ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG DROP?

"I don't know, is it a big drop?" It was too late when he began to wonder. He was securely strapped in. The log floated and bumped it's way through the water. It was his first trip to Disneyland. He'd seen the drop before getting on. From a distance it didn't seem so bad, but as the anticipation began to build, fear set in.

I often find that when I begin to focus too much on what's up ahead instead of living in the moment, the anticipation builds up fear and anxiety. It floods my trust and peace.

Today, stay focused on Jesus. Stand peacefully in the moment, noticing the things He's trying to show you. God is more than capable of handling tomorrow. Pray. Stay in the now...right where He has you and pay close attention. Soak in His Word. He will reveal Himself to you in the everyday things of life. A beautiful sunrise/sunset. A bird singing outside your window. A bright flower opening to the morning sun. A butterfly, once a crawling caterpillar now transformed...gracefully soaring. Be filled up with awe and wonder. You are loved. God is good...all the time!

TAKE A MOMENT AND LISTEN TO WHAT GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU:

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

The Vultures

My week had been a difficult one as I faced many possible upcoming changes along with an ongoing issue with a loved one. My heart was heavy and I knew that having some alone time with the Lord, surrounded by His beautiful creation was exactly what I needed to calm down and get filled with His truth. 

The wetlands surrounded me as I made my way down the trail. I stopped and noticed two vultures sitting amongst several varieties of nesting birds. They were attempting to appear unassuming and harmless, just hanging out...waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

After I walked a long distance and was just about to turn around to head back because my to-do list at home was a mile long...I felt the Lord prompting me, "Keep going, I have something to show you." I noticed a bridge about a mile up ahead and decided to continue on until I reached it. Just as I turned, a beautiful pelican with an enormous wing span glided right next to me, his wing almost grazing my right shoulder. I thought, "Wow…that's amazing!" He continued his low flight until he was a few feet past me and then soared overhead. 

I finally reached the bridge and stood watching the beautiful, endangered, California tern circle overhead, squawking and dive bombing into the water in search of food, coming up empty time and again but never giving up. He knew there was food for him, he just needed to keep seeking. I stayed for a while, enjoying the view and thanking God for reminding me that He provides for my needs, I cannot quit, give up or stop seeking Him, for He knows exactly what I'll be facing and what I need to make it through the day.

But wait! Just when I began to head back, the Lord had more to show me. A woman came walking towards me and stopped me in my tracks, saying, "Did you see that?" "No what?" I curiously replied. She went on, "There was a seagull who had a large dead fish in his mouth when all of a sudden, a vulture flew up. The seagull didn't budge!" Raising her eyebrows in excitement she said, "I wanted to yell, GET OUT OF THERE before he hurts you…drop the fish! Then all of a sudden, a second vulture flew in. The two large menacing birds were surrounding him, but he still stood his ground. I couldn't believe it!" She paused as I said, "Wow…that's crazy!" Then she moved closer to me and with a knowing look said, "That seagull had some kind of power to be able to stand up against those two vultures!" She smiled and walked away, just like that.

I got a little teary eyed, thanking God for another reminder of HIS TRUTH. With God on our side, we have nothing to fear! "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Life's vultures may be surrounding you...sickness, hopelessness, addictions, people, unforgiveness, doubt and fear. But God is with you, telling you to stand your ground in Christ. Stand against surrounding vultures reminding yourself, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 
Remember today to pray, read God's Word and let Him take care of you. You've been redeemed! You've been restored! You've been forgiven! Let go and let God!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

WHY vs. TRUST

It's often easy to say the right words, declaring your Trust in God and Jesus Christ. But when troubles come, (sickness, finances, loss, hurt) we often struggle to continue Trusting. The Trust is somehow replaced with, "WHY?"

We question, "If God loves us, how can He allow these things to happen to us? What lessons haven't we learned or have yet to learn? Why is He allowing these difficulties that seem unbearable, unimaginable in their weight and intensity?"

During these times, even though we're unable to know the reason behind it, one thing remains true, God is with you in the midst of it. He is the one you need to continue to cling to, Trust in and rely on to see you through it.

Wavering Trust leaves room for doubt to creep in; doubt moves to despair; despair leads to eventually taking matters into your own hands...thus telling God that you can handle things in your life better than He can.

God's timing may not be our timing. He may step in at the last possible moment, when you feel like you're being crushed. He may allow you to go through difficulties but show you His unending Love in the midst of it...carrying you Lovingly through each day. Moving you closer to His ultimate will and plan for your life. When the "Why's" begin to surface, spend some quiet time with God, just as Jesus did when He needed strength to finish His journey. His Love will encompass you, strengthening you, body, mind, and spirit...leading you to Trust in Him through the "Why's," knowing that He has you safely in the palm of His Hand. 

"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

Psalm 27:7

"Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge a strong fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth."

Psalm 31:2-5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Unmistakable Image of Christ

Hiking two mile's, 800 feet up, to the top of the glorious, Seven Sacred Pools waterfall; braving the slippery, treacherous rock path over the river. Standing in awe, gazing at the beauty in front of us, we realized the journey was worth it. The sight of the waterfall, cascading hundreds of feet over the rocks, plants and moss, took our breathe away. It wasn't until we got home however, when my husband, while looking through the pictures we'd taken, saw something even more glorious than the waterfall. It was unmistakable. It was in almost every single shot. The picture, taken with my cell phone
was the most brilliant.

At the bottom of the waterfall, on top of the water, the image of Jesus Christ, clothed in a robe of white, with His arm extended upward, toward Heaven.

We didn't notice it while we were there, right in front of it. It wasn't until we stepped away and looked at it from another view. Through the lens of a camera, were we able to see this incredible 

picture of Christ. We were overwhelmed and consumed by so many things, 

we missed His image right in front of us.

In your life, you may not know why things are happening, as you view the situation from close-up.  But God's View, is All Seeing, All Knowing, All Powerful. Seek Him and His View of your situation. Step back and ask Him for His Strength, Comfort, Courage and all consuming Love. He will fill your heart with a Peace that will enable you to view things differently than you would relying on your own strength and limited view.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9 

This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.' 
2 Chronicles 20:15  

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

QUILT HOLES

author unkown

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me . Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up
their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame . I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Father, bless all my family & friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

"In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."
Psalm 71:1-8

In the Midst of It

I sometimes think that when things continue to go bad in my life, the lesson I haven't learned is to let go. I'm not able to control everything, I need to turn it entirely over to Heavenly Father. Yes, easier said than done I KNOW! But I've learned to read the scriptures every morning before I start my day (there is incredible power in His word) and pray throughout the day when I become overwhelmed.

I think of how Paul was able to sing praises to God while he was locked in prison, beaten, tortured and still find the peace to sing in the midst of it.

How Daniel, a faithful servant, would not stop praying to God even though he knew he could be killed, he prayed boldly, with the windows open for all to see. He was thrown into a lions den, never worrying or doubting, just praying with continued faith in the midst of his supposed imminent death. He was saved through his unwavering faith and trust.

Job, a faithful man, who was stripped of his wealth, homeless and riddled with sores and wounds, was told by his friends and wife to curse God and die, but he refused. He continued on in faith and trust knowing that it was for a purpose in which he didn't understand. He was eventually blessed beyond his wildest dreams.

God's own son, our Savior Jesus Christ, bled from every pore and suffered and died on the cross for our sins, shouting out in his darkest hour, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Ultimately saving each and every one of us through the power of His sacrifice.

God could have stopped each of these events, but every situation was for a purpose, a purpose beyond our comprehension. We can now read these historical stories in the Bible and see why they happened. We have these past examples to help us get through our difficulties. It serves as a reminder to constantly pray, read the scriptures, and lean on the Lord in our darkest hours, for He alone can ease our pain & suffering, bringing us to a place where we can even sing His praises in the midst of our trials.

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
Hebrews 4:1-2

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case - things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:9-12