Fear Removed

Did you know you are One breath away from victory? I am going to share with you a secret about me that I have found rather embarrassing, considering I am married to a strong man who spends his days up in the air as far as 120 feet!

I am was deathly afraid of heights.

I almost left out the word was, but I cannot tell a lie. So...I will tell you the truth!

A few days ago my strong leader and our 4 older charges had the excitement of attending the county fair without the stroller to attend. (Thanks Grandma!!)  Our amazing Man In Charge, is aka Ride Guy. So off we went with me looking forward to the stand and wave post outside the fenced in areas.

Happy Heart who is 5 came running back to me with her chin tucked, feeling rejected that she missed the mark. Man in Charge smiled at me feeling bad for her and encouraged me to take her on something else.

I got down at face level to her and asked if there was another ride that she would like to ride. Her eyebrows raised and she grabbed my hand. Then....she pointed to the Ferris wheel!

To give you a little heads up, my fear was so great, that at high heights I felt the urge to jump off or out. At the age of seven, My father hog tied me with his arms while I was carried off of the water slide in the Adirondacks because him and I both new I was ready to jump rather than continue to be so high.

As we got our seats Happy Heart and I chatting about how Jesus is with us wherever we are. Up high or down low. Then as it started to ride, I started to panic and shake. My little dear chattered away about things while I was working through every possible means of getting that guys attention so I could get off! Then I looked ahead.

Where does my help come from? From the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth. I cried out in my heart, "Jesus my lover, My friend, please come near to me and remove this fear. You are with me in the sky as much as you are with me on the ground." His presence filled me immediately and the shaking stopped! The best part...it was so beautiful to be up so high. We could see parts of the valley. We would come near to the people and then draw away to the heavens, again and again.

Oh how I laughed with my sweet trusting girl at my side!  I am so thankful that Jesus comes skipping and leaping over life's jagged edges. Never letting a foot slip or stumble. My Great Shepard guiding and seeking, loving and caring.

All for His Glory!

Vent Not

I have come to a conclusion that has changed my daily life and I cannot wait to share. I learned this some tome ago, but was giving the truth some time to prove itself before I shouted it from the mountain tops. I am completely impressed the with peace that it has brought to my life and the calmness that is maintained in my heart because of it.

Venting is for fools.

It may surprise you. This boldness and this thought that is contrary to all schools of psychology being taught in every level of our American institutions. We should not be spilling our everyday, issue packed cans of frustration beans.

There is a time for sharing. When feelings get out of control, perspective is good. When things in life aren't moving forward, that is what the church body is for. I am more focusing toward the negative everyday things that pop up, and we face them with either a cup half empty or a cup half full attitude. And let us see that the half full mentality is much more Christ like. Do not the scriptures ring loudly that with God all things are possible? There is no excuse with heaven so near to get discouraged. The reality is though, we do.

That is where our savior meets us once again, in that quiet place, down low. We let our vent flare out in the Savior's presence alone. Why is that the best way?

Jesus is not partial, He is not judgmental
Jesus doesn't take sides, He is the fairest of fair.
Jesus has perfect love, and He shares.

Jesus is the only perfect physician who can remove the lump in my throat, the pain in my chest, and the pit in my stomach. He relaxes my muscles and removes the heavy load and replaces it with His yoke that is easy and light.

So there it is. My time tested reality. Taste and see that He is good. And faithful!

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."  Proverbs 29:11

Working Grace

There is a time in our walk when the rubber meets the road.

All the prayer, all the teaching, all the studying, all the seeking....then that one call comes. The hardest thing that God could call me to do...and I do it.

Sometimes it is fun serving the Lord, sometimes the reward is greater than anything we could predict, but sometimes...

Sometimes we just do it. Through weariness, through sadness, through kindness, and most of all because of love.

We do it.

Then in a moment the Miracle happens. The burden is lifted. The freedom comes to live life that is not my way.

A life not led by my selfishness, by my needs, by my wants. Oh sweet freedom. Freedom to love. Freedom to serve.

Oh kneel me down again
Here at your feet
Show me how much you love humility
Oh spirit be the star
That leads me to
A humble heart of Love that I see in you.

Pending Debt

Jesus return is coming. What will I be found doing? I have not led any sheep to the Shepard this summer.

I have rejoiced in Christ victory over sin in my life, but I have not shared the message of hope with a lost soul.

I have enjoyed beautiful summer days and the creation of the one who sees my innermost ugliness and makes me new, but I have not seen the transformation of a heart turned to Christ for the first time.

We are in debt to those who have not heard. Who am I that He would call me out of this pit? Who am I that I keep it to myself not wanting to offend that pretty lady in the parking lot and that mom who already thinks I am too religious because I don't swear or let my kids play soccer during the hours of fellowship on Sundays?

Jesus paid it all and I won't even deposit my pride! 

Today is a new day.

A new time. Jesus is coming on the horizon. Time goes by so fast. Our kids grow up in the blink of an eye. I am like dust coming from it and returning to it.

Today is a new day.

Father make bold your children to bring life to the dry bones we encounter. Help us understand that hurting people hurt people. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear the needs and brokenness around us. Fill us with your Spirit that we will speak your truth and life in love to those around us who desperately need the message of your salvation today. All for the glory to The One who sits on the throne.

Bring a lost sheep into the fold through me today Lord.

Who is Like God?
No One