A letter from God...

...as He revealed to Max Lucado in Come Thirsty......

Dear Child of Mine,

Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.¹

RECEIVE MY LOVE

I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you and guard you like the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted, they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep my love away.²

You sometimes say, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.” But, can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless Lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are valuable to me.³

Give me your burdens, I will take care of you. I know how weak you are; that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, for I care about what happens to you.⁴

TRUST MY OVERSIGHT

Trust in me always, I am the eternal Rock, your Shepherd, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.⁵

So, don’t worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. My angels encamp around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.⁶

Wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic I have overcome the world. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.⁷ I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low-spirited and spirit crushed. I put new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?⁸

ACCEPT MY VICTORY

I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet, my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled your sins under my feet and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.⁹

Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and broke the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all of your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.¹⁰

RELY ON MY ENERGY

You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won’t I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you.¹¹

Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you; and I can be trusted to keep my promise. Come and drink the water of life.¹²

Your Maker, Your Father,
God

⁽¹ Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 51:12, 1 Cor. 6:20, Col. 2:10, Isaiah 62:4-5, Hebrews 13:5 ² Deut. 32:10 MSG, Zeph. 3:17, Psalm 139:17-18, Romans 8:35 ³ Isaiah 49:14-15, 1 Peter 1:19, John 10:28, Isaiah 49:16, Jn. 15:15, Matt. 10:29-31 ⁴ Psalm 55:22, Psalm 103:13-14, 1 Peter 5:7 ⁵ Isaiah 26:3-4, 1 Peter 2:25, Isaiah 43:2 ⁶ Matt. 6:34, Psalm 121:3, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 31:20, Deut. 31:6, Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 32:8 ⁷ Matt. 24:6, John 16:33, Phil. 4:6, Psalm 5:12 ⁸ Gen. 41:52, Isa. 61:1-3, Isa. 57:15, Psalm 30:5, Romans 8:31 ⁹ Amos 5:12, 2 Cor. 12:9, Isa. 38:17, Micah 7:19, 1 Cor. 6:11, Isa. 44:22 ¹⁰ 1 Cor. 15:54, Col. 2:15, Heb. 2:14, Rev. 14:13, Phil. 3:20, Matt. 25:34, Rev. 21:4 ¹¹ Luke 10:41, Prov. 3:5, 2 Pet. 2:9, Rom. 8:26, Col. 1:11, Rom. 8:32, Judges 5:21, 2 Cor. 4:1, Isa. 41:10 ¹² Phi. 4:5, Matt. 11:28, Psalm 149:4, Heb. 10:23, Rev. 22:17)

Dwell in it loves, and let it wash over you today....
The God of the universe loves YOU like that....
That's a powerful, soul moving thought- and it truly is all the gospel truth.

M &M's and Other treats....

Last week was a mixed bag for me.

I did manage to memorize Hebrews 10:23-25, but my plan for nightly meditation was a complete flop. I kept falling asleep on the couch fully exhausted from taking care of sick babies, and trying to keep my household together. I figure God will honor my efforts, AND I must have thought about it enough to memorize it...so that kinda counts right????

Oh Bother....No more excuses.....

What I did glean from my brief meditation in it was great. I realized that these verses are almost like my personal mission statement. This is the believer I want to be all the time.

I want to hold on to my God TIGHTLY without wavering, trusting Him alone. The power of that thought is huge for me. I often struggle with fully trusting Him. I know He will protect, love, shelter, and provide for me... I know that because he promised it. But, I often find myself trying to figure it out on my own. This week it dawned on me that every time I seek MY understanding it's like I'm wavering. hmmmm....wow.....
I kept picturing Abby walking on the side walk near the road.She keeps looking cross-ways towards me (almost daring me), then testing her boundaries she steps into the road. Luckily, I see what she can not and I grab her as a car flies past. Two things happen. First, I am so grateful I could save her. She's more precious to me then any worldly possession. Then, I feel her squeeze a little tighter, and I hope that this time she's learned her lesson. The way I am about my kids- it's how Our Daddy is about us. What He would give for us to just trust Him and reach for His hand, and not blindly seek our own way. Yet, He's so good that even when we do waver and step into danger He is there to sweep us up. I need to reach for Him, and not let go before even taking one step...He will keep his promises.

I want to encourage and motivate my fellow believers. I want to show my faith in all aspects of my life by showing kindness and love. I want to gather my village (much more then I do now). I don't want to wait for the right moment, or a clean house, or whatever any more. I want to do these things without thought. I want it to flow naturally from me so that others will see that the Grace of God does set you free. I want to share my faith by example because sometimes people only respond to a whisper. I know the day of His return is drawing near and I really want to see everyone I love at His side.

So yes, even in my fast food meditation He called to me. This is the believer I want to be.

This weeks M&M verse is:

Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!
-Philippians 2:14 (MSG)

... as for those other tasty treats....

For those of you that don't follow my other blog I'd like to share a praise report. We WILL be homeschooling next year. Just today my Hubby asked what our school name is going to be so he can think about a logo. He's behind me 100% now in this endeavor, and that's all God work for you. If you'd like to track our home school journey you can find it here: Rough Draft.

Also please continue to keep Jay in your prayers.God is working mightily through them (he is starting to work on seeking his personal truth and relationship with God), yet there are always those days that discouragement seeps into my thoughts.

Thank you for your prayers, and know that each and everyday I am praying for you. Please don't ever hesitate to let me know how I can specifically pray for you, I fully believe there is an extra oomph in the specifics!

More from Mondays!

I have decided to start doing M&M Mondays.....what's that you say?

Something way sweeter then Mars could ever dream up, I'll tell you that!

My dear friend Joan wrote about God's recipe for success last week and it got me thinking. What can I do to help me be ever present in His Word. So I borrowed her prayer and I prayed:

Lord, I pray that Your definition of success is what I will seek after. May I look into Your Word to follow the path You have set before me. May I become a successful woman who knows Your Word, loves Your Word, and lives Your Word.

...then yesterday he gave me this idea.

......Memorization....

I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
-Psalms 119:11

.....and Meditation......

I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness;
O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
-Psalms 119:147-149


....actually all of Psalms 119 is a testament to this practice.

I can't think of a sweeter way to start my week then digesting HIS M&M's.

It is suggested that people who meditate live longer, healthier lives.That is great. But, I want to safe guard my spirit too. So here is my plan:

Every Monday I will choose a Bible verse that is relevant to my life. Then I will print it and post it around my house. That way I see it for my fast food moments. But every night after my prayers I plan to meditate solely on the verse, relaxing, taking deep cleansing breaths and allowing The Spirit to wash over me. I will then re-post the following Monday what He has revealed through His word, and choose a new verse.

I hope you will join me on this and share your personal verses, and revelations. I think it will be awesome to see how our Daddy speaks to us when we give Him our full attention.

Here is a link on Biblical Mediation. It's a long read but full of wonderful incite, and things to chew on.

My Verses for this week:

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near
-Hebrews 10:23-25

So this is Love...

some love letters I have gratefully received:

For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

-Zephaniah 3:17

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible,
I would not forget you!

-Isaiah 49:15

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:

“ Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.

-Jeremiah 31:3

This is real love—
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us
and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

-1 John 4:10

......Oh yes, this is Love....
Happy Valentines Day!

Thoughts on Water.....

Forgive me if this isn't well written or eloquent....I have sat down and pondered (and prayed) how to place my thoughts in a cohesive manner...I have so much going on in my brain right now....so much spirit led growth happening....I'm being continually watered.... yet this is my 5th time trying to get it all to make sense here. So tonight I'm letting the Spirit lead...come what may.

I've been overwhelmed by references to water. His Living Water.

Whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty.
The water I give will become a spring of
water GUSHING up inside that person, giving eternal life
-John 4:14

I have spent so long parched, saved yet stationary- just steps from The Well...too scared to move, too embarrassed to drink greedily. What was I thinking????

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
1 Timothy 1:13-15

I am making up for lost time. I am consuming all the water I can. I am drinking Him in. Not just in the Word but in my life, in my actions. I want to show those I love that their thirsts- the ones they can not name. The ones that drive them to anger, to worry, to fear, to addictions, and ultimately to emptiness CAN be quenched. Change can come through the Living Water.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, 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. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:1-6

The water is there. To cleanse us, to nourish us, to bless us. It is ALWAYS there, because He is always there (Hebrews 13:5) in all ways.

Right now, I sit here amazed at the work He is doing in me, and through me. My family life, although never perfect has improved. I am a better mother and wife then I have ever been. Everyday I pray that God will lead my day, give me patience, change me, and make me willing to be willing. Some days are of course better then others, but even on my worst days I know I have taken a sip from the Living Well. So, when I wake up the next morning my mouth is not dry. I don't need to worry about yesterday's drained spirit, because today I can drink my fill. The cleansing waters of redemption never run dry...so I will drink.... fully, and deeply as often as I can.

There have been a few AMAZING resources and incites that have washed over me this week, and helped me to understand how to stand at His WELL and drink, pray and drink some more:

I just finished reading Come Thirsty By Max Lucado.

It's amazing! If you are not familiar with his writing you should check him out, he is Blessed. I'm sure this is where my obsession with The Water came from .The excerpt from the jacket reads:

You are acquainted with physical thirst. Stop drinking and see what happens. Coherent thoughts vanish, skin grows clammy, and vital organs shut down. Deprive your soul of spiritual water, and it will tell you. Snarling tempers. Waves of worry. Growing guilt and fear. But you don't have to live with a dehydrated heart. God invites you to treat your thirsty soul. Just visit the WELL and drink deeply. Receive Christ's work on the cross, The energy of His spirit, His lordship over your life. and his unending, unfailing Love.

....it's just highlighter holding, head nodding, heart speaking, deep prayer leading soul food.

My dear friend Nikki wrote this wonderful moving blog. When I read it God prompted me back to this 5th try at posting, and told me He would lead me.

Come just as you are before your God......Come (and drink) He whispered.
I will show you. I will lead you, and He did.

This A.W. Tozer prayer from The Pursuit of God

"O God, I have tasted of Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace.I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing;

I thirst to be made more thirsty."

Oh and as always Ann Voskamp gives these posts to ponder:

Imbibe Deeply,Joy Thirst, How to Find Joy

...She is another divinely gifted writer that God uses to speak to me OFTEN.

Drink up, my friends!

A song to break the cold

....my alarm chimes, and chimes again. My eyes open, and yet I do not move. Once again I am greeted by the bitter cold. Once again I am lured to stay in bed. It has been this way for a week now, and I'm beginning to feel the unrest. I do not drift back to sleep. I still chose to meet with my maker, but it's been a one way conversation...cold and needy the last few mornings. I've neglected to go to His word and listen.

The cold is a test.

Will I let it touch my bones and seep into my words and actions?
Or will I run to the light, and the warmth of my redeemer?

As I lay in bed clinging to the warmth of my prayers and my sheets, a still small voice begins singing. Singing words only a mother can decipher. Lyrics that have been jumbled about and personalized, and yet their truth rings clearly in my ears.....



Yes, Jesus loves Abby- my morning child. Since the day she way born she has raced the sun to rise. Since she has learned to sing rising with this song in her heart. Warmth fills my bones as she snuggles in close, I hum along.

Yes, Jesus loves you- My faithful friends. My prayer warriors. My fellow believers. Even in these dark cold days, when all seems bleak He is there. He has plans for you. As I lifted you up in prayer this morning I clung to that promise for you. I focused on the way that light casts away all dark. A single person may feel cold BUT add just a few more and suddenly the air is warmer and the chill is gone. So as I lay snuggled in to listen to this serenade, I laid another blanket over you this morning, one that may not be seen but only felt. He will warm you.

Yes, Jesus loves me- As I strive to honor Him. When I am good, and when I feel I fail. When I master my anger, and when I kick my child's dresser in frustration. When I am able to hear Him, and when I have on ear muffs thinking I can block the cold on my own. When I meet Him in the wee morning hours, or in fast food moments through out the day. He loves me. He warms me. He causes the only alarm clock that guarantees me to move to let out a squeal of hungry zest. She for one is ready to greet the day with a warm breakfast. As I finally leave my bed I know He loves me....even then.

The Bible tells me so:

For the mountains may move
and the hills disappear,
but even then my faithful love for you will remain.
My covenant of blessing will never be broken,
says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
-Isaiah 54:10 (NLT)

My answer is clear. To my Father I will run. His warmth is all I need. His faithful love, mercy and patience I will cling to.

Thank you God for that still small voice to remind me of Your love. Thank You for honoring my efforts and forgiving my failures. Help me to warm my children's hearts, so that they see You in my reactions- instead of the frigid cold and space between us that anger brings. I love you. Amen.

Video notes: I took this of Abby AFTER we left the inviting warmth of our bed. Funny but her voice warms me just the same.