What do you know??? I asked myself as I got the wind knocked out of me the beginning of the month. On a Spiritual high from our good fortune, once again we were tested in our faith. I have the good fortune of having a "tiny" writing job, just what we needed this month to pay for a huge unknown tumor to be taken out of our precious family cat. To make matters worse, all three of our computers crashed. I have no idea why. We ordered a new one, because I love to write my novels, and free-lance and this job was one where I could work at home. We set it up and overnight, it crashed too. Needless to say,Jim went to Austin, Texas for Thanksgiving without me. The cat needs his stitches out in the morning and I am so far behind in my job, I will need another 15 hours to catch up with the learning curve involved.
But...despite that I got into Isaiah this morning and what good Thanksgiving food it was! Full of encouraging stuffing and meat I can digest. John 15:5 out of the Living Bible says,"Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in Him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing." Oh how I long to use all six senses that I have to include Jesus in my being. He is my rock and salvation and all He asks of me is to remain in Him as I travel from day to day. He springs forth Springs of Living waters to quench my thirst and cool my burning soul. He is just and quick to forgive and....to help me forgive those who lack understanding. All my Lord asks of me is to go to Him for the help I need so desperately on a daily basis.
Take rest today my friends and enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. That is my prayer for you as I sit beneath the trees and drink from the Vine of my soul. The juice is sweet and I am willing to share if you need some.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Protected
l John 5:18 No one who has become part of God's family makes a practice of sinning, for Christ, God's Son, holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on him.
This week was one of those, fall on your knees in awesome wonder of God's power, week.
We returned from a wonderful wedding. My sister and new brother-in-law had a beautiful wedding in which all my family was able to attend. It was the first time in thirty years that we were able to all get together. The entire week was full of love and peace despite what could have been a difficult time. There are some of us who have different beliefs politically and religiously.
That being said, it was altogether full of Jesus.
When we returned home, we received a new garage door gift from precious brothers and sisters in the body and then....to really put the frosting on the cake, the mortgage company called with an offer.
They have allowed us to re-do our mortgage at a much lower rate for a thirty year fixed loan and we couldn't be happier. We thank everyone for their prayers over the past two years and can now say that we can afford to stay in our home.
We are so overwhelmed with God's care for His people. He is our provider and protector. Sometimes we think that God doesn't see or care. There seems to be no answers coming and we become discouraged, but Jim and I are here to testify that those beliefs are not true. It really is; in His perfect timing. We are grateful to God and His people today.
May the God of peace be with you all as we enter into the Holidays.
Love,
Jim and Paulette Harris
This week was one of those, fall on your knees in awesome wonder of God's power, week.
We returned from a wonderful wedding. My sister and new brother-in-law had a beautiful wedding in which all my family was able to attend. It was the first time in thirty years that we were able to all get together. The entire week was full of love and peace despite what could have been a difficult time. There are some of us who have different beliefs politically and religiously.
That being said, it was altogether full of Jesus.
When we returned home, we received a new garage door gift from precious brothers and sisters in the body and then....to really put the frosting on the cake, the mortgage company called with an offer.
They have allowed us to re-do our mortgage at a much lower rate for a thirty year fixed loan and we couldn't be happier. We thank everyone for their prayers over the past two years and can now say that we can afford to stay in our home.
We are so overwhelmed with God's care for His people. He is our provider and protector. Sometimes we think that God doesn't see or care. There seems to be no answers coming and we become discouraged, but Jim and I are here to testify that those beliefs are not true. It really is; in His perfect timing. We are grateful to God and His people today.
May the God of peace be with you all as we enter into the Holidays.
Love,
Jim and Paulette Harris
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Not a spirit of fear but of POWER!
2Timothy 1:7 For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.
I must admit there have been times when I have had to deal with fear of other people.
Fear of rejection, fear of being misunderstood, fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and then being corrected in front of my peers. Did you know that that is the number one fear of humans? Rejection from other people. The second biggest fear is the fear of death.
I have struggled with rejection for years and many times was tossing and turning all night about the things...woulda, coulda, shoulda, things that I could have said or done differently earlier in the day. But there is such a thing as "false guilt" and the enemy had me by my hair on that one. Thank goodness for Jesus who died for this weak spot in my emotions.
He says, Love others with His Love, fill yourselves up with the Word and His love. We can indeed love others with His love, even if we don't feel love towards them or don't feel love and acceptance coming from them. Our job is to cling to the vine of our Savior and produce fruit. We can't do it by ourselves. We need to go and be filled everyday so that the blessings can fall out of us upon others.
Give your fears precious ones to Jesus and press in to the mark of the high calling in your lives.
I was once encouraged by a precious friend in Jesus to actually step into the fear and embrace it with Jesus and move forward in what He called me to do. I did and guess what?? As I pressed, the fear evaporated. I was a conqueror in Jesus!
Let's come together this week and Praise him in the falling midst with arms upheld as King's Kids for His death on the cross bringing us the freedom to do our assigned work.
Have a great week in Jesus!
Love,
Paulette
www.pauletteharris.biz
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com
I must admit there have been times when I have had to deal with fear of other people.
Fear of rejection, fear of being misunderstood, fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and then being corrected in front of my peers. Did you know that that is the number one fear of humans? Rejection from other people. The second biggest fear is the fear of death.
I have struggled with rejection for years and many times was tossing and turning all night about the things...woulda, coulda, shoulda, things that I could have said or done differently earlier in the day. But there is such a thing as "false guilt" and the enemy had me by my hair on that one. Thank goodness for Jesus who died for this weak spot in my emotions.
He says, Love others with His Love, fill yourselves up with the Word and His love. We can indeed love others with His love, even if we don't feel love towards them or don't feel love and acceptance coming from them. Our job is to cling to the vine of our Savior and produce fruit. We can't do it by ourselves. We need to go and be filled everyday so that the blessings can fall out of us upon others.
Give your fears precious ones to Jesus and press in to the mark of the high calling in your lives.
I was once encouraged by a precious friend in Jesus to actually step into the fear and embrace it with Jesus and move forward in what He called me to do. I did and guess what?? As I pressed, the fear evaporated. I was a conqueror in Jesus!
Let's come together this week and Praise him in the falling midst with arms upheld as King's Kids for His death on the cross bringing us the freedom to do our assigned work.
Have a great week in Jesus!
Love,
Paulette
www.pauletteharris.biz
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com
Monday, October 6, 2008
Belong in Heaven
Philippians 3:20 teaches that our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ is; and we are looking forward to going home with Him.
Have you ever wondered if you would ever get home? Like Dorthy in The Wizard of Oz. She wandered along the yellow brick road and became very concerned that she would never make it. There seemed to be so many obstacles and mean spirited beings that kept at her in a naggy gnat sort of way. She became frantic and bought into a lie that she might be lost forever.
Jesus isn't like that, the Word tells us not to worry but to keep our eyes on our shepherd. He will guide us to our home. All we have to do is follow Him as He leads the way. He moves ahead and takes the stones our our path and if we stumble, He picks us up. He takes us where there is food and water, rest and comfort along the way.
Welcome to the waterfalls here. Wait, I believe I see him waiting there under the tree. He has oil with him. We invite you to come sit awhile with us as we listen to His direction and His voice encouraging us that he will take us to our home in heaven. WE are citizens there and our name plate is on the door of His mansion.
God Bless each of you on this fine autumn day.
Have you ever wondered if you would ever get home? Like Dorthy in The Wizard of Oz. She wandered along the yellow brick road and became very concerned that she would never make it. There seemed to be so many obstacles and mean spirited beings that kept at her in a naggy gnat sort of way. She became frantic and bought into a lie that she might be lost forever.
Jesus isn't like that, the Word tells us not to worry but to keep our eyes on our shepherd. He will guide us to our home. All we have to do is follow Him as He leads the way. He moves ahead and takes the stones our our path and if we stumble, He picks us up. He takes us where there is food and water, rest and comfort along the way.
Welcome to the waterfalls here. Wait, I believe I see him waiting there under the tree. He has oil with him. We invite you to come sit awhile with us as we listen to His direction and His voice encouraging us that he will take us to our home in heaven. WE are citizens there and our name plate is on the door of His mansion.
God Bless each of you on this fine autumn day.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Work in Me
Philippians 1:6 says, And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.
The book of Philippians was written by Paul and Timothy to encourage pastors, deacons and all Christians in the city of Philippi.
It is full of blessings and prayers of praise.
I believe they meant it for writers like you as well. We don't have an easy task set before us, but God gives us the confidence to keep going in Philippians.
I can bear testimony to this because there hasn't been a time that God hasn't heard my heart's cry, whether it is in a writing project or the living through a situation that is sealed in my spirit to be written about.
Friday night was one just such experience. I took my fourteen year old grand daughter to a girl's conference about being Beautiful in God. It was wonderful to sit back and experience over a thousand girls/women begin to believe that they were called out, unique and beautiful in their creator's sight. The speaker was powerful and prayed up. She had a heart for these girls and gave a wonderful testimony of her young years of awkwardness that most boys and girls have to grow through. It was full of hope and confidence that things will get better and that God loves you no matter what.
God reached down and touched our Aimee right where she was. The prayer that her mother, grandfather and I had been praying was for her to hear the Lord in her spirit better and clearer. That is exactly what God did and we are all praising Him this morning for the powerful work He did in each person there. But...she is no exception, God does the same for us. He wants us to allow Him to build our confidence up in Him.
Aimee and I shared about what is our responsibility to such an awesome Father who cares for us. We came up with prayer, praise and reading of His Word for direction in our lives.
Today, as I write this I think of a walk in the Garden with God, His Garden, and it is raining raindrops of love. Not pelting, gently falling water drops full of goodness and healing. Drops of blessings and confidence in Him that all things work together to them that love Him.
Father, don't just sprinkle on us we pray, get us soaking wet in your care for us.
Thank you in the Name of Jesus Christ.
The book of Philippians was written by Paul and Timothy to encourage pastors, deacons and all Christians in the city of Philippi.
It is full of blessings and prayers of praise.
I believe they meant it for writers like you as well. We don't have an easy task set before us, but God gives us the confidence to keep going in Philippians.
I can bear testimony to this because there hasn't been a time that God hasn't heard my heart's cry, whether it is in a writing project or the living through a situation that is sealed in my spirit to be written about.
Friday night was one just such experience. I took my fourteen year old grand daughter to a girl's conference about being Beautiful in God. It was wonderful to sit back and experience over a thousand girls/women begin to believe that they were called out, unique and beautiful in their creator's sight. The speaker was powerful and prayed up. She had a heart for these girls and gave a wonderful testimony of her young years of awkwardness that most boys and girls have to grow through. It was full of hope and confidence that things will get better and that God loves you no matter what.
God reached down and touched our Aimee right where she was. The prayer that her mother, grandfather and I had been praying was for her to hear the Lord in her spirit better and clearer. That is exactly what God did and we are all praising Him this morning for the powerful work He did in each person there. But...she is no exception, God does the same for us. He wants us to allow Him to build our confidence up in Him.
Aimee and I shared about what is our responsibility to such an awesome Father who cares for us. We came up with prayer, praise and reading of His Word for direction in our lives.
Today, as I write this I think of a walk in the Garden with God, His Garden, and it is raining raindrops of love. Not pelting, gently falling water drops full of goodness and healing. Drops of blessings and confidence in Him that all things work together to them that love Him.
Father, don't just sprinkle on us we pray, get us soaking wet in your care for us.
Thank you in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Set Your Sights
This morning proved to be a humble one. Jim and I prayed hard, committing our home and blessings once again to the Lord. I must say in defense of many others, we are having a hard time making our house payments. There is the attitude that many of us have over purchased in the first place. Well, I reject that notion because our God is bigger than that. We bought a home well within our means and then Jim got sick, really sick and was forced on disability. He is only able to work a few hours a week. I am disabled as well and actually having a hard time finding any thing based on that. Both of us tire easily.
Now,I am not defending myself, it is just how things have turned out. We haven't been angry at God nor our brothers and sisters. We do feel compassion toward those though who are walking and experiencing this type of problem. We don't always get what we want and we don't set our sights on the rich treasures of this world,because we know where our blessings come from and that is a loving Father.
Colossians 3:1-4 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arouse from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here. You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.
Jim and I finished our prayer of praise and thanksgiving, reminding ourselves that our Best Friend was in control, that it was his house and if he wanted to put a new garage door on it, then so be it. We had not one extra penny to replace that door.
The weight of drifted snow last winter caused it to be unrepairable.
We had to release the situation to God; it was the only way we knew to handle our emotions and anxiety for the coming winter.
Two hours later, a group of Jim's brothers in Christ called to ask if they could buy and install a new one. It was humbling to accept the gift, but we had prayed though and asked God to help and not to let us miss a boat with rescuers that he might send.
I am so grateful, that I can't even cry tears of joy at their love for us. HIS LOVE
through others.
We are hidden with Christ in God and He is so faithful to answer at the hour of our greatest needs. We must remember to go to the cleft in the rock above the turbulent falls and get quiet and misted....refreshed and loved. Where is your cleft? Do you go there often above the noise and clamor of a busy judgmental world or do you struggle in the gumbo of life? Let me intercede for you this day as you look upward and into the light of love.
I have written of the cleft before, but how often I forget that I need that as much as any other part of my life here at the Springs of Living Water.
Now,I am not defending myself, it is just how things have turned out. We haven't been angry at God nor our brothers and sisters. We do feel compassion toward those though who are walking and experiencing this type of problem. We don't always get what we want and we don't set our sights on the rich treasures of this world,because we know where our blessings come from and that is a loving Father.
Colossians 3:1-4 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arouse from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here. You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.
Jim and I finished our prayer of praise and thanksgiving, reminding ourselves that our Best Friend was in control, that it was his house and if he wanted to put a new garage door on it, then so be it. We had not one extra penny to replace that door.
The weight of drifted snow last winter caused it to be unrepairable.
We had to release the situation to God; it was the only way we knew to handle our emotions and anxiety for the coming winter.
Two hours later, a group of Jim's brothers in Christ called to ask if they could buy and install a new one. It was humbling to accept the gift, but we had prayed though and asked God to help and not to let us miss a boat with rescuers that he might send.
I am so grateful, that I can't even cry tears of joy at their love for us. HIS LOVE
through others.
We are hidden with Christ in God and He is so faithful to answer at the hour of our greatest needs. We must remember to go to the cleft in the rock above the turbulent falls and get quiet and misted....refreshed and loved. Where is your cleft? Do you go there often above the noise and clamor of a busy judgmental world or do you struggle in the gumbo of life? Let me intercede for you this day as you look upward and into the light of love.
I have written of the cleft before, but how often I forget that I need that as much as any other part of my life here at the Springs of Living Water.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Established, Anointed, & Sealed by God
Today,Jim left for a golf tourney in Arizona. He went with a very nice friend who loves him where he is in his illness and isn't afraid to take him to have fun. The nice thing is that he sees Jim as his fun-loving self with out the added bulk of oxygen tanks and tubes. I trust Jesus and our friend to care for Jim, no matter what happens, I know it is for everyone's best.
I truly believe that is how our Father sees us as writers. We are established in Him, anointed to do our work by Him, and He has sealed us in His Hand. A stamp of approval on us as we continue to pour out our life's experiences to a hurting world.
It is lonely and quiet tonight but my best friend is with me and my kitties are by my side as I write. It is a time for reflection as I send out yet more work for consideration and continue work on my latest WIP, And the Standards Bowed.
God wants us to enjoy our experiences and chalk them up for future work. Pick up your pen and splash around, laugh, live, learn.
By the way, the book I was a part of came! It is wonderful and I love the cover. It is the picture of a couple and the soldier's arms blend into the USA Flag as he wraps them around his loved one. The title is Faith Deployed and it is a collection of devotionals for military wives. Although I have published much, this is my favorite, I believe because it speaks to so many lonely people in the Body of Christ.
The author is Jocelyn Green and it will be available to the public in January 2009 through Moody Press.
And...if I can,then YOU can!
There is a quiet peace that flows through my home this evening,it is Labor Day and the sun has gone down. I smell the cool darkness and the end of summer barbecue.
The dogs are conversing with coyotes about some silly thing and I hear an occasional plane overhead as my computer hums a monotone note. Although it is not chilly, the coolness confirms that it is indeed fall around here; the Aspens are turning higher up and a slight breeze sends signals down the mountain.
Let no one argue with you my friend about your calling or purpose in life.
2 Corinthians 1:21:22 It is this God who has made you and me into faithful Christians and commissioned us apostles to preach the Good News. He has put his brand upon us__his mark of ownership__and given us his Holy Spirit in our hearts as guarantee that we belong to him, and as the first installment of all that he is going to give us.
Good news as I skip stones across still waters tonight.
Blessings my friends,
Paulette
I truly believe that is how our Father sees us as writers. We are established in Him, anointed to do our work by Him, and He has sealed us in His Hand. A stamp of approval on us as we continue to pour out our life's experiences to a hurting world.
It is lonely and quiet tonight but my best friend is with me and my kitties are by my side as I write. It is a time for reflection as I send out yet more work for consideration and continue work on my latest WIP, And the Standards Bowed.
God wants us to enjoy our experiences and chalk them up for future work. Pick up your pen and splash around, laugh, live, learn.
By the way, the book I was a part of came! It is wonderful and I love the cover. It is the picture of a couple and the soldier's arms blend into the USA Flag as he wraps them around his loved one. The title is Faith Deployed and it is a collection of devotionals for military wives. Although I have published much, this is my favorite, I believe because it speaks to so many lonely people in the Body of Christ.
The author is Jocelyn Green and it will be available to the public in January 2009 through Moody Press.
And...if I can,then YOU can!
There is a quiet peace that flows through my home this evening,it is Labor Day and the sun has gone down. I smell the cool darkness and the end of summer barbecue.
The dogs are conversing with coyotes about some silly thing and I hear an occasional plane overhead as my computer hums a monotone note. Although it is not chilly, the coolness confirms that it is indeed fall around here; the Aspens are turning higher up and a slight breeze sends signals down the mountain.
Let no one argue with you my friend about your calling or purpose in life.
2 Corinthians 1:21:22 It is this God who has made you and me into faithful Christians and commissioned us apostles to preach the Good News. He has put his brand upon us__his mark of ownership__and given us his Holy Spirit in our hearts as guarantee that we belong to him, and as the first installment of all that he is going to give us.
Good news as I skip stones across still waters tonight.
Blessings my friends,
Paulette
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Fountain of Youth
I love controversial politics. I get involved in studying the issues and also, this year,the Olympics. Unbelievable! Do you want to know one of my favorite things about keeping up with all the news...the advertisements!
This week I was intrigued by the "Fountain of Youth" waterfall. It was actually an advertisement for computers, but it was the theme that I was caught up in.
The line of people coming to the waterfall consisted of older folks. The poor people were hobbling and crippled with weaknesses of all types. As they moved into a pool of water and walked through the falling water of a large waterfall, they fell from the weight of the falls and got up as....children! They were laughing and playing all the way from the falls to the front of the screen. The line continued to come through and I thought that it was a beautiful illustration of healing waters.
Well, then that led to another thought, the healing waters of Jesus. What could that be?? No doubt to me, that was the healing Word of God in our lives. The waterfall that He so often wants us to plunge into for comfort,faith,love, and healing.
Oh that the weight of Jesus's Love, would cause us to fall on our knees in repentant prayer and praise. He offered His hand and lifted us up as a....newborn child!
Each day is fresh and specially made for us. Let us not take our "riches" for granted; fresh food, water, roof over our heads, the list goes on and on.
My grand daughter did a great job of singing about "His Hands" extended though ours.
Take the hand of Jesus through mine and I will lift you out of the waterfalls to him.
Isiah 55 Say there! Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink__even if you have no money!
John 7:37,38 If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from
the innermost being of anyone who believes in me.
My, my you look good and much younger today my friends.
Have a great day in Jesus!
This week I was intrigued by the "Fountain of Youth" waterfall. It was actually an advertisement for computers, but it was the theme that I was caught up in.
The line of people coming to the waterfall consisted of older folks. The poor people were hobbling and crippled with weaknesses of all types. As they moved into a pool of water and walked through the falling water of a large waterfall, they fell from the weight of the falls and got up as....children! They were laughing and playing all the way from the falls to the front of the screen. The line continued to come through and I thought that it was a beautiful illustration of healing waters.
Well, then that led to another thought, the healing waters of Jesus. What could that be?? No doubt to me, that was the healing Word of God in our lives. The waterfall that He so often wants us to plunge into for comfort,faith,love, and healing.
Oh that the weight of Jesus's Love, would cause us to fall on our knees in repentant prayer and praise. He offered His hand and lifted us up as a....newborn child!
Each day is fresh and specially made for us. Let us not take our "riches" for granted; fresh food, water, roof over our heads, the list goes on and on.
My grand daughter did a great job of singing about "His Hands" extended though ours.
Take the hand of Jesus through mine and I will lift you out of the waterfalls to him.
Isiah 55 Say there! Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink__even if you have no money!
John 7:37,38 If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from
the innermost being of anyone who believes in me.
My, my you look good and much younger today my friends.
Have a great day in Jesus!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Encouragement
Perhaps words of encouragement are overused or underrated. Too often we speak hastily and say what we think others want to hear in order to hurry the conversation along.
We live in a busy world, no doubt about that.
I love that I have email and am able to be on several threads with all types of people.
The honesty that comes from them is mind-boggling as people share their writer's hearts, the rejections and successes. And....the misunderstanding of well-meaning statements.
This week we lost a wonderful writer and the love that came though was sweet. I wonder if Kristy Dykes knew what so many of us thought of her and her life. Now she does of course, but I wonder how many took the time to tell her that she was loved and needed as a fellow traveler of the Word through her pen. At her request, her husband, Milton kept a daily log of the wonderful life that our sister had to share. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor last fall. Mel's time wasn't easy but he was faithful to her request.
I am reminded as I return from visiting a frail mother that life is so short and we must keep our priorities in order. Each time I return from Montana, I wonder if it was the last time to be able to hug mom. This year, all I was able to do was put both arms around her and hold her close. Her body is not able to handle any strong embrace or hug, just a gentle touch which she appreciated.
I have started a fifth novel, but after 4,000 words, needed to stop and see my mother, when I got back, I caught up on emails and details that parallel novel writing. That's when I found out about our fellow traveler, Kristy. I'm told her favorite scripture was Palm 94:19. It seems fitting that I share this part of her writing life with you dear ones.
When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
My tears overflowed with gratefulness to a loving caring God who points the way toward home everyday. And....He provides some along the way that really care.
Today, I care about you and so does our Jesus. I am lifting you into His arms to comfort and direct you.
Blessings my friends,
Paulette
We live in a busy world, no doubt about that.
I love that I have email and am able to be on several threads with all types of people.
The honesty that comes from them is mind-boggling as people share their writer's hearts, the rejections and successes. And....the misunderstanding of well-meaning statements.
This week we lost a wonderful writer and the love that came though was sweet. I wonder if Kristy Dykes knew what so many of us thought of her and her life. Now she does of course, but I wonder how many took the time to tell her that she was loved and needed as a fellow traveler of the Word through her pen. At her request, her husband, Milton kept a daily log of the wonderful life that our sister had to share. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor last fall. Mel's time wasn't easy but he was faithful to her request.
I am reminded as I return from visiting a frail mother that life is so short and we must keep our priorities in order. Each time I return from Montana, I wonder if it was the last time to be able to hug mom. This year, all I was able to do was put both arms around her and hold her close. Her body is not able to handle any strong embrace or hug, just a gentle touch which she appreciated.
I have started a fifth novel, but after 4,000 words, needed to stop and see my mother, when I got back, I caught up on emails and details that parallel novel writing. That's when I found out about our fellow traveler, Kristy. I'm told her favorite scripture was Palm 94:19. It seems fitting that I share this part of her writing life with you dear ones.
When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
My tears overflowed with gratefulness to a loving caring God who points the way toward home everyday. And....He provides some along the way that really care.
Today, I care about you and so does our Jesus. I am lifting you into His arms to comfort and direct you.
Blessings my friends,
Paulette
Thursday, July 3, 2008
I am not seperated from the Love of God
Today, I am playing catch up. I received several wonderful catch ups from writers that I love and it's fun to see where they are in their writing. We are all at different spots, some ahead of me and some behind in their experiences.
We all get attacked and our efforts get bogged down in the quicksand of life and fall into gumbo where there seems to be no way out. The enemy doesn't like what we are doing. We try to process what appears to be overwhelming odds that we could be successful writers. The enemy is constantly hurling lies at us as Christian Writers. The condemnation is tough as he gives us his best shot. He tries to cause us to live in guilt, self-rejection, condemnation,less than what we believe is our self-worth....worms in his sight. "Why did you ever pick up your pen in the first place? You have nothing to say and no one will care what you write. You can't help anyone because you can't help you."
I am so happy Jesus is here to argue our case.
Romans 8:31-39 tells us differently. We are not separated from the love of God and His bests interests for us.
How in the world can think I am a worm when I have a contradiction to the lies? I am free from any condemnation and I can't be separated from His love.
I can go to the cleft of the rock and hide there. He lifts me above the circumstances of life and places me inside where I can watch over the falls, pools, and streams. There is a fine mist of the Holy Spirit that surrounds me in this high protected place and while sitting here in the crack, I have cleaned my heart and the space around me. I've made room for you to join me if you wish. We can learn together what we need to do to write and publish successfully.
I wish you and your loves ones a wonderful Fourth of July as we remember our fallen soldiers and great Country! Go USA and oh, did I forget to mention the Bears!
Football season is just around the corner for Jim and that means me too!
May you all be encouraged to keep on with your writing. I'm praying for you.
Love,
Paulette
We all get attacked and our efforts get bogged down in the quicksand of life and fall into gumbo where there seems to be no way out. The enemy doesn't like what we are doing. We try to process what appears to be overwhelming odds that we could be successful writers. The enemy is constantly hurling lies at us as Christian Writers. The condemnation is tough as he gives us his best shot. He tries to cause us to live in guilt, self-rejection, condemnation,less than what we believe is our self-worth....worms in his sight. "Why did you ever pick up your pen in the first place? You have nothing to say and no one will care what you write. You can't help anyone because you can't help you."
I am so happy Jesus is here to argue our case.
Romans 8:31-39 tells us differently. We are not separated from the love of God and His bests interests for us.
How in the world can think I am a worm when I have a contradiction to the lies? I am free from any condemnation and I can't be separated from His love.
I can go to the cleft of the rock and hide there. He lifts me above the circumstances of life and places me inside where I can watch over the falls, pools, and streams. There is a fine mist of the Holy Spirit that surrounds me in this high protected place and while sitting here in the crack, I have cleaned my heart and the space around me. I've made room for you to join me if you wish. We can learn together what we need to do to write and publish successfully.
I wish you and your loves ones a wonderful Fourth of July as we remember our fallen soldiers and great Country! Go USA and oh, did I forget to mention the Bears!
Football season is just around the corner for Jim and that means me too!
May you all be encouraged to keep on with your writing. I'm praying for you.
Love,
Paulette
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I am accepted and secure in Christ
With acceptance comes security in the body of Christ.
This past month has been difficult, busy, and full of challenges. I have several deadlines approaching.
I have tried to get my deadlines completed, started my granddaughter with voice lessons, (yes she really is that good!). We are all very proud of our Aimee, July will be a tough month with a recital to attend and then the day before, she will be performing a musical, The Little Mermaid, which is her all time favorite story. We also have a stepson here and another granddaughter and stepson arriving to visit. We truly belong to the Brady Bunch. But....we wouldn't have it any other way.
Oh, did I mention another rejection from a publisher that I would dearly love to work with?
At least he was gracious and encouraged me to keep working on submitting this one. He liked it and I am grateful for the positive feedback.
Aimee and I spent some down time together, she had a rough time in Junior High. Thank goodness she is finished. She found several of her friends to be mean spirited and she began the rough lessons of learning discernment and going to God for help. The Word kept her.
It was a joy to walk with her and learn as well. We took some great pictures, which as soon as I figure it out....I will post some.
As we wandered around the Rocky Mountains exploring Helen Hunt Falls and watching her experience 7 Falls for the first time, we were both reminded that we are free in Jesus and free from condemnation. It doesn't matter what others say about us, just what Jesus thinks of us.
Romans 8:1-2 encourages us-So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit__and this power is mine through Christ Jesus has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death.
I have also found out that a precious sister is dealing with cancer and my others sister is afraid she is facing the same. What can I offer? My support and love of Jesus and His final answer the Word. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works in our behalf. I pray with them as often as I can and bring them to the foot of the throne and healing waters. I want them comfortable as possible in each stream,pool, or waterfall as I minister to them. And we know that what happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.
I have sat in the hot springs and become quiet and reflective. It is a good time, but lonely. I would rather be busy in Jesus but it is time for me to get out of the water and look into it for reflection. Am I reflecting the love of Jesus? Am I getting too busy? I need your supernatural help Father. Help me keep my priorities in order.
I am learning where I am going from where I have been. What an awesome journey we are on my friend. Come and look into the still pool with me...What do you see? It is less of us and more of Jesus?
Hugs,
Paulette
This past month has been difficult, busy, and full of challenges. I have several deadlines approaching.
I have tried to get my deadlines completed, started my granddaughter with voice lessons, (yes she really is that good!). We are all very proud of our Aimee, July will be a tough month with a recital to attend and then the day before, she will be performing a musical, The Little Mermaid, which is her all time favorite story. We also have a stepson here and another granddaughter and stepson arriving to visit. We truly belong to the Brady Bunch. But....we wouldn't have it any other way.
Oh, did I mention another rejection from a publisher that I would dearly love to work with?
At least he was gracious and encouraged me to keep working on submitting this one. He liked it and I am grateful for the positive feedback.
Aimee and I spent some down time together, she had a rough time in Junior High. Thank goodness she is finished. She found several of her friends to be mean spirited and she began the rough lessons of learning discernment and going to God for help. The Word kept her.
It was a joy to walk with her and learn as well. We took some great pictures, which as soon as I figure it out....I will post some.
As we wandered around the Rocky Mountains exploring Helen Hunt Falls and watching her experience 7 Falls for the first time, we were both reminded that we are free in Jesus and free from condemnation. It doesn't matter what others say about us, just what Jesus thinks of us.
Romans 8:1-2 encourages us-So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit__and this power is mine through Christ Jesus has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death.
I have also found out that a precious sister is dealing with cancer and my others sister is afraid she is facing the same. What can I offer? My support and love of Jesus and His final answer the Word. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works in our behalf. I pray with them as often as I can and bring them to the foot of the throne and healing waters. I want them comfortable as possible in each stream,pool, or waterfall as I minister to them. And we know that what happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.
I have sat in the hot springs and become quiet and reflective. It is a good time, but lonely. I would rather be busy in Jesus but it is time for me to get out of the water and look into it for reflection. Am I reflecting the love of Jesus? Am I getting too busy? I need your supernatural help Father. Help me keep my priorities in order.
I am learning where I am going from where I have been. What an awesome journey we are on my friend. Come and look into the still pool with me...What do you see? It is less of us and more of Jesus?
Hugs,
Paulette
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I am complete in Christ and I can enjoy direct acess in Grace
Ugg! I thought that this would be a cinch, this blog thing, but did I get behind my schedule. Well, okay what I thought was my schedule. Turned out, it is God's schedule isn't it?
I nursed a very ill daughter, then the baby picked up a terrible bug from when I had them in ER for 12 hours. The teenagers got it as they were trying to graduate and oh my! All while Dad was out of town for two weeks. Oh yes, did I mention that they are getting ready to move and the owner of the place they are renting wanted to "show" his house to potential renters? Then of all things....the computer just up and died. I did sleep well each night when I got home, so much for exercise, I got mine.
Today is refreshing, things are back on track and I can post yea! I hope editors don't think that it is this way all the time. I am totally into meeting their deadlines.
Colossians 2:8-10 encourages believers to embrace their completeness in Christ.
Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ, there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.
That leads me to the next thought in Hebrews 4:14 through 16 we are free to come to the throne of His grace.
But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.
What freedom we have. I praise God for that freedom for my fellow travelers and myself. I stand under the waterfall of life open to the filling of the Holy Spirit. I pray and praise as I am filled so that I can give. What a wonder and a miracle of his grace as I walk home. It is a pleasant thing to stop and be refreshed as often as I need it. All I need to do is ask. He is so ready to be my friend and so ready to listen as I cry "ABBA" on behalf of my fellow travelers. The road isn't easy, but he is willing to carry us.
Blessings to you today as you move on the road homeward; let me help you fill your flask of mountain spring water for the trip.
I nursed a very ill daughter, then the baby picked up a terrible bug from when I had them in ER for 12 hours. The teenagers got it as they were trying to graduate and oh my! All while Dad was out of town for two weeks. Oh yes, did I mention that they are getting ready to move and the owner of the place they are renting wanted to "show" his house to potential renters? Then of all things....the computer just up and died. I did sleep well each night when I got home, so much for exercise, I got mine.
Today is refreshing, things are back on track and I can post yea! I hope editors don't think that it is this way all the time. I am totally into meeting their deadlines.
Colossians 2:8-10 encourages believers to embrace their completeness in Christ.
Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ, there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.
That leads me to the next thought in Hebrews 4:14 through 16 we are free to come to the throne of His grace.
But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.
What freedom we have. I praise God for that freedom for my fellow travelers and myself. I stand under the waterfall of life open to the filling of the Holy Spirit. I pray and praise as I am filled so that I can give. What a wonder and a miracle of his grace as I walk home. It is a pleasant thing to stop and be refreshed as often as I need it. All I need to do is ask. He is so ready to be my friend and so ready to listen as I cry "ABBA" on behalf of my fellow travelers. The road isn't easy, but he is willing to carry us.
Blessings to you today as you move on the road homeward; let me help you fill your flask of mountain spring water for the trip.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Redeemed and Forgiven
Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself when you make a mistake or actually rebel in your decisions? It seems a constant battle with me. It is easy to forgive others but myself, well it seems so difficult because sometimes, I know better when I am wrong and I stuggle with that problem. Does that mean that I keep on doing the wrong thing? I hope not as I continue to work on not repeating offenses.
Colossions 1:13-14 tells us that we have been redeemed and fogiven of all our sins.
"He has delivered us from the power of darkeness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."
The scriptures seem to cover even intended sins, if we are quick to acknowledge them and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Thank goodness that Jesus does this for us.
I have been reading in the John Maxwell Leadership Bible and it is the New King James Version. The footnote in this version points out that there is a Law of Respect: Jesus is Superior to everyone. Although Paul was a strong leader, he constantly declared his submission to the leadership of Christ. I could continue with this note, but you get the picture.
Colossions clearly teaches that we are reconciled by the blood of the Cross.
Today, I am taking a cloth and soap and scrubbing off some of those itchy irritating bug bites that I have worked on to heal. Nothing works to totally heal these wounds except Jesus and His healing touch. As I apply His blood and anointing oil to these tender spots in my life, I am healed, redeemed and forgiven.
His refreshing rinse under the falls feels so wonderful and I am accepting all He gives freely.
We are not bigger than His authority, if He forgives us....then we need to forgive ourselves too.
How about you? There are extra cloths, soap and His Word under the tree over there on the bank. Feel free to take what is freely given and that is LIFE and Good Fruit.
Go in the Peace of our Lord today my friend and know that I am praying for you as you read this love note from the Father.
Colossions 1:13-14 tells us that we have been redeemed and fogiven of all our sins.
"He has delivered us from the power of darkeness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."
The scriptures seem to cover even intended sins, if we are quick to acknowledge them and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Thank goodness that Jesus does this for us.
I have been reading in the John Maxwell Leadership Bible and it is the New King James Version. The footnote in this version points out that there is a Law of Respect: Jesus is Superior to everyone. Although Paul was a strong leader, he constantly declared his submission to the leadership of Christ. I could continue with this note, but you get the picture.
Colossions clearly teaches that we are reconciled by the blood of the Cross.
Today, I am taking a cloth and soap and scrubbing off some of those itchy irritating bug bites that I have worked on to heal. Nothing works to totally heal these wounds except Jesus and His healing touch. As I apply His blood and anointing oil to these tender spots in my life, I am healed, redeemed and forgiven.
His refreshing rinse under the falls feels so wonderful and I am accepting all He gives freely.
We are not bigger than His authority, if He forgives us....then we need to forgive ourselves too.
How about you? There are extra cloths, soap and His Word under the tree over there on the bank. Feel free to take what is freely given and that is LIFE and Good Fruit.
Go in the Peace of our Lord today my friend and know that I am praying for you as you read this love note from the Father.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child
I am overwhelmed with a ton of work starting this week so I am posting late tonight.
We just got home from the movie. We watched Expelled with Ben Stein. If you haven't seen it already, Jim and I highly recommend it.
Now that we have seen it, the title of this blog seems even more appropriate. I am so glad that God chose me. I am adopted and feel secure in who I am. Several people in this documentary changed their minds from being a Christian to an atheist. I am sorry for them because they must not have had a clear meaning of what a Christian is or who their Father is.
Ephesians 1:3-8 tells us how blessed we are to be His adopted children.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will__to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the one he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."
I have had a taste of what a loving Father has done for me this week. I have been experiencing a difficult time finding just the right "genre" to place my writing in. It is important to publishers, editors, and booksellers. I like to write similar to C.S. Lewis, Mark Andrew Olsen, Frank Perritti, and several other authors. However, I am unique and different in my own personal style.
At last, I have found the "genre" and I am very excited that God has shown me where to place my work and how to market it to fit my mission statement. I believe that I had a breakthrough last weekend with my special prayer warriors by my side. I pray that some of them did as well.
It is so simple that I don't know why I didn't catch it from the Lord before, but here it is.
I write in the Sprititual Warfare Genre. I know my writing is God inspired and if He wrote the work, it will go where He wants it to. I have heard of many different genre's that it could go into but each time, a person I respect, would share it wasn't quite what that genre was that I had chosen. So...back to God I would go.
Anyway, I am pressing on in prayer for Mara's Choice and for things to find their way in the future. That includes intercessory prayer for you dear reader.
Gentle reminder: It is no mistake that you are I are in this world at this time writing for our Lord. We are commissioned and adopted for this very purpose. So keep up the good fight for Jesus precious fellow warriors.
This evening as the sun sets in a spring sky, I am floating in the quiet pool below the falls. I see God's promises in his stars that are peeeping out and sparkling with splashing drops of water in the mist of the falls above me. Won't you join me in Praising our wonderful adoptive Father?
We just got home from the movie. We watched Expelled with Ben Stein. If you haven't seen it already, Jim and I highly recommend it.
Now that we have seen it, the title of this blog seems even more appropriate. I am so glad that God chose me. I am adopted and feel secure in who I am. Several people in this documentary changed their minds from being a Christian to an atheist. I am sorry for them because they must not have had a clear meaning of what a Christian is or who their Father is.
Ephesians 1:3-8 tells us how blessed we are to be His adopted children.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will__to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the one he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."
I have had a taste of what a loving Father has done for me this week. I have been experiencing a difficult time finding just the right "genre" to place my writing in. It is important to publishers, editors, and booksellers. I like to write similar to C.S. Lewis, Mark Andrew Olsen, Frank Perritti, and several other authors. However, I am unique and different in my own personal style.
At last, I have found the "genre" and I am very excited that God has shown me where to place my work and how to market it to fit my mission statement. I believe that I had a breakthrough last weekend with my special prayer warriors by my side. I pray that some of them did as well.
It is so simple that I don't know why I didn't catch it from the Lord before, but here it is.
I write in the Sprititual Warfare Genre. I know my writing is God inspired and if He wrote the work, it will go where He wants it to. I have heard of many different genre's that it could go into but each time, a person I respect, would share it wasn't quite what that genre was that I had chosen. So...back to God I would go.
Anyway, I am pressing on in prayer for Mara's Choice and for things to find their way in the future. That includes intercessory prayer for you dear reader.
Gentle reminder: It is no mistake that you are I are in this world at this time writing for our Lord. We are commissioned and adopted for this very purpose. So keep up the good fight for Jesus precious fellow warriors.
This evening as the sun sets in a spring sky, I am floating in the quiet pool below the falls. I see God's promises in his stars that are peeeping out and sparkling with splashing drops of water in the mist of the falls above me. Won't you join me in Praising our wonderful adoptive Father?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I Belong
This past weekend, I went to a retreat. It was with a group of my writing friends in ACFW.
The retreat was our first annual writer's retreat that we had been praying for to seek God's will for our writing lives. The vision I had been praying for for seven long years had come to pass. I think I was probably the most excited person there. It was refreshing to be among people who had the same thoughts. Some were so beat up by the world, that they had begun to doubt that God had even called them to be writers.
High in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, we spent time in a small cluster of wooden cabins and a medium size cabin that was our hub for meals and worship. It had a huge circular fireplace in the center of the room that everyone brought wood in for as we huddled around it because it was cold.
We re-committed our writing and lives to God and prayed for one another as we supported one another. We listened to our heart's cry to be understood and loved unconditionally.
It was a time to get on our knees and "LET GO AND LET GOD". As writers, we do all we can do and then give it to our Father to figure out where and how He wants our work to go.
We rejoiced at one another's successes and cried together with the rejections until the dross was burned up and we were clean and pure.
Kim Woodhouse did a great job with praise and worship.The team that presented was awesome and prayed up.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.
This was so real to me as I felt each other's pain and joy thoughout the weekend.
It snowed and the air was clean and pure. The very air we breathed became a spiritual experience.
I enjoyed the snow waterfall as I stood under the snowflakes and caught them on my tongue.
I shivered in delight at the mountain beauty around me. I learned to trust Him more this weekend.
Another sister shared that God had placed "snowsteps" before her. It was a beautiful illustration of God's leading.
We all left with a renewed mind and spirit. We had a peace that passes understanding.
What an awesome God we serve.
And....that's what families are for! Thank you Father in Jesus name for providing me a family that loves me the way that these brothers and sisters do.
Come and rinse the dirt off under the falls today but beware, there are probably snowflakes and ice crystals as the last of the dirt comes off. Jim and I call this process "squeaky clean". Today I am praying for each of you that you would hear from the Lord and give Him the controls of your writing life.
Love,
Paulette
The retreat was our first annual writer's retreat that we had been praying for to seek God's will for our writing lives. The vision I had been praying for for seven long years had come to pass. I think I was probably the most excited person there. It was refreshing to be among people who had the same thoughts. Some were so beat up by the world, that they had begun to doubt that God had even called them to be writers.
High in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, we spent time in a small cluster of wooden cabins and a medium size cabin that was our hub for meals and worship. It had a huge circular fireplace in the center of the room that everyone brought wood in for as we huddled around it because it was cold.
We re-committed our writing and lives to God and prayed for one another as we supported one another. We listened to our heart's cry to be understood and loved unconditionally.
It was a time to get on our knees and "LET GO AND LET GOD". As writers, we do all we can do and then give it to our Father to figure out where and how He wants our work to go.
We rejoiced at one another's successes and cried together with the rejections until the dross was burned up and we were clean and pure.
Kim Woodhouse did a great job with praise and worship.The team that presented was awesome and prayed up.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.
This was so real to me as I felt each other's pain and joy thoughout the weekend.
It snowed and the air was clean and pure. The very air we breathed became a spiritual experience.
I enjoyed the snow waterfall as I stood under the snowflakes and caught them on my tongue.
I shivered in delight at the mountain beauty around me. I learned to trust Him more this weekend.
Another sister shared that God had placed "snowsteps" before her. It was a beautiful illustration of God's leading.
We all left with a renewed mind and spirit. We had a peace that passes understanding.
What an awesome God we serve.
And....that's what families are for! Thank you Father in Jesus name for providing me a family that loves me the way that these brothers and sisters do.
Come and rinse the dirt off under the falls today but beware, there are probably snowflakes and ice crystals as the last of the dirt comes off. Jim and I call this process "squeaky clean". Today I am praying for each of you that you would hear from the Lord and give Him the controls of your writing life.
Love,
Paulette
Monday, April 21, 2008
Bought with a Price=Kings Kid
Did you know that you are expensive? The world says we humans are pretty cheap to make, but according to God, we are expensive. We were bought with a high price. The death of another, purchased us for God.
I Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. The Bible explains clearly that Jesus accepted us and bought us so he could include us in his family and bring us to the Father. We now belong to God.
The idea of belonging intrigues me. How often have I observed other groups of people that work together. I belong to the "group" of God. A God Club, if you will. Membership is free, the only cost is a willing heart.
This morning was cold and windy as my husband and I launched on yet another trip to another retirement community. Some that we visit seem cold and hard, medical and sterile. Other places are warm and inviting with lots of club activities. This is a hard decision for us. Seems like we just did this for our parents last year and here we are progressing to this decision in our own health.
Jesus, thank you. I don't have the words to express my gratitude. It seems unbelievable that you would be willing to die for me so that I could belong to God.
I am sitting in the hot springs here now, resting my tired legs from walking on hard cement floors. The bubbles in the hot water bring refreshment to my body. I have several people soaking here today, but....there is room for one more. Would you like to join us, the membership in this club is free and the water is perfect?
I Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. The Bible explains clearly that Jesus accepted us and bought us so he could include us in his family and bring us to the Father. We now belong to God.
The idea of belonging intrigues me. How often have I observed other groups of people that work together. I belong to the "group" of God. A God Club, if you will. Membership is free, the only cost is a willing heart.
This morning was cold and windy as my husband and I launched on yet another trip to another retirement community. Some that we visit seem cold and hard, medical and sterile. Other places are warm and inviting with lots of club activities. This is a hard decision for us. Seems like we just did this for our parents last year and here we are progressing to this decision in our own health.
Jesus, thank you. I don't have the words to express my gratitude. It seems unbelievable that you would be willing to die for me so that I could belong to God.
I am sitting in the hot springs here now, resting my tired legs from walking on hard cement floors. The bubbles in the hot water bring refreshment to my body. I have several people soaking here today, but....there is room for one more. Would you like to join us, the membership in this club is free and the water is perfect?
Monday, April 14, 2008
United With the Lord and One with Him=Accepted
The other day, I had to write an article. The subject had to do with uniting, unity, differences, etc. You name it, everything that came up did and it became confused as I took everyone's opinions into consideration. It seems that everyone had a different opinion and everyone was going his own way. Not one mentioned God or His Word. I realized I was out in the world and dealing with world opinion rather than our Father's viewpoint. I don't believe that my brothers and sisters were aware of the false ideas that enveloped them. I think perhaps we all get caught up in wrong ideas that sound right or seem to make good sense and we can get pretty dusty sometimes.
So...I went to my knees and my Anchor for His thoughts on how to clarify this subject and how to write about it. I wanted His final answer so that the article would be clear to all.
Ha! If you know me, you know I am wordy sometimes, well, okay a lot of the time. I have to chop, cut, slice and whatever else it takes to create a good piece.
Then, I have to throw in the humble part of the pie. I pray that it is not too tough but full of love and grace when I am finished.
You guessed, the Word is very clear. 1 Corinthians 6:17 was where the Lord took me. I read this.... But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
Well, that helped a lot because when I was willing to write what the Lord said according to His Word. Things began to flow. I found the scriptures to back up what He wanted me to write. It wasn't me, or even about me. It was what He wanted to say to His people.
Come and plop your feet down in the pool. I don't know about your sandals and feet, but mine got caught in the dirty muck and mire as I struggled to walk back to camp here. Sometimes, it is so nice to sink in a hot springs, but today, the cool fast moving stream out of the pool brings a lot of relief. I don't even want to pick my feet up out of the water. That quicksand is sticking like cement and scratchy. Feels so good to clean it off, especially between my toes! I can move over for you to sit too.
Here is an extra towel.
I am so glad we are united and one with Jesus. We are accepted by Him!
Blessings today.
Paulette
So...I went to my knees and my Anchor for His thoughts on how to clarify this subject and how to write about it. I wanted His final answer so that the article would be clear to all.
Ha! If you know me, you know I am wordy sometimes, well, okay a lot of the time. I have to chop, cut, slice and whatever else it takes to create a good piece.
Then, I have to throw in the humble part of the pie. I pray that it is not too tough but full of love and grace when I am finished.
You guessed, the Word is very clear. 1 Corinthians 6:17 was where the Lord took me. I read this.... But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
Well, that helped a lot because when I was willing to write what the Lord said according to His Word. Things began to flow. I found the scriptures to back up what He wanted me to write. It wasn't me, or even about me. It was what He wanted to say to His people.
Come and plop your feet down in the pool. I don't know about your sandals and feet, but mine got caught in the dirty muck and mire as I struggled to walk back to camp here. Sometimes, it is so nice to sink in a hot springs, but today, the cool fast moving stream out of the pool brings a lot of relief. I don't even want to pick my feet up out of the water. That quicksand is sticking like cement and scratchy. Feels so good to clean it off, especially between my toes! I can move over for you to sit too.
Here is an extra towel.
I am so glad we are united and one with Jesus. We are accepted by Him!
Blessings today.
Paulette
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Justified
Now of course, this never happens to anyone else right?? My computer blew up yesterday. I was so disappointed because I was eager to get on track to write a weekly blog post. With a lot of help from my husband and transferring "computer stuff" to his computer, I can do it this morning. I am praying to stay disciplined in this. I write every day and this post is refreshing to me. Do you as a writer, consider writing every day? It doesn't matter what, just keeps the juices flowing.
Like many of you, I carry around a pen and paper, or...write on a napkin or toilet paper when necessary. You never know when God will give you something, even if it is a title. If you are writing for Him, you will get inspiration I promise. To quote someone I respect: Jerry Jenkins believes that there is no such thing as writer's block. It is hard work and we need to be open 24/7 to God's work and pick up the pen and begin to write in faith.
This week all my studies point to what a friend we have in Jesus. He is our all in all isn't he?
Romans 5:1 tells us about peace and joy. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have drunk deeply from the quiet peaceful pool of justification. May I offer you a cup my friend?
The water is cool, sweet, and fresh. You are justified by faith.
Father, may the fruits of peace and joy spill forth from my soul as I drink deeply and fully, receiving justification in Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for giving me the faith to receive this wonderful gift and the fruits being ripened in me. May I embrace them and share the overflowing wonder of them with the lost and weary.
Blessings,
Paulette
Like many of you, I carry around a pen and paper, or...write on a napkin or toilet paper when necessary. You never know when God will give you something, even if it is a title. If you are writing for Him, you will get inspiration I promise. To quote someone I respect: Jerry Jenkins believes that there is no such thing as writer's block. It is hard work and we need to be open 24/7 to God's work and pick up the pen and begin to write in faith.
This week all my studies point to what a friend we have in Jesus. He is our all in all isn't he?
Romans 5:1 tells us about peace and joy. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have drunk deeply from the quiet peaceful pool of justification. May I offer you a cup my friend?
The water is cool, sweet, and fresh. You are justified by faith.
Father, may the fruits of peace and joy spill forth from my soul as I drink deeply and fully, receiving justification in Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for giving me the faith to receive this wonderful gift and the fruits being ripened in me. May I embrace them and share the overflowing wonder of them with the lost and weary.
Blessings,
Paulette
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Accepted in Christ=disciple=friend
In John 15:15, Jesus tells his servants...I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. I work for him, with him, beside him. We are working for the same goal and that is to point lost souls to their Savior. Do we labor together in love, my brothers and sisters? Or are we constantly bickering about which side of the throne we want to sit on? Proverbs tells us that a friend loves at all times.
You are a friend of Jesus Christ. He loves you at all times and accepts you. He invites you to be his disciple right now.
Lord, thank you for calling us to walk with you as a disciple and friend and thank you for the provisions along the way toward home.
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. I work for him, with him, beside him. We are working for the same goal and that is to point lost souls to their Savior. Do we labor together in love, my brothers and sisters? Or are we constantly bickering about which side of the throne we want to sit on? Proverbs tells us that a friend loves at all times.
You are a friend of Jesus Christ. He loves you at all times and accepts you. He invites you to be his disciple right now.
Lord, thank you for calling us to walk with you as a disciple and friend and thank you for the provisions along the way toward home.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Accepted In Christ
Do I really understand what accepted in Christ means? Or how about secure in Christ? Am I significant.....?
We all wonder about our walk with Jesus and who we are. I will be pondering these subjects as I begin to share with all my brothers and sisters. I have already come to the conclusion that these are valid questions and they demand positive affirmative answers in Jesus. He has called you and me deep unto deep. Let's plunge off the high dive into the deep end. Let's drink deeply of His Word and wisdom as we meditate together.
John 1:12 Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God.
I am God's child. YOU are God's child. Yippee! That water is refreshingly cold isn't it! :)
Father, I come to you for your answers and wisdom to walk according to your will. Please show us what your will is for us as we read in the coming weeks. We ask for refreshment and peace. Help us to slow down and listen to you today.
Thank you Father in the Name of Jesus Christ.
We all wonder about our walk with Jesus and who we are. I will be pondering these subjects as I begin to share with all my brothers and sisters. I have already come to the conclusion that these are valid questions and they demand positive affirmative answers in Jesus. He has called you and me deep unto deep. Let's plunge off the high dive into the deep end. Let's drink deeply of His Word and wisdom as we meditate together.
John 1:12 Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God.
I am God's child. YOU are God's child. Yippee! That water is refreshingly cold isn't it! :)
Father, I come to you for your answers and wisdom to walk according to your will. Please show us what your will is for us as we read in the coming weeks. We ask for refreshment and peace. Help us to slow down and listen to you today.
Thank you Father in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Working!!
Hello,
Hopefully this is up and running. At last, I plunged into the blogging world. This is fun and it may even grow on me. If anyone reads this, give me some feedback please. I hope you like this site, I am open to suggestions. Have a great evening.
Paulette
Hopefully this is up and running. At last, I plunged into the blogging world. This is fun and it may even grow on me. If anyone reads this, give me some feedback please. I hope you like this site, I am open to suggestions. Have a great evening.
Paulette
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