Just a quick message to say Happy Easter and acknowledge Jesus on this special day. Based on evidence provided, Jesus died on the cross on the Friday and rose again Sunday. It's because of Jesus that I am free from my sins and free from a tainted life that would have lead to my death and an eternal life in hell. It is such an overwhelming feeling to know that God loves me that much that he would send his very own son to take my sin on himself to the cross and to experience the hell that was meant for me but God would never give up on his own son in the long term. God raised Jesus from the dead through the Holy Spirit. How amazing is that!?!
I hope you all have a fabulous long weekend celebrating the freedom we were given without even earning it.
God bless you all
Signing off,
Thankful Christian
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday, September 14, 2013
One Year To Date
September 15th 2013. A year ago to date my life was flipped upside down and inside out. As I sit and reflect on the hardest year of my life, grieving all that was lost and thinking of my Heavenly Father who truly has sustained me, picked me up when I couldn't stand and held me tightly during many sleepless nights I just want to use this time to truly thank God for loving me so much. My marriage has gone through one of the biggest tests I could imagine and yet here we are a year after confession still in this partnership. All though distance is currently between us due to work we are both feeling the depths of the pain caused and realise just how blessed we are to even be in this fight together.
Today for me, has a double meaning to it because in one hand it's my husbands day of freedom. To never be trapped ever again. In the other hand it's where what I thought was a beautiful life and marriage with general bumps in the road became something unrecognisable. Today I'm going to let the pain be as real as it is and the victory as real as that is as well. It's all in Gods hands and honestly who else's hands would I rather it be in!?! He is the creator of all, they are some pretty safe hands to entrust it too I recon.
Life will continue to go on and one day very soon I hope there will not be a sting to this chapter of our lives. God has big plans for us which he has already put us on the path to helping the less fortunate. I know deep down that I will be okay, we will be okay but for now I'm just going to BE....
I pray for all the marriages going through something, their very own trials. May you trust God with all of it, surrender it to him and ask him to come in heal and restore the broken parts. He already knows what you need, he's just waiting to hear from you. He loves you so much he sent his only son to die for all of us. Isn't that amazing!!!
God Bless you all,
Broken hearts become healed hearts!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
A Proverbs 31 Wife
The Wife of Noble Character
A spoken word from the mother of King Lemuel
Proverbs 31:10-30
I'm going to spend a bit of time on the above scripture today and I guess give a clearer understanding of what is meant of the "Proverbs 31 wife". I'm sure there are many women who would appreciate this being interpreted into something more relatable for today's society so I'm going to give it ago. Let's start off by breaking down each verse.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
- This verse is quite simple really. A noble woman's value is much more than just material things or her outwardly appearance. It's truly about what's on the inside.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
- Self explanatory really. Her husband trusts her and believes full heartedly in her capabilities as a helper.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
- She is a faithful helpmate who uplifts her husband with her words and actions. She is respectful and helps him to be a better man through Christ, Jesus.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
- This is where things begin to get interesting because the vast majority of us are no longer sewing garments for our families however, we do clothe our families by finding good deals and doing the legwork to find them.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
- Most wives and/or mother's usually do the grocery shopping right? I'm sure there are a few husbands out there doing this or sharing the duties as well however, my focus today is on the women. As women we usually search for affordable deals and healthier options for our families and sometimes that may mean travelling to organic produce markets etc. Even in today's society we are still doing this.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
- I'm personally not a mother as yet but I do provide food for my husband and make sure that there is food prepared for him after he has finished a hard day at work. I am a homemaker, at times finances can be limited and as a helper I do my best to come up with nutritionally balanced meal options with whatever ingredients we have in the house.
As for the mother's out there, you are champions! I've played a motherly role whilst doing a nanny position a couple of years ago where I had to get up much earlier than the child so I could be showered, dressed and ready before he woke up. I then would have to make lunches, organise school bags, sort out breakfast and then wake him up and get him ready for school and then drop him off. This is all before 7:30am. Not to mention the rest of your daily chores such as either going to work or back home to clean, look after the younger children and then prepare dinner all before having to pick up the child/ren from school again. Oh and did I mention pay the bills, take children to appointments and do the grocery shopping as well!?! Mother's have a lot on their plate!
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
- I would relate this to buying a house. Generally it's a joint decision between the husband and wife however, a lot of times you find that the wife deals with the nitty gritty stuff like, following up the loans, putting in an offer and filling out all the paperwork for settlement etc. In today's society there would be a lot less women being able to just afford a "field" on her own savings however, I'm sure if we could, we would!
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
- Pretty self explanatory. Women whether they are homemaker's (with or without children), paid workers or both are always working vigorously to meet the needs of their loved ones.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
- Her "trading" could be either the paid worker who helps provide an income to the family salary and/or the homemaker who is vigorously working in the home completing the many chores. In regards to the "lamp", bills are being paid in a timely fashion.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
- Again this is like verse 13. Majority of people aren't doing too much sewing unless it's their hobby or they happen to be really talented at it and have started a side business. Majority of today's society, especially in Western society buy their clothes from affordable outlet stores or online.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
- Most people would do their best to help out the less fortunate if they could. I won't say all because there are many people male and female out there that turn a blind eye to those in need but a Proverbs 31 wife see's those in need as an opportunity to serve The Lord. Some people don't have much time t0 spare however, they can provide financial assistance and other's cannot afford to provide the finances but can definitely volunteer their time.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
- This one can be tough simply because everyone economic standards are different and some people are really struggling to keep a roof over their families heads and on the other side of the spectrum there are people being able to give their families anything and everything they ever need. I think it's important to note that a Proverbs 31 wife would aim to have her family dressed in warm clothes and in a warm household but even if she couldn't provide those things due to circumstances, I can guarantee she would give her own warm clothes off her back to keep her children warm if she had too. The one thing to take note on is that a Proverbs 31 wife shouldn't fear because she knows that God will provide if she puts her full faith in him.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
- Some women may sew bed linen and/or clothes but the majority of us will be sure to buy those things so our families are warm at night.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
- This one could relate to your husband being respected in the general community and/or at church and through his strong, faith centred foundation he has become a respectable member of society.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
- Maybe you have a side business you run from home, baking, making things that you can sell and you help provide an income or maybe you work a part time job. This obviously isn't for everyone in today's society and I think we need to remember that we play a unique part in the "whole" body of Christ so sewing or making things may not be your God given talent. We cannot have everyone completing the same tasks in life otherwise there would be parts missing.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
- Let me tell you, women are STRONG! We are put through a lot in life and we still continue to bounce back with our heads held high, especially Christian women. We may come across as timid, or taking direction from our husband but boy do you have it all wrong! We are the helpmate, we are what keeps this ship afloat. If it weren't for women, men would be lonely and things would fall apart. (That's not to say men are weak or can't do things, NO!) God saw that Adam was lonely in the garden of Eden and needed a helper. If God could see the important role we would play then I think it's important to acknowledge what God saw within us before we were even created. We can laugh even during some of the toughest times of our lives and that ALL Christians because this is only our temporary home, we are waiting to return to where we belong. This world is fallen, expect fallen things to happen but hold your head high knowing that you are a precious child of God!
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
- You ever noticed that women just seem to have that "natural" intuition? Well, I have and I know it's that because we are generally more the emotional being, we seem to be more in touch with our senses and more in touch with The Holy Spirit who dwells in us. I can't tell you how many times The Holy Spirit has warned me of dangers in my marriage before me even knowing about it. That nagging feeling on your heart, it is there for a reason. It is Gods way of showing us what we are facing and if we acknowledge it correctly in prayer he will direct us in how we can approach the situation. The important thing to remember is, it's all about the approach. Whether The Holy Spirit is warning you of a bad financial situation, a friendship, illness or even a marriage issue please pray on it and ask for guidance. When we don't we can come across as nagging mother's to our spouses and that is not what God intended. You have to be wise in all things you do. It's important to stay in the word of God, keeping the word on your tongue and in your heart. It will help with the times of trials. The more we learn from the word the wiser we will become.
- This one could relate to your husband being respected in the general community and/or at church and through his strong, faith centred foundation he has become a respectable member of society.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
- Maybe you have a side business you run from home, baking, making things that you can sell and you help provide an income or maybe you work a part time job. This obviously isn't for everyone in today's society and I think we need to remember that we play a unique part in the "whole" body of Christ so sewing or making things may not be your God given talent. We cannot have everyone completing the same tasks in life otherwise there would be parts missing.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
- Let me tell you, women are STRONG! We are put through a lot in life and we still continue to bounce back with our heads held high, especially Christian women. We may come across as timid, or taking direction from our husband but boy do you have it all wrong! We are the helpmate, we are what keeps this ship afloat. If it weren't for women, men would be lonely and things would fall apart. (That's not to say men are weak or can't do things, NO!) God saw that Adam was lonely in the garden of Eden and needed a helper. If God could see the important role we would play then I think it's important to acknowledge what God saw within us before we were even created. We can laugh even during some of the toughest times of our lives and that ALL Christians because this is only our temporary home, we are waiting to return to where we belong. This world is fallen, expect fallen things to happen but hold your head high knowing that you are a precious child of God!
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
- You ever noticed that women just seem to have that "natural" intuition? Well, I have and I know it's that because we are generally more the emotional being, we seem to be more in touch with our senses and more in touch with The Holy Spirit who dwells in us. I can't tell you how many times The Holy Spirit has warned me of dangers in my marriage before me even knowing about it. That nagging feeling on your heart, it is there for a reason. It is Gods way of showing us what we are facing and if we acknowledge it correctly in prayer he will direct us in how we can approach the situation. The important thing to remember is, it's all about the approach. Whether The Holy Spirit is warning you of a bad financial situation, a friendship, illness or even a marriage issue please pray on it and ask for guidance. When we don't we can come across as nagging mother's to our spouses and that is not what God intended. You have to be wise in all things you do. It's important to stay in the word of God, keeping the word on your tongue and in your heart. It will help with the times of trials. The more we learn from the word the wiser we will become.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
- This relates to number 25. Women are strong and we can be an amazing helper if we follow God's pattern for our lives. It's a woman's role to not only support her husband in his decision making, to support his many dreams but it's also our job to watch over the affairs of our households. As husband and wife, brother's and sister's in Christ it is ALL our jobs to keep one another accountable. Nowhere in the bible does it say that a woman should just allow her husband to rule over her, we are equals to our husbands it's just that our husbands have a lot more responsibility on their shoulders. They have to answer to God if they lead their families astray, that is their responsibility, not ours. However, we are to definitely in a loving manner show them the errors of their ways and vice versa. It's no walk in the park ladies and gentlemen. Not eating bread from idles can be many things in todays society such as not getting involved in things that don't glorify our God as an over all perspective.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
- Isn't this just a beautiful picture!?! Oh, I could just live in this blessed bubble all the days of my life.... haha. Okay back to reality we go. Yes, there will be moments in our lives where our children for those of you who are mothers will acknowledge you with love and affection. Big open armed hugs running towards you, telling you that "you're the best mummy/mommy in the world!" There will be those beautiful moments when your husband acknowledges your hard efforts and tells you, "You are the most beautiful woman in the world, I love you dearly" and your heart will melt. However, there will be the times when you're butting heads with your spouse and your children seem like absolute crazy little people who seem to despise you..... at least this is what I hear... Welcome to the real world people!! Let me tell you these are all normal because we live in a fallen world with fallen people who are selfish and self absorbed and yet somehow we have to come together and make this caos work. Only through Christ Jesus who gives us strength!
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
- Look, we all like to believe this is so and maybe just maybe this is how our husbands view us.... Husbands if you don't you better start believing it because God has blessed you with an amazing woman. She is your treasure. If you treat her as such you will reap the benefits. You reap what you sow. Anyway ladies, we need to remember the importance of amplifying our God, not ourselves. The word "humble" comes to mind. We are all equals in this world, all given many God given talents to use to help one another, not to "outdo" each other.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
- I think that this verse is one of my favourites. One thing we have to realise is that the world we live in is setup to make us all fail. It's setup to cause women of all ages to have a self image problem. Beauty is fleeting. We are all going to get old throughout the days of our lives and if we continue to put our focus on our outward beauty we are going to become very distraught as time goes by. That is why it's important for us to clearly understand that our identity is in Christ, not in the latest fashion, what size clothing you wear, whether your hair is kept a certain way, whether you caking on a gag load of makeup or whether you keeping up with the latest fashion. As Christians, we should know better than to be so caught up in all these earthly things. Now, I'm not saying be a dag because the bible does talk about keeping yourself neat and tidy but there is WAY too much emphasis in the church these days on keeping up with latest trends. I see it all the time. I think it's time we start to put things in perspective a little more, truly accept our shortcomings, look to God for wise counsel on these matters especially what is acceptable to wear in public. You see it's our job as Christians to set the example not only for our younger brothers and sisters in Christ but also for the nonbelievers. What kind of message are you sending out to the world? Are you saying, I'm secure in who I am and that I don't need to be acknowledged based on my looks and what I wear because I know my worth in Christ OR are you saying I'm just as insecure as you nonbelievers, I fill the emptiness with your cheap compliments that hold me over only for a minute? Are you glorifying your God or are you glorifying your insecurities which we know only come from the enemy and are worldly things. Something to think about right?
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
- I spoke on this in number 29 in regards to a husbands acknowledgement for all her hard efforts. I think it's also important as women to remember to not "go fishing" for compliments either. That comes from an insecurity issue as well and trying to get that ego boost or for someone to see your hard efforts. It's important to remember that we are doing the duty God set out for us and that we are to glorify God through our works and be happy that we did it for him, not for anyone else. If your husband notices well, bonus but don't let it be the focal point.
Phew! That was a lot to run down on. I think ultimately we have to realise that the Proverbs 31 woman if she lived today would be a "superwoman" beyond recognition and that it doesn't really give a realistic view on people as a whole. The other thing to remember is that this specific scripture was more so intended for the view of what Christ is to the Church. So if we are to all play our God given, individual talents, each having a part in the total body of Christ then it would look something like the above scripture. We would all be working together to glorify our God as a team, bringing more people to Christ. Either way, remember you are GREAT! You are beautifully and wonderfully made! We all have areas of growth that God will work on with us over time. This life is a journey, not a final destination. Our final destination is back in the arms of our loving daddy in heaven where the worries of this world will just slip away!
God Bless You!
A work in Progress!
- This relates to number 25. Women are strong and we can be an amazing helper if we follow God's pattern for our lives. It's a woman's role to not only support her husband in his decision making, to support his many dreams but it's also our job to watch over the affairs of our households. As husband and wife, brother's and sister's in Christ it is ALL our jobs to keep one another accountable. Nowhere in the bible does it say that a woman should just allow her husband to rule over her, we are equals to our husbands it's just that our husbands have a lot more responsibility on their shoulders. They have to answer to God if they lead their families astray, that is their responsibility, not ours. However, we are to definitely in a loving manner show them the errors of their ways and vice versa. It's no walk in the park ladies and gentlemen. Not eating bread from idles can be many things in todays society such as not getting involved in things that don't glorify our God as an over all perspective.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
- Isn't this just a beautiful picture!?! Oh, I could just live in this blessed bubble all the days of my life.... haha. Okay back to reality we go. Yes, there will be moments in our lives where our children for those of you who are mothers will acknowledge you with love and affection. Big open armed hugs running towards you, telling you that "you're the best mummy/mommy in the world!" There will be those beautiful moments when your husband acknowledges your hard efforts and tells you, "You are the most beautiful woman in the world, I love you dearly" and your heart will melt. However, there will be the times when you're butting heads with your spouse and your children seem like absolute crazy little people who seem to despise you..... at least this is what I hear... Welcome to the real world people!! Let me tell you these are all normal because we live in a fallen world with fallen people who are selfish and self absorbed and yet somehow we have to come together and make this caos work. Only through Christ Jesus who gives us strength!
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
- Look, we all like to believe this is so and maybe just maybe this is how our husbands view us.... Husbands if you don't you better start believing it because God has blessed you with an amazing woman. She is your treasure. If you treat her as such you will reap the benefits. You reap what you sow. Anyway ladies, we need to remember the importance of amplifying our God, not ourselves. The word "humble" comes to mind. We are all equals in this world, all given many God given talents to use to help one another, not to "outdo" each other.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
- I think that this verse is one of my favourites. One thing we have to realise is that the world we live in is setup to make us all fail. It's setup to cause women of all ages to have a self image problem. Beauty is fleeting. We are all going to get old throughout the days of our lives and if we continue to put our focus on our outward beauty we are going to become very distraught as time goes by. That is why it's important for us to clearly understand that our identity is in Christ, not in the latest fashion, what size clothing you wear, whether your hair is kept a certain way, whether you caking on a gag load of makeup or whether you keeping up with the latest fashion. As Christians, we should know better than to be so caught up in all these earthly things. Now, I'm not saying be a dag because the bible does talk about keeping yourself neat and tidy but there is WAY too much emphasis in the church these days on keeping up with latest trends. I see it all the time. I think it's time we start to put things in perspective a little more, truly accept our shortcomings, look to God for wise counsel on these matters especially what is acceptable to wear in public. You see it's our job as Christians to set the example not only for our younger brothers and sisters in Christ but also for the nonbelievers. What kind of message are you sending out to the world? Are you saying, I'm secure in who I am and that I don't need to be acknowledged based on my looks and what I wear because I know my worth in Christ OR are you saying I'm just as insecure as you nonbelievers, I fill the emptiness with your cheap compliments that hold me over only for a minute? Are you glorifying your God or are you glorifying your insecurities which we know only come from the enemy and are worldly things. Something to think about right?
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
- I spoke on this in number 29 in regards to a husbands acknowledgement for all her hard efforts. I think it's also important as women to remember to not "go fishing" for compliments either. That comes from an insecurity issue as well and trying to get that ego boost or for someone to see your hard efforts. It's important to remember that we are doing the duty God set out for us and that we are to glorify God through our works and be happy that we did it for him, not for anyone else. If your husband notices well, bonus but don't let it be the focal point.
Phew! That was a lot to run down on. I think ultimately we have to realise that the Proverbs 31 woman if she lived today would be a "superwoman" beyond recognition and that it doesn't really give a realistic view on people as a whole. The other thing to remember is that this specific scripture was more so intended for the view of what Christ is to the Church. So if we are to all play our God given, individual talents, each having a part in the total body of Christ then it would look something like the above scripture. We would all be working together to glorify our God as a team, bringing more people to Christ. Either way, remember you are GREAT! You are beautifully and wonderfully made! We all have areas of growth that God will work on with us over time. This life is a journey, not a final destination. Our final destination is back in the arms of our loving daddy in heaven where the worries of this world will just slip away!
God Bless You!
A work in Progress!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
What would you do with a do over?
My husband and I are going through and have gone through a lot of trials in our marriage and we had both gone through struggles before marriage. Like most of you, this life hasn't been a walk in the park. Most of you realise that life's struggles catch up with you at some point or another. If your life is pretty amazing at the moment, truly thank God for his blessings upon you. Pray for wisdom and strength to help you endure the future struggles that will at some stage come your way. If you are currently in the valley of the shadow of death where things seem so hopeless, thank God for the stretching of your faith and stay hopeful knowing that it can't last forever!
There are times my husband and I talk about the life we are looking forward to in heaven and being hopeful that we will still be really close friends up there. You see, life here has been such a strain on both of us and we are just looking forward to the eternal life of joy. We joke around about when God creates the new world that we'd get a proper do over on our marriage free from the reminders of the tainted, hurtful past we are having to overcome and just being like innocent, sinless children who have nothing but love for one another is what we would desire.
As we all know, God gives us many opportunities in this life to put things the way they are meant to be. Only problem is I can never forget the devastations of this life until I leave it so that is why I speak of a literal do over. You see, my heart will always choose my husband, in this life and in the next. My only problem is that in this life I cannot seem to let go of the wrongs done to me. Now, I understand forgiveness and I have to practise it daily but no matter what, some things just cannot be undone. Life is not how I saw it going for my husband and I but I guess it's important to remember that this life is not my own.
So anyway, this hypothetical scenario is the acknowledgement of my little girl dreams. It is where I get to hold my hope because hope for this life I currently live in has been lost. Maybe and prayerfully it's only temporarily but either way it isn't what it once was and God only has the answer to my problems now and until forever. I know in my heart of hearts that God wants me to carry joy wherever I go but I'm afraid that light that use to burn so bright inside of me is now a little flame. Not completely blown out but it's on it's way out but it's in Gods safe hands. The next move belongs to him...
Wouldn't life be nice if we could have a literal do over in this lifetime? I know I'd be the first to jump at it but instead I just have to do the best with what I've got. I know that my life and marriage is in God's hands and that he will turn all our hurts and pains into something beautiful because God will not let us go through these struggles without having something more beautiful to look forward to on the other side. Problem is having the patience to wait for God's perfect timing. It truly shouldn't be that difficult since it's in perfect timing but yet our weak fleshly ways keep us crying out for the changes to come much sooner. I know we as a couple struggle with this.
So I guess what I'm getting at is that I understand how life can be a struggle beyond a measure you thought you'd never be able to deal with. You are not alone. I am there right alongside you but more importantly, God is there with you. Walking you through the hardest and biggest obstacles you may be facing right now. Don't give up, even though you feel like there is no other way, there is a way..... It's God's way! Look to the heavens, give thanks for the things he has provided and have hope for the things yet to come.
God Bless!
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
There are times my husband and I talk about the life we are looking forward to in heaven and being hopeful that we will still be really close friends up there. You see, life here has been such a strain on both of us and we are just looking forward to the eternal life of joy. We joke around about when God creates the new world that we'd get a proper do over on our marriage free from the reminders of the tainted, hurtful past we are having to overcome and just being like innocent, sinless children who have nothing but love for one another is what we would desire.
As we all know, God gives us many opportunities in this life to put things the way they are meant to be. Only problem is I can never forget the devastations of this life until I leave it so that is why I speak of a literal do over. You see, my heart will always choose my husband, in this life and in the next. My only problem is that in this life I cannot seem to let go of the wrongs done to me. Now, I understand forgiveness and I have to practise it daily but no matter what, some things just cannot be undone. Life is not how I saw it going for my husband and I but I guess it's important to remember that this life is not my own.
So anyway, this hypothetical scenario is the acknowledgement of my little girl dreams. It is where I get to hold my hope because hope for this life I currently live in has been lost. Maybe and prayerfully it's only temporarily but either way it isn't what it once was and God only has the answer to my problems now and until forever. I know in my heart of hearts that God wants me to carry joy wherever I go but I'm afraid that light that use to burn so bright inside of me is now a little flame. Not completely blown out but it's on it's way out but it's in Gods safe hands. The next move belongs to him...
Wouldn't life be nice if we could have a literal do over in this lifetime? I know I'd be the first to jump at it but instead I just have to do the best with what I've got. I know that my life and marriage is in God's hands and that he will turn all our hurts and pains into something beautiful because God will not let us go through these struggles without having something more beautiful to look forward to on the other side. Problem is having the patience to wait for God's perfect timing. It truly shouldn't be that difficult since it's in perfect timing but yet our weak fleshly ways keep us crying out for the changes to come much sooner. I know we as a couple struggle with this.
So I guess what I'm getting at is that I understand how life can be a struggle beyond a measure you thought you'd never be able to deal with. You are not alone. I am there right alongside you but more importantly, God is there with you. Walking you through the hardest and biggest obstacles you may be facing right now. Don't give up, even though you feel like there is no other way, there is a way..... It's God's way! Look to the heavens, give thanks for the things he has provided and have hope for the things yet to come.
God Bless!
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Off Topic Friday!
I thought it'd be nice once a week to just set aside all the strenuous focus on what God is or isn't doing in my life right now and just enjoy the day for what it is. Sometimes, I can get so caught up in what painful experiences I've been through, going through or waiting on Gods many promises.
So, today Im just going to rant on about the small things in life. I woke up this morning and it was pouring with rain. I figured it'd stop soon enough but it's one of those days where it just won't seem to give up. It's days like today that I'm so glad that I'm a stay at home wife where I can stay curled up in bed, under my blankets and stare out the window watching the rain fall, seeing the grass getting greener before my very own eyes, leaves falling, branches swaying in the wind, the sky is so dark and gloomy and not a person insight. I can hear the sound of the rain on the roof. It's very therapeutic! Now all I need is an espresso coffee in hand along with a good book (dreaming much) and this would make for a wonderful day. So winter is here and I was thinking, what things do you like to do in winter? Me personally, I'm not a fan of winter and its cold ways but I try to do my best to be content during these months. Besides watching movies or going to the movies, reading, staying in, eating warms foods at home or at a restaurant, dressing in numerous layers, sitting by the fire, drinking warm tea/coffee/cacao and catching up with friends/family what else is there? I don't know but either way those things sound pretty darn good to me!
It's truly amazing that God is present in all seasons of our lives. The fact that we can find peace even in the midst of a storm or joy in the midst of turmoil. God is always present, just as he is for me today as I enjoy the shelter and warmth he provided me with whilst being in oar of his many creations.
Hope you are all staying safe and warm today!
God Bless!
Stopping to see the beauty.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
When God Comes Through
Hi Fam! Sorry it's been a few days since I've written a blog but I must tell you, I truly wait for God to implant something on my heart before I just start typing away. I allow the Holy Spirit to direct my blogs so when I'm a little on the quiet side, this is why.
"After a storm comes a rainbow"
Going back almost 8 months ago I was given a few visions that were just amazing, especially considering the timing. If you go back and read "Double the Trouble and Double the Fun" you will see that I talked on visions that were provided to me during a very rough time in my marriage and one of those was the conception of our twin baby boys. The other which I'm going to spend a little bit of time talking about today is the vision of my husband and I providing "Christian marriage counselling" for those whom God sends our way. In regards to the "twin babies" vision, this one we are still waiting on patiently and staying faithful for.
Anyway, I truly need to explain the depth of this Christian marriage counselling vision for you to grasp just how amazing our God is. So, 8 months ago my marriage was hit with one of the biggest storms I've ever been through to the point where I thought my marriage was going to end. I couldn't see a way that all things were going to workout for the greater good. One lonely night after the storm had hit, I couldn't sleep, my head was flooded with pesky images, thoughts and emotions. I was exhausted. I was broken and my world had been torn apart but in the midst of this emotional crisis, I began to see the first image as if I was watching a movie and it was the vision of our twin boys at the park with my husband. The next vision was of my husband and I providing Christian marriage counselling to other couples. The vision showed my husband and I sitting in our lounge room and across from us was another husband and wife scenario with the woman crying and the man trying to comfort her. All I could think was, "why am I seeing this?" "What is the purpose of this?" "This marriage is doomed, so why now God?" "Why are you showing me the children I will never have?" "Why am I seeing a vision of my husband and I counselling others?" These visions rushed through my head over and over again. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night, nor the following weeks to come.
As time went by I wrestled with God, trying to understand why he would allow the devastations that happened to hit our marriage. I continuously spoke out to him saying things like "God, if you loved me then why would you allow this to happen?" "God, I don't want to be a marriage counsellor because that means I'm going to be reminded ALL the time of the past failures in my marriage." "Why do I have to do this?" The "why" questions flooded my mind for months and months on end. A part of me felt as if God had failed me as my father. It was truly a painful and ugly place to be in. Anyway, what I can tell you now, 8 months later is that God is sooo AMAZING! Not only is he healing my marriage and he's restored my husband and I back to our original image and value through the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ but he's showing me, guiding me and teaching me how to accept my new found destiny.
Over the last month, my husband and I have had a few couples reaching out to us, asking for Godly advice. Do you see the vision God planted on my heart 8 whole months ago is coming to life!! I'm not saying that we are qualified in an educated sense in this area however, we have walked through the valley of the shadow of death and we are out the other side but only through Christ who has given us strength. It's absolutely amazing. It's truly mind blowing. God truly sticks to his word. He is so faithful.
I spoke on asking the Holy Spirit into your life during my "Tormented by the Past: 3rd and Final" blog and how I had the most beautiful and amazing revelation of God through the Holy Spirit. During my conversations with the Holy Spirit I asked him whether my husband and I should start studying "Christian Counselling" since this is the direction God wants us in. I explained my hesitation and that I don't get the sense that God wants me to because I have been wrestling with the idea of studying for sometime now. The Holy Spirit, giggled and said: "Renee, haven't you already been counselling others? If God wanted you to study you would have already been there. God can make ALL things come together for his eternal plan. Rely on him. Trust him and he will see to it that this all comes to light." Amazing right!?! Well, what can I say, it's begun!
I can tell you, it hasn't been smooth sailing in the sense that there is still a part of me that "wishes" that this wasn't a part of my life because reliving past hurts can be so painful and frustrating. I know that one day I'm going to wake up and the past hurts are no longer going to have that nasty sting attached to them and that is the day I'm truly looking forward to. However, I also feel so privileged that God believes in my husband and I with these amazing peoples lives and helping them through their struggles. I find myself thinking, if only there were more people on the positive side of the spectrum coming to us so that we could do more on the preventative measure than the crisis mode stuff but I guess we all have a season or two of crisis mode.
My point is that as long as we are truly relying on God he will come through for us. It may not look like how we want it to, it may not be in the time frame we desire but it will happen. If God has given you a word or a vision hold on tight to those things and NEVER let them go because God will provide for you as he is for me. Just keep your eyes set on God. Show him your dedication and do the things you can whilst waiting for him to come through with his promises. NEVER GIVE UP!
God Bless,
Storm Fighter!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Tormented By The Past - 3rd and Final
Hi brothers and sisters, if you haven't read "Part 1" and "Part 2" please do so, so that you can keep up to date with God's amazing healing abilities. May God bless you all!
As you may have noticed I've written that this blog on the series "Tormented By the Past" is going to be my last on this topic. There has been a huge transition from where I was to where I am now. As I'm writing you, I'm trying to think what things truly helped with my letting go of past hurts and disappointments and I know this is going to sound a bit cliche but truly it was God's amazing blessings partnered with determination.
Honestly, when you are so broken that the only thing that is going to get you out of a really bad situation is relying on our Heavenly Father, he truly steps in and does the rest for you. When I truly opened my heart and gave him the key, he was able to step in and work his miracles. There has been a complete shift in my way of thinking from feeling like a victim to knowing that I'm a survivor. One of the biggest pieces of advice I could give you is to focus less on your problems at hand and seek out God in everything you do. What I mean by that is, when we spend so much time focusing on our problems we allow them to become a much bigger problem. You are breathing life into the ugly and that is exactly what satan wants us to do. When you redirect your focus on God you are strengthening that relationship which decreases the strength of your current situation.
Philippians 4:8:"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
This was not an easy journey for my husband and I but I have learnt so much from our season of suffering in the valley. I'm not saying that bad days won't come from now on because that would be a lie but I know with all of my heart and soul we are on the other side of this thing. I know who I am and that my identity is in Christ and never again will anyone steal that from me.
What I can say is that through our trials, especially the extremely severe broken foundational trials is that unless you go through it, you will never understand just how painful it truly is. Also, when you've been through such devastation you will be amazed at the true connection you have with your Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Before this season of suffering, I had never really experienced Gods "REAL" love. I was working to please him which is truly a waste of time because we cannot make him love us anymore or any less than he already does. I had never really experienced that deep connection with the Holy Spirit until now. I can honestly hear his pure and soft voice that dwells within me. He's such an amazing counsellor and I expect that over time that voice will be heard more frequent and a lot more clearer.
As I was spending time in prayer a few days ago I invited the Holy Spirit into my conversation and I couldn't believe what I was hearing!! At first I was sceptical but he truly expressed things that no one else knew, he quoted biblical verses that not even I had read before and he even explained the importance of testing the spirits. It was so fascinating. He explained things in our healing journey, he gave clear instructions and told me when this season was going to come to an end. The fact is that, the Holy Spirit who dwells in you is real. He wants a relationship with you. He wants to speak to you on behalf of God. He is so loving and so trustworthy. For some people, experiencing the true depth of the Holy Spirit seems so distant and impossible but I'm here to tell you that he is real and he is just waiting for you to seek him out. It may not happen straight away but stay persistent. Faith will always be the driving force. When you have an abundance of faith in Christ, Jesus you will be amazed at the miracles you start to see big and small.
All though I have been through many trials in my life already, I realise that God has had a plan and purpose for all of our shortcomings all along. He truly is turning it all around for our good. I still have some smaller hurdles to overcome but all things through Christ are possible. The fear that was driving me beforehand is no longer a strong presence in my life. I no longer feel like the woman trapped in a bubble or in fear of running into people to the same degree I was before. I have a sense of purpose and direction and I've become a woman after God's own heart. May God bless you all and do the same for you. Life is one big journey that God takes us on, removing the fruitless things in our lives and replacing them with blessings. Sometimes, in fact most of the time that isn't a painless process but stay focused because there is a purpose for your suffering.
God loves you!
Tormented No Longer!
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