Never Forgotten

I started off my morning a bit stressed. Those of you that read Steve's blog know that we had a verbal offer on our home. The offer wasn't what we were needing and Steve and I both felt as though we weren't sure what we should do. I felt confused because I really wanted God's guidance in this whole situation- and I didn't know the answer. The words that went through my mind all day were "I will not forsake you." I kept thinking "Ok God..... but what do you want me to do in this situation."  

I came home from work today and Steve was on a conference call- he handed me his cell phone and asked me to listen to a message that had been left. So, while he was on the other phone, I listened to the message from our realtor. She said that the verbal offer fell through. Now it would seem that I would be disappointed, but I wasn't. At that moment, I felt that God made the decision for us. I  am continually amazed at his faithfulness, his love, and concern for me. His still, strong voice continues to remind me that He's got it all under control. 

What's in your Hand?

I have been reading Driven by Eternity by John Bevere. In the beginning of the book, John uses an allegory to tell a story. Each person that graduates from the school of Endel is given a sum of money and they are sent to live by the law of Jayln. Each person knew of Affabel and wanted to go live there- they knew that they would have the opportunity to do that, but none of them knew when that time would come. 

As you may have already realized this story is describing life on earth, the church, and heaven. Each person in this story was given a different amount of money- and each person used their money differently. Some of them used their money to help others, and some of them used their money for their own gain. 

While reading this, I thought about the things that God has given me, not necessarily just money or things, but talents and gifts. I wondered if I was using what was in my hand. Sometimes we get so focused on what someone else has in their hand, that we do not see the gifts that we are holding in our own hand. I never want to waste what God has put in my hand, or use it for my gain. What's in your hand? 

What's your position?

It has been such a long time since I have blogged. I have decided that I am going to share more often about the things that God speaks to me, in an effort to bless others. 

I was listening to a woman speak about positioning yourself and your family for God's blessings. This has been on my heart for the past few days. I have asked God- "What does that mean?"  Many times when I ask God a question, the answer doesn't come immediately like I want it to- but it comes at the right time. This is what I know God is speaking to me about.

 Everyday I have choices to make, and each choice either positions me for blessing, or not.  Each day trials and blessings are put before me. How many times have I looked at the trial and focused in on it?  Too many!  It is like taking a dime and when the dime is sitting on the table - it is small. But if I pick up the dime and put it right in front of my eye, I can't see anything else, but the dime. This is what I will do with a trial- pick it up, and change it's position so that it blocks the view of the many blessings that are before me. 

Here we stand at the precipice of planting The Connection Point. God has placed, in our hands, a large responsibility. Where we position ourselves determines the blessings for this church. Each day- I want to position myself to see the blessings that are before me!  They are new every morning!

So- what's your position? Have the choices you made positioned yourself for blessings, or not. The beautiful thing about Christ is each day is a new day. So, if yesterday you were in the wrong position.... today can be different. 

Dream Weaver

I woke up this morning and fresh on my mind was the dream I had last night. It was a little weird, as I found myself in a beauty pageant with some of the most beautiful women in America.

I truly did not belong in this pageant, but I was there and I was going to make the best of it. I felt as though I didn’t even compare to the other women, and in fact thought that maybe this was a joke.

The pageant was rather short. I walked out in pants and a shirt while everyone else had on beautiful gowns, and I was asked to speak about something. Needless to say, I wasn’t prepared. Well, fresh on my mind is Watoto, not only because I work there, but also because the choir is in town and I have had several opportunities to spend time with them. So, I spoke about Watoto and the importance of caring for widows and orphans. It wasn’t a profound speech, just from my heart.

When the pageant was ending, a man- whose face I couldn’t see stood up. He had Simon Cowell’s voice (from American Idol- which was really weird)

But clearly in my dream, it was the judge of beauty. I had to please him in order to win the contest. As he stood, there was a bright light and I was unable to see his face. His words were “I behold your beauty.” WHAT? At this point, I was confused, but all was revealed…

It was over. The judge of beauty picked me!

Then, I awoke and wondered, “What in the world was this all about?” God’s voice resonated in my heart- “Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder.”

This story seems silly, but it was a great reminder to me that life is about keeping your heart beautiful before Christ. When our heart is focused on Christ, we become individuals who give life to the people around us. Christ’s light coming from our heart draws people to Him. That’s is exactly what I desire in my life… I want my heart to be beautiful to Christ- because it is then that he can use me to reach those around me.