Sunday, January 29, 2012

Answered prayer

Sometimes answered prayer doesn't look like we think it should. 

This morning during worship, one of my 4 year old preschoolers was sitting with me with hands lifted high as her little heart sang to the music.  As the time progressed, I felt her little body start to go limp as she was truly resting in the Lord on my shoulder. 

My heart was truly blessed as this small child slept on my shoulder.  God used the words of the songs to remind me that He is holy and He will give the desires of my heart.  This week has been expecially tough in my desire to be a wife and a mother. 

Yesterday I spent quality time with the love of my life but as the afternoon progressed and as I worked on a couple of diaper cakes for friends that are expecting, I wondered when my arms would carry a child of my own.  This morning God reminded me of that and assured me that even though this precious child didn't grow in my tummy, she did grow in my heart and for this season, I get to "mother" this baby.  My heart is filled with His amazing grace knowing that in His time all things will work according to his plan and purpose.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Storm Warning!

I'll praise you in the storm!

When a tornado is sited the weather service issues a tornado warning.  Living in Hawaii, tsunami warnings, flood warnings, and hurricane warnings are common place.

In God's economy there are no such thing as trial warnings.... you are in 1 of 3 places-
1. just coming out of a trial
2. about to go into a trial or
3. in the midst of a trial

Just as a hurricane, trials have different levels, but in the midst they all seem daunting.  It is what you choose to do in the midst of the storm that shows your true character.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Holy Spirit Reign

How many times do we pray that the Holy Spirit would rain down in our lives but when those first drops start to fall we start looking for cover???

Recently a friend gave me a book by Priscilla Shirer entitled "One in a Million".  Ms. Shirer describes a time in her own life when she's out running with thunderclouds looming.  These remind her to pray for spiritual rain, so as she is running and praying, it starts pouring.  Instead of continuing forward in her jog she turns around and high tails it home.  Meanwhile the Holy Spirit speaks to her heart saying "This is what My people do Priscilla.  They pray for rain and when it pours they run back home."

This was convicting to my heart in a couple of areas... I am not a big fan of running in the rain... especially if it is cold!  I am what you may call a fair weather runner... clear, sunny, and between 60-80 degrees.  I don't run in the rain if I have my choice. 

Tying that to the spiritual, how many times have I called out that "rain" from God's hands... in the form of more of Him... his blessing... his protection... his love... his goodness... etc. but yet when he gets ready to pour, I am not ready to receive.  Therefore I rather run home rather than stand in His presence with arms high and lifted in anticipation of what He is pouring out!

Oh Holy Spirit rain in my live and may my heart be ready to receive it!!!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Limitations

Living a life confined by limitations.

The story is told of a bull that stays within a simple wire fence because as a young, weak calf he tried to get out, wasn't strong enought and eventually gave up trying.  Now as an adult, full size bull he is strong enough to plow right through but because of the limitations put on him while he was young, he has no desire or drive to push the limits.

What in your life are limitations?  You know those things that you have maybe attempted and failed at and never tried again?  Or were told you would never be good at it so you never took the time to try???

Monday, January 16, 2012

When tomorrow starts without me....

This particular message was sent to me shortly before a dear friend of mine passed away. Even as I read this today, the emotions within me are stirred like it happened a week ago versus 10+ years ago.

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
but when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I 'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away
a tear fell from my eye,
for all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.

But then I full realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me,
and when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow
I thought of you and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity,
and all I've promised you.”
Today for life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow.
But today will always last,
and since each day's the same way
there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do
but you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.

So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Right now

Right now....

somebody is thinking of you... somebody is caring about you... somebody misses you... somebody wants to talk to you... somebody wants to be with you... somebody hopes you are not in trouble... somebody is thankful for the support you have provided... somebody wants to hold your hand... somebody is praying for you... somebody hopes everything turns out right... somebody wants you to be happy... somebody is celebrating your successes... somebody wants to give you a gift... somebody things you are a gift...somebody wants to hug you... somebody loves you... somebody admires your strength... somebody is thinking of you smiling... somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on... somebody wants to protect you... somebody would do anything for you... somebody wants to laugh with you all night long... somebody remembers you fondly and wishes that you were there... somebody is praising God for you... somebody values your advice.... somebody wants to stay up all night watching old movies with you... somebody wants to share your dreams with you... somebody treasures your spirit... somebody can't wait to see you... somebody loves you for who you are... somebody loves the way you make them feel... somebody praises God for your friendship and love... somebody knows that you can be who/what ever you wish to be.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of life, we neglect our friends these little things that friendships entail. These things are precious, as are our friends. They are forever. Do not let them go! Mk