God is so good! I am crying with joy right now, just, because...I can feel His presence.
It is such an amazing feeling to know that He is with you!
To know that He is here...right now...at this very moment!
There are times when I feel like I could just burst with joy.
You know the feeling where you want to just start singing "for no reason". Ahh, but we do have a reason. We always have a reason to feel joyful! We have His love, His peace, His hope...and His joy inside of us!
I feel like I could just go dancing around, but I'm sure the people below us {I live in an apartment} would prefer I did not...
There is nothing that compares to the overwhelming sense of joy and peace as when you've just come out of a trying time spiritually.
I realized a couple days ago, that my life had been sorely lacking in prayer... I started feeling moody, and dare I say...purposeless. Ahh, but He is so faithful. Even through that, I knew He didn't leave me. No, He carried me! He ministered to me in ways that only He can.
It is so wonderful to know that we have freedom in Him! Freedom that lifts us above the chains of this world and lets us soar above.
Freedom that give us the ability to run to His arms whenever we feel weary.
That was my problem. I was feeling weary and instead of running to Him, I tried to be a "big girl" and take care of myself. I know better...you'd think I'd learn my lesson... Maybe one of these days I will.
But that is the past. And the present is me running full speed ahead, toward {not away from} my Abba Father's outstretched arms.
There I will stay, surrendered, tucked under His wing, in the palm of His hand. Resting, trusting, listening, praying...in His embrace.
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures. Merci! =)
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
~ Psalm 23:4
Wrapped in Your Embrace
My heart cries out to be heard
My heart cries out for mercy
My heart cries out, in need of a Savior
You wrap me in Your embrace
Let my lips not speak idle words
But give You all praise and glory
My heart cries out, in need of a Savior
And You wrap me in Your embrace
I am undeserving
Yet You are so willing
Your love for me is amazing
You wrap me in Your embrace
You are faithful
You are Light
You hold me in the palm of Your hand
And You wrap me in Your embrace
My days have been numbered my You
You are the Holy God, my Father
You are my Provider
You wrap me in Your embrace
I am fallible
You are unchangeable
You still my heart and quiet my soul
And You wrap me in Your embrace
You are my comfort
I am Your daughter
You are my Rock and my Foundation and my Fortress
My Abba Father
You wrap me in Your embrace
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures. Merci! =)
Tee hee...I'm laughing at how silly my thoughts are at the moment. I'm nervous about writing my first post for 2012... =P That's why I've been putting it off.
My Abba Father has been showing me so much in these past few months, weeks, days, hours even.
I'm beginning to fully realize...realize even more that our God is always ready and willing to show us new things about Him. He's always ready to wrap us in His warm and comforting embrace. He's always ready to listen and interrupt us if necessary. He's always there to wipe away the tears that we let escape.
I'm the one holding everything back. I'm a girl, standing in front of a bridge--a narrow bridge. There's no way to 'go around it.' Jesus one step ahead of me, reaching out His hand, encouraging me, beckoning, calling out to me to join Him, follow Him step by step. I've followed Him this far on our journey and this is just another bridge I need to cross. But it's not "just another bridge." This bridge, just like all those in the past, will be a new experience for me. I will grow in and through Him. I will learn more about Him and myself. And I'm standing there...waiting for Him to do something... To "give me a sign" to move in a certain direction...
He is always ready to speak to me.
All I have to do is ask.
Why don't I ask more often??? Why don't I listen more often???
Maybe you ask the same questions... All I can say is that I can't change what I haven't done in the past, but I can change whatI will do in the future. It's a New Year's Resolution, so to speak... =)
So no matter how many "forks" in the road there are, no matter how I look at it, there is only one direction to take... The one that my Savior is standing in front of. And it's my fault for being the one who's closed her eyes, expecting to 'stumble' onto the right path or eventually find it on my own.
So to be honest...I don't exactly know where that path is going to lead me...and when those "forks" come along, I most likely won't know which one leads where. But whichever path He is in front of, is where I want to go.
I just got a flash on the animated Disney Peter Pan movie. When all the "Lost Boy's" are following John (with his top hat and umbrella) singing "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader. We're following the leader wherever he may go." Along the way they go through tall grass (the tops of heads and that umbrella bobbing up and down), over a hippopotamus (I think)... *giggle* *sigh*
That's how I want to be, following Jesus (not oblivious to my surroundings =P). Joyful, worshipping, willing, determined, without any doubts or reservations.
I long to see my Shepard face to face... To feel His touch... To hear His encouragement... To sing His praises... To dance in the warmth of His light... To be still in Him...
My dad just said something the other day... He didn't make it up...and I'm not who the first person to say it was...
If there were no problems, there could be no miracles.
Feel free to read that a couple times...I did =)
I pray for there to be an abundance of blessings in your life! I also pray that through those trials that you're facing, that our Abba Father would perform miracles for you. That you will grow in and strengthen your relationship with Him.
"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." ~ Psalm 106:1
Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Pleas email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of post or any pictures.
On the risk of sounding super cliched...I can't believe the year is hours from being over... I know I say that every year, and every year its just as true.
Last year seemed to be all about seasons...this year... I'll just have to wait and see. =)
Tonight we each picked a game that we love and played them 'til 10PM {the funniest thing is that we each won the game we chose =) }, then we all separated to write our goals for 2012. We will talk about them tomorrow morning during our devotional time as a family.
This has been an amazing year! I don't know about you, but there's always a part of me that wants to hold on to the old year. It seems more safe and comfortable {don't ask me why}. But the Lord didn't call us to be comfortable. He's called us to be bold and courageous. To die to ourselves so we can live in Him.
And a year is just a year...it's what we've done during the year that's important. And I can only hope that what I've done during the past year has made the Lord smile and say, "Well done, my daughter."
So while part of me wants to hold on, the other part of me {which will win} is totally ready to "let go and let God," as my Mom always says. Is ready to grow in Him, face the challenges, live boldly, seek our the adventures and run the race.
My Biggest Goal for 2012: Daily pick up my cross and follow Him. And be ready to drop everything to do just that. I need to be ready for the adventures that will take place and run to His embrace when I feel weary.
My Life Verse for2012:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ~ Matthew 16:24-25
In closing, I want to pray for you all.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before your throne right now in praise for the wonders that You've worked in all of our lives this year! For the things You've revealed to us.
Please Father as we go into the new year, make us even clearer images of You. Let there be no mistaking us for Your followers. Let it be that when people look at us, they see only You. Let us decrease daily so that You can increase abundantly!
Help us to be the tools in Your hand and work through us!
Father I pray for those reading this right now, that You would bless them immensely and cover them and wrap them in Your embrace.
Father I ask this all in Your Son Jesus' name.
Amen!
I will talk to you in the new year!
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
P.S.
My Daddy sent this picture to me a couple months ago and I absolutely loved it!!! I think it goes perfectly with this next year!! =)
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.
{This is one of my favorite songs! It always makes me cry as I remember the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for me. I made this video especially for this version of the song.}
Touch of the Master's Hand ~ Danny Gans Album: Brand New Dream
One of my favorite things to say about God is that He orchestrates things. {As a side note, I am NOT trying to start a debate over pre-destination and free will}
When I hear orchestrate, I think of a compose and conductor of an orchestra. He's written the symphony out and He knows exactly how the notes should be played, what the tempo is, and what key signature the piece should be played in. He's up front, and as long as the musicians look to Him, He is guiding them as they play. The musicians are His 'tools', and He is able to use them to create something beautiful.
During rehearsals, those musicians might make terrible mistakes, over and over and over...and over again. Then throw in those cumbersome and tedious arpeggios or the big dramatic crescendos. BUT He is patient, because He knows what the end result will be, and He is willing to wait for us...I mean the musicians of course. ;)
Some of the musicians are able to help each other get better, but ultimately they look to the composer. He's the One who keeps them on the rhythm, motivated and encouraged. He's listens to the the complaints and the whining, about sore fingers, aching backs and parched lips. He understands, because He's gone through the exact same thing.
They also learn to work together as one. They learn that the piano alone is beautiful, but when played with the harp it sounds so much better. Then add in the violins and the flutes. Only with all the instruments playing together can the make an orchestra. And have you ever heard of an orchestra without a conductor, let alone a composer?
Then on that glorious performance day, we will all be perfect and everybody will applaud and praise the conductor for His great work.
They Lord has been showing me daily that He is in control, and I definitely am not. I can rely on Him alone, and He never fails!
He forgives my mistakes, complaints, and my eagerness to hog the spotlight. He promises to finish the good work that He has started in me. And that can't be easy. But I guess...I know that since He created me, and knows me better than I even know myself, He will be faithful like He always is.
Dear Precious Heavenly Father,
Please search my heart and root out any sin and fleshly behavior that is still trying to hang on to me. Please Father, show me when I'm feeling discontent or too comfortable, because there is always something I should be working on in my spiritual life.
God, I pray for those who are reading this post right now. That they would be blessed and You would use Your Words to give them peace and comfort for whatever struggles they are facing at this very moment.
Your Word tells us that those who believe in You and have received Your Son's gift of salvation are like a body. We must all work together and that none of us are more worthy or important than any other. Please Father, remind me of that whenever I start to become prideful or try to judge anyone else.
I pray that You would use me in Your symphony and that I will daily become more and more like You and my Savior.
And I ask all this in Your Son Jesus' name.
Amen!
Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, “God with us.”~ Matthew 1:21-23
On Christmas Day we went to my grandparents house on my mom's side.
Here are some pictures... All the dishes were done, my grandma pointed out that as usual we hadn't taken any pictures of the food... =P
But I got plenty of pictures of all of my grandma's nutcrackers! =)
See all the nutcrackers in the background? You'll be seeing more
of those soon...
My Grandma has over 130 nutcrackers! They take live in a
walk-in closet when they're not being displayed at Christmas.
My Mom and a new teddy bear my Grandma got recently =)
They match...and they didn't even call each other to coordinate. =P
My Mom and Daddy
My Grandma and Grandpa
I had such a good time! I always love spending time with family!
Usually I'm shooed out of the kitchen when it comes time to do the dishes (I'm serious), but this time I was able to help my grandma do the dishes while my parents talked with my Grandpa.
It was special to be able to spend that time with her...even if we were just doing dishes.
But God is with us all the time, and any time spent with family whether opening presents, talking, or doing dishes is special. And I'm so grateful for all the blessings He's given me this year!!! And I thank Him every day for the greatest gift of all...His Son and my Savior Christ Jesus.
I hope you all had a wonderfully blessed time with your family and were able to find peace in His arms while celebrating His gift.
Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
P.S. I would love to hear what you did for Christmas!!
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.
(Jehovah Jireh is Hebrew. Translated it literally means The Lord Who Sees or The Lord Who Sees To It. It means He is our Provider.)
My parents & I just recently watched the movie Evan Almighty. (Please note: I am not trying to make a recommendation. It is always best to review a movie before watching it, especially when younger siblings are around. I will say that it is one of the very few movies that is not labeled as "Christian" & that has come out into the theaters; scripture is quoted & not misused, God is portrayed as Someone who can call us to certain actions, we can speak with & have a personal relationship with, is there for us, & sees the 'bigger picture'.)
And one of the dialogues that really hit me was the following:
God: Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage? Or does He give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings? Or does He give them opportunities to love each other?
That really got me thinking... God knows exactly what we need & what is best for us. It makes sense that when we pray for patience, it just seems like more situations pop up when we need patience.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19
Sure it would be a lot easier if God just 'zapped' us with whatever qualities we asked Him to grow us in... But we wouldn't learn anything. We wouldn't learn patience or perseverance, self-control, faith, trust etc...
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3
I pray that we are all abundantly blessed this week, with opportunities of all kinds. Those to practice our Fruit of the Spirit. And also time to spend at His feet. Talking with & worshiping Him who loves us enough to be our Jehovah Jireh; our Provider.
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
This is one of the songs we sang on the workshop night.
A couple nights ago I went to a girls workshop at the church my family & I just started attending. It was called GI Jane: Getting Aggressive About God.
It was a great night; the High School pastor's wife was the one speaking. This is one of the points she made, that I elaborated on in my mind.
We are girls...we love the happy endings, the emotions, the feelings, we're hopeless romantics, we are feminine, we are girly etc... And that's how we're made. But sometimes that transfers into our Christianity. We only see the blessings, we sometimes forget that Jesus isn't just the baby in the manger or our Friend & Savior. He is also the Conquering King who will be coming back to battle in the end days. Christianity: Is it the best thing that's ever happened to us? Yes! Is is the easiest way to live? No! Which is why we need to be dependent on the Lord for strength.
Galatians 3:26-28 says, "26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Now obviously I'm still a female, and I'm still girly, God is saying that is His eyes when it comes to our faith, we are supposed to be the same. The traits that separate men & women life shouldn't apply to our Christianity.
For example, men are usually tougher, more aggressive, they're usually stronger than women. They are the protectors of their wives. That's how God made them. But when it comes to Christianity, men & women are equal.
Girls shouldn't be weaker in their faith; we need to be just as strong, because there is spiritual warfare going on all around us. We need to be right there in it. And we can, because of Jesus. He erased those boundaries in our faith, because it isn't physical strength that's necessary, but spiritual strength. "8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." ~ 1 Timothy 3:8
The message I heard has inspired me to get more aggressive about my studying in the Word, & continue to grow stronger in my relationship with my Savior Jesus. 1 Timothy 4:10, "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe."
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.
You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Everlasting God ~ Christ Tomlin
Everlasting: enduring through all time; perpetual; lasting til the end of time.
Above is the Webster's dictionary definition of Everlasting. Those are all true of God. And yet, He is even more than, just everlasting. Because He was here before time even began! And He will still BE, after time has ended.
Everlasting: Alpha & Omega; ever was; ever is; ever is to come; infinity; no ending
The above is the definition I thought of while think about our everlasting God.
Have you ever tried to think about God's existence? How He created time? And that there will be a time where there is no time? I guess that last one doesn't really make sense.... There a will be a "no time" when there is no time anymore.
We will not be bound to seconds, hours, days, years. We will be with God forever.
That is so beyond my comprehension... My mind keeps trying to compare "forever" with something that I do comprehend. I've been alive for 16 years.... So 16 years times...times what? Times...infinity! Which is yet another word I cannot even begin to comprehend.
At first its a bit frustrating... But then these thoughts comfort me...
It gives me joy that my God understands the things that I don't!
It gives me joy that I'm not the one "in charge"!
It gives me joy that I don't have to understand everything!
It gives me joy that my God is merciful enough to allow me to live in 'time' that I do "understand"!
It gives me joy that my God is so complex!
It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He loves me!
It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He invites me into His embrace!
Our God is so good. I know that even though I pray for wisdom, He won't reveal knowledge to me that I can't handle. He understands, because He created. And that...gives me joy!
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.
Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are
Who Am I ~ Casting Crowns
I have been thinking (I do that a lot)... And I asked myself..."What are my talents? What am I good at doing?"
Talent: A natural aptitude or skill.
My prideful self of course took off with all the different things that someone during the course of my life has complemented me on...
Then the Holy Spirit reeled me back in & told me to ask the question again...and really think about it this time. So I did... I wasn't really proud of myself after I got my second answer.
I am great at being prideful...
I'm get those waves of ungratefulness...
I'm just great at being cowardly...
I'm pretty good at being stubborn as well...
I'm also very good at procrastinating...putting things off...
I'm not always the kindest person...
I'm not always meekest person...
To be perfectly honest I'm always working on all the Fruit of the Sprit...
I could go on, and on...and on... But then suddenly my thoughts like that stopped. And the Lord reminded me that He doesn't want me to dwell on my faults... That's not going to make me improve. Every now and then, we need to be reminded of what we were without Christ. We need to be reminded that we're not perfect. We need to be reminded that without Him who created us...we are nothing...but with Him we are sons and daughters of the King. Children of the most high God. Who loves us despite our many, many...many imperfections.
I can now say that I am talented, because God made me (special, and He loves me very much...Bye! (Sorry! Had to throw VeggieTales in there...I couldn't resist! =P ))
I'm good at being His child. And not because of anything I did, but because of the love, grace & mercy of our Abba Father.
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Am I in a rut? Am I just going through the motions? Do I take for granted that I'm saved through the grace of God & the sacrifice of my Savior Jesus alone?
Every so often these thoughts fly through my head... And I have to dwell on the question for a little while... I have to pray, ponder....and then what? How many times do I think about these things, but then just move on with my day...promising myself & God..."Oh, I'll pray about that later when I have more time..." God, You mean you don't have time for ME? "Oh, no Father," I weakly protest, "that's not what I mean at all..." Silence. "Well, I know that's the way is sounds, but You know my heart...You know there's nothing I would rather do than just spend time worshipping You all day long...but I can't". Silence. "Really, I can't..." You can do nothing apart from ME. I AM the One who gave you today, & you don't have time to pray about something very important I've placed on your heart? "Well, when You put it that way..." I reply getting weaker... Silence. I am broken...I know that the Lord is right...as always! And broken is what wants... He wants me to completely surrender to Him, so that He can mold me & show me & lead me, exactly where I need to go...
There's no beating-around-the-bush with God, there's no playing phone tag...there's no voicemail... If we don't answer when God calls us the first time, He will keep calling...and calling...AND calling... Until finally we "find the time" to answer... Sometimes if we wait too long, the Holy Spirit will stop us in our tracks (in our rut, while we're going through the motions) & put that theoretical "phone" right in our face...so that we can't ignore, not hear, or walk by it again...
But I can avoid all of this if I would take action when the Lord shows me something I need to work on in my life! If I just surrender to Him daily it would make my life a lot easier... If I would pray about those fleshly tendencies when they are first shown to me. If I didn't try to make excuses for myself...
That's why out of all the songs I could've chose for this topic, I chose Give Me Your Eyes.
Because that's the example that's being set in the song. There is a problem that is made aware...and there is a prayer... A prayer first & foremost asking for forgiveness...then immediately afterwards is the a prayer of longing... A prayer of wanting to be more Christ like, than we are.
And I know that being completely honest with myself, that's not always going to happen. The Enemy is very good at dangling "little emergency's" in front of us. Those that are just important enough for us get distracted at least temporarily from the One who truly matters.
Dear Precious Heavenly Father,
I come broken before your throne of grace. Broken with shame that I so often put You aside. Make You wait. And I praise Your name & thank you from every crevice of my soul that You are a God of forgiveness. A God of patience. A God of mercy.
Lord, please mold me, make my heart more mindful of when You have something to tell me! Teach me to go through my days totally on fire for You alone! Where the only thoughts that fly around in my mind are pleasing in Your sight. The only words I speak point back to You.
Thank you Abba Father for loving me even though I will never be able to deserve it!!
I ask this all in Your precious Son Jesus' name.
Amen!
I pray that the Lord blesses you abundantly today & that you will feel His embrace forever!
Chorus: Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God
Bridge: We are the saints
We are the children
We've been redeemed
We've been forgiven
We are the sons and daughters of our God
Third Day ~ Children of God
Album: Move
Why is it that we as humans are so focused on ourselves all the time. Maybe not all the time...but most of the time... I find myself thinking about me, so often. My problems, my dreams, my life....
NO!!! It's NOT about me.... I live solely, because of my God, my Savior Christ Jesus, & my Helper who lives within me. I called Him, mine, just now.... But that's is not how it is.... I live for Him, I am His alone, He is all that matters. No matter how "big" my "problems" are, they are NOTHING compared to what the biggest problem is...my sin. No matter how "big" I think my "sacrifices"are, they are NOTHING compared to the greatest sacrifice of all. No matter how "important" I think my opportunities are...NOTHING is more important than living for my Savior.
But why is it that we as humans are so forgetful of those facts? Sin. Our flesh.
It makes me sad to realize that sometimes I need such a large wake-up call to realize when I'm starting to think about me too much. I know I'm never going to be perfect, but I want to be. I want to live like Jesus lived. I strive to be like Him. And when I fall short...I'm disappointed in myself. Until I realize why I fell short.... I thought I could do things on my own. Not consciously, but the result is still the same...
Yet, the Lord is merciful. He has given us the Helper. He gives us subtle & not so subtle reminders about Who is really important. He gives us second chances again & again & again. Sometimes I wonder, Why in the world does my Abba Father love me so much?
But then I receive an answer. Amazing & miraculous as it is! Because I am His child first...& then He is my Abba Father...my Daddy. The BEST Daddy! (John 1:12) With unconditional love that cannot even be described. Mercy that abounds & follows me all the days of my life. Love...God loves me! He loves you! He encourages us, He's our biggest cheerleader!
Psalm 95:6-7, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand."
I am His sheep, & He is my Shepard. I am to follow Him, for He knows the Way. (John 14:6)
Daddy, I wish there was a better word than 'thank you'!! Thank you doesn't come close to being enough. Even if I praised You constantly, 24/7 for the rest of my life, You would still be worthy of infinity times more!! Please, Father, help me to daily surrender to You! To let You lead me, without any "help" from me. Please make it exceedingly clear when I'm speaking too much or not listening enough! Help me to always trust You, especially when the road gets rocky & I can't see the 'big picture'. Father I pray for those who are reading this right now. That You will bless them abundantly!! That You will fill them with Your overwhelming peace, joy, & love. Father, You know our hearts...You know how much we long to serve You faithfully. Continue, please to teach us Your ways & how to better serve You & Your children. I ask this all in Your Son, Jesus' name. Amen!
You've just had a peek inside my mind. My thoughts are all over the place. And they move so fast... I'm a girl...so that explains it. =)
I really do hope you are blessed by this. The Lord has had this "topic" pressing on my heart for a while, & I think tonight...or rather this morning....He has let it all pour right out.
One last thing before I go. I love 1 John 3:1-3, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings! =)
Tiffani
Ok, so this song is just too beautiful to break up. The main part that I want to talk about though is the first two lines of the song. So simple, but if you think about it...so true. If I had control, (not just the illusion of control), control every single thing that happened in my life, & I was able to redo things that went wrong in my life...would I?
Honestly, there are probably some things I would want to change. I would probably make sure I kept my balance, & didn't fall into the big fountain we had in our front yard; the one that gave me a big, ugly fat lip & black & blue eye so swollen I could hardly open it. Yes, I think I'd like to change that...
BUT, now that I think of it...I was so blessed by my friends during that time, who (even though we were young...& I probably looked pretty weird) showed me such kindness, by telling me I looked beautiful, still asking me over to their houses for "play-dates", didn't stare, but didn't keep their distance. That might not sound it should be a big deal...friends should do that anyway. But for me it was a big deal. I was about 8 years old, & I wasn't a pretty sight...honestly I wouldn't have blamed my friends if they wanted to keep their distance until I was better. But instead, I was extremely blessed, & can now truly sympathize with people who have something deform their face (whether temporarily like mine, or permanently.)
Ok, so...I'd probably still let that happen to me...
But those times where I said or did something to hurt one of my friends. I'd change those times! BUT, if I did, I wouldn't be able to feel the forgiveness I received after apologizing... Forgiveness that reminded me of what my Savior did for me. Reminding me that I'm not going to be perfect, but that I can't use that as an excuse for sinning.
Ok, so...I'd probably keep those times as well...
I guess I'd say the same thing for the times that I wasn't respectful to my parents. I've learned from those mistakes I made...& am getting better & better at keeping my frustration from getting the upper-hand. I also know the importance of parenting, & am storing all this knowledge for when I become a mommy.
So...my list of "Things In My Past I'd Like To Change If I Could"...is getting smaller by the second as I think about it...
The only thing, I still think I'd change was...feeling way under the weather on my 16th birthday...that's just wrong...isn't it? BUT...(you knew this was coming =) ) I guess that did show me that it doesn't matter about growing with age...what really matters is how you grow in the Spirit. Instead of depending on worldly things to give me joy, I should be looking to Him to give me joy. And reminding me not to take for granted the health & especially the life that I have, because there are some children who are sick on almost all their birthdays, with cancers, & tumors. Some children don't even reach their 16th birthday. I really have nothing to complain about, because I have the only thing that matters! A personal relationship with my Abba Father.
I'm not sure how many of you've read that book Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter. But this sound very much like the "Glad Game". Looking for the good out of not-so-good situations...
I know that I won't always see the big picture. But my prayer is that when I do feel discouraged, that I lean on Him who gives me strength. He who does see the big picture & knows exactly whats best for me. I pray that we all trust Him druing these times. Because He will allow us to go through struggles, but--as I've realized--even though we might not be able to see them at first...later we can see the amazing joys & blessings that came from those trials.
I LOVE hearing stories of how the Lord worked something that you thought couldn't get any worse, turn into something great. If you have any stories like this...about yourself or others please share!!
