Broken For God!

What if?

2011-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

This song touches my heart and just felt like posting the words:
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Courtesy of lyricshall.com
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Praying that each of us learn to trust in the Lord in the bad times just as well
as we do in the good.

Hugs,

Holly

WHEN WE DESIRE DIRECTION

2011-09-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Psalms 37:3-4 (NASB) "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord ; And He will give you the desires of your heart."

Trust in the Lord and do good! Lately I have found myself dwelling on things instead of laying all things in the Lord’s hand. God is the only one capable of handling the important details of our lives. I tend to over analyze things when I know the truths of the bible.

If my thoughts are not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy as Phillipians 4:8 speaks of then it is time to get my thoughts to line up with what the word tells me to think on.

When we desire direction from God, what do we do?
I know from experience that it is our nature to think on a certain issue at hand, then possibly run to others and talk about our issues and if we aren’t careful we begin to let negative thoughts take root in our heart and risk becoming bitter and not better from the experience.
Today I pray that the following scripture may touch someone’s heart as they have mine today and gently remind us that no one is perfect and we all fall short of the glory of God~

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

Proverbs 2:6-9
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course.

Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left'

What to do when we feel wounded

2011-09-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

How many times have we been offended or hurt at our church?

I’m sure each of us has experienced hurt or disappointment in others. What do we do during these times? Do we withdraw from others or do we run to God and his word for the answer?
I find peace in searching the scriptures and asking for direction from God.
God’s word reassures me that we are all IMPERFECT PEOPLE and that our early Brothers in Christ weren’t perfect either and boy does that help when I’m struggling with
every day life…..  The scripture below is a good example of Peter walking in his own flesh and not walking and trusting in what Jesus was teaching:
Paul Opposes Peter
11But(U) when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him(V) to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For before certain men came from James,(W) he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing(X) the circumcision party. 13And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that their(Y) conduct was not in step with(Z) the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas(AA) before them all, "If you, though a Jew,(AB) live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"

Did this cause the Lord not to love Peter or refuse to use him any longer? NO…..
God responds with mercy and forgiveness just as we should respond that same way.
The danger that I do see in this scripture though is that the sin of Peter even caused
Barnabas to be led astray?

What do we do then?
Ask God to help us feel concern for someone who wounds or disappoints us. Then pray for him or her. Prayer can change things! I know that at times I can become prideful and start trying to pick the specks from my Brothers eye and not see the log hanging out of my own. It is my prayer today that God direct each of us and grants us wisdom and understanding to his ways and not our own!

Why do we Pray?

2011-09-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

Why Do We Pray?
We had this discussion at our cell group last night and I became passionate over some of the responses…….. I believe that all scripture is the word of God. that James 5:16 is telling us that our prayers are heard and they are responded to by a God of MERCY AND GRACE. In James it says “ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Searching scripture this morning and I realize it is much - but we can't just pull out parts of the scripture - I think its important to know the "whole portion" that we are discussing in order to hear what God was saying at that time and to us today.
God's Character NEVER CHANGES..... He is Sovereign... But do our prayers cause him to
choose mercy, forgiveness, patience???? Do our prayers change our own hearts to line up with his will?
Dear Lord.... It is my prayer that you bring light to your word and cause us to understand your perfect ways and grant us wisdom and knowledge as we seek you with all of our heart!

11And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people(Q) despise me? And how long will they not(R) believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? 12I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I(S) will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."
Moses Intercedes for the People
13But(T) Moses said to the LORD, "Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for you brought up this people in your might from among them, 14and they will tell the inhabitants of this land.(U) They have heard that you, O LORD, are in the midst of this people. For you, O LORD, are seen face to face, and(V) your cloud stands over them and you go before them, in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. 15Now if you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard your fame will say, 16'It is because the LORD(W) was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness.' 17And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, 18(X) 'The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty,(Y) visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.' 19Please(Z) pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just(AA) as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now."
God Promises Judgment
20Then the LORD said, "I have pardoned,(AB) according to your word.

2 Kings 20
Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
1(A) In those days(B) Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD,(C) 'Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.'" 2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3"Now, O LORD,(D) please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and(E) with a whole heart,(F) and have done what is good in your sight."(G) And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: 5"Turn back, and say to Hezekiah(H) the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father:(I) I have heard your prayer;(J) I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, 6and I will add fifteen years to your life.

1 Chronicles 21
David’s Census Brings Pestilence
1(A) Then(B) Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, "Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number." 3But Joab said, "May the LORD add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord’s servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?" 4But the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. 5And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were(C) 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. 6(D) But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.
7But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 8And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please(E) take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly." 9And the LORD spoke to Gad, David’s(F) seer, saying, 10"Go and say to David, 'Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.'" 11So Gad came to David and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Choose what you will: 12either(G) three years of famine, or three months of devastation by your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, pestilence on the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.' Now decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me." 13Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man."
14So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. 15And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw, and he(H) relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, "It is enough; now stay your hand." And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders,(I) clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 17And David said to God, "Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people."
David Builds an Altar
18Now(J) the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19So David went up at Gad’s word, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. 20Now Ornan was threshing wheat. He turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out from the threshing floor and paid homage to David with his face to the ground. 22And David said to Ornan, "Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the LORD—give it to me at its full price—that the plague may be averted from the people." 23Then Ornan said to David, "Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all." 24But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 25So David paid Ornan(K) 600 shekels[a] of gold by weight for the site. 26And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD[b](L) answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 27Then the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.
28At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. 29For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering(M) were at that time in the high place at Gibeon, 30but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
Exodus 32
The Golden Calf
1When the people saw that Moses(A) delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him,(B) "Up, make us gods who shall(C) go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." 2So Aaron said to them, "Take off the(D) rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." 3So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4(E) And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden[a] calf. And they said,(F) "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" 5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron(G) made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD." 6And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And(H) the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up(I) to play.
7And the LORD said to Moses,(J) "Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have(K) corrupted themselves. 8They have turned aside quickly out of the way that(L) I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'" 9And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold,(M) it is a stiff-necked people. 10Now therefore(N) let me alone, that(O) my wrath may burn hot against them and(P) I may consume them, in order that(Q) I may make a great nation of you."
11But(R) Moses implored the LORD his God and said, "O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12(S) Why should the Egyptians say, 'With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from your burning anger and(T) relent from this disaster against your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you(U) swore by your own self, and said to them,(V) 'I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.'" 14And the LORD(W) relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.
The People of Nineveh Repent
6The word reached[c] the king of Nineveh, and(F) he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth,(G) and sat in ashes. 7And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh,(H) "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor(I) beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8but let man and(J) beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God.(K) Let everyone turn from his evil way and from(L) the violence that is in his hands. 9(M) Who knows? God may turn and relent(N) and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish."
10When God saw what they did,(O) how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.
Jeremiah 18
The Potter and the Clay
1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2"Arise, and go down to(A) the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words." 3So I went down to(B) the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4And the vessel he was making of clay was(C) spoiled in the potter’s hand, and(D) he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
5Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6"O house of Israel,(E) can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD.(F) Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will(G) pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken,(H) turns from its evil,(I) I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will(J) build and plant it, 10and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.

Hosea 11
The LORD’s Love for Israel
1(A) When Israel was a child,(B) I loved him,
and out of Egypt I(C) called(D) my son.
2(E) The more they were called,
the more they went away;
(F) they kept sacrificing to the Baals
and burning offerings to idols.
3Yet it was(G) I who taught Ephraim to walk;
I took them up by their arms,
but they did not know that(H) I healed them.
4(I) I led them with cords of kindness,[a]
with the bands of love,
and(J) I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and(K) I bent down to them and fed them.
5(L) They shall not[b] return to the land of Egypt,
but(M) Assyria shall be their king,
(N) because(O) they have refused to return to me.
6(P) The sword shall rage against their cities,
consume the bars of their gates,
and devour them(Q) because of their own counsels.
7My people are bent(R) on turning away from me,
and though(S) they call out to the Most High,
he shall not raise them up at all.
8How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
(T) How can I make you(U) like Admah?
How can I treat you(V) like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
9I will not execute my burning anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
(W) for I am God and not a man,
(X) the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.[c]

Speak to your Storm

2011-09-20T07:49:00.001-07:00

DEUTERONOMY 30:19
19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and
cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your
descendants may live;

This scripture speaks to my heart. The Lord gives us choices.
We have the freedom to choose and the responsibility to choose.

All throughout the New Testament we read examples of where God warns us to resist the devil. So if the devil is still playing a part in our lives – do we say “The devil mad me do it” or do we accept responsibility that we CHOSE TO DO IT?

I know in my daily life I often make choices that are based on my own fleshly desires instead of the word of God and his commands.

So instead of blaming God for the situations that we end up in that are messy and in need of repair, we actually accept the responsibility of our choice that landed us there. Would that change our hearts?

Is it fair to expect God to do what he has called and required us to do?

We have to speak to the storms in our own lives. We can’t blame God for the wreck if we aren’t speaking to the storm.

MATTHEW 12:36-37
36 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,
they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
37 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words
you will be condemned."

Lord help me to not speak idle words but words that edify and build up others!

When We Are Weak

2011-09-01T08:33:00.001-07:00

MATTHEW 26:41
41 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into
temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

SAY THIS: I will "pray through" every day.
It has been quite some time since I posted anything from the heart. For a time I thought that maybe writing a journal on a my blog wasn't really necessary. Today I believe that any time we can lift the name of Jesus HIGH we should do just that.
Many times we become busy with life, ministry, family, friends and forget why we are doing those things. Is it not to bring glory to the King. To allow others to see Christ in us by our actions and our love?

Today it is my prayer that I will walk that narrow path of Holy living in order to bring glory to God and that others may desire what I have. People in our lives may not always understand our heart for the Lord. They may even attack us at every turn because darkness never enjoys the light shining on their sin...... BUT GOD!
What joy when the Holy Spirit knocks on their heart and they actual respond! Is it not worth it to witness that? :)

Today we may each have a situation that is causing us to want to react in the flesh, but God has called us to a higher calling. His word promises that if we keep watching and praying that we will draw on the strength of the Holy Spirit within us.

Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Prayer

A holy life requires daily prayer. God expects us to have a daily prayer life. Through prayer we receive strength and Spiritual guidance from God.

It is my prayer that this devotional helps remind you in a gentle way to seek the Lord daily, just as it has my spirit.

In Christ,

Holly :)

FOCUS

2011-06-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

COLOSSIANS 1:18
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have
first place in everything.

Does Jesus have first place in your life and in your schedule? If
not, why not? True Christianity is not a religion based on rules and rituals,
but a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

I struggle in this area from time to time. I can get caught up in trying to do right and not sin. Is that what I should be doing? I really do believe I should focus more on God instead of my sin. The more I focus on God the less I naturally sin. Again I’m reminded that I can’t do anything in my own strength but I can do all things through CHRIST.
It is only through his spirit working in me that I can be pleasing to him. I can’t earn it or do enough good deeds to merit his grace.

This morning one of my devotionals asked this question: Do we serve something or someone as a substitute to Jesus?

We can even become BUSY with doing good things for God and leave out the most important ingredient.

I don't want to waste my time focusing on my failures and dwelling on my sin. God is more than capable of taking my sin and forgiving me when I do make mistakes and fall short! Its as simple as confessing,asking for his forgiveness and praying that the Holy Spirit dwell in my heart BIG in order to live a life that is pleasing to God.
I’m praying that today we can each have the same focus in life and that our main focus will remain to be JESUS!

Hugs,

Holly

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-02T06:09:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about my struggle with the ole flesh! This morning I read this scripture:
2 KINGS 6:17
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes
that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young
man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses
and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

What we see with our physical eyes is not all that's happening. Isn't God always right on time?
This mornings scripture assures my heart even more that just because I may see and think one thing, doesn't mean that God isn't at work behind the scenes working on others hearts just as he does mine.

It is easy to focus on what we see instead of walking in faith believing those things we call out. Believing that our Sons and Daughters are saved and claiming that. God tells us that we must ask BELIEVING, not doubt that he can ever answer us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ACTS 26:18
18 'to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are
sanctified by faith in Me.'

This is my prayer today. That God would open the eyes of my loved ones (and me) to see his truth and his light. To share that light with the world and the unlovable. Way to often we love the ones that love us back.

I'm reminded today that this is not what Jesus calls us to. He calls us to love those that are our enemies even.

Thankful this Thursday for the Word! For his gentle reminders as he speaks softly to my heart any time I quiet myself and actually HEAR HIM.

Hugs,

Holly

WHERE OUR PEACE COMES FROM

2011-06-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

“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). This is the same peace the Bible describes as passing all understanding. (Phil. 4:7)

I’ve been struggling in this area lately. I have been wearing my feelings on my shoulders for the past few days. I have been picking certain issues up each morning and putting them on just like I would put a shirt on.

The other day I allowed an issue to just penetrate my heart. Nothing huge, just enough to eat at my heart the more I dwelled on it. I tried talking to myself, telling myself I was being silly and self absorbed. Then I tried to work it off. Get busy and stop thinking…
Well, I’m sure you know what happened as soon as I sat down for a minute after working? Yeap… There it was – taunting me – You know they don’t love you. You know deep down that they don’t want you in their lives, etc. etc. etc.

Finally………….. After trying with all that is within me to get my mind off of the issue at hand I decided to open the word of God. Immediately he began to speak to my heart and I read his ways. Love is patient and kind… Love bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. That we may suffer light afflictions and even great afllictions BUT GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God is where our peace comes from. I don’t have to allow my heart to be troubled. I can share my burdens with the Lord and leave them there. Knowing and trusting that he is working behind the scenes AT ALL TIMES. That I can have faith that things UNSEEN are being worked on. That he is always, always, always tugging at the lost and their hearts drawing them to him. It will only be through Christ that others will love the way that he desires us to love one another and he is the only one that can penetrate harden hearts and cause forgiveness.

Trusting today that God loves the lost more than I will ever love them. Even when its family. Praying this day to allow Christ to shine through me and cause me to love others NO MATTER WHAT and to never be irritable or resentful~

In Christ,

Holly

Momma

2011-05-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Honoring Momma with my Life

First of all I would like to print the following poem that reminds me of my Momma:

She could not paint, nor write, nor rhyme
Her footprints on the sands of time,
As some distinguished women do;
Just simple things of life she knew –
She was no singer, neither blessed
With any special loveliness
To win applause and passing fame;
No headlines ever blazed her name.
But, oh, she was a shining light
To all her loved ones, day and night!
Her home her kingdom, she its queen;
Her reign was faithful, honest, clean,
Impartial, loving, just, to each
And every one she sought to teach.
Her name? Of course, there is no other
In all the world so sweet – just Mother!

Proverbs 4:5-13
Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you) if you embrace her.
9She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown."
Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
As we live our lives, do we see the positive values of our parents emerging more and more? As we live our lives, do we gain new understanding and insights as to how our parents were right after all? As we live our lives, do we gain more wisdom and suddenly realize that the wisdom we have discovered sounds a lot like what our parents told us so many years ago? We should. This is part of the growing up process.
Whether your Mom is no longer with you as in my case, or whether you are blessed to still have your Mom to encourage and support you, remember that our lives are a reflection of what Mom has tried to train us to be. What do our actions tell the world? Do we honor or dishonor our Mom? Let us live our lives in such a manner that we honor our Moms. May everyone know that we had parents that loved us enough to teach us the right way to do things. I can’t think of a better way to honor our Moms on this Mother’s Day!

SIT DOWN!

2011-04-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Exodus 2:11-15 (English Standard Version)

Moses Flees to Midian
11One day,(A) when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their(B) burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.[a] 12He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he(C) struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13When(D) he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, "Why do you strike your companion?" 14He answered,(E) "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid, and thought, "Surely the thing is known." 15When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But(F) Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by(G) a well.

When the self-life finally sits down, the well of a new life lies near. When will we ever learn that? Sitting down goes against the grain. Yet when that broken forty-year-old named Moses finally slumped to the ground at the end of a self-driven life, fresh water (spiritual water) was readily available...........

Sit down and be still. Its amazing what God is capable and ready to do in our lives if we just stop and sit down. Then maybe we will have ears to hear what he is trying to say to us..... THIS WAS GOOD WORD FOR ME TODAY!

Have a blessed weekend,

Holly

GOD CARES ABOUT DETAIL.................

2011-04-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

LUKE 12:7
7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't
be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

ISAIAH 41:13
13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right
hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

The above scriptures really spoke to me this morning. At times
we can go through life feeling like we are in control and the only
one that can take care of ourselves.

God's word speaks differently. God's word reminds me that I'm not
in this alone. That he is concerned about even the smallest details
of our life, down to the very hairs on our head.

I pray that this serves as a great reminder to each and every one of
us that God is and always will be in control of every aspect of our lives.
The good and the bad. He cares deeply for our souls.

I don't know about you, but it sure is reassuring and a great comfort to
consider he is taking hold of my hand each and every day!

Today I'm very thankful that my Father is a part of my life and walking beside
me and not just a God that isn't aware of each and every moment!

Have a blessed weekend,

Holly

LETS START A FIRE!

2011-04-06T07:02:00.001-07:00

In David’s psalm of repentance, Psalm 51:10-13, he says,

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.

This is my prayer this morning. Begin in me Lord. Cleanse my heart and restore my Joy IN YOU!

Elton Trueblood, a Quaker scholar wrote that “Evangelism occurs when Christians are so ignited by their contact with Christ that they in turn set other fires. It is easy to determine when something is aflame. It ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out.”

I never want to burn out or fizzle to the point that I stop GOING and SPREADING, DO YOU?

Today I challenge each of you to seek the Lord with all of your heart in order to reach those hearts that are lost and without Christ.

Hugs,

Holly

GOD IS GREAT

2011-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out. (Job 36:26)

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. (Psalm 145:3-6)

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ ... (Ephesians 2:4-5a)

I chose these scriptures because they spoke to my heart personally.

Just like Job… How GREAT IS GOD – and it is certainly beyond my understanding and the thought that his numbers are past finding out. THAT GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN is more than I can imagine?

The second scripture spoke out to me because this is an area that I desire to share MORE. This scripture jumped out and said MISSIONAL.

That I would share the gospel in such a way that my children and my children’s children would tell of our great God.

The last one sums up the entire message of the gospel. BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE! That is when I cry out Oh my. Because of his RICH MERCY.. I’m now alive. I can see in full view where I once was and where I now am JUST BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE!

WINNING YOU WITHOUT WORDS!

2011-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm honored to give a review of Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller's new book:
Winning Him Without Words. They have generously given me a free copy of this book to give away. If you are interested in entering for this drawing, please leave your comment and write "enter me".

I can't tell you how much it touched my heart and I know several woman in particular that I'm going to give my book to for the Holy Spirit to speak wisdom in to their hearts in the area of an unequally yoked marriage. If you are in this type of marriage.. Which I know from experience many of us made that leap without regard to what GOD HAD TO SAY ABOUT MARRIAGE... It is my prayer that you will read this book. It will change the way you look at your Spouse and will open your heart to be able to love him the way Christ loves him.

Here is a personal note from Lynn:
Thank you for having me over to your place today. I have to tell you that when I began blogging five years ago, I had no idea what a crazy and fantastic journey God had in store. It’s been a wild ride filled with rich blessings and you are one of them. Thank you.

Who would have guessed that God would take my little website and turn it into a ministry for the thousands of men and women who are unequally yoked? But indeed, our God has great plans and five years later, my passion to serve this community is stronger than ever.

My co-writer, Dineen Miller and I watched the Lord take this ministry a step further this year with the launch of our book, Winning Him Without Words. This is a book written from our personal experience and from a deep place in our hearts and it presents 10 Christ-centered keys to thriving in a spiritual mismatch. Readers are encouraged to commit to Christian community, to release their spouse to God’s capable hands, to believe their marriage is blessed, to pick and choose their battles, and to continue their pursuit of a growing faith and to love their spouse with fresh enthusiasm.

In the book I share, “It matters not how we came to be in our crazy, mixed-up and unexpected marriage situations. What matters is that God desires that we honor our marriage commitment and fulfill our marriage vows through His power and His strength. There were many years of confusion, sadness and unfulfilled expectations, but I discovered it’s possible to love, live and thrive in an unequally yoked marriage.”

Both Dineen and I are Christian women who continue to live and thrive in our spiritually unequally yoked marriages and we believe that God wants every marriage to exude peace and love.

Chapters include:

• Know You’re Not Alone: (Lynn) Recognizing that we aren’t the only person living in an unequally yoked marriage is a key aspect to restoring hope. Having Christ in our lives enables us to view our husbands as the wonderful man God created, regardless of your different beliefs.

• Don’t Save Your Husband – Save Yourself: (Lynn) The best thing I ever did was to get out of the way so that Jesus could be Jesus. I relinquished control and turned my man completely over to Christ and an unexpected, peaceful freedom emerged in our marriage.

• Trade Perfection for Authenticity: (Dineen) I came to understand that many of my disappointments had come from expectations I’d placed upon him to fulfill needs he wasn’t even aware of. In the end, all I really accomplished was a heart full of resentment.

• Keep Your Armor On-You’re at War! (Dineen) Instead of putting on the label of martyr in a spiritually mismatched marriage, we need to put on the label of missionaries. We need to think of ourselves as soldiers on the front lines of our marriages. Other chapters include parenting children in an unequally yoked marriage, praying into the life of your spouse and scriptures to encourage and strengthen you.

Winning Him Without Words empowers readers to create that environment in their homes and thrive as God works.

About Winning Him Without Words:

Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller. Published by Regal Books. February 2011. Trade Paper, 224 pages. $14.99.

You can find more information at our website and enter the drawing for the Marriage Trio. www.winninghimwithoutwords.com

Thank you for allowing me to share the hope I have for my marriage through the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Hugging you, Lynn Donovan

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?

2011-03-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Why Should We Pray?

Today I have prayer on my heart. So many times I run to my friends and family when I’m hurt or need council for a certain area in my life. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer in good, Godly counsel.

Today, However, I feel such urgency in my spirit to reach out to the final Authority in my life.

By Him, all things are possible. Jesus says in Mark 10:27, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible but not with God. Everything is possible with God."

I had a dear Sister in Christ call today in regard to her lost Husband. My flesh was thinking “Why don’t you just leave him!” Then I heard that still small voice.
Why not pray for his soul……………………….OH MY!
Why not? Why wasn’t that my first thought. Each and every day I’m confronted with a moment where I see my heart of flesh!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Daniel 9:18 tells us: “We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.” (Mercy means showing favor, compassion, and kindness.)

I didn’t DESERVE SALVATION. It was a gift. Just as this wayward Husband doesn’t DESERVE MERCY, KINDNESS OR GRACE! BUT GOD…………………………

Help me Father to love all people. Regardless of who I THINK THEY ARE. Help me see them through the blood of your Son just as you see me! Forgive my heart of flesh and help me to have a heart of Christ!

In Jesus name I pray,

SON-SHINE NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

ROMANS 14:1-3
14:1 Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions. 2 One person believes in eating everything, but the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not despise the one who does not, and the one who abstains must not judge the one who eats everything, for God has accepted him.
Ray Stedman wrote:
The story has often been told of the culprits who entered a department store at night and stole nothing—they simply switched the price tags. Refrigerators sold for $9.95 while candy bars were $500.
While I was attending seminary several years ago, the most amazing realization of my study of the New Testament was that someone had switched the labels on the strong and the weak. I had always been taught that the strong Christian was the one who knew he couldn’t. He couldn’t smoke, drink, dance or go to movies. And she couldn’t wear lipstick or make-up. The strong Christian is “… someone who lives in mortal terror that someone, somewhere, is enjoying himself.”114 The weak Christian was the one who spoke of liberty.
Have you ever felt as though your Christian Character was under fire? How do we respond when this happens? I believe that we should respond in love. At times however I have felt my hair stand up and I feel the need to defend myself. That isn’t always the right way is it?
While two Christians may disagree over whether or not a Christian should drink wine or eat only vegetables, no Christian should dispute the fact that lying, stealing, and immorality are sin. These are biblical and moral absolutes!
So in the end we must make a stand. To stand on the inerrant word of God, pray for wisdom and guidance to make Godly decisions and choices and to pray that others see Christ in our lives. It is my prayer that others will see Christ before they see Me.

God will bring you up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

"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."
Psalm 71:20 (NIV)
One of my morning devotionals started with this scripture! It spoke to my heart today.

How many of us have had a life that has been free of trouble? Not mine for certain.
I’m sure many of you can reflect back on your childhood, your marriage, your family
life and recall times that weren’t so pleasant.
I walked through periods in my life when my Dad and Mom weren’t serving the Lord but
they would still allow me to ride the bus to Sunday school every Sunday. My Brother
and I were still hearing the word even during seasons of our lives when we weren’t
seeing a righteous life displayed.

God’s word is always TRUE! Even though we walk through many troubles and they seem
Bitter……. GOD WILL RESTORE OUR LIVES AGAIN.
In the end…………..My parents came to know the Lord. My Mom became my 4th
grade Sunday school teacher and my Dad attends and serves his local church as well.
Even in our adult lives – My Brother and I may not have walked a life without sorrow
But I have watched God restore life many times in both his life as well as my own.

Thanking God today for his word and the fact that he is with us through all trials
and testing in this life. Preparing us for his glory and his work to be done here
on earth!

RESTORATION

2011-02-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Galatians 5:25–6:2
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

As we live together with other sinners in a world full of sin, this scripture spoke volumes to my heart today! So many times we see how WRONG someone else is and don't seem to view our own sin under that same light.

Prayerfully, when we go to the word of God it will cause us to examine our OWN HEARTS before we pass judgment so quickly over our Brother or Sisters in Christ.

It is my desire that we all focus on the love of Christ in such a way that we reflect his image and not our own. After all, Isn't our natural image sin without the grace of Christ flowing through us?

Thankful for God's inerrant word that always SPEAKS TRUTH TO OUR HEARTS and his Holy Spirit that brings us to "true repentance".....

Hugs,

Holly :)

"Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty."—Hosea 10:2.

2011-02-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

How many of you struggle with what you are feeling verses what is right. A HEART DIVIDED. Charles Spurgeon describes a divided heart as a "disease" and what surgeon can join together a divided heart.... Nothing but Omnipotent grace can overcome this disease!

Don't you wish you could just have surgery to repair the many things in life that can cause your heart to divide or feel that it is splitting into.

I'm sure many of you can relate to relationships that have caused your heart to break and in your flesh you want to put band aids on it and fix it yourself. Truth is, there are relationships and issues in this life that only God has the power to change or affect the outcome.

Why do we struggle with trusting God for each and every aspect of our lives. Is God all we need? Is God enough? Is God BIG ENOUGH to be the answer to all my prayers! OF COURSE HE IS.

I'm praying today that my life be transformed into a life of TRUST and not inconsistency. Isn't that what happens when our heart is divided!

Praying for the lost today and the faith to trust in God that he loves even that one sheep that has strayed MORE THAN I EVER COULD!

Hugs,

Holly

OUR DAILY BREAD

2011-02-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up thinking about my weight, my health, my organizational skills, the need to study God's word more, etc. etc. etc.

Basically... I was focused on ME! While working on my homework for a study we are doing at church called "Radical". My heart began to switch over to Godly desires.
Shouldn't I wake hungry for what is truly my daily bread. Shouldn't I hunger and thirst after the Lord.

Amos 8:11 says:
Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD,
When I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water,
But rather for hearing the words of the LORD.

Isn't this what goes on in our flesh at times. We fill up our mind with our own thoughts, wishes and desires when all he requires is our complete submission and surrender to his word!

When my heart submits to his word, its amazing how my thoughts line up as well. Today I desire the bread of life vs the bread of this world!

Hugs,

Holly

Thankful Thursday: Friendship!

2011-01-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

PROVERBS 27:9
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart.

Today I am so very thankful for Godly Friendships. I have an amazing on line group of ladies that are passionate about the gospel and have a heart for Christ and other woman that are hurting or in need. Today is our one year anniversary together!
It doesn't seem possible that Claudia started our group a year ago. Thank you Claudia for your dear sweet heart. I put the picture above because I just felt like it represented what I would love to do with this group of ladies. We have never met in person but we have certainly grown to love each and every heart in our group. One day it would be amazing to share that big ole cup of coffee with them as well as aface to face meeting!

I'm also a part of a cell family at our church "The Bridge" that has become my FAMILY! They have helped keep me grounded and focused on TRUTH and the GOSPEL.........

Thanking God today for a wonderful group of friends - or should I say FAMILY! :)

Hugs,

Holly

SUMS IT ALL UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-25T11:13:00.001-08:00

Quote by John Piper:

Love must be God-centered, or it is not true love; it leaves people without their final hope of joy.

Leaving the past in the past?

2011-01-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"
Isaiah 43:18,19a

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I have always struggled in this area. The past has many HAPPY MEMORIES as well as SAD MISTAKES that I wish I could go back and change!

So many days I feel like Paul when he says:
For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

Today my thoughts are for lost loved ones who are very dear to my heart! I pray that they realize they are lost! So many times I go back to the past and desire for things to be like they once were. Then I have to focus on what is true?
What does God desire for TODAY?

Then I can rest in the Lord and trust that as long as I'm living my life for him that he holds tomorrow. I don't have to try and figure it out because he already has ALL THINGS UNDER CONTROL and the only thing I have to focus on is loving him with all of my heart and loving others the same way he loved me!

So for today I won't dwell on yesterday, but I will remember it and praise the Lord that I'm not who I once was but becoming who he had planned me to be. Desiring to have a heart that others can see CHRIST through!

Praying today for our family and friends that they will have ears to hear and the holy spirit will soften their hearts to answer his call!

Holly

Beauty for ashes

2011-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this devotion today:

Jesus came to give us beauty instead of ashes. To transform the
ashes of our life into something beautiful -- for His glory.

As I was walking one day, I came upon a tree. It was short,
twisted, and poorly shaped. Obviously, it had faced many storms
and had suffered greatly. To be honest, the tree itself, was
ugly.

But that day something transformed that ugly tree into
something gloriously beautiful, and very pleasant to look at.
It was covered with little pink flowers. In fact, the tree was
bursting with life coming from inside its gnarled branches.

As I looked at the tree, enjoying the beautiful sight, it
reminded me of us as believers -- who may not be very desirable
on our own -- but with Jesus' life and love flowing through us
-- we become glorious creatures.

So no matter how twisted and ugly you may have become because
of the storms of life, if you allow Jesus to live and manifest
through you, everyone will see beauty instead of ashes and
ugliness.

JEREMIAH 17:7-8 NLT
7 "But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made
the LORD their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots
that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by
the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves
stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Tuesday's Thoughts!

2011-01-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

ROMANS 5:5 NKJ
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given
to us.

Even though we have the love of God in our hearts, we still
have to choose to allow it to control our actions and reactions
toward people. In this, as in every area, we must look to the
Lord for His help.

Today I woke up with this over whelming feeling of God and his amazing LOVE!
Thinking about how that love affects our attitude toward others here on earth....
I realize today that the only way I love others is only because Christ loved me first
sooooooooooo much! I don't know WHY HE LOVED ME? I'm blown away that he does.
From my seat's view... I would think.. Man... that girl messed up sooo bad and blew it.... Let her figure it out and deal with the mess..... But he didn't....
God held out his arms, called me back and forgave me! How much more should I do that same for others!

Today I CHOOSE to love like Christ loves................Unconditionally and praying each and every day for his love to shine through me and to use me whenever and wherever he CHOOSES!

Just felt the need to praise God today and voice it OUT LOUD! What a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Holly

Christmas Gift

2010-12-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Gift of Christmas

This morning I was reflecting on our sermon at church. It focused on gift giving and
What that looks like as a believer.

In the past I have always tried to get my children anything and everything on their list.
I felt I was doing my best at making them “happy”. Now as I think about this Christmas
the perfect gift I could give, it becomes much more important.

This holiday season I pray that the gift I’m able to at least show my family would be the amazing gift of salvation. That somehow they will see Christ in me.
Luke 1:50 says: "His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him."
This is the most important thing on my heart. What will my children inherit? What about my grandchildren?
It is my desire that they would even know our Lord’s mercy in a greater measure than even I experienced and to know it sooner than I realized it!

This year I pray that each of us realize our true gift! We have been given the gift of eternal life along with the gifts of the spirit, which will cause us to give mercy and grace to others just as Christ has given to us!

May you each be blessed,

Holly :)

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

2010-12-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

"A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure."
~ Unknown

This quote really struck a cord in my spirit.

When we think we just can't take any more... Is that the times that
God is truly molding us into the woman of God he created us to be?
Acts 14:22 says:
We must all experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God.
It doesn’t say, SOME OF US WILL EXPERIENCE HARDSHIP…. It says ALL
will experience hardships!

The past few weeks have been very hard for so many people that I know. Families have lost loved ones to senseless acts of violence, relational problems, abusive relationships, etc. AND YES…. The people involved in each instance are Christians. So I know that we will all experience hardships. My desire is that we all remain STRONG IN THE LORD. None of us can overcome or endure such things without HIS STRENGTH.

The Lord says that even if we do suffer for doing what is right, we are still blessed.

It is my desire that each of us learn to STAND ON HIS PROMISES and TRUST him with an unfailing love. I have known people in my life that you can just sit back and see the amazing change that is taking place right before your eyes as they turn from that clump of coal into an amazing, sparkling diamond that represents our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

Hugs and praying for each of you,

Holly

Thankful Thursday! Relationships......

2010-10-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-10-21T06:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

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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!

2010-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

“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

2010-10-11T12:31:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-10-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

Thankful Thursday: Foolish Words

2010-09-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." Proverbs 29:11

I’m learning (very slowly I might add) that I don’t need to speak everything that enters my heart or mind. Many times we speak way too quickly.

I had that circumstance the other day on the job. I became very frustrated at what seemed to be a dishonest action toward me. I felt betrayed and lied to. This set the tone for the rest of my afternoon. I then left work (upset of course) and stopped at the daycare to pick up my Grand Daughter. My Son was there as well. At times we become distant with one another and I’m certain it is because we are much alike. We can both be stubborn and independent (in other words – willful sinners)…..
I don’t get to see him often and I asked what his family did all weekend.. He explained where they went and what all they did. I popped off with “Is my home banned from you all?” WHY…………….WHY do I do these things. My hearts desire is to please the Lord! Was this a statement that encouraged my Son? Reflected Christ? NO…. not in anyway were those words representing the LOVE OF CHRIST.

Today I’m thankful for the Lord’s still small voice that softly speaks – Holly, don’t say another word…… Ask your Son to forgive you and let him know the truth… The truth is that I love my Son with all of my heart and desire to see him… To share his life!

Lets all focus on what is true…. Not what we are feeling or thinking someone else is feeling. Truth is the only thing we can control in our lives is how we react to others actions and the only way we can react in a proper way is if God is in our heart and we are meditating and thinking on his WORD DAILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanking God today that he has chosen me even when I will never be able to deserve it!

Holly

Thankful Thursday: Finding True Joy

2010-09-16T07:35:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke with thanksgiving on my heart as I realized my fan had stopped blowing..... My electric had gone off. I prayed to the Lord to allow me to be content in all things. I know this was not a life altering occurrence but it was an issue that I could have allowed myself to get frustrated for the inconvenience of my "comfortable life"...... I asked a small request for the Lord to allow me to be "content in all things".....

I found a quote by C.S. Lewis this morning that encourages me to EXPECT BIG THINGS FROM GOD:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is not part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

Today I'm thankful that I can trust in the promises of God and hope for good things.
KNOWING THAT MY JOY IS IN THE LORD!

Hugs,

Holly

Healing

2010-09-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Healing is on my heart this morning....
I found the following quote by Dave Harvey yesterday and it fit my heart completely:
Random Quote

"Perhaps the longest lasting damage from spiritual abuse is loss of ability to trust. Mark Twain said that a cat that walked on a hot stove would never walk on a hot stove again. But then, it would not walk on a cold stove either…Finally healing comes when the individual is able to give help to others out of his own experience. The ideal setting for this is a support group. This writer has felt for many years that there needs to be a bridge between the abusive experience in their past and a grace oriented church to which they will eventually go, or maybe are now trying to re-learn to trust. That bridge needs to be their “Church In Between” a place of refuge that will function as a church, with understanding of their responses. Because, they are still like the cat that walked on that hot stove."

Sadly - I was like the cat that walked on the hot stove...
Not wanting to place my trust in a church again. I can say from the heart that today, I'm a part of a church that is my family. We love one another, serve one another and CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER. Are we all still sinners? Of course!
Do we all still need Christ? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The quote above states: We need a place of refuge - That bridge that can be the church in between........How Ironic is it that the name of my church is "THE BRIDGE"..... Which illustrates the bridge that Christ created through his death to enable a relationship between God and his children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm thankful that God led me to a church family that I can be free to admit my faults, seek counsel and still be loved in spite of who I am!

IS THAT NOT AN EXAMPLE OF THE CHURCH BEING THE CHURCH? I believe it is :)

In Christ,
Holly

Thankful Thursday!

2010-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for Christ... Thankful that we are now under a new covenant.
Thankful that he sent "another Counselor".... John 16:7 He goes so far as to say it is to our advantage that He leave so the Counselor can come.

How great is it that we have a "personal relationship" with Christ.
We don't have to go through the Priest because he is the only one hearing from God directly.

Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and desires to fellowship with "ME" with "YOU".........

My heart is thankful for this fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Resting in the Lord today,

Needed Wisdom!

2010-08-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

James 1:5-7 (NLT) "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."

Today I feel like the unsettled wave of the sea.... My example to the lost world has been unstable...
I say one thing and my actions say the opposite. I so desire to please God and my flesh wants to float along in my emotions.....
THE ABOVE SCRIPTURE SPOKE TO MY HEART IN SUCH A HUGE WAY...... Such people should not expect to receive ANYTHING FROM THE LORD! Wow..... BUT GOD!

Only through God can I do the right thing... THE HARD THING.... God's way is never easy but it is always, always our only choice. I have struggled in my singleness and at times ventured out on my own to find that perfect match.

Today however.... I can rest in the fact that God already knows the desires of my heart and as long as I am determined to walk in his "perfect ways" he will hear my prayers as long as my faith is in God and God alone.... NOT IN MY ABILITIES!

So for the word for the day on Wednesday: I NEED WISDOM! :)

Fearless Friday: Prayer for God's people

2010-08-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Its finally FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Today I have God's church on my heart!
That's right.... GOD'S CHURCH... HIS FAMILY...... HIS CHILDREN...........

Pray the Scriptures. Hebrews 4:12 says that God's Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. When we speak and pray the Scriptures, we are coming into agreement with God, and His power is released to answer our prayers.

God tells us that his word is alive and powerful. If I meditate on his word - I will know his heart.

I know with all of my heart that his love for us is BIG...... and he desires to lead and guide us in ALL OF HIS WAYS..... That his way is Holy.

I'm praying for his church... to rise up and become an amazing light to the lost world. Not to just be a gathering place to socialize or become the "in crowd"......

My prayer today is that I look outside the four walls of my church meeting... That I see what God desires me to see and that I love what God desires me to love!

Today... its not about me... BUT HIM........ Let our focus be "Christ centered" and we will begin to grow in his Holiness....

What a thought!

Wednesday Gratitude: Grateful that the Lord hears our cry!

2010-08-11T06:31:00.001-07:00

I was talking with a friend last night and he stated while visiting his Mother who is ill, his Dad looked at them both and said " I'm going to watch T.V. and will let you two ladies sit and visit".......... I thought to myself - ouch! How could a Father speak to his Son that way.

It made me dwell on the TRUTH..... An earthly Father may not love and respect his Son here on earth - BUT OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE A HEAVENLY FATHER MAKES! Our heavenly Father loves us with such an unconditional love that he grants us FULL FORGIVENESS in his Son Jesus Christ! What joy that brings to my heart.

Isn't it wonderful to know and trust that God allows all things for HIS PURPOSE and that he is a GOOD GOD and will turn our disappointments into our BLESSINGS!

The enemy sends things like this into our lives to disappoint us.... cause us to slip backward into despair but the Lord will use our pain to allow his love to shine if we can allow Christ to be greater in us than he that is in the world........
Psalm 16: 7-8
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Today I'm trusting that God is near the down cast and broken hearted and that brings peace to my heart!

Fearless Friday

2010-08-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Join us as we pray for others and support their needs. We all have a need daily and its wonderful to know that we can let those needs rest with the Lord because he is completely aware of our circumstance and has all things under his perfect control!

In prayer,

Holly

Thankful Thursday! What I deserve

2010-08-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

I was reminded yesterday of the commercial:
You deserve a break today @ McDonalds.....lol
Made me think on the worldly view of what we deserve. We deserve to be happy, or we deserve to spend that money on a new outfit.. After all... We work hard for our money!

Today I'm thankful to God that I actually don't receive what I truly deserve, aren't you?
Rom 2:5 (Phi) Or are you by your obstinate refusal to repent simply storing up for yourself an experience of the wrath of God in the day of his anger when he shows his hand in righteous judgment?

God is a just God! We have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.. We deserve death... But instead receive mercy: which is not getting what we deserve/punishment and Grace: receiving what we don't deserve/unmerited favor....

Today I'm thanking God for his amazing grace and the fact that I'M NOT GETTING WHAT I SO DESERVE!

Wednesday Gratitute: Lets be doers

2010-08-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

James 1:22-25 (NASB) "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."

Today my heart is on serving and what that looks like. I'm ashamed to say that for way to many years I was only a hearer. Going to church and hearing the word, feeling conviction on Sunday morning and then by Tuesday living out my day by emotions or feelings only!

God hasn't called me to "feel good" every day. I'm not saved to be granted a life filled with being "happy".....
But.... He does promise peace and joy:
Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
John 16:22 - And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

So I take this from the word of God.... Nothing can remove my joy and my peace as long as its rooted in Christ Jesus.
My hope this day is rooted and the key to my happiness is in serving. Christ didn't come to earth to experience a "happy life"... He came to serve, to love, to give.
Giving the ultimate sacrifice for a wretch like me!

This Wednesday I am thankful for my salvation and the grace that I so did not deserve.

Hugs,

Joy comes in the morning!

2010-07-30T06:36:00.001-07:00

Psalms 31:9 O' Lord have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow.
Did you know that our tears can actually remove toxins from our bodies? I didn't.
I thought that was interesting and what a way for the Lord to be healing our bodies as we grieve over the loss of a loved one.

Psalms 147:3 He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds.
This morning my heart is going out to a very dear sweet sister in Christ. We sat with her as she watched her Husband pass on to be with our Lord. There was an amazing peace in knowing that he was now dancing and praising the Lord, at the same time a deep sorrow in watching her cling to his hand not wanting to release the amazing love she had for this man! What a servants heart. SHE SERVED HIM WELL.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 says: Brothers we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.
There was peace in knowing where Ron was at the time he left this earth! Almost makes one envious to think on what Ron was experiencing while we were witnessing his departure. God tells us to rejoice when someone dies and cry when someone is born.

Not an easy thing to do in the flesh.

My prayer this morning is for my sweet Sister to stand on this truth from the word of God:
Jeremiah 31:13 I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

May we all be thankful for this day that the Lord has granted us and go about our day purposefully! Living a life to please God.

Love,

Holly

What to do with our desires?

2010-07-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Psalms 37:5-7 (NASB) "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

I was and have been thinking this past week more about my singleness. Getting discontent and desiring the things of my past. Marriage, commitment, family.

Notice the key word. I have been thinking. Hmmm. isn’t that the problem.
Colossians 3:1-4 says:
"If therefore ye have been raised with the Christ, seek the things which are above, where the Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God: have your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth; for ye have died, and your life is hid with the Christ in God. When the Christ is manifested who is our life, then shall ye also be manifested with him in glory."

So for today, instead of thinking I can know that I should be praying. The Lord knows my heart and I can trust that he cares about my desires even more than I do. His ways are not my ways. His ways are PERFECT.
Mark 11:22-24
Have[f] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Isn’t that the key when we get focused on “me”. Trust in the Lord, have faith (without doubting) that he has your best interest at heart ALL THE TIME!
When I think on those things that I desire, I can turn to him, stop thinking and speak with my mouth to my heavenly Father about those things.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10. He's essentially saying: I am content when I lose. I am content when I am weak. I am content when I'm insulted. I am content when I endure hardships. I am content with persecutions. I am content with difficulties. What an amazing example of the "faith walk".......

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Lets begin with the thought of a Thankful heart.... Yesterday I discovered my ex fiance's photo of he and his new bride. OUCH, that's right.. His new bride. I had no idea he had gotten married. I would have thoughts of "I wonder".... but now knowing has shed a new light on this heart of mine. Many months ago I felt the Lord impress upon me the answer isn't no but new..............Okay... But Lord, what does that mean.... You will restore Mark and I and we will be new in Christ TOGETHER!

So this morning I'm focusing on the truth that the answer was in fact NO to Mark and Holly.

This morning I can rest in the fact that God loves me so very very much that he has something better in mind for this short life of mine! Something ABUNDANTLY GOOD.
I'm here for this moment for HIS PURPOSE. Not my own. I am surrounded by an amazing care group, amazing church family, amazing family and friends.

2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

This morning I choose to look at this life of mine as an amazing gift. I'm thanking the Lord for not giving me "WHAT I DESERVE" but granting me "GRACE" "FORGIVENESS" "MERCY"........................even in that. I'M BLESSED BY GOD. He is creating a heart of Christ in me to use in his great plan.
That excites me. That over rides any hurt I may feel from a "human loss".....

I can look back on the past and learn. Learn how to love others the way Christ would have me love them. Not self seeking but being patient and kind.

I like what it says in 1 Corinthians 13 4-8.
A portion says I bear up under anything and everything that comes, and I am ever ready to believe the best of every person. My hopes are fadeless under ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, and I endure everything without WEAKENING. God's love in me never fails.

I realize this morning that Holly is different. Its not about Holly and I know that I can do ALL THINGS in Christ. For his purpose and not my own!

Today! I can honestly say. I'M THANKFUL that God loves me enough to protect me and guide me to his way and not my own. He saw what was ahead and around the curve when I couldn't.

HOW AMAZING IS HIS LOVE?

Being Lonely

2010-07-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Seems like so many woman are suffering today with "loneliness"..... Many of my friends are suffering with this feeling. Most are God fearing woman that can run to the word of God and realize that we have someone that is closer than a Brother to us in spirit... But what about those days when ya just need face to face fellowship.

It helps to be reminded that even those chosen to write books of the bible were stricken with the "lonelies".....
3 John 14: I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
2 Timothy 1:4 speaks of Tears of loneliness.

My heart goes out to all of those that become lonely from time to time. Why, because I struggle with it as well. Being married for over 22 years of my life I became accustomed to having a significant other in my life. Some one to hold me in moments of dispair, happiness, sadness, confusion..... We all know we can run to the Lord in these times but our flesh still cries out for that fleshly companionship.

I'm praying that this day we can see that Christ felt and knows our pain right along side of us. In Mark 15:34 Christ cries out My God, my God, why have you forsaken me. Talk about UTTER LONELINESS. Christ knew for that very moment that he had taken on ALL OF OUR SIN and was now our sacrifice.

My prayer is this thought will help each of us walk through the valleys at times and run to Christ.... Realizing he knows what our pain feels like and even KNOWS A MUCH GREATER PAIN, but yet took it on for our sakes.

Hugs to you all,

Holly

Let us see through the eyes of Christ

2010-07-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Seeing through the Lord’s eyes

It’s been a while since I wrote. It has also been a while since I spent quality time with the most important relationship in my life “GOD”. I want to begin with repentance……
A formal prayer to the Lord of my sorrowful heart of filling my world with “Holly desires” in place of Godly desires.

God is so so good to NEVER MOVE…. Isn’t he? We are the ones that stop moving forward….. It is just like floating in the river…. If we are not swimming forward – we don’t even have to be doing anything, but we will drift down stream.

That is where I was at. Just floating. God desires me to RUN AFTER HIM…..
Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him and He will do it. Psalm 37: 3-5
Trust in the Lord and do good……….
I was getting it all backwards again. I have spoke of Nellie and those of you who follow me know all to well that Holly can drift back in to Nellie Olsen mode… Well………..
Was headed in that direction for sure.

That is until my dear sweet Sister in Christ (Sheila – I love you by the way) spoke up and said….. Holly, when is the last time you blogged about your relationship with Christ and what he is doing in your life? She spoke of not seeing that hunger and desire in my heart and also seeing the nature of Nellie re-surface in my actions! OH LORD – FORGIVE ME……. I want the Lord’s perfect will in my life and I’m certain most of you do as well.

It’s a simple remedy and so thankful that God loves us so very very much that he sends us little messengers………………………
Today – I desire those things from above and want my heart to cling to his ways!

Hugs and prayerfully I’m back!

Holly

Tuesday's Thoughts

2010-06-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

Today I was thinking on God and his goodness...... I was talking with my Son in regard to good people. Who is a good person? Seriously! Psalms 14:1 says there is no one who is good apart from God....

I have learned the hard way that none of us are good without the Lord.. PERIOD....

We want to convince ourselves that so and so is a really good person with a good heart they just need the Lord. That's not the truth. Yes - we all need God - but it only God in us that produces any good whatsoever.

You cannot teach values, you cannot teach morality, without teaching about God. “Be ye holy,” God said, “for I am holy”... This makes my heart think on my children - my children's children. I pray that the Lord speak in to their heart and draw each of them to him.

Today I'm thankful that I can trust in HIS GOODNESS and not my own. Knowing that
every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow (James 1:17).

Its a good thing to know that our heavenly father only has good plans for our lives if only we keep his commandments and follow his ways!

Hugs,

Holly

Finally Friday!

2010-05-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

ITS FINALLY FRIDAY:

The above photo of my little "precious people" just makes me think of HAPPY..... PEACE....... JOY.................

Its good to remind ourselves that in God we can find that same joy. He is always ever ready to come and rescue us from ourselves - our emotions - our circumstances.
He never moves. NEVER.

What peace in knowing I can run to him and offer my burdens up to him and he is more than willing to carry them for me. I don't have to drag them around like a suitcase. I can just lay them at his feet.

Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matt. 11: 28-29.

Praying this scripture today and a very dear member of my family. Praying that the Holy Spirit fill his heart and bring much needed rest and peace.

Thank you Lord for you mercy and grace and loving us with a never ending love.

Holly

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Does it seem that bad news is more prevalent today than ever before. Every time I turn around I'm confronted with more bad news. More heartbreak? Before you stop reading.... lol Stay with me.

We do live in a fallen world. Period. Bad things happen to good people. My heart has been broken several times during my life. I now watch as members of my family are broken as well. I'm angry at the enemy this day! Very angry. He only comes to steal, kill and destroy.

I know - I know.... This is THANKFUL THURSDAY.... lol Okay..............
This day I am very thankful in heart.
God's word says to let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
with our hearts "sprinkled clean" from an evil conscience and our bodies " washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I believe that Day is drawing near. I'm so thankful that we have the word to run to and other believers to help encourage us in this walk..............

So thankful for being in the family of God and for the many amazing Brothers and Sisters in Christ that he has placed in my life to help support and encourage me to keep on keeping on. Pressing toward that mark.

Thank you to each and every one of you!

Hugs,
Holly

Wednesday Gratitude

2010-05-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies,

I know it has been quite some time since I posted along side you on Wednesday Gratitude.

Heidi... I so enjoyed your blog today and your BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.... And especially the bare feet... That so reminded me of myself sitting on my front porch enjoying this amazing time of year. WHAT BEAUTY God has granted us while on this journey.

I love to go for long walks and just soak in his BIGNESS.........................
It makes it so easy to be in awe of our creator.

I'm thankful for the many writers out there that help me to refocus on what is truly important. So many times I get all consumed with my own little world and what MY HEART IS GOING THROUGH that I fail to do what God has called me to do. I should be more concerned about the hurting around me - the hungry around me - the LOST AROUND ME............... Thank you once again gals for allowing me to read into your lives and realize once again that this whole trip is NOT ABOUT ME and help me to recognize my SMALLNESS and the Lords BIGNESS......................I like that! :)

God bless and my prayer is that you all continue to allow God to use your many gifts for his glory!

Hugs,
Holly

Friendships

2010-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today I have Friendships on the heart. Isn't it amazing how the Lord brings people in and out of our lives and they touch a spot in our hearts that you know God used them just for that moment?

I have met many along the way. Some friendships are truly those that you know are meant for a life time. Others were only for that season. I'm thankful for ALL OF THE FRIENDSHIPS that God allowed along the path.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27: 17(NKJV) Just like this scripture shares..... Friendships help in molding our character. Who God desires for us to be.

I've grown to appreciate what each friendship has brought into my life. Especially those of like faith. Its wonderful when we meet those along the road that you know the Lord used in your life:
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart. Proverbs 27: 9

Thanking the Lord this day for christian friendship.

Be blessed,

Holly

STORMS OF LIFE

2010-04-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

This past month I have tried to meditate on who God is in our heart? What place does he TRULY hold? Is he in control of all things? Actually, not even IS HE - But do I live my life as if HE IS IN TOTAL CONTROL? I fail at this more than I like to admit.

Today I would like to place him back on the throne of my life. HE IS IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS and I desire to live in such a way that I trust that with all of my heart. To stop running around trying to fix all the things that are wrong, or disappointing. Stop blaming others for the same sin that I myself might be struggling with and to just LOVE THEM - in spite of the sin. Love them the way Christ loves me and forgives ME...........

All to often we REACT in a way that pleases the enemy more so than pleasing God.
Satan is thrilled when we react toward other Christians in anger or withdraw from them instead of run to them with a loving and caring nature that reflects CHRIST IN US!

Today - regardless of the storms in this life. I want to praise God for the rainbow that is just around the corner. The promise that he is always covering us under his loving protection and guidance. IF ONLY WE WILL REACH OUT AND PLACE ALL OF OUR CARES AND BURDENS UPON HIM............ He will grant our soul that peace that surpasses ALL OF OUR NATURAL UNDERSTANDING!

Praying this day that I to can have a heart of Christ toward ALL people. Recognizing that I have been forgiven of MUCH - and must do the same for those that I love.

Thanking the Lord today for his gentle reminder that he is always in control of our storm,

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today I am thankful for his mercy and grace. Which is always sufficient. So many times we are focused on "self" and can get side tracked easily. Focusing on what we desire and what we feel we may deserve. When in fact we should be focused on what Christ desires. Its only then that we can be truly blessed with that "abundant life".

I am learning the hard way to realize we aren't called to become a christian just to have all of our desires met. We are called to suffer with Christ. To pick up our cross daily. That is a picture that I don't always keep at the forefront of my mind or heart for that matter.

Today I'm thankful for his gentle reminder once again that its not about me. Its ALL ABOUT HIM. I can only be used by Christ in this life as long as he is the center of my life. Then and only then can he use me to touch others.

Thanking him this day for his amazing sacrifice and for always remaining steadfast and never changing. That person in whom we can put our entire trust and confidence in.

Loving the fact that I'm his servant,
Holly

God's Peace

2010-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

I recently went on vacation to Mexico and took this photo of the sunset. My purpose for the trip was just to soak in the Lord's beauty - rest - relax. The photo gives me such a sense of PEACE. Isn't that what the Holy Spirit brings to our lives.

Even during the storms of life. Even when the sea is tossing and turning. We can reach out to our precious Savior for him to take control of our situation and trust that while we are in his arms we are safe and secure.

Just as it says in Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you!

Today I am so very thankful for his presence in my life and even when I get off track or sideways in my walk. Its not that he has left me. I know that he is always ever present in my time of need.

Thanking him for his love today and repenting of the moments in my life when I try and walk through life on my own and not looking to him for guidance.

In Christ,
Holly

2010-03-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Last night was an emotional evening. I attended visitation at a funeral. What made this emotional was it being my EX Family. After coming home alone - my children were supporting their Father.... I was left with such anxious feelings. Having this over whelming feeling I should be there to? I was married in this family for over 22 years. I believe I was well over all issues involving them.

Truth is. I still love this family. No matter what. They will always be dear to my heart. Today I can be thankful for that. It doesn't matter what has occurred in the past. Only that TODAY - I can love them still. I can pray for them still with a sincere heart.

Today I'm thankful for the Love of Christ that has so changed my heart. I have NO BITTERNESS. How amazing is that? I don't care what was done to me. What peace God has brought to this heart of mine!

I love this quote: Change is inevitable but change for the better is a full time job!

The apostle Paul, after exhorting the Philippians to be "anxious for nothing", tells them, "By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."(Phil. 4:6).

TODAY I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR HIS LOVE IN MY HEART~~~~

Wednesday Gratitude

2010-03-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm joining Heidi at Heart of Home for Wednesday Gratitude today.
Today I'm thankful for the many blessings of the Lord. He has blessed me with
an amazing family that I love dearly.

I have two beautiful grand babies - Levi and Grace. they are both 13 months old with only two weeks between their ages. SO CUTE and at that super fun age.

Blessed with the beauty of living the country life with wide open space and the opportunity to praise God while being right in the middle of his creation!

I feel so extremely blessed to be able to just walk down the country road and see the beauty of the sunset or the beauty of a clear night sky with the bazillion stars at night - (hee hee) is that even a real word................

How could any one look at creation and not KNOW and BELIEVE that there is a GOD?

Psalm 91:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork. 2 Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness.

Grateful today for God's grace and mercy, even on a sinner such as I!

Blessings,

The Love of God

2010-03-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a hard day for family members. My Ex Husband’s Grand Father passed away. The hard part is this: My children barely knew this man. I wish they had gotten to know him better and I am partly to blame for this as well.

My heart is going out to my ex-husband today in a great way. I’m not sure what is bringing these emotions out so strongly but I am certain that God is in control of ALL THINGS. I know many may find this photo odd in comparison with the Love of God. But my ex husband is a farmer and raises cattle and this picture spoke volumes to my heart. Just as this Momma cares for her new born baby - This is how our heavenly Father watches over us as well!

My Daughter spent the evening with her Daddy last night and she realizes this has touched him in a huge way. My prayer today is that God would draw David to him at this very moment. That David would realize how special he is in God’s heart.

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Oh that this would occur in him. I pray that today – He know the awesome LOVE OF OUR SAVIOR…………………………………… Please pray along with me that God would do a mighty work in this family and they feel the comfort of our dear Lord.

God’s word shall not lie:

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Praying that their hearts know the presence of God this day!

In Jesus precious name I pray,

~Thankful For God's Way And Not My Own~

2010-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

"P.S. I shared this post on Heart to Heart with Holley."

Nellie – It’s Not About You!

I’m not certain how many of you remember Nellie Olsen from “Little House On The
Prairie” series? She was the Daughter of Mr. Olsen that owned the local
Mercantile store. Nellie was very spoiled and consistently demanded her own way, thinking only of herself. Not many people could remain her friend for very long. It didn’t take long for her consistent ugliness to wear thin.

Why the history lesson on Nellie Olsen? Well, because I was a NELLIE in many ways. I haven't ever been mean like her, however - Nellie can come out in our character in many different ways. Before the Lord finally got my attention and had me focus on the problem areas, my life was ALL ABOUT ME! How could I be prettier? How could I become more popular? How could I get the basketball star in High School to go out with me? How could I have the perfect children? How could I get my husband to do what I desired? What was wrong with everyone around me?

Then the Lord allowed many painful lessons in my life in order to help me see that his purpose for our lives has nothing to do with US but has everything to do with HIM…… If you have picked up this book I can assume that you to have finally come to the place that you are more interested in his plan for you life than you are in what your desires are.

One day a very dear friend looked me in the eyes and said “Nellie, no one feels sorry for you any longer – look at how your actions may have hurt this person instead of just focusing on the consequences of your own actions!” WOW……. And this was my best friend? Little did I realize, she was in fact my best friend that loved me enough to share TRUTH!

My hope and prayer is that through my life lessons I can share with you the glorious way that God loved me in spite of me!

The saying “Often God has to shut a door in our face so that he can subsequently open the door through which he wants us to go”……. Well, let’s just say this is a motto for my life!

Thanking God today for the blessings of HIS TRUTH and for sending people into my life to share it~

Hugs,
Holly

Will You Be Different?

2010-03-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

God has been challenging my heart lately with this question? Will I take the chance to stand out? Be different from the crowd? Be a true follower of Christ?

I have always struggled in this life with pleasing other people. Even at the cost of my faith! I have been uneasy with these choices in life! I want to be pleasing to the Lord and STILL HAVE ALL OF MY FRIENDS IN LIFE. Can you relate to this at all?

Luke 9:23 rings loudly in my heart today:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

MUST DENY HIMSELF! Strong words.... I'm called to be different and to make a difference while here on this earth. Its my prayer that through Christ - He will make a difference in the people I come in contact with! Use me Lord and strengthen me to do YOUR WILL.......

John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me."

I finally desire to be the red and white cow in the picture above. Not just be "One of the herd"....... God hand picked each and every one of us for HIS KINGDOM PURPOSE and today I am challenging each of you to BE DIFFERENT from the rest......

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2 NIV).

God Bless,
Holly

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-25T05:58:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful for the Lord allowing life lessons. While going through these difficult times I'm not always "so thankful" though. There have been times in my life that I've cried out in anger - not understanding how a GOOD GOD could allow such BAD things. Its only after many years that I realize the bad things in this world are exactly that..... The bad things IN THIS WORLD... We live in a fallen world full of sin.

Heb 12:5-8 (NIV) "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

As I think on the lessons he has allowed in my own life I think back of the lessons I tried to teach my children and how bad it hurt me to have to spank or scold them. How much more does our heavenly Father hurt when he has to discipline us?

Thanking him for loving US FIRST!

Hugs,
Holly

LET ME WALK IN YOUR FOOT STEPS!

2010-02-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

The above photo is a picture of my Son-in-Law's foot and his baby Grace's foot.
When looking at this picture it makes me think of the scripture:
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

This Wednesday I am thankful to the good Lord for providing such an amazing Daddy for my Grand Daughter Grace and awesome Husband for my Daughter as well!
I love to watch him with his baby girl. His eyes just sparkle when he walks in the door from work and she throws out her arms and says " HI - Daddy"!

What joy it has brought to this Granny's heart to watch him open the word of God and study....... I can trust that he desires to raise his daughter with the knowledge of our precious Savior.

Thank you heavenly Father for your Holy Spirit drawing this family to your kingdom purposes. Your word does not lie and we can trust in the following:

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
[Proverbs 22:6].......... **** this goes for she will not depart as well**** :)

Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

Have a blessed Wednesday ladies,
Holly

WHAT A MESS!

2010-02-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the ones I'm talking about.....
You wake up late - try to make up time in order to make it to work on time. Well, I had one of those days today. I have decided to make my temple healthier and yesterday went out and purchased a new outfit to workout in.

Sooo - this morning I threw my protein shake in my purse and laid my cloths on top. While in the bathroom I heard my purse fall from the table. Went in the kitchen and there it was. Chocolate shake all over the floor and the cloths right in the middle of the mess...... I bowed down at the mess - began to wipe it up and spray the cloths down and could picture Christ doing the same thing with my life.

WHAT A MESS..... Yes.. what a mess I have made in the natural many many times. But through the blood of Christ - he has wiped it all clean.

In Francis Chan's book (Crazy Love) he says:

"The irony is that while God doesn’t need
us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don’t really want Him most of the
time.

I want to always remember what it cost Christ in order to be a sacrifice for my sin.

1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Thanking God today for cleansing my mess!

Have a blessed day,
Holly

FREE SPIRIT HAVEN: About Fearless Fridays

2010-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

FREE SPIRIT HAVEN: About Fearless Fridays

Fearless Friday - A Single's Word

2010-02-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

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I woke this morning and as I was praying, the Lord laid upon my heart the thought of my singleness. In the past I viewed my being single as a handicap. I didn't fit in anymore. I had been married for 22 years and just did not know HOW TO BE SINGLE nor did I desire to be SINGLE.

I had never viewed my thoughts as sin until a recent bible study. My fear of being single was causing "being in a relationship" my main focus - my main idol of the heart. The hope of being in a relationship would deliver me from the loneliness of singlehood. I do believe God allowed my fiance' in to my life for a purpose. He always uses people and events in our life "FOR OUR GOOD"........ For some reason though - we did not get married.

I have made the statement in the past that I desire to be so lost in the Lord that a man will have to seek him first in order to find me! WOW..... Today I stand on that statement. It doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks of us and whether or not they respect us is immaterial: God's grace has freed us from demanding our own respect and now we can live for the fame and honor of Jesus (1 Cor. 10:31).

Dr. Steve Childers wrote: Faith requires a continual rehearsing and delighting in the many privileges that are now ours in Christ....
Notice that faith is setting our affections on Christ!

If asked last July when my Fiance' broke our engagement if I would still be content the following February I would have answered "NO" and in my own strength that answer would still be NO.....

This day I chose not to fear my singleness and trust that my Savior adores me as his own child......

DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am so very thankful for my Sisters in Christ.... I recently had a blow to the heart. I'm not any one special. Most woman have had their share of heart aches. We have all encountered heart ache from a loved one, a family member, a child, an illness or even a death in our family.

What I have discovered is this: The family of God.
I was one of those woman that once hurt - decided that I didn't need ANYONE. Most people would eventually end up hurting me. Disappointing me. Still today. There could still be truth in that statement. People will hurt me and disappoint me, and guess what... I will disappoint and hurt others as well.....

BUT - what I have discovered is amazing relationships in the body of Christ. I do need their support, their counsel, their HUGS...........What amazing love is waiting in the body of Christ to encourage, edify, build up one another!

"We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.'” Romans 15:1-3

I have found many Sisters in the Lord that do exactly what the above scriptures commands us to do!

Thanking God for each and every one of you this day,
Holly

After The Rain

2010-02-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thinking this morning about Spring rains and the beauty that the Lord supplies after the rains.

We all encounter rains and storms in our lives. But its what we do with those rains when they come. I want to always choose to be as Christ in Matthew 8:23-27. His confidence was in God. He could rest assured that he was safe. He found his comfort and peace in the one that controlled the storm.
What a lesson in life for me. As I walk through times in my life when I don't understand the rainy seasons. When I don't know the day the Sun is coming out for certain. My certainty is this: The sun will come out. Even during the rain the SON CAN ALWAYS SHINE!

I believe our life is an adventure. We can learn from it, grow from it, be created from it. After all - Gods word promises in Psalm 138 that he will fulfill his purpose in us:
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.

So today I have decided to look upon my life in this way:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

Be blessed and dance a little.

Hugs,
Holly

Monday Bible Study / February 16, 2010

2010-02-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Week Two - Monday Bible Study

Question:

What does it mean to know that I am precious in God's sight?

I had made an addition to my weekend blog but decided to add it here for my answer.
Yesterday my ex fiance wrote to tell me he is pursuing a new relationship. When I first read it, I became sick to my stomach... I felt like he kicked me in the gut. You see... I had been praying the prayer of Jabez over Mark for 6 months...

Dear Lord - Bless Mark, increase his territory - watch over him - keep him from evil.... I desired God's BEST FOR MARK..... Until I read that email... I have found someone new......

Bottom line... I still desire God's blessings for his life - in my spirit... but we all know that we battle against flesh and blood. I'm hurt because I wasn't the right one!

All of that to get to my question: What does it mean to know that I'm precious in God's sight?
Answer: That he loves me so unconditionally - he was willing to die for me. In spite of me - my sin - my flaws -
He cares so deeply for me that he will spare me from mistakes as long as my focus is on him and his desire for my life.

TODAY I CAN TRUST Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!
NO MATTER WHAT I FEEL.... I CAN TRUST THE WORD OF GOD...................PERIOD!

I feel peace and assurance in the fact that I am his precious daughter and he desires and delights in giving me "GOOD GIFTS".............

Be blessed ladies,
Holly

The Right Road

2010-02-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken driving down my lane at home this past week. My thought was how beautiful the road looked and so peaceful.

Made me think of Gods way.... The road he has chosen for me to follow.
Last week I wrote about how I drifted off the path that I know is pleasing to God.
This week he reminds me that his ways are good, beautiful, peaceful and will bring my life joy. I thought of what it would look like to drift off the road in the snow... Chances are I would get stuck... Isn't that how life is as well..... what happens when I drift off of the right way, what if I linger there to long?

I love being able to trust in the fact the GOD KNOWS THE PLANS HE HAS FOR ME..... His plan.. not mine....

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT... Thanking God for his gentle reminder and amazingly beautiful way he revealed his truth to me this week.

God Bless Ladies,
Holly

Thankful Thursday/ Feb. 11

2010-02-10T10:57:00.001-08:00

"Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn't offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn't greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love." (Luke 7:44-47, NLT)

Today I am so very thankful for God's forgiveness..... The above woman referenced in this scripture is me ladies. I have done things in my past that I struggled to BELIEVE that a "perfect and holy God" could ever forgive.

So thankful that I can TRUST CHRIST at his word and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that "it is finished"... My sin is cast as far as the East is from the West.....What peace............what assurance......

Brings to mind the ole hymm Blessed assurance.................

Thanking my precious Savior this day for choosing me - long before he formed me - even knowing the sin I would choose and yet still loving me inspite of it all!

Lovingly yours,
Holly

Write the Vision down!

2010-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith

Habakkuh 2
And the LORD answered me

"Write the vision; make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.
3For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

I have chosen to write the vision down and to live by faith.
God is sovereign over our lives. He desires to give us good gifts and that we are
abundantly blessed. I think of Valentines day coming up and I am so tempted to
try and go out on my own and search for that one true love of my life, knowing full well
in my spirit that I already have that ONE TRUE LOVE IN MY LIFE.

I have a man that loved me so very much that he gave his one and only life for me. No man on the face of this earth has ever loved me THAT MUCH.

When my engagement was broken off – God woke me with these words… The answer is not NO – but NEW…… When I get to feeling sorry for myself or discontent about my current circumstance, I can rest assured that God is already working on my future. Already has his very best in store for me. Already working on other hearts that may need a nudge while he works on my heart and prepares me for his blessings.

What a happy thought for this Valentines Day. My Lord is already working on a “perfect gift” for my life. All things work together for our good. Even the mistakes I have made in the past are now working for my good through Christ. He has used them to mold me into his image. Creating in me a heart that desires his will far above my own.

So for me – My vision for today will wait until its appointed time….. God does not lie and even though it may seem slow to HOLLY – I will still WAIT because his word says it will surely come and not delay!

GIVE ME EARS TO HEAR OH LORD!

2010-02-05T08:14:00.001-08:00

The enemy has flooded your house. He seeped in through some cracks which you thought were unimportant. He knows not to come in the front door because you know how to fight and have victory there. Clean house. Find the hidden cracks, no matter how small. Don't think because you have been victorious at the front door he won't go for the cracks. There are things which you have gotten lax about. The enemy is relentless, even though he has been publicly defeated. The battle for Jericho was won according to My word, but it also had to be won according to My word. It wasn't, so Joshua's army was defeated.
Joshua 7:13 "Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the Lord, the God of Israel, has said, "There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst."

Last weekend I went to a bar and grill with my girlfriend for dinner. Innocent enough right... well.. They had a band playing...
So we decided to stay and listen.
My flesh was weaker than I thought. We danced to the band - but then a man came and asked me to dance. I danced one dance with him to be nice.
Later - someone came to me and said " Don't talk to him - he has a bet on you that you will go home with him tonight!

Ladies - That made me want to vomit...... What on earth would make someone think that?

The moral of this story.... Why did I put myself in a place where anyone could even come against me?

It goes back to what Paul speaks about... My flesh is weak... I do the things I don't want to do and don't do the thinks I wish I would.....

I want to make certain that all the cracks are sealed by the holy spirit in my heart.... I know I fail but I have a heavenly Father that has sent his son to justify my sin... LORD KNOWS I CAN'T DO IT ON MY OWN!

Just as Isaiah 30:21 says: And your ears will hear a word behind you, This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left................... Thats my hearts desire... To have ears to hear my Lord whisper - not that way Holly - but this way!

God Bless.

HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE THE LORD?

2010-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

The other day my post spoke of my need for the Lord to help me love him....... Today I wanted to share on what that truly looks like. In 1st John 3:16-20 he says this:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life fo us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.

WOW...... This passage has surely given me much to meditate on. I live on a farm. I haven't even been running cattle, horses or anything on it for over 6 years since my husband left me. I held on to the farm (saying it was for my children, etc.) but the truth of the matter I believe was then PRIDE.........OUCH! Today I believe I keeping it for a heritage to leave my Grandchildren... Which is definitly more biblical.... But the above scripture convicts my heart.

I have lifted up the people of Haiti, the starving in Africa, the homeless in St. Louis even.... I donate what I can in the form of money. BUT - Oh my the BUT.......
Am I laying down my life?
I must love them all as my Brothers, Sisters, Sons and Daughters out there... What would I do if my little Grand babies had no food in their home? I would go without?

My prayer is to love as Christ loves. John 3:16 says: FOR GOD SO LOVED - THAT HE GAVE.....................Look at what our heavenly Father gave.

This scripture has challenged my heart and I pray it challenges yours as well!

God did not just give a little or just lift up a few prayers for us, did he? No - HE GAVE MUCH!

Be blessed my dear Sisters and talk with you soon...... Bear Hug!

God is so very good!

2010-02-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm praising God this morning for his goodness. His grace and mercies that are new and fresh each and every morning. This past weekend I felt as though I disappointed God. I did stumble - But praise God (because of his son, Jesus Christ) I did not fall down. That's the joy of being a child of God.

Do we still stumble? Do we still make mistakes? Without a doubt..... YES. Of course we do. But there in lies the answer. Why else would we need a Savior if we could do it perfectly on our own through our own efforts.

I'm growing to realize my desperate need for Jesus. I don't want to try this walk on my own strengths. I would fail each and every time.

Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. Psalm 143: 8

Praise God for being there to show me where to walk and not only that but the guidance and knowledge to know where I SHOULD be walking.......

Thank you Lord for loving me enough to choose me even before you knew me!

Help! I Don't Love you

2010-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love.

This past weekend I felt like I totally let the Lord down. I dropped my guard and went along with the worldly thoughts of just getting out and having fun. What about ME syndrome. Don't I deserve syndrome. I'm all alone and no one cares syndrome. You know those day!

I was so surprised to read the words "I need God to help me love God." Which is so true. I found myself in a complacent state of mind. Not really pursuing God or running after him or his word. My prayer life was getting slothful, my desire weak.....The fact is if I need his help to love him ( a perfect being) I definitely need his help to love others, fault-filled humans.

It spoke of the remarkable cycle. Our prayers for more love result in more love, which naturally causes us to pray more, which results in more love... Imagine going for a run while eating a box of twinkies... Besides being self defeating and side ache- inducing (which so reminds me of myself)lol...... it would also be near impossible - we would have to stop our run just to eat the twinkies...

So in the same way... we have to stop loving and pursuing Christ in order to sin.. OUCH... This was my case. I had stopped running after Christ.... As long as I chasing after him and his ways I won't desire the things of the flesh.... I will be running toward our Refuge, toward Love, toward freedom... Free from sin!

The more I focus on my love for Christ, all other loves will become NATURAL! I like the way Francis Chan said it " As long as we are pursuing Christ - we are satisfied in Him... WOW.... such good word for me. I do not want to be Luke warm like the church of Laodicea? Do you? I desire instead to be as David in the Psalms... You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Ps. 16:11

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

I am so thankful that he loves you and I unconditionally. Even when we are not loving and pursuing him like he created us to. Then most importantly I'm thankful for the God moments when his presence is so new and fresh that you know with all of your heart that he is the love of your life and you cannot fill any void or place in your heart with any thing other than HIM! Thats when all things are added, right?

Be blessed and I pray you as well will RUN AFTER CHRIST!

Blessings In This Life

2010-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Isn't it wonderful when you have those seasons in your life when you truly can see the blessings of God all over you?

So many of us have been in valleys where we KNEW THE TRUTH OF THE WORD but just didn't feel that truth in our emotions. We knew that God loved us, was caring for us, watching over our current situation but we just couldn't FEEL HIM. I am learning that it doesn't matter what I'm feeling. No matter what.... His word will always speak truth to my heart. No matter how I feel - the truth is that God loves each and every one of us and it doesn't matter that we fall short and mess up. We can always consciously tuck his whisper of absolute love into the deepest part of our hearts.

Psalm 86:11 asks the Lord to "teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart."

That is my prayer and it is my desire to ask this daily as I bow before our Holy God and ask him to control my life. Remove my flesh from the throne and govern my life in the way he sees fit.

I have been blessed by God in so very very many ways. He has blessed me with loving children that respect me even when I am not certain I earned that respect in the past. Amazing Grandchildren that light my world a blaze. Even as I write this blog I have a new grandbaby being formed in my Daughter-In-Laws womb. Such an amazing gift of God.

I do still seek and pray for the salvation of my little family and the many many dear friends I have met in this life....but as I meditate on the amazing grace of our HOLY HEAVENLY FATHER I must pause and thank him for loving me enough to sacrifice his Son for the sin in my life that he knew even before I was formed.

Blessings to all,
Holly

Thankful Thursday

2010-01-14T04:32:00.001-08:00

Its been a while since I have written any words down. My heart was definitely resting in the Lord since my visit to my ex fiance........ I had such faith in God that he would restore our relationship. It did not happen at all the way I HOPED in my heart.

I know that I know that my God did not let me down. I haven't been upset at God whatsoever. I have been trying to focus on the fact that whatever happens in my life - Good or Bad - that he is in complete control... He is sovereign and all knowing and will use it for my good and his kingdom purpose.

I am praying that he bless my former partner. If I was not the right help mate for him that God bring him an amazing woman of God. THIS IS THE KICKER! I finally know who I am..... I could not have prayed in that way before this year. Does my heart still heart... OF COURSE.... But I know that I am the Daughter of the most high. That I desire his ways above my own way. Do I still miss him...........OF COURSE..... The truth of the matter is.... GOD HAS AN AMAZING PLAN FOR ALL OF US.... So I'm trying to focus on just enjoying the journey and looking at life as a new adventure and seeking to SEE AND HEAR God's voice above my own!

So many woman have touched my life on this journey as we all walk by FAITH and not by SITE..... I discovered the world of blogging and was so very blessed by others who encourage you to keep on keeping on and digging truths out of the word of God.

I AM SO VERY THANKFUL TO YOU ALL! Good to be back and writting again and I pray he just keeps on flaming that fire within my soul and your soul as well.
EPHESIAN 1:11 I him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined, according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. AMEN~

God Bless ladies! Many hugs from this heart of mine.

Holly

2009-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thursday

My people know my voice

John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand."

I’m so very thankful this morning for Christ. For the sacrifice he made for me on that day he went to the cross. He would have gone even if ONLY FOR ME!

I have questioned at times if I was truly saved. Why can’t I hear his voice. Why doesn’t he just come down and speak verbally? The older I get the more I realize and notice that “still small voice” within my spirit. He speaks gently.
Holly – don’t say that. Don’t go there or better yet. Look here. See my need here.

Yes – I have also discovered that my heart can deceive me so easily if I allow my flesh and my emotions to control me. My heart always wants its way even when God is trying to direct me in another path. Recently I just knew that I knew what God’s perfect plan was. Where he wanted me – even what church he needed me to serve.
I set out on the adventure to FOLLOW CHRIST WHEREVER HE WOULD LEAD ME.. Knowing and trusting that he was going before me and preparing the way.

Little did I know that he was in fact doing that very thing. BUT OH – the outcome was so very very different than my little miracle I had worked up in my heart. In the end, the true miracle was finding God’s love meeting me – holding me – loving me through a hard and painful experience. His love was my miracle. Assuring me that he loved me and that he has an amazing and perfect plan for my life – regardless of what I do to mess it up….lol

Isn’t this the truth in the end:
Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.”

2009-12-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

Reconciliation With God

2 Corinthians 5:19
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Isn't that a wonderful word? Reconciled. To think that the God of Heaven
wants reconciliation with a sinful people. People that have abandoned his word, his commandments, his truths!

But yet he desired to forgive. Not to count our sins against us.. Because of Jesus Christ (crucified) we are able to be viewed as his children and loved. When I think of where I was - lost and no way to get to God by my own deeds and then
his amazing love that searched me out - called me - and reconciled me back to him....

I have to consider how do I forgive?
How do I seek reconciliation with fellow believers?

I pray that I become more and more like Christ. That I view all things through his heart. When I forgive....That I'm able to TRULY FORGIVE and let the offense go and give it over to God. When I work at a relationship and say with my mouth - we are reconciled....That we are one in the spirit again.

Today I say with all of my heart oh Lord:

Let the words of my mouth - the meditations of my heart - be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.......

May your world be filled with forgiveness and reconciliation of broken relationships and hearts...

2009-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thursday

Today I am so very thankful for the "awe" moments in life. For months I have

been standing in faith and waiting on the Lord. Waiting on his guidance, direction, answered prayer.

While waiting we go through so many different phases. At first we question "WHY" something

happened? How it happened? What could I have done differently to change the out come? Many times we are saddened by the situation. At times angry. Other times just at a lose for words.

I know during some of these seasons in my life I have cried out to God - Why must I wait Lord. If the situation isn't ever going to change - please Lord, release me. Bring me to something new or at least remove the PAIN...... You all know what I'm talking about. We have all been there.

BUT - then there are times when you have waited and waited and you get one small glimmer of hope! One glimpse of the Lord moving and working in your situation. You still don't know the final outcome.

You still don't know that he will answer yes.

BUT YOU HAVE THAT HEART KNOWLEDGE THAT "WOW, GOD REALLY DOES WORK FOR OUR GOOD!"

Romans 8:28

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.

Today I can honestly say that God has me in "AWE" mode just knowing that he loves his Sons and Daughters in such an amazing way that he truely is working together for each and every one of his children to bring us to that place of total dependency upon him and the realization that I don't want my own way any longer. My desire has become his desire. I always thought that I couldn't give up control of my life - what if he would never give me what my heart truly wanted!

What peace I have this day knowing that I now desire his way far above my own and it is so

simple. ALL OF A SUDDEN - He is filling my heart with bliss as I see him directing my path and keeping it brightly lit as I seek him with my whole heart!

Be blessed regardless of your circumstance!!!

2009-12-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

"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

True Love is on my heart this morning. Many homes have been broken by divorce.
What actually lead to the divorce? Was it adultery? Financial problems? Boredom? Not getting what you deserved?

The marriage union has been a deep prayer of mine for quiet some time now. I watch loved ones struggle to actually love each other. I watch them become angry with one another and desire the OTHER PERSON to change and become WHAT THEY DESIRE. I've watched them tell one another how they DO EVERYTHING and it would be nice if their spouse would at least DO SOMETHING. My heart cries out to see TRUE BIBLICAL MARRIAGE.

So - I search the scriptures. I search for what our Lord says about marriage. There lies the answer! All we have to do is walk with the Lord. Its that simple. By walking with our Savior we become that DESIRABLE SPOUSE. We become the other person's EVERYTHING!

Love isn't touchy: 1 Corinthians 13:5 says that Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (pays no attention to a suffered wrong)....WOW. So what do we need? We need God's love in us in order to not be TOUCHY... Right? So by starting our day with our sweet sweet Lord will equip us to be his vessel. He will keep us "sweetened up" and full of confidence.
The more we discover the Lords kindness and gentleness the more we become BUILT UP and strengthened by his spirit to be like Christ.

I am certain God's heart desires the marriage union on earth to be an example to the lost world of his great love for his church. How much could "GODLY MARRIAGES" change our world? I believe it would astound the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Psalm 86:11 is what I ask the Lord to give me - Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart....

I may not be married at the moment. BUT - I so desire that God create in me a heart of Christ that when he brings the Man of God into my life....I will be a bride that
represents his church. A bride that is not touchy and self seeking but rather one that desires to SERVE and SUBMIT to an amazing man of God.

If both can ever come to the realization that their marriage is joined together by God and for God's devine purpose... Oh, how their lives would flourish!

Praying for the many marriages to be restored and renewed by God's grace.....

God Bless,

2009-12-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

Learning to Stand and lean at the same time?

One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is how to stand in faith? Trusting that God
has his best for me at all times.

When I went through a divorce 5 years ago I couldn't see how any of that horrible nightmare
could have any good in it whatsoever. How could my family falling apart be good? How
could my children hurting be good?
How could such an angry person (ME) ever soften her heart ever again?

Looking back on the past 5 years I still have memories that try and haunt me. BUT - I now
realize that many of the hard times I've experienced in this life of mine have been due to
my lack of faith and yes - usually disobedience to GOD'S WAY. I believe the word of God when
he says " He will always provide a way of escape"...... There is always that way - but the choice
is ours to walk through his door or continue on our own path of destruction.

The difference in my today trials you may ask? Oh my - the difference is the trust that I have in my
Savior. I now can say with assurity that my trust lies only in Christ Jesus as my Savior. There is nothing
I can do on my own to gain his love any more than what I did in the past could cause him to NOT LOVE ME!

I'm learning 1 Corinthians 2:5 - that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
and also learning James 1:3 - to be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..... Now I have had to struggle with this one. Making my faith BE THAT SUBSTANCE in place of the things hoped for. Knowing that my faith is in God....... Knowing that he is working ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD!

I had a dear sweet friend in my life continually tell me that if we know that we know that God is for us and has only good intentions toward us, has and wants only his best for us - how can we not rest in that and have peace! I so agree with them today.

Before I struggled thinking - how can you have peace when your heart is broken? How can you have peace when you have a disease that threatens to take your life or a family members life? How can you have peace when you have no job and can't see one in sight? This is when I have learned to LEAN.....................

That is how I stand! I stand in faith because of the strong arm of my Lord... He calls me to come to him - those who are heavy laden and need rest! Then we can know as Colossians 2:5 states = For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit ( HE IS WITH ME) rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. That keeps me STANDING.. .Standing on his word, his promises and trusting that he is leading and guiding me each and every day. I only have THIS DAY!

So for today.... I will stand as I lean upon my Holy Lord and my prayer is that my life is pleasing to him for today and that I can say with confidence as Galatians 2:20 says... I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. No longer the old Holly -
I can wake each morning (Lord willing) and grant him total control and authority over my life *****BY FAITH!!!!! :)

Where would I go?

2009-11-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Today I was having one of those day?
I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about - well, especially most woman...lol
One of those days where you mind just wanders and ponders on so many different thoughts, memories, mistakes, regrets.... You know - when the enemy starts feeding
your thought process with:

You really messed up in the past - so bad that you actually don't deserve the blessings of the Lord.
Is living for God really gotten you anywhere?
You always run to God when the world rejects you?
Even a Godly man didn't want you Holly?
YOU KNOW - yeap, ONE OF THOSE DAYS..................... BUT THEN

( Oh yeah, big smile)....... My Lord stepped in.

For when we let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable
in the Lord's sight - he is our strength and our redeamer.... YOU BETCHA !
The words of Satan begin to fade quickly!

Greater is he that is IN ME - than he that is in the word...... I started to let him have it.

I agreed with Satan to a point.
Yes - I messed up in the past!
Yes - I did turn to the Lord when the world hurt me!
Yes - Even a Godly man chose to walk in a new direction instead of allow me
to control my own life instead of relying on God to direct my path!

Does any of that mean that I am not the daughter of the King. NO. My Father chose
me to serve him and he is perfecting me DAILY!

Because of his great loved me and for you - he sent his Son to die for our sins.

I pictured Jesus today speaking to his disciples and some could not handle the hard words that
he spoke in the temple and they turned and left him on that day. He looked at the remaining
disciples and said " will you leave to?" Peter said - Where would we go?

Isn't that what we all have to cry out? I know that I have no other place to turn - nor do I want to turn in any direction other than to the CROSS! No one on this earth has anything to offer me that can replace that kind of love.

Where would you go?

I pray no other place than to the CROSS...................................

THANKFUL HEART

2009-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

THANKFUL HEART

1Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

It is that time of the year when we are all busy getting the turkey and all the trimmings, Decorating our homes, etc. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasons it can be so easy to get so busy to forget what this time of year should represent. THANKFULNESS! I have
been meditating on that very word. What does it mean in my heart?

Thankful for salvation. For the Lord's mercy in my life as written above " That it ENDURES
FOREVER....... That this life is just preparation for an eternity with the Lord.

2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! That's how I feel today.

We can't even begin to fathom this gift. We love our families. We love to give them gifts. But how great is our Father's love for us..... The gift of his precious Son. I feel that I can't begin to THANK HIM ENOUGH! How do I thank him? I want to thank him through my actions. My praise. My worship. My service toward others. My submission to his ways above my own.

He has blessed my life in so many indescribable ways. Health, loved ones, precious Grand children, precious friendships. One gift he blessed me with was a relationship with a Godly Man. This man showed me through his character a way of daily life. I didn't value his leadership or his lifestyle, but thank God that he used this man in my life to plant the seed. The seed that is now rooted and GROWING! I wanted to focus on the hurt of him walking away. I am now focusing on the good that God brought to my spirit THROUGH the time spent with this man. The talks, the walks and yes even the disagreements when I wanted MY WAY...... God loved me enough to allow me to lose him in order to value him.

I'm thankful today for his PEACE - JOY - REST....... Regardless of our circumstance - WE ARE BLESSED! Period.

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

I would have nothing and I am nothing with out God. Without his love of sending his precious Son to die for my sin and rebellion. I never want to live a day without THANKING GOD!

So this Thursday when we are enjoying our families (missing those that aren't there) and having a wonderful meal. Lets not forget the most important place to give honor. Our precious Savior. Thankful always for his mercies and grace! REGARDLESS of what we see with the natural eye - because he is working for our good and perfecting us to be like him each and every day that we place our heart in his hands!

NARROW IS THE WAY!

2009-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Narrow is the Way

Doesn't it seem like so very many people are having such a tough time knowing which way to turn? I can't begin to count how many of my friends (including myself many days) are crying out to God for his direction or his "perfect will" for their lives.So many times I believe he has practically thrown me in the middle of his perfect will and I still questioned it? Many times we walk in fear of the "what if world" and miss his timing........then we have to learn through periods of testing that we should have just trusted in him to meet us there - the old saying "JUST DO IT" is what I feel he is speaking at times or at least "Just do something"............... Its like the man that went and buried his talent - because of why? He was fearful.... God is always calling us to be active - not a bench warmer!It has only been through many trials and testings in my own life that I believe I'm finally beginning to know what God's perfect will is.

I believe that if we focus our entire being on this one truth, that roads and doors will begin to open in which God desires to be open. Here is the truth: If I love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul and body - first and foremost. Then my heart desires his ways above my own ways. His truth above my feelings. His plan, even if it isn't lining up with my hopes for TODAY! For I know if I trust in him - all things will work together for my good - Why? BECAUSE I LOVE HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEART!Psalm 31:23-24 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART, all you who HOPE IN THE LORD................What does that tell me.... MY HOPE MUST ALWAYS REMAIN IN HIM.... not in my plans, my dreams, my thoughts.... BUT IN HIM AND HIM ALONE!

God's word promises in Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.God loves us. He desires to bless our lives. Not harm us. Joshua 1:9 tells us to be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goest. I know that I get fretful and discouraged when I am not putting my trust in his perfectness......Isaiah 26:3 Promises me that he will keep me in perfect PEACE, whose mind is stayed on thee: Because why? Because he trusteth in thee!

I have decided I'm a very slow learner...lol I am now 45 years old and it took this long for the light bulb to shine on top of the ole head..... :) But praise God his Holy Spirit chose me - and removed the veil from my eyes - opened my ears to hear him - my heart to know him. His word is alive.... It leads and guides us. It promises to strengthen us in all our difficulties. In Jeremiah 1:5 he tells us that he formed us in the womb, knew us before we were even born and had already sanctified us.............HOW AMAZING IS THAT KIND OF LOVE....UNCONDITIONAL.

How can I not love him with my WHOLE HEART BACK? I must!

I have always said " I love God - I trust God"...... but this scripture speaks volumes to me today:1 John 3:18 Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth.How true is this scripture for my life. I can now rest..............rest in his perfect love. for Psalms 121:3 tells me that he will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber. So in the end: I can trust that even though I make plans and have hopes and dreams.

I still say" If the Lord wills".Proverbs 16:9 A Man's mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.I can trust that if I make my plan and it is centered on God as my reasoning...... He is sure to bless that plan or cause the change in plan that will bring about his good! Nothing can thwart God's plan.... How reassuring is that? To me it causes peace! Trust! An ever present help when I am struggling to understand, not understanding what I know in my heart but I don't see it with my eyes! Its all okay. Why? Because I trust my Lord and Savior. He is in complete authority over my life and as long as he is on the throne... I do not fear tomorrow. I do not fear taking the wrong path and getting off the narrow road......

BECAUSE JESUS IS NOW DRIVING!:)

Isaiah 30:21 “And your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left

I WANNA BE BEAUTIFUL

2009-11-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize over the years that its not whats on the outside that matters at all.......

It has taken many years to hear what the Lord thinks of me.

When I was a young girl I always wanted to be more like my Brother. My Parents would always say "why can't you be like your Brother"! So I always tried to dress like a boy and not comb my hair and act more like a tom boy......

Then as I got older my Dad would introduce me as "The mean one".......... So needless to say - I tried to be what my Dad thought I was. Somehow in my mind I felt if I acted the way he expected me to - that it pleased him and I made him proud of me.

Then came the High School years. I finally became a girly girl (lol) and got noticed for being pretty. Then I believed that this is what made people like me. So I continued to strive at being skinny enough, pretty enough. I ended up being voted the prettiest at my school but always felt fat and ugly. I drank very often just so I could be more out going and what I considered to be the person I could never be on my own. What lies Satan can get us to believe just so we are constantly striving to fix ourselves when there is nothing we can do in our own strength to correct the "uglies" in our hearts. They just keep getting larger and larger the harder we try to do it on our own.

Today - the beauty on the outside has faded - the skinny/perfect body is no longer. But something has happened to me that can never compare to any beauty on the outside! I finally realize, believe and TRUST in God's perfect love for me. He loves me just the way I am. Even knowing all the JUNK....................................................I discovered AMAZING GRACE.

I no longer care about what the world determines is beautiful. The only beauty I'm concerned with these days is what God has created in my heart. I'm not that "ugly" girl that was voted most beautiful. I could very well be considered the girl thats so so to the world - But I'm praying I'm

beautiful in God's eyes. That he looks at me and says "who I am is quit enough"........Because of Jesus Christ - I'm worthy of Love.....I'm now beautiful! It doesn't matter what the world calls you - It doesn't matter what you've done - It doesn't even matter what you were raised believing you were..............The only thing that matters is what God is doing in our hearts.

My heart must be so lost in God - that a man must seek him with his whole heart in order to find me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God blessed my broken road. He came searching for me and praise God I AM FOUND!

I still Cry.....................................

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I STILL CRY

I still cry
when I think of how you love me
and I struggle in the darkness
even when its hard to try

And on some days - that seem to never end
I'm consumed with all the pain
and my struggles deep within

Its then you speak to me
that your always in control
you have good plans in store
that some day I truly see

How your Love
Is my shelter in the storm
it descends upon my heart
from your heavens up above

Its then on my knees
that I find your strength within
all my doubts and fears
begin to fanish and to flee

And then I cry
not for pity for myself
but to think you loved me so
to pay the price for me and die

Oh Sweet Jesus - never let me go
Help me walk with you each day
I'm so in love with you
from the depths of my soul

And through my cries
they are tears of joy this day
I no longer walk in shame
for with you the old me dies

For you see my tears
but they are tears for what you've done
even when I walked alone
you sent your one and only Son..........................................

God woke me this morning with this song on my lips..... I woke up singing " I STILL CRY".......
feeling that my heart still aches in many ways for many sorrows......................but in the end
I still cry for the most amazing grace I have ever discovered....................
GOD LOVES ME!
I will never understand how or why.
But I do know this truth.
GOD LOVES YOU AND I more than we will ever be able to comprehend!

LET IT RAIN

2009-10-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

LET IT RAIN
10-22-09

Isn't it funny how God uses things in our lives to bring revelation?

I was seeking the Lord this morning during my quiet time and thanking
him for his grace and mercies that are new each and every morning.

Thanking him for revealing himself to me in a fresh and new way that only
his Holy Spirit can.................
I have been in one of those storms of life. When our emotions toss us to and fro.
When we end up walking in what we are feeling instead of walking in what is TRUE!

I am finding that if we run to the Lord...................fall at his feet and allow him
to take all of our cares and burdens. WHAT PEACE... WHAT AMAZING PEACE that brings.
He wants to care for us. He desires that we love him first and foremost above all else that
this world has to offer. I was so struggling with having hope for an outcome in a recent
lost relationship... My hope was wrapped up in that ONE DESIRE..............God has been
so patient and gentle in allowing me time to see that my HOPE IS IN HIM.... ALONE!

Driving in to work I was struke with this realization! We thank God for the sunny days - for
the blessings in life. When things are just falling right in to place and all is well.
What about the rain?
What about the storms?
I'm thanking God today for the storms he has allowed. The testing he himself has allowed.
and the rain.......................Oh Lord thank you for the rain! Its in my storm that his love
has poured in on my heart more than I could ever have imagined!
Thank you God for the cross..... Thank you Lord for loving me so much that you sent your
Son to die for my sin. That when you look at me - you don't see the mess - you don't see the
selfishness - YOU SEE YOUR SON!
Today I can thankfully see your love and be thankful for this season that you are allowing me
to take a step of faith. a step in growth. a step in trust.

I just thank you Lord for the RAIN!

Letting Go and Letting God!

2009-10-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Letting Go and Letting God

** picture taken on my Alpha retreat**

The good Lord knew I would reflect back on this photo and

have an image of his beauty and peace that he has brought to my life!

I'm sure many of you have been where I am at. When God has brought you to a place

of knowing that you control NOTHING in your life. PERIOD.

This is such a hard place and yet a wonderful place once you finally figure out that

by letting go.................God can finally do something on your behalf!

WHAT PEACE that surpasses all understanding.

To be at the place where I can finally believe the following words of the Lord:

2nd Corinthians 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you.. for my power is made perfect in WEAKNESS..

Isaiah 43:19

For I am about to do something new, See, I have already begun! Do you not see!

Habakkuh 1:5

For I am doing something in your own day. Something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.

1 Peter 5:6

So humble yourself under the might power of God and at the right time - he will lift you up to honor.

When you can say with all honesty and humility: Lord I have a problem - and its ME!

To finally come to the realization that you must be more concerned with your character than your reputation. For our character is what we really are and our reputation is merely what others think we are! WHAT TRUTH!

I know that there must be many woman that need healing in their hearts.

I want to share my testimony in hopes that it may help someone else see how great is our God!

My journey began when I was 10 years old. Thats when I first met the Lord. I was a church bus ministry child. My parents did not attend church yet. Once I got saved they started attending and became christians as well.

I got married at the age of 18 to my High School sweetheart. We had two children together and I thought - had a white picket fence life.

Our marriage lasted 22 years. The last 5 of those years were very very hard. Sin came in to our marriage through adultry,lies, anger, bitterness.......................I think every sin possible was committed toward one another, all while attending church. Blame goes to both sides of that fence.

We eventually divorced and went our seperate ways. What a devastating effect this had on our family and is still affecting them today!

God finally brought the man of my dreams into my life and my heart was still so strong willed and stubborn from my past that I ended up not realizing what a treasure the Lord had blessed me with. My stubborn rebellion caused my relation to end. I do believe that God used this tragedy in order to bring me to the place of COMPLETE AND UTTER BROKENESS.

I can honestly picture myself as the woman drying her tears from Jesus' feet with her hair! I have thrown myself at the feet of JESUS for sure. Praise God he has held out his arms and just loved me. He loved me enough to allow me to be broken. Now he can mold me into his image. HOW GREAT IS THAT. Now I can become a daughter of Sarah. My heart can become CHRIST LIKE. Only when I realize my desperate need for the Lord each and every day of my life is when he can actually speak into my heart and direct my path!

I know that there are woman out there hurting. God desires all to be whole.

He wants to give us the desires of our heart.... It all begins when we first begin to

desire his ways and his perfect will.....................................

Romans 5:4 More than that. We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that our sufferings produce endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope does not put to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given us. For while we were still weak, Christ died for the ungodly.

A work in progress!!!!!!!!!!!!! and thanking God for it.........................................