Why blame God?

Recently I was studying the bible through a study called Seamless, by Angie Smith with a group of ladies. In the beginning of the study the author discusses Adam and Eve and then also touches on Job. One connecting point of the two stories is the nastiness of Satan.
In the garden of Eden Satan deceives Eve with his words to get her to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge. Boy were her eyes opened. And they were ushered out of Eden in the world.
In Job we hear from Satan again, but at the feet of God.
"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord , and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord .
Job 1:6‭-‬12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.1.6-12.ESV

I highlighted the sentence in the verses above because that's the one I want to focus on. Satan goes to and fro on the earth, walking up and down on it. Who do you suppose he's walking up and down on? hmmmm......
Now consider this from the new testament in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..."

When bad things happen those who do not walk with God, and even some who do, are quick to say "Why would God do that? Where is He?" May I suggest that God is where he's always been? Watching over us and desiring we come back to Him? And it's not God creating the evil in the world? But the evil one?

We became separated from God when Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden. Separated from His holy presence. But that didn't mean we were also separated from the activities of Satan. Remember the verse from John above? Satan still roams the earth.

My wise sister once posed this question to me. "What if God is holding back 98% of what Satan could be doing on the earth?" YIKES! Think of that with how evil our world has become recently? So why not blame Satan instead of God when something bad happens? And look to God for His goodness in the bad? His goodness started with providing us a way to bridge the gap between us through His son Jesus Christ. God loves us so incredibly much that He sent His only Son, did you get that? His ONLY Son to be crucified (horrible horrible death) for your sins and mine, to die on that cross, and rise in 3 days to sit at God's right hand in heaven. And it doesn't stop there!
Jesus then sent His Holy Spirit to reside in us to renew us, provide us grace and mercy, so that we can go directly to God and be restored. And then to share His Gospel (this means His teachings and why He died for us) with others. And also to share our story which is a good way to relate to others.

Now I say "Satan, speak to the hand, I have no time for you." Similar to what Jesus had told Peter - "But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
Matthew 16:23 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.16.23.ESV

And what I do is pray to God and lay out the circumstances to Him for guidance.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.4.8.ESV
Draw near in reading His word, praying, and repeat.

Lord, I end this with a verse I desire to memorize:
"But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord , my soul waits, and in his word I hope;"
Psalms 130:4‭-‬5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.130.4-5.ESV

PINK Impact conference 2015 recap.

This is my experience from the conference through worship, fellowship and prayer.

Removed: "The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25 

As we arrived I started to feel the tinges of panic and anxiety in the crowd of women. Thankfully you were with me and plowed on in to discover and enjoy the blessings the women had waiting for us. Through your courage and determination to absorb all that was around us, I became brave. The Lord then removed my fear of people this first day of the conference. He taught me that Fear isn't my emotion, nor is it of God. Fear is an emotion and something satan uses in me. In the name of Jesus, I am healed. 

He reminded me of one of my life verses. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. 

 

Fear is a spirit, so its not of God, its not of me for He gave me the Holy Spirit - power (from the Holy Spirit), love (of Christ) and a sound mind (God's word).

 

Renewed: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord convicted me and beckoned me to enter His Word to seek my direction, His Ways, and His Wisdom. God placed a desire, a thirst, to be in His Word. 

 

Redeemed: Isaiah 43:1-3a 

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be wtih you; And through rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you." 

I am His and He is mine. I felt hugged at the conference by God. 

 

Reassured: Psalm 139 (My favorite!) 

I felt the hands of God take my face and turn it towards Him, making me only look t Him. In that, He reminded me where I'm hearled, where I am today in faith and love opposed to years ago. And He wants me to deepen my faith through knowing His Word. He assured me He's redeeming the years eaten by the locusts. He reminded me who I am and whose I am and how perfectly He made me to be me. He also told me He is with me no matter what and no matter where. 

"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!" Philippians 1:21  has taken on a completely whole new meaning for me. I didn't quite understand what that meant, but God revealed its meaning. I live with Christ (Holy Spirit) in me as He lived on this earth - loving people. 

 

This last verse is one that also struck a chord in me. 

"Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12

 

On January 1 of this year, I read the Bible App verse of the day and almost fell over. I ran to My husband and said "God is speaking to us, for this year, here is our verse and God's promise.....Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 

 

Stress at work is less as I hold on to the promise from God that He is in control - over me, and over the lives of others in all situations. Traveling fear is gone as again, He is in control and for me to live is Christ, to die is gain - heaven awaits!  

 

Bold and Bolder

One of my goals this year was to seek those areas where I could be more bold. As the year has gone, I can see why the Lord tapped this word on my heart. 

My place of business where I spend 8-9 hours a day is becoming more stressful for everyone. Within this stress I lost my joy, the grateful heart the Lord gave me when I was born. That positive attitude in any situation. The one that says sure this sucks, but what good can we learn, or use?

The more jaded I've become the more jaded and negative others around me have become. Our attitudes, actions, and words are truly reflected by others. 

The Lord and close friends started pointing this attitude out to me. Thank you Lord you speak to us through those we can trust. It was affecting my husband, our marriage, and friendships I'd hope to cultivate at work. Ever so slightly worship music started lifting my soul's joy. God's Word each time I'd read it would point to His joy in all circumstances. The end result being me recognizing this isn't how He made me. This isn't the joy He longs for in my life and in my worship to him. 

This mornings devotion is a perfect culmination of the teaching He's been giving me over the last month. 

Rejoice always;in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18 NASB) 

I 

Reflections on how the year is going

In a previous post I described and presented my life strategy for 2014. This being Easter, the day we celebrate Jesus conquering death, its time to report in and reflect on how I'm progressing on my two goals.

Financial - excitedly I report that God heard my prayers, worked on my husband's heart with no nagging or prodding from me, and we entered into a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. After 3 months we are living financial peace. But more than that we have drawn closer in our relationship, we've bonded in a deeper way I didn't know existed, and we're truly one in Christ in everything. God blessed me greatly by this man as my husband. My respect and love for him overflows everyday.
Thanks to Northway Christian Community for hosting the class.

Health, well........still working on this one. But the good news is the snow has stopped, we're out hiking, I've been walking at work during my lunch hour, and my man is getting our bikes ready. We've cut out ice cream every night and only have it Saturday night. We eat healthy, I just eat a lot.
I'm learning not to eat my work stress and rely on Jesus more. He is my rock and my comfort, not chips and cheesy nachos, or Oreos. He has a work for me to do and I need to be ready to do it.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand  of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever. Amen." 1Peter 5:6-11

Happy Easter friends! He is Risen, He knows and loves you deeply and wants a relationship with you.

One Word

I've been challenged this year to focus on one God given Word. Not a verse, or phrase, or rhyme. Just one Word. So far, the word honor has appeared in my mind and my readings.

But now after several days the word has changed to present. To be present in the moment, a human being presently enjoying life. Not a human doing. To be presented before God......

This is the foundation for my 2014 life strategy. Not a New Years resolution, but a life strategy that will ebb and flow and change and mold me.

I've chosen five areas I consider ones needing balance for my life to be God honoring.
Spiritual
Personal
Health
Career
Financial

As I reflect on the weakest areas in the list above, the two, (and no more than two) areas to be addressed first are health and financial. My next step is set a goal in each of these areas and then an action plan.

I also try to stretch myself each year by taking a class, or learning something new. In 2012 that was a statistics class, in 2013 I took an AWARE class by urbansurvivortraining.com.  Ladies you must attend this class! In 2014 I'll be attending a hunter's education class. My wonderful husband has introduced me to shooting sports and I thoroughly enjoy this with him. Not sure if I'll ever hunt, but we'd like to move into more of a self sustaining lifestyle, and this one step closer.
Side note, we also grew an incredible garden this last summer and look forward to that again year.
Stay tuned as I'll commit myself to using this blog to update my progress and potential areas for improvement.

Who knows? My one word my also change as the year builds itself out.

Challenge for you - what is your one word for 2014?

Discovering intimacy with God,
Sarah

Tough questions from my son

Merry Christmas son,

You'd asked me to research God's word on homosexuality. 

In the New Testament God describes the wrath against the behavior of the unrighteous in Romans 1:18-32. In this he lists unrighteous behavior. Righteous can be a word people twist and turn into a negative. Being righteous means right living with and for God through a personal relationship with Jesus His son, and the Holy Spirit who resides in the heart and mind of the believer. Loving people and not their sin. But there's the rub. God desires us to turn away from our sins and seek how He wants us to live and love. Some are called to verbally call out sin. Others are called to teach the scriptures where God will pierce the heart of the sinner. For me,  when I'm reading and studying God's word, my life reflects His goodness and other people are drawn to that. 

So my suggestion to you is to read Romans 1:18-32, and then read Ephesians 5:1-21, and then Philippians 4:4-9.  

Finally, so many people quote John 3:16, but miss the verses after:

God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that who so ever believes in Him shall have everlasting life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged (our sins are forgiven) he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

So in the end, try as we might we'll be sinners until we die. Only Jesus is perfect and we only become perfect when we die. But I prefer to be a sinner with a savior who loves me despite myself and who I'll spend eternity with. And one who doesn't say "oh it's ok if I do this sin, I'm forgiven". Nope. God doesn't play that game. He wants to help us through His Holy Spirit recognize sin and turn away from it. 

I love you and suggest you read 1 John. 

Effective prayer, a list

I attend a Calvary Chapel. This began during the Jesus movement and has grown with the grace of God and by the hand of the Holy Spirit. How do I know that? Because they stick to teaching the true Word of God verse by verse and live and apply His principles.
That said, google them and read about their faith statement.

But this is not a plug for Calvary Chapel. It's an introduction on how the one I attend has been focusing on prayer and it's purpose in our life as individuals and as a body/family of believers.
This morning as I was flipping through my bible to come to the devotional verses, I ran across a teaching on prayer in Acts. I sometimes get distracted when I see notes written in the margins and around the words in my bible, and this caught my eye as the title of my notes is effective prayer.

Turning to the NASB bible version:
24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, 25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,
AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
26 ‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,
AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER
AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’

27 For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. 29 And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4: 24-30

Effective prayer list. ( I love lists and the bible is full of them.)
1. Bask in how glorious the Lord is - acknowledge the big picture and how nothing exists that didn't come from God.
2. How powerful He is - you've got to move here Lord.
3. God is in control - always give place to God - look at verse 28. Praying His will.
4. Finally, pray for His words to be your words and not to interject your own will.

We should always put God first in our prayers. I think this is a relationship with my Lord and relationships are not one-sided. The other person likes to be acknowledged and told truthfully how wonderful they are - and the Lord our God is very wonderful.

I also know this isn't the only teaching on prayer in the bible. If you've seen others, share the scripture and your thoughts. I'm hoping to continue this journey over the next week, but am driving to Texas from Pennsylvania.

Blessings to you this day, keep looking for Him in your life and thank Him for who He is,
Sarah (DIG)

REALLY good turkey bacon

My first thought this morning was one of rambling on about this wonderful turkey bacon I found at Wholley's in the Strip district of Pittsburgh, PA. Thoroughly enjoyed it on my egg beaters sandwich made on a sandwich thin and with laughing cow cheese. (6 pts for those counting. :))
But God has something else He showed me this morning to share.

Following the theme from yesterday, I found this verse as part of a daily devotion on Proverbs I receive from John Stanko. His focus has been on wisdom and the link to his blog can be found to the right.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18, NIV

This described wisdom draws me in and spurs a desire to know more of His Word and apply it to my life. The wisdom spoken of in this verse can more simply be defined as God's Word, His verses and teaching in the Bible, Jesus' life and how He taught - preparing the disciples for building the foundation for His church. And they didn't even know that at the time. They thought he'd be the new king on earth.

But first, let's recognize in the verse that it is pure, and then the rest comes.

The word impartial in the verse jumps out at me. Am I being impartial as a member of His church? Am I welcoming all who come to hear His Word with a heart of impartiality and is it sincere? Most times when I've prejudged someone I've been way off the mark on who that person really is and what burdens they carry. I pray this year Lord, for an impartial heart so that sincere mercy may be received by those I come in contact.

Another question I ask myself is this - what have I learned and what wisdom am I gaining in order to be of use for His purposes?

Let's now read this verse in the New American Standard Bible translation and learn more. LOVE that.

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18, NASB

Reading a verse, or section of the bible in a different translation usually brings out more meaning. Revealing words this time are gentle and good fruits (how my God-given gifts are lived out in action and servant hood with a heart of compassion).

And I love the word unwavering.I've had the blessing of experiencing really good bible study leaders. Each of them would look up certain words to discover their deeper meanings. I looked up wavering and in Webster's Dictionary found the following:

1
: to vacillate irresolutely between choices : fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction
2
a : to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro : reel, totter b : quiver, flicker c : to hesitate as if about to give way : falter
3
: to give an unsteady sound : quaver

When it comes to God's Word living itself out in my life, I certainly do not want to fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction. I want to be unwavering - focused, certain of opinion, and want no doubt to my allegiance - to Him and Him alone.

So, turkey bacon? The brand is Godshall's, from Telford PA. I'm sure that's their last name, but how much fun is God to now show me their name. I hadn't looked at the package prior to writing this blog.

God-Shall this new year. Yes, He will. His Word and promises are true.

Blessings,
Sarah (DIG)

3 questions

I was asked two questions last night during the Wednesday night bible study at Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland County. The night's topic took us away from our normal study of Genesis, but was thought provoking and timely for the new year. So much so, it has spurred me to begin journaling again.

Question #1: Am I more Christ-like now than one year ago?
Yes and no was my silent answer after hearing the rest of the message.

Question #2: Do I follow Him closer?
My first thought when posed this question was, "well, if I'm not then I better answer question #1 more truthfully". But thankfully for me, I'd say a resounding yes. But then again, no.

I added a question this morning that I'd found in one of my previous journals.

Question #3: How do you define your relationship with the Lord?
This one stumped me. And if I'd not heard the message from last night, I would have answered it with bible verses and "Christian speak". Words and thoughts that make me feel better about being a Christian.

Last night we talked about our prayer life. This little church in Greensburg is spreading the Word and through it's faithfulness is growing not only in numbers, but in spiritual substance in the body of Christ. Now more than ever, prayer is required of each of us. And deeper than prayer, a personal relationship through prayer with Jesus.

Honestly, I fail at this in so many ways, and succeed in it in others. I do pray continuously as I know He's with me at all times through His Holy Spirit who resides in me. But I do not have a consistent time of prayer to lift up the important prayers in my life. It's become too easy to just spit out and throw up little prayers without much thought.

As we did last night, I look to my Savior for how to pray. I thank my brother Gary who taught, challenged us and gave us these verses.

"It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12
When have I gone off to pray? never. When have I spent a whole night in prayer, or even a whole day? never. The verse after this teaches that Jesus then chose his twelve disciples. He was bringing a very important decision before the Lord. He consulted with His heavenly Father before He chose. Instead of acting quickly with quick prayers, I'd like to commit to slow down and spend time in prayer seeking the Lord's will.

"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart". Luke 18:1
I easily lose heart when I don't see how God is working. I forget that the answer to my prayers is in His timing not my own. This verse tells me to continue to pray, or I will lose heart. And I have many times. Prayer brings me back to God's will for my life and for others, again, His timing, not mine.

The other verses are Luke 9:28, Luke 10:2, John 17:5, and ones I'd add to these -
1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16, and Philippians 4:6. I encourage you to look them up and read what the Lord has for you. You probably have your own too. Please share those in response to this post.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment." Philippians 1:9.

Happy new year,
Sarah (DIG)

Front row seat

Hi friends,
Normally I'm not a front row, or seat, kind of person.
I like to sit in the middle of the movie theater but on the aisle in case I need a "break" from the movie. Which is bound to happen as I like to drink the LARGE diet coke, or pepsi. Whichever is available I don't care.
I like to sit in the back at church. It strains my neck to look up at the screen for the words of the worship songs. I get to meet the interesting people back there anyway. Those "first-timers", or ones who were brave to come alone.
I like to sit in the middle of the airplane, aisle seat once again for the same reason as the movies, just either ahead or behind the wing so I can still see out and how far down the ground is. It feels stable to me.
I like to sit in the middle of a large dinner party with the big adult round tables that are decorated. Though this is a rare event for me.
I like to sit on my friend's garden swing and relax. In this case, I don't care which side, I just want a section.
You'll never find me stating my preference for a roller coaster. I don't ride those.

The only time I like to be in the front row, middle seat, is when God is in control and the Holy Spirit is doing business right before my very eyes. Brings me to tears each and every time.

Yesterday afternoon I had asked our Operations Manager at work if I could make an announcement of collecting items for an orphanage in Haiti. He immediately said no and was firm about how it wasn't company supported. I felt sad, but God convicted me to show him compassion and respect his decision.
Just now this same manager came to me and said he was bothered by his reaction and was thinking about my request all night. This morning as he drove to work he called me and I missed that call. Several times this morning we tried meeting, but were playing tag as the other was busy. After lunch we finally connected. He shared with me that the Holy Spirit convicted him to change his mind and that the request needed to be announced to give the people who work here the opportunity to help. He also had found out that one of our workers had family there they had not heard from yet.
I, of course, fought back tears as he shared. I later thanked him. Not for reversing his decision. But for the boldness, strength, and encouragement he displayed in confessing his faith. I GOT A FRONT ROW SEAT!
And so I sit here humbled once again that God would bless me SO much as to give me a front row seat to his divine work in others for others. wow! Thank you Jesus.

...which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 1 Corinthians 2:13

Blessing and love to you and prayer for your own "front seat".
DIG - Discovering Intimacy with God, DAILY

Carried you into exile

Friends,
Jeremiah 29:11-14 are verses the Lord gave me a few years ago. These are the kind of verses you underline and highlight in pink. They held the first promises I'd ever realized He had for me. At the time I was just discovering how He loves me and starting to search for His love and promises in the scriptures. As I read these verses today I realize I missed the point.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Beginning at the end - though he may not have purposed my exile, "he carried me into exile". He was always with me even when I couldn't see or feel Him. He wasn't next to me, he wasn't just in the room. He carried me in His loving strong arms when I couldn't carry myself and probably didn't want to go.
At first, I thought verse 11 should have been after verse 14. Shouldn't I be in exile and then hear of how he has plans for me that will prosper me and not harm me? But then it occurred to me the Lord doesn't make mistakes and maybe the reason verse 11 comes first is to give us hope as He knows the exile is coming. And possibly to comfort me with knowledge that He has a plan for me whatever the circumstances. Hope and security before the exile. Oh, yes, still hope during. A promise to take with me.

My thoughts now think of these verses in Matthew:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". Matthew 6:33-34

One more thing strikes me in these verses back in Jeremiah and this is the Lord's certainty that I "will call upon Him and come and pray to Him". He knows this desire in my heart and He tells me with assurity that I will call, come, and pray. I have in essence an invitation from Him. But the best part - "He will listen". When I seek Him with all my heart - He will be found by me. He's not playing with me, He is making Himself wholly available to me.
Warning - this post becomes sappy now...but this is my thought when I read this part of the scripture.
I picture the one I've looked for all of my life. The one I've sought and hoped for. The one when our eyes meet and I've found him, he's waiting to carry me off and have plans with me and not harm me. The one who goes with me into exile and is the one who gathers me. The one I spend my life journey. But this is so much more - this is my savior not an ordinary human being. This one loves me with no uncertainty. He not only goes on this journey of life with me, he promises everlasting life.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness," Jeremiah 31:3

Wherever you are today - being carried into exile, in exile, or realizing the promise of the plans He has for you...keep remembering to seek Him with your whole heart as He is with you and He loves you best.

Lovingly,
DIG, Discovering Intimacy with God

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning is one of my favorite phrases. It has come to mean solitude, quiet, peace, and rest when I say it outloud, or in my mind. Especially mornings when the air is crisp and smells fresh. The birds are singing praises and the Lord's sun is beginning to rise and awaken those He loves.
Whatever circumstances occurred the day before, all have new meaning the next day.

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
Psalm 149:1

So let's "sing to the Lord a new song" this Sunday morning and each day this week as each day brings "a new song" from the Lord in love to you. Watch for it!
Blessings,
DIG

Acrostic poem: Love

This is what happens when God wakes you up FAR too early.....(in my opinion)

My attempt at an acrostic poem:
I call it (now hear the chimes ting):

Early Rising

LOVE came in the form of His Son
Oneness with Him, our heart's desire
Victory was gained on the Cross
Everlasting life secured

May God Bless your Day and weekend.
- DIG

Perception

Jan Karon writes about Father Timothy Kavanaugh and his wife Cynthia in the The Mitford Series books. In the books are times when Cynthia states what she likes and Father Tim will say “What don’t you like Mrs. Kavanaugh?” Cynthia will then start a list of things she doesn’t like: flies during picnics, cold bathroom floors, impatient people, and knee-jerk reactions, (oh boy can I be guilty of those). (I made these up as I couldn’t find a quote of one of her lists and I’ve always wanted to list my own.) The lists are always simple, they are always different and she’s able to rattle them off. (Of course she is, it’s a book. But she gives the impression she knows exactly what she likes and what she doesn’t like and she can tell you right off. I admire this ability.)

I’d have to say for me, other one of the things I would list would be “holding a misperception about a person or experience”. This is a personality trait I believe we ALL share. Those of us conscious about it try not to, but still will. It’s also the easy thing to do, instead of finding out about the other person. Many times I’ve not liked someone because I held a misperception of why they behaved, or treated me, a certain way. And how wrong I have found out I have been. Usually that person is carrying a cross they haven’t revealed and it’s a heavy one.

A while ago I watched a movie with my daughter about a preacher and his wife. During one scene new neighbors were moving in across the street. As they both peered through the curtains to see who had moved in, they both were commenting on who they hoped the neighbors were not. The preacher said, “Why don’t you go over and meet them and invite them to church?” “I’ll make a pie this afternoon to take over,” said his dutiful wife. As she left the house to take the pie over, a man drove into the new neighbor’s driveway. When he got out of the car he was embraced and kissed on the cheek by the man moving into the house. There was also a boy on a bicycle in the front yard. The preachers wife saw this exchange and turned on her heel and went right back into the house. Later at dinner, she conveyed the exchange to her husband who then said “Why don’t you wait to invite them to church. We’ll see if they just show up.” You can imagine they thought the men were a gay couple.

A few days go by and she meets the boy outside. She asks about his daddy and then asks where is his mommy? The next scene shows her meeting, talking and laughing with the two men and boy in their driveway. Her husband is home watching through the curtains. She’s asked immediately when she arrives home what she’s learned. Apparently, the man is a widower and the other man is the brother of his wife. The preacher says “Did you invite them to church?” And she says “No, but I will when I bring a pie over.”

This got me thinking to the number of times I placed my own opinion and attitude onto someone before getting to know them and turned on my heel and headed back into my “safe house” (guarding my heart) with “my pie” (Jesus’ love) . Placing my will of judgement based on how the person looked at me, or behaved in a given situation, instead of trusting God to reveal to me who the person really is. When I have learned more about a person, then usually I’ve come to find out the person is just like me, needing, craving, desiring the love of our Lord who wants to love me and them beyond my imagination.

This is when prayer should kick in!

Love Songs

Friends,
A girlfriend suggested a year ago to listen to love songs as if my Savior was singing to me. This has deepened my love for Jesus and now I sing them back to him. They may not be "christian" songs per se, but the heart intent is the same if not a greater form of worship to Him, for me.

Entering QFC today at lunch, I discovered the grocery store music was just beginning Kenny Rogers singing "Lady". So bear with me. I immediately felt giddy and special and thanked my Lord for this special treat. While I was wandering the store "singing" this to myself, (and sometimes out loud), I discovered it was a duet. Parts of the song were Him, (my lover/savior/knight in shining armor/my Jesus) and parts were me, (princess/gushing with love and "special-ness").

Lady
Lady, I'm your knight in shining armor and I love you (J)
You have made me what I am and I am yours (me)
My love, there's so many ways I want to say I love you (J)
Let me hold you in my arms forever more (J)

You have gone and made me such a fool (me)
I'm so lost in your love (me)
And oh, we belong together (me)
Won't you believe in my song? (J)

Lady, for so many years I thought I'd never find you (me)
You have come into my life and made me whole (me)
Forever let me wake to see you each and every morning (me)
Let me hear you whisper softly in my ear (me)
In my eyes I see no one else but you (me)
There's no other love like our love (J)
And yes, oh yes, I'll always want you near me (J)

I've waited for you for so long (J/me)
Lady, your love's the only love I need (J/me)
And beside me is where I want you to be (J/me)
'Cause, my love, there's somethin' I want you to know (J/me)
You're the love of my life, you're my lady! (J/me)

Write me a comment and tell me YOUR favorite love song with Jesus! Or when God surprises you with His intimacy and where it happened. Because He will!

So, its time to go on Itunes and buy "Lady" to add my love songs with Jesus CD.

Blessings,
DIG

Email from God and Other Wandering Thoughts in the Wilderness

I just received another email from a well-intended friend. Its the kind of email that doesn't really DRAW me into the arms of God. It's a wishy-washy "let's feel good about God" email. It asks me if I'm struggling and then tells me God will make the struggling go away. Well, maybe God doesn't want the struggling to go away just yet. Maybe I LIKE to struggle and remain in God's arms for a little while longer. Maybe my struggling is intended to be a blessing to others and just needs to be.
The other piece missing for me in these types of emails is scripture. That is why they are wishy-washy to me. At LEAST back up the encouragement with His Word. Without it, I'm inclined to hit delete. So if you send me an email, and the email is "from God", don't forgot to include His Word. Then I might pray and consider that "yes, God is emailing me".

Ok - off that soap box and on to another. I'm sitting here looking out my front picture window and watching a mini-bike race up and down the street. The guy driving it is too big for the bike and is not wearing a helmet. Sometimes I feel like this as a parent. My thoughts and desires are too big for what my children are trying to accomplish and I should have put on a helmet. ha! That was a stupid analogy, but I like it. If I try hard enough, I may find a scripture that goes with this...hmmmmm....
Did you know the "armor of light" is talked about in Romans (13:12) and in Ephesians (6:11 and 6:13), the "armor of God". I had only thought Ephesians. But both refer to the Word of God. I love the dictionary/concordance area of my bible. God just taught me something new. So as a parent I need to put on the "helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". (Eph. 6:17)

Last thoughts. It's been awhile since I've written and my soul misses the connection I receive with God. For me, this is more of a prayer and telling Him my thoughts. Though He knows them, getting them out and written connects me closer to Him. This gives me a chance to reflect on the love He showers me with during my days. Saturday night was one of those moments with Him that amaze me. I was sitting with 500 other people at a convention dinner. Who does God sit next to me? A woman whose husband had died last summer and was being remembered that night. My first thought as we spoke and she shared about why she was there was...thank you Lord for the extra kleenex you prompted me to put in my pocket. At first she was hesitant to tell me about him, but as she relayed the story hope, courage, and bravery entered her eyes and her speech. She had never been to this convention, nor had shared this part of his life. She encouraged her son to have this with his Dad, but she stayed and managed their home. This coming year, she decided to go on a trip with her son that he was to take with his Dad this last October in 2007. They obviously did not make that trip. She is fearful and scared but is visibly excited to go. It's to South Africa on a photography safari. So far from home. But she feels she needs to for her son and for her husband's memory. I told her I looked up to her for her bravery and courage. Her response was "but I'm scared, but I know I need to do it."
"May God be with you" Is all I could say after that. What an incredible woman. To find courage in the midst of her loss. She reminded me of a quote I read in "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul",
"Then the time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

So here I go this Spring, risking to blossom in two areas I've wanted to explore - hunting and kayaking.
So, may God by with you as you "blossom".
- DIG

Dwelling within me

Ephesians 2.22 tells us: "and in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

How intimate of God. To build in us His dwelling place in which His Spirit lives. This verse is humbling. It points not only to the need for us to be submissive to his will ("in him"), but that He is doing the building. Our part is really fairly easy but unfortunately our own will can overtake the building project making it more difficult. But does it make it more difficult for God, or does He use it for his glory?

Recently over the holidays I had the blessing from God to share with my two nieces how his love has transformed me this last year . One was full of questions, the other sat and mostly listened . I danced in my heart after the encounter praising God and asking him to continue the work he is doing in their journey towards Him. But then disaster struck. (In my mind it was disaster, God had another plan.) In my own will and sin I fought with my sister. Ugh. She and I have never disagreed and it crushed both of us. Many days afterward this verse was given to me by God for my comfort; "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

God helped me clearly see the blessing of this event. My nieces saw in my sister and myself an argument bred from sin, confession of the wrongdoing, forgiveness, and how we continued on in love. This is how God accepts us when we come to Him. He forgets our sin and loves on us in ways we could never imagine.

So just as David said in the Psalms (139:7) "where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee in your presence?" I say to you Lord, thank you that I cannot flee, as even in my sin you are at work in my life for YOUR good.

My Pastor once said "Truth is the immune system of the believer". I encourage you, dig into God's truth (His Word and promises) and the Holy spirit will dwell in you too!
Blessings,
DIG - Discovering Intimacy with God

God with Us

The last couple of weeks have brought certain themes to mind; Love. Minnie Mouse and Proverbs 31. Snowflakes. But let's reflect on this year. Through two different bible studies, Jesus has revealed Himself in ways I had no idea existed in Him. This year has brought a paradigm shift, or better yet, growth in faith, in seeing Him as my lover (intimately near me, caring for me), more so than my Father (displinarian, teacher, leader). Sounds blasphemous when I read it, but after experiencing the year with Him by my side revealing Himself in ways I would never imagine, it reads true.

"...and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." Acts 17: 26b.

The Lord has blessed me this year beyond any year before. Sure there have been memorable years where He's blessed me with children. But this year, He truly blessed me with His presence everyday and everywhere He has brought me.

As the year comes to a close, Jesus once again is next to me opening my eyes to the beauty of family and their love. I have come to spend Christmas with my parents and left my children with their Dad. I didn't have to pray long to receive confirmation. I asked my children for their gift of this trip (guilt free) and received it generously from them.

And now I'm here and once again the Lord is here with me. He has softened my heart and I believe the hearts of those around me because He knows their appointed time. He has given us the gift of strength to seek forgiveness from each other and lay old stones aside. He has given us laughter in the face of stress and time to learn each other's hearts. He mostly has given us His grace and mercy with abundant free love pouring out from our hearts.

I thank you Lord for your presence, and ask you to remain to continue the work you have started in me. Illumine your light bright through me, and let's continue on this adventure as I will follow where You will lead and be amazed at your works.

The virgin will be with child and will give brith to a son and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

And He is with us this Christmas day and everyday!

Merry Christmas and I challenge you - when hugging a loved one, don't be the first to let go.

In continuous touch with God,

Sarah (DIG)

Early Morning Prayer

Hey, Lord!

Are you talking to me? Waking me so I can hear you clearly?
I'm listening as you are my one and only.
These early morning awakenings, I'll never understand.
But there is a definate reason as You hold them in your hand.
Sometimes there is a message from You.
Other times it is prayer for those You keep in my heart.
You love me in ways that bath me in Joy.
And I am grateful You have given me a heart and eyes to see and feel Your love.
You bless me Lord with the desires of my heart. I pray those desires are inspired by Your Word. For today Lord I pray,
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Amen.

Chipped

Last weekend I had woken up early and was able to spend time in God's arms. Being loved through His Word and guided by His teaching. These quiet times renew my soul and spirit. As I jumped up off the couch and bounced into the kitchen it occurred to me that I was behind in my schedule for the day. I had spent too much time with God and now my schedule wouldn't be completed.

I reached and then yanked on the pull for the kitchen window blind and this motion jerked the blind forward. This knocked one of my favorite vases into the kitchen sink and it chipped on the top edge. This is one of those moments you wish you could take back. From elation to sorrow in one motion I stood there and looked at the chipped vase. Immediately God nudged me to reflect on how this relates to how I love my children, my parents, siblings, friends, and coworkers. Those God places me in front of during the day and week.

In my haste, my words and actions can leave a chip in the lives of others. Moving forward too quickly with my life and not slowing down to remember those around me are placed before me for God's schedule.
In contrast, my words and actions can also leave others knowing they are loved by a God who first loved them. I can stop to remember what is on their heart and what prayers are important in their life. And I can also remember that God's schedule is the most important of all. He slows me down for a reason. His reason, His plan.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Living through Him, for me, is evaluating in myself, my motives and then my words and actions.

Are they edifying? Or do they leave the person chipped?

Are they thanking God for the love He has given me to then love others?

As I face another day, I seek Christ's love in His word so that I may apply it in my life to thank Him.

Blessings,
DIG (Discovering Intimacy with God)