First time using random.org for me!
And the random number was 14 (there was 17 comments on the post)! Ang that makes you the winner of the One Thousand Gifts book - congrats!
I know you'll enjoy reading it... if you find the time with all those littles running around.
journaling me...
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
ask
it's coming up to 13 years ago
the day he got down on one knee
and I with the affirmative answer
blinded by love and the fairytale ending
and who really goes in...
nods the head...
puts circle gold on trembling digit...
k.n.o.w.i.n.g.?
there were nights I cried and doubts crept up the side of my bed and sank teeth into the sureness I thought I knew in my heart before my bare feet walked racing heart down the aisle, and even in the days and years that followed we both asked the question, "what have we done?!" and I know in this we are not alone
it's really a wonder...
and I should know by now...
not be breath caught, eyes wide with surprise
at the work of the One who made us one
two opposing forces
saying their prideful "nevers"
ears deaf to their laughing Maker
60 days after first date
with the question of forever
and maybe I'm over THAT surprise, but they keep coming...
because I thought I could change him
like maybe somehow I'd be the phenomenon...ha!
I want him to be my normal
because the dad God gave to me
I watched head bent, light dim, Word open in early morning
and heard his quiet voice lead strong his female filled family
and serve humbly anyone in his home, church, or at the front door, or on the street...
us girls running joke quote "Dad, the family servant"
no joke now
but you learn...
that your normal
is just that... yours.
his normal... so different.
and of course we think our normals are the better
and maybe only this normal of mine could be, because it is God-breathed, leather bound...
and I want... long...
and in the deep and quiet, I know he wants too...
for this to be the normal our children know... I know...
I'm desperate for it even
so the tactics I tackle, they could be rewarded for innovation and persistence...
12 years persistent
12 years failure
and then, the tactic Creator
tackled me
and I was down...
done...
wrecked in the most beautiful way...
and He shut up my mouth like He can shut up the sky
and thegentle encouragement nagging ceased
then made me an asker
of the benevolent Giver
and I am daily asker...
for Word truth... Good gifts...
for unquenchable hunger and thirst for Him
to these He doesn't say "no"
and I thank face to floor He didn't see fit to say, "patience daughter"...
but to pour out the "yes"
and He keeps pouring
because I keep asking
for His work IN to have no end
IN this man HE gave me... a perfect gift...
not knowing the "how" of this normal we dream to know
is being transformed
by being in the Word
learning to follow
to trust
to obey
to lead
and eyes well
at the goodness of the Giver
to see fit
to first work IN me
to give up me... lay me down
and say it like my children call to me, but His is whisper quiet... "Watch what I can do!"
and I daily witness
the transformation of a heart I already loved
and it makes me, breath caught, eyes wide...
fall deeper
in love with the both of them
and another whisper... "All you had to do was ask..."
the day he got down on one knee
and I with the affirmative answer
blinded by love and the fairytale ending
and who really goes in...
nods the head...
puts circle gold on trembling digit...
k.n.o.w.i.n.g.?
there were nights I cried and doubts crept up the side of my bed and sank teeth into the sureness I thought I knew in my heart before my bare feet walked racing heart down the aisle, and even in the days and years that followed we both asked the question, "what have we done?!" and I know in this we are not alone
it's really a wonder...
and I should know by now...
not be breath caught, eyes wide with surprise
at the work of the One who made us one
two opposing forces
saying their prideful "nevers"
ears deaf to their laughing Maker
60 days after first date
with the question of forever
and maybe I'm over THAT surprise, but they keep coming...
because I thought I could change him
like maybe somehow I'd be the phenomenon...ha!
I want him to be my normal
because the dad God gave to me
I watched head bent, light dim, Word open in early morning
and heard his quiet voice lead strong his female filled family
and serve humbly anyone in his home, church, or at the front door, or on the street...
us girls running joke quote "Dad, the family servant"
no joke now
but you learn...
that your normal
is just that... yours.
his normal... so different.
and of course we think our normals are the better
and maybe only this normal of mine could be, because it is God-breathed, leather bound...
and I want... long...
and in the deep and quiet, I know he wants too...
for this to be the normal our children know... I know...
I'm desperate for it even
so the tactics I tackle, they could be rewarded for innovation and persistence...
12 years persistent
12 years failure
and then, the tactic Creator
tackled me
and I was down...
done...
wrecked in the most beautiful way...
and He shut up my mouth like He can shut up the sky
and the
then made me an asker
of the benevolent Giver
and I am daily asker...
for Word truth... Good gifts...
for unquenchable hunger and thirst for Him
to these He doesn't say "no"
and I thank face to floor He didn't see fit to say, "patience daughter"...
but to pour out the "yes"
and He keeps pouring
because I keep asking
for His work IN to have no end
IN this man HE gave me... a perfect gift...
not knowing the "how" of this normal we dream to know
is being transformed
by being in the Word
learning to follow
to trust
to obey
to lead
and eyes well
at the goodness of the Giver
to see fit
to first work IN me
to give up me... lay me down
and say it like my children call to me, but His is whisper quiet... "Watch what I can do!"
and I daily witness
the transformation of a heart I already loved
and it makes me, breath caught, eyes wide...
fall deeper
in love with the both of them
and another whisper... "All you had to do was ask..."
Thursday, January 24, 2013
the practice of giving thanks
About a year ago, I read a facebook post by someone I respect deeply, especially in regards to their relationship with Christ, and it was actually a link to a book review on a book I had been curious to read.
After I read the review I decided the book was not for me... good to know, didn't have to waste my time.
THEN, I was emailed a link to the writer's (of said book) blog from a person (different one) so dear that completely related to a struggle I was facing and I LOVED it!
After spending a bit (ahem) of time perusing her blog posts, I was able to discern for myself that whatever this woman wrote in her book seemed to be coming from a heart and life changed by Christ, and who can disagree with that?
So, then I went to look up the review again, and what do I find? The author of the review had posted a retraction/apology. Confirmation.
I then, put the book on my very short Christmas list and had it in my hands Christmas morning thanks to my best friend.
To say that the book has impacted me would be an understatement. I'm actually not even finished reading it yet as each chapter needs to be savored and pondered for days after. How could such a simple, biblical concept have evaded me all these years? And if I practiced it would it have the same effect on my life as it seems to have had on the author's and countless others?
And really, this simple concept is counting... counting gifts.
Giving thanks.
And so we have decided for the year 2013 we are going to count our gifts... at least three a day... so at the end of the year each one of us six should have our own One Thousand Gifts (the title of the book). We take out our journals after dinner and write... each one of us, although I've got mine open on the counter all day. It's incredible to me how much slower, more beautiful, and more full my life has become... just by counting the graces... only 24 days in.
I cannot possibly relay the heart stirring I've felt, and scripture I've read with new eyes while reading this book and so I would just say this...
Go get the book and read it.
Visit her blog.
I know you will be blessed... and perhaps challenged to write your own list.
And for some added fun, I'd like to do my first giveaway!! I will choose one reader (randomly) who comments on this post and give her (or him) a copy of this book, One Thousand Gifts. You have until Friday, February 1st to enter!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (emphasis added)
After I read the review I decided the book was not for me... good to know, didn't have to waste my time.
THEN, I was emailed a link to the writer's (of said book) blog from a person (different one) so dear that completely related to a struggle I was facing and I LOVED it!
After spending a bit (ahem) of time perusing her blog posts, I was able to discern for myself that whatever this woman wrote in her book seemed to be coming from a heart and life changed by Christ, and who can disagree with that?
So, then I went to look up the review again, and what do I find? The author of the review had posted a retraction/apology. Confirmation.
I then, put the book on my very short Christmas list and had it in my hands Christmas morning thanks to my best friend.
To say that the book has impacted me would be an understatement. I'm actually not even finished reading it yet as each chapter needs to be savored and pondered for days after. How could such a simple, biblical concept have evaded me all these years? And if I practiced it would it have the same effect on my life as it seems to have had on the author's and countless others?
And really, this simple concept is counting... counting gifts.
Giving thanks.
And so we have decided for the year 2013 we are going to count our gifts... at least three a day... so at the end of the year each one of us six should have our own One Thousand Gifts (the title of the book). We take out our journals after dinner and write... each one of us, although I've got mine open on the counter all day. It's incredible to me how much slower, more beautiful, and more full my life has become... just by counting the graces... only 24 days in.
I cannot possibly relay the heart stirring I've felt, and scripture I've read with new eyes while reading this book and so I would just say this...
Go get the book and read it.
I know you will be blessed... and perhaps challenged to write your own list.
And for some added fun, I'd like to do my first giveaway!! I will choose one reader (randomly) who comments on this post and give her (or him) a copy of this book, One Thousand Gifts. You have until Friday, February 1st to enter!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (emphasis added)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
advent
Each December I have the same thought...
Always the same.
"This year."
"This year will be different."
It will not be all about the stuff and busyness.
There will be a slowing.
There will be time made for advent - the expectant waiting and preparation for Christmas.
TIME for the waiting.
TIME for the wanting.
TIME for the preparing.
Our hearts - waiting, wanting, preparing... for the celebration of Christ-coming.
This is how it looked in my minds eye - twinkling Christmas tree, and smiling peace-filled children, hands working together on that day's family fun activity, hearts taking in the advent scriptures, the Christ of Christmas anticipated like no other year...
Peeking in my window, it's possible you might miss the reality because the state of my house can lie in your face about the state of the hearts within...
But I
Am living this reality:
Children are beyond... messy, grumpy, without self-control, filled with selfishness
I even told one maybe she should move out if life is so hard here as the latest in her "grump of the year" efforts snapped that last thread that was holding... they are not the only ones "beyond"
Our advent tree has six ornaments... it's December 17th...
The Christmas tree - it's the only thing same as in the movie, twinkling pretty... moreso when the house stills for the night
and me... I'm a whole lotta stress-filled ugly, but the presents are bought, wrapped, cards are sent, house is decorated, baking in the freezer... kids had beautiful Christmas outfits and hair done for singing in church on Sunday, and the endless school forms and holiday specialness supplies are not left unattended...
on the outside I'm ready
perhaps ready for the outside of Christmas? ready to celebrate with presents and good music, family, friends, and food...
But as for my heart... our hearts??
December marches on, filled with all the same I say every year will be different
Then, with all the gentleness and grace...
Invading my guilt-laden heart...
HE opens my eyes to see...
in the fits and fights of my children that have me struggling for sanity most days
the utter devastation of Sandy Hook
the tough phone call from someone close struggling in a valley last night
in the silent cries I hear from people dear to me "living in this world without God and without hope"
and those preschool friends of my youngest who sing loud "Away in a Manger" without a clue that the baby whose sweet head they sing of could rock their worlds... and will they ever know?
and in the homeless gentleman outside my grocery store whose blank stare I thought warm food might light...
How desperately...
and my eyes well at the thought...
desperately
this world neededs a Savior
I need a Savior
And He came, bloody, bruised, laid in a hay-filled, wooden cow-dish, a helpless baby...
And I think maybe He entered the world that way... his first earthly home being the lowliest of the low...
so that.......
so that........
I could humbly ask Him to take up residence in my heart
For my heart
It is bloody and bruised
It couldn't be less fit for a King...
And sin, selfishness, and idolatry, hidden in the depths of it, make it most ugly
and I could weep at the thought of asking a King to make His home there
but I did
and He did
and my heart, it doesn't look messed up ugly with Him there... not to the ONE who sees to the deepest parts of it
because to El Roi, the God who sees me, it is Jesus He sees when He looks there
I realize...
again...
that MY pretty, put-together, movie-esque romantic visions for the preparation of our hearts these 24 days in December is not HIS way...
For how better for me to recognize the value of that first ever Christmas gift...
Or come to worship the God who left His throne in heaven and came to earth as a baby...
For my heart, our hearts...
to be ready?
Than to see with new eyes...
The deep dark pit from which I needed Him to save me
and the world around whose eyes need an unveiling... whose hearts beg for hope
for true celebration happens when you truly see the reason for your celebration... what you have been saved from... what you have been saved to, what might have been, but isn't...
Praise.
I live with hope.
And I wait, want, watch, prepare...
for the day He comes again...
not as a helpless babe,
but in ALL His glory
The KING OF KINGS.
my hope
Always the same.
"This year."
"This year will be different."
It will not be all about the stuff and busyness.
There will be a slowing.
There will be time made for advent - the expectant waiting and preparation for Christmas.
TIME for the waiting.
TIME for the wanting.
TIME for the preparing.
Our hearts - waiting, wanting, preparing... for the celebration of Christ-coming.
This is how it looked in my minds eye - twinkling Christmas tree, and smiling peace-filled children, hands working together on that day's family fun activity, hearts taking in the advent scriptures, the Christ of Christmas anticipated like no other year...
Peeking in my window, it's possible you might miss the reality because the state of my house can lie in your face about the state of the hearts within...
But I
Am living this reality:
Children are beyond... messy, grumpy, without self-control, filled with selfishness
I even told one maybe she should move out if life is so hard here as the latest in her "grump of the year" efforts snapped that last thread that was holding... they are not the only ones "beyond"
Our advent tree has six ornaments... it's December 17th...
The Christmas tree - it's the only thing same as in the movie, twinkling pretty... moreso when the house stills for the night
and me... I'm a whole lotta stress-filled ugly, but the presents are bought, wrapped, cards are sent, house is decorated, baking in the freezer... kids had beautiful Christmas outfits and hair done for singing in church on Sunday, and the endless school forms and holiday specialness supplies are not left unattended...
on the outside I'm ready
perhaps ready for the outside of Christmas? ready to celebrate with presents and good music, family, friends, and food...
But as for my heart... our hearts??
December marches on, filled with all the same I say every year will be different
Then, with all the gentleness and grace...
Invading my guilt-laden heart...
HE opens my eyes to see...
in the fits and fights of my children that have me struggling for sanity most days
the utter devastation of Sandy Hook
the tough phone call from someone close struggling in a valley last night
in the silent cries I hear from people dear to me "living in this world without God and without hope"
and those preschool friends of my youngest who sing loud "Away in a Manger" without a clue that the baby whose sweet head they sing of could rock their worlds... and will they ever know?
and in the homeless gentleman outside my grocery store whose blank stare I thought warm food might light...
How desperately...
and my eyes well at the thought...
desperately
this world need
I need a Savior
And He came, bloody, bruised, laid in a hay-filled, wooden cow-dish, a helpless baby...
And I think maybe He entered the world that way... his first earthly home being the lowliest of the low...
so that.......
so that........
I could humbly ask Him to take up residence in my heart
For my heart
It is bloody and bruised
It couldn't be less fit for a King...
And sin, selfishness, and idolatry, hidden in the depths of it, make it most ugly
and I could weep at the thought of asking a King to make His home there
but I did
and He did
and my heart, it doesn't look messed up ugly with Him there... not to the ONE who sees to the deepest parts of it
because to El Roi, the God who sees me, it is Jesus He sees when He looks there
I realize...
again...
that MY pretty, put-together, movie-esque romantic visions for the preparation of our hearts these 24 days in December is not HIS way...
For how better for me to recognize the value of that first ever Christmas gift...
Or come to worship the God who left His throne in heaven and came to earth as a baby...
For my heart, our hearts...
to be ready?
Than to see with new eyes...
The deep dark pit from which I needed Him to save me
and the world around whose eyes need an unveiling... whose hearts beg for hope
for true celebration happens when you truly see the reason for your celebration... what you have been saved from... what you have been saved to, what might have been, but isn't...
Praise.
I live with hope.
And I wait, want, watch, prepare...
for the day He comes again...
not as a helpless babe,
but in ALL His glory
The KING OF KINGS.
my hope
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Provision
Today there are roofers working above me
No more living room puddles
or even wondering "why?"
Because that "no" answer...
It was just the thing
Just the way He wanted it
The way He would make Himself known
The way He would say "yes"
To my asking for more faith
For His glory through my life
For the pride (among other things) to be sifted
And over the last month
dozens of whispered "wait"s to my heart
every time I tried to snatch it back from the hands where I put it
He gave such peace
Such growth in that waiting
and then...
THEN...
He provided for our need
According to His glorious riches (and He does own it ALL right?)
That roof
Brand new
SO needed
did
not
cost
us
one
single
cent
Every ounce of the money needed to pay the $8400 bill was given to us
By HIM
Through HIS family
My God is SO good.
All the time.
Even...
even...
if He hadn't worked this miracle for us
He would've had something better in mind
For our good
Because He is good.
Humble-hearted
Joy-filled
Thanks-giving
Do you see it?
The strength of my Creator made perfect... in my weakness?
His glory His hugeness His beauty His love His GRACE?
I don't think you would've...
had He said that "yes" to my roof holding out...
And that
is
what HE is all about
No more living room puddles
or even wondering "why?"
Because that "no" answer...
It was just the thing
Just the way He wanted it
The way He would make Himself known
The way He would say "yes"
To my asking for more faith
For His glory through my life
For the pride (among other things) to be sifted
And over the last month
dozens of whispered "wait"s to my heart
every time I tried to snatch it back from the hands where I put it
He gave such peace
Such growth in that waiting
and then...
THEN...
He provided for our need
According to His glorious riches (and He does own it ALL right?)
That roof
Brand new
SO needed
did
not
cost
us
one
single
cent
Every ounce of the money needed to pay the $8400 bill was given to us
By HIM
Through HIS family
My God is SO good.
All the time.
Even...
even...
if He hadn't worked this miracle for us
He would've had something better in mind
For our good
Because He is good.
Humble-hearted
Joy-filled
Thanks-giving
Do you see it?
The strength of my Creator made perfect... in my weakness?
His glory His hugeness His beauty His love His GRACE?
I don't think you would've...
had He said that "yes" to my roof holding out...
And that
is
what HE is all about
Sunday, November 18, 2012
self
up they clamoured
it wasn't pretty
a four person war
none of them planting their feet on the same side of the battlefield
words spewing
volume increasing
limbs flailing
all over which territory they'd occupy
just
to eat
lunch.
and I,
forgetting all grace
THE Grace giver
THE fruit-bearing Filler
let them spew from the depths
past that uncontrollable muscle...
they came hissing
like a venomous snake
"why are you all so...
...selfissshhhhh?"
wide-eyed silence from all four...
knowing all too well this stage of their mama's tolerance level
hours later
regret floods
understanding comes
standing at the mirror I too often visit
glass that doesn't lie
it answers what the children, they were afraid to
that hissed question...
and there
beyond the starting of silver ever more difficult to hide in the hair my kids draw black
the selfish
that makes my home a battleground
is
staring
back
at
me
and I know with sureness, that Spirit I did not allow to control my tongue during lunch, is alive and well...
ridding His house of the useless clutter, things that are not His... of Him
and gently, but not without heart-pain
scenarios like a movie trailer play out in my mind...
All the times I push them aside anxious to finish my "to do"
Shutting myself in my room to complete my vent to the friend on the other end of the phone glued to my ear...
All the times I get up too quickly from family dinners, rushing around to get everything done just so the second all four are tucked in, the time left on the clock before sleep is all MINE...
Or the times the daughter wants her hair curled and there are only enough minutes for one of us to have and the choice is easily me...
Blue-eyed boy wants a story and every weary bone in my body screams "NO!" so I "ask Daddy" him because I just want a second to MYSELF
Or a disastrously messy craft waits until the kids get tired of asking because I will have to clean up the mess...
All the times I shamefully worship the (i)dol of my (i)phone wanting a good laugh from a status update or the hope of new messages in my inbox, putting a shiny 3 1/2" screen up to block the faces of these beautiful children whose needs will not be mine to meet for much longer...
And the list where husband comes last is even longer...
the movie announcer voice booms over the emotion stirring soundtrack a title to this self-starring flick I don't even want to type...
it's ugly that which shows up in the truthful glass
this selfish
this idol of "I"
who also goes by "Me" and "Myself"
no wonder
the crushing of it
the removal of it's name from my lips
is not pretty
easy
speedy
painless.
the reality of fire for it's refining settling deep
thankful for grace greater than all my sin... all my "self"... all my motherly failings...
that this (I)dol removal can't and won't be done on my own strength
praise Him
He is SO good to me
Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it."
deny
self
deny
self
deny
self
follow Jesus...
it wasn't pretty
a four person war
none of them planting their feet on the same side of the battlefield
words spewing
volume increasing
limbs flailing
all over which territory they'd occupy
just
to eat
lunch.
and I,
forgetting all grace
THE Grace giver
THE fruit-bearing Filler
let them spew from the depths
past that uncontrollable muscle...
they came hissing
like a venomous snake
"why are you all so...
...selfissshhhhh?"
wide-eyed silence from all four...
knowing all too well this stage of their mama's tolerance level
hours later
regret floods
understanding comes
standing at the mirror I too often visit
glass that doesn't lie
it answers what the children, they were afraid to
that hissed question...
and there
beyond the starting of silver ever more difficult to hide in the hair my kids draw black
the selfish
that makes my home a battleground
is
staring
back
at
me
and I know with sureness, that Spirit I did not allow to control my tongue during lunch, is alive and well...
ridding His house of the useless clutter, things that are not His... of Him
and gently, but not without heart-pain
scenarios like a movie trailer play out in my mind...
All the times I push them aside anxious to finish my "to do"
Shutting myself in my room to complete my vent to the friend on the other end of the phone glued to my ear...
All the times I get up too quickly from family dinners, rushing around to get everything done just so the second all four are tucked in, the time left on the clock before sleep is all MINE...
Or the times the daughter wants her hair curled and there are only enough minutes for one of us to have and the choice is easily me...
Blue-eyed boy wants a story and every weary bone in my body screams "NO!" so I "ask Daddy" him because I just want a second to MYSELF
Or a disastrously messy craft waits until the kids get tired of asking because I will have to clean up the mess...
All the times I shamefully worship the (i)dol of my (i)phone wanting a good laugh from a status update or the hope of new messages in my inbox, putting a shiny 3 1/2" screen up to block the faces of these beautiful children whose needs will not be mine to meet for much longer...
And the list where husband comes last is even longer...
the movie announcer voice booms over the emotion stirring soundtrack a title to this self-starring flick I don't even want to type...
it's ugly that which shows up in the truthful glass
this selfish
this idol of "I"
who also goes by "Me" and "Myself"
no wonder
the crushing of it
the removal of it's name from my lips
is not pretty
easy
speedy
painless.
the reality of fire for it's refining settling deep
thankful for grace greater than all my sin... all my "self"... all my motherly failings...
that this (I)dol removal can't and won't be done on my own strength
praise Him
He is SO good to me
Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it."
deny
self
deny
self
deny
self
follow Jesus...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
the "DL" on the "GN"
In a recent conversation with a dear friend, we talked about the gospel, and how so often we who believe the truth in the Bible, tell people "God loves you." And find many different ways to say that our God is big and powerful and loving and kind... And HE IS. But, we tend to leave something out...
And I have.
Sometimes purposefully.
Afraid His "J" name will offend.
His story will seem foolish.
No more.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for IT is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Before I go further with writing on this blog, I feel heart burden for those reading who do not yet believe, do not know even the beginning to this story I live. And for those who maybe have wandered away and need a retelling. Those who I LONG to be my sisters... my brothers. And I trust, that this TRUTH will not be foreign because you can already hear HIM knocking on the door to your heart. And this girl has blistering knees that you will open...
So I will tell
The gospel
It's THE BEST news I could EVER deliver
breathtakingly beautiful... if you have eyes to see
a story that will have you willing
to give up everything
to call that "J" name "Lord"
And even as I tell you
I tell myself again
for it bears telling
every.
single.
day.
the truth of it to invade the "earning" lie I too often allow myself to live
to do so in "cleverness of speech" would rob the cross of it's life-changing power
so here
The GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS)
straight from God-breath
and my human understanding in italics
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Recognize you are a sinner. Even having told a lie is sin, and your sin separates you from God your creator.
Romans 6:23 For the wage of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Because God has to judge sin, and He will, you deserve to die for the sin that separates you from God. But God has provided you with the gift of eternal life, and that gift is His son Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Because God loves you so much and He doesn't want you to be separated from Him, He sent His son Jesus Christ, who was without sin, to earth to die a terrible death on a cross to pay a one time price for all sin, for all time.
Romans 10:9-11 If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed."
And the best part! After three days, Jesus rose from the dead and lives forever! And if you want to be saved from the eternal punishment of your sin, all you have to do is BELIEVE in your heart, and SAY with your mouth. And the absolute truth is this... you will NOT be disappointed!
God does love you
so so so so much...
but the gospel, the good news for your life is this...
He gave his ONLY son for your ransom
so you could have eternal life
One of my most favorite verses as a child was this:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Do you hear the knock?
His voice?
and you want to open the door?
I love you my dear friends who read this from time to time... it is my heart that you would know this salvation, that you would know our Creator, our Father, and have a personal relationship with Him... in Him I have found true life while I walk this earth, and the eternal reward of heaven when I die will be inexplicably glorious... how desperately I want for you to be there too...
please... if you want or need after reading this... call or email me... you will know in your heart if you should...
love. i pray you read it in my words.
And I have.
Sometimes purposefully.
Afraid His "J" name will offend.
His story will seem foolish.
No more.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for IT is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Before I go further with writing on this blog, I feel heart burden for those reading who do not yet believe, do not know even the beginning to this story I live. And for those who maybe have wandered away and need a retelling. Those who I LONG to be my sisters... my brothers. And I trust, that this TRUTH will not be foreign because you can already hear HIM knocking on the door to your heart. And this girl has blistering knees that you will open...
So I will tell
The gospel
It's THE BEST news I could EVER deliver
breathtakingly beautiful... if you have eyes to see
a story that will have you willing
to give up everything
to call that "J" name "Lord"
And even as I tell you
I tell myself again
for it bears telling
every.
single.
day.
the truth of it to invade the "earning" lie I too often allow myself to live
to do so in "cleverness of speech" would rob the cross of it's life-changing power
so here
The GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS)
straight from God-breath
and my human understanding in italics
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Recognize you are a sinner. Even having told a lie is sin, and your sin separates you from God your creator.
Romans 6:23 For the wage of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Because God has to judge sin, and He will, you deserve to die for the sin that separates you from God. But God has provided you with the gift of eternal life, and that gift is His son Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Because God loves you so much and He doesn't want you to be separated from Him, He sent His son Jesus Christ, who was without sin, to earth to die a terrible death on a cross to pay a one time price for all sin, for all time.
Romans 10:9-11 If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed."
And the best part! After three days, Jesus rose from the dead and lives forever! And if you want to be saved from the eternal punishment of your sin, all you have to do is BELIEVE in your heart, and SAY with your mouth. And the absolute truth is this... you will NOT be disappointed!
God does love you
so so so so much...
but the gospel, the good news for your life is this...
He gave his ONLY son for your ransom
so you could have eternal life
One of my most favorite verses as a child was this:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Do you hear the knock?
His voice?
and you want to open the door?
I love you my dear friends who read this from time to time... it is my heart that you would know this salvation, that you would know our Creator, our Father, and have a personal relationship with Him... in Him I have found true life while I walk this earth, and the eternal reward of heaven when I die will be inexplicably glorious... how desperately I want for you to be there too...
please... if you want or need after reading this... call or email me... you will know in your heart if you should...
love. i pray you read it in my words.
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