Ginger Creek held an Ash Wednesday service last night that was inspiring.
We were given the opportunity to worship God in song, worship Him by receiving communion, worship Him through Scripture teaching and worship Him by receiving ashes on our foreheads. Each experience opportunity was Scripture-ally explained.
It was a wonderful service and I walked out of there thinking of what I can give during these next 40 days - preparing for Easter - instead of what I can give up. I decided to give Him my thoughts - and to focus more on His Holiness and less on my life.
Upon arriving home, I muddled through some TV and, on Channel 11, found an amazing program about outer space. The program had satellite shots of our planet and the sun that were so marvelous - really beyond my words - and I saw God's HUGENESS in pictures of His creation. The scientists acknowledged how little we know about our "outer space" and planet. I sat and basked in thinking of our Holy God - who knows.
This led me to thoughts of The Knowledge Of The Holy - A.W. Tozer's book - which I have read and then given away numerous times - yet it remains my favorite choice for a book on my nightstand. Each chapter speaks of one of God's attributes and reminds me of how HUGE and how HOLY Our God is - which I love to be reminded of as I close my day.
Looking it up on Amazon, I was getting ready to order it - again - and saw it was available on Kindle for $.99. Really? I received a Kindle for my birthday last month and have yet to really dive into it. So, I ordered it and was able to sit and open this wonderful book in my Kindle early this morning.
I am amazed at what $.99 can purchase!! I have the most amazing book (next to the Bible) available forever on this computer device - and I can be reminded to focus on God's Holiness not only for 40 days - but for the rest of my life!!
May your thoughts enjoy our Holy, Amazing God - however you focus on His attributes :)
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
"GIVE ME A MARY STORY"
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
My Past Idol Worship
I have spent several weeks trying to discern my feelings in several relationships. Processing and the mental torment that can come with some thoughts do not seem like they are from God. And, thoughts have taken up a lot of my gift of time
- which is so precious.
This morning, when I woke up, I immediately went to my knees and prayed for discernment. I am amazed at how quickly The Lord can answer our prayers! Within an hour, it was revealed to me that I have made an idol out of relationships. I have spent way too much time on thoughts of others - and how we relate. I repented of idol worship - which had made relationships huge in my life - and am now free :) When my focus was spent on what others thought - or what I should do about what they did or did not do, I was spending precious time on thoughts that could, instead, be thoughts of love - and focus on how big God is - and what He did for me.
Our time and our thoughts - what do we spend them on?
I choose the verse in Philippians - 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on THESE things."
Sweet - God's Word gives us directives on our thoughts - and a way to focus for today!
Lord bless each of us with a Philippians 4:8 day - may our thoughts be focused on these lovely things.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
- which is so precious.
This morning, when I woke up, I immediately went to my knees and prayed for discernment. I am amazed at how quickly The Lord can answer our prayers! Within an hour, it was revealed to me that I have made an idol out of relationships. I have spent way too much time on thoughts of others - and how we relate. I repented of idol worship - which had made relationships huge in my life - and am now free :) When my focus was spent on what others thought - or what I should do about what they did or did not do, I was spending precious time on thoughts that could, instead, be thoughts of love - and focus on how big God is - and what He did for me.
Our time and our thoughts - what do we spend them on?
I choose the verse in Philippians - 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on THESE things."
Sweet - God's Word gives us directives on our thoughts - and a way to focus for today!
Lord bless each of us with a Philippians 4:8 day - may our thoughts be focused on these lovely things.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
Friday, February 1, 2013
Surgery and Recovery
This past week, I was blessed with successful surgery.
Preparing for it did not feel like a blessing, but keeping my
focus on God's will for my body did help.
Now, as I recover, I count my blessings. I was blessed with family
at the hospital - I was blessed with nourishment, flowers, phone
calls and cards from family and friends.
I was blessed with a warm place to come home to in this very cold weather.
Counting our blessings - if that is all we do all day - we will have
a very good day :)
As my body heals, I thank God for the blessing of medical expertise.
I thank Him for all they know in order to help put our temples in
their best working order.
And, I thank Him for you - because if you read this - you are a
blessing in my life from Him - and I count you when I count my blessings.
Preparing for it did not feel like a blessing, but keeping my
focus on God's will for my body did help.
Now, as I recover, I count my blessings. I was blessed with family
at the hospital - I was blessed with nourishment, flowers, phone
calls and cards from family and friends.
I was blessed with a warm place to come home to in this very cold weather.
Counting our blessings - if that is all we do all day - we will have
a very good day :)
As my body heals, I thank God for the blessing of medical expertise.
I thank Him for all they know in order to help put our temples in
their best working order.
And, I thank Him for you - because if you read this - you are a
blessing in my life from Him - and I count you when I count my blessings.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Celebrating Life
I wonder when birthdays became something we celebrated.
Whoever came up with the idea?
Paying attention to the date someone was born - celebrating
when they first breathed life and counting the years of life that have passed!
If I knew, I would like to thank them. Big time!
My children threw a birthday party for me
and it was a highlight in my life. Seeing family and friends faces with smiles, being embraced with genuine hugs and scanning the room full of joyful people. I am honored to know these people - let alone be loved by them.
What a great celebration!
It is becoming difficult to try to wrap my mind around how it made me feel. I like the example of what Jimmy Stewart might have felt at the end of the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", as people left his home and he tried to grasp the love that was demonstrated. His face was shining with a brilliance - and I feel that mine is still aglow. Love can do that. It has the power to make your face brilliant in color and your smile larger than life.
There have been several times in my life that I have felt totally and completely loved - and it is a very good feeling. In fact, I think I will hold onto it. I do believe it will make me more of a loving person - it can't help but spill out - for I am filled to overflowing :)
God can do amazing things through human beings. I believe it was Him loving me all along - through His love demonstrated by a celebration of those He has put in my life.
What an amazing God we have - and what amazing people He lets me love back!
Whoever came up with the idea?
Paying attention to the date someone was born - celebrating
when they first breathed life and counting the years of life that have passed!
If I knew, I would like to thank them. Big time!
My children threw a birthday party for me
and it was a highlight in my life. Seeing family and friends faces with smiles, being embraced with genuine hugs and scanning the room full of joyful people. I am honored to know these people - let alone be loved by them.
What a great celebration!
It is becoming difficult to try to wrap my mind around how it made me feel. I like the example of what Jimmy Stewart might have felt at the end of the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", as people left his home and he tried to grasp the love that was demonstrated. His face was shining with a brilliance - and I feel that mine is still aglow. Love can do that. It has the power to make your face brilliant in color and your smile larger than life.
There have been several times in my life that I have felt totally and completely loved - and it is a very good feeling. In fact, I think I will hold onto it. I do believe it will make me more of a loving person - it can't help but spill out - for I am filled to overflowing :)
God can do amazing things through human beings. I believe it was Him loving me all along - through His love demonstrated by a celebration of those He has put in my life.
What an amazing God we have - and what amazing people He lets me love back!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Tiramasu for Our Eyes
Oh, yes. Those beautiful pictures - faces, scenes, experiences, that become candy for our eyes. Enjoyment - tasting the richness of life. As I age, I should probably call them "tiramasu" for my eyes - for it is richer to my taste buds than candy :)
I recently wrote a short poem about one of them - and, yes, I am moving forward - as we all do - yet, I do remember with sweetness - the tiramasu eye moments like beach visits.
"I can still see him sitting with a beach chair for support,
his book propped on his lap
basking in the sun as the ocean waves crash
His glasses shield his eyes from the strong rays
as he reaches for his water.
He shoots a smile my way -
the smile twinkles like the water
sparkling bright and playfully.
I smile back and wiggle in my chair
the umbrella providing shade I enjoy.
Pompano, oh Pompano -
Your heart calls me home
to walk where we walked together
so many times
We shared so much of life together
under your sun and moon."
Tiramasu for our eyes -
Here is to Our Lord providing new memories for each of us -
new smiles along our journey -
May you be making tiramasu for another set of eyes today - especially as the Lord watches :)
Enjoy life!
Mary
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thoughts - WOW!
Wow! Can our thoughts take us places. Now, deciding on a short visit or a long camp out is what fills our days with either worry or peace, sorrow or joy. I choose joy!
When the ultrasound of my thyroid showed a "growth" and I realized that I have been having some pain in the area of this "growth" my thoughts ran everywhere.
Why did I not question the pain sooner? I ran to a massage therapist to alleviate the pain - thinking it was a muscle problem - and it turns out to be a growth.
Then, looking at the report today, to turn it into a thyroid specialist, I notice the word "sizeable" - okay - sizeable growth - so not small - in their eyes.
As I write this, I am waiting for a call. Praying that this specialist can fit me in soon - diagnose the treatment and begin.
In the meantime - my thoughts center around finding God's peace and joy today - no matter what the reports from a Doctor say or how soon I can be seen.
I sit down with the Bible - OH - how I love my Bible -
and, today I choose to sit with the Bible that belonged to David's parents - very well worn out - and, right next to it is a Bible I got this Christmas from my daughter.
Both are amazing - and both bring me comfort.
My daughter texts me some verses as I am sitting with these two Bibles - and I highlight these verses in each from Isaiah 43:
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of
difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Oh, how I receive these words and thank My Savior that He is in control.
And, notice, He says we will "go through" - not around - through.
Can we still smile while working "through"? Yes, with the right thoughts.
He has a plan for good - not to harm me or you - to prosper us.
Praise the Lord.
Enjoy today :)
When the ultrasound of my thyroid showed a "growth" and I realized that I have been having some pain in the area of this "growth" my thoughts ran everywhere.
Why did I not question the pain sooner? I ran to a massage therapist to alleviate the pain - thinking it was a muscle problem - and it turns out to be a growth.
Then, looking at the report today, to turn it into a thyroid specialist, I notice the word "sizeable" - okay - sizeable growth - so not small - in their eyes.
As I write this, I am waiting for a call. Praying that this specialist can fit me in soon - diagnose the treatment and begin.
In the meantime - my thoughts center around finding God's peace and joy today - no matter what the reports from a Doctor say or how soon I can be seen.
I sit down with the Bible - OH - how I love my Bible -
and, today I choose to sit with the Bible that belonged to David's parents - very well worn out - and, right next to it is a Bible I got this Christmas from my daughter.
Both are amazing - and both bring me comfort.
My daughter texts me some verses as I am sitting with these two Bibles - and I highlight these verses in each from Isaiah 43:
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of
difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Oh, how I receive these words and thank My Savior that He is in control.
And, notice, He says we will "go through" - not around - through.
Can we still smile while working "through"? Yes, with the right thoughts.
He has a plan for good - not to harm me or you - to prosper us.
Praise the Lord.
Enjoy today :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sensing His Presence
It has happened before - but each time, I am unsure of what to make of it.
A feeling comes over me - a feeling that everything is all right - and I immediately thank God for the feeling because it seems like my life was when David was present.
This morning, I simply put on instrumental Christmas music, walked over to my bowl of cereal and there it was - a feeling that David was with me again.
I close my eyes and pray - and I sense His presence. Immediately, tears form.
There is only light available for my closed eyes in a portion of the room - is it the Lord's light or David's? Since they are together, maybe it is both.
All I know is that this peace I receive - this "feeling" of everything being all right is different than my usual feelings.
Somehow, I believe I am normally pulled away from believing everything is all right - there is so much pain and suffering - so many people hurting - so many loved ones lost - so many without homes - so many without - without -
That, once in a while - when it happens - I want to believe that everything is all right - that God is taking care of those I love - and that He will take care of all those suffering - that He will make everything all right.
So, I rest and am grateful for His presence - I take a deep breath - I thank Him that He is a God who loves us and has a plan.
And, then, I receive - the peace that passes my understanding.
And, I try to keep my focus on Him - not on the suffering of this world -
but on Him - and the reality that He will make everything all right.
In fact, that is why He came into this world. To make everything all right.
I love you, Lord.
A feeling comes over me - a feeling that everything is all right - and I immediately thank God for the feeling because it seems like my life was when David was present.
This morning, I simply put on instrumental Christmas music, walked over to my bowl of cereal and there it was - a feeling that David was with me again.
I close my eyes and pray - and I sense His presence. Immediately, tears form.
There is only light available for my closed eyes in a portion of the room - is it the Lord's light or David's? Since they are together, maybe it is both.
All I know is that this peace I receive - this "feeling" of everything being all right is different than my usual feelings.
Somehow, I believe I am normally pulled away from believing everything is all right - there is so much pain and suffering - so many people hurting - so many loved ones lost - so many without homes - so many without - without -
That, once in a while - when it happens - I want to believe that everything is all right - that God is taking care of those I love - and that He will take care of all those suffering - that He will make everything all right.
So, I rest and am grateful for His presence - I take a deep breath - I thank Him that He is a God who loves us and has a plan.
And, then, I receive - the peace that passes my understanding.
And, I try to keep my focus on Him - not on the suffering of this world -
but on Him - and the reality that He will make everything all right.
In fact, that is why He came into this world. To make everything all right.
I love you, Lord.
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