Tag Archives: passion

Mar20

Memories of Days Gone By

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Love these ladies, Morgan and Jamie Grace. They lead us to a place deep inside the “old souls” they know so very well. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside of them on several occasions. I love watching them “make music” and somehow the “old” HAS become “new” again. Grateful! I pray that you are blessed by their spirit as much as I am!

This song takes me back to a special place, so very long ago…..

My family: Godly men and women who lived a heritage of faith in service as pastors, teachers, musicians, people of conviction and the example of service that I hold dear in my heart to this day. My great-grandmother was the organist at church. My grandmother, her daughter, was a gifted pianist. The old, upright piano she purchased used so long ago, now has a treasured place in my home. Often asked when someone visits, “Why two pianos?”  My reply, The newer piano has provided opportunities to grow musically and meet the financial needs of my family. The old one…The black giant? A reminder to myself and my family that the work of God continues through His faithfulness and should be passed on to the next generation. Three generations of us have either learned to play on the black giant or continue to lovingly play her today.

Fond memories of life and lessons learned while spending time on my great-grandparent’s 200 acre farm down a long and winding dirt road with only two other neighbors. Family joy. Simple people. Simply Living…..in the boondocks!

Pictured memories flash through my mind:

A dozen folks eager to eat at the simple wooden table in the kitchen. The children were seated on a long wooden bench made out of a rescued, fallen tree. I would fondly run my hand down the grain of the well-worn “provision”. We prayed. Not just at meals or bedtime. We PRAYED!! We thanked God for His goodness throughout our day, for the abundance of the good food we ate, for the rains that came just when they were needed, for the Lord to hold back the rain at the precise moment necessary for a successful harvest, etc… The farmer truly knows what it is to live by faith!! And the meals that were made from scratch in that kitchen, were amazing and meant for royalty. Well, that’s the way I saw it anyway. Stacks of biscuits, gravy, fried chicken, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, collard and turnip greens, numerous pies for dessert and all that your mind can dream…Manna, cherished nourishment that comes because “Our faithful God rewards faithful hands.” A surrender to work hard.  A quote worth remembering and spoken often by both Larry and Emma Fisher, my great-grandparents, as a reminder when someone may lack gratitude in any of life’s important moments and especially around the dinner table. :-)They knew how to trust God for everything. And I mean EVERY THING!!!

The days were filled with…..

playing and rolling around on the ground with my great-grandfather’s Coonhounds, watching the guys head off to hunt, quietly listening as the ‘coon dogs got farther and farther away, standing under the Muscadine and Scuppernong grape vines~eating the fat grapes sweetened by the rain and sun until we had a tummy ache, family reunions, tobacco barns, tractors, busting watermelons in the field to make sure that the crop was ripe. And when we did get a break from work, on a hot day, running down the road to the neighbor’s house to cut a bamboo pole, and head over to the pond to go fishing. For the children, we hoped we didn’t get “caught” swimming more than being concerned about  “catching” fish to eat.

A distant place and simpler time….

My  great-grandparents were likely considered “poor”. They worked hard but I more remember the good times after dinner at the last shades of light led to the day’s end. We would sit quietly on the porch, in the cool of the evening and I never remember things being anything other than good. Life was good. We hoped for a breeze, as we fanned ourselves. I can always remember moments in the quiet, when out of nowhere, someone would start singing. We made up songs. They were simple songs, silly songs, old hymns in harmony. It was music. Strings, improvised percussion with hands and feet and a quiet hum would fill the air as someone made melody from their soul. The stories were intense and remember when. So much so, that the children including myself sat intently hanging on every word. We laughed at each others jokes, hoped someone might drop by for a visit and the fun we kids would have dancing, singing and playing until it was almost dark. The days would always end in togetherness. We were truly grateful when we lay our heads down at night to say our prayers.

Some days I wonder why my heart and soul has been filled with so many words? Could those quiet moments in the boondocks have given me a bent for speaking and writing words that build hope, encourage, lead others to trust, to dream, to believe, to know His love by hearing, gathering words, telling a story and faithful living and working hard at it? There are days when I care, share, teach, love, give, serve and reach for someone to love like Jesus would and at day’s end, I am out of words. Then the Lord lovingly and quietly reminds me that He, the author of love, life and promise sent His only Son to this earth with the mission of loving, teaching, leading, inspiring and empowering us with the message of hope and to go, to serve, to tell. Our individual relationships with God have been restored and reconciled with God through the life, death and resurrection of His promise of a Savior. Tell others the good news!! And just as Jesus exampled for us; He spoke of His life, His Heavenly Father, His living, His coming, His dying, His resurrection, ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Helper. We are here to continue the message of hope to all.

Jesus would come in an unassuming way, live simply among ordinary people, not as a king but a servant to all. His story, God’s Word, His message to us still lives on through His children, long after His Ascension and return to His rightful place, at the right hand of God the Father.

Jesus told stories. Parables, short tales that illustrate universal truths, one of the simplest of narratives. Sketching a setting, describing an action and showing the results. It often involved a character facing a moral dilemma or making a questionable decision and then suffering the consequences. Though the meaning of a parable was often not explicitly stated, the meaning was  not usually intended be hidden or secret but on the contrary quite straightforward and obvious.

We all have a story. We share our lives with every relationship we build. Words that tell our life’s journey paint a picture of the where we have come from. In our relationship with Jesus Christ, His story becomes ours and we spread the joy of our beginnings while He is still writing, loving, leading, honoring our days and endings until our days on earth are done. Will our children become followers of Jesus Christ as modeled by our example? Will their lives tell of His goodness, shout praises, pray always, word hard, laugh, love others, serve everyone and live a loving, surrendered life in service to the Lord?

I am grateful for words. For the author and finisher of my faith and the privilege to serve Him with all of my days. Lord find me  faithful. May I be first and foremost about the things of God, wherever I am, serving with all of my heart the story that You have written for me and made my heart to do……

Lord, leave our families, those we love and serve the LIFE’S legacy and the WORDS to keep painting our world with YOUR story.

“…the details of our days do make a difference in our lives… no experience is ever just for drill…
everything can be a springboard for inspiration if we are willing to be open to the goodness of life.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Simple Abundance

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out…………The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord…………..And the Lord will make you abound in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 28:1-12a

Jan26

Learning to Dance Brave

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“Fearful? Fear is always the first step of faith. Forward!” Ann Voskamp

“Whenever you are lost, forward is always the way Home.” Ann Voskamp

I am excited to share this Joy Journey with you!! But as sure as God is at work, the enemy is not far behind.

Yep. So, I took some quiet time away with the Lord today. In God’s sovereignty, I found myself reading the most wonderful passage in Hebrews 11, The Hall of Faith.

In my mind I walked and looked as if portraits of faith lined the walls of this journey.

By faith…..so many cherished men and women of faith led the way with their stories. And I reminded that, no matter what, by an act of faith, they were called by God and it most always led them into difficult places.

Today my heart was refocused for a new opportunity of faith: Learning to “Dance Happy” (Ann Voskamp) So, when fear not faith relentlessly pursues my mind and heart. When anxious thoughts long to consume me and shake my spirit. I have two choices: Fear or Faith

What things shake your faith? Push you to run into fear and anxious living? Are you hurled into an abyss and wonder how to escape? Do you (and I) worry about the things that never really happen? Or if they do, God rules by His Sovereign hand?

I would list my failed faith here but for best use of space, i surrender this time to a faithful God. The Way, the Truth and Life who completes my weakness and lifts my spirit to one of love, power, trust, dependance and grace upon grace!!

John Calvin said that the stability of the world depends on the rejoicing in Your (God’s) works.

I flounder at absorbing the fullness of God’s works!! Yet am smiling all inside at the thought of the Happy Dance and throwing anxiety and fear off the throne that I have empowered it to live !!

I continue on, intent on holding the line of faith that has been entrusted to me. NO MATTER WHAT!! And to replace the fear of the abyss with the will of God for my life that brings me such eternal joy. In every little daily thing, to pursue rejoicing over His works in my little life of faith!!

“I could go on and on, but I’ve run out of time. There are so many more—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets. . . .

Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons.

We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn’t deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.

Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised.

God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours” Hebrews 11:32-40

Friends, this is where the hall of faith does not end, but continues…..with you and I writing a faith-filled life story.. One little faith step at a time….for His glory!!

Today, my joy journal entry:
A Faithful God

And me……

I am learning with each new day how to Dance Brave!

Learning to Dance Brave

Learning to Dance Brave

Jan15

Small Handful Of Faith

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So, I may as well warn you that this is the LONG version……a week early!!

I promise to condense my wandering sentences as I find the “short” answer to the seemingly “simple” question!!

“Share a small step you took toward your dream.” Holley Gerth

Have you ever had that moment in your journey of faith when the Holy Spirit crashes into your understanding? Shakes your soul’s core? Stirs your heart to pause for reflection? While flawed and imperfect, you have prayed and been faithful in every little faith-filled step. Yet there are some days when it almost feels like you have really not done or been enough. There should have been more to it, there is more to it and its simplicity makes you wonder, Lord, did I miss anything of the more that You would have me do?

You know that God is near. You cannot escape the capture of the Holy Spirits moment. You feel the spirit of God’s touch and you are drawn to its fullness. You have followed Him knowing that every conversation, dream, thought and desire sent before the throne of God was heard with the heart and arms. of your loving Father.  And once again, you purpose to listen….REALLY listen. Heart intent on hearing His Spirit’s heart voice as He whispers,  “I am here.” Before your mind can comprehend His presence, your heart responds as your soul man screams……YES, this is it!!!That is what it all means in the reflection of every Kingdom of God movement that you have ever made in your life in serving your Lord and Savior and every little thing you have done matters. Wow!!

God-sized Dream = A desire in your heart for more of what God has for you.

When challenged with the upcoming weeks question, I slowed my pace, and with that pause, smiled deep, leaned my head back  and closed my eyes. In my heart,  I journeyed back to where the first baby steps of this earnest God seekers life began. Singing Mary’s song at the age of five and realizing the message and power of the words as hearts responded. At the age of ten, sitting in a liturgical swirl of words with greater meaning than my age could absorb. All the while, the stirring movement of the Holy Spirit drawing my heart, tears streaming down my face so rapidly that my hands could not contain them. At sixteen surrendering my heart to Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of my sin, eternal life and surrendered my life to His Lordship. I understood then the heart of a servant and longed to be one that served well.

I remember the 2013 God-Sized Dreams Team application explanation of God-Sized Dreams:

“A God-sized dream is not about size–It’s about the desires God has placed within you that perfectly fit YOUR heart”

As I am living……my soul murmured……

Desires, heart, spiritual gifts, abilities, personality, life experience….Dare I dream?

Dreams dreamed. Dreams realized. Failed dreams that lacked faith on my part. Dreams growing. Dreams changing. Challenging Dreams Bigger Than My ability to believe and here I stand the hope-filled dreamer…..still dreaming. His faithfulness the sure thing. Still doubting that God can use any part of my lack for His good and glory. I make an analysis of each “opportunity” that God speaks to my heart brings the discovery that each dream hoped for started with one little baby step at a time!!I knew upon coming into relationship with Jesus that I was created for the more than what I could even comprehend. The dream giver seeking out my heart and soul for His own.

Today as I prepared to share the small step that I have taken to follow the dreams that God is currently writing on my heart, I was overwhelmed. My chest rose with a swell of deep breath, and I clearly see in my minds-eye that every purposeful step of faith has led to moments of searching for the more of God and what He might do with my small, yet sincere handful of faith. I am still on a journey towards the desires that God has placed within me that perfectly fit my heart. And I can only pray that the fullness of all that He has done in my life will be an offering that is filled with a sweet fragrance that is acceptable, pleasing and honoring. That in some small corner of His world this offering will matter to Him as He sees the gift as eternal.

Overall, my little life’s dream journey has brought me into and prepared me for this one moment in time. The same little girl who came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ continues to wonder how God can use my small handful of faith lifted unto Him as an offering for His glory. I am living mid-dream, and He continues to woo me into the next place of dreaming His dreams. His desires to use His creation for His glory and good! Each new day is an exercise of listening to the Holy Spirit as it grips our hearts.

I am almost sure that I am not alone. Maybe you are standing where I was. Wondering if in some small way this dream that is gripping you is worthy and that you are capable. It is almost embarrassing to say it out loud for fear that someone would think it strange. No one is capable or worthy apart from Him but in Him ALL things are possible.

“The way of the Dreamer is difficult, but anything less is hardly living at all.” The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

Does God have dreams for YOUR heart? The truth is: The hardest thing to do is to take the first step. In faith, believing that God brings your small handful of faith to bring honor and glory to Him. It is a beautiful thing to experience the moment that He enlarges our hearts with His dreams and builds our faith. Without a doubt, the same God that placed dreams in my heart will give to you the dreams that perfectly fit YOUR heart!!

I am praying for you. If there are dreams you need to share, if your heart and mind are in conflict and if you need a friend to share the journey……from one dreamer to another…..allow me the joy of joining your dream journey. I promise…..you can believe that your small world matters to God AND to me!!

To His beloved……..Take one simple step at a time…..and find new life in His dreams for you.

You’ll find me Living Simply and Simply Living His dream for my life…….. Mel

Small Handful of Faith

Small Handful of Faith

Jan1

2013 God-Sized Dreams Life Mission Statement

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Happy New Year!! God is doing great things!!

What a joy to begin 2013 in communication with the Lord as it relates to the mission in life that I am on. I am humbled to have been chosen to be a part of the Holley Gerth~God-Sized Dream Team. I find it challenging to stand before a Holy God and believe that I bring anything worthy to His work in this world. I am for sure a less-than-perfect reflection of Him on most days. Yet, in my heart I genuinely desire to be on mission before Him as I love and serve those I have been called to care for.

I faced a blank page as I read the challenge at hand: write one sentence that describes your life’s mission. Gulp. I am 50 years old and have never stopped serving long enough to consider what description should be written. I confess my greatest mission in life to date has been loving, serving and raising my family alongside of caring for my husband and our 31 year marriage. I feel like I am in kindergarten all over again. Writing and scratching out words, reviewing my strengths and skills, wondering if a sentence could contain all that is written in my heart.

The words begin to come together and I thought I might be embarrassed to even share the picture being painted by my words. Humbled even more than before, I knew this was the beginning of something new. Living in this moment in a dream fulfilled, looking forward to how God might expand the dream to open the door for even more opportunity in 2013 and the days to come.

In this moment, my heart is…..

grateful……

filled with a heart and desire to bring a new level of relationship with the Lord to the community of women and families that I am currently serving…..to lead their hearts into grace-filled and grateful living through our Joy Journey……

stirring…….

expectant….

hope-filled…

broken before my Lord…..

longing……to do more……to be more……to dream more…….to see Him miraculously move in hearts…..

believing God….

resting in His faithfulness for each day….

rejoicing in His provision, leadership and direction…….

beginning to dream new dreams…..

looking forward to Jesus moments……more living and growing…..loving and learning…….

trusting in His dream for me….He is the perfect and completeness of that……

So, I end where I began. I bring nothing of value to the Kingdom of God apart from Him…..so I lift my 2013 life mission statement back up to you Lord. I pray that You seed it, nurture it, bless it by sending Your Spirit through it and speak to my heart and affirm Your plan, Your will and Your dream for me!! May You be pleased!!

What statement will my life make in 2013?

I believe God has created and called me to graciously support, inspire, lead and encourage women and families by sharing my simple journey of faith as I write, relate and teach from God’s Word.

I am Your servant. You are my Lord……be it unto me according to Your perfect will!

I will obey.

And continue to love, serve and honor You with all my heart………..May my surrendered life bring honor and glory to You!!!!

Living Simply~Simply Living

Melanie

Dec28
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I have lately been involved in looking more closely at the strengths and skills. I am consistently reminded that it is never too late to get your Dream On!!
 What makes heart passion for serving the Lord Jesus Christ happen? For me, it is knowing the anticipation of life’s unwrapped gift!! Walking in faith believing and exclaiming to my Lord….THIS is what makes my heart beat, makes me rise to meet each new day and why I breathe!!
 We all start somewhere….. I enjoy my simple journey as God continues to raise the level of passion in my heart for the “more” yet to come!!
 My consistent prayer for myself and for those that I love is to faithfully live out all that God has, is and will continue to set ablaze in our hearts for building up the Kingdom of God!!

 

“You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.” James 2:22

 

Living Simply~Simply Living!!

 

Mel

The Expert In Anything Was Once A Beginner

The Expert In Anything Was Once A Beginner

Nov23

From the Rising of The Sun….

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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the Name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

Sunsets have always brought to life wonder in me. As a young girl, I would lie in the grass and look heavenward. I considered the mysteries of the world, as a curious observer of clouds in action. Every gaze distinguished shapes that stood out to me as uniquely created for me. I would reach my hand as if to touch the images so very far away only to come up short but better for dreaming, enjoying, experiencing and hoping.

Tonight, at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida keys, I was swept away by the beauty of my surroundings. Inside of me, my heart, resonated the same heart of that little girl long ago with child-like fascination regarding the grandness of the universe and the great things still yet to be explored. Having lived 50 years, I am still growing in wonder and  love with my God. I am still compelled to wander, explore, pray, trust, wait, meditate on the Word, listen, obey and grow in my understanding of my great creator God as He continues to beautifully set in motion His creation for us to enjoy. This brings blessing, honor, pleasure. glory and adoration. A testimony that He is God and there is no other!

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,  and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.” Psalm 16:1-6

The sun-s0aked day welcomed scattered clouds, created as a day for us to treasure. Hiking, walking along the beach hand-in-hand learning about the native culture. slipping our toes into the cool waters, experiencing the coastal elements and relishing in the tropical blue waters. Fair weather, balmy winds and beauty were today at every turn in the Florida Keys. We daily cherish quiet moments, relaxed dinners and have fallen in love with the slow, island pace and enjoy exploring every beautiful corner.

Sunsets, beaches and the natural habitat at Bahia Honda State Park in Florida are filled with well-preserved history.  The coastal setting surely provides interaction with an area that is is almost untouched by unnecessary improvements. Its pristine parks meets the needs of any traveler that may happen upon this oasis of protection, preservation and historic reference for future generations.

At this moment words fail me as I try to paint a picture of my encounter with my Lord, my God and my Savior this night. My heart is full. My mission for relaxation is often complicated by not slowing the pace long enough to communicate with my heavenly Father. I am always going, doing, being, serving, working. Today, after several nights of true rest,  I sat in the sand, knowing that I would have communion with the lover of my soul. My heart was expectant and I longed for His embrace. The need for clarity, love, encouragement and intimacy would meet a felt spiritual need.. The Lord taught me so much in the quietness of those moments. As the Lord always does, when we come seeking Him, He will find us. Tonight He painted a picture of Himself in the sky, just for me. He IS the Light of the World!! Gleaning much from simply being in His presence I renewed a vigor for principles for living as He guided me to Biblical moments and knowledge that challenged me to my core  The darkness of my sin, much like the striations of clouds, shades the brilliance of His light.  My heart is grieved for the times that I have hidden the true light that speaks to hearts regarding the gift of salvation, a hope, a future and heavenly award. My a re-committed life to be a vessel worthy of His light and the furtherance of God’s perfect love come to earth with the purpose of rescue, restoration, reconciliation and renewed hearts.

   Peace, joy, love, hope, and help today.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it  under basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew5: 14-16

God painted a new view of my faith journey with Him in a simple sunset…..L.I.G.H.T.

Life

God’s light shines no matter the circumstances. When our lives seem to be falling apart, God leads our way through speaking wisdom and giving LIFE through the power of the Holy Spirit. His commitment to us is sure and steadfast. Like clockwork, the sun rises and falls in the same way. He is trustworthy, sure, immovable

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.” John 1:4 NLT

Quote: “I know that life is given us so that we may grow in love. And I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of the flower, the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence.” Helen Keller

Invitation

We have been invited into His family and our faith walk continues with an invitation. Are you waiting for the “silver lining? Have you ever posed this question to God? “When will the sun to start shining again”. God is not done. Darkness has no power over Him!! We must accept His invitation to walk every day that we have breath in the Light of His Love!

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” Ephesian 5:8 NLT

Guide

Light is purposeful and directed with meaning. We depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us as we journey. Imagine one small light in pitch blackness. Faith steps out to take the next step for the Lord, His light shines exactly where we need it to for protection and direction.

“You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 ESV

Harmony

Light shines in spite of us. Tonight the moon slipped quietly behind the clouds just before descending beyond the horizon. Striations of darkness did not obscure the light but it was not fully seen.  No matter how bright the light of God is in us, the power of the light in my walk and testimony is affected by the darkness that I bring to the relationship. God longs and desires to shine in His fullness in our testimony of faith. When I am walking in harmony with my God He is radiant. When our flesh creeps in, the shadows and darkness affects the outcome of light in our lives. His light shines in darkness still and on darkness.  We are affected in ministry because of frail, sinful selves are seen clearly in light of the Son of God.

Read Proverbs 10 regarding to harmony with God!

“Our faith in Jesus brings us into harmony with God. Accepting Jesus’ vision of life, what it can be and how we should live it, aligns our will with God’s will. As a result of this harmony we work for the same goal that God works for.” Rootings Blog

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving brings hope. While we are all flawed, our testimony of faith will be known by the fruit of our labor. What are we doing for the kingdom? How is He being blessed? Honored? Adored? Refreshed? And how does in shine in our lives. Each one of us uniquely created by God o stand as a correct interpretation of who God is. And what is our message? Jesus loves you without condition, we are partakers in grace and salvation as it is offered to us through the plan of God and sacrifice of His Son.

 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14

GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD!!

“Sunrise, sunset Sunrise, sunset Swiftly fly the years. One season following another. Laden with happiness and tears.” Fiddler On The Roof

Sep4

No regrets!

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Paul speaking…..

“I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what He’s trusted me to do right to the end.So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.” 2 Timothy 1:12-15 (MSG)

Over the past few days there was a collision course of activity in my life. At times during the day, it felt as if I were surrounded by the thousands that followed Moses as he led them through the wilderness. I can assure you that from my small corner of the world, anything that is accomplished by the Lord through me certainly pales in comparison. The number of moments to spiritually invest in others was seemingly doable but only if each activity had not crossed at the same moment on the timeline. Has this ever been YOUR story?

Old relationships deepened, new relationships encouraged, words that left my heart would be repeated 10 times or more over the course of 24 hours. Yet, in the landslide, I was at peace, reminded by the presence of God in my life, to hold true. To be sure of my ground….His ground….claimed for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging the seeker and speaking life into the spiritual journey of those that proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I have been entrusted with the message by the One who has written on my heart to do “right to the end”.

So, I encourage you today, beloved of God, to keep at your work. If you seem to be on a collision course that may seemingly derail you. Keep the faith, find power in and rejoice in the love that you are rooted in and through Jesus Christ. We do this in His strength and power, one step at a time.

“Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.” 2 Timothy 2:12-15

While we all grow weary at times, going away to rest was Jesus example. I am praying for you today that you will flourish in strength, love and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living simply….simply living!

Melanie

Sep4

Different Kinds of Happy

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Sara Groves Different Kinds of Happy

Love this song…..find the meaning for you and if you are brave….share……Standing here with you and nothing to hide……light shining down to our very insides……Bearing MY soul……wish those two could see us now they never would believe how…..31 years later……there ARE different kinds of happy. Happy. 🙂

Jul27

Living and the miraculous

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“We live at the edge of the miraculous.” Writer Henry Miller

Butterfly Metamorphosis

New life…..a healthy baby is born.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ!

What miracle is just around your corner?

Heartenings….All!!

Mel

Jul23

Kirk Cameron presents Monumenta- ln search of America’s National Treasure

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Ryan, Monty and I just finished watching the documentary with Kirk Cameron about the men and women of faith that sacrificed all and fled England in pursuit of religious freedom. I am committed to the role that I will play in securing the freedoms that I have taken for granted for my children, grandchildren and generations to come. My quiet approach to freedom has resulted in complacency. Not standing for my convictions feels like failure to me right now. So, I am actively in pursuit of the role that I will play in the future to insure such liberties for ALL generations to come. One simple person can change the world. My favorite quote from the movie will be my mantra….”Failure is not final!” Amen, Amen and Amen.