Little Treasures

" Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying. "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." And they reasoned among themselves, saying,

"It is because we have no bread." But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understanding? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve." "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven." So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?" - Mark 8:14-21

Here the disciples have just witnessed Jesus feeding four thousand and yet just a little while later they forget what He has done in performing a miracle of providing and multiplying. We see that as soon as they got in the boat they had already forgotten about the miracle, they had forgotten Jesus benefits. Jesus perceives them reasoning among them selves about this and asks how they could so easily forget, like in Psalm 103:2,5.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits....Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." May we not be as quick to forget His benefits and doubt that He is the one Who satisfies our mouth with good things, that our strength might be renewed!

In Job 39:9 God is talking to Job and is in a sense stating His power and omnipotence and says, "Will the wild ox be willing to serve you? Will he bed by your manger?" Even there in Job God refers to or foretells of Jesus coming as a babe and laying in a manger among the animals.

I am Thankful For...

___________________

_________________

____________________

_____________________

____________________

_______________________

______________________

__________________

____________________

__________________

___________________

_____________________

____________________

_____________________

___________________

______________________

_____________________

______________________

______________________

_____________________

___________________

_____________________

A Season In The Rain

"....A season in the rain will end at last, a season full of pain will surly pass, the reason will be plan some day when Love reveals it's corse, such are the seasons of the soul...." Listening to those words, "....A season in the rain will end at last..." I found myself using those words as a soothing balm for my weary soul; reassuring my soul and convincing myself that there is an end to this rain that seems to never stop pouring. But then I thought about how much I love to swing and dance in the down pour of rain. I'll jump at the chance to run out and be utterly drenched in the buckets of rain being dropped and snatch every moment I have in that place before it ends to a light mist. Yet now, with my soul season in that place, I was not filled with joy at the sight of it, nor in shear delight of the thought of being in such a place for long. I had no desire to go out and dance in it, swing as hard and as high as I could till the chain lost tension and than gained it back with a jerk. I began to ponder why I didn't and came to the thought that I don't take advantage of this season because I figure it will never end. Believing that there isn't any blue sky's behind the gray clouds in my view. But just as the down pour of rain soon ends and the sun pulls back the curtains of clouds to warmth and light, so to will the light and warmth soon draw the curtains of clouds and darkness back in my soul. So why I am in this season of rain why not enjoy it to its fullest, snatch up the time I do have in it as precious and soon ending. Dance in it without a care in the world, jump in all the puddles you can find like no ones watching! Swing till you feel as though you can touch those muddy rain clouds and put them in your pockets! Stand in the middle of the street and let the buckets of rain drops kiss your face with each slash! For a season in the rain will end at last.

A knight in Shining Armor

" You are what I really want, You are the one I've been waiting for. A knight in shining armor upon his white horse to take my shame, my blame, my guilt away. To rescue me, sweep me off my feet and tell me I am his own, his desire and all he has been waiting for. Set me as a seal upon his heart and upon his arm, "For love is as strong as death." To slay the dragon, beat the foe and against all odds, for many waters cannot quench love, nor floods drown it. With a love that is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame that never will be blown out. I am the princess, he is the prince, in this night-mirror fairy tale I am the damsel in distress. The darkness invades, covering the land. Up in the tower I do wait for a knight in shining armor upon his white horse, to take me and save me, fight the darkness and win my heart to always be his. Sweep me away from this night-mirror and lets dance into your dream come true. May this dream be true, may this story end the way all fairy tales do; and we live happily ever after, my beloved mine and he calls me his, never to depart, this perfect fantasy come true."

CopyRighted By God

Last week I was able to counsel at a Jr. High camp from our church. It was my first time ever going to a camp let-alone counseling a bunch of Jr. Highers. I was rather nervous about counseling and had been praying for the camp before hand. When I did prayed, I prayed that the Lord would show His wonder to these kids, and I kept praying that even while at camp.

On the first night they played a song that said, "You are the Author of salvation..." referring to God; and I asked God, "Lord would you write many salvation books this week! May You be the author of many, countless books of salvation this week! May you truly show your wonder to these kids." When I asked Him to show His wonder to these kids I thought about a poem Beth Moore said in one of her Bible studies, "Show Your wonder, save this lot..."

I thought about this and asked God, " Father, may you show your wonder, save this lot." And opening my hands around the whole group of Jr.. higher as to couple them together, I asked, "Save this lot. May you write tons of books of salvation this week! May you indeed be the Author of countless books of salvation!" He said, "Okay." and shook my hand in a sense to close the deal.

It was the last night of camp and we were closing with our study outside in the amphitheater round a bonfire. The director and teacher that night asked all us counselors to come down round the fire and had all the kids who wanted prayer to come down and one of us counselors would pray for them, whatever they wanted. By the end of the night all the kids had gathered around the fire and were worshiping with hands lifted high in surrender and worship to God.

They played the song again, "You are the Author of salvation.." I thought, "Lord, you are the Author of salvation! You showed Your wonders! You are amazing, I stand in awe of you!" And it was as if I could hear in the heavenly paper rushing and commotion like that you would hear coming from a printing press. And God answered back, in a way that when your close friend does something simply amazing and they get done doing it and you go up to them are say, "That was amazing! You were absolutely amazing what you did!" And they reply, "Yeah wasn't it!" In somewhat of astonishment at how truly amazing it was. Well, God said, "Wasn't it though!"

And as I stood there in amazement gazing around at all these Jr. Highers praising God from their hearts, I heard God say, "I saved this lot." And put His hands out just as I did as to couple the group together within His hands and said, "I saved this lot. Just as I promised you."

As I started writing this all down in my journal and thought about God being the Author of salvation, and how books are copyrighted. I thought, if God is the Author of salvation then these books of salvation are copyrighted, they are copyrighted by God. And just as with any other book, when copyrighted, its so that no one can steal its work or take stuff out from it or misuse it without giving the author credit. That means, when God is the Author of your salvation, you are copyrighted by Him - you are sealed by Him; no one, not even the enemy can steal that work or take anything out of it without God's permission, without giving God glory. No one can use us or touch us or steal us from the work God has done in our lives without giving God glory. We are sealed, we are copyrighted by the Holy Blood of The Lamb! And whenever we get quoted from the books of our salvation, God gets full credit, He gets all the glory!

What a Real Titus 2 Women Looks Like

v. 4" ... That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, v.5

to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands,..."

Okay, I know what you're thinking, "Titus 2 Women" with a big question mark.
Maybe you even have somewhat of resentment toward the scripture. Or perhaps wonder what more could one add to the many, I'm sure, studies or retreats done on it.
Trust me, I've asked myself the same questions and felt the same way till just recently when it was brought up by a friend and she shared her interpretation of it. Great, I thought, another Titus 2/Proverbs 31 women talk. But this time instead of becoming tight jaw and clenched fist I decided to look up what exactly does this scripture mean. OK, actually I did get tight jaw and clenched fist upon hearing it but it didn't last long. I was almost instantly able to let it go. Okay, so the reason I decided to look up the real meaning was because my jaw was getting sore and my nails were digging into my palm at this point! But be that as it may, it got me to dig in and figure this thing out once and for all! For me the part I struggled with was the second verse, "...To be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands,..." So I took it apart word by word and here are the treasures I found!

"Discreet" ~ "SOPHRON" (this is the greek word for it)

of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses, curbing one's desires and impulses, self controlled, temperate, (moderate as to opinion or passion). Hearing this reminded me of a phrased used in the Esther study, by Beth Moore, "It's tough being a women who can balance passion with patience."
Now this word "SOPHRON" is taken from "SOZO" which means: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction. Which happens to come from the word "PHREN" meaning, the parts of the heart, the mind, the faculty of perceiving and judging. Okay last word, and this also comes from the word "PHRASSO" meaning: to fence in, block up, stop up, close up, to put to silence.

"Chaste" ~ "HAGNOS"

exciting reverence, venerable, sacred, pure - pure from carnality, chaste, modest, pure from every fault, immaculate, clean. This is from the the word "HAGIOS" meaning, most holy thing, a saint. Now you might be getting a little discouraged at this point but stay with me here. This word is taken from the word "HAGOS" meaning: awful thing; which happens to be closely related to the word "THALPO" which means: to warm, keep warm, to cherish with tender love, to foster with tender care. Now this all seems really intriguing to me, the word meaning holy thing coming from the word meaning the exact opposite awful thing. I'll let that one linger in the air awhile.

"Homemakers (or keepers at home)" ~ "OIKOURGOS"

caring for the house, working at home, the (watch or) keeping at home and talking care of household affairs, a domestic./a guard, be "ware". From the word "OIKOS" which means: a house, any dwelling place, any building whatsoever, of a palace, the house of God, tabernacle, the place one has fixed his residence, ones settled abode, domicile, the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household, the family of God, of the christian church of the old testament and new testament.
So for myself I took it apart a little more; a keeper or watch over something or someone is really different then what usually pops ins our mind when we hear "homemaker" or "keepers at home" but it really is no different than being a keeper at work or keepers at the God's temple. You are to keep , watch over your home, family and all that live within, just as the watchmen would sit on towers above the city gate watching and keeping, so to we are to watch, keep and guard.

"Good" ~ "AGATHOS"

of good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright, honorable, benefit, good (-s, things), well.

"Obedient" ~ "HYPOTASSO"

to arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, put in subjection, to subject one's self, obey, to submit to one's control, to yield to one's admonition or advice, to obey, be subject.

"a greek military term meaning" to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader." In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden."
Two words that it comes from are, "HYPO" meaning, by, under. The second word is, "TASSO" which means: to put in order, to station, to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place, to appoint, to assign (appoint) a thing to one, to appoint, ordain, order, to appoint on one's own responsibility or authority, to appoint mutually, i.e. agree upon.
So it's not a "I have to do this" but a "I want to do this." It isn't an order that we are to lay our backs down to be walked upon and call it obedience or submission. As the scripture says in Isaiah 51:23 "I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, who said to you, 'Fall prostrate that we may walk over you.' And you made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked over." "Beloved, we can offer our love without offering our backs. We can offer our compassion without offering them our backs. As you and I have taken our places on our faces, God, the righteous Father, never walks on our backs. Christ gave His back to scourging so we, the rightful recipients of such agony, could instead receive dignity. " "By His strips we are healed."

"To Their Own" ~ "IDIOS"

pertaining to one's self, one's own, belonging to one's self. This reminded me of the scripture in Song of Solomon 2:16 "My beloved is mine and I am his." Often times it is seen as the wife belonging to the husband, becoming a part of him. Which is true to an extent, but here it shows us that it works the other way too. He belongs to you, "My beloved is mine..." you don't just become a part of him or he becomes a part of you, you become as one. Belonging to each other.

These are the treasures I found, as for me, I will hold them close - truly as one of the many treasures that God ordained for me to gather and uncover throughout my life journey.

Falling Short But Being Filled

Last night was prayer meeting and the pastor asked if we would all take some time to make confession to the Lord before we went on with the service.  In my prayer time I confessed to the Lord, "God, I have fallen short in so many ways!"  And His answer to that was breathtaking!  

"But I fill what's lacking, that when people see you they see Me, for I have filled what you've lacked!"  Then it clicked to me, the more we lack the more room there is for God to fill and be seen in our lives!      

Quote

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."   - Mark Batterson

Story Continued

Do we dare utter the words that the prince of the earth sitting right across from us is to have us all killed, destroyed and annihilated, and has destined that since our birth?  But what if we find favor with this Prince from another kingdom, is He the Savior we have been waiting for?  Than who are we to shriek away from this question of opportunity?  Oh Providence come show your hand, Deliverer raise your bow, shoot your arrow, scatter foe.  We asked for someone braver, someone true, we’re not the one, to much at stake, what have we asked for, what have we done?!  But who knows that we are in this place for such a time as this?  Destiny, don’t hurry now, who knows that I am here to prove your presence, give me grace.  We close our eyes and take in a breath, slowly letting it out we begin to tell of the decree that has been sent out for all this people to be “Killed, destroyed and annihilated.”  The Son looks us straight in the eye, “and asks, “Who dare presume such an accusation upon My people!”  Ghostly as the eerie moon hanging above, the enemies glare is interrupted and turned toward the Son in astonishment.  We too are astounded by this news, “His people?!”  “We belong to someone?!”  “The Kings people?!”  The thoughts continue to whirl through our head as the Son asks again who has posed such a threat to Him, His Father and Their people.  Realizing the question is still unanswered we speak up, “The enemy and adversary is this man here, the devil, satan.”  Though the enemy met with such unspeakable odds he dose not flinch, “It’s to late!”  He declares, “The decree has been sent out, and sealed.  They are destined to die!”  The Son reads the decree, He closes His eyes and breaths heavily as if in torment and inflicted with unbearable pain.  He then glances up and looks at us with eyes that of a bridegroom to His bride, eyes filled with warm tears of love and loyalty.  Then He turns and looks at the enemy and stands up in front of us and says, “I will take this decree upon My self, and all that entails for each one of them.”  The enemy grins and orders the guards to take Him to the .  And there He died, for you, for me, for us…    

the simple things of life

I know this isn't very spiritual but I to share my excitement with someone! What is all the excitement? It has been around 80 to 90 this week and humidity suffocates the atmosphere; and then as evening creeps on, bellowing thunder rolls in beckoning the rain to come. The thunder bellows on as the rain trickles down drop by drop. Each drop hits the hot pavement in a stream of steam, an aroma rises from the sizzling streets no words could describe. The very smell of it makes one want to run outside and dance in the downpour and be swept away with the overwhelming of the senses. And just as the dark gray storm clouds have smothered all, light flashes of neon light, filling the sky. As evening peeks, the lightning strikes begin dancing across the backdrop of sea gray and blue. They flash on the sky so fast, its as though a ribbon dance is being performed in the heavenly. Neon streaks of blue, purple and even pink flow across the blackened sky making the streaks that much more intense as though the dance has reached the climax. Just when you think the whole sky will ignite with one final explosion of light, it calms, the wind comes in and sweeps it away as backstage crew would sweep up the confetti of the stage. The show has come to a close and the curtains have been drawn, leaving its audience speechless in awe.

Story Continued

....As the enemy leaves this feast, belly and ego quite filled he realizes that we no longer sit outside the gates mourning and weeping aloud bitterly.  For tonight we are sitting inside the gates, just as before, doing what we have been called to do for it has been made known that a savior has come for us.  The sight of this appalls him to a state of indignation, and with that he goes his way before he is completely drained of his pride.  Now in the safety of his home he summon his soothsayers and evil council to come again and plot with him what may be done for those who dare presume to demote him.  The soothsayers declare, “For someone who has publicly humiliate you, so should be done to him!”  The plan sounds perfect, almost flawless, he smirks with glee as the plan rolls out in his head, he thinks he got us now and hurries to make such arrangements. He sits across from us at every daring circumstance trying to get us to lose our nerve.  He thinks he has won as he slays our minds with tormenting thoughts.  But as we stand firm he sees he hasn’t won.  He schemes more plans among his evil council to trap us but the best laid plans for our ultimate doom are the plans which he shall fall to soon.  He presumes us to honor him but he shall honor us.  As each plan is thwarted and declared aloud useless by our action to them, again retreating to his refuge covering his head.  Once more he calls upon his evil council and soothsayers, telling all of the reversal of destiny on him and with this they all conclude that since the rumor has come true that these peoples cries have reach there King, all plans are meaningless.  Though all declared defeat he wanted one more try that he knew wouldn’t fail so he comes to the table set before us and the Son.  The banquet is coming to an end, the wine glasses have been refilled and all seems as though the banquet has benefitted no one.  We start to take our leave in defeat but as we start to shift towards to leave the Son asks, “With such a wonderful banquet, what is the occasion?”  We glance at the enemy and our eyes are met with the eyes of a lion ready to pounce on his prey.  The Son calls our name in eagerness, motioning us to continue.  Our attention turns to the Son with anxiety gripping our throat as the cold hands of doubt clenches our heart till it feels as if it will beat out of our chest....

A Story

     "The enemy has been set up as prince over the earth; his history is ruthless, malicious and backstabbing.  The rest of the world bow down their backs to be walked upon by him as they pay there due of homage, we stand resolved not to be defiled.  But as we do we set our selves up for scorn and condemnation from others and from him who lurks about seeking to whom he may devour.  Though he sees only one still standing he does not seek out to lay hold of only the one, he seeks all of us.  He sits and cast lots among the council of evil to determine when our doom shall come for us to fall once and for all at his feet to tread upon.  Whispering in the ear of the willing, poisoning their minds with whispers spoken through slithers as he did in the garden.  He has been given the signet ring, “do as you see fit.” And with that he hurries off holding the power to this world on his finger but not to the world to come.  A decree has been sent out to the ends of the earth and to all of his willing hit men to “kill, destroy and annihilate all and plunder all possessions.”  The news hits our doorstep and resounds in our core like a banging gong resonating through empty marble halls as our eyes lay hold of every word.  Perplexity and doom hang in the air like a heavy fog that’s resolved to stay.  In stark contrast our enemy sits protected and high above all perplexity drinking in the moment mimicking his indulging sips of wine. Ever aware of his effectiveness from the cries of many being poured out bitterly in the streets, that rise to his seat.  Filled with doom we tear our clothes and weep aloud bitterly for who can save us from this impending doom.   Our weeping has not only settled on the ears of our enemy it has found its way to our King, and at His right hand stands His only Son, a Savior for His people.  His Father doesn’t have to tell His Son of the cost nor what has to be done; they both know.  Knowing the cost the Son petitions and asks the Father if there be any other way.  Knowing there isn’t the Son bows to His Father in submission and says, “But not my will but Your will be done.”  The Father puts His hand on the head of His Son, lowering His head He slowly nods.  With the Father's commission the Sons says, “My presence is needed so I must leave You now, that I may fill what’s lacking.”  A table is set for the King’s Son in the presences His enemy, and though the enemy provokes Him, He waits for His Fathers timing....."  

Life's Not Fair, But God is Just

When I was little I it always frustrated me to no end when things went wrong, wasn't right or wasn't "fair".  My Mama would always have to remind me saying, " No it's not fair, life isn't fair but God is just."  I would reluctantly agree and try to go about my day without the incident of unfairness ruling it.  I tell you this because not to long ago I was sitting at church and when we went to take communion it hit me just how amazing it is for us to be able to take communion.  It reminded me of one of the days in a Bible study I had just finished, the day was titled "If you kept a record."  The author went on to talk about Psalm 130 and the chilling reality that if the Lord kept a record, who could stand?!  But that He doesn't, and that with Him there is forgiveness of sins, full redemption!  As I knelt there on the floor with tears falling down on the broken cracker and little cup of juice I wondered in awe at how I, a shameful, filthy sinner could take this communion?!  How could I take this holy offering, the offering of Christ's body broken to  unrecognizable points and His blood flowing forth from His side and brow from the crown of thorns!  I thought upon this and asked God, "How can I take this, I'm am so unworthy to even kneel here in your  presence!  It's not fair for me to be able to take advantage of this, it's not fair that Your Son should endure the cross the death of a murderer and thief such as me!  It's not fair."   The Lord reply sent chills up my spine, " No it's not fair.... But I am just."  Hearing those words felt like a whorl wind of God's love had just blown in and caught me up in it.  It was a wonderful reminder of God's ever faithful love that allows Him to put our sins in the sea of forgetfulness and cast them as far as the east is from the west.  Sometimes we need a gentle reminder of just how far those depths and reach are.  And though it isn't fair God is just.      

Old Town

I'm finally all moved into an apartment in Oregon with my sister, Sarah, which has been an absolutely ball! Since Sarah has many classes and homework, I tend to have some extra time on my hands. Which is nice in one way because it allows me to take in the history and quaintness of the little town. So here are a few pics for now, I hope you can just feel the sun soaking into you bones!

____________________________________________

_________________________________

Lilacs are one of my mama's favorite flowers, so mama these are for you!

__________________________________

Okay I know I posted two of these but I really like both

__________________________________

__________________________________

Another lilac for my mama

__________________________________

This one being in black and white reminds me a lot of Nebraska,

not quite sure why but it does

_________________________________

________________________________

_________________________________

_____________________________________________

____________________________

I know I have never been to Africa but when I see this I think of being in Africa. Laying down on brick colored dirt with the sahara wind sweeping across my face with the sound of African children chattering and giggling with glee.

______________________________________________

_________________________________

________________________________

__________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

___________________________

___________________________

____________________________

____________________________

__________________________

Now this one is my mama's absolute favorite flower and probable favorite picture as well. When I saw the tulips I instantly thought of you mama and took it just for you! The beauty in this picture reminds me so much of the soft warming beauty God has place in you!

________________________________

________________________________

___________________________

I don't know about you but this picture is probable one of my favorites! I just makes you want to jump up and walk down it running you hand through the long lush grass.

________________________