Morning Has Broken

I'm up early this Saturday morning and have woken with this on my heart. I need:

A clean heart

A right spirit

Thy Presence

Thy Holy Spirit

I am asking that He fill these cupped hands with what He wants. I need His guidance and direction.

Lord please change me. I want the life that you want for me. Not the false life as seen on Pinterest, (oh how I enjoy it so.) No, empty me and fill me with all that You have for me, not my small ideas of a life. Amen.

Homeland

Artwork by Kim Bade

But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven.  By his power to rule all things, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body. 
Philippians 3:20-21 (NCV) 

You're Invited

Are you running on empty? Maybe you are running on full, and just need to press "refresh". An exciting opportunity is open to all ladies... especially YOU!  A new Bible Study is starting next month. Trust me, you NEED this. We all need this. We need to allow space in our epic busy lives, to grow in God's Word. This is such an opportunity to experience His grace, and watch other sisters do the same.  Sign up information is here.

Together we will explore the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Come gather for an overview of this new Bible Study on Thursday, October 11 at 7PM. We will meet in the main sanctuary. You will meet your new group and your two leaders. Are you excitied? Good news! The first lesson in the book of Galatians is already available here.

We pray that His Word will be joy to you, and the rejoicing of your heart!

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; 

Jeremiah 15:16a (NKJV)

Full of Heart

Photo from etsy 

I saw an interview with a secular music band. They were spontaneously asked, "What would you suggest to someone young, who wants to be in a band someday?" A long answer ensued. I heard and remembered one sentence..."Start taking as many opportunities as you can, even if they are small, making sure you do your best and that every effort is full of heart."
I am still pondering their answer. This could be a mantra to live by.
It made me think of this verse:
And whatever you do, do it heartily, 
as to the Lord and not to men,
knowing that from the Lord 
you will receive the reward of the inheritance; 
for you serve the Lord Christ. Col 3:23 (NKJV)
Heartily is an adverb. It means genuinely, completely, sincerely and with all one's heart. Are all of our efforts "full of heart?"

Yes Lord

Purity

I took a purity pledge years ago, even before such a thing was invented. As they have become popular and ceremonious with Christian families, I have heard unfortunate stories of how far some can get away from the pledge, and still think they are honoring it. There is an honest article about a Christian girl waiting for a husband. It is very thought provoking, actually a "must-read", and can be found here: gracefortheroad.com

Battle Fatigue

If the battle belongs to the Lord, why are we so tired? I am going to purpose in my heart to change this thinking. Will you join me? We do not come from a place of defeat. Oh NO! We come from a place of victory! Let's not forget that  Jesus has already won the victory. He is not striving, yearning, hoping to win. He has won. We; the broken, the empty, the confused, and yes... the tired, do not have to struggle.  He will complete any and all work that He wants to, in us and through us. We are working too hard to control people and situations. Let go and LET GOD.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

Real Beauty

Artwork from Diving Deeper Ministries

Press the "Refresh" Button

Let us all be rivers of encouragement...

A generous person will prosper; 

whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

No Shame

Shame was never a burden God desired that we bear.

Perhaps you define yourself through the words of someone else. Or see yourself through the past. Or the actions of someone who was supposed to love you and failed.

When shame encounters the love of God, something powerful takes place. That love lifts the receiver up and over shame to a place of value set apart by God. Your burden is shifted to God's broad shoulders and He is now free to complete the "good work began in you" (Philippians 1:6).

As God's girl, shame has no place in your life or heart. Your name is safe in His mouth because you are beautiful. You are loved. You are His.

Dear Lord, that past incident or those words from the past, they do not define me. Your words and Your love define me. From this day forward I choose to see myself as You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

-Excerpt from my devotion this morning, by Suzie Eller  http://www.proverbs31.org/speakers/bios/suzie-eller/

The New Blog

Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoy the new banner at the top. I took a picture of some flowers I had arranged. They were a tribute to my sister who passed away. Thought they would make a nice backdrop for the title.
In Grace,
Veronica

Trust

This morning I am gripped with a thought: Am I assuming or trusting? I tell myself, "It will be fine, it will all work out." Taking nothing for granted, I choose to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me and others. I ask him to lead and guide me through this day, and all its responsibilities. These moments of not worrying are refreshing. All of my fears and worries are placed in a box and placed at the foot of the cross.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding; 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Praying for those who still hurt...