of John and Wendy's living room and went out to the carport.
There on the ground was an old, ugly, blood-smeared, eight-foot cross. A crown of thorns desecrated its "head". Large railroad spikes violated the "hands and feet." And there, to the side, was a hammer and a can of nails. In small family groups we took our list of sins, our catalogue of holes, and nailed them to the healing place. Small children nailed easily and seemed completely finished. Adults flinched with the sound and found it less accessible. Yet each of us sought healing in that place, and He who had suffered on those boards came and walked among us, touching this one and that one with hands that bore holes.
Communion followed. The bread and the cup were taken at the foot of that killing device, now littered with slips of sin.
It was GOOD FRIDAY. A small white sheet of paper bearing the stains of my humanity was left at the cross in the carport. Belonging to the race that yelled "Crucify Him," I am set on a path that leads to life. Set there by the One we crucified. Healed by His wholeness.
