Tag Archives: God’s peace

Not Just Reading Glasses…

Christ's rest, Discouraged Christian, Hope, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Trials, Troubles, , , , , , ,

ANIMATED%20GLASSES

It used to just be reading glasses…

Do you like to read?  I must say it is one of my favorite past times…but usually it is late at night and I fall asleep before I get through three pages!  But I still enjoy reading anything put in front of me.

There in lies the problem.  When I turned 40 my arms simply were not long enough. As time went on, I transferred from just reading glasses to the tri focal version.  And at 53, they are the first thing I grab in the morning.  They certainly amplify the words, and quite frankly, everything else I lay eyes on! All these things appear larger than they really are…but they indeed are true in image and focus.

I am so grateful for the ability to actually see better.  Looking through these glasses really gives me perspective of what I am looking at.

I contend that the Father gives us His eyes if we allow Him to do so. If we see personal problems and issues of this world through His eyes, somehow they become so much clearer.  They don’t go away, and we still might not understand.  But I have found that I can deal with personal problems with much different “vision”.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

 
Jesus gets it folks. When no one else understands, He does. He sees it with clarity, and although we may not really understand, we can always trust Him. I know from experience.

So I need my glasses. I am grateful with the “clarity” in which I now see…trust me, they help in many ways…..

Blessings dear ones…

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google image, NIV Bible*

And It Begins

Grace, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, Trials, Troubles, , , , , , ,

photo-133

And it Begins!

Silly me. My heart is beating at a rapid pace. Why you ask? The wind is blowing and we are under a tornado warning. I have made progress though. I am not hiding in my closet. However, my purse is around my shoulder, cell phone in pocket, and dog on leash.

As I have posted on a previous blog, we lost our home to a tornado in 1982. Then, in 2009 a huge oak tree fell through our roof and we had to move out and have major renovation. So, I do have an aversion to wind.

People who have NOT been through storms like this think I am over reacting. It use to make me mad, but now I understand their feelings. They have not experienced my storms.

It is not much different from our emotional storms. I have learned that I have not experienced other people’s storms, so I have no idea how they feel. I have to legitimize their feelings, their fears, their troubles. I have no right to minimize their storm. And even if a person has been through a similar situation, I still don’t totally understand, but I can empathize.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I can then minister to those people. I can love them with the love of Jesus. I cannot fix it, I can not always make it better. In fact, most times I cannot. But the peace that passes all understanding can be present. I have personally experienced that peace many times. And I know it was the Father, because the circumstances would dictate otherwise.

How wonderful to know that Jesus has overcome the world! My storms, your storms….He is our strength and our peace. He doesn’t always calm the storm, but He will calm the child. And just maybe we can be part of that calm through Christ.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

photo-134

So get ready…storms will come!

Blessings~

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

Worldwide Club Membership

Christ's rest, Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, , , , , , , ,

 

Image

What Happened??!

I think that I have thought of a problem that is worldwide.  It crosses every line there is to cross.  Disappointment.  True frustration and sadness. Have you ever been disappointed in someone that you thought you could trust?  Have you had someone treat you in a way that you never thought possible?  Have you done your very best, only to be yelled at by your boss?  How about your spouse raising his voice when he found out you forgot to pay the electric bill? Do you try and try to please everyone only to find out that you can’t; they just complain more!!….(Added bonus here…you aren’t supposed to try and please everyone…can’t happen).

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions…Welcome.  You are now a member of the “International Disappointment Club”. Of course there is no such club, but don’t you feel there should be?  Membership dues are self explanatory!

Disappointment happens to everyone.  People disappoint each other.  It just goes with being human.  A couple of hours ago I was really disappointed by someone.  I have always went over and above the call of duty for this person, only to be hurt.  I cried.  I could have had an everloving fit and really bought in to the flesh pattern that was being exhibited.  But I chose to be quiet.  I was hurt and a bit ticked off!  Once I admitted to the Father that I felt this way…I waved the white flag…and good stuff came out of my mouth…instead of my flesh!!  Then once I quit talking on the phone…I cried. Don’t misunderstand, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with being honest with the person.  And I have done that…later…after I thought about what I would say in a loving way.

We have to make the choice to not allow the enemy to have a foot hold in our lives.  People are people and sometimes make mistakes.  Sometimes that make the same mistakes over and over. Some people will not change.  They choose NOT to change. That’s not my problem.  I can pray, love…but I cannot allow bitterness, anger and hurt to permeate my very soul.  Those feelings can fester and be like a cancer, eating away my joy!

Wait for it……Yep, I will disappoint people myself!!  Eggads, not me!  I don’t deliberately set out to do so, but I do disappoint people.  As one of my dearest friends says..”No expectations, no disappointments.”  I like that.  

The good news is simple.  We are loved by the ONE who will never disappoint or let you down. You might think He is letting you down, but He always has your best in mind.   

“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

He is always there, He will never talk behind your back, yell at you for not paying a bill.  He won’t try to make you feel guilty about anything. Jesus will just love you where you are and offer hope to you when there appears to be no hope!

“And hope, does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Romans 5:5

Now I am wondering if we should change the name of the club?  How about the “International HOPE Club”? Sounds cheesy, but I certainly like the sound of it better than the prior!

Be blessed dear ones~

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google search image*