Friday, January 29, 2010

A Similar Theme

One of the things God spoke to me for this year, was to be more consistent in my writing and journaling. This morning, as I browsed through January's entries, I found a similar theme woven throughout my scribbled pages.

Here are a few of my titles (with subtitles!)....see if you can figure it out :)

  • The Tragedy of Life in the Fast Lane (subtitles: Speeding, Missing Road Signs and Strategic Exits, Fast Forward, Blurred Vision, Avoiding Road Hazards, Cruise Control/Auto Pilot, Out of Gas)
  • Catching My Breath (subtitles: A.D.D. - just saying....,Good Gone Wrong, Addicted to Multi-tasking)
  • Running in Place (subtitles: Barren Pursuits, Unthinkingly)

....need I go on? :)

Unfortunately, sometimes we (I) have so many small things going on, we miss what God is trying to do. In a sense, we "can't see the forest for the trees".

But, alas! God has a way of getting our attention.

For example....the first title I listed, "The Tragedy of Life in the Fast Lane," was birthed out of a speeding ticket that I received on my way to class one day. Yeah. As I watched the officer walk away in my rear view mirror, God began to speak to me and it became one of those "AHA" moments. Unfortunately it cost me $150.00 and 6 loooooong hours on the internet defensive driving course.

The story developed further when - a few weeks later - I got to school and realized I had forgotten my makeup! Good thing I had fixed my hair and put all my jewelry on. That helped. SERIOUSLY??!

Funny today.

TRAGIC then.

You have no idea.

Ok, okaaaaaay....I'm listening! :)

So I think (just to make sure I get it!), that I will begin a series of posts from my journal on this message that God spoke to me (loud and clear) in January. Feel free to visit again! :)

I leave you with the last sentence from day 7 in my journal....

"In my constant search for something to accomplish, the One with whom all things are possible, often gets pushed to the side, neglected, left out of the equation that can only be complete with His presence."

Thank you, God, that You love me enough to get my attention when I get things a little mixed up. (even if it means I have to go to class with no make-up on). Amen.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Chop, Chop....

Last night I heard a familiar question....

What things in my life are producing good fruit and what things are producing bad fruit or no fruit at all?...And of those things (areas) that are producing good fruit, is it necessary, lasting fruit, characteristic of my Father?

This question once again challenges me to take a look at my life, my habits, my daily activities, ....and evaluate. Evaluate, and then....chop chop. (oh.... my....)

But I thought I had already done this?....

You mean, I have to do it more than once? (smile....)

This may seem a vexing task, but it is ...oh.....so....necessary.

The task itself is tedious, laborsome, and could possibly even hurt. But the results are mucho favorable! :) (if done properly, that is.). The dead or non producing areas are cut away so that a bountiful harvest has room to spring forth from those good fruit bearing areas. :) But even those things bearing good fruit have to be studied, evaluated and pruned, so that any unwanted growth or bitter fruit can be pruned away, allowing new, indelible, abiding fruit to blossom . It's much easier to allow God to do this for me. I'm not very experienced in gardening. :)

I would probably keep all the wrong things and throw away some things that I should've kept.

Not my will, but Yours be done......

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as [a]presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. ~John 15:16 Amplified

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Seeking

Pulled in so many different directions, it is easy for women today to get lost in the busyness of life, neglecting themselves and their relationship with God. I am constantly having to re-evaluate and re-prioritize things in my life. The New Year proves to be a great opportunity to do this. As Christians, we know that His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) and that we have the privilege of starting fresh each day (and boy do I ever need this!!). But the new year seems to be the universal motivation for the official "do-over" or "let's try this again" or "I'll never try that again!! :)

So as I reflect and ponder 2009, I am also giving careful and thoughtful consideration to what goals I will set for 2010. My heart's desire is to draw closer to my God, be more like my Savior, and show others the love and hope that I have received. So in my searching for the right goals for this year, I am first seeking......seeking Him that I might know His will, seeking that I might hear His voice, seeking.......Him.

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
~Jeremiah 29:13

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Get Rid of It!!

With the start of the new year, many people are making resolutions and recommitting to things. But often there are things that we already know God has spoken to us and told us to do. Sometimes we need to make sure we have done those things before we start something new. Whatever has held you back, whatever has caused you to stand still instead of moving forward in God's plans and purposes for your life, get rid of it! Let that be your goal for the new year! (and mine!)

The other day I re posted one of my writings from over a year ago on my Facebook blog page. Click on the link below to read about Moses and what held him back temporarily and see if you can relate!


http://isthatyoulord.blogspot.com/2008/08/please-send-someone-else.html