A Moment of Vulnerability

16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.....2 Timothy 4:16-18

Okay, so I have to admit that I've been feeling a little lonely lately. I am single--divorced now for almost 2 years after 2 separations that total 5 years.

I see couples together--couples that are living their marriages and relationship through God, and this makes me lonely. I come home from work to an empty home, and this makes me lonely. I eat dinner alone, no partner to have conversation with, and this makes me lonely. I go to bed at night, alone, and again I feel the sometimes emptiness of my life.

My family no longer speaks to me because of my beliefs, and the best, the most--ALL--I can do is to pray for them.

I go to work for 8 hours every day, keep myself busy in the evenings--yet still my mind wanders.

At times, I do feel deserted and as though there is no one by my side to give me the support that I need to carry me through the days, the weeks, the years.

And then, as I read these verses, I realize that I do have everything I need in this life. God will never desert me. He will always stand at my side and give me the strength that I need. He hears my cries regarding my family and my vulnerabilities, and He understands--more than I can ever imagine.

So, I will wait expectantly upon God to continue working in my life. I know that He will fulfill whatever needs I may have.

I need to focus my eyes, my heart, my mind upon Jesus. He is the only One that can fill this great emptiness I am feeling.

My Father,

Help me to keep my focus on You and You alone. Help me to always be aware of your presence in my life, moment to moment.

I know that anxiety, worry, frustration and loneliness are not feelings that You want me to have. Please come and fill me with Your love. Let me feel your embrace and know that You are all I need in this life.

My reward awaits me. To Him be glory for ever and ever.

In Jesus' precious Name.....

Change

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40: 24-31

I did a little blog hopping early this morning, and I found many posts about "change". Even I wrote on warmharte regarding change before I started hopping around. Is it the season for change? Is it because summer is turning rapidly into autumn? Or is it because we are being more receptive to the changes God desires for us?

I was listening to the song "The Power of Your Love" by Hillsongs on my way to church this morning. And this song is also about change--allowing God to see the weaknesses in ourselves, stripping them away and replacing them with His will for us.

I have made many changes in my life, and I still have many to work on. I cannot do these things alone. I need God's direction in my life, God's strength, God's hope. If I do not rely on God's power, I will certainly falter and fall.

I need to ask God, moment by moment, what I am to do next.

With God at my side, drawing me closer and closer to Him, increasing my faith and trust in Him, by His power and His power alone, I will be able to make these changes. Then I will soar on wings like an eagle.

I used the words to this song as a prayer this morning. I invite you to do the same--listen to the song and pray the words asking God into your heart to give you the strength and power to sustain you in your own personal changes.

Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I found in You.
And Lord I've come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love.

Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side.
And as I wait
I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love.

Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me.
Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
In the power of Your love.

Read more about change......

Love Letter

In the busyness of life these last few days I have not had time to write, so here is something I have on file but have not yet shared. This was one of the first assignments from the Communion With God course I completed at Christian Leadership University. I was to write a love letter to Jesus and let Him respond back to me.

My dear Lord Jesus,

It feels odd to be writing this letter to you. As an assignment for class I am to write to you a love letter, but I don’t know if I have the words to express all that is in my heart. You Who gave everything for me, a lost and bitter woman, how do I thank You? How do I describe You? Glory beyond glory. Someone beyond imagination, in fact so far beyond imagination I struggled to believe in You. What a day it was when I surrendered that first time, giving You entry into my life, knowing that things had to change. And change they did indeed! Because of You. Because of Your love. Because of Your patience.

I have lost so many desires for the things of this world. They have grown tasteless. And those that still retain a taste, it is bitter and unpalatable. It is You I seek. It is You I desire. I want to soak in Your fragrance, the sweetness and spice. You spoke to me once about waiting in a garden for me and that I was to make myself ready. Are you still waiting? I couldn’t bear to think You had already gone.

I love You, Lord Jesus, even as I am not sure I know You, I love what I know. And I love what I have imagined. I love knowing that you searched for me as a lost lamb and hold me gently in Your arms. Oh, to feel those arms around me. Perhaps I am afraid to come close because once in Your presence I would never want to leave. Help me to surrender again, all that I am and all that I have, so I would have no fear of leaving something behind and can fully get lost in Your presence. Perhaps then I can take that presence to others who do not know You.

Here I am, my Lord, my Savior, the only One who could redeem my life. Here I am waiting. Help me to come into Your arms. Help me to love as You love. So when I say “I love You, I love You, I love You” it is with the love that You Yourself taught me.

Don’t you know you are already in my arms? I have not for one moment ever let you go. There are times that you feel I am distant, but it is you, not I who’s thoughts wander away. My thoughts are for you, not against you, always and forever. The forces of the enemy and the forces of the world you live in would have you imagine there is distance between us, but that is not the truth. There is not even a breath between us. If you could really feel how close we are, you would feel cradled and warm. Not a thought of yours escapes Me. I know your thoughts before you do, my dearest one. I know when you will be misled and I ache until your thoughts return to me. Yes, I still wait for you, will forever wait for you. For even as I have you, I want more and more and more of you. The same hunger that you desire to have for me, already burns within me for you. You are the one I bled for. You are the one I died for. You are the one I claimed as my own when I rose again in victory.

Is it hard for you to understand my ways? I spoke to my disciples in parables. But let me clear now. My love is here and my love is true. Nothing will change my love for you. It was and is and ever will be, just as I was and am, and evermore will be. Learn to rest in that truth and shut out any voice that tries to tell you otherwise.

And yes, you are questioning if your love is good enough for me. That makes me giggle, it tickles me. Who do you suppose instilled that love in you? It is already my love living within you, my dear. But if you want to give me more, then give me more, I will receive it!

Oh Lord Jesus, how I thrill to hear of Your unfailing love. Yes, let me love You more! Let me cast away thoughts of unworthiness, for indeed I am not worthy, but it is not about me. I am Yours, now and always, and righteous in my Father’s eyes because of You. Oh if I could I would kiss You!

The Flickering Firefly Award

Shining for Christ

I was the blessed recipient of this award, given to me by hisfirefly. She writes these words about this award:

"This award is to recognize bloggers who shine the light of Christ for a watching world."

Today, I am passing this award on to someone who has become very special to me. Tiffanie at OurLloydLife is a mother of three little boys and a brand new baby girl. She is a wife, a stay-at-home mom, a homeschooling mom, runs a business from home. So, we have to say that Tiffanie is very busy.

But, more than anything else, Tiffanie is a daughter of the King. She puts God first in her life, above everything else. God leads and directs her life in all aspects, and she is in the ever-changing process of becoming more "Christ-like".

Tiffanie truly "shines her light" to all who see her!

So, Tiffanie, I'm very happy to pass on to you "The Flickering Firefly Award".

May God bless you and continue to bless you as you continue in His work. Keep on shining your light to the watching world!

Forgiveness

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.^{".......Matthew 18:21-22}

I'm kind of curious--Have any of you ever said to someone else: "I'll never forgive you for that!!" or "I don't know how I'll ever forgive that person for what they've done to me." or "How could you have done that--I'll never forgive you!" or anything similar? Have you thought that to yourself? I know that I have.

In order for me to even address the subject of forgiveness, I'm going to tell you a little bit more about myself. Perhaps some of you who know me or have read previous posts at warmharte already know this. But, bear with me, please.

This is going to be personal, somewhat heart rending for me.

First--a little background:

My own father passed away when I was 8 years old. My brother was 13 years old at this time. My mother returned to work full time, and my grandmother lived with us--preparing meals and doing the majority of the household chores.

My father had been ill with a chronic kidney disease ever since I could remember. I don't have too many memories of him because he was in and out of the hospital most of the time during these years. This illness is hereditary, and my brother has the same disease--polycystic kidney disease. He had over 1/2 of his left kidney removed when he was 2 years old and has since had a kidney transplant.

I never understood, at that age, why my father had been taken from me. I didn't understand the severity of his illness. I wasn't allowed to visit him in the hospital due to age restrictions at that time. I just know that I came home from school one day, and my mother told me--"Your father has gone to Heaven to live with Jesus."

I don't know if I truly understood at that time--I don't really remember.

My mother remarried when I was 12 years old--a wonderful man that was good to me--a man that I was proud to call "Dad". Along with my new Dad, I acquired a new sister and a new brother. And we became a new family.

However, there were still a lot of questions left unanswered in my mind. I had been sexually molested by a stranger in a parking lot when I was 9. Nothing was done about this after I told my mother. In my family, the rule was: "If you don't talk about it, it never happened."

As I became a little older, my cousin began sexually molesting me. I didn't tell anyone because in my mind, if nothing had been done before, nothing would be done this time.

Finally, time for high school!! And this was a time for partying, a time for fun, a time for drinking. I look back now and wonder how I ever managed to graduate from high school, much less be accepted into a college.

Off to college--more partying, more drinking. I had also met someone--a man almost 5 years older than me. We married when I was barely 20 years old with the total blessings of my parents. I think they thought an older person may have a settling effect on me. And, it did--for a while We were married for 4 years when he decided that he no longer loved me, no longer wanted me in his life.

I left, moved into an apartment and the REAL partying began. I met my second husband in a bar. I met him, took him home with me, and he never left. We married when we found that I was pregnant. We were both happy about this, and my son was born! I stopped partying while I was pregnant, but after my son was born, I slowly starting drifting back into this phase--not as much as before--but still doing more than my fair share.

Less than 2 years later, my first daughter was born. Again, I stopped partying during the pregnancy and then slowly began again. Then, another two years--my second daughter was born.

During this pregnancy, my husband had a snowmobile accident. He fractured 5 ribs on one side and was in a lot of pain. The doctor he was seeing prescribed pain medication which he liked just a little too much. His use of this increased to the point that he was taking 16-18 pills of narcotics every day--just to get through the day.

I, in the meantime, had looked one evening at my children sleeping, and the question came to me that if something happened, right at that moment, if something happened to one of them, would I be able to handle it? Would I be able to drive this child of mine to the hospital if need be? And my answer was an emphatic "NO". I stopped partying then and there and have never gone back to this lifestyle.

On my husband's part, however, his addiction into pain medication deepened. Then, very suddenly, the doctor who was prescribing him medication retired from medical practice. Left without a supplier of his drugs, he turned to heroin.

My children grew and my anger and resentment grew. I became a very bitter and angry person. Finally, he decided to seek help in a rehab. Then, out of the rehab, clean for 5-6 months, and then back to drug use again. This occurred 5-6 times until finally I could stand no more. During this time, I also suffered from a very deep depression which required two hospitalizations.

And an important factor here, is that I told no one, absolutely no one. I was ashamed of what my life had become.

I called my brother early one morning and spilled out the whole mess, crying, sobbing to him. Both my brothers and my sister and their spouses moved me and my two daughters not long after that. My son decided to stay with his father. He was almost 17 by this time, and I think that he thought he could "fix" him. About 6 months later, my son came to me and asked if he could live with me. He could take no more.

I was still bitter and angry, full of resentment.. Then my husband came to me, telling me that he was clean. And I made a very big mistake--I took him back. No, he wasn't clean from drugs. Yes, he was clean from heroin, but he was addicted to crack.

Crack--the drug that is even worse than heroin. Crack brings out the paranoia and violence in a person. That person will do anything just to get the next fix. And violence prevailed in my household. My youngest daughter's saving account was emptied, there was no money to pay our bills, and we were in danger of being evicted.

Again, another rehab--but during this rehab, I made arrangements and left again. Still so angry, so full of hatred towards this man for what he had done to our family.

During this time, I met someone--someone new to my work. She always seemed so peaceful and calm, even in the midst of turmoil--still remained peaceful. I watched her, listened to her--wondering what she had in her life that made her this way.

One day she invited me to her church. I told her I couldn't come because I had no church clothes. She said that was okay, this was a very casual church--you didn't need "church clothes". I stood her up that first Sunday--just didn't show.

She didn't chastise me for this--just said we'll try again next week.

The next week, I went to church with her, and I knew that I had come home. Jesus touched me that day and started a long and painful healing process for me.

I was still wondering how in the world I was supposed to forgive my now ex-husband and forgive myself for my past, for all the mean and hateful things I had said to him in anger, for all the mean and hateful things I had said to my mother and my father.

But, God took me by the hand and led me. God is very patient with me, and I am so grateful for this. Sometimes, I took three steps forward and two steps backward, falling. And, God would pick me up, and we would start again.

Slowly, so slowly, I began to forgive. I realized that all the anger, all the bitterness, all the resentment were not hurting my ex-husband at all. The only person they were hurting was me. I was the one being eaten alive by these powerful emotions.

As I grew in God's love, I began to leave these emotions behind me, and I forgave my ex-husband and also myself. I know that Jesus lived, suffered and died for me so that I could have this forgiveness, not just for myself but to extend this to others also--as many times as needed.

In this place of forgiveness, I have turned from a bitter, angry resentful person into a person who is peaceful and calm. Do I have days where I am upset by something, feel discouraged, feel angry? Of course, I do. But, I now know that I can turn to my Lord with these problems and emotions, and He is there for me--to listen to me, to take my problems and worries from me. He is control of my life because I have given my life to Him.

I know that this has been a very long post, and if you have stayed with me throughout it, I thank you for reading this.

I just wanted to share some of my life with you, and I want to ask you today--Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive so that you may experience the forgiveness of God?

Abide in the Vine Word Picture

Beth requested that I create a Wordle out of my post Learning To Abide - Part 3 on my blog Flickers of a Faithful FireFly

Enjoy the word art and feel free to come to Flickers to read the original post.

Do you feel His presence?

I thought I'd like to pose a question tonight.

Have you ever really felt the Lord's presence? Really known for sure that He was nearby?

This is something that I really struggle with. I long to be able to feel the Lords presence, and know that He is there, guiding and protecting me.

I've only ever once really felt the Lord speak to me. I say felt because that's what it was, a feeling, I didn't hear Him, but felt Him.

And what did He say? I love you. It's hard to describe how that felt. I felt it in my heart, and a warmth that just spread through my body. It was gone as quickly as it came, and left me wanting more, but it hasn't happened again.

While that is the only time I have ever clearly heard (or felt) the Lord speak to me I have felt his presence quite often. This always happens during praise in church. So many times I have gone to church feeling dejected, tired of the contstant battle of trying to convince my family to join me, weighed down by my feelings of failure as a parent and a wife. I stand to sing the first song, and it's "Here Iam to Worship". The Lord uses this song on me a lot! He knows that I need reminding that once I step into church it's time to leave everything with Him, no more worry, hurt or anger, just worship. I rarely get through that song without crying. And there are many more worship songs that the Lord uses to tell me something, to comfort me, to remind me that I am His, and that He loves me.

I'd love to hear how you have felt or heard the Lord. Please feel free to share.

A Moment of Worship--Above All

I love this song by Michael W. Smith. I was watching the DVD of his concert this evening and thought I would share with you.

Above All--Christ gave His life for me, for you, for all of us--out of His love for us.

Internet Cafe Chat

Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This verse is the inspiration for today’s question:

How would your life look differently if you embraced and believed fully what the verse in Colossians states? If the truth above is something you already believe and actively live out, how does this truth make a difference in your life?

If you have been following along with me this week, you know that I have had a very discouraging few weeks at my job. Events have occurred which have led to us being understaffed, overburdened and just a general sense of being overwhelmed. My job is generally stressful anyway--but the added stress has led this place to the boiling point.

Tempers are flaring, words are spoken to others that probably wouldn't have been spoken at other times--words that are hurtful. sometimes demeaning. Gossiping about others is at an all time high. Unfortunately, a new employee has been brought into this just when things are at their worst. And, I wonder to myself what she must think of all of this

So, as I read and contemplated on this verse, my own job situation came first into my mind. I have been praying about this--whether this is where I am to stay or if I am go into another work situation.

I do actively live out this verse--whatever I am doing--my job, my home, my volunteer activities, my time spent with my children, my crafting. I do feel that I am working for the Lord wherever I am, whatever I am doing. I try to do everything that I do with a servant's heart because truly the Lord has placed me in these situations to serve Him.

Pondering on this verse has helped me view my job situation from a different perspective. I have been almost dreading going into this place every day. However, if I look at this at serving the Lord, I realize that my being there and bringing His presence into this mess helps to maintain a sense of calmness, a sense of peace--not my calmness and peace--but His calmness and peace.

Although the stress level is extremely high and the burdens are almost overwhelming, I know that when I enter into that place with Christ's light shining through me that things can and will be changed.

So, I will continue to pray for God to lead me through my day, to know the words I am to say to others who come to me with their burdens, and to do my job to my utmost because I am working for Christ.

I'm going to print this verse and take it to work with me. Unfortunately, I cannot put this in a prominent place (against the rules!). But, I will keep this in my pocket, and whenever things get stressful or overwhelming, I can remember--"I'm working for God!"

Raising Teenagers

I have a teenage daughter who battles with low self esteem, lack of confidence and depression.

This is a struggle not only for her but for me also. I struggle somedays to be the mother she needs me to be. I get angry with her, and for her. I often wonder if I get anything right, and then, after I've tortured and frustrated myself for a few days I remember to give it to the Lord.

It's pretty hard entrusting the care of your daughter to someone else, even when that someone else is the creator of the universe!

Lord, I pray that I can be still, and listen for your direction rather than doing what I think needs to be done. I pray that you can enter my daughters heart and her thoughts and release her from the negativity that is stealing her joy. I pray that she can one day come to realise the wonderful gifts that you have given her and use them for your glory.

I pray that I can be the Mum she needs. That I can show her the wisdom and compassion she needs. That I can be tough with her when she needs it, and caring when she needs that. I pray that I can be patient and tolerant, and not let frustration and lack of faith get in the way of her healing.

Most of all I pray for faith. The kind of faith that moves mountains. I pray for the unwavering and certain faith that only you can bring.

Trust

I woke up in the middle of the night, and the word "trust" came into my mind. Just woke me up from a sound sleep. This word has been staying with me since then, so I can only feel that God has planted this word into my mind.

Trust and I have been going around in circles for years. My trust has been broken so many times by others, people that I had given my trust to completely.

Out of curiosity, I put the word "trust" into the Bible search that's on the sidebar. There are 164 verses in the Bible with the word "trust" in them. God has certainly used this word quite a bit in His inspired word. As I searched through some of these verses, this one particularly stood out to me:

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal........Isaiah 26:3-4

I know that there are areas of my life where I may feel that I trust God, but I am not putting my trust in Him completely. I need to stop placing God in the same category as those others who broke my trust. He is God, and He can be trusted.

As I prayed this morning, I asked God to show me the way, help to increase my trust in Him, to fill me with the Holy Spirit to guide me through this day.

After I pray every morning, I sit very still and quiet, and ask God, "Is there anything you want to say to me today?" And this morning, I definitely felt His presence--telling me that He has only good for me--regardless of the way I may perceive things, He wishes me no harm, He loves me as His child and I am the daughter of the King.

And so I pray, and I ask you to pray with me:

My Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this day that you have given me. Thank you for filling my heart this morning with your thoughts. Help me to always realize that I am Your daughter, the daughter of the King, and that I am perfectly and fulled loved. Please increase my faith and trust in you to the point where I will always look to you for the answer, knowing that You are in control and wish me no harm, only good--and that You will use every circumstance that has and will enter my life for Your good and holy plans.

Thank you for always being there for me. I love and praise you!

In Jesus' precious name.......

Flickering Firefly Award

If you notice to the right, on the sidebar, there is something new. It's "The Flickering Firefly Award". This came to me today from his firefly, and honestly, when I read what she had written on her blog, I just cried. Please stop by her blog, visit, and get to know her. I'm sure you'll be blessed that you did.

This is what she writes about this award: "This award is to recognize bloggers who shine the light of Christ for a watching world."

I'll be passing this award on to others who "shine their light".

This is something that we, as Christians, need to remember. Others are watching us. They truly are watching us, seeing what brings us peace and hope in our lives--even when there is turmoil.

I just want you to imagine this--You are known as a Christian--yet you do not display this in your day to day living. Someone who is not a Christian looks at you and thinks to themselves, "This is a Christian? Is this who I want to become? Why should I become a Christian if this is the way they display themselves?"

We need to keep our "lights shining" so that others may see and come to Christ. This what He has commanded of us as followers of Him.

Thank you, hisfirefly, for this outstanding award. I am truly humbled by this, and yes, I am crying again!!

I see from our list of contributors that Aunt Kathy, Julie and Tiffanie have joined us. I'm looking forward to hearing from them soon!

My Rock

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him, He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.....Psalm 62:1-2

I find that when I read this verse, this is the picture that comes to my mind; a lighthouse--standing strong across the storms of life. A God that will help me withstand the waves that crash against me, the winds that blow and swirl around me, a steady light in the darkness calling me to His side.

I am praying for direction in my life, and I have been for some time. Last night, I received a phone call from a friend who has had a life altering circumstance occur in her life. So, now we are both praying for direction, praying for God's wisdom, praying for God's will to be known to both of us.

And, we will wait, just as the Psalmist did--wait expectantly upon our Lord to show the way. It is difficult to wait sometimes. But, having faith and trust in God--that He uses all circumstances for His good and His will--increases our steadfastness in Him.

Praise His Name

This morning I posted a "wordle" on Flickers of a Faithful FireFly and had so much fun I created another for this site as well.

You can create your own word art at wordle

Here's the poem that I used to create the picture above:

Praise HIS holy name
praise HIM in this house this morning
praise HIM all you saints
if we do not lift HIS name, even the rocks and stone will cry out
early in the morning I called out to my LORD
HE answered with HIS Word and said
"I am close to those with a broken and a contrite spirit"
Thank YOU, thank YOU FATHER, that YOU could choose and use one such as me
break my heart, break me again, break my heart for the things that grieve YOU
early in the morning I cried to my LORD
early in the morning I shouted out HIS name
JESUS CHRIST, yesterday, today and forever IS the same
Thank YOU LORD that in a world where all is constant shifting
YOU never change
YOU never change, YOUR Word is ever true
YOU never change my LORD and all I need is YOU

Thankful Thursday

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:31-32

And so it is again "Thankful Thursday". I'm so thankful that this verse was posted today. Reading this made me realize that in the midst of a very discouraging week, that I do have very much to be thankful for.

• I am thankful that I have the knowledge and love of Jesus in my life, and yes, I have been set free--freedom through His grace and mercy.
• I am thankful that I am still able to share the truth with others--those who know Christ and those who don't--that God can fill my mouth with His words when I don't know the words to speak.
• I am thankful that when I sat down to pay my bills last evening there was enough money in my checking account to cover these. This hasn't always been the case. God has again provided for me by helping me set a reasonable budget that I can maintain.
• I am thankful for my very best friend--that she is a sounding board for me and has the freedom to let me know when I am headed off in the wrong direction.
• I am thankful that the blister on my thumb is healing!
• I am thankful for my son who helps me in more ways than I could list here.
• I, again, am thankful for my spiritual family who encourage and lift me up in their prayers, their thoughts, their words.
• Most of all, today, I am thankful that God has sent us Jesus and was willing to sacrifice His only Son for me so that I can have forgiveness for my sins and spend an eternity with Him in Heaven. I don't know where I would be without the love of My Lord in my life.

He IS Love

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."

1 John 14:16

The following little snippet of song came to me

as I was pondering the scripture above.

I realized that our past experience has clouded our thinking,

and that what we understand is often a distorted image of love.

Wash over us, Lord
Cleanse all our thoughts of love
Whatever we think it is
Whatever we thought it was
Wash it all away
So that we may know
The true and perfect love
That comes from You alone!

Encouragement

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

I was having difficulty sleeping last night. I was awake for several hours for some unknown reason. As I was lying there, unable to sleep, I thought to put this time to good use and get in touch with My Lord.

And, so I began to pray--pray about my day, my difficulties at my job, how discouraging this has been to me lately. As I finished praying, thoughts came into my mind about Dishrag Tag. Why Dishrag Tag, you may ask yourself?

As I read the forums posted about the progress of this, I'm amazed at how encouraging everyone on my team is to one another. Everyone is cheering the next person on, complimenting them on their progress, keeping track of where the box is via the mail system.

And, I am wondering--why isn't this happening in every area of my life? Why aren't we cheering each other on, encouraging each other?

Yes, there are prizes involved in this venture. In my mind, the prizes are not the greatest reward that I have gained from this experience. The prize given to me is the fact that people are working together, as a team with encouragement.

We, as Christians, do have a great reward awaiting us--an eternity spent with our Lord. We need to encourage one another in our quest for the greatest reward of all.

Abba,

I ask of you today, to help me be an encourager--to those who know You and to those who do not. Let my faith and trust in You shine through my words and actions, so others may see You through me. Help me to encourage others in my workplace, with all its difficulties, to work together as a team, to achieve the goals set there.

As I press on to the greatest reward of all, an eternity spent with you, help me to have the strength, courage, and endurance to fulfill the works that You have set before me.

In Jesus' most precious name.....

Reflection

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight......Proverbs 3:5-6

I know that God's ways, plans and thoughts are not my ways, plans and thoughts. But, do I trust Him to be in complete control of my life? Do I bring the small things as well as the big things to Him? Do I include Him in my day to day living? Or, do I wait--wait until I'm in trouble--in need of help--and then cry out to Him?

I want to be the person God wants me to be. I know that tomorrow may not even arrive. In fact, the next moment may not even arrive.

So, I need to include God in every moment of my life, asking Him, "Is this the way, Lord?" "What should I do in this situation, my Lord?" And crying out to Him, "Lord, help me to increase my trust and faith in You!"

And I need to reflect and ask God, "What is it that you are asking me to do, that I know you want me to do, and I'm just not following through?"

We all have these things, and I think we all know what those things are. Is it forgiving someone that we just haven't forgiven yet? Is it reconciling a relationship? Is it giving back to God just a small portion of what He has given us? Is it just taking time everyday and spending time with God in His Word? Is it reaching out to someone who does not know God and planting the seeds, nourishing and watering the soil, so that this person, too, can know God's love and peace? Is it giving up a bad habit?

Just some things to reflect upon. I know that I will be throughout my day today, and I hope you will, too. And then, then I'm going to follow through on what God is asking of me.

Evening Prayer

I thank You, Lord God for all the things this day has brought. I thank You for the work You set before me and pray that as it was accomplished it brought glory to Your name.

As evening settles in, I long to curl up in Your lap and listen to Your heart beat for the new day tomorrow. I am thankful for the invitation to abide in You, may I never take that for granted. May I ever come eagerly into Your presence.

I pray that You fill my night with the dreams and visions You desire to share with me and that as I rest, my spirit will be filled anew, in Jesus name.

HisFireFly

A New Day Begins

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

My Father,

As I begin this new day that You have given me, help me to carry Your word with me. Let me feel your presence with me always and neither turn to the right or to the left, but always walk the straight and narrow path with You.

Help me to discern Your voice from all the others around me and give me the courage and strength to listen, follow and walk with You.

In Jesus' precious name I pray,

Amen.

Surrender

I remember the day of my baptism also, Boxing Day (December 26) 1999.

The congregation of that Baptist Church where I was merely a visitor was singing an old hymn "I Surrender All"

All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live.

Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at his feet I bow,
worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender; make me, Savior, wholly thine;
fill me with thy love and power; truly know that thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to thee;
fill me with thy love and power; let thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender; now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to his name!

Many worship styles and songs later, this morning during our time of worship in the church that is my home, we sang another song of surrender, placing all we are into the hands of Jesus.

As much as things may change, my desire remains the same, to be made holy and wholly His.

Hallelujah!! Your Love Makes Me Sing!!

I was searching for another song on YouTube this afternoon, when I came across this video. This song has so much meaning for me. It is the song that was being sung when I was baptized, January 29, 2006.

And, yes, His love makes me sing!!

Today, I praise God for loving me always--even when I disappoint Him--He still loves me.

First The Power of Your Love Post

I'd like to share with you how this blog came to be.

I pray daily--many, many times a day. I pray for others, for myself, for situations, thanks and praise. I was visiting someone else's blog one day, and I saw that she had a prayer journal, and I thought to myself, "What a good idea!"

As I thought on this, the idea flourished into inviting others to share in this experience. Thus, the beginnings of "The Power of Your Love".

This will be a blog where you can address prayer requests, praises, what are your concerns, joys, sorrows. You could contribute a poem that you may have written, a picture that you love that depicts your love of our Lord, a video, a scripture that is particularly meaningful to you and why, anything that is given to the glory of God.

I have several people who have expressed interest in this, and I am going to be inviting them as authors. If you happen to come across this and would like to be included, please let me know.

And now--my first prayer request:

My Father,

As we begin, I ask your blessings upon this venture. Please utilize this spot to glorify your name, and your name alone. All things have come from you, and I lift up my praise and love to you on this day and everyday of my life.

In Jesus' precious name I pray,

Amen