Grace Talk With Daveda

What I Wanted Before

2012-01-23T06:41:00.001-08:00

I recently started a new business with It Works! Global. Have you ever heard of it? I know its popularity has made its way into many citites across the country and then some, but there are still many places that don't even know what it is. Which is exciting!

Its a great Christian company that offers all natural and botanically based products. Our lead product is called the Ultimate Boody Applicator, and this product detoxes, tightens, tones and firms the skin where applied, as well as reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening...side affects....98% of people lose inches in that area with-in 45 minutes! NO JOKE it really does work.

Anyway I could go on and on about how great the products and the company are. I also replaced my part time income in 4 months with their business model. YEA ME!

But this post is about my heart...you see just 3 years ago I was consumed with ministry. It was all I ever thought about, it has been this way for me since I meet Jesus. I always felt "called" to teach and speak. I started writing a book a few years ago, havent gotten it published yet...but I have every intention of doing so...I'm just not sure its done yet. Although everyone who reads it tells me that its done and I need to publish it.

So, back to my heart...consumed with ministry...However, I wasnt necessarily consumed with Jesus, just ministry. I know some people feel that they are one in the same, but I no longer think so. You see ministy for me was busy work. Yes, you help people, but for me it feels like you get so consumed with planning this and organizing that, that its easy to get caught up in the program and not be focused on the person. Plus, I think that being in ministry made me feel like I was important. It identified me as a person. Which I no longer care about, it doesnt matter to me if others think im important. It matters what God thinks. My identity is in Jesus, period, and I have learned (still learning) that what I do isn't what makes me valuable.

Hence my current dillema...ministry doesnt look the same for me any more. I've preached in churches, at bible studies, at retreats etc...and I always felt like God used me to reach people. But I also have started seeing some things in organized ministry that have actually caused me to take a break from church for awhile. Don't get me wrong I'm not dogging "churches" I was lead to the Lord in a church and have made a lot of great friends through church. I'm not even opposed to being apart of a church. Theres a part of me that misses it. SOME of it. Then theres a part of me that has no desire to be apart of all the chaos that actually causes you to be more involed in ministry than with Jesus.

Does this make any sense to anyone except me? LOL I know there have to be others out there that can relate to where I'm coming from. And to be honest...I've never been this honest before. I've always been afraid of what you would think of me when you read this post.

So how does this have ANYTHING to do with my new It Works! business? Good question! I feel torn between what was and what is. I started this business for my family. It has the potential to create a very nice income that can provide for us in the future. My husband is physically in pain all the time and his job is really tough on him. This business can create the income to free him from that. Also, I have two boys at home that are Dyslexic and I need to homeschool so this job gives me the flexibilty to do that as well.

My dillema, I don't want to not use the gifts that God has given me. I lead a Bible Study on Wednesday nights in my home. I don't TEACH a Bible Study but I do lead one. The "job" I always saw for myself was me being a preacher, traveling around and teaching...but I don't even want that anymore. It would not be the best thing for my family, at least not right now. So I am having a hard time with this new business in the respect that I feel like to really be "all in" with this do I have to be "all out" with the previous ministry thing and if not what does that even look like now?Do I have to choose between doing what I feel is best for my family and what I used to see for myself?

I know that may sound silly and I know you can't answer that question for me. But this is where my heart is today. This business came along at just the right time and I know the Lord has blessed me with it. I am certain that God is working in me right now! Its just confusing to me...I really want to do well with this business and be successful. I really want to give my family the opportunity to not be tied down to a 2nd shift, hard on your body life style. But, I've never wanted anything but ministry before...

Uncomfortable Change

2012-01-06T07:25:00.001-08:00

Over the last several years I have been continually set free from bondages and legalisms through the continued revelation of Jesus Christ the person, not the religion, and the truth of His Grace.

This had indeed been an amzing journey. However, each time I get to a new level of being set free and I begin to see something in my life differently, its a pretty uncomfortable feeling. It feels very much like having a band-aid ripped off of a wound that now needs some air to heal.

I go through this time questioning myself and asking "Could what I am now feeling and experiencing be right, or have I somehow lost my mind?" The last thing I ever want to do it navigate away from truth, so I am continally asking God to help me make sure I don't get lost along the way.

Why is this transition period so difficult? What are your experinces with this in your journey and how do you navigate through it?

Rethinking Your Thinking

2012-01-05T07:50:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been in a place in your life where you were rethinking the way you think? A place where the what used to seem right or normal, has started to take on a completely different look? I feel like I am seeing life in a different light recently and am really rethinking what I see...What are your thoughts or experiences on this?

New Face Needed

2011-12-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

After spending some time back on my blog I have realized that I need to create a new face for my blog page! I can't manage my blogs, and I am having trouble leaving comments on some of your pages....you have no idea that I visited you and loved what you had to say! I'm working on becoming a bit more computer savy. I want to be able to post writings as well as possibly some audio teaching at some point.

Any suggestions? Im looking for something that is fresh and new...

Making Time

2011-12-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

Its been a long, hard year here in the Schmildin household. I have been very preoccupied, run down and far to consumed with the problems of the past year. God has been showing me just how much time I have wasted worrying over the seemingly endless catastrophes that haven taken place over the past year of our lives.

It's so easy to lose focus. But the Lord is forever faithful and has not only been revealing the truth of my ditractedness but also bringing forth new life and hope in my soul. He is giving me a strength and a determination that I do not believe I have ever had before.

In all of my Christian walk I have never really strayed too far from the Lord. I have never walked away, or felt that He walked away from me. Not entirely anyways. This past year, even though I talked with the Lord daily, I have discovered that I wasnt really trusting Him. I know in my heart that God is using all I have been through to teach me how to have an even greater trust in Him, and His ability to work in my life. He is showing me how much time I have wasted as well as working in me at deeper levels to grow and nurture my belief in His faithfulness.

Nothing in this world is as fulfilling and satisfying to me as sharing Gods heart with others. My heart is so full of joy when I type or speak and allow the Holy Spirit to flood the pages or the room with the truths that have been imbedded into the depths of my soul.

I have missed being me...I am looking forward to growing in who God has called me to be. I still have some things to work through...But, Im getting there!

An old friend left this message on my FaceBook page recently,

"Hey Daveda! Congrats on your new grandbaby, you are one of the most beautiful Grandma's I've ever seen! :) On another note...I have decided today, to pray for you to have more time to blog...any selfishness on my part? Maybe a bit. ;)"

and I realized that Im not the only one who misses me.

I am hesitant to say I will blog regularly...yet...but I would like to. So, maybe all of you could pray for me too. Pray that what I am truly passionate about will be what I make the most time for.

and...to my "old friend" Vicky...Thank You!

Even When

2011-05-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

I made it here twice this week! Woohoo!! If you didn't catch the weeks earlier post just boogie on down below and take a look.

We have had so many things going on in our lives this past past year...and they are still going. Who knows what lifes going to look like in seven months from now...I wonder??

What I do know and am increasingly learning, is that I don't have to try and figure it out. So refreshing...there are moments when wish I just knew what was coming so I could prepare myself and my heart, but I guess that God's job anyway.

So I will continue to be lead by the Holy Spirit and trust that He is in the process of doing just that, preparing me for what is to come. He's good at that ya know! We often get in His way, thats the problem.

We (I, I'm assuming I'm not alone in this) Try to figure out whats coming, try to reason out scenarios, try to look deep inside and determine what our "faith" says...WOW! Can we all say OVERWHELMING!!!

I'm glad that I am increasingly growing in having my "faith" in the person of Jesus regardless of the outcome. I'm glad that God is teaching me how to continually trust in HIS goodness, wisdom, favor and power at work in my life regardless of what I see.

I'm glad that He is faithful and constant to me, Even When I struggle to believe Him.

"I AM"

2011-05-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

I wish I could get to this blog more often, however, it seems as though I feel and it is necessary to write and share with you some deeply thought out insights that are proof read and thought over and over,- or nothing at all.

I don't have as much time to be in blogger world as I used to, but I really miss it. I miss you.

So. I've decided that I am just going to pop on here and share whatever happens to be on my mind. I'm not going to spend a lot of time "proof reading" and "rewording" what I say. I'm just going to put it out there and thats how you'll get it. If you came to my house for a cup of Starbucks House Blend, we would just talk. Just plain, raw, unproofed, thoughts and feelings.

So, lets have coffee.

I don't have a lot to say today other than my life has been full of trials and situations this past year. At the present time, this is still the case as I am sure is true for many or all of you. We all have "stuff" going on, right? Right.

Anyway, a simple sentence gave me peace this morning and I felt like sharing. I believe this is for me, and all of you that are having coffee with me right now.

"I AM, what your looking for."

Simple, Profound, Life-Giving.

"I AM, what your looking for."

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Living in Eden

2011-03-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

What do you think it was like for Adam and Eve, living in Eden? Can you imagine a place with no shame, condemnation, guilt, or remorse. Close your eyes for just a moment and think about what life would be like if none of these things ever came betweeen you and God; Can you imagine it?

I can. Oh, how I long to learn and have an understanding that goes to the very core of my being, the redemtive revelation of Gods love for me. How my heart longs to recognize at a much deeper levels the oneness that we have with the Father because of what Jesus has done for us.

I believe there is a truth hidden in these thoughts of mine. A truth that will guide and lead us to a place of intwined intimacy with the Father. A truth that encompasses our hearts and souls in such a way that we will never doubt the Fathers love and acceptance of us.

So, what do you think? What do you think life would be like, here and now, if we received and accepted the truth that we have been redeemed back to the place of Eden?

Which Gospel

2010-09-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Thought number one is, WOW! It really has been a long time since I have posted on here. I am hopeful that I will be able to do so a bit more often from now on. Plus, I miss all of my wonderful blogging friends!

So, do you want to know whats on my mind this morning? Good! Because I want to share it with you!

We all hear a vast array of teaching. Some comes from sources whom believe A is the right perception of the Gospel and others believe B is the right perception, others C and so on and so forth. But, how do we know what is really truth with so many teachings available?

I once read in Velvet Elvis, a wonderful book by Rob Bell, that the Bible is like a sparkling Gem. It has many sides and colors. If you look at it one way you see it as blue, another pink, yet another yellow and so on. This is of course paraphrased in my own words and understanding of what I read.

So, does this mean that everything is right? Am I trying to tell you that there is no right and wrong, that what you think or believe is right for you, regardless of what it is?

NO! We must see every color and side of the Bible through the direct revelation of the person of Jesus Christ! Without this we see things void of the Fathers heart and love for us.

Paul tells us in Galatians that there is a true Gospel. The Gospel of truth and freedom in Christ. As a matter of fact, he corrects the Galatians for allowing themselves to be put back under the law, walking away from the freedoms they once walked in through believing in the truth of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Following rules and regulations do not make you righteous in the sight of God. Believing, relying on and clinging to Jesus is what makes us righteous! Even Abraham was counted as righteous simply because he believed God.

I have found in my own life that there are certain rules I live by, but not because they make me righteous, but because they are good for me and make my life easier. Because it is my desire to do what is right for me and my family. It is MY desire to do what I believe glorifies God, in my actions attitude and behavior. Not because I willed it and tried to change myself, but because I have been transformed in these areas through the presence and the power of my Lord!

Believing that Jesus is the source of our righteousness does not mean that we live a life void of any order, it simply means that we have order because we see that it is good. We see that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can walk with ease as we are lead and changed by Him. He will create order in our lives through our surrender to Him. His desire becomes our desire as we are filled with more of Him, and receive deeper revelation of His love for us.

Not every teaching fills you with freedom in Christ. Some teaching points you back to self-effort and teaches that YOU must be able to live a certain way and follow a list of rules to be right in the sight of God. They teach that it is up to you to make yourself right and acceptable to the Father.

But, that's not what Paul said. Paul said that the true Gospel is the Gospel of freedom in Christ through the power of the Holy spirit! This is where radical transformation takes place.

All of your self-effort is like rubbish and dirty rags. Who do we think we are, if we believe we can becom like God without His power working and operating in our hearts and minds? If we could be righteous through our own efforts, then why did Jesus have to die?

What Gospel do you believe?

Endless Possibilities

2010-05-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with all that life throws your way? Have you ever had a day, week, or a season that seemed too big to get through? Have you ever felt like you know you should be looking up, but your head just feels too heavy?

Me? Yes, to all of the above.

I am grateful that when I feel overwhelmed Jesus can catch and carry all that is coming my way, it is no surprise to Him. When life seems too big, He is bigger. When I can't look up, He is holding me in His hands. When my faith seems to small, His is more then enough. When doubt crawls into my mind, He is still faithful.

If what you are going through right now, seems too big...

If what you are seeing looks impossible...

Don't be discouraged, don't lose hope.

God has not left you or forsaken you.

His promises have not stopped working in your life.

Walk by faith, not by sight, right around the corner is the promise, the promise that belongs to you. The promise that Jesus purchased for you. The promise for your health, your children, your finances, your family etc...

It's there, it's for you, because of Jesus. Because of what He has done for you.
You qualify because you are hidden in Christ.

You don't have to earn it or deserve it. Jesus did them both.

God has not changed His mind about loving you. Even when you may have changed your mind about loving yourself.

If you feel frustrated think about what you are thinking about. The impossibility of your situation...Or, the endless possibilities that are found in Christ.

I needed a reminder today; I though maybe you might need one too.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Personality, From the Inside Out

2010-05-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

We all have one. Not one person on the face of the earth is without personality. I have heard the phrase "He/She has no personality." Could it be that their seeming lack of personality, is indeed their personality?

Personality;The complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterizes a unique individual.

Our personality is made up of all that we are. The good and the not so good. I used to be the kind of person that didn't like much about myself. I never thought I was good enough, kind enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or talented enough.

I am happy to say, that I am no longer that person. I must say (at the risk of sounding a bit conceited) I Really like myself. I like who I am. I think I am good enough, kind enough, smart enough, pretty enough, and talented enough. I like who God has created me to be!

The Question: so, how did I get from there to here.

The answer:...Jesus.

I stopped trying to make myself be all that I thought I should be. I stopped comparing myself to others and their gifts and talents. I began trusting Jesus.

The Amplified Bible defines faith as; The leaning of your whole personality on Him (God) in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.

I love it! The leaning of your WHOLE personality on HIM. That covers it all. Because of what Jesus has done for me I can walk in all that He is, instead of all that I think I am not.

As we begin to agree with God about who He says we are, all He says we can be, we will be able to like ourselves. Not in a conceited-I am better then you-kind of way. But in a way that says, I am hidden in Christ, and the Father sees me as such. I am hidden in Christ, and so are you!

We cannot change ourselves. We cannot. We can however ask the Father to help us trust Him to bring about change, and we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He begins changing our personalities from the inside out.

I am not implying that I think I am perfect. Only that I believe God is in the process of bringing His perfection that He has placed on the inside of me, to the outside.

Personality, It all begins on the inside.

Holding Out

2010-04-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for WAY to long! Wouldn't you agree?

If you were following my blog before, then you know that this past year has been quite challenging for me. My grandma passed away from cancer. Shortly after I began dealing with a very heavy health trial of my own.

I won't go into any more details, but this past year has been THE most challenging year of my life, hands down.

If we believe that being a Christian means that we will never encounter anything rough, we are sadly mistaken. Being a believer does not give us a ticket on the train to a fairytale land. But, it does give us a ticket to victory, even when the ride there is tough one.

In the midst of our heartache and trials God is there. He does not leave us or forsake us. As a matter of fact he takes ALL we go through and uses it for good. We may not see the good as we are trudging through the pain and the suffering. But, if we can learn to keep our eyes on Jesus, if we can learn to trust him and believe him even when we do not see what we are hoping for, he will not let us down.

The key to living in the victory purchased for us on the cross is this; We must continue to believe and agree with Jesus. We must protect our hearts from anything that is in opposition to the truth. And, we must be completely dependant on God to help us trust, believe, and receive all that Jesus died to give us.

We must be patient and not give up or give into settling for less then 100% of all God has done for us. When Jesus told the parable of the sower and the seed he said that when the seed is sown that it brings forth a harvest as much as 3o, 70 and 100 percent. We do not see the 100% before the 30% or the 70%.

What a shame it is when we walk away from the watering-can before the fullness of what God has planted has come forth.

As for me, I am not yet at 100% of the manifestation of the healing that I believe God has promised. However, I am about 75-80% of the way there...and I am holding out. Holding out for all that Jesus has done for me.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Only Jesus

2010-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give you all an update on how things are going here. If you have read my last few posts then you are aware of the spiritual attack I have been under.

I am feeling better then I was before, though still not 100%. The pain in my back is much better and the pain in my foot has subsided quite a bit. My left shoulder/collar bone is still not as it should be. At times I feel like I can feel my nerves vibrating through out the left side of my body most specifically along the left side of my spine in between my shoulder blades, into my neck and face and down along my arm...UGGG!

I still have no idea, what is going on, however, I have been continually getting better with chiropractic treatment. I am also going to see a naturopath soon.

Above all else, I am determined to set my focus on Jesus! I am determined to fill myself with His truth and His medicine. He has paid a great price for me to be whole and healthy and I do not settle for this as a permanent condition. I am filling my heart and my mind with God's truth.

The battle belongs to the Lord, He has purchased my victory. I am continuing by God's grace to rest and trust in the finished work on the cross. I am asking God to continually give me a revelation of His great love for me. I am asking Him daily to fill my heart with light and truth wherever there may be darkness or lies. I am asking and trusting Him to carry me...

Only the strength and power of my Jesus...

Will see me through.

If you would stand and agree with me in prayer that by His stripes I AM healed and made whole...I am not trying to get healed, I am healed and the enemy is trying to convince me that I am sick...If you would agree with me in prayer I would be thankful!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Divine Jealousy and Redemption

2010-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

"...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]." Isaiah 59:19

If you have read my last couple of posts, then you are aware of the trial that I have been overcoming as of late. After my first, returning post, my wonderful friend Lisa from over at Bombastic Bandicoot, left me this scripture in a comment.

Words cannot say how it ministered to me. I felt lead to look up this scripture and as I read I began to feel the Holy Spirit do a work of redeeming love in me. As I read this verse and those surrounding it, I became even more aware of God's love for me.

I became aware of His anger toward the enemy who tries to torment those who have turned from evil. Those who are clothed in His righteousness. This is why He gave us Jesus. This is why He gave us One who loves us beyond measure and paid the price of His life so that we may be free!

In verse 17 it says "furious divine jealousy" this gives new meaning to me about God being a jealous God. He is jealous over us, so much so, that the one who tries to hurt us and torment us in this life, will certainly not go unpunished. The punishment that awaits Satan, is God defending me, defending you...so the next time you go through a trial remember that the lies and deception of the enemy in our lives do not go unnoticed, no the Lord sees every tear.

But, even greater yet, we do not have to wait until this time of justice to be free! Jesus has come and is with us now, the TRUTH will set us free. As we focus on our Father and His love for us poured out through Jesus, we can walk in the freedom He purchased on our behalf.

Most of us are aware of the freedom we have in our spirits, but this same work of freedom will continually be brought to life in our minds, wills and emotions as we look to Jesus and ask Him to show us how to walk in the freedom and truth that is our blood bought right to walk in.

He gave us His righteousness and looks at us as though we have never done even one thing wrong. He will write His ways on our hearts and place His desires in our innermost being, and He has given us this same promise for our children.

The tricks of the enemy do not go unnoticed by our great and glorious God. How faithful is He to use ALL things together for good, for those who love Him. How beautiful and powerful His grace is that says

"come and walk with me, look to me and rely on me and I will be the AWESOME power that rolls through the high and low places you walk in. Relax and rest, let me carry you, I've got you covered!"

Our efforts could never be enough. Our efforts of trying to withstand the attacks of the enemy are foolish, only grace is sufficient. The beautiful free grace that comes when we lay down our own efforts and trust in the power of the one who already saw fit to arrange not only our freedom, but also our justification!

"Yes, truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor [no one to intervene on behalf of truth and right]; therefore His own arm brought Him victory, and His own righteousness [having the Spirit without measure] sustained Him. For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealousy] as a cloak. According as their deeds deserve, so will He repay wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; on the foreign islands and coastlands He will make compensation. So [as the result of the Messiah's intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]. He shall come as a Redeemer to Zion and to those in Jacob (Israel) who turn from transgression, says the Lord. As for Me, this is My covenant or league with them, says the Lord: My Spirit, Who is upon you [and Who writes the law of God inwardly on the heart], and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your [true, spiritual] children, or out of the mouths of your children's children, says the Lord, from henceforth and forever." Isaiah 59:15-21

I don't know about you, but knowing that the enemy's tricks will not go unpunished...leaves me with a satisfaction in my heart. Justice is served. Similar to what we would feel at one's killer, rapist, or kidnapper being brought to justice...

Far More Precious Than Rubies and Gold

2010-01-17T09:57:00.001-08:00

Good Morning friends...Oh, wait...it's afternoon.

Good afternoon, my friends! I thought I would give you all an update and share what the Lord has been doing in my heart.

I slept better last night, even though I was in some pain. I played a DVD series all night long as I was in and out of sleep. It ministered to me in my sleep, as well as being the first thing I heard each time I woke up.

Eating foods with potassium is really not all that hard. It's in a LOT of stuff. Which is one reason why I am finding it hard to believe that even though it can cause these symptoms, that it is the main reason, as I normally eat fairly well....Hmmmm.

The pain in my back is getting better, though it is still annoying, it's better then it was. The pain in my left arm is what is the most troublesome right now (and the cold that keeps me up coughing and blowing my nose at night YUCK, yet just leaves me feeling like poo all day).

My friend called yesterday, her husband is in school to become a D.O. and he said to look up Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I did, and I'll be!! It almost describes my arm/shoulder pain (though it's not really my shoulder, but right above it, in that little pit) to a T!

I know if I took some Aleve it would take the edge off, but I have to admit I am a little afraid....The Lord took away the heart palpitations YEAH! Yet I hate to admit, I am still afraid to take anything, not knowing what caused them. Though I also have to admit, I think my own fear had something to do with the extent of them.

The Lord has been ministering so much truth to me. I know He brings good out of ALL things! I am asking Jesus to help me stay focused on Him and His truth. Who I am because of Him, and how much He loves me. This is the only way to keep fear away, to be resting and trusting in Jesus. He is the lover of my soul. Even as I type these words I feel any fear left in my heart fading away.

You know, the enemy doesn't have any real power over us. That's why he is "The Father of Lies" he only has deception. It is only when we begin to agree with his lies instead of God's truth that fear, frustration, anxiety, and such can come in.

OH, Jesus, help us to focus on you Lord. Help us to continually look to you and remember that you paid such a great price for us because we are so valuable to you. Far more precious than rubies or gold! Thank You Lord for your truth that sets us free. May the truth that has set our spirits free, do the same in our souls (our mind, will, and emotions)!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Where Have I Been?!?

2010-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

I know, its been WAY too long! I miss all of you, and I would be lying if I didn't say I hope you missed me a little too. It has been really crazy since Thanksgiving, traveling and having family come to visit, keeps you quite occupied with your time.

That's not the only reason for my absence though. I have been under a pretty extreme spiritual attack physically. It started out as a minor pain in my back that has turned into an absolute horror story. I have had pain in my tailbone and low back, nerve pain in my left leg, my right foot and my left arm. Then I started having heart palpitations and ended up in the ER, where they saw them happening, yet could not tell me WHY they were happening even though they ran a LOT of tests. I sometimes go three days with no sleep and I cant do much because between the fatigue and being lightheaded, it keeps me down. The good news is I know Jesus is my healer!

I am low in potassium, which I just found out yesterday, after 31/2 weeks. I have done a little research and have discovered that low potassium can cause nearly all of my symptoms. I have also discontinued all pain medication and am using ice, as I have also discovered that meds can cause low potassium, one reason being they lower your appetite, I can't remember the other reason. So, I just started a high potassium diet yesterday, though the first night didn't go so well, I was up ALL night.

In addition to all of this, I also have been fighting a cough! Its been one thing after another.

I am standing on the truth, though there are moments when I feel very frustrated! I am not the sick trying to get well, but the healed and whole and the enemy is trying to convince me that I am sick. I do believe that Jesus carried all of my sickness and disease and He purchased my wholeness and left me His peace.I have taken authority over everything I have felt lead to, and now I am resting in Him.

If you would AGREE with me in prayer, that By His Stripes I Am Healed, I would love to have the support!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Touched By The Fathers Love!

2009-11-25T06:23:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What a wonderful time of year this is. Most of us are heading out or inviting others in for a time of celebration and friendship. A time when we gather together and share a meal and some laughs.

In the spirit of sharing, I thought we could share with one another our love stories. The story of how, when and where we met Jesus. The story of what your life was like before Him, and what it is like with Him.

I joined in last year to "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving" hosted by my friend Heather over at Swallowing A Moose, and my heart was so touched, I thought it would be great to share again!

We all have a story, a good story! There are no dull stories, so whether you have known Jesus your whole life or you just met Him yesterday, we would love to hear about it!

Knowing the love and favor of our Father, is most definitely worthy of praise and A thankful heart. I hope you will join us.

Post your testimony on your blog page. Entitle it "Touched By The Fathers Love!; Whatever the title of your post is." Then, add your post (copy and paste the address of that particular post so that the widget links directly to it) to the Mr. Linky widget below. Make sure you start your post explaining what we are all sharing and add a link back here so that others can join in.

I know we are all busy this week, so we will continue sharing our stories through next week. I hope we find this time of sharing to be a way of drawing us closer to each other, through the Fathers love in each of our hearts and lives. There is nothing better than being Touched by the Fathers Love!

Join in below and continue down to read about how I have been Touched By The Fathers Love!

Touched By The Fathers L0ve!; To Good To Be True

Before I knew Jesus:
I was born into dysfunction, as so many of us are. My childhood was not filled with security or an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance. As a matter of fact, I recall feeling quite insecure and unsure of myself the majority of the time. As I grew older all of these feelings grew along with me. I became a mom at the age of sixteen and started out into the "real world" for a taste of bitter sweet reality. Even with child in tow, and a new set of circumstances, I simply wanted to fit in. I wanted to be accepted, but try as I might, I never felt as though I was good enough. I hung out with the wrong crowd for the most part, doing the wrong things at the wrong times. But even the wrong crowd could not make me feel right about myself. I would not have recognized or known real love if it had knocked me upside the head and flat on my behind!

I eventually woke up one morning and realized that once upon a time, when I was a very little girl, I had dreams and I was going to do something great someday! I looked around and realized that "great" did not describe the life that I was living. It also, did not describe the life I was giving my son. So, I made some changes. Then,a few Months after my Ah-Ha moment, I met a great guy, got married,and had another baby. Yet, with all of this greatness in my life, that emptiness still nagged away at the inside of me, taunting me to not trust in love or happiness. My marriage was struggling, and I was feeling as though I could not get anything right. I felt as though it was inevitable, If I could mess up a good thing, I would.

When I met Jesus:
I was pregnant with my third child when a friend invited me to church. I wanted to go, but continued to put it off and put it off for weeks. Finally one cold, March morning, I decided it's now or never. I got my 8yr old ready, bundled up my baby and off we went. My friend met me in the lobby, showed me where to take my children, and ushered me to my seat. I remember thinking "This is church?" It was so unlike the stuffy images I had painted in my head. The worship was energizing and refreshing, and the people were all friendly and seemed to genuinely be glad to make my acquaintance. I decided fairly quick that I loved it. I returned the following Wednesday evening, and the following Sunday, and the Wednesday after that, I gave my life to the Lord.

I remember the moment so very clearly. I was watching a woman worship on stage and thought to myself "How can she be so full of joy? I want whatever it is she has!" you see, I knew this woman had suffered the loss of a child, and yet, she had more joy than I had ever even imagined having. I prayed that night, from the bottom of my heart, and asked God to come into my life. I have been running toward Him, feet going as fast as they can, ever since. Unfortunately, my husband was not as thrilled about my new found faith as I was. But, the story is not yet over.

After I met Jesus:
God began house cleaning in my heart from day one. The first of many areas was my marriage. God has done, and is still doing, an incredible work in both of us. He has blessed us with a wonderful marriage that is filled with the beauty of friendship. My husband has become my very best friend, and we have a relationship built on love, support, honesty and acceptance. My husband and I, even after all these years, are still not completely on the same page spiritually. However, we are getting there, and I have learned that God is faithful, the work that He has done in both of us, is irreversible, and there is no where to go but forward.

God has taken my insecurities and turned them into promises. He has taken my fear of messing up and turned it into an excitement that awaits the next step of our journey together. He has shown me that the love I have always longed for is found in His eyes, and He has turned my "little girl dreams" into realities that are within reach. Through Jesus I have learned who I really am, Who I was meant to be, and what I am capable of accomplishing through Him. I no longer feel unaccepted, I feel as though I am right where I was always meant to be. And, I know for the first time in my life that this is one good, no, great thing, I will never mess up. It is not about me and how well I am able to perform, but about Jesus and what He has already done!

All of my "trying" got me no where, but trusting in the gospel saved my life. "Gospel" is actually associated with a Greek word that means to good to be true. God has an abundant life of, to good to be true, just waiting for each of us. This is something we can all be grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we draw close to Jesus He will show us how to receive everything that has been accomplished for us on the cross.

Where Freedom Begins

2009-11-20T05:43:00.001-08:00

Have you ever, or do you ever feel jealous?

If we are all being honest, I think it would be fair to say that at some point in our lives, we have all felt the feeling of jealousy. When I was a kid I used to get jealous when one of my friends wanted to spend time with someone besides me. I felt jealous when someone got the new boots that I had been wanting for 4 months. I felt jealous over a lot of stuff.

I think as kids, we trick ourselves into thinking that when we "grow-up" we won't feel jealous anymore. We trick ourselves into thinking that when we grow up we will be more confident, bold, satisfied, etc...but, that's not really the truth, is it?

No matter how much older we get the only way we truly "grow-up" is to "grow-in" the Fathers love. If this doesn't happen we will be just as jealous and insecure at 35 as we were at 15.

The Father has been teaching me a very freeing lesson about jealousy. It has changed me, and it has helped me to truly be happy for others when they are blessed.

I have always had this tendency to feel jealous when other people get to travel to wonderful places. Well, truth be told I used to be jealous over many things, but this is what Father used to teach me in a big way, so, this is my example.

Anyway...

One day I found myself saying, "I am so jealous! I wish I could go there!" When I felt Father speak to my heart in the following way.

Father "Daveda, don't you know how much I love you?"

Me "Sure, I know you love me."

Father "You must not REALLY believe that I love you or you wouldn't feel jealous. You would know in your heart that my desire is to bless you. Give your heart to me"

Me *lightbulb* "Ahhhhhh, I see"

Do you see? The only reason we have to feel jealous is if we believe that Father loves someone else better than us. We only feel jealous when we believe that's why they got this wonderful blessing, and we didn't. He must like them, love them, more than me.

But, that's not the truth, it's a lie.

The truth is, God wants to bless us too. We just don't believe that He does, so we don't think to ask Him.

Shortly after the Lord spoke to my heart about this, I was looking through some pictures that were posted online of a wonderful trip overseas, taken by a friend, and I found myself thinking "Wow! This must be really amazing, I wish I could go somewhere like this." When I felt this overwhelming peace come to my heart as I turned to Jesus and said "Thank you Jesus that you love me, just as much as this person, and if you can send her to this wonderful place, you can send me somewhere someday too. I know you love me Lord"

You see, we only feel jealous when we do not know Fathers love and His heart to give to us. We only feel jealous when we believe the lie that says - God must love them better than me-.

The truth is that God loves you and wants to bless you. This work of being set free and experiencing life in abundance starts in our hearts as we begin to believe in His love for us, as we begin to turn to Him and ask Him to help us trust in His love, His power, His favor at work in our lives.

Freedom from jealousy is found in Jesus. It is found in learning to live in the wonderful gift of right standing He gave to us!

Turn your heart to Jesus and ask Him for a fresh revelation of His love for you today!

This is where Freedom Begins!

Now, That is GOOD NEWS!

2009-11-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Who are you? Or, at least, who do you think you are?

Who we believe ourselves to be will widely determine how we live our lives. It will determine how we see ourselves, and how we believe that God sees us.

For many years I lived my Christian life feeling as though I didn't really measure up. I believed that I was a wretched person still driven by my sinful nature, therefore, I never had the peace that passes all understanding, and I did not lived my life in the rest that Jesus says is mine (Hebrews 4) to live in.

How could I? I was constantly placing the flood light of my attention on all of the things that I thought I was not. I questioned my motives and my heart at every turn.

I am not saying that it is never right to ask the Lord to examine our hearts or our motives, only that I ALWAYS thought mine had to be somehow rooted in evil. After all, there was no good in me, right?

WRONG!!

"Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

When we become one with Jesus, we are given a new nature. We are no longer the same as we were before.

NOW, THAT IS GOOD NEWS!

Our outward behaviors and habits won't change overnight, however, as we begin to agree with and trust the Lord, our outward attitudes and behaviors will begin to line up with the work that has been done inside of us.

If we continue to see ourselves as wretched sinners, saved by grace, trying with all of our might to just live as best as we can, then we will not live in the rest or the peace that Jesus came for us to have.

All of our trying to be good enough will exhaust us. If it does not exhaust us, then it will cause us to become prideful, thinking that we, in our own strength and determination can make ourselves acceptable and favorable in God's eyes.

But God says that our righteousness (right standing with Him), attained by self-effort is as filthy rags before Him. The only true righteousness, is a free gift, given to us by Jesus...

Complete with a new nature and a new heart.

A new creation.

Once I began to see myself as hidden in Christ, I began to live in peace, joy, rest and favor. This in no way means that I think I am perfect or have no room for improvement. But, it does mean that I am learning more and more everyday, how to see myself the way that God sees me.

I no longer live as a wretched sinner, just trying to serve God and live as best as I can to please Him.

I now live as a daughter of the King. I live as if I am hidden in Christ, and He lives His life through me. Through my new desires, and my new heart.

Through my NEW NATURE...

I can trust Him to live through me. I no longer feel as though I have to try to be good enough to please Him.

Because I know that I already do. Just as you do.

God is pleased with you today, because of Jesus!!

Knowing who you are, because of what He has done for you, is the only way to live in freedom.

Amazing Freedom!

2009-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

The work the Lord does in our hearts, as we begin to believe Him is amazing. When we receive Jesus our spirits are completely renewed, we are given a new identity in Christ, complete with a new nature and a new heart. However, we do not walk in the fullness of our new identity immediately, it is a life long process.

The Lord has been teaching me more and more about who I really am. He uses the situations in our lives to strengthen us and help us learn to turn to Him during the times that we feel less that who He says we are.

I never saw myself as an insecure person. However, when the Lord moved my family 320 miles away from home, I began to see that I had many, many insecurities! The last four years I have been placed in situation after situation that brought out the lies inside.

Have you ever been in a group of people and had thoughts like this;

I don't think they like me.

They must think what I said was stupid.

I hope they didn't misunderstand what I said.

I wonder if they are talking about me when I am not around.

I wonder what they are laughing about; Is it about me?

I have, many, many, many times! But, not so much any more.

It isn't that the lies of the enemy don't still come, it's just that I have learned what to do with them.

I am learning to believe what Jesus says is the truth about me so, when I hear these things I take them to Jesus!!

I continually ask the Lord daily, to give me fresh revelation of His love for me. I thank Him for the favor that He has given me with Himself and with others and I ask Him to help me believe that I have that favor.

I am not trying to prove myself to those around me and I am not trying to be good enough to get it. I am just being the best me I can be, and leaving the rest up to God. Its HIM that gives me the favor.

When words are spoken or attitudes or detected (or assumed) I say "Lord this is how I am feeling, remind me of the truth about myself, remind me of your opinion and help me trust that what you say about me is the truth."

I also just assume that everyone likes me. I have spent way to many minutes, hours and days worrying about what others think and feel about who I am. So, unless someone tells me they have a problem, I assume that they don't. I assume that I have favor with them, Like the Lord says I do.

Learning to believe and trust in the righteousness Jesus has given us, is a process that we gradually learn to walk in. None of us hear the truth about our righteousness and walk in the fullness of it over night.

We will all continually see areas where we may not believe God's truth in our lives, and that's okay. We just need to turn to Jesus and ask Him to help us. We need to ask Him to develop the fruit of what He has placed inside of us.

As we begin to turn to, trust in, and agree with Jesus, He will help us believe what He says is truth. As this happens, we will walk in freedom from the opinion of others (or what we think is the opinion of others).

I have recently been placed in an new situation, with new people and the work that the Lord has done/is doing, is amazing! I am sharing all of this with you because learning to agree with Jesus and what He says is the truth really does set you free!!

And, I gotta say, freedom feels GREAT!

Fruits of Righteousness

2009-11-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

For many years I went to church, studied the Word, grew closer to the Lord and was continually healed from a lot of emotional pain, yet, I still found myself just as insecure as I was before I became a believer.

Much of the time I felt like I was not good enough. Sure, there were days when I felt like I had done everything I was supposed to, so I was able to feel good about myself (prideful) that day. However, the roller coaster that travels in between condemnation and pride is a very exhausting ride to be on.

Then, the Lord began teaching me about resting in His finished work. He began teaching me the truth about what (who) Grace really is, and who I really am because of it (Him).

This is the truth that has set me free!

I had heard parts of the truth before, however, I did not realize that all truth that helps us grow is rooted in the person and the finished work of Jesus. It is rooted in His grace operating in our lives. Without this understanding, no amount of truth can help us to see our new identity. We will still felt like we have to earn all that God has for us.

God's Grace is also His power, it is His ability to change everything about us that needs to be changed.

It is His truth, love and favor working in us, from the inside out.

When we say yes to Jesus, our spirits are completely renewed. God places every good attribute of His inside of us, and we become the righteousness of Christ in Jesus. The Father now sees us without blemish, without fault, perfect in His eyes, in right standing with Him.

It is as if we had never sinned.

Amazing, right!?

The problem is we get tripped up on all the stuff we still see in our character that does not seem to line up with this (His) righteousness. But, when we begin to see ourselves the way that God sees us, and we begin to turn to Him as we see our faults and flaws, trusting Him to bring what is inside out, then we can begin to walk in our new identity.

"May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]." Philippians 1:11 AMP

Doing the right things on the outside is fruit that is developed as we begin to see our righteousness on the inside. As we begin to believe and agree with God about who we are in Jesus, we will begin to walk in who He says we are.

Of course, I am not saying that any of us have attained or will attain perfection while we are on this earth, but we are clothed with His robe of righteousness, and when we wear this robe, God works ALL things together for our good. Even our mistakes, our faults and our weaknesses!

AMEN! Now, that is good news!

Shoes of Peace

2009-10-31T08:58:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking about peace a lot this week. I used to think peace was just a feeling on the inside; a quiet, content, undisturbed feeling about making decisions. I still think this is a definition of peace, a small part of all that peace entails, but I also believe that the Lord is showing me that it is so much more.

"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" John 14:27 AMP

Jesus left us HIS peace. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalowm, pronounced Shaw-lome'.

It means completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, health, prosperity, tranquility, and contentment. All of the things we can only find in Jesus.

How do we get to a place where we can walk out and live in peace, in complete lack of the things mentioned above: troubled hearts, fear, agitation, a disturbed state of mind and heart, intimidation, cowardliness and an unsettled soul?

The Answer...

By beginning to agree with what Jesus says is the truth about us. By beginning to recognize the lies of the enemy for what they are, LIES. What a wonderful revelation to realize the difference between conviction and accusation.

Accusation is from the enemy and always points to our faults, our lack, what we think we are not. Conviction, reminds us of our righteousness in Christ and reminds us of all we are because of Jesus. ~ Daveda

When God shows us areas of weakness, He shows them to us in the light of His peace that He left us. He shows them to us wanting us to agree with Him about them. Agree with Him is saying...

"Thank you Lord that I do not have to feel condemned about what I see because my weakness is made perfect in your strength. Thank you Lord that I do not have to be afraid of my weakness because you have already perfected this, you have perfected me and you have the ability and the power to continue to change me. You love me just as I am and your opinion of me is the right one, the true one. I believe what you say about me Jesus and I know that you will enable me to walk in your truth in every area of my life."

"The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace." Psalm 29:11 AMP

True peace is strength to us. When we find our completeness in Jesus and we look to Him as our Prince of Peace, and we agree with Him, we can walk and live in all He says is true about us.

When we are trying to find peace, by making outward changes, trying to please others, or trying harder to be who we think we should be, all we will find is frustration.

When we agree with Jesus and all He says is truth about us, when we trust in His power, His grace and favor at work in our lives, then, we will walk in an undisturbed state of peace, the same peace Jesus walked in. When we walk in His shoes, there will be no situation, or person, that will leave us feeling defeated, because we will know we are complete in Christ.

The way to defeat the enemies lies, is by believing and standing in the Gospel of Peace.

It is by believing that you are hidden in Christ favored by God and man because of the righteousness Jesus has given you. This enables you to stand in our new identity, our new nature, our new shoes.

"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."
Ephesians 6:15 AMP

This gives new meaning to the phrase "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes." doesn't it?

Rambling On...

2009-10-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Another Rambling on post...about a whole lot...but about nothing specific at all.

1.) My in-laws are in town this week. I love it when they visit, and it makes the kids so happy. Plus we take grandparents days off of school. Have you ever tried to keep a school schedule with grandma and grandpa in town? HA!

2.) I got a job!! I have been wanting to do something for awhile now. I do go to different events as a guest speaker occasionally, and I am working on a book project, but I want to do something that will help out financially around the house, and give me an outlet to be me...you know? Anyway, months ago I asked the Lord if there was something I could do that would fit well into my family life. I don't want to give up homeschooling, and I don't want it to prevent me from doing what I love, speaking. I just asked Him if there was something He had for me, for Him to open up the opportunity and bring it to me.

Last week my friend was telling me about this chiropractor she just got a job with and she mentioned that they asked her if she knew anyone else that was looking for a part time job, I said..."I might be interested in that." So she proceeded to tell me about the job...I have to admit, I had some hesitation, the hours were not ideal and neither were the days. However, she could not remember if what she was telling me was exactly right, so I though "It can't hurt to at least call and ask, right." RIGHT!

As it turns out they were hiring for two positions and the other position is PERFECT for me! Hand picked I tell ya, the hours and days fit my family beautifully! I will be working 27hrs a week in 31/2 days.

I feel really good about this and I think God is up to something here...His fingerprints are all over this!

3.) At this point I decided not to publish my other blog about dyslexia, which I named Dyscussing Dyslexia With Daveda...if I do I think it will be private. Matt and I decided not to tell the boys what it is we are dealing with until they have some success under their belt. So, I figure if they don't know, they may not appreciate the rest of the world knowing...

4.) The Lord, over the last few months, has made it clear to Matt and I that it is time for us to move on from the church we were attending. We really love the people and I have preached there several times...yet, its time to move on. He has not yet shown us what direction we are going, however, I do know that I am supposed to pursue nothing at this time. I know it's right, yet it feels very foreign...

I can say that I also feel lead to simply pursue relationships with the people the Lord has blessed me with. Not for any reason, not because we attend the same church or serve in the same ministry or think just alike, but just because the Lord has placed us in each others lives.

I think true discipleship is not me trying make you just like me, but us being friends opens up opportunity for the Holy Spirit to take what He has done in me and make a deposit in you, and vice versa.

I know that the Lord is doing a work in my heart He is showing me things about the way I have always done and saw "church" that I never saw before. I am excited about what the Lord is doing, but I have to be honest I am also nervous...nervous about what people will think...nervous about what they will say...but, then again that's another work the Lord is doing...

Helping me to become stronger in Him. Helping me to know that I hear His voice and that He is faithful to lead me. I don't need to know where, and I don't need to please others along the way...I only need to please Him, and I do...Not because I am so great, please don't think I mean that LOL...

But because Jesus is so great and because of what He has done for me, and what He has given me, the Holy Spirit living right inside of me...we the people are the church, no matter where we are.

Pay It Forward Winner!

2009-10-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS... BETHANY, from over at HAPPYASCANB

Please stop by HAPPYASCANB and congratulate Bethany! She has a very sweet personality that shines through in her writing. Her posts are real and down to earth, she has a way of making you feel like you really know her. You will enjoy a visit to her blog page!

A Big Thank You to everyone who left a comment and participated in this give-a-way.

I really enjoyed receiving my package and I hope that Bethany will enjoy hers as well.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Pay It Forward

2009-10-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

LOOK WHAT I GOT!

I received this wonderful package from Ana, over at The Writer Today.
If you have never visited Ana's blog page, you just have to check it out! She has wonderful advice and tips for anyone who enjoys writing. It doesn't matter if you are a published author or a dabbling blogger, her advice and tips will bless you.

Are you wondering why Ana sent me this package? Are you thinking that you would like to receive a wonderful package like this? Well, you can!

This is a little give-a-way called Pay It Forward, and you could be next! How you ask?

Just leave me a comment, telling me that you would like to participate in Pay It Forward. There is a catch...if you want to receive, you must also want to give.

So, here is how it works.

1. Leave me a comment and let me know if you want to participate.

2. In two days (Thursday) I will pick a winner.

3. With in the next few weeks you will receive a package full of goodies

4. Then, put up your own post about Pay It Forward, and choose a new recipient.

Oh, and do not forget to go visit Ana over at The Writer Today!

Never Travel Alone

2009-10-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

*This post has been edited, from the original. After a comment from Karen, and a reread, I realized I may have stated a couple of things in such a way that it could leave you misunderstanding my point*

Most everyone on this earth, has heard that God loves us. Many have even sang songs with lyrics such as...

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

I wonder though, when we are really struggling, does someone telling us that God loves us really help us to believe that He does?

Does reading Jesus loves me, even in the Bible, help us to truly walk in the love that came and died for each of us, personally?

I don't think so, not when we are struggling. It might help us feel better for the moment, or it might not.

Now, I am not saying that it is wrong to read the Bible for help or share the truth about Gods love with others; nor is it wrong to remind each other of this great unchanging love. God has given us the gift of friendship, so that we can come along side one another on this journey and impart hope and truth.

This love, however, is received and acknowledged through experience with God.

This love is received and acknowledged as we continually turn to Jesus and ask Him to help us live, walk, and breath in the revelation of His love active in our lives.

To say "Oh, I know God loves me." and leave it at that, is by far short changing ourselves.

I have realized that in many ways, I do not know God's love for me.

In some areas of my life, I still question. I still doubt.

If I truly believed, and had a redemptive revelation of His love in every imaginable area of my life, my heart and my soul, I would always be fully aware of His heart toward me. I would never worry or doubt that He is working on my behalf, through the power of His Spirit.

I am learning and growing though. I am learning that when I question or feel worry come into my heart, to turn to Jesus and ask Him to give me a revelation of His love for me in that particular area.

I am learning that as I trust in HIM to do this work in me it enables me to love Him, and trust Him more.

I have many times heard people tell others that they just need to know God loves them, trust God more, believe God.

I used to be one of the people who would try to encourage others with statement such as these. But, not anymore...When someone is struggling, statements like these can leave them feeling condemned and less then. If it were that easy, if they could make themselves believe, if they could make themselves trust...don't you think they would have already?

I could TELL you all day long, but it has to be God that does this work in our hearts. Now, I am not saying we should not encourage one another, just that I have realized some of what we think is encouraging...is not.

Instead of telling a friend, "you need to believe that God loves you", I would say "lets ask God to give you a revelation of His love for you."

Instead of saying "you just need to trust God" I would say "Lets ask God to help you develop an unshakable trust in His power and ability at work in your life."

It is simply taking the focus off of the person doing more, trying harder, to looking to God and asking Him to do this work in us, for us.

The wonderful thing is that God knows none of us completely arrived in any of these areas, and there is no condemnation in that. He doesn't expect us to meet Him on the playing field of almost perfect, or got it all together.

He simply wants us to turn to Him, He wants us to ask Him to help us know His love personally through our own experiences with Him.

He wants us to ask Him to help us believe all of His truth and His promises, through His work in our hearts.

He wants us to ask Him to help us to trust as we take His hand and allow Him to lead the way through our doubts.

We do not need to have it all together, even in theses areas. The areas where so many are caught in bondage or condemnation if they feel they are lacking.

After all, what kind of a Christian would admit,

that they do not always know God loves them in a persoanl way,

that they find themselves doubting God's truth and many times find it easier to believe in God's promises in the lives of others than their own.

that there are some days they worry and do not trust that God is going to come through for them in their situations and circumstance?

I will tell you what kind of a Christian, the kind that...

needs the love of the Father, Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Anyone who tells you they have never struggled in these areas is lying. We all are on a journey. None of us have arrived and it's okay to be honest and real about that.

Otherwise we denying the one thing that we do need to have...

the acknowledgement that we need Him and cannot travel this road without Him working in our hearts.

"[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!"
Ephesians 3:19

Where is Your Focus?

2009-09-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Do you believe God?

I mean really believe Him?

Do you believe that you are a new creation in Christ Jesus, OR
are you still focusing more on your behavior and ways of living?

Do you believe that you are the righteousness of Christ in Jesus, OR
do you still see yourself as a pitiful sinner trying to do whats right?

Do you believe that when God looks at you He see's you covered in the blood of His Son, that He sees you perfect without spot or blemish, OR
do you believe that God is still waiting for you to clean up your act and get some things right before He can look at YOU this way?

I used to live in such bondage! I thought I believed God, I really did. Yet, I did not see myself through the light of any of the truths I just shared above, I always saw what comes after OR.

I thought that if I did not focus on cleaning up my act, God would certainly become displeased with me, if He wasn't already. I thought that the way to become better, more like Jesus, was to TRY HARDER...but I found after years of frustration and condemnation that this is completely WRONG!

Under the Old Covenant, yes, try harder, follow all of the laws, and then God would be pleased with you. Even then, they could not do it, they could not perfectly follow all of God's commands, or righteous ways of living.

But, under the New Covenant His life flows and lives through us as we begin to BELIEVE Him and what He says is truth about us!

If we focus on changing behavior, we will find ourselves in a vicious cycle of pride when we get it right, or think we got it right and condemnation when we feel that we have failed.

If we focus on Jesus and the truth, grace and freedom He came to give us, we find ourselves walking in those truths as we begin to REALLY believe them.

I forget where it is at this moment, but somewhere God tells us

"As a man thinks in His heart so is he."

So I ask, what do you think in your heart? What do you believe about yourself? Do you believe what Jesus says or do you believe what you think you see?

This truth has and is continually setting me free! The more I believe I am who Jesus says I am, because of what HE has done for me, the more I find myself walking in truth. Not because I am trying harder, I am actually not trying at all...yes, you read that right. I am learning to not try at all, but to trust.

To trust Him to flow in me and through me as I learn to believe Him. To trust that He has given me His Holy Spirit to work in me changing me from glory to glory one moment, one day, one year at a time.

Now, you might be thinking..."Come on Daveda, we can't just stop trying, we have to do things."

Sure we do, but they will naturally flow out us.

See, I have discovered that if we believe God, then we believe we are who God says we are. We are His! We have a new nature. We have been given new life and a new heart. It is only natural that we will be and act upon who we truly are!

Tigers instinctively do what tigers were created to do, they hunt, they sleep, they play, they mate, etc...

As they grow they mature in their ways, just as we do.

The question is...

Do you believe that you have a new nature, a new heart, a new instinct if you will, OR
do you still believe that you are the old person?

I am no way saying that I or anyone else for that matter, has it all right, or is skating on close to perfect.

I get many things wrong ALL THE TIME, everyday. I make mistakes, I yell at my kids, I get mad, I get frustrated with my husband, God reveals places in my heart where I still believe lies, etc...Just like you.

Only now, I do not get into a state of condemnation when I see these habits or unhealthy ways. Now, I do not look to God saying "How can you love me, I am a horrible person. Please, please forgive me and my sinfulness against you. If you will forgive me I will to never do that again. How can you ever use me when I make so many mistakes...ALL THE TIME"

Nope, not any more!

Now,I look to Jesus saying "Lord I know you love me, thank you for forgiving me Lord. I know you can change me and I know you want to. Help me believe what you say is truth. Give me a revelation of your love for me in this area and help me to be in tune with your Spirit as you bring about the changes that will set me free!"

See the difference?

A change of focus...

From what I could never do, to what He has already done and is bringing to maturity and fulfillment more and more everyday.

A Natural

2009-09-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days...no seasons, when you just knew that God was doing a work in you? You know what I am talking about, when the land you seem to be trudging through feels thick and the next step must weigh a million pounds, yet you just know that it is going to work for the good?

WHEW! That has been my season. God has been bringing, change after change after change. I will admit there have been days that I went to my room and cried. There have been days that I thought about going back to bed. I feel like I must not be getting this right, or that right.

The good news is that those thoughts only last for a moment...well, okay sometimes longer than a moment. My point is...Jesus quickly reminds me of what the truth is about me because of Him and I am back on my way...eyes on the lover of my soul.

I was tempted to accept defeat this week. I was tempted to say, I just don't know how to do this. This situation is too big for me! Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of my righteousness, and I remembered that nothing is to big for Him, He is my teacher.

I have to admit, I made several mistake this week with my son. We seem to be going through many challenges together. As a matter of fact, as I am writing this he is sitting on the couch across from me unable to let go of a situation. A part of me wants to cry, another thing, another situation in a line of the many challenges we are facing.

Jesus does not expect me to get it all right...that makes me smile. Not only do I not have to get it right, but He will use my mistakes to benefit me! He will work ALL things together for good. This includes what I do when I get it wrong.

I may not feel like I am a natural at many of the things I am faced with in this moment. My Jesus however, is. He is a natural at everything, and He has sent His Spirit to guide me and lead me in them all.

So, though the steps seem heavy and the rain some days matches my heart, I will not accept defeat. I will not lay down and cry...(well, maybe a little *grin*) because I know that His grace is enough.

His power, favor and love operating in my life makes me victorious because Jesus is victory.

I am not trying to get to a place where I can get God to move in my life so that I can have success in this area. No, the work has been done and victory already belongs to me. Victory belongs to my son as well.

Not because we are going to get this all right.

Not because we are never going to make mistakes.

But because Jesus has already declared...

IT IS FINISHED!!

He is a natural, at all I put my hand to.

Rambling On's...Oregano?

2009-09-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

This is not a repeat post from a couple of weeks ago, in case you are wondering. No, this is a new Rambling On's...I quite enjoyed posting the last hodge podge post, so I thought I would do it again. I may try and do this every Friday, as time allows.

So, here are a few of the thoughts and such that are floating through my my head and heart this week.

1. I am wondering what kind of a day it is going to be when you reach into the cupboard and accidentally sprinkle oregano into your coffee instead of cinnamon?!? Well, it made me laugh at myself, so maybe that means it will be a good day after all :)

2. My husband decided 2 days ago that we were going to sell a few things in the community garage sale this weekend...yeah me! jk, I am trying to convince myself that it will be good, and maybe it will be. It could be a great opportunity to get to know some new neighbors.

3. I have not only found out that my sons reading problem is contributed to dyslexia, but he also has some eye convergance problems. We will be going for that testing in two weeks. Many of the symptoms are the same, not all but many. So my hope is, as we start the new new reading, writing and spelling program, along with the eye therapy, we will see great improvement!

4. My oldest son had his first treatment of laser surgery on the tattoos placed on his hands...OUCH! I hope the Airforce is worth it! LOL

5. My Jesus loves me! He loves you too!

6. We are not righteous because of what we do or do not do. We are righteous because of what Jesus has done. The behavior we see in our lives, and the lives of others, is nothing more or less than the fruit of what we believe or do not believe. This truth has set me free, and continues to do so. I love the truth of grace. Increasingly so...everyday.

I am so thankful that I am no longer focused on my behavior and everything I think I am not. I am now focused on Jesus and how much He loves me. The more I realize this, the more truth I believe and the more I change. Trying has gotten me no where, but to the dry and dead land of frustration, but trusting has lead me to the land of promise.

To the promise of His power actively at work in my life daily. His promise is shaping me and guiding me, transforming me into all I truly am in God's eyes. He see me as perfect, without flaw or blemish.

I don't know about you, but I think that believing what God believes takes faith in Jesus.

Believing what we see about ourselves, or what we think is wrong with us, doesn't require any faith at all. I am asking God everyday, to help me believe what He believes!

7. You are perfect in God's eyes, perfect because of Jesus! So, go sprinkle some oregano, I mean cinnamon, in your coffee and have a great weekend!

One Person at a Time

2009-09-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

I just started reading a book, recommended by my sister, called Unchristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. I can't say whether or not this book is worth reading, as I have just started it, and am only in chapter 2. I can say however, that I am intrigued by the subtitle and topic of the book.

"What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity

...And Why It Matters."

So far, this book has been used as confirmation to what I have been thinking, feeling, and sensing for a while now.

Many people no longer see Christians as representatives of a loving God who sees them as the object of His affection.

Sad.

Heartbreaking, actually.

No, according to the research done for Unchristian, what many people have come to think is that we are hypocritical, insensitive and judgemental.

It is not even close to my hearts cry to impact anyone in those ways.

On page 26 paragraph 3 states that there is growing hostility toward Christians and that it is a reflection of what people feel they get from us.

QUOTE: "They say their aggression simply matches the over sized opinions and egos of Christians. One outsider put it this way: "Most people I meet assume that Christian means very conservative, entrenched in their thinking, antigay, antichoice, angry, violent, illogical, empire builders; they want to convert everyone, and they generally cannot live peacefully with anyone who doesn't believe as they believe."

WOW! Is this the message that the church is sending to the world?

I may be prolife, but I am not antipeople who disagree with me.

Nor do I want to be seen that way..

This book is not written from an opinion only standpoint, there have been countless hours of research and interviewing that has gone into this project.

I am intrigued. Captured, if you will.

I only hope that I will be further enlightened, and forever changed.

Jesus said "I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another." John 13:34

According to the research in this book, and from what I have seen with my own eyes and heart at times...

This is, much of the time, not the message others are receiving from us.

I do realize that Jesus told us to expect persecution. But, I do not believe that this, is all about that.

Some of it, maybe, but not entirely.

I am asking God daily to give me a fresh revelation of His love for me.

This is the only way we will be able to love others as He does.

This is the only way to show people that we represent a love, not a religion.

We can change this.

One person at a time...

Jesus will show us how.

Who has God placed in your path to love today?

Calling Out For Help

2009-09-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have written my first post for my new blog page about our journey with dyslexia, but I seem to be having a problem...

I can't decide on a name!

I started off with...

Overcoming Dyslexia...

But, then I thought BLAH, be more original!

I am stuck, so I am calling in my wonderful blog land friends for help.

HELP! please :)

So, let me give you a brief synopsis for why the blog in the first place and maybe you can help me?!?

I want to start this page because I know that even though we are faced with what at times, seems to be a mountain, I know God can move mountains (maybe that's a good name, no one would know what it's about though). I want to share with others our journey in hopes that it will help and encourage someone else out there, going through something similar. I also want to keep a record of our journey, for the future, so I never forget what it was like, and how God was faithful.

So, friends, what do you think? anything come to mind? Even if it's just a hogde podge of words that come to mind, please share them with me.

I want the name to declare God's glory, yet show that it's about dyslexia.

"Never Forget"

2009-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

As we began our school day this morning, the boys and I said a prayer for all of those who were, and still are, so affected by the devastation of 9/11.

It seems that as human beings, it is a natural tendency for us to forget about things once the feelings of emotion have subsided. But, I hope that the Lord will help each and every one of us to "Never Forget" about the pain and the loss that was suffered by so many on that horrific day, eight years ago.

As, they will "Never Forget" for their lives have been forever altered.

There are still so many people being affected by the aftermath of what happened in our country that day. There are families with loved ones overseas, fighting for our freedoms. There are families who are heartbroken over the loss of someone who died fighting for those freedoms.

This is not intended to a "political" post. But, a post about people caring for people. A post about encouragement for those who are feeling lost with no hope. A post about remembering that people need others, to help and pray in times of crisis, pain and heartache.

I do not claim to be a politically savvy person. In my opinion it is sometimes hard to have an opinion, when all we hear is monitored. We rarely hear what someone, somewhere, has not deemed okay, fit for civilian ears. Just my opinion.

My prayer as we move forward as a country, a nation, but more importantly God's Children, is that we would know and see his unmerited favor in our lives. That each of us would receive fresh revelation of His love daily. That we would move forward unafraid, knowing that who ever thinks they are in control, are mistaken, as sovereign control belongs to the Lord!

As I think back to the story of Joseph, I am reminded that even when it does not look as if God's plan is in motion, we can trust and rest assured that it is. Even when tragedy strikes, as it did on 9/11, we can know and trust that God will "Never Forget", He will never leave us or forsake us.

When all seems lost and we just don't seem to be able to make heads or tails out of this crazy world that we live in, we must stand together and remember HIS faithfulness. He will never fall short of HIS promises, may this be something we...

"Never Forget"

What Does Jesus Say

2009-09-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a fun one for our family. My husband and I went on a motorcycle ride, we took the boys to see G.I.Joe, went to the free zoo in Madison WI, had a Bonfire (with smores of course), got ice cream from Sonic, and I practiced riding the dirt bikes so I could get better at shifting as I have decided to get my motorcycle license, Woot Woot!

Yet, this weekend was also filled with some mixed emotions for me. On Friday I posted a rambling on post, in which I shared a hodge podge (which is a word!) of thoughts. One of those was about my son Chase and his struggle with reading. Through this post and a couple of other ways, the Lord lead me to read up on Dyslexia. This is where I give a shout out to my friend Kat over at Art's Chili Pepper for mentioning it in her comment. The Lord used her comment to begin leading me in the right direction. Isn't He Awesome!

As I began reading up on Dyslexia, I have to admit, I sat at my computer and cried. my son has so many of the signs and symptoms that his picture could have been on the web page. I found myself thinking..."How could I have missed ALL of this." so many things were registering, even things from years ago, such as not being able to tie to his shoes until he was 7,even to this day, he would prefer not to.

As I read through some of this information with my husband, he too, felt astounded, as he has struggled with this his whole life, yet has gone undiagnosed. Not only does this affect my husband, but my 12 year old struggles with the same issues.

I felt sad and angry for my husband. Not at anyone, but just for the injustice of school systems, that allow children to go through believing that they are less than.

I also learned that if in the school system a child with Dyslexia is tested for a learning disability , the majority of the time they will not qualify for help. Reason being, the test they use is not suitable for diagnosing a child who struggles with Dyslexia.

This too, makes me a bit choked up, as my 12 year old son Shane was tested in the school system, two of them in fact. Both times we were told, "He is really on the fence here, and doesn't really qualify." At which point during the second time around, was followed up with a suggestion of pure laziness. Humph!

This discovery has caused my emotions to roller coaster a bit this weekend. I have felt sad, angry, relieved, and overwhelmed. Yet, I know my Jesus loves us!

As I was pondering this with the Lord, I thought "Dyslexic...my family is Dyslexic...?!?! Chase having the worst of it, so it seems..." and I heard the Lord ask me this question "Daveda, what do I say about your family? Who do I say they are?"

I sat for a minute as the Holy Spirit reminded me of the truth. The truth is that my children (and my husband) are not labeled "Dyslexic" they are labeled "Victorious" because of Jesus!

They are BOLD and CONFIDENT people in this world, and EVERYTHING they put their hand to will prosper and come to maturity.

So, as we begin this new leg of our journey, overcoming dyslexia, I will remember what Jesus says. I will look to Him as my source, not people, or resources, but the wisdom of the Holy Spirit will guide us (not that God won't use people or resources, I just won't be looking to them, but Him.) I am actually considering starting a new blog, in addition to this one. A blog dedicated to following the journey of victory over Dyslexia. Maybe it will help someone else out there. No one wants to journey alone.

Rambling On's...(I know that's not a word:)

2009-09-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was trying to decide what to blog about today, and I could not seem to narrow down the many thoughts and themes floating and shifting through my head. I figured this would be a good day for a hodge podge post, if you will. A post about nothing...and a little bit of several things.

1. My spell checker tells me hodge podge is not a word...hmmmm, any suggestions? Did I spell it wrong.

2. I am becoming more and more aware of the fact that so many of the things I once thought were important to my walk with the Lord, pale in comparison to the simple Gospel. All of the things I once thought I needed to be, or had to try to do, are falling into place as I continually grow in Christ. Sometimes seemingly good ideas, concepts or even truths, can steal our focus away from Jesus and place it onto ourselves.

Let me give you an example, I used to spend so much time "trying" to make myself more disciplined. Only to feel like a failure time and time again. When I stopped focusing on discipline and place my focus back on Jesus and starting believing and saying "Lord you say I am all I need to be because of you. I trust you to change me Lord and bring about any disciplines in my life that you want me to have." As I began to do this the things I used to "try" so hard at simply started falling into place. Grace...it's a beautiful thing; God's unmerited, undeserved favor and POWER at work in our lives. You cannot have an undersatnding of grace without realizing it is the power to change us.

3. I just got my manuscript back from a friend. I was encouraged that she is about the sixth person to read it and love it, yet I can't help feeling like it's not done yet, even though everyone says it's great. I have the opportunity to send it to a new friend, who is an author and copy editor, yet again, I feel like maybe I'm not ready??? So, that leaves me wondering...do all writers feel this way? Or, will there come a time when you just know it's finished. Oh well...I keep reminding myself that it's the Fathers book, I will simply continue to write what He gives me, walk through the open doors, and trust that He will help me continually trust Him.

4. There are some people moving in close to this area where I live, Poplar Grove IL, about an hour from Chicago,who are starting a radical grace ministry. I am excited about that, I am excited to meet them. As of yet, I have only connected with them over Facebook. Isn't it amazing how God can use technology to make these connections?!? I think it will be nice to have some new friends near by, who seem to have a revelation of the same Grace (Jesus) the Father has revealed to me to set me free from the bondages of religion.

5. We started school this week, I homeschool my two youngest boys. Most of the time I like it. Both of my kids struggle academically. When I pulled them out of school for that reason and various others, they were both behind. My main concern is my 10 year old, he really just doesn't seem to get the concept of reading. Don't get me wrong, he reads, but not at a level I am happy with. Not to mention he hates reading and has no desire to do it. This makes it difficult because he is very smart and able to comprehend age appropriate material in every subject, he just can't seem to read it by himself....Hmmm. Prayer is powerful and the Holy Spirit is active. God keeps telling me He's got this not to worry, okay Lord, help me to trust you :) I think I might get his eyes checked...

6. My oldest son, is in the process of going into the Airforce. However, he made a stupid decision awhile back and let a friend practice tattooing...on his hands... and that disqualifies him. So, that means on Tuesday I am taking him to see about having them removed...hopefully they can do it quickly and as inexspensive as possible, as the recruiter is only waiting on that to get him sworn in...Lord let your favor be upon us!

7.I am wondering what you guys think of the stuff I write about. The content, style, is it personable, etc..? I am a teacher at heart, that's what I do, speak, teach and write about the word of God ..who is a person, JESUS!. See what I mean, when I write it comes out that way, teachie...(ya, that's not a word either LOL)

well, you are probably about tired of listening to me ramble on this morning...wait...I think it's almost afternoon, well, anyhow, you are probably tired of it regardless. I hope you all have a great Labor Day week end!

Righteous Apart From the Law

2009-09-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself standing in judgment of another believer based on something they do or do not do? Have you ever found yourself thinking "I must be a better christian than that person because I would never do that!" It may be something as simple as what kind of movies we watch, music we listen to, books we read, where we shop, the people we are friends with, what we eat or drink, what we wear, how we entertain ourselves, how often we read our Bible, pray, go to a church service, etc...the list is endless. And, if we are all really honest with ourselves, we have all done it.

The Bible tell us to not judge and criticize.

"Do NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourself."
Matthew 7:1

For years I knew this. I knew the Bible said it, yet I continually made judgments about people based on what I saw on the outside. I formed my opinions about anothers walk with the Lord according to "The Gospel of Daveda." If we agreed on at least the majority of the choices I listed above, among a few others, then in my book you were okay, for the most part. This is how I thought God judged me, therefore this is how I judged others.

I have discovered something wonderful and freeing. The Lord has set me free from this crazy judgmental way of thinking. I can't even begin to tell you how great it is to be able to love people in spite our different opinions or believes. But, as I said knowing that we are not supposed to judge, being told that we are not supposed to judge, does not make our hearts any less judgmental. So how do we get there?

"But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the law, although actually it is attested by the law and prophets. Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe, there is no distinction." Romans 3:21-22

As we begin to see that we are righteous not because of what we do (the law) but because of Jesus and our trusting, relying, and believing Him, we begin to see others as righteous because of Him as well, apart from the law.

I have discovered that the more I realize that the Father is not condemning me or judging me, the less I feel the need to condemn and judge others. I realize that the love and grace of God, His power moving in our hearts and lives, is what brings true change and I am free to love them, and accept them for who they are.

Just as God loves and accepts me.

Laugh and Learn

2009-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

I have discovered and learned a lot of new lessons over the last few weeks. I love that every day, every situation, is an opportunity for Father to teach us new lessons, each one drawing us closer to the heart of Himself.

Sometimes we learn lessons from watching and listening to others. We feel, see, and hear how what they do affects us and we quickly realize this is something I never want to make someone else feel, see or hear.

I had a few of these happen to me during the time of my grandmas showing and funeral. As I think back to them I have to laugh a little, as I wonder "what were these people thinking?" So, I thought I would share with you three wonderful things that you should never say to someone when they have just lost a loved one...yes, that was a hint of sarcasm you detected...

1. Now this one I realize is probably pretty common, people mean well, and in these types of sad circumstance many simply do not know what to say. But, telling someone that "It's okay, she is in a better place." does not make them feel better. When Jesus said "weep with those who weep" I think that's what He really meant . The people who helped me the most did not try to minimize my grief, but cried with me and understood that even though I KNOW she is in a better place, I will still miss her, my tears were for me.

2. I had one person tell me that of all the people they could think of I had the most faith, so come on now...you can do this! Ummmm...okay?!?! Sure, but this still bites, it has nothing to do with faith. Having faith gives you hope, but it does not make your heart stop hurting.

3. This is classic..my favorite; at my grandmas showing a man (a rude man) walked up to me, hugged me and said "Hi Daveda, wow, you look like you have put on a little weight?" Mind you there were six people sitting around listening...things got very quiet all of a sudden. I was stunned as I responded with "Oh, wow, that's really nice of you, thanks..." (yes, another hint of sarcasm) It's my grandmas funeral, and that's the nicest thing he could think of to say to me...Oh my!

I guess if nothing else, these are three things I will never say to someone. As I look back, I can now laugh about these comments. Laugh and learn, what else can you do...

Blog Award

2009-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

I want to say thank you, to my friend Christy over at The Secret Life of an American wife and Mom for giving me this Loyal Friend and Visitor award. Christy is not only my blogging friend but, my real life friend as well. If you have never been by her blog for a visit please take the time to do so. She has a wonderful teaching gift, and the love and grace she lives in comes through in her writing in a way that touches and transforms you.

Now it's my turn to give away the Loyal Friend and Visitor Award. The following are 10 people who not only come and visit my blog regularly, but also have wonderful blogs that I love to read. They are encouraging and wonderful to have as friends. Please stop by and visit them.

Rosel
Sarah
Warren
Kat
Kee
Sarah Dawn
Jhazmyn
Michelle
Tracy
Shanda

The Hope of Suffering

2009-08-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

If you have been reading my blog as of late, then you know my grandmother just passed away on August 20th, 2009, of terminal lung cancer. As hard as it was to watch her die, it was also very peaceful, as I saw God's hand upon her and the rest of us.

During her last day here on earth, I recall sitting there, watching her breath, wondering with each one, if this would be the last. My heart began to ache and tears welled up in my eyes as I whispered in my heart "Jesus, help us, I am not sure how much more of this we can take."

Later on this same day, my mom and I, along with my sisters, gathered around grandmas bedside and prayed. We prayed for God's mercy and His wonderful grace to flood my family. We prayed that grandmas suffering would end soon, and that she would be wrapped in the arms of Jesus.

As we were praying something I had just read came to my heart and I felt lead to read it out loud to grandma. This is what it was...

"My beloved speaks and says to me, rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For, behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of the birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

The fig tree puts forth and ripens her green figs, and the vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance.

Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." Song of Songs 2:10-13

I cried as I read it because I knew that Father was calling her home. I cried because I knew I would miss her. I cried because I knew that when I thought of her not being here for me, it would make me sad for what I would miss.

I smiled when I thought of her with Jesus. I smiled when I thought of her holding her precious daughter who had passed away at 7 months old, more than 50 years ago. I smiled when I thought of her with no more tears, no more pain. I smiled when I thought of her being in a place so wonderful that it is actually outside of time, and I knew for her it would only be a moment until she saw me again.

As weird as this may sound, as odd as it feels to say it, this was actually a good experience. Don't get me wrong it was hard. There are moments when it still is. Like when I put on grandmas flannel that I took from her closet and I smelled her scent as it flowed from the shirt into my nostrils. When I think about Christmas and her not being here. When I look at her photo, or even when someone says a word that reminds me of her.

Grandma is everywhere.

Yet, so is God's peace and that is why this has been good. Precious, wonderful, Jesus, has been there for us, and He still is.

Everyone suffers at some point in their life. Everyone goes through the rough and tough days when it feels like it would be easier to just quit.

Everyone does.

It's not a matter of will I ever suffer, but, where is my hope when I do.

My hope is in Jesus, the Lover of my soul. He will be with us through the good and the bad. With Him, even the the things that are meant to ruin and crush us will be used for good.

Meeting Jesus

2009-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have, after a long two and a half weeks, returned home from my trip to to visit Granny.

The first week of my trip was spent spending time with and caring for my grandma, who was on in-home hospice and living at my moms house. I am so glad I was able to be there and help care for her. Her desire was to remain at home as long as she could, and because we all pulled together, we were able to make that happen.

Grandma passed away on August 20, 2009, and will be sadly missed.

God brought our family together during this time, and reminded me of how important relationships are, and that they will not be around forever. He reminded me that the most important thing I will leave behind when I leave this earth is...

the way I loved others.

I pray that everyday, I will receive more of a revelation of His love for me, so that I am able to love Him and others more fully and completely.

After all, we cannot give what we have not received, and,
life is to short, not to love.

I know that grandma has finally met Jesus and is dancing on golden streets with Him. I know that she is finally complete and whole, no more suffering, every tear wiped away. I can only imagine what she must have felt meeting Jesus...WOW!

I do know that I will be with her, much longer than I have to be with out her.

However, Knowing this does not make me miss her any less.

I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all you who left me encouraging comments and prayed with and for me and my family during this time. Your prayers were definitely felt and welcomed over the last weeks.

Now, that I am home, I will be getting back into the swing of things and I will soon be posting again regularly. I am also looking forward to coming by to visit you all again soon.

Many Blessings,
Daveda

Going To VIsit Granny

2009-08-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

It is time for me to once again, pack the clothes, pile everything and everyone in the car and make the 5 to 6 hour drive back to Ohio. The time really depends on how nice the traffic in Chicago decides to be to me today.

I previously told you all a little about my sweet granny having terminal lung cancer, well...she is not doing well, not at all. Her condition is rapidly going down hill and it is believed that the cancer has/is spreading to other parts of her body. She has no appetite and due to not eating, she has lost a tremendous amount of weight. She is becoming very confused and is staying in bed 98% of the time.

I would share more, but I am typing this in a bit of a rush to get out the door. My mom just called yesterday and said that if I want to spend any time, while she still knows whats going on, I had better come fast. So I am going...getting there as fast as I can!

I do not know how long I will be gone, I intend to stay as long as I am needed there. Please pray for my family. And, know that if you do not hear from me for awhile, if I do not post or visit you, it is not because I have forgotten about you.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Grace is Enough

2009-08-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever woke up with a heavy heart, feeling as though you had the weight of the world on your shoulders and it was too much to bear? This is how I felt as my eyes slowly rolled open and I contemplated getting out of bed this morning.

I refuse to start my day this way, so before my feet touched the floor, I reached for God's wonderful Word of Grace and asked Him to remind me of the Truth. I asked Him to give me a revelation of His love for me.

When we focus on our problems or what we think we may not be doing right, we will always find a reason to feel condemned. But when we focus on Jesus, God's provision for our problems, the One who did everything right, and we remember that we are hidden in Him, we are reminded that we are righteous!

There is nothing happening in my life or yours, that God does not already have taken care of. God's Grace (Jesus) is enough!

Job and financial situation...check!

Health issues...check!

Issues with the kids...check!

A healthy spiritual life...check!

Whatever else that may come up...check!

When we are reminded of God's perfect love for us, we can live in His rest knowing that the hope of His great love taking care of our every need is enough. When we are resting we are not worrying about what to do, trying to work harder at resolving our problems or trying to figure out a perfect solution.

No, we are allowing His love to surround us, and we are trusting Him to make a way. We are trusting that all of God's promises are YES and AMEN!

When God looks at His children He does not see the imperfections and the shortcomings that we tend to see, He sees Jesus! When we realize this, we can rest, knowing that He is not trying to decide if we deserve for Him to come through for us. None of us deserve it, but Jesus does!

The righteousness and perfect obedience of Jesus is what our Father sees when He looks upon us! Now, that is good news!

I came across this video entitled The Good-O-Meter over at Amy Deardon's blog page. It is a WONDERFUL video that gives a beautiful example of the Grace I am referring to in this post. Please leave a comment as usual, but then PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to stop by Amy's blog and watch this video, leave her a comment and say hello, tell her I sent you :) it's worth it, I promise!

The Power To Make Coleslaw

2009-08-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

My last post was about the the towers that we tend to build in our lives that obstruct our view of relationship with Christ. It was inspired by a Veggie Tales episode I watched with my niece. If you did not read it, you may want to scroll down and do so before moving on.

I would just like to add to that post and clarify, that I believe the knocking down part is done in love, with no condemnation. I do not believe that these areas of our lives need to be removed in great pain staking agony. This would mean that I believe God's Grace (Jesus) is insufficient to take care of these "towers".

Yes, I think that sometimes the emotions we experience during these times can be difficult to sift through. However, if I am keeping my eyes on Jesus, and asking Him to remind me of His great love for me, it makes this sifting that much easier.

We are ALL growing and changing daily, none of us have arrived, and we ALL have some kind of "tower" that needs to be knocked down. Yet, it is not our job or our responsibility to "figure out" what the towers are, what they look like and how to get rid of them. As we rest in His finished work and trust Him to continue to work in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is...God's gift and promise to us, the Father will guide us and lead us closer and closer to Him.

If we were able to see for ourselves the areas where we are not walking in God's best, in our own strength and understanding, what would we need this wonderful gift for? If we were able to "fix" ourselves, what would we need this wonderful gift for?

I have come to realize that I have no power to remove towers or change myself in any way, nor do I have the ability to see and recognize these areas or towers without revelation from the Holy Spirit. For me the "Fight of Faith" has become a simple question asked everyday in every situation.

"Do I believe that what He has done for me is enough?"

"Do I believe that what Jesus has already done for me is enough to take care of all the details of my life and my person?"

YES! I do believe that He is. In that I can thank Him when He shows me these areas I can respond with "Thank You Jesus, that you love me enough to not leave me the same!" I can trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about any necessary changes and flow in and with Him as He does.

So, I do believe we all have "towers" and I do believe that when God removes the unnecessary we are left with "coleslaw" something much better than what we started with. But, I wanted to clarify How I believe we get there. Through His Grace, His power working in our lives.

Coleslaw

2009-08-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

I was watching Veggie Tales with my niece this morning when I heard Larry say the following.

"Go ahead smash that tower (of cabbage), you might just make coleslaw."

He was telling a tale of oddities about a man who had built a tower of cabbage with a mayonnaise stand at the bottom. Unfortunately the tower was blocking a neighbors window and one night, the neighbor, knocked the tower down, destroying it. Upon discovering the deconstruction of his wonderful tower the man was angry. That is, until he realized that his misfortune had caused him to accidentally discover coleslaw.

It made me think of the towers we build in our lives and the discoveries we make upon them being knocked down. These towers can be many things, anything that we place value and security in besides Jesus. Many times we do not even realize our areas of insecurity, or what the towers we have built are, until God comes along and begins knocking them down.

Many times deconstruction is not something we welcome, it can be hard and challenging. Yet, I have come to realize that when I keep my eyes on Jesus and ask Him to remind me of the truth, to remind me of what He says about me and my life, I can walk through the deconstruction process with peace and joy.

As I grow in my relationship with Jesus, and I continually learn to trust in Him, I learn that "deconstruction" is simply the first step in Him building something new that He has promised me.

There are many things I have looked to besides Jesus, on this journey. Many times the substitutes we look to are the very things that are seemingly good. The deeds we get involved in, the careers we choose, the people in our lives, the church we might attend, the teaching of others. All of these can be good, however they should never replace our individual relationship with Jesus. They should never be what defines us or gives us a sense of worth and value.

When these become bigger in our lives than our oneness with Jesus, they become towers that block the view of Christ in our lives. Many times it is the times of trial we go thorough that God uses to show us areas we are not trusting Him in. He uses these times to show us the "towers" we have built, and then He begins knocking them down.

I have learned, and am continuing to learn, how to embrace times of "deconstruction." Those times when God removes what is unnecessary, and mixes all the right ingredients together. Only through embracing these times and learning to trust in the Lord, will I find my coleslaw.

Lets Talk Grace! What Towers have you built on your journey? Is God knocking down any towers in your life? Please leave a comment, and tell us what you think. Lets Talk Grace!

Blog Hop -Encouragement

2009-08-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am very encouraged today. I hope to encourage you by sharing my story.

I have always wanted to have a close relationship with my sister, but until recent years, we always seemed to be hit and miss with one another. Even though we have always loved on another, our relationship had very little depth.

We are seven years apart and I am the older sister. I remember after I got married, my sister was only fourteen, I would have her over and not want to take her home. She would get so frustrated with me and eventually she stopped coming.

There were many other times over the years where I tried to push myself on her. I realize now that I was trying to force her into a relationship with me and in doing so, I pushed her away.

The Lord helped me to just let go and hope that one day, He would bring us together to build a relationship that was based on a mutual love, respect, admiration and trust in one another. It has been almost 13 years and I can finally say that my sister is becoming one of my very best friends.

This never would have happened if I had continued to try and change her heart toward me. When we trust the Lord to do what we cannot, in us and in others, the seemingly impossible can happen. God is able to do above and beyond what we can only imagine.

"Now to Him, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-" Ephesians 3:20AMP

My sister and my niece came from Ohio, to visit us this week. Our relationship is growing. I trust that the lord will continue to do beyond what I could ever hope for!

Lets talk Grace! Please leave a comment and share something encouraging, or a way this post encourages you! I try to respond to the comments you leave, so please check back. Lets talk Grace!

Jesus Is Wisdom

2009-08-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

I recently heard a teaching on asking God for wisdom and my mind and heart continued to remember these verses.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 "For while Jews [demandingly] ask for signs and miracles and Greeks pursue philosophy and wisdom, We preach Christ (the messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense, But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile) Christ [is] the power of God and the Wisdom of God."

Jesus is the wisdom of God.

When we need wisdom we go to God and He gives us that wisdom, but our answer is always found in Jesus.

When we learn to agree with what Jesus says is the truth about us and our situations, we are flowing in God's wisdom. When we know God's truth for our lives and we align our thinking with His, we are flowing in God's wisdom. When we refuse to believe the lies of the enemy, and stand on what Jesus has done for us, we are flowing in God's wisdom.

I used to read the Bible looking for answers to my life. I am now learning to ask the Father to show me the person of Jesus. In Him I will find wisdom. In Him I will find answers.

I recently had some question arise in my heart concerning church, and as I went to the Bible I found myself intent on finding a fact or a clear description of what I was looking for. When God revealed to me what was in my heart, I closed my Bible to take a minute and ask my Father to change my heart. I want my only desire be that I see Jesus.

The Bible is not an encyclopedia, a place where we go just to find information. It is a place where we go to have a person revealed to us. In this person, this wonderful Christ, we will find wisdom.

Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. When we see Him as our answer we will flow in Grace and Truth. We will flow in His power, and wisdom.

Are you seeking answers today? Ask the Father to show you Jesus. You are hidden in Him, this is where we find the wisdom and answers we are looking for.

Lets Talk Grace! Please leave a comment. I try to respond to the comments you leave here on Grace Talk, as often as I can, so please check back. Lets Talk Grace!

Perception

2009-07-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you think of perception? We all have one, especially when it comes to life and how we see or heavenly Father. How we perceive Him will largely define how we see ourselves and how we treat others.

Perceive means to become conscious or aware of something. Perception is the process of perceiving, a way of conceiving something, and or the representation of what is perceived.

What we perceive to be the truth about God's love for us, will be the same as what we are able to give.

If we see God as a demanding, scornful, waiting to punish you, rub your face in the dirt, type of father, this is how we will treat others, this is the perception we will give others about who God is.

If we see God as a giver, a loving caring Father who wants to come along side of us and not excuse the sin in our lives, but give us the desire, motivation and power to be free of its reign, this is the perception we will give others.

In the Greek the word perceive can also mean to intimately get to know someone, in the book of Matthew the word virgin, when talking about Mary being kept, is also translated as perceive.

I love the fact that God is not after us simply modifying our outward behavior, but He wants to have an intimate connection with us. He wants our obedience to freely flow out of our connection with Him. This is my perception.

How much of our perception of God is influenced by "religion" and our society here in the U.S., or anywhere else for that matter.

There is a place in my heart that wishes, I could have been "kept" for a time, away from the influence of who others perceived God to be, until I really truly saw the heart of my Father.

Paul says that after He met the Lord He went away for a time and did not immediately consult the other disciples. Could it be that He took this time to get to know for himself, the One who had called him?

Don't get me wrong, I know we learn from each other and I LOVE talking about Jesus with the people God has placed in my life. I just know, that much of what I used to believe, much of my being in bondage for so long, was introduced into my life from my not truly knowing the heart of my Father, yet trying to "do" all that I was told I should.

Even the famous quote "What Would Jesus Do?" also know as "WWJD" is only answered based on perception. Is it not really saying "What Do You Think Jesus Would Do?" Our perception of what He would do, how He would handle a person, or a situation is based on our perception of Him, and how we think He perceives us. Is it not?

I know we have the Bible to guide us in truth, yet we all perceive that differently as well. We can each read the same passage and come up with a different perception of what it means. I once read (paraphrase) that the Bible was like a gem, with many different sides, all shining and glittering in their own special way. Each side holding a different angle of truth, to show the multifaceted love of God.

I believe that the Bible is a love story, it is a story where I can find Jesus hidden in the pages and lines. It is a story that shows me all of the horrid things that I have been saved from, rescued from and delivered from. It is a story of God's love and passion.

Could it be that none of us have it all right? We are all on a journey, are we not? I can tell you that five years ago, I did not perceive God the way I do today. If you would have told me then, many of the things that I perceive to be truth now, I would not have believed you. And, I hope in five years five years from now, my perception of God is not the same as it is today.

What is your perception?

Lets Talk Grace! Please leave and comment and Lets Talk Grace! I try to respond to the comments you leave, so please check back. Also, feel free to leave a comment for one of the other Grace Talk Viewers!

"Labels"

2009-07-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

We had a great day yesterday! We spent the day together, enjoying God's beautiful creation at a local state park. The boys fished, I sat and talked to my Daddy, we ate a picnic lunch, and then took out a paddle boat. It was an amazing time of reconnecting with each other.

God is changing me, stretching me, drawing me closer to the heart of Him. Yet it seems, the closer I get to His heart, the less I feel the need to be a part of all the things I used to find so much value in. I am finding peace and contentment, in my everyday life. I have need of only one thing, Jesus.

God has shown me this week a place in my heart that He is changing. A place where "religion" lives. A place that does not reflect the Fathers love.

Prior to our wonderful day, I believe I said something, quite insulting to my husband. I didn't mean to. It just slipped out. As it did, I immediately recognized the lack of love and respect in my statement. I realized that God was showing me an area He was changing in me.

You see my husband is not into "religion" AT ALL. I am not saying that he does not believe that there is a God who loves us. He just does not think that we need to jump through the hoops of a religious system to have God in our lives. He does not believe that the only good to be done is in the church as a system or even that it is a requirement that we be involved in it.

He is a very authentic person who will in no way do something just because someone told him he should. I admire him for this. Because of this, I know that all the changes I have seen God make in him, are real. I know that when he mows the neighbors lawn, he does it because he cares. I know that when he tells me he prayed, he did it because he believes there is someone worth talking to. I know when he tells me that he thinks something is a tactic, or man made, he is not being rebellious, just honest.

My husband does not feel that he needs to wear a label, to be loved by God. He has stepped into this journey slowly and carefully. Unlike me, who jumped in head first and kept swimming. He, at this point does not confess to be called a believer, because of the stereo type that is associated with that label. At times, I feel a bit confused at what to say when asked "Is your husband a Christian?" I used to say "no, God is still working in him". But the last couple of years, every time I find myself about to say no, I feel the Spirit, correcting me. I am not supposed to say this any more. God looks at a persons heart, maybe he sees, what I don't...or do I?

We were discussing a book yesterday. A book about raising children, teens in particular. A book my husband thought might give us some good direction. I have to tell you my husband is not a reader, AT ALL. So, just the fact that he would suggest we read something together, was a miracle, one I had hoped for, for a long time. I love to read!

But, what do I do, I glance at the computer screen, do not recognize the author as a "Christian" and say, that guys probably not even a believer, what do we want that for?" My husband is frustrated, closes out the screen and feels that his attempt to take the lead in our family concerning our children has just been thwarted, because someone doesn't fit a label.

How insulting, to say that because someone is not a "christian", a "believer" they have nothing good to offer. No truth to be shared. All truth belongs to God, regardless of where it comes from. I do realize that we have to sift through what we hear, we cannot retain everything someone says if it does not line up with the truth that is Jesus. But, don't we need to do this with other Christians as well? Do we not feel the need to sift through what we are taught, even when someone is a believer?

I realize I may ruffle your feathers with this post. I realize it goes against much of what is taught today. But, I know the voice of my Shepard, and I know that He is calling me to step back and learn from my husband, regardless of what "label" he refuses to wear.

I know that my Father is building in me the ability to trust Him, and Him alone. He is teaching me to trust the Spirit inside of me, to trust the Oneness I have with Jesus.

I am not perfect, I will make mistakes, take some wrong turns and need to be corrected. But, if all I focus on is what I am not, my inability to get it right, is that not still focus on self? I am learning to focus on what Jesus has done for me. Who He says I am and on His power at work in my life, even when it doesn't seem to fit the "norm". This is what I will trust as I continue on this journey, Him, and Him alone.

So who knows where God will take Matt and I from here, except the Father. But, it is a journey I look forward to taking.

Lets Talk Grace! Please leave a comment. I try to respond to the comments you leave here, so please check back. Lets Talk Grace!

A New Way To Live, Part #2

2009-07-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

What an incredible way to walk with the Lord, in complete and total dependence on Him and what He has done. Yet, I find that this way of living, thinking, breathing challenges many. I am learning to embrace what God has done in my life. Regardless of what others may think and feel about the changes in the way I see things now.

I will be honest and admit, that sometimes when someone disagrees with what I believe, I feel challenged, and sometimes I doubt myself. I say "Lord all that you have done in me, could it really be true, could life with you really be this easy, or have I somehow mistaken you?" I am always left with what He has shown me in the last five years, as truth. I used to feel upset when I felt challenged, but I am learning to see that when I feel challenged, it is God's opportunity to strengthen me and or correct me, as I turn to Him.

Talking and discussing our view points should not be something we avoid, it should be embraced for the purpose of growing. In the Jewish culture this was a part of living. In our culture it seems we have lost the joy of hearing other view points. For myself, I think it is an underlying issue of insecurity. However, I can sense God changing me in this area, encouraging me to be bold, yet always have ears to hear, while sifting through what I will keep as truth and what I will disregard.

I am learning that this is my journey. No one can walk it, live it, but me. Others will be brought along to walk with me and I with them, but, I must follow my own heart. I must follow the voice of the Lord in my life.

This is what the Spirit is doing in my life. This is what He is speaking to my heart. This is how He is continuing to set me free. It is not my job to convince others of the truths God has shown me, only to be myself and share myself, trusting the Holy Spirit to deposit truth, both in them and in me.

So today I am asking God to continue to strengthen me in truth and in freedom. To strengthen me in the ability to stand with confidence in what He has done in my life, regardless of who agrees or disagrees. To help me to love and respect others, to not be offended if they have a different point of view or even if they seem to want to discredit what God has done in my life. To help me see Jesus, in everything.

A New Way To Live, Part #1

2009-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

The past five years have been a wonderful, incredible time of growth for me. The Lord spoke to me one day after I had gone through a difficult time and said "I am going to teach you to rest."

I had no idea then what I was in for, but it has been amazing.

I spent about a year and a half just being deprogrammed from all of the "religious" thinking I had picked up along the way. Thinking that hindered me from seeing the work on the cross as truly finished. I said the words "the work is finished" but I only believed that it was true if I was was smart enough to figure out how to get God to make it work in my life. I thought I had to jump through hoops, and pray exactly the right words or all the finished work was void for me.

This living was exhausting me. I spend everyday trying so hard to do enough. I had my hand in every pot I could find because I wanted to show God that I was good enough to be used by Him. I spent everyday feeling really good about myself because I felt like I got it all right that day, or really bad about myself because I had some how messed up. This living is NOT living in rest. It is NOT living in the finished work on the cross. It is NOT living with any understanding of Grace.

I used to think that grace was a type of "Tylenol" if you will. It got me through a hard time, maybe not victoriously, but it got me through. Grace is power, it is God's power at work in our lives because of the finished work on the cross. It is the power and favor that enables us to live in rest.

God has changed my mind-set SO much. I am not the person I was five years ago. Five years ago I was free and did not know it, now I am walking in that freedom.

My journey is not without challenges, but my trust in the Lord, my trust in His love for me, my trust in the finished work, makes all the difference in how I go through those challenges. I now know that it is not about me being able to figure out what I need to do to get God to move on my behalf. I now know that the only "doing" He asks of me is to trust, believe, rely on and cling to Him. There will be things that I do, but they will come through the Spirit working in my life, they will be an overflow of what God has done in me.

This is resting, this is living in the power of the finished work on the cross. This is living in His grace.

Give Away News and Blog Hop Recipe

2009-07-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful blog give away going on over at Two kids a minivan and a lot of love, She is giving away a blog make over...yep, you read that right. You could win a whole new look for your blog page. To head on over and check it out, click here!

BLOG HOP: FAVORITE RECIPE

This recipe was given to me by my cousin. Apparently there are variations of the recipe, but the following is how I make it.

Chicken Lip Dip (no, you will not find chicken lips in it :)

3-4 chicken breast cooked and shredded (some people use chicken in a can, I stick with the real deal)
4 8oz blocks of cream cheese ( I prefer Philadelphia)
1 16oz bottle of ranch dressing
1 12oz bottle of Franks red Hot sauce (You can add as little or as much as you want depending on how spicy you like it. I use the whole bottle)
1 container blue cheese (I hate blue cheese, but in this recipe it really does not taste like vomit :)
1 8 to 12oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag of your favorite tortilla chips

boil chicken until cooked through, let cool, and shred. Mix all ingredients (except the chips) in a crock pot and cook until completely melted and hot. (It will take a while for the cream cheese to melt. I typically start all my ingredients while my chicken is cooking.) Serve with chips and enjoy. (My son eats this with pretzels)

The Difference

2009-07-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

I was recently present at an unfamiliar worship service. I was praising along with my other brothers and sisters in Christ, yet, something inside didn't feel right. At one point I became unable to join in with them. I stood there and praised my Father with my own words and heart, feeling His presence and love, but, I could not "enter in " to what they were saying.

As I stood there, I thought "whats wrong with me today?" So, I asked the Lord to show me what was bothering me so much. I know He always answers what I ask, but to be honest, I didn't really expect Him to answer right then. He did though, with in 30 seconds I felt Him whisper to my heart "They are asking me, pleading with me, to do something I have already done, you know the work is finished." Ah-ha, I got it!

They did not know that the redemptive work on the cross has already set them free. Instead of praising God for the freedom He has given us in Jesus, they were still asking Him to do that which has already been done.

I know that this freedom is a process, we do not walk in all of the freedom the moment we meet Jesus, it is a progression. As God's love is poured out in our hearts and we begin to realize this great amazing love, we progressively become free. I also know that many are touched in services and gatherings, it is not wrong to expect from God as we gather. However, we are not asking God to do something He has yet to do for us, but, for the work that has already been done to manifest and become evident in our lives.

I believe and have come to live my life in such a way that I do not ask God to "do" anything more, just to help me receive what has already been done. To help me trust in the power of the Holy Spirit actively at work in my life, bringing about all that God says is mine because of Jesus. It may seem that I am fussing over the order of the words, or the way something is said. I am not. It makes a difference in our mind set, whether or not we believe that the work is finished.

When we believe that the work is finished our hearts go from feeling burdened and asking "God please do this wonderful thing for me, I really hope you will." to praise with a freedom and joy in our hearts "Father thank you that you have set me free, even though I do not yet see this freedom, I know that you have done this work for me, I know it is mine, help me receive Lord, I know you love me, help me to see more of your love in this area."

See the difference?

I am in no way condemning the worship service, or the people. Just sharing with you what God spoke to my heart.

Lets Talk Grace! What are your thoughts today? Please leave a comment, we want to Talk Grace With You!

Three Things You Did Not Know About Me

2009-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

This might actually be more than three, but they are numbered to three, so I am just going to go with it!

1. I am the mom of three boys, Christopher, 18 Shane, 12 and Chase, 10 I had Chris when I was 16 years old, and do not regret having him for one second!

2. I am in the process of writing a book about resting in the finished work of Jesus, and how this grace sets us free. I love to teach and speak on this whenever and wherever the Lord opens a door.

3. I love butterflies, riding the motorcycle with my husband, camping, and reading.

We Are Home!

2009-07-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

We are home! We actually had to cut our trip short, my husband had an unexpected call to return to work early. However, my niece Lynndsay made the journey back with us and I am really enjoying having a girl around. Though I will say, girls and boys...not the same...AT ALL LOL!

My husband only ended up working for three days, so we took advantage of the rest of our time, and took the boys and our niece camping up in Wisconsin, not far from the Dells. We had a great time and just returned today.

Thank you all for your support and prayers for my sweet Granny! It means a lot to have you in my corner. My grandma is not doing well, she has had to move in with my mom. However, I believe that God uses all things for His glory, and will bring good out of all situations. He is using this one to bring our family closer together. I am sure the depths of what God is doing is yet to be seen. I believe that God is good all the time, even when our circumstances seem to not be.

I will be getting back to posting very soon! Stay tuned...

Friends and Family

2009-06-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am leaving town! Adios, Goodbye! My family and I are making the trip back to Ohio this week, I am very excited to see my family. Especially my Granny, she was diagnosed with terminal Lung Cancer back in April. She is on in-home Hospice and is also showing signs of Dementia.

I love my Granny so much and will miss her terribly when she is gone. She has always shown me unconditional love, that is how I will remember her.

I am praying for Gods peace to surround her the rest of her days. I am praising Him that He has a better place for her, a place where I will be with her much longer than I am without her.

On another note, I get to see my sisters, my nieces and nephew, my parents (including the grand ones), and friends! I am looking froward to laughing, sharing and catching up.

Family, they are so very important. I have in the past not placed enough value in the meaning of Family. Especially after I became a believer. Yes, I know, read that again, it doesn't sound quite right does it? "I have in the past not placed enough value in the meaning of Family. Especially after I became a believer."

I felt misunderstood by them, and sadly, I pulled away. I allowed a religious mindset to separate me from them, instead of allowing the Love of God to draw me to them. But, honestly, I didn't see it for what it was.

But now, I think once we have received the love of God in our hearts one of the best places to let it overflow into is our families. It is my belief that part of the problem is that instead of receiving God's love, we receive the do's and dont's of religion. Instead of hearing about how the Spirit will work in us changing us from glory to glory as we receive and believe God's love for us, we hear what the outside stuff is supposed to look like. When what we see on the outside in the lives of others does not line up, we take a prideful stand in the name of the Lord, and in a sense, reject them. Sad. I did this.

My heart has been changed about my family. I love them All. I want to reach out and let the love that God has shown me flow into their lives. I want them to know that I love them, and it no longer matters if I feel they love me the same. Because the One who matters most, DOES!

I started writing this post to simply let you know, I may not be back for awhile. I may or may not get the chance to post, read comments, or visit you for the next two or three weeks. Because I will be soaking up the sun and fun with my friends and family in Ohio!

Just Because

2009-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about relationships today. It seems to be an ongoing theme in my heart as of late. I know that God is changing me, transforming me, and bringing me closer to Him. As He does this, I can sense that my heart toward my relationships with others will never be the same again, and I am glad.

I just finished reading Authentic Reionships, by Wayne Jacobsen and Clay Jacobsen. It confirmed so much of what has been in my heart, yet I couldn't seem to find the words, to explain. In the Church system, (which I am not saying is bad), I have many times felt like I was expected to live up to the expectations of others. I was expected to submit to their desire for me, and go against what I felt in my heart.

I have had relationships that I thought were true and genuine, until I felt God tugging at my heart in a different direction then what others thought. Then, in their minds I was no longer following God. I am really not writing this to put others down. But, to say that the most important thing I have realized is that we cannot give what we have not received. When we do not realize that God does not violate our will, to follow our own hearts and conscience, we will not realize this in our relationship with others. We will demand things from them that we have no right to demand. I have done this to others, as well. I am sorry!

God works ALL things together for our good, even our mistakes will lead us in the right direction.

"It (submission) allows us to partner with others in the process of being changed by Jesus, not to control them to do what we think best."
Authentic Relationships

Over the last five years God has shaken me and all of my ideas of what it means to walk with Him. I feel as though, I was born again, again. In this leg of my journey, I am seeing that I have demanded things from my relationships with others, even recently. I did not realize that I was filling a need in myself, with someone other than Jesus.

Three and a half years ago the Lord moved us from our home town, in Ohio, to Illinois. We knew not one soul, here. It was after we moved that the Lord began to show me the insecurities that I held with myself. Back home everyone knew me, knew my heart, and respected me as person. Here, no one knew me, no one knew my heart, no one had a reason to respect me as a person.

However, God started changing me and teaching me that there is only one true place to find security, in Jesus. He recently has shown me that I have demanded from others to fill my insecurities in my friendships. I have used my friendships to fill voids and needs in my life that can only be filled by God.

If you are my real life friend, and you are reading this, I am sorry.

I want to love you, just because,
not because you love me back in the way I want you to.

I want to accept you, just because,
not because you agree with what I think and make me feel good about myself.

I want to support you, just because,
not because I will get anything from you that I think will benefit me.

I want to spend time with you, just because,
not because I think you can boost my ego and make me feel wise.

I want to help you, just because,
not because I need to feel needed by others to have worth or value.

I want to be free to be the me that is found in Jesus, just because,
I can then let you be that too.

A Safe Place

2009-06-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Since my post yesterday, I have been talking with the Lord about this "Love parenting through grace" thing. I am still looking forward to reading "Loving our kids on Purpose" by Danny Silk, (which should arrive tomorrow) but I am excited about what I feel God teaching me even before I crack the cover or turn the first page. It really is the Holy Spirit that teaches us, what ever the source of the information.

So, I just wanted to share what I feel God speaking to my heart with all of my "Grace Talk" friends.

We are told that when we mess up, when we make a mistake, whenever we find ourselves involved in sin, that God is a safe place to turn. No matter what you have done He is waiting. There is no sin to big for God to forgive.

Shouldn't we too be a safe place to turn for our children? I remember as a kid my parents would say that I could be honest, tell them anything. However, it was their reaction when I did tell the truth that kept me from doing that. It did not feel safe, I was Scared! I remember feeling defined by my bad behavior, I had disappointed them. Not my behavior but I. Eventually I learned to only tell half of the truth, the parts that I didn't think were so bad, this way I was doing what they asked and protecting myself from their reaction at the same time.

I want my children to really, truly be able to tell me anything. I want to be the first, not the last person they run to. I think that having this type of relationship with them will far better model the Fathers love for them, and give me the opportunity to turn them to a God who loves them.

I am not saying that children will never receive consequences to their actions, please do not hear me say that. God does discipline us, but His way is loving, never harsh, hard, sharp or pressing. So the revelation, that is in my heart is; God has been, and still is changing me, so that I respond to my children the way my Father responds to me. If He is a safe place to run, then shouldn't I be that very thing as well?

Only God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can do this work in our hearts. I am so very thankful that He does. I am thankful that He will continue to work in me, drawing me closer to Him. Making me more like Him. Helping me love and discipline, like Him. After all, I am made in His image, and this is the image I want my children to see. This is the experience I want them to have in their relationship with me. Of course, I will not get it all right, and I am certain I will have to apologize to them when I mess up. But, I hope in building this relationship with them that they too will learn to look beyond behavior and into the heart of a person. I hope that they will see me as a "safe place" to run.

Let's Talk Grace! What about you, do you have anything to share, about what God has taught you when it comes to being a safe place for your children? Any other thoughts? Questions?

I would like to see Grace Talk become a safe place for us to have discussions. Please leave a comment, and then check back, I will try to reply to your comments. If you have a comment for another commenter, please leave that as well. I believe one of the ways we learn and grow is through our discussions and encouragement with one another. Lets Talk Grace!

Loving on Purpose

2009-06-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I heard something yesterday that stirred me on the inside. I have never given advise on parenting on this blog, nor do I intend to. I will however, share a bit about what God has shown me through the struggles of raising our oldest, son Chris, who is now 18.

I won't give all the details, because, well, that would just take too long. So, lets just sum it up with--being Chris's parents has been hard, challenging, heart wrenching, overwhelming, and exhausting! I had my wonderful son at the age of 16, when he was 4 I married my husband, who adopted him. It started rough, only in the past year and a half has it gotten better.

Okay, there's some background, now to my point. As God began showing me about his grace and love in my life, I began to realize that there just might be something wrong with the parenting style I had been introduced to upon becoming a believer. Sure, it was probably better than the style I had previously held, which was getting frustrated, yelling and then yelling some more. I had NO IDEA what I was doing.

I did become more of a disciplinarian. I began instilling action, consequence type discipline, became more consistent, and had more "control" over my children (2 at the time ages 7 and 2 #3 on the way). However, none of this "control" seemed to really help with my son.

It was a viscous cycle of bad behavior followed by consequences, followed by him performing what I like to call "behavior modification" for awhile, then back to the beginning. As my son grew in age and I grew closer to the Lord, I began to see that this is not how my Father deals with me. He is not simply trying to control me. He is after my heart. If He has my heart my behavior will reflect our relationship.

When the Holy Spirit gave me this revelation it changed me, and was the beginning of a completely new season in my parenting. I am still learning, still growing and still seeing signs of my old parenting, but when I do, I turn them over to the Spirit and He works in me.

So, by now you are probably wondering what it is I heard that sparked this post. I was listening to a podcast from www.lifestream.org, there guests that day were the authors of "Loving Your Children on Purpose". They were talking about a lot of the same stuff I felt God had shown me about parenting and I was already intrigued, when I heard them say this, "It is not our job to control our children, but our job to teach them to control themselves." I LOVE this statement!! When I heard this my Daddy whispered to my heart and I think, I am changing again.

I have ordered this book and expect to receive it soon. I will share more when I have read it.

Lets Talk Grace! What do you think about this statement? Do you see any flaws in a action, consequence style of parenting?

I would like to see Grace Talk become a safe place for us to have discussions. Please leave a comment, and then check back, I will try to reply to your comments. If you have a comment for another commenter, please leave that as well. I believe one of the ways we learn and grow is through our discussions and encouragment with one another. Lets Talk Grace!

It Is Finished!

2009-06-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

When you think of salvation, what do you think of? Do you think of merely going to heaven, spending eternity with God, being saved from damnation and hell, being qualified to be saved through the end times? What do you think?

I used to think that salvation meant "I get to go to heaven when this is all over." I no longer think of salvation this way. What God has shown me is that salvation is not just going to heaven. Salvation is multifaceted. One of the Hebrew words for salvation is Yeshua. Jesus is salvation. Everything He died for us to have access to is part of that salvation.

I want to share with you some of the words that I have found in my studies to describe salvation, they have really helped me see the big picture;

deliverance
health
help
welfare
prosperity
victory
security
liberated
safety
rescue
ease
soundness
wholeness

I was on the phone with an old friend yesterday, she was sharing some life "stuff" with me and as I was encouraging her, and pointing her back to Jesus, our conversation went something like the following;

Me: "The work is finished, God completed the work necessary for all of our problems on the cross. When Jesus said "It is finished" He meant it is finished, all of it! Now, we can look to Him and trust Him to bring forth those answers. We can look to, and rest in, the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives to manifest and bring forth that work. And, even the looking to and trusting part is developed by Him, so we only need to ask and keep looking to Him."

Friend: "Oh wow, I never thought of applying the sinners prayer to other areas of my life. I think I needed to hear that today."

I have to admit,I had forgotten that many people think this way. Trusting in the power of the cross has become second nature to me. Thinking that salvation was simply my ticket to heaven left me looking to myself to figure out my problems. It left me with no hope in God's promises. Looking to myself, thinking I had to "figure it out", and make sure I got right, only left me frustrated and confused.

Eternity starts now. We can begin to enjoy all God has for us while we are still here, on this earth. When we look to our Father, He can develop a deep unshakable trust in His love and power working in our lives. When we look to Him, He can help us to trust in the power of the work on the cross. He can remind us that "It is Finished!"

Let's Talk Grace! What are your thoughts on salvation? What do you think Jesus meant when He said "It is finished"?

I would like to see Grace Talk become a safe place for us to have discussions. Please leave a comment, and then check back, I will try to reply to your comments. If you have a comment for another commenter, please leave that as well. I believe one of the ways we learn and grow is through our discussions with one another. Lets Talk Grace!

Love Gives.

2009-06-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

I am reminded by my Father this morning about the story of the "Prodigal Son". I know, I know, we have all heard this taught a million times, probably this year a alone. Okay, maybe not a million, but at least a couple, a few.

The point or the moral of this story today is a bit different from the one I have heard in the past. Today, the point of this story is about comparing. Comparing ourselves, blessings, gifts and favor of God in our lives. We have all done it, many of us are still doing it.

This is something I started praying about a long while ago. I would see God's hand at work in the life of another, and I would find my self jealous. Uhgg, what bondage it is to live this way. To not be able to truly be happy for those around us, because we are wrapped up in jealousy and envy and can't possibly feel real joy for them.

Good News! We do not have to stay this way. We can be free to love and share in the blessings and gifts of others. We can be free to celebrate with them without feeling jealous or envious of what God has blesses them with, or who He has created them to be.

How? By knowing how much God loves you! It really is that simple. When I started praying about this in my own life, God set me free, and still is, by showing me His unfailing love for me. He showed me that His heart is to bless me. His very nature is giving. Love gives.

He began to show me that the only reason I was jealous of what others had or were doing, is because I did not know His heart towards me. I did not understand that He wants and has good things for me in every area of my life, I can look to Him and know that He loves me and it delights Him to give to me. It brings joy to His heart to be my supply!

If you want to read the story of the prodigal son today it can be found in Luke 15. If this "other brother" had only known the fathers love for him was his all along, how much differently do you think he would have responded to his brothers return?

This revelation of love is not something any of us are able to produce in ourselves, even if we try real hard, or attempt to become more disciplined. It is only revealed and given as a free gift by the Father. Ask Him today, and He will work in your heart, continually bringing you into the fullness of His love.

Lets Talk Grace! what are your thoughts? Do you struggle with comparing? Do you see how a revelation of the Fathers love could set you free?

It's Not About Me

2009-06-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Wayne Jacobson, collaborator on The Shack and author of So, you don't want to go to Church Anymore, He Loves Me, and Authentic Relationships, was a speaker at last weekends conference. I loved listening to Him as God stirred my Spirit within me. Much of what he spoke brought confirmation and further revelation to what God has been speaking to my heart for years now. "It's not about me."

You may read those words and think I mean it in the sense that I am not to be selfish, or self focused. And, I suppose in a sense I do, but what God spoke deep in my heart was this.

"I have called you and placed you on a hill, I have set you up high. I have called you to myself, you will forever be mine. You have no power to fix or mold your life, or that of others. You have no power to change your own heart, desires or will. That power is mine. What I have asked of you or spoke to your heart about, I will bring to pass. The areas you see yourself fall short in are mine to bring about change in. As you rest in me and turn to me, admitting your need for me, I will do all that has been place in your heart."

It's not about me...It's All about Him!

Have you ever saw lack in an area of your life and because God showed it to you, you thought "God wants me to change that, or make that happen" I know I have, many times. Most of the time when I tried, I failed. I can't make myself different than what I am, and I can not bring to pass what God has shown me, only He can.

God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations...

He did not tell him to make it happen though.

Wayne told us a story about him and his wife taking a ballroom dance class. Neither of them knew how to do this type of dancing, and what they did know they did not know how to do well. He said that as the class began, the teacher needing a partner for demonstration, grabbed his wife, Sarah. He floated her around the dance floor and she looked as if she has been dancing for years. When the dance was over the teacher said.

"To be a good dancer, only one of you needs to know how to dance."

He explained that the one who leads is able to push a hip this way, and direct a twirl that way. The only thing required from the other dancer is that they relax and follow. The only way they can mess it up is if they try to resist or figure the steps out for themselves during the dance.

This spoke to my heart, and confirmed in me what God had spoken. Turning to Him is all that is required and He will do the rest. He will lead, push a hip this way and direct a twirl that way.

When I say it's not about me, I mean it's really not about me. I do not need to know where I am going or how to get there. I do not need to try to change my own heart. I just need to rest and trust Him, as He leads me across the floor.

He Loves Me!

2009-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for a week now, but, what an incredible week it has been. I just attended the "Because of Jesus" Conference in Oklahoma and I have to say, as far as conferences go, (most of the time I am not so impressed, to much emotional hype and not enough "truth that sets you free") this conference was well worth it for me. I hope to return again and again. I hope that each time God speaks to my heart as He did this time.

This conference was entitled "FEARLESS" and the name fit it well. There was a lot of wonderful rich teaching, but I couldn't possibly share every detail so I will sum up what the Holy Spirit placed deep inside me.

God loves me. We all know this, right? But, do we? Do we really? Over the past several years God has been teaching me about resting in His finished work, living in the New Covenent. He has been teaching me about Grace and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. This has changed my life in more ways than words can express. But this past weekend I felt God speak to my heart and give me a revelation of His love, like I have never experienced before.

The theme scripture for the conference was "Perfect love casts out all fear" one most of us have heard, time and time again. As I sat and took in all the truth being taught, I could feel the Spirit working in me. I could sense that he was doing a wonderful work in my heart.

Since the conference, every day, I feel like God is peeling back layers of my blindness to His love. He loves us so much! All areas of our lives are covered by His love. He wants good for us in all things. We can live fearless, unafraid, when we get it that; HE LOVES ME! His love is big enough to cover every area of my life. He loves me, He loves me, He loves me!

He loves you too! Are you feeling afraid, insecure, unsuccessful, stressed out, etc... ask God to show you His love, it casts out all fear and brings peace.

Today, Tomorrow and Always

2009-06-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends! This will more than likely be my last post...till next week that is. I am going to Oklahoma for the "Because of Jesus" Conference. The theme this year is "FEARLESS" I am excited for what God has in store.

So, I hope you all have a great weekend. I will look forward to posting next week. In the meantime, Keep your eyes on Jesus and Remember that He loves you, has good things in store for you, and is big enough to handle all your cares, today, tomorrow, and always!

I Am Not Shaken!

2009-06-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about tomorrow and wonder what is to come?

I used to wonder what tomorrow would bring and I would sometimes be afraid. I lived in the thought process that "What God has for me might not be good, but it will prove a good purpose." Now, I'm not denying that sometimes we go through hard times, but where is your hope in those times? If we really believe that God has bad things in store for us in order to "teach us a lesson", then what is there to hope in?

I have HOPE.

If you are thinking that I must not have any "hard times" in my life, you are wrong. However, the "hard times" do not seem so "hard" when my hope is in a good and loving Father, who has nothing but blessing in His heart for me.

I believe in the finished work on the cross.

As a matter of fact their is a lot of change happening in our lives right now, there is a lot I am still believing God for. But I am not shaken. Not shaken by the lack of work, not shaken by the lack of faith in others, not shaken by the enemies attempts to lie and tell us that we are not well, not shaken by the fact that I know in my heart big changes are coming.

I am no longer afraid of the future.

I am not shaken, I am excited! I am excited to see how God will supply. I am excited about what God has for us. I know, that I know, that I know, that God's plan is good. All He has for me is good! It does not matter if I get life right all the time, who does? It does not matter that I do not have any answers, because God does.

I look forward to it.

I feel free. I do not have to figure life out. I simply believe and trust Him, and He will show me the way. I qualify for all the goodness God has for me, not because I am perfect and qualify on my own, but, because Jesus, qualified me! He qualifies me because He took all of my sin and shortcomings and gave me HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! I am in right standing with God and I qualify for all of His promises in my life, simply because I believe and trust Him.

I qualify, because of HIM.

So do you!

Where Is Your Hope? #2

2009-06-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

The last post at Grace Talk was called Where Is Your Hope? This post, is a follow up to that post. So, if you haven't read it yet, you may want to scroll down the page a bit farther, and then come back up here.

I LOVED, all the feedback that several viewers left. Some of you see the "negative" side of yourselves, and others have those that "suck the life out of you" in your lives. Either way, we are all in this together, right?

I have to admit, when I wrote "Where Is Your Hope?" I did not expect any of you to say "Oh ya, that is me" I was just expecting, hoping, you could relate. But, I LOVE and appreciate the honesty that was left in the comments. The good news for all of you that "saw" yourselves in that post, is that YOU SEE IT! I believe that means the Holy Spirit is in the process of saying "Hey, you are the Righteousness of Christ, and you don't need this any more. Let me take care of that for you." You my friend are in the process of being changed! Most people, like the ones I was referring to, they don't even see it! They think they are just fine the way they are.

If you, like me, know one or two of those that "think they are fine just the way they are" then we can continue to encourage one another in the Lord. We can remind one another to simply continue to live in the truth, be an encouragement and allow the Holy Spirit to be the One to bring about change in others.

I agree that there are those times where we have to have a healthy distance from people who constantly bring us down. But, sometimes God wants to change us so that we can be vessels of hope and encouragement to those that seem to have none.

In the face of discouragement, lets continue to shine brightly! Lets be an encouragement and an example of how God's Love brings true change! Lets show the world that being a believer is not something that we "do" it is who we are!

My friend Lisa at Bombastic Bandicot, put up a post the other day that features the song "The Motions", by Matthew West. In her post she says that this song sums up her desires. should it not be the desire of us all; to continually be changed and drawn closer to God, placing all of our hope in Him, not simply going through the motions?

Stop by her blog and check it out! Also, please leave her an encouraging comment, she has recently stepped back into the "bloggy" world and could use some new "bloggy" friends!

Where Is Your Hope?

2009-06-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that I feel frustrated, and saddened, by people who are continually negative about life. I used to simply think, "oh well they are them I am me, we will just leave it at that".

However, I am discovering that these people do not just affect themselves. They affect all those that are around when they open their mouths, use the necessary muscles and allow words to come out! Do you know the kind of folks I am referring to?

The people who suck the life out of you in every conversation you have with them.

The people who can't seem to see the bright side, even when you shine it into their faces.

Is it not sad that people, especially those of us who know the Lord, cannot see past the negative? Not only can they not see past it, but they impose their gloomy ideas and opinions on everyone around.

God is good! He is good all the time! At Every Turn! In every circumstance!

I realize in life we go through tough situations. But, I guess the question is where is your hope in those situations?

My hope is always in Jesus and what He has done for me. My hope is in the fact the He, Himself proclaimed "It Is Finished!"

The world should see hope when they look at us. Not gloomy dispositions that have less hope and joy then they do. Jesus is the answer. And, there is ALWAYS hope!

My heart is broken for those who are "found" yet have no hope. Yes, it's true this post is, as you guessed, me venting...a little, okay, a lot. I will not lie, I have been frustrated this week by people who think they are being realistic, but in all actuality they are being pessimistic, with no hope.

I know not everyone is me, I tend to see the bright side. Especially, since I have found Jesus and He has developed in me, a trust in His power and favor operating in my life.

We can ALL have this hope. God is not a respecter of persons, He will do in you what He has done in me. It is my prayer, my hope, that he will continue to strengthen me in this area, and you as well.

where is your hope today?

Any Suggestions?

2009-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, I have been thinking..."I would really like to improve my blog design."

I want it to be more...colorful, I love orange! I want to add more pictures, and I would like to get rid of the "block" look.

I know there are a multitude of places to look for a new template, but I wanted to know if you guys could give me any pointers or tips.

Any suggestions?

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Light and Easy

2009-06-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

For many years my Christian walk was not really enjoyable. Actually, I think I worried more after I got saved than before. I was constantly worrying that I was not good enough or making the right decisions and I lived in condemnation 80% of the time (always having bad thoughts about myself).

Now, I don't know about you, but I think there is something wrong with this picture. As believers the rest of the world is supposed to look at us and desire what we have. If we are living our Christian lives in the state mentioned above, no one in their right mind would want to live like that!

"For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh,hard,sharp or pressing, but comfortable gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Matthew 11:30

You see, I had it all wrong! I was so focused on my behavior and all that I thought was wrong with me, that I was not enjoying God. His way is light and easy to be borne because when we just enjoy Him and see ourselves the way that He sees us, life is easy and enjoyable. When we learn to trust in His power at work in our lives taking care of everything, we can simply be.

Does life feel harsh, hard, sharp or pressing? If so, there is a better way! There is His way. The Holy Spirit will teach us about truth, about the finished work that is ours to rest in. Then others will desire to live as we live.

They will desire the peace that we live in, the love that we bask in, and the favor we walk in.

Since the Holy Spirit started speaking to me about resting in the finished work I have found peace and joy. I do not worry like I used to and I no longer believe the lies of the enemy. God looks upon me with favor. He has my life in the palm of His hand and I can rest, relax, and enjoy Him. I can trust in His power actively at work on my behalf.

Thank You Jesus, that we can ALL live this way, continue to show us Lord, that others may desire what we have.

Thank You

2009-06-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

I want to thank each and every one of you who participated in Blogger appreciation week. I think that the week was great, even though Mister Linky decided to be rebellious last week LOL!

I will try later to put up links to all of the blogs that participated in some way. But you can visit a lot of them from the blog roll in my sidebar.

Thanks again!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Blogger Appreciation Week

2009-05-25T10:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome to "Blogger Appreciation Week" we are so glad that you are able to join us in this time of sharing and encouraging one another in the blogging world! Blogging opens up a whole new world of opportunity for fellowship and encouragement with people from all over the world...incredible!

Why I write:
I love to write! I have been writing since I was a teenager. Back then I wrote for myself, mostly a lot of poems. It was a way for me to escape from life. It was a way for me to express my feelings without being told that what I felt was wrong for some reason or another. Writing has always helped in the process of cleansing my heart. I believe writing is a gift that God has given me. I still write for myself because, well...that is simply how I am wired. However, my writing now has more purpose than being just for me. Now when I write I trust that as my fingers tap, tap, tap on the keys what comes out of my heart is intended to bless others. After all the blessing is intended to be for that very purpose. You see my gifts are not for me, they are for you. They are for the rest of the world. They are given to me so that God can bless others through them. This is the soul purpose of my blog, it is intended to be a blessing.

Why I read:
I love reading through your blogs! Being able to share life with others is such an incredible blessing to me. I love to see the mighty hand of God at work in your lives, it encourages me. I love sharing in the joy that you are experiencing through your journey with the Lord. I learn so much from you all! Their are times when reading through blogs I feel sad, I feel the pain that you are sharing with the rest of the world. I can sense the heaviness in your heart and the empty loneliness that you are feeling. I wish I could be there with you in that moment to remind you of God's unspeakable power and goodness. I wish I was there to give you a hug and remind you that you are loved by the One who is love. Reading blogs makes me feel as if I get to share in the loves of so many people in so many places. I may not be close enough to hug you, and if I were you may not let me, but I am hopeful that if I leave a comment and remind you of the One who is close enough, you will be encouraged through my words.

I have in some way been touched by every blog I read. Those ways are all not the same, but just the fact that I get to participate in your life is pretty awesome. there are a couple, however, that have been special to me. I hope that you will take the time to stop by and visit them.

My wonderful blessing of a friend Shanda@ A Teachable Heart. WOW! God has brought you so far! When we met last year at "She Speaks" your writing was good. I enjoyed it a year ago, but it has been incredible to watch you grow in the last 12 months. Your blog has become a living encouragement to all who visit. (also, shanda had her writing published in the Proverbs 31 magazine, YOU GO GIRL WootWoot!) Thank you so much for sharing your heart with the rest of us and thank you for the time and the commitment that you have given into turning your blog into what it has become today. I will be watching and sharing in the great things that God is going to continue to do with you, in you and through you!

My teacher friend Christy @ The secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. You are such an encouragement to me! I am so very blessed to have you as my friend. Thank you for believing in me, it means more than you know! I love to read your blog and see what God is doing in your life. I also love to listen to your Bible Study teachings. I am encouraged by the fact that you are so very real. You do not pretend to have it all together or to have all the answers. You are simply you and that alone is an awesome blessing to me. Thank you for being you! Thank you for teaching truth and helping the rest of us find out who we truly are because of Grace, because of what Jesus has done for us all! I am looking forward to what He has placed in your heart for the conference (Christy will be teaching at the Because of Jesus conference in Tulsa Oklahoma June 12-13, it will be great! If you would like to know more, ask about it when you leave a comment). I love you Christy and I look forward to watching you grow and having opportunity to share the truth with you again sometime!

My friend Cheri@ Seven Branches, I love to read your writing! For all of you that love poetry you MUST visit Cheri's blog. WOW! Reading what you write inspires me to be a better writer. Your writing is poetry in story form or more recently, beautiful, inspiring poetry in poetry form! Don't ever stop writing Cheri! You have a gift that God uses to touch the hearts of others. Such truth and encouragement flows from your keys into my heart! Thank you!

I hope that you will read through the some of my previous postings and I hope that they touch your life in some way, shape or form. You can find my testimony in those postings, it is titled Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving-To Good To Be True (2008). A lot of my other favorites are found in the blog archives to the right of this post under 2008 as well.

God's heart is for His children to walk in love and unity. It is our hope that through Blogger Appreciation Week we will all be encouraged and drawn closer to the heart of God as we take time to share in the lives of others. "Father we ask in Jesus name that no person would leave this event not feeling loved and blessed by you. We pray that every heart would be softened and touched by your beautiful love and grace as we read through each others lives." If you would like to participate in this special blogger event anytime from May 25th -June 1st, put up a post titled Blogger Appreciation Week on your blog with the first and last paragraph of this post copied and pasted in. Then, add the URL from that post to Mister Linky @ Grace Talk With Daveda, invite your friends, surf the blogging world and be a blessing to others. Make sure you leave COMMENTS of ENCOURAGMENT to all whom you visit (leave them all under comments for this post, even if it is about another post to be sure that they see it)! Don't forget to check back often through out the week to visit and encourage those who join later.

NOTE: Mister Linky seems to be having a rough week. If the Mister Linky sign-up box has disappeared PLEASE stop back later to sign-up with Mr. Linky for Blogger Appreciation Week. In the meantime, leave a comment and let us know you are participating with a link to your blog, and visit the blogs of others that have left comments. You may have to look through their blog for their post entitled Blogger Appreciation week. I know this makes things a little more difficult, but we will make the best of it!

Blogger Appreciation

2009-05-21T06:36:00.001-07:00

Grace Talk With Daveda will be hosting "Blogger Appreciation Week" May 25th -June 1st. I sincerely hope you will join us, its going to be GREAT!

This is how it works; If you are interested in participating with your own blog enter your blog address into the Mr. Linkie widget at the end of this post, at anytime from now through June 1st.

First send an invitation to all who blog! ask them to join us. You can copy this post if you would like and post it on your page, or you can send out special invites to each of your followers and friends by stopping by their blog and leaving them a comment. You can leave all the details or just invite them and send them this way to read this post.

You will title one of your posts from May 25th-June 1st "Blogger Appreciation Week" and in it you will share with the rest of us information about why you blog, why you like to write, how reading the blogs of others has touched your heart, what God has done in your life through blogging, tell us about some of the special people you have meet...etc. Somewhere in this post you may also want to include the titles to one or two of your favorite post so that those visiting your blog for the first time can read them. May 25th is the first official day but I will post mine sooner, as an example and to make sure I have time to work out any bugs as this is my first time hosting a special event!

Then, the next step is to visit the other blogs on the Mr. Linkie, and make sure you LEAVE A COMMENT of encouragement! Tell others how their blogs have touched you and what you liked about their writing, their life...etc. If you read through other postings and have a comment please leave ALL comments under the "Blogger Appreciation Post" just name the other title related to your comment, this way we can all read through, and you will be sure that blogger sees your comment next week. If you like what you read become a follower and make a new friend! We all love new friends!

When I put up my post I will have a special paragraph about "Blogger Appreciation Week" that ties us all together, for you to copy and paste somewhere in your own post for that week.

If you have any questions please leave a comment. If you have any suggestions please leave a comment. I hope I haven't forgotten anything, if so someone please tell me! I will get my post up for you all soon.

Mister Linky seems to be having a rough week LOL! He is all set up here and ready to go, but keeps disappearing on us. If you do not see Mister Linky at the end of this post, please check back for his reappearance. Thanks!

Lets Talk Grace!

Dear Diary

2009-05-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I am in awe of our great and glorious God again, as I know I will be many more times in my life. I cannot get enough of watching His mighty hand at work over and over again in my life. The best part is that I now realize He will always be there. He will never leave me. He will always guide me. He will continue to teach me, and correct me. Because He loves me. Not because I am good enough. Not because of rules I follow. Not because I have wisdom or discernment. Not because I read my Bible or go to church. But, because He loves me,and He gave His only Son, because He loves me. Because of the Fathers beautiful display of love for me on the cross, He will always be there...He will never leave me, He lives on the inside of me.

He guides me into the freedom that is already mine, it's already been given to me. He guides me and leads me into the depths of His love daily, He never lets me go, even if I think He has--He has not. His love, His grip on me has not changed, only my perception of how He sees me in that moment. May I always every moment of every day realize that I am still resting, seated at His right hand. May I realize the depths of how wonderful I am to Him, and the greatness that lives within me.

Thank you God, for your beautiful grace that griped my heart and saved me. Thank you God for that same grace that holds me tight, changing me, but, not because I am good enough--but because Jesus is good enough, and you love me, so you gave Him up for me. He took my sin, my shortcomings, my shame and He gave me His righteousness! Now and forever more, I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN JESUS!

---I just felt inspired to write. To share some thoughts of my heart. ---

Lets Talk Grace! Please leave a comment and let me know you were here. Lets Talk Grace!

Works of our Hands "VS" Works of His

2009-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Our society is so work driven and performance oriented that sometimes it is hard for us to live in the rest that God has blessed us with in Christ Jesus. We place so much focus on what WE must do that we forget to focus on what God has already done for us.

For the last few years God has been showing me over and over how little I actually have to do with any of the blessings I have received in my life. He has been showing me that when I enjoy Him, when I bask in His love for me, when I believe Him and trust Him, all the blessings He has for me will just manifest themselves in His perfect timing, in His perfect way. It really has very little to do with me.

Let me give you an illustration. God promised Abraham a son, a son that would be given to him by God--this son was to be a part of the inheritance that Abraham would receive from God. When it did not happen in the time Abraham thought it would, he, by his own effort, by works of the flesh, conceived his first born son Ishmael, with his servant Hagar. However, this was not the son of promise, this was not the son that was to be inherited. Later Abraham had a son by his own wife Sarah, through God's work, through the work of the Spirit Isaac was born. Like Abraham we can live one of two ways, receiving from work in the flesh or receiving from the work of the Spirit.

Now I am not trying to be to graphic here, but I would imagine that when Abraham was "with" Hagar He was trying, rather that simply enjoying. There was a purpose behind his performance and the worry of whether or not that purpose would come to pass had to be weighing on his mind as he put his hand (or other parts LOL) to the task. However, I would also imagine that when Isaac was conceived Abraham was simply loving and enjoying his beautiful wife Sarah. There was no "performance for a purpose" involved, it was pure enjoyment!

We read in Genesis that Abraham asked God to bless both his sons. He wanted a blessing to fall on the life of Ishmael (work of the flesh), as well as Isaac (work of the spirit) and God agreed. However, God told Abraham that Isaac would be the child of promise. So both will receive blessings, but only one will receive the inheritance.

So this brings me back to my point. When we just enjoy God and allow His love, truth and grace to penetrate every part of our being, we begin to believe His promises. As we walk and talk with Him He prepares us and then we receive those promises; not through our own efforts, but by the works of His hand.

Let me just take a moment to clarify, I am in no way implying that we are to be idle or lazy as we wait. If we are truly one with the Lord and being lead by His Spirit, we will be used to bless the lives of others because that is the purpose of the promise in the first place. But, what we do to bless others will flow freely from our lives into theirs. It is an overflow from the work of the Spirit in us.

So my question for you today is do you want God to bless the works of your hand or do you want to inherit the work of His? Now I realize that the inheritance may take longer to manifest itself into our lives (as Isaac took longer than Ishmael) but I believe that the wait is worth it.

Are you with me today? Would you rather stand and wait for the inheritance as you bask in His love and become a blessing to others or would you rather receive the blessing or reward for your own hard work? Ahhhh....Rest is a beautiful concept!

REFRESHING!

Lets Talk Grace! Does this seem foreign to you? Do you believe that you have to earn or qualify for God's promises through your own behavior or work? If so, then isn't what Jesus did for us all in vain? Please leave a comment for us here at Grace Talk, we would love to talk grace with you!

Golden Heart Award

2009-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be nominated with an award from one of my friends, and fellow blogger, Christy from "The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom" Her blog is encouraging and reminds us that we are human and on this journey together. She has wonderful insight on the grace of God and uses her blog to show us what this looks like in her life. It will bless you to stop by and check it out. Please leave her a comment and some encouraging words!

I am thankful that I have been given this award. To be honest I have never before learned how to post an award picture to my blog, or accepted one, mostly due to a lack of time. But, I am thankful to be nominated, and glad that I am taking more time to check out what and who else is out there blogging, ministering and touching the hearts and lives of others.

I started my blog to share the Truth and Grace that God has shown me...to share with others the freedom that I have found in my life and my walk, resting and trusting in the finished work on the cross. I know that I am not the best writer out there, however, my heart and my hope is that there will now and always be an anointing on the words that I share. That what God has done in my life, will spread truth and freedom into the lives of others through the power of the Holy Spirit as they read through "Grace Talk With Daveda" Thank you all for reading and sharing!

Now I get to pass along this award to five others that have touched my life and encouraged me in some way. I get to encourage them as they have encouraged me. I hope that you will visit them and leave them a comment to let them know you were there. Say hello and make a new friend! We all love hearing what others have to say and visiting new blogs. I have chosen these four friends to bless (I am saving my fifth)

1. Rachael from "Just the Average Teenager"-She is encouragement for our tomorrow.
2. Kelly from "Warrior Woman takes on the World"-Her life is a picture of hope.
3. Shanda from "A Teachable Heart"-My friend who is truly genuine.
4. Cheri from "Seven Branches"-Her writing is like poetry in story form.

The links to all of these blogs can be found in the right hand tool bar on my blog page. I sincerely hope that you will take the time to visit and encourage them!

If you receive this award and decide to accept, it's your turn now. You get to choose 5 blogging friends that you would like to pass the "Golden Heart Award" along to. Post this in a blog and make sure you add the heart photo in it. Then, notify those you have selected that you have nominated them. Ask your readers to check out their sites, leave a comment and if they like what they read become a follower!

Scaling a 12ft Wall

2009-05-04T06:51:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot going on in our lives lately, so, my husband and I decided we needed a weekend of "US" time. Just the family hanging out together, having fun, and enjoying one another.

Saturday we went to an exotic pet store, Corbin's Exotic Pets in Marengo, IL to be exact. It was awesome! Anyone who enjoys pet stores would love this one. Then we came home to burgers on the grill and a movie. Had a great time.

Sunday we decided to head out early and take the hour and a half drive to Utica, IL to visit Starved Rock State Park. We heard that they have 18 canyons there, some with beautiful waterfalls that flow freely in the early spring.

We started off on our journey enjoying the 70 degree weather and the beauty of the amazing sights God had created. Our favorite was French Canyon. It had two waterfalls and a cool stream. You can actually walk into the canyon and stand at the foot of the tallest waterfalls edge.

During this time our 12 year old son was hopping around and scaling the walls, having a great time and asking if he could go higher (We said no of course). Then right before my eyes he leaped out of the way of an oncoming tourist and fell 8ft down into the pool of water at the base of the small waterfall! Yep!

At first I laughed because it was, well...funny! But I soon realized that I did not know how to get him out of there. In the moment, I have to admit, I did not turn to Jesus, even though I thought about it...DUH! Very soon what was once humor turned into a stupid sort of determination. I was looking over the edge of the canyon and in a stern voice telling my son "You better find a way out of there right now!" DUH again! Like he knew how to get out!

What I did not know was that my very wise, discerning husband had already scoped out the situation and had a plan. He however, failed to share this information with me, so when he had my son start walking farther into the ditch of the canyon I was asking "What are you doing, how is he going to scale a 12ft wall???" While I was busy questioning, my husband was leading my son in the direction of a tree that had fallen and was acting as a bridge from one side of the ditch to the other.

When I should have just been trusting, I was questioning. My questioning kept me from being able to enjoy watching wisdom at work in my husband and I was not any longer enjoying myself.

Do you see what I see? We, or at least I, do this with God sometimes. When He is leading me into the "ditch" I find myself questioning..."how am I going to scale a 12ft wall?" when I should simply be trusting. He always has the situation scoped out, and He has a plan. This spoke very loudly to me this morning concerning other areas of my life that I have been overly concerned with.

I have been reminded that it is not our job or our responsibility to figure out God's plan. It is simply our job to trust and believe as we are lead by the Holy Spirit.

Lets Talk Grace! Are in a ditch today? Do you find yourself questioning God and His ability to get you out? Please leave a comment for those of us here at Grace Talk. Lets Talk Grace!

The Beauty of Being a Sheep

2009-04-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I had hit a wall in my life. I was trying, trying, trying, trying to be perfect at everything. I was the person who got stuff accomplished at any cost. I was so busy with ministry and life that I was not even really enjoying God, just occupied with being good enough for Him. Doing my best to fulfill every condition that I thought needed to be fulfilled so that He would bless my life. I have one word for all this, EXHAUSTING!

When I hit this wall I heard the Lord speak to me, He said "I will teach you how to rest." I didn't realize how beautiful those words were at the time. But now they are more precious than gold to me.

Our culture and the majority of the christian body believes and teaches that this walk with God is far more dependent on us than it is on Him and His faithfulness to us. We are taught that WE have to get it all just right and meet all of these requirements in order for God's promises to manifest in our lives. But I have good news! God has shown me that the Bible teaches that Jesus got it all right and met every requirement for us! We qualify for God's promises and His blessing because we believe Him, just as Abraham did.

Now if you are thinking that this might be a dangerous thing to tell people because they might go off and do whatever they want, and not care about God's ways, reading the word or praying...your right some might do that. But, if they do their hearts were not right before God in the first place, they have not been changed from the inside. They are goats and will have to be bullied and persuaded to follow. This message is not for goats.

This message is for the sheep. It is for those filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit...SHEEP. Sheep want to follow their Shepard but have been so loaded down with religious bull crap (excuse my language :)that they are not truly free. This revelation will set you free!

The reason I bring all of this up is because God again this week showed me the beauty of his grace and power operating in my life, simply because I believe Him.

I had been asking God to show me how to get my kids hungry for the Word. How do I get them to want to read it, to want to pray? So, I asked my Daddy to do this work in them, and show me what to do. Yesterday the kids and I sat down to start school work, we read about Abraham and then they took their books and headed off in different directions. My youngest son came back in the room about an hour later with his finished school work and I noticed that he was also putting his Bible away. I asked "Chase what were you doing with that Bible?" He looked at me as if I had asked a stupid question and replied "I was reading it...I didn't really know a lot of the words, but I read what I could." BEAUTIFUL!

I could have forced him to read, but it would not have been as beautiful as God's grace operating in his life. Now, I realize that he may not read his Bible again for a couple days, weeks or months. But, I also realize that God has committed Himself to me and to my family. He will do the necessary work in us, my part is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit daily and trust and believe in His power and goodnes, operating in our lives!

Know that God is I AM...He is all you will need today, trust Him!

Lets Talk Grace! How about you, do you have any encouraging stories of God's grace? Do you have a comment for those of us here at Grace Talk? We would love to hear from you! Lets Talk Grace!

For God So Loves His Children

2009-04-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ( unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16

I have had a fear in my life that surfaces it ugly head from time to time, it is that something will happen to my youngest son, and he will be taken from me. This morning I was lying in bed, not wanting to awake yet, and that fear arose from within my heart. I asked the Lord to speak truth to this fear and help me stand on His promise of protection. A few minutes later I felt like the Lord used this to help me see a greater depth of His love for me. If I think about how much I love my children, I couldn't even imagine giving one of them up as a sacrifice for another person, yet God did this very thing for you and me. He gave His only son.

John 3:16 says that God so loved the world, we were the world when by His grace we were saved, how much more will He do for us now that we are His children? Just imagine the depth that His love must run for us. This makes me ask why I, why do we, question His love and His desire to work in our lives at every turn. If He gave the most precious and dear thing He could think of to bring us into unity with Him,then how much more is He wiling to do in our lives now. Now that our hearts are in tune with His and His very own Spirit lives inside of us, guiding us and leading us to His promises. What do we have to fear?

We have a heavenly Father who loves us more than we are even capable of imagining. We have a Father who laid down His heart to give us His Spirit and lead us to His promises. We have a Father who's love is beyond understanding. So, whatever you may be dealing with in your life today, be reminded as I have been reminded, that your Father loves you, and He wants to work in your life in ways that are beyond our wildest imaginations.

Lets Talk Grace! Do you have a word of encouragement for someone today? Do you have any fears that are robbing you of your peace? Do you believe that the Father loves you this much? Please leave a comment and check back often to get in on the conversation here!Lets Talk Grace!

Life Upside Down

2009-04-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

It feels like life has been turned upside down the last few months. There has been one thing or another happening at almost every turn. The good news is that even though most of my situations have been or still are difficult, God is good. He is teaching me to more fully depend upon Him and His beautiful grace working and operating in my life.

To tell you every detail of all that's been going on would consume far more room than what is available here, so I will sum it up. In the last few months I have been challenged with my children being sick, hospitalized and sick again. My husband has been laid off more than he has worked, my oldest son moved home and is turning his life around (this is good though it comes with its own set of challenges), the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I had been holding unforgivness in my heart toward my husband from many years past (I really had no idea it was there), I recently found out my grandma (who is the best grandma ever) has lung cancer (there is no treatment), I have also realized I have insecurity issues, and tend to not feel confident being me in certain situations, I sense a transition taking place in my life and really have no idea what to expect from here (though I know that God is good) Hmmmm...Whew! Oh, and then on Easter while in Ohio with my grandma and family my youngest son broke his arm so I had to return to Illinois to go to the doctor and then I will be traveling back to Ohio so that I do not miss my grandmas birthday. Okay...now...Whew! Oh, one more thing, I have also realized that one of the reasons I have been so frustrated lately is because I am focusing on the wrong thing...what I am to do instead of who I am, because of who He is, and what He has done (why do we not realize this until after it happens)....Whew!

I tell you all of this because even though it is a difficult and challenging season of my life I realize the benefits of pruning. It is important to remember that even though we may not feel or see God working, we have to continue to believe by faith that He is; everyday, every hour and every moment. Resting in the finished work of Jesus means that we trust in the unseen God to become visible through the work He does in our lives. Resting means that we do not feel that we have to figure out how to fix everything, but that we trust in His power operating and working through us to fulfill His promises in our lives.

What challenges are you facing in life? Are you focused on Jesus and the finished work of the cross? Do you trust in the power of the Spirit operating in your life or have you too, believed the lie that you must find a way to fix it? Lets talk Grace! Please leave a comment. Maybe you too are going through difficult times or maybe you have a word of encouragement for someone else. Either way we would love to hear from you!

Just Being Me

2009-03-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Comparing can be an ugly word. Comparing ourselves to others can hinder us and hold us back from who God has called us to be. Comparing is a tool used by the enemy to make us feel less than what we are called to be. It is a ploy that he uses to keep our focus on ourselves and not on God in us.

There is no one else like you! You were created by God, to be who only you can be. You were created with gifts and talents that are matchless, no one does what you do, just like you do it. Do what you do with excellence, trusting in Gods power working through you.

Don't waste precious time wishing you were doing something, like someone else. Shine brightly as who you are. This is God's plan for you! So live like no one else can live, and be who no one else can be!

Know Who You Are

2009-02-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have found myself in a state of frustration this week. Can any of you relate to that statement? I am sure you can in some way, shape or form. What am I frustrated about you ask? I have been frustrated with me! Irritated with myself for making mistakes, saying stupid things, and frustrated that I have allowed myself to slip into this state of frustration. So, basically you could say I am frustrated with myself for being human!

I am in training, as we all are. I am learning how to just be me and not allow my mistakes or the things I see as flaws crimp who I truly am. I am learning that at all times I need to focus on who the Father has called me to be. I need to focus on my new identity in Christ. I was sharing with a good friend what I was dealing with this week and she asked a great question; "Why should you be any different than anyone else?" She's right, we all go through times like these.

So, how do we get to the place where we are less shaken through our tough times? How do we get to the place where we are satisfied with who we are, in spite of our weaknesses or flaws? I believe that one answer to this question is know who God has called you to be. See yourself as hidden in Christ.

"For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God."
Colossians 3:3

I believe that one of the number one areas the enemy tries to attack us in is our identity. In Matthew 3:17 the Father said "This is my beloved son." He made the identity of Jesus very clear to all. The enemy tried to get Jesus to doubt who the Father said He was, that He was God's Son. He tried to make Jesus forget that He was the beloved son of God. Why should we be any different?

"And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God's Son, command these stones to be made [[a]loaves of] bread."
Matthew 4:3

As long as Jesus knew who He was He was a threat to the enemy. This is why in the above scripture we see that the very first place the enemy attacked was the identity of Jesus. Notice that in the verse above the enemy left out a key word, BELOVED.

You and I are God's beloved children, hidden in Christ. When our Father looks upon us it is with the same heart that called Jesus beloved. May we remember that more instinctively, in the times ahead!

Lets Talk Grace! What are your thoughts on identity? Do you agree with me that this is an area we are all attacked in? Do you ever struggle with remembering that you are beloved? Any other thoughts, share them with me! Lets Talk Grace!

Our New Nature

2009-01-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

I spent the first many years of my Christian walk, believing that I was a terrible sinner, with no good to be found in me anywhere. I believed that Jesus was good and that through Him some good could come out of me, but essentially, I still saw myself—the nature of who I was—as a sinner. This caused me to doubt everything about myself. I doubted the desires of my heart, thinking that somehow they must be evil. I doubted all of my decisions and found myself very indecisive. I lived in fear of making the wrong choices and not pleasing God.

All of these beliefs were at one time (before I knew the Lord) the truth about who I was—the truth about my nature. Our nature, according to one definition in Webster’s Dictionary is an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual. In other words your nature is what drives you on the inside. Without the power of the Holy Spirit in us we have a sin nature, we are driven by the appetites of the flesh and have no desire to live our lives in God’s truth. However, the Bible tells us once we have become one with Jesus, we are given a new nature; a new force that now drives us on the inside.

“For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].”
Romans 7:22

When we enter into relationship with Jesus, and we truly believe Him, we will take delight in God’s ways! The law of the God, under the New Covenant is not a written list of rights and wrongs it is being lead by the Holy Spirit from our innermost self. The Holy Spirit is continually transforming us so that our outward actions and character reflect what has taken place on the inside of us. Will we ever make mistakes, or choose the wrong way? Sure, but the new nature inside of us will give us the desire to make any wrong’s right, persistently driving us in the right direction. As we continue to build our relationship with the Lord that drive inside of us will continually grow stronger, until we naturally respond to all of life out of the same nature that Jesus did.

“No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ).”
1 John 3:9-10

This is such good news for you and me! We can stop second guessing everything and open ourselves up to receive from the Lord. Not identifying with our new nature is one of the very reasons we do not see God’s abundant blessings, because we do not truly believe, and we continue to see ourselves as unworthy. When we begin to see ourselves and others the way that God does and trust the work that He has accomplished for us and in us, we will be able to live the rested life that God has given us.

Lets Talk Grace! How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself through God's eyes? Do you focus more on your outward behavior then you do the inner work that Jesus has accomplished in you? Do you struggle with believing you even have a new nature? Let's Talk Grace!

Imagination

2008-12-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

Our imaginations are extremely powerful. You may be thinking that you are not an imaginative person, but, we are ALL imaginative. I don't use the word imagine in the sense of dreaming up ideas outside of reality; but in the sense that we have the ability to imagine. We all see life through the pictures and images that are created in our minds.

Think about this for a moment, as you read the following words, do so slowly, think about each one and notice what happens in your mind: church, dog, house, Bible, man. As you read each word I will bet you imagined in your mind a picture of a familiar church, a familiar dog, house, Bible or man.

As in this example, we readily create images or scenes in our minds based on information that we have already stored. The question is, are we using our imaginations according to the Word of God? Are our minds renewed to the point of instinctively imagining the best?

For example, if you find out that you are being let go from your current employment position, do you automatically paint a picture in your mind of having no money, not being able to pay your bills, or having a problem finding another position that will meet your needs? Or, is the picture you paint an image of God providing for you in the most amazing ways, while guiding you to an even better job where you will be able to have an even bigger impact on the world with His love?

We also imagine what others think and feel about us as well. We so often allow our imaginations to run wild with accusations toward others. Here are a few examples. A friend doesn't called us back, and we begin to imagine that she/he is mad or does not care, etc... We notice two friends laughing and joking and we begin to imagine that they are laughing and joking about us. We meet a new person and think "I don't think he/she likes me." All of this is based on nothing but negative imagination. We feed these thoughts with more thoughts, and before we know it, we are offended and holding offense against others based on no truth at all.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Philippians 4:8

We should not be assuming the worst, as in the above examples. What we should be doing is assuming that all is well, unless we are told otherwise. We must learn to not allow our "thinker" to tell us that we are not liked or looked upon with favor. These are lies from the enemy that are intended to bring us down and plant doubt in our hearts about who we are in Jesus. A friend of mine said it something like this "I know that the purpose of my life is for God to show others His promises through me." (Thanks Jen :)

If we want to walk in the abundant life Jesus died for us to have it is imperative that we think according to God's truth. learning to think like God, will enable us to live in the peace that Jesus gave us. We worship an amazing God who loves us beyond what our imaginations can comprehend. What problem or situation could possibly be "BIG" when it is placed in the shadow of the Almighty God?

So, the next time we find ourselves "imagining" lets ask God to help us place our imagination in His very big shadow.

Lets Talk Grace! What are your thoughts on imagination? Do you have any stories to share about a time when your imagination caused you to think thoughts that were not true? Lets Talk Grace!

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving - To Good to Be True

2008-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Before I knew Jesus:
I was born into dysfunction, as so many of us are. My childhood was not filled with security or an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance. As a matter of fact, I recall feeling quite insecure and unsure of myself the majority of the time. As I grew older all of these feelings grew along with me. I became a mom at the age of sixteen and started out into the "real world" for a taste of bitter sweet reality. Even with child in tow, and a new set of circumstances, I simply wanted to fit in. I wanted to be accepted, but try as I might, I never felt as though I was good enough. I hung out with the wrong crowd for the most part, doing the wrong things at the wrong times. But even the wrong crowd could not make me feel right about myself. I would not have recognized or known real love if it had knocked me upside the head and flat on my behind!

I eventually woke up one morning and realized that once upon a time, when I was a very little girl, I had dreams and I was going to do something great someday! I looked around and realized that "great" did not describe the life that I was living. It also, did not describe the life I was giving my son. So, I made some changes. Then,a few Months after my Ah-Ha moment, I met a great guy, got married,and had another baby. Yet, with all of this greatness in my life, that emptiness still nagged away at the inside of me, taunting me to not trust in love or happiness. My marriage was struggling, and I was feeling as though I could not get anything right. I felt as though it was inevitable, If I could mess up a good thing, I would.

When I met Jesus:
I was pregnant with my third child when a friend invited me to church. I wanted to go, but continued to put it off and put it off for weeks. Finally one cold, March morning, I decided it's now or never. I got my 8yr old ready, bundled up my baby and off we went. My friend met me in the lobby, showed me where to take my children, and ushered me to my seat. I remember thinking "This is church?" It was so unlike the stuffy images I had painted in my head. The worship was energizing and refreshing, and the people were all friendly and seemed to genuinely be glad to make my acquaintance. I decided fairly quick that I loved it. I returned the following Wednesday evening, and the following Sunday, and the Wednesday after that, I gave my life to the Lord.

I remember the moment so very clearly. I was watching a woman worship on stage and thought to myself "How can she be so full of joy? I want whatever it is she has!" you see, I knew this woman had suffered the loss of a child, and yet, she had more joy than I had ever even imagined having. I prayed that night, from the bottom of my heart, and asked God to come into my life. I have been running toward Him, feet going as fast as they can, ever since. Unfortunately, my husband was not as thrilled about my new found faith as I was. But, the story is not yet over.

After I met Jesus:
God began house cleaning in my heart from day one. The first of many areas was my marriage. God has done, and is still doing, an incredible work in both of us. He has blessed us with a wonderful marriage that is filled with the beauty of friendship. My husband has become my very best friend, and we have a relationship built on love, support, honesty and acceptance. My husband and I, even after all these years, are still not completely on the same page spiritually. However, we are getting there, and I have learned that God is faithful, the work that He has done in both of us, is irreversible, and there is no where to go but forward.

God has taken my insecurities and turned them into promises. He has taken my fear of messing up and turned it into an excitement that awaits the next step of our journey together. He has shown me that the love I have always longed for is found in His eyes, and He has turned my "little girl dreams" into realities that are within reach. Through Jesus I have learned who I really am, Who I was meant to be, and what I am capable of accomplishing through Him. I no longer feel unaccepted, I feel as though I am right where I was always meant to be. And, I know for the first time in my life that this is one good, no, great thing, I will never mess up. It is not about me and how well I am able to perform, but about Jesus and what He has already done!

All of my "trying" got me no where, but trusting in the gospel saved my life. "Gospel" is actually associated with a Greek word that means to good to be true. God has an abundant life of, to good to be true, just waiting for each of us. This is something we can all be grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we draw close to Jesus He will show us how to receive everything that has been accomplished for us on the cross.

"Today, many of us bloggers have devoted a special post in which we are "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving" by sharing our personal testimonies of the Lord's work in our lives and/or that of our families. Our collective prayer is that this sharing of our testimonies will not only encourage each other and give Glory to our Lord, but also to those who happen upon our blogs. To enjoy many more testimonies like the one you've just read please visit the "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving" blog located HERE. http://www.themouthbehindthemoose.blogspot.com/ The direct link to this site can be found in the right sidebar under Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving 08'

Simply...Turn to JESUS

2008-11-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Read Matthew 11:25-30

There are many teachings in the Christian world today that are taught in the name of Jesus, then turn around, and point us in the direction of more self-effort. These messages say to us Jesus did all of these great things for you--now, it is up to YOU, and YOUR understanding, to go figure out how to walk in His power! This can leave us feeling void, insufficient, and well, hopeless. Messages that are truly taught in Jesus name ALWAYS point us to no one other than...JESUS!

Lets think about this for a moment. As believers are we called to look at ourselves and our own ability to figure it all out? We try to think right, act right, and talk right. We exhaust ourselves with wonder as we "try" to discern if we are even believing or interpreting the scriptures right. As believers, is it really necessary to "try" so hard? Jesus did not walk this way "trying" with all His might to be what the Father had called Him to be and do what the Father had called Him to do.

"For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [a]good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

Matthew 11:30

He simply was. He simply did. He simply said. He simply rested in His oneness with the Father.

I recently read a teaching that said God had set up spiritual rules that must be followed in order for us to walk in the abundant life that Jesus died for us to have. Now, I am not disputing that there are rules set by God in the spiritual realm, as gravity is a rule in this realm. I am disputing that we have the ability to figure them out. I am disputing that it is anything other than God guiding us and revealing the mysteries and secrets of His kingdom to us, that leads us to the place of walking in His abundance. Jesus was ONE with the Father and through this He instinctively knew what to do. He had the desire and will to do, say and think what was right.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

When we seek first the kingdom, God will add all we need to know into our daily lives, along with all we need. We have to learn to trust what is inside of us instead of second guessing ourselves. After all, as believers we have been given a new nature in Christ. A nature that now desires to be one with our heavenly Father through Jesus. When we spend time worrying over whether or not we are getting it right, or whether we are doing well enough, we put a kink in the flow of God's grace in our lives. God's grace--His undeserved favor, along with His power and ability to overcome and change what needs to be changed--works best in areas that we have completely surrendered and stopped worrying over.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 that His yoke is comfortable, do you feel comfortable? Does your life, how you feel about yourself, where you are and what you are called to do feel hard, harsh, sharp or pressing? If so, this is not the yoke you were called to carry. We have been taught by religion that we should be afraid of comfort, that if we feel comfortable we should worry. We have been given the impression that comfort and rest means that we are not growing in our walk with God. However, this is not what the Bible teaches.

Websters definitions of comfortable speak of physical ease, or more than what is needed. Jesus, says He will give us rest when we come to Him. A rest from physical or self effort. When we come to Him He is more than enough for a comfortable walk. When we are ONE with Jesus as He is ONE with the Father, we will instinctively desire to do and say what is right.

Does this mean that we will walk in perfection and never make any mistakes? Does this mean that we will never have to go and make a wrong right? No, it means that when--and I mean when--we get off course, when we realize we have missed the mark in some way or another, we will desire to make it right. When we turn to God and trust Him to guide us and lead us He will show us how.

I have come to a place in my life where I just want to simply Be. I want to enjoy everyday, where I am, not worry about where I am going, while trusting that Daddy is taking me there. I want to fellowship with Him and enjoy His company, not worry if I am good enough, or trying hard enough. I want to Simply...Turn to Jesus, and trust in what He has done for me.

Lets Talk Grace! Are you ready to simply Be? Are you too, tired of "trying"? What are some thoughts or insights you might have to share? Lets Talk Grace!

A Prayer in Action

2008-11-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

There are many who "pray" for others. Praying of course is powerful, necessary and not to be underestimated. Prayer is how we communicate with our heavenly Father. But, I wonder how many times do we pray for God to do things that we can do ourselves, as His representatives, as His hands and feet?

Now, I realize that we cannot save every person from every problem, and we cannot solve every financial crisis that passes by our doorstep. But, I am challenged to ask myself and others if we are helping when we can--or, do we just pray, asking God to do what we have the been given the ability and power to do ourselves?

If a friend comes to us with a need that we could help meet, do we? Or, do we "Pray" for them? How many are willing to look for a way to help meet the needs of others? I was deeply touched by a friend today who put a prayer into action to help meet a need that most would "pray" for.

My home church The Grove Fellowship in Boone County IL, is hosting a camp next summer for foster children called Royal Family Kids Camp RFKC. We are in the process of raising at a minimum $10,000 for the operation of this camp. This camp is designed to give these children a jam packed week of being loved on, fussed over and treated like royalty, something many of them have never experienced before. A week that says we care, we love you, but most of all, God loves you!

My friend Heather lives in Florida, and has never attended our church, however she listens to the messages that are posted at www.tgf.cc and came across the one about RFKC. She was moved enough to pray for this event, the workers, and the kids. However, when I read her blog today (Swallowingamouse found in my list of Blogs) I found myself choked up and at a loss for words (those of you who know me know that this is no easy task, me at a loss for words)! Heather has put her prayer into action, she has put a valuable item on ebay in order to help raise money for this camp. Sometimes, we need to be the answer, or part of the answer to a prayer, not just the one praying.

I have recently been challenged in this area myself, and have found that there is great joy and excitement in being part of the answer to the problem.

Again, we cannot fix everything for everyone, but are we doing what we can? Gods favor flows into the lives of those who believe and trust Him--undeserved and unearned, do we extend that grace to others when given the opportunity?

If you would like more information or you too, would like to help RFKC, please contact The Grove Fellowship at www.tgf.cc

Lets talk Grace! Does this speak to you? What are your thoughts on Prayers in Action? Does this challenge you to step out and take more action? Lets Talk Grace!

True Confessions of a New Covenant Believer

2008-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

This is a very popular verse in Christian circles today, most have heard it at least once or twice. But, do we really understand the depths of what this is saying to us? Our words are very important. God spoke and the world was created, likewise, we, being made in the image of God, have the power to speak into our lives, either for the production of fruit or poison. So how can we be certain that we are speaking life?

John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is Life, therefore, our words, our confessions, need to agree with what Jesus says about us. Our words need to be in alignment with the finished work on the cross. We all encounter trials in this life and there is no need for us to pretend otherwise. We just need to make sure that what we are confessing about our trials is in agreement with the finished work of Jesus.

let me give you an example, awhile ago I was going through a very rough time with one of my children. At times it felt as though my heart was breaking. It would have been silly for me to deny that I was having a rough time because my friends would not have been able to encourage me and speak truth into my life. Fellowship means to make deposits and in this case I needed their deposits. Likewise, it would have been deadly (spiritually) for me to focus on only my feelings or what I saw. When I shared my circumstance with my closest friends, I did so in a way that said "I am hurting and I need you, but I am going to keep my eyes on Jesus because I know what He did for me, I know how much He loves me and my child, and I know that if I focus on Him and not my problem I will to see His victory!"

The Greek word for confess is Exomologeo it is also the word used for to praise.

Ex means - By, out of, derived from

Homologeo means - to agree with another, say the same thing as, to praise, declare one's self the worshiper of one

So, what we confess into our lives needs to be derived from what Jesus did, and agree with the finished work of Jesus on the cross. The New Covenant believer walks in God's grace! We are not earning anything from God, simply receiving because of what Jesus has done for us. As we begin to receive God's unearned, unmerited favor in our lives we will begin to believe all of His wonderful promises,and our tongues will begin to line up with His truth!

This same principle applies to the confessions we make before God about ourselves. We should be confessing to God that even though we may have blown it here or there, He is worthy of praise because Jesus got it all right!

Do we confess our sin to God? Absolutely! But not so that we can earn His forgiveness, we already have it. We share with Him how we feel because we have a relationship with Him and we want to tell Him that we are sorry, and that we love Him. So when you come to God with a deed done wrong say " Father I messed up and I am sorry, but I thank you that you have already forgiven me! I thank you for Jesus, I thank you for how awesome and wonderful you are! Thank you that I am your child!" Confess what Jesus says is true! Praise Him!

Lets talk grace! What are your thoughts? Do you have any examples of times you let go and trusted in the lord believing and confessing His truth? Do you still feel as though you have to beg God to forgive you? Has this Blog helped in any way? Any questions? Lets talk Grace!

To listen to this message in its entirety please visit www.tgf.cc under Messages and Podcast. (This message is dated November 9th,if it is not yet available please try back)

"I Yam What I Yam"

2008-10-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Insecurity. Such an ugly word, yet it takes up residence in some shape, size or form in each man, woman, and child. Over the last few years I have discovered more insecurities about myself than I care to admit. However, I am thankful, because if God has placed me in a position where they are manifested, then, I can ask Him to change me. I can ask Him to help me become more secure in who I am in Jesus. I can ask Him to help me not allow the opinions of other people, to shadow God's opinion of me, and, I can ask Him to help me see myself through His eyes. After all, "I Yam What I Yam" no more, no less, said so beautifully by none other than Popeye.

I think insecurity is the root of so many human behaviors. It is one weapon that the enemy keeps in the front of His tool belt, trying to make us feel as though we are not good enough. But God says that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Condemned is unfit for use, and every believer, yet unperfected, is able to be used and transformed by God.

Insecurity also causes us to give the opinions of others far to much control over us. As well as leading us to assume that others are thinking thoughts toward us that they may not even hold. The enemy is nothing more than a liar and a deceiver. He has no real power, therefore, he must manipulate his way through trying to destroy God's creation. If we stand in the truth, and keep our eyes on Jesus, there is no insecurity that we cannot overcome. God's grace, Jesus, is more than capable of teaching us how to not only know we have the victory, but to stand in it as well.

So, if you, like me, are on the road to complete and total freedom in this area, remember to keep your eyes on Jesus. Focus on His goodness, His worth, His love for you, and His ability. We all fall short, but God accepts us and loves us as we are. He choose each of us, knowing that we have insecurities to overcome, knowing that we have flaws, yet He does not see us that way. And, those things that seem to so readily steal our peace, are already overcome by the cross.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect peace] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33

We do not have to live under the enemies lies. We are FREE! Just as Jesus is so are we in this world, and He is an overcomer!

Lets Talk Grace! What do you think about insecurity? What are some that you have overcome or are still overcoming? Do you believe that God through His grace, is able and wants to help you stand in victory in your area of struggle? Lets Talk Grace!

Grace...Overcomes!

2008-10-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

Grace...Overcomes!

Grace. I have discovered the beauty of this word and the power that it contains to change and transform me. The Word "grace" is one that I have heard many times in my life as a believer, however, until the last few years it has lacked the person of Jesus. Many, myself included, have often thought of grace as a type of "Tylenol." Ah, how wrong we are!

"Tylenol" covers up symptoms and "gets us through. Grace overcomes! I have discovered that grace is the power of The Gospel. Jesus gives us gifts when we say yes to Him in our lives. One of those gifts is righteousness (right standing with God), the other is grace.

"Those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them in right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one man Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Romans 5:17
.
The Amplified Bible, in various place describes grace in three different ways. The first one is: God's undeserved, unmerited favor. The second is: The power of the Holy Spirit to overcome every and any evil tendencies. And last, but certainly not least is: The unmerited favor and merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, and keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian virtues. WOW! The word "I" is not contained in there anywhere! Amen!

I used to think I had to earn all that stuff! I thought I had to read my Bible the right amount of time. I thought I had to pray long enough, and hard enough. I thought I had to have good attendance at church. And, I thought I had to give enough to God that He would give back to me. Oh, I knew I was saved, I just didn't know I had all that righteousness and grace contains without self-effort!

Don't misunderstand, as I said in the last post, I am not implying that we do not need to do anything. But, what I am saying is that none of those things mentioned above score us points with God! All of our doing is not what we must do, what must be done was taken care of by Jesus! But, we get to participate, therefore, there are things we will do! Our doings are called fruits not efforts. The Fruits of Righteousness (Philippians 1:11)!

Lets reign as kings in life together and let go, and let God be God. All of our trying to be good enough will only leave us feeling frustrated and insufficient. Whenever you feel like you are lacking, turn to Jesus and thank Him for who you already are because of Him. May His GRACE flow freely in your life!

Lets talk Grace! What are your thoughts on Grace? Does this challenge you in anyway? Do you agree that Grace is person named Jesus? Let's talk Grace!

What to do, What to do....

2008-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

What to do, What to do...

Please read: Philippians 1:9-11, 2:13, 3:9-11

Would you believe me if I told you that when you are born-again you do not have to focus on your behavior? Ah, now I've got your attention! As crazy as this statement may seem it really is the truth. If you are truly born-again and you have surrendered yourself to Jesus, right doing will happen naturally as you draw closer to the Lord. Don't believe me? Let's see what the Bible says!

Philippians 1:11 refers to right doing and right believing as fruits of righteousness. I am not saying that we do not need to do the right thing. What I am saying is that when we focus on Jesus, and we learn to trust in Him, when we grow in His love for us, our actions will follow what we believe in our hearts. When we learn to trust in, rely on, and cling to the Lord--when He becomes our determined purpose --we will naturally produce Fruits of Righteousness.

"[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in the same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers]..."
Philippians 3:10

Simply doing the right thing does not make us righteous, receiving the righteousness of Christ does. We must focus on only one thing--Jesus. When we do this, His presence and power in our lives will bring transformation. Focusing on our behavior alone, will only leave us frustrated and feeling condemned (or prideful, if we think we have done it all right). Focus on Jesus and His love for you and you will walk in Fruits of righteousness!

Tell me what you think. Let's talk Grace! Does this thought pattern challenge you in anyway? Does it offend you? What are some behavior area's in your life that seem to have grabbed your attention away from Jesus?

Being loved by HIM, with you,
Daveda

2008-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, [the door] will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

As I stated in the last post, I think we often mistake persistence for more self-effort. If the circumstances in our lives are not working we try something new, and something new, and something new. If we feel as though we are not making head-way we try approaching the situation harder or faster or we try to think of a new angle. However, none of this is God's idea of persistence for those that belong to Him. For those that belong to God life should be rested. Rested in the finished work of Jesus.

Several years ago a friend had a vision from the Lord that was for me. In this vision I was trying to kneed dough, but I was continually trying to forcefully stab at the dough with my finger, attempting to get the dough to cooperate by force. Then, the Lord came and took hold of my hand and gently guided my hand into the dough and I began to gently kneed it. At the time I thought that I had understood what this meant. Now, all these years later, the Lord has reminded me of this, and I have a more complete understanding.

Persistence is continually looking to Jesus. It is not trying new angles, or running harder or faster to accomplish what we want done. I am not implying that we will never have to do anything, but when we are trusting in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us and for us, we will respond when needed instead of running in circles and being frustrated. Asking why God, does nothing ever happen the way I want it to?

Continually looking to Jesus and His grace is the only way. Being persistent in being one with Him is the only answer. God does not come through for us because of anything we have done. He is not looking upon us thinking "As soon as I see that He/She has exhausted all of his/her effort then I will help!" No, God simply wants us to look to Him and trust Him to work on our behalf. The above scripture is not just referring to us being saved from hell. It has to do with our entire lives in Christ. Salvation is multi-faceted and means safety, deliverance, ease, soundness, prosperity, in good condition, not damaged injured or diseased.

So, when you think of persistence, what do you think of? How does the person of Jesus who is grace and truth impact and change the worldly view of persistence? Lets Talk Grace!

Being loved by HIM, with you,
Daveda

Hello

2008-09-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided to join the wide world of blogging! I am just getting started and still learning how to set up my blog page. But, once I have this done I will have much to say! I am never at a loss for words. Okay, never might be a slight stretch (not by much though).

I look forward to sharing insight from from God's Word, and sharing what is happening in my own life as well as my heart. I have been thinking a lot about persistence lately. I think we have some how mistaken persistence for more self-effort. I believe that when God speaks of persistence in His Word He is calling us into something much deeper than an increase of our own self-efforts.

More to come on this later. This is just a nibble of what this blog will be about. It will be all about resting in the finished work of Jesus. It will be about living a life that is so wrapped in God's grace that favor and blessing will follow us where ever we go!

Talk Soon, Daveda