Thankful Thursday! Relationships......

Today a very dear friend sent me the following story and I just had to share it today:
Fable of the porcupine

It was the coldest winter ever and many animals died because of the cold.
Some porcupines, realizing the gravity of the situation, decided to group together to share warmth.
This way they were better covered and protected; however - the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and soon after they began to die, alone and frozen.
So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.
Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to accept the little wounds that were caused by these close relationships, in order to benefit from
what their companions offered. It was this way that they were able to survive and thrive. Moral of the story:

The best relationships are not ones that bring together perfect beings,
but are instead ones where individuals learn to live with the imperfections of others and can still accept the gifts they have to offer.

This reminded me of church family and friends.


Just as the following scripture reminds us:
1 Peter 2:21-23 (New International Version)

21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."[a] 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

I'm thankful for my amazing Christian family that love me enough to hold me close - even when I wound them with my words and actions!

In Christ and still growing,

Holly :)

Tuesday's Truth! God's word is forever Inherent

Isn't it wonderful to walk in the knowledge that all things written in the word of God are true and will stand forever? That it isn't just a story book or someones opinion but the Inherent WORD OF GOD! That makes me go WOW..............................

I had a devotional this morning speaking about commitment, engagement and marriage and have posted just a small portion of it below:
Think of the engagement and wedding rings you gave your Fiance' or your Wife. How would you feel if she discarded them and chose to move on to other relationships? I see your resolve about commitments. Therefore I have honored and will continue to honor you. You see, My commitment to you is forever. My eternal covenant with you will never change. Your commitment to obedience and faithfulness is a beacon
light that never flickers nor fails.
Be like Moses. Numbers 12:7 (NASB) "Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household."

This was such encouragement to me! I walked through a Marriage where the other partner chose to leave and then an engagement that went the same way. For a very long time I played the blame game on myself and tried to be Lord and not forgive the sins that helped cause these relationships to end......

Today I'm thankful for the one in my life that will NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME.... Aren't you? We can have hope in the fact that if we are striving toward him and his ways - walking in obedience to his word - that he will lead and guide us in the way we should go.....

WHAT COMFORT and oh my..........WHAT PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hugs,

Holly

Fearless Friday! Dying to Live

I have a very good friend that recently wrote a song that is titled:
DYING TO LIVE FOR YOU!

Yesterday I couldn't get the song out of my head.... I sang it all day long!
It speaks about the fact that as Christians we are dying daily to our flesh and
sinful nature in order to live for Christ... AWESOME SONG BY THE WAY KEVIN!!!!!! :)

It says that He paid the price and made the sacrifice in order that we might LIVE FOR HIM~~~

Just as Colossians 3:5-6 says: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

Its a constant war against sin - isn't it? Today I have many loved ones on my heart that need the Lord and his mercy!

Please join with me in prayer for our loved ones that are still walking in their own strength but DESPERATELY NEED THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD!


Have a blessed weekend,

Holly

Thankful Thursday: 10 Things You Don't Know About Me!

1. I'm very short.......... 5' 1" and a 1/4.....lol
So this must mean I'm not really chubby - just short!!!!!!!!!

2. I still love my ex husband... I know... weird - huh?
in a Godly love and as the Father of my children and Papa to my new Grand babies!
Sooooo - my salvation prayer for him is very dear to my heart as he is a huge
influence in my Son's life!

3. I love to barrel race horses! At age 47 and a bad back - I can't race them any
longer - but I still love doing it and watching my Dad (who is 70) still runs
them! AMAZING......................

4. I was blessed with two amazing children that I love dearly... Son and Daughter.
They have blessed me with a Grand Daughter and two little men!!!!!!! Nana's
bundles of joy!!!

5. I do not like to SHOP.... crazy, huh?

6. I was named after my Aunts... Polly (which is where Holly came from) and
Gertrude Rebecca (which is my middle name - Rebecca).....

7. I miss my Momma with all of my heart. We lost her 12 years ago..... Amazing
LADY!

8. I enjoy the beach and SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would love to retire to Colorado
or anywhere that the sun shines most days!

9. I'm fearful of ever getting married again... Its a desire of my heart... BUT
I have a fear of it not working out once again.... Still growing in that area.

10. I finally love the Lord FIRST! Amen............

I of course love the family of God as well............ Many of you woman have blessed my heart in great ways. I found Lynn at unequally yoked marriage a few years back and she encouraged me to join a study! Blessed and healed my heart in many ways! Thanks again Lynn for reaching out and caring.... Love ya girl....

Hugs,

Holly

Gratitute Wednesday: Thankful heart

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.


Today I am just grateful for SALVATION! I'm thankful that His Spirit is in me and bringing about sanctification... If it weren't for the Lord, there is no way on earth I would ever choose the right way or His way!

This week has been a very very hard and long week (I know) its only Wednesday, lol....
But through his grace - I am strengthened and can do all things. Knowing this brings amazing peace to my heart.

I'm grateful that I have a Savior that knows my needs and cares about my smallest thought.....

Grateful this Wednesday for the fact that I'm his child and he loves me in spite of me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Holly :)

Keeping My Eyes On The Lord

Today just seemed like one of those days.... Where none of my projects at work seemed to work out correctly - I felt crabby - out of sorts..........BUT GOD, right!

I had a devotional in my email that focused on this scripture:
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

That was soooo good for me today! At times I become very impatient with others but expect them to be over and above patient with me....... .

I'm learning slowly - to just take that 2nd breath - realize that we all fall short and focus on the fact that the more I practice walking confidently and boldly in obedience is when I will surely start reflecting more and more of Christ.

Hebrews 5:8
Although he was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which he suffered!

WOW... makes me reflect that my small suffering is NOTHING IN COMPARISON!

Hugs,

Holly

Fearless Friday: Family Tragedy

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Today I'm joining Angie at Fearless Friday for prayer - please look at the request and join us as well.....


This past week we had a neighbor shoot himself.... We formerly attended church with this family in the past and he was a 2nd cousin to my Son in Law.

Such a sad situation and they most certainly need the Lord to comfort and restore them..... Please remember them in your prayers!

In Christ,

Holly

Thankful Thursday: Consistency!

Consistency:

James 1:5-8 (NASB) "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double -minded man, unstable in all his ways."

I am not sure about the rest of you.... But I have always struggled with remaining consistent in my walk. At times I would know for certain I was on task and right where the Lord wanted me doing his perfect will, while at others times felt totally in my flesh doing what pleased ME.

Today I'm thankful for just being able to stand. To stand on his word. To trust in his word and to know that as long as I'm running the race to please and serve him that he will be there with me. I have reached a place in my life that I do not yet have direction as far as if I will ever remarry or if I will remain single and at one time that filled every vacancy in my mind. It was a huge fear that I would end up all alone! That woman was a double-minded woman. Tossed to and fro running from one solution to another.

I'm thankful this Thursday that I still don't know the answer to that question but I have amazing peace in just resting in the Lord! I felt a huge tug at just taking a few steps back and waiting and trusting. So this is what I have done!

I HAVE FAITH THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL AND BEING THE LIGHT TO MY PATH, JUST AS HE HAS PROMISED!

In Christ,

Holly

I will not be moved: Song for the day!

This song was on my heart for today - so I'm singing along with Natalie Grant to remain steadfast and STAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


"Will Not Be Moved"

I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why...

[Chorus:]
I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

[Chorus]

And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved

[Chorus]

GIVING UP MY DREAMS IN ORDER TO SEE HIS!

“When we are going through desperate, difficult times, the hardest thing can be hearing the voices of condemnation, rejection, and shame from others. The Enemy – the accuser of our brothers – loves to use people to kick us in the stomach when we’re down. The Enemy loves to use our sin to condemn us rather than allow us to hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit . . . Jesus silences the condemning voices and commands them to leave. Listen to the kindness in His voice as He says in
John 8:10-11.” Today I am joining Loni for "In Other Words"...........

This morning during my prayer time I was reflecting back on past thoughts and dreams that I had for my life and what I thought it would look like by the time I was this old! LOL

I would have never dreamed that I would have gone through a divorce, then an engagement that ended after a two year courtship and now a single Nana to 3 amazing little blessings from the Lord! I pictured it more like the picket white fence scenario where my Husband and I were perfect and nothing could have ever knocked us off of our feet.

But God knew where the river of life would take me and he also knew at which point in my life I would look up and cry out for his forgiveness and grace!

Its such a blessing to my heart to know that I can trust in Him to guide my way:
”A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

This morning when I prayed I had to smile when I thought about my dreams compared to his dreams! It brought peace when I repeated the following scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)
and Isaiah 58:11 says: The Lord will guide you continually!

So for today Ladies............I am willing to let go of my dreams in order to discover his amazing plan! I have a dear friend that is working on a great song that speaks about dying to live for Him.............I just think that sums it all up.. Giving up our rights and our desires to seek what his perfect plan is for our lives and how and where we can serve the Lord!

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}

Holly

The Harvest

My Daughter Kate took this photo yesterday morning while hunting on our farm. Just brought to mind the following scripture:

Matthew 9:37-38 (American Standard Version)

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Just seemed to follow my heart this morning when she sent the photo to me! Isn't God amazing in how he speaks to us through his creation! Just like the sun rising over the field.........It can speak in to our hearts softly and bring to mind his WORD!

This photo definitely spoke - The harvest is indeed plenteous!

Holly

Restoration!

Psalm 71:20-21
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Today my heart is saddened for a family that recently endured tragedy! What do we
do in this life when we feel like we can't go on? That no one cares for our heart?
Where do we have to turn to?

I'm so thankful I now know the answer to those questions! I'm certain we have all had times in our life when we felt we were at the bottom of the pit - stuck in the mud and couldn't see a way out. Today I'm very aware that we have someone that is always with us - loving us and YES running toward us with arms wide open to draw us back into his protective care.

Another fact that is pounding in my heart today: How many of us are reaching OUT OUR ARMS? This is what saddens my heart the most. We have so many souls that are crying out "does anyone care"? Christ commands us to CARE and to LOVE on others.

He has assured us that in this life we will have times of troubles, right? So if we can learn from these times of trial and testings in our own lives and realize WHO IT WAS THAT BROUGHT US THROUGH THE FIRE..... Can't we use the test to become our testimony for Christ.......

Today I am praying that each time something breaks our heart in this world that it will call us to ACTION..............to SERVE.............to LOVE!

In Christ,

Holly :)


I'm joining Meet me on Monday

Questions:

1. Do your pants get hung on a hangar or folded?
Folded in my closet

2. If you are stranded on an Island, what 3 things would you need to have with you (not including humans or electronic devices)?
Bible
matches (Just don't think I could start a fire like a boy scout) LOL
sunscreen

3. Where is the farthest you have ever traveled to?
Cancun, Mexico
4. Do you live in a house, trailer or apartment, etc.?
I live in a house on a farm......

5. What is your most hated household chore?
Washing the windows

I DESIRE TO PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT! NOT JUST BE FRUIT.......LOL

Life by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I know its a lot of scripture today, but I felt the need to remind myself what the true fruit of the spirit is. Our hearts can be so selfish and isn't it the desires of our heart that lead us to sin? The word says in James that all conflict is a result of not getting something that we desire!

I so desire to produce the good fruit of the spirit..... Not just walk around being FRUIT! :)
I can never be Godly just by going around trying harder. It will never happen. The more I focus on God and his amazing sacrifice though, the more I just naturally reflect his spirit.

Hugs and have a great weekend,
Holly

Thankful Thursday: We need one another!

Today I am thankful for good and Godly counsel in my life. God has planted me in a body of believers that I feel are walking out being the "church"....

The Lord says: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14

I'm thanking God for that safety. For men and women that are allowing God's word to infiltrate their heart so deeply that we are striving to become disciples of Christ. LOVING ON HIS PEOPLE!

On my way home last night from cell group... I stopped in my drive and notice the sky. It was absolutely amazing... It made me reflect on just how insignificant I am and how AWESOME GOD IS. Does he use us for his purpose - of course he does! But without him, I am absolutely nothing!

It made me so appreciate where he has me. That I'm surrounded by other like minded Christians that care deeply for one another!
No one is able to fully comprehend the leading of God on their own because we all have our weaknesses. Sometimes they are referred to as “blind spots” and they affect many decisions we make. These are the places where we are especially vulnerable to deception.

So today I'm thankful that I have fellowship with an amazing circle of counselors to help me see my weaknesses and encourage me to keep on running the race and fighting the good fight of faith!

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Holly

Makeover of the Heart - Week 3

I'm joining Tracy Berta from "At the Well" for her bible study over the heart......


She asked that as you sit quietly before the Lord, ponder these:
• Has there ever been a time in your life when you doubted God’s plan or His timing? Have you come to trust in His plan for your life? What did God teach you through this experience?
• Do you have any hidden wounds that need to be healed?
• Is there someone you need to forgive (including God or even yourself)?

For the first question... Most definitely! During a recent break up I had to battle my way through doubt/fear.... Hoping and praying that the Lord's plan and timing would line up with MINE! I spent over a year on my face, praying, trusting and learning... What did I learn? :) OH MY.... That God is good all the time. The outcome was not what I desired in my heart. The answer was NO to my many nights of prayer and tears. BUT GOD... But God taught me how to trust him - even when I am not seeing results, even when I do see results and they aren't what I desired!
I know that I know... HIS PLAN IS PERFECT and GOOD!!

Do I have hidden wounds. NO...........I reveal my wounded heart to Godly counsel. I allow the word to penetrate my heart. Do I still have wounds and scars.. OF COURSE... But the blood of Christ is much bigger than my hurt or pain. I know that if I'm placing him first in my heart that he is CONTINUALLY HEALING ME!

Is there someone I need to forgive? Yes.... I wake up daily forgiving them... turning the hurts over to God and the main person is myself. I SEE MY SIN BIG.... at times I try and carry it and then realize that I'm trying to be God in place of God..... If God has forgiven me. THE SIN IS GONE. FORGOTTEN.

So as for me.... GOD IS ON THE THRONE FOR TODAY and prayerfully each and every day as I walk out my life in Faith and just try the best that I can to pick up the cross and allow the Lord to lead!

Great study,

Holly