Webster defines delight as "a high degree of gratification" and then gives one of the synonyms as JOY. This morning I read these verses from Psalm 119:35-37
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
I actually had to stop and chew on those for a while. If I am delighting in Him (Psalm 37) then my delight is also found in His commandments - and I follow that path willingly. I am turning my heart towards Him and not to my own selfish ways. I am looking at things that are from Him and not on things that are worthless...
So the question that came to mind is- am I actually doing this? Am I living my life in this manner? Lots to think and ponder for a Tuesday morning...
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Wandering Heart
I started reading through the Psalms slowly this year. I am biting off little chunks at a time and letting the words digest before I move on. Yesterday I arrived at Psalm 119- I will be there a while- there's a lot of meat in that chapter Verses 10 and 11 stuck out:
"With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you." (ESV)
One of my favorite hymns is "Come thou Fount"- this Psalm immediately brought that hymn to mind- the part of binding our wandering heart to thee and being prone to wander just became lines over and over in my head. It reminds me of how easily we get distracted and our heart wanders- how do we stop this to refocus? the answer is in v.11 (and v. 32)- by storing up His word, His truths, and His promises in my heart so that I do not sin. So easy to say but a lot harder to follow through with...
ETA- had the wrong song! (it's early)
"With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you." (ESV)
One of my favorite hymns is "Come thou Fount"- this Psalm immediately brought that hymn to mind- the part of binding our wandering heart to thee and being prone to wander just became lines over and over in my head. It reminds me of how easily we get distracted and our heart wanders- how do we stop this to refocus? the answer is in v.11 (and v. 32)- by storing up His word, His truths, and His promises in my heart so that I do not sin. So easy to say but a lot harder to follow through with...
ETA- had the wrong song! (it's early)
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Least of These
I am participating in a Life on Life group (basically an intense Bible Study that is to help you grow deeper in your faith and prepare you to share that with others) and the last few weeks we have been talking about the local church. This morning I read this passage and have been stewing on it all day:
"“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)
I guess the question that I have is how to know if something/someone is "legit"? And yes, I know that shouldn't necessarily be an issue but as a single female who does a lot of driving alone I don't know that it's necessarily safe for me to just roll my window down and have a nice little chat while sitting at a stoplight. About a week ago (when I was in the midst of misery from being sick) I left work (school) and headed home. I was about a block from school sitting at a VERY long light and I watched this lady (couldn't even begin to guess her age) try to get people to roll down their windows. I had a feeling she wanted cash (we were near the gas station) and I honestly didn't have any but as she came closer I heard her say, "Ma'am". All I could do was shake my head. The light turned green after that and I drove off. But that has haunted me since. Christ said we are to show love- to meet the basic needs of people- and by doing so we are in essence doing that to Him. But, by not doing this we are turning our back on Him as well.
So, maybe a better question is- where do we draw the line? Was I wrong to not roll the window down? I honestly am seeking opinions and thoughts on this matter. I have asked God to help me see that which is right in front of me and how I can help in the future but at the same time that scares me. Again, would love your thoughts- and will not take offense to any of them :)
This video says exactly how I feel
"“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)
I guess the question that I have is how to know if something/someone is "legit"? And yes, I know that shouldn't necessarily be an issue but as a single female who does a lot of driving alone I don't know that it's necessarily safe for me to just roll my window down and have a nice little chat while sitting at a stoplight. About a week ago (when I was in the midst of misery from being sick) I left work (school) and headed home. I was about a block from school sitting at a VERY long light and I watched this lady (couldn't even begin to guess her age) try to get people to roll down their windows. I had a feeling she wanted cash (we were near the gas station) and I honestly didn't have any but as she came closer I heard her say, "Ma'am". All I could do was shake my head. The light turned green after that and I drove off. But that has haunted me since. Christ said we are to show love- to meet the basic needs of people- and by doing so we are in essence doing that to Him. But, by not doing this we are turning our back on Him as well.
So, maybe a better question is- where do we draw the line? Was I wrong to not roll the window down? I honestly am seeking opinions and thoughts on this matter. I have asked God to help me see that which is right in front of me and how I can help in the future but at the same time that scares me. Again, would love your thoughts- and will not take offense to any of them :)
This video says exactly how I feel
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Recalibrating Life...
A year ago I read the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. I enjoyed it but didn't retain any of the information in the book. This year, one of my 2012 goals is to get healthy. To do so, I need to recalibrate my thoughts. Lysa states in the intro to her book,
"Getting healthy isn't just about losing weight. It's not limited to adjusting our diet and hoping for good physical results. it's about recalibrating our souls so that we want to change- spiritually, physically, and mentally. And the battle really is in all three areas."
What does that mean for me?
Spiritually-I need to make time in my life for Worship- the worship of my Creator, my Savior. Honestly, this is something I struggle with- I start off with good intentions and it goes well. I get up early and get that time in (I KNOW myself and know that it won't be happening at night) and then as the weeks progress I get more and more tired. Then, I think, "Oh, I'll do it tonight" and it ends up being several days and nights before I pick it up again. I started a new Journey group this week with several women- this has been a good week to start off this new "journey"- so far so good but I covet prayers to continue this. And that leads into....
Physically- Again, this is something I KNOW I need to do. I'll be honest, I just don't enjoy the thought of exercise. Once I have started and finish, I am SO glad that I did it but that getting started- ugh! I also know that part of the physical is also getting enough sleep. That means, if I want to fully experience the spiritual aspect then the sleep/physical aspect needs to come into play as well. When I am tired, I am less focused. I'm making a more conscious effort to go to bed at a decent time so that when the alarm clock goes off, I'm more likely to be ready to go with joy in my heart and a spring in my step :) This also means I need to make healthy food choices and surround myself with healthy food. I found a pin on pinterest that says "If you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food." This is the stage where I need to be- I need to not tempt myself by having that candy or chips or whatever else might be calling to me (ice cream???) and fill my world with healthy food options. And then there's the water (which will be a whole different blog post as I had some thoughts about this wonderful thirst quencher earlier this week)- cutting out the sodas again and drinking that water. And the final step is...
Mentally- this is probably the hardest one for me. Physical and Spiritual are hard BUT they are those things that have been around for my lifetime. Mentally, I struggle. I know that I don't fit the world's ideal (which is where my struggle lies) and Satan uses this to attack me. Some of the lies he tells me are, "why bother? it isn't going to make a difference." "Do you really think anyone will even notice? Nah, they won't- there's no point." "That one little donut isn't going to hurt" and on and on. Oh, he's good in that aspect- he knows my heart and knows exactly the words to say that will bring heartache. And this is probably going to be an area of further blogging as I work through it.
Anyway, this is long enough- just a little peek into the journey I am on. I will be participating in Melissa Taylor's online Bible Study for this book beginning this Sunday. I think this is exactly where I need to be right now to do this and would covet your prayers as I find my "want-to" and learn that food cannot satisfy the emptiness- only God can.
"Getting healthy isn't just about losing weight. It's not limited to adjusting our diet and hoping for good physical results. it's about recalibrating our souls so that we want to change- spiritually, physically, and mentally. And the battle really is in all three areas."
What does that mean for me?
Spiritually-I need to make time in my life for Worship- the worship of my Creator, my Savior. Honestly, this is something I struggle with- I start off with good intentions and it goes well. I get up early and get that time in (I KNOW myself and know that it won't be happening at night) and then as the weeks progress I get more and more tired. Then, I think, "Oh, I'll do it tonight" and it ends up being several days and nights before I pick it up again. I started a new Journey group this week with several women- this has been a good week to start off this new "journey"- so far so good but I covet prayers to continue this. And that leads into....
Physically- Again, this is something I KNOW I need to do. I'll be honest, I just don't enjoy the thought of exercise. Once I have started and finish, I am SO glad that I did it but that getting started- ugh! I also know that part of the physical is also getting enough sleep. That means, if I want to fully experience the spiritual aspect then the sleep/physical aspect needs to come into play as well. When I am tired, I am less focused. I'm making a more conscious effort to go to bed at a decent time so that when the alarm clock goes off, I'm more likely to be ready to go with joy in my heart and a spring in my step :) This also means I need to make healthy food choices and surround myself with healthy food. I found a pin on pinterest that says "If you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food." This is the stage where I need to be- I need to not tempt myself by having that candy or chips or whatever else might be calling to me (ice cream???) and fill my world with healthy food options. And then there's the water (which will be a whole different blog post as I had some thoughts about this wonderful thirst quencher earlier this week)- cutting out the sodas again and drinking that water. And the final step is...
Mentally- this is probably the hardest one for me. Physical and Spiritual are hard BUT they are those things that have been around for my lifetime. Mentally, I struggle. I know that I don't fit the world's ideal (which is where my struggle lies) and Satan uses this to attack me. Some of the lies he tells me are, "why bother? it isn't going to make a difference." "Do you really think anyone will even notice? Nah, they won't- there's no point." "That one little donut isn't going to hurt" and on and on. Oh, he's good in that aspect- he knows my heart and knows exactly the words to say that will bring heartache. And this is probably going to be an area of further blogging as I work through it.
Anyway, this is long enough- just a little peek into the journey I am on. I will be participating in Melissa Taylor's online Bible Study for this book beginning this Sunday. I think this is exactly where I need to be right now to do this and would covet your prayers as I find my "want-to" and learn that food cannot satisfy the emptiness- only God can.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year...A New Perspective
ETA- out of habit I typed 2011 so I fixed it!
2011 is over and 2012 is just beginning. When the calendar turns from December 31 to January 1 you can't help but be a little excited- it's a new year- a blank slate.
For many 2011 was an exciting year and for others not so great. It was a year of loss, a year of questions, and a year of uncertainty. I read the following verse tonight and thought how fitting it is:
"You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint." Isaiah 57:10 (ESV).
I want that to be my legacy- that at the end of a long day, a long year it can be said of me that I did not say, "it is hopeless" but through my HOPE in Christ I have found new life for my strength and did not faint.
2011 is over and 2012 is just beginning. When the calendar turns from December 31 to January 1 you can't help but be a little excited- it's a new year- a blank slate.
For many 2011 was an exciting year and for others not so great. It was a year of loss, a year of questions, and a year of uncertainty. I read the following verse tonight and thought how fitting it is:
"You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint." Isaiah 57:10 (ESV).
I want that to be my legacy- that at the end of a long day, a long year it can be said of me that I did not say, "it is hopeless" but through my HOPE in Christ I have found new life for my strength and did not faint.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Getting there...A Journey of the Heart...
So, part of the conflict that has been in my heart is the knowing that I was not spending the time in the Word like I should have been. I have been working to make it more of a priority (and will still be working on it). The other issue has been the lack of praying like I should have. I can't pinpoint where or when this unsettledness began but I know that it has been longer than it should have been. I haven't wanted to do much of anything and since i don't have my back as an 'excuse" anymore I have been forced to "deal with it". So, all this to say- I am hopefully and prayerfully looking ahead with hope to the future and trust that He is going to lead me exactly where He wants me to be- and doing exactly what He wants me to do....
I started this post back on November 7 and in the month since then I have come to understandings and realizations and in the process- some peace. I know that my journey isn't over and this is something that I will have to let go of on a daily basis-understanding that He is in control and that God truly does know what is best for me. So, what prompted this journey? Desire and unfulfilled dreams. Anyone who knows me knows that my greatest desire is to have a family of my own and those who know me- know that that particular dream has been unfulfilled. Some of my unsettledness has stemmed from friends getting married (and lots of them) having children due to natural birth and in some cases- adoption. Don't get me wrong- I am THRILLED for them but each time a little part of me dies because it's like my dream has taken another hit. Do I understand it? Not at all. Do I trust Him? I can say with absolute certainty my answer is YES (and for a while I wondered if I truly did).
(both of these found on Pinterest)
and this is an honest post- hard to write because it's having to come to terms that things may not be what "my" plan is and understanding that that is okay...
I started this post back on November 7 and in the month since then I have come to understandings and realizations and in the process- some peace. I know that my journey isn't over and this is something that I will have to let go of on a daily basis-understanding that He is in control and that God truly does know what is best for me. So, what prompted this journey? Desire and unfulfilled dreams. Anyone who knows me knows that my greatest desire is to have a family of my own and those who know me- know that that particular dream has been unfulfilled. Some of my unsettledness has stemmed from friends getting married (and lots of them) having children due to natural birth and in some cases- adoption. Don't get me wrong- I am THRILLED for them but each time a little part of me dies because it's like my dream has taken another hit. Do I understand it? Not at all. Do I trust Him? I can say with absolute certainty my answer is YES (and for a while I wondered if I truly did).
(both of these found on Pinterest)
and this is an honest post- hard to write because it's having to come to terms that things may not be what "my" plan is and understanding that that is okay...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Momentary Affliction
Today in class we studied 1 Peter and one of the verses it took us back to was this verse in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
I know that the conflict that my heart is engaged in is only momentary- this verse gives me that hope. And, when I break through that conflict I am going to know that it was all part of the preparation for eternity. I told someone that this verse was a balm to my soul. I have heard and read this verse numerous times over the many years I have studied but never has it made an impact as it did today. I heard this song the other day and it hit a chord with me...
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
I know that the conflict that my heart is engaged in is only momentary- this verse gives me that hope. And, when I break through that conflict I am going to know that it was all part of the preparation for eternity. I told someone that this verse was a balm to my soul. I have heard and read this verse numerous times over the many years I have studied but never has it made an impact as it did today. I heard this song the other day and it hit a chord with me...
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