Do I Sing to Encourage Others, and Do I Encourage Others to Sing?

I have been working on trying to write this post up for a couple of weeks now, and each time I would get time to sit and try to process the thoughts it just didn't work out. I'd fall asleep, or get side tracked with other things; but here I am now trying to process what message I got from it. 

Earlier in February, I woke up to two different songs; but the one that I was hearing as I got out of the bed was Rockin' Robin. It was released in 1958, the author used a pseudonym of Jimmy Thomas. It was made popular sung by Bobby Day. It reminds me of the songs my mother played for me on the LP's that she still had from her youth, even though I don't believe it was one that she had on an album, to play for us. 

(taken from Google)

In reading through the lyrics it tells a story of how the robin has a song to sing and while the swallow, chickadee, owl, crow, raven, buzzard, and oriole are all mentioned, they enjoy hearing the song of the robin and they are cheering on the robin to sing their song. All the birds on the street "love to hear the robin go tweet, tweet, tweet."

My first thought was "Why does everyone like to hear the robin sing?" According to my Google search, "the robin's song signals the arrival of spring, warmer weather, and renewal. It is one of the first to sing at dawn and the last at dusk, it brings peace, optimism and comfort."

Then I looked to see if there was a "story" behind the writing of the song. Well the story says that the author's wife was being kept up at night by a bird singing in a tree outside their window. Then it happened over enough nights that the husband ended up writing the song. He didn't think enough of it to put his name on it, he used his mother-in-law's name. =) The bird that was singing and keeping he and his wife awake was not a robin, though. It was a mocking bird, and the author's wife wanted him to get the bird to hush up. He didn't have the heart to, because the only way he could was to "throw a rock at it." 

So- it is said that the robin's song, that everyone on the street loved to hear, signals arrival of spring- a season change. Then that it brings peace, optimism, and comfort. The mnemonic of it is "cheerily, cheer up, cheer up", according to AI overview on Google. 

(Shutterstock image)

Then my question to myself was this- "Do others enjoy and want to hear my song?" Does it bring peace, optimism, and comfort?" This makes me think of 1 Corinthians 14: 3, which says this, "But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them." (NLT) One who prophesies... 

But what does it mean to prophesy? A lot of people get pictures like from movies, when some old, stern looking, sour puss, got up and spoke about doom and gloom and terrible things coming. Now, I am not saying that sometimes a prophets message doesn't speak of difficult things coming. I am however, saying that a prophet speaks the heart of the Father to his children through others. Since it is coming through people, when you receive something, you still need to pray on it, seek the Father's wisdom and guidance. But my definition of the word "prophesy" is simply sharing a message from the Father's heart to others, according to the guideline in 1 Corinthians 14:3. So, it will strengthen, encourage, and comfort them. 

The information about robins also says that they are one of the first to sing at dawn, and the last to sing at dusk. The robin praises from first sun up to sun down.

Psalm 113: 2-4 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens." (NKJV)

If the robin can praise the Lord from sun rise to sun set, do I?? If not, what is holding me back? Often times it is because I am looking at the wrong thing. I am looking at my troubles, not at the One that can fix it. I am looking at the aches and pains, not at the Great Physician. I am looking at things around me, not at the One that holds it all in His hands. God help me to keep my eyes set on You. Psalm 42: 5 - "Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." (NKJV)

The Passion Translation says it like this- "So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace."

 No matter what, do I sing with praise?? I know that answer, for me; and I am trying to improve the number of occasions where I do sing with praise, no matter what, instead of being depressed or simply complaining. What does complaining do?? It glorifies the problem over the Problem Solver, and I don't want to do that. =) 

Now, in the story of the song, he changed the bird type from the one that was waking, or keeping them awake. It was actually a mocking bird. NOW- the mocking bird gets such a bad reputation for "mocking". But in looking up information about the mocking bird they are really quite amazing. 

(Birdsandblooms.com)

Mocking birds are known for copying songs of other birds and even for copying the noises of car alarms and some machines. I have heard some people talk about how much they don't like mocking birds, and I was probably one that said that at some point in my life. I have learned a lot since then, and my attitude is a bit different. Think about how much intelligence this bird needs to be able to mimic so many different songs/noises. "Bird Brain" is something people use to put others down about how smart they are- but WOW! Trying to think about this to make it a bit more relatable, as my husband said, it is like someone that can speak up to 200 different languages! A mocking bird has this huge repertoire of songs for a few different reasons. It is for mating, for defense and it is a territorial thing, too. Another things that makes a mocking bird stand out as different is that it sings even in the night. Remember, it was the mocking bird that was keeping the song's author and his wife up at 2:00 AM. The robin sings from dawn to dusk.

I was telling a friend just the other day how at one point the songs we sang at a church I attended, we had to memorize, if we wanted to sing along. They were the scripture songs and choruses. We didn't have song books or hymnals at this church, so we had to learn the words. It was really good for me, and many of these songs are still very much a part of me. I grew up in a church with hymnals, and we listened to a lot of southern gospel, I mean a LOT. That included groups like the Bill Gaither Trio, or the Rambos, Doug Oldham and many other groups like that were very common sounds in our house. I loved hearing the beautiful harmonies often to hymns, and song stories- but all pointing to the cross and to what the Lord has done, can do, and will do! Then there was 2nd Chapter of Acts that put out their recordings of the hymns. I possibly wore out a couple of cassettes (yes, I know that dates me a bit, but that is what we had at the time, and listened to often). So, my heart and memory has many songs memorized, but there are some that I sing to him that no one else knows, because they are Mary Beth originals. 

I love how songs can speak so many different things, though. They can speak of love, of need, of gratitude, of battles and or victories won or not. They can be almost like a good book and carry you to a place you need to be. Like the song that was popular back a while ago, Thank You.  Listening to that, you can envision the story as it unfolds. Or even Carmen's song, Lazarus, Come Forth, or The Champion. Lately, I've been reminded of some songs that were written and recorded by Twila Paris, most recently her song, How Beautiful. It quotes part of Isaiah 52: 7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (NKJV)

So, the mocking bird may copy others, but so do I. I sing the old songs that I've memorized, I sing along with the newer songs that I have heard and they speak to me. I have a very long list of songs. If you look at my play lists, of which I have quite a few, one of my longer play lists has 159 songs in it, that translates to just over 15 hours of music! Each song speaks of something different to me, and as I play it, or sing it, it may speak something different to me each time. I could listen to it the same time you do, and we can both get a different message from the same exact song. Because the Lord can use anything to speak to what we need to hear at any given moment. So, while Rockin' Robin took me down this path today, if I hear it again it may speak something else to me, even though I'll remember this message, too. 

What is my take away from all of this?? 

Each person has a song. Sing it! Don't worry about how it sounds, it will bless, and encourage someone, so don't hold it back.  Be the message others can read.

2 Corinthians 3: 2 "For your very lives are our "letters of recommendation," permanently engraved on our hearts, recognized and read by eveybody." (TPT)

Each person has a story that can be told (sometimes sung) live it, speak it, or sing it! 

Psalm 66: 16-20 "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me!" (NKJV)

Even the psalmist in the above passage couldn't stop telling of how God heard his prayers, and answered them. How much more should I?

Father, thank you for the way you share your heart. Thank you for speaking to me through songs that may not be normally thought of in that vein, but that you opened so much to me. Help me to share. Help me to live the testimony and to use words when needed. Help me to encourage, strengthen and comfort others in sharing your heart with them. Help me to speak in the language of Your heart that will speak to the one intended to hear the message. <3 Help me also to encourage others to sing their song. 

Do I Hide What Makes Me Special?

 Well, they said we were in for another storm. They said we'd have about 6" of snow. They said it would be strong wind and COLD. They were right about the wind, they were right about cold, but here our snow fall was less than they said. I do know places that do not normaly get snow did. So, I've been praying for those that have been without power or struggling to keep warm through this; so the Lord to help them through this.

However, during this time of being inside a bit more than normal due to the weather, I ended up seeing something that made me think, and it kind of got me a bit excited. I am going to do my best to describe a video I saw that started me down this trail. 

Picture a video that starts in the hallway of a fairly average looking home, and travels through it. The screen reads something to the effect of "The Christmas Gift that Kept Giving This Year." Then it shows a mother and her children moving around and then mom is taking sheet rock off, what looks like a knee wall and we see that it is actually the railing and spindles for a beautiful bannister for the stairs and the landing at the top of the steps. You see her removing a sheet of luan that has been covering antique solid wood doors that just need to be cleaned up and maybe a coat of paint, and you see her removing sheet rock from walls and exposing bead board underneath that is in beautiful condition other than being cleaned up. I watched it again, and shared it with my husband. He asked me "Who would cover up all that character?" I agree? Who would cover up all the parts that make it different and unique? Those add beauty and value to the home, as well as come character. But then this thought hit me. So very many people do just that. In living life we notice a piece of us that is very different. Something that we do that makes us stand out from others can sometimes make us feel weird, so we cover it up and/or bury it, so it isn't seen. It embarrasses us, or makes us uncomfortable, right?

How often have I tried harder to "fit in" than I was meant to? 

How often have I allowed what someone else thought of me, or how I act, cause me to shut that down?

How often have I thought less of me, because of what someone else said, or what I thought they thought about me?

How often have I allowed the wrong voice to shut down part of me that is meant to shine?

How do I see myself??

Sometimes those voices came from people that I honored as an authority in my life. Sometimes they were from "friends". Sometimes the thoughts are whispered into my ear as what someone else is "thinking" and it is simply a ploy of the enemy to shut down something in me that the Father created in me.

Psalm 139 speaks about how I was and your were created in every detail by the Great Creator, our Father that dreamed up every little detail about me. He knows every details about me, He sees me as beautiful! Psalm 139: 13-16- "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (NLT)

He made ALL the delicate parts. As a person that has worked with crafts, and decorated some cookies and cakes and even candies. Sometimes in the making and putting things together - the details can seems tiny, sometimes so small they are hard to see. I may even need to pull out a magnifying glass to see it well. But when God put me, and you, all together. All the cells, all the arteries and veins, the organs, the bones & cartiledge, not to mention how all the systems work together and how the neurons and everything fires. He knew the way you would think, He created your sense of humor, and how You would give and receive love. 

I know that keeping our perspective of things God focused is important, but it is also important to have a God focused view of myself makes a huge difference, too! If I listen to and believe the negative talk from the enemy in my ear, OR that he speaks through others that has all the potential to distract me and pull me away from the destiny and purpose God has for me. 

I ask myself occasionally if I am looking at myself and my life through the Father's eyes. Do I only measure myself by what I do, what I've learned, how I feel? 

I don't always see the depth and breadth of all that I am experiencing or feeling or seeing. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that we see through a glass darkly, or dimly (depending on the translation). Then Isaiah 55: 8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."(NKJV)

So, I ask for the mind of Christ, and for Him to share His thoughts about situations, and for His wisdom and leading to get through the circumstances that I can't see the way through. I ask Him what He sees when He looks at me. I ask Him to help me see through His eyes. 

In listening to the wrong voice, or hiding the parts of me that I see as something too different and I try to hide it. not only am I burying a "talent" but I could potentially be hiding a part of me that could make them more comfortable, or see that as a connection between us, giving an open door for a relationship or a way to encourage them. 

The servant that buried his talent, said that he knew the master, and told his version of how he saw the Master. So the master acted like the servant expected and took what He had given him, and sent him away. I don't want to take the talents that the Lord has planted inside of me, and bury them. I don't want to hide what He's given me. I saw a picture a few years ago during the holidays, and as I am talking about not hiding what He has put in me.  I took a quick snap shot of it, and my feeling has been since I saw this that we don't have just a season to sparkle, but that we should sparkle each day. (Yes, even the men!) We should sparkle with all He has put in us.

Lord, thank you for all the thought you put into creating me. Thank you for all you packed into me as you created me.  Help me not to hide it. Help me not to listen to the voices whispered in my ear, or what others may think, or even say to shut me down, or sow worry or fear. Remind me that what you put in me is there for a reason and  it can open doors to reach others, and be a wonderful chapter in my story of how You have worked in my life. Help me to sparkle for You, help me to use all the talents You have given me and use them to Your glory! =) Thank you, Lord! 

Do I Have A Poverty Mindset?

This post has been in process for a few weeks, but I felt it was still important to finish it and publish it. 

Our holiday season has been a bit different this year, as both my hubby and I were hit with a pretty severe cold that kept us home for a few days. Our outings were fewer, and some even postponed as we were home resting more than what may be our normal practice. However, we were still able to visit with family and friends once we were no longer contagious. It felt like a much more laid back season and I am so grateful for that.

It gave me time to watch a classic that I hadn't watched for a couple of years. I got to watch It's A Wonderful Life. I love this one, and have found myself thinking about it a few times since I watched it this season.  In the movie, it tells the highlights of the life of George Bailey's life. It shows his life had touched so many, even though he didn't feel like he had been successful, or made a difference at all. His dream had been to go to school and become an architect or builder and to travel to so many amazing places. However, due to many different circumstances, going to college and traveling abroad didn't happen. 

While I'm watching it, I saw a picture in the movie that I don't remember ever seeing before. It was a place in the office to honor George's father, Peter Bailey. Peter and his brother started the business and at this place in the movie, he has passed away. His picture was hung there, and a quote from him was under it that says this, "All that you can take with you is that which you have given away." - Peter Bailey (It's A Wonderful Life)

(Image from hyperpix.com)

In reading this quote I am reminded of Acts 20:35b, "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'." (NLT)

I know that this season (Christmas time) helps to emphasize that some, and I know the pressure to give more than you may be able to afford is a struggle for many. But I hope you can hear the basic heart of what I'm saying with this.

During the Christmas season, a large focus is on giving and receiving "things", but giving should not just happen during the holidays.  Some of our friends and family have decided to focus on experiences- they saved up and took a really nice trip all together. That was making memories all together. But each person needs to do what works for them.

This quote though definitely caused me to examine my heart and habits, "Do I give?" and in asking that, it also leads me to think about WHAT I can give. I think that often I automatically associate the word "give" with money. I see those standing at the intersections, and on the street corners with their signs asking for a job, for food, for money to help them. Some of the signs spell out they are a veteran, or they are homeless, and the list goes on. Then there is this voice in my head telling me that if I give them anything, they may just use it unwisely. (Like I'm always a wise spender. LOL) If I feel the nudge to give, I will, if I don't, I don't. I am responsible for doing what the Lord desires, not what they do with what they receive. I remember hearing a song years ago, and I can't seem to find it, but the beginning of it said sometime to the effect that all that I am and have was given to me by the Lord. The main theme that I seem to remember is all that I am, all that I can do, and all that I have is because of Him. His grace allowed me to be born, and kept me alive this long. He gives me each breath that I take, He keeps my heart beating, and my mind and body working. I need to steward and guard them well, but also know that it isn't because of me. It's all because of Him. Even if it money I earned, I couldn't have done it, if He didn't give me the strength and wisdom and knowledge to do what is needed to earn it. So, when He is asking me to give, obedience is the best way to go. He may not be asking you to give money, it may be the time to help someone with errands; or to sit with someone for a time. It may be to use a skill I have that they don't. There are many possibilities but giving is always a blessing not just to the receiver.

It is more blessed to give than receive- but we also have to be open to receive in order for others to be able to give, right? 

It goes back to giving still though, and the association with money that can be such a hurdle to so many, including me.

Money seems to be a sore subject. That feeling comes those that have felt to take a "vow of poverty" to those with a "poverty mindset". The vow of poverty, in my experience has often been related to those from the Catholic faith but it could be more. The "poverty mindset" is described by Kris Vallotton as "A poverty mindset can trap you into thinking there are limits on what you get to have. As a result, you can be jealous of anyone who receives something that you don’t have. This seeps into all aspects of life including work, friends, and positions within the church." (taken from https://www.krisvallotton.com/8-steps-walking-poverty-mindset) Many seem to feel that having money is because you are greedy. Many seem to think that money is filthy, it is bad, it is evil. I don't want to have this mindset.

This verse to verify the above sentiments. 

1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

They quote it saying that money is the root of all evil, but the verse says, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (NLT), "Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble" (MSG). 

I looked it up in quite a few translations, and most of them say it pretty much the same way. This made me think, what are my thoughts about money? What is my mindset? Money is simply a tool that can be used in many ways. I work to earn it, and I am occasionally given some as a gift. From there, I either deposit it into the checking or savings account, then it may be spent or invested. Some will hopefully be left for my children/grandchildren to inherit when I finish my time here on the earth; but having it allows me to do things that I would not be able to do without it. But if I love money, and that is all I want- that is when the problem with money enters the picture. As we serve Him, keep our eyes on Him, have our focus on Him, the "things" are simply things, or tools to be used for blessing others.

But, nothing I have, or have earned can be taken with me when I die, right? That is part of what Peter Bailey's quote speaks about, and these verses cover it, too. 

1 Timothy 6:7 "After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it."

Psalm 49:17 "For when they die, they take nothing with them. their wealth will not follow them into the grave."

Both of these speak to not being able to take anything with us into Glory, but this isn't just speaking about money. Like the quote from the movie, "All you can take with you is that which you have given away." 

You are born with gifts and talents, and your learn skills as you grow. These gifts, talents, and skills are all valuable, too. Giving is not just about financial aid. It is about making an impact, making a difference and helping. Love and compassion, kindness, mercy, hope, encouragement- these can also be shared and given away.

I remember our church hearing of someone that was in need of some groceries, so we'd have a "pounding". Each family would bring "a pound of this, and a pound of that" and all that each brought would go to the family in need. Reading stories, or listening to my grandmothers speak of times when the neighbors knew of a family that was ill, or facing difficult times, and everyone would chip in with prepared meals, or rides to appointments, or whatever they could do to make a difference and to show them they mattered. Some communities all chip in to help build buildings on their neighbor's property; some have groups that make blankets/quilts for the family that is expecting a new little one, some communities/groups that take turns making meals for a family facing illness/or a new baby in the home and mom can't be on her feet for a bit. 

Why does it feel so hard for me when I hear someone asking me to give? Why is it sometimes really easy and other times not? As mentioned above in Acts 20, I know it is more blessed to give than to receive.  I know that Jesus said in Luke 6: 38, "give, and you will receive. You gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (NLT). I believe sometimes it is that it is not a time for me to give to that reason/cause; and other times, it may be my attitude or mindset. It is then MY responsibility to get my spirit, and listen for what HE is saying and act on it. 

Lord, as I have been working on this post for about a month, and trying to make sure that it makes sense and flows with Your Word, I want to thank you for helping me with this one. Break off any poverty mindset that I may have. May my heart and my attitude be right when it comes to money and when someone asks for donations, or help. Help me to be willing to give as You lead, and to trust You in it all. Thank you for all you have given me, and created me to be. Help me to bring honor and glory to You as I walk this out in my life. 

(All photos found through Google.com)

Do I Inspire Others to Celebrate Christmas?

 I have been sensing a lot lately, but have been under the weather so following the thoughts, and the leading I have been sensing has been quite challenging of late. I have had to sit and rest and not do much of anything through this season, when I have known there was a LOT to do, to be ready for the family coming over. Then to make it more challenging, hubby has had to get through this mess, too. =( 

Today, I was watching a movie and the plot shows a young aunt trying her best to raise her niece and nephew. They are struggling to heal from the loss of the parents/sister & brother-in-law, and the grandfather sends funds and a friend to bring them to his home. He wants to meet them, mostly out of curiosity. The grandfather is so heart broken that he doesn't want to celebrate, no trees, no real fun, just be there and abide by the rules. The aunt takes the children to the village and they get a tree, convince the help to pull out the ornaments, and they start decorating, all while the kids are still bickering, and struggling with the hurting hearts. But the grandfather has a change of heart, and plans his Christmas Eve ball. 

But while I was watching it, I had this thought, asking myself if I inspire those that are hurting and broken to live and have hope again? Do I inspire others to celebrate Christmas? 

(Photo taken from Google)

In the movie, you could see the aunt was doing her best to keep the kids' hopes up, and to keep the family together, but she was struggling terribly. So, she stepped out, mostly from need, to accept the grandfather's invitation. But when she got there, she was not going to accept not celebrating. She knew that the kids needed it to help keep some normalcy, but also to bring the cheer and joy of the season into their life.

When I think of celebrating Christmas, what do I think of?

Family, Fellowship, Light, Joy, Giving, and Hope. These are some of the main things that come to mind.

I realize that family has its own dynamics, and sometimes it is not as easy to be together. "Family" isn't always those blood relatives. Sometimes it is the brothers from another mother, and sisters from another mister, that help us and do life with us. I am grateful for my family and I am grateful for the close and dear friends that I have in my life, too.  Jesus had his family. Mark 6: 3a says, "...He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us."  While he had the family, he also had his disciples (family, in a way). These were students, but I can imagine that while there was the teacher/student relationship, that there could also be a brother-like relationship, too. Mark 3: 35 says, "Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

(Photo taken from Google)

Fellowship- it means, "companionship, company, community of interest, activity, feeling or experience, a company of equals or friends." (Merriam Webster Dictionary online)

This makes me think of Psalm 133: 1, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Unity- so many people hear this word and get it confused with uniformity. Unity (according to Merriam Webster online) means, "the quality or state of not being multiple, oneness; identity element, a condition of harmony: accord".  Do I work well with those in my life towards the vision, towards the goal? 

A lot of the fellowship during this season is done at parties, and dinners, so it is done with food. Acts 2: 42, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (NASB1995) It is not good for us to be solitary for long periods of time. It is one thing to draw aside to seek the Lord, and to be home to keep from spreading germs/cooties. But we are made to interact with others, and to influence/impact them, too.

Light- I have always liked to have a lot of lights on my tree, in the windows, and this year I was able to add some to new places as I decorated. I love to sit in the room with only the Christmas lights on, and to enjoy the glow. Matthew 5: 14-16, "You are the light of the world- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let you good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father." (NLT)

The multicolored lights are fun, but my personal favorites are the warm glow clear lights. It puts off such. wonderful glow. It is a good example of what verse 16 says (in the NKJV), "Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." What good does putting lights on the tree, and on my house, if I don't plug them in and let them shine?? When I drive down  a road and see the Christmas decorations, and their lights are on, it brings a smile to my face. It warms my heart. 

That is what I want others to feel and to experience when they see me. I want His light to flow through me and from me to soften any hardness, to melt any coldness. Light is one of the things needed to bring healing to hurts, so if His light can shine through me to help heal hurts, and bring some joy and healing to others, I want to share that!

Joy- I think the most common verse about joy during this season is from Luke 2:10, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY which will be to ALL people." I remember in Sunday school singing a song with the basic message of joy being Jesus first, Yourself last and Others in-between. It seems that SO many now think it a bit backwards. While there are the memes and the posts that speak about "Kindness matters" and "Be Kind" and all of those are great reminders, I just need to remember that if I put Jesus first and seek His heart and direction, it will bring joy. Then the end of Nehemiah 8:10 says, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." In His presence is the fullness of joy, so staying in His presence keeps the joy. When I notice that I am grumpy, or glum, I need to check to see if I am centered on Him. I want to walk in joy and I want it to be contagious to those around me.

(Taken from Google)

Giving- Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all. God sent His son to be born in human form. He did this knowing that he would grow up and become the living sacrifice to show His love. Giving is a way to show your love. The joy it brings when you are able to get something that is either just what they need or something they want. I can imagine when I have had one of those moments when something happens that I know was answered prayer, or even just a Divine intervention/gift. He knows it is something that will make me happy, or provide a need that I have, and I know that it was done by my Father. I can only thank Him! I causes joy, love, and adoration to flow from me to Him. It is not about giving to get, Acts 20: 35b, "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'."  I love being able to find things that I know someone will enjoy. Getting it wrapped and then getting to see them open it. The joy that I see on their face, brings a blessing to me, too. 

(Taken from Google)

Then Hope. As you experience all the above, it brings hope. Hope in a good future. Hope that the Lord is working. Hope keeps you going. Hope the beginning of faith, right?? Hebrews 11: 1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NLT) I am reminded of the song O Holy Night. The first verse says, "O holy night, the starts are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Savior's birth, Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope a weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Hope helps you to see past the weariness to the glorious new morning. The line in bold print is what I thought of right after I thought of the word "Hope". The weary world rejoices with a thrill of hope! Hope lightens the mood. It thrills us. Thrill is a strong feeling of enjoyable excitement, The Hope that I should carry, should bring excitement to others, and lift the weariness off them.

Do I inspire others to celebrate Christmas? Do I carry His presence? Do I carry joy and hope? When others meet me, do they see Jesus in me?

Lord Jesus, as we are celebrating You as the best gift from the Father; I know there are people that are weary, depressed, and struggling. Help me to be sensitive to the whispers, the shoulder taps, and your leading so I can encourage others as You would have me to do. Help me to be a witness and to truly inspire others with Your presence, light, joy, and hope. Help me to be someone that encourages others each day. Thank you, Lord. 

Am I Being Clothed to Be What I am Meant to Be?

 Mantles/Mantels- 

What do you think of when you hear the word, "mantle"? I know there are spiritual mantles, and the Lord has been bringing that to my attention a LOT lately, but it started with a very different type of story. 

One thing I do, is I am a Realtor, in fact my husband and I are a team and work together. We love being able to help people during their home buying, or selling, journey. However, the last three weeks gave me a very new experience. My wonderful client mentions that she wanted to take the fireplace mantel with them to the new house. I spoke with them about the impact that would make on the room, since it was the focal point there. I also spoke about it being a fixture (literally attached to the wall). However, they really did remove the mantel from the wall to carry to their new house. My husband and I went searching the local antique shops and after searching through a few shops, we found the perfect one for the house. 

 

(New mantle with flame in the fireplace)

These pictures are the ones I took, once we had put the new one in the house and then once I had decorated it.  

In all of this process, we are still learning all of what the Lord wants us to learn from this experience. This post is my doing a little bit of digging and listening and processing. Maybe in the process, you can grab something, too. 

First- definition of the word.

Mantle means 

    "1. a loose, sleeveless cloak or cape

    2. something that covers, envelopes, or conceals

    3. the portion of the earth about 1,800 miles thick, between the crust and the core

    4. a role or position, or the activities and responsibilities that come with that role or position

    5. a single or paired outgrowth of the body wall that lines the inner surface of the shell in mollusks and brachiopods.

    6. a chemically prepared, incombustible network hood for a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc. that, when the jet or wick is lighted, becomes incandescent and gives off a brilliant light. 

    7. the back, scapular, and inner wing plumage of a bird, especially when of the same color and distinct from other plumage.

    8. a construction framing of a fireplace. (mantel)

    9. a continuous beam set on a ring of columns and supporting the upper brickwork of a blast furnace in such a way that the brickwork and bosh may be easily replaced."

(Definition from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/mantle)

So, the way the above story speaks about it, would be #8 in the definition. It is construction, framing. But in my home, it get different decor for each season. Right now, there are beautiful fall colored leaves, flowers and items placed in just the right place to highlight the mantle and display the accessories, too. And in about 10 days, I'll take those down, clean it and put up different items/accessories for the new season. In life there are different seasons and sometimes the time between seasons it is not abnormal to feel stripped bare. Each season requires different tools/strengths/accessories. In the winter, you use an actual screen, to keep the sparks from the fire where they belong. You keep the decor from being in the way of the fire. But during the warmer weather, you may use a piece of art to cover the actual fireplace. The mantle is dressed for the season, dressed for the time.

Mantles/mantels are mentioned in the Bible, too.

Many people desire the "mantle" of others. Usually, they want the mantle of a well known minister, or business person, but remember that God created each one of us with a plan and a purpose. 

Psalm 139: 15-16 "My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." (NKJV) 

In the Amplified Classic version it says that last part this way, "and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them." 

I know that is a bit different from "mantles", but in my life, I have seen others speak about and long for what others are doing, what others did, or even to be more like that person/minister. They work so hard for that life that they miss the life, or the calling that is not what was intended for them. In being totally transparent, I found myself being caught up in that mindset. When I was much younger, and much newer in the process of learning His heart for me, and for my life; not only did I desire to be more like others, I found myself not like myself a whole lot.

In the Bible you would hear of times when people would rend, or tear, their garment (or mantel) in repentance or mourning. Hannah would come to the temple every year at the Tabernacle. But the story I keep thinking about is Elijah & Elisha. 1 Kings 19: 19-21 is the passage where Elijah calls Elisha. Elisha is simply plowing in the field, and Elijah comes up to him throwing his cloak/mantel on him/across his shoulders. Elisha asks him if he can tell his parents good bye, but think about what I have done to you. (My own words.)

Elijah telling Elisha, reminds me of the new fireplace mantle story. We went through the process, and we want to pray for revelation and think on what He is doing, what He is saying in the process. 

The definition above also shows that a mantle is not only for a fireplace, it isn't just a cloak/jacket/robe. It is the activities and responsibilities that come with a position.

As a parent that meant, meal preparation, occasional referee or umpire, teacher, the ever familiar term "chief cook & bottle washer". Of course that doesn't mean it is just for the mother, but it is often the general job description of the parent, as well as provider, and helper. But when the children grow up some of those responsibilities change some. There may not be as much need to referee, teach, and probably won't be washing as many dishes. But there could be newer responsibilities that are needed. There may be a new job, a volunteer opportunity, or a ministry opportunity. That will require different tools, accessories, different schedule, different strengths and it may reveal weaknesses that He will flow through. 

2 Corinthians 12: 9 "Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power words best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (NLT)

My identity of who I am and what I am meant to be/do, all comes from the Lord's heart. How do I know the plans, responsibilities that I need? How do I know I am on the right path and living the way I am supposed to? I press into Him. I listen to His heart. I pay attention to His leading.

Elisha took note of what Elijah had done, he killed the oxen, burned the plow and fed the locals with the meat, then went on to his new chapter, following and serving Elijah to learn from him and from the Lord. In the journey, as they would stop in different places on the way different people from the school of the prophets would speak to Elisha and tell him that he shouldn't keep following Elijah because he was just going to die. 

Elisha heard what those voices were saying, but stayed true to what He knew He was supposed to do. He didn't let even the "prophets" voices, even Elijah's,  keep him from what the Father's voice was speaking to him. Elisha followed Elijah all the way to the Jordan river. Elisha asked Elijah, when prompted to ask for what he wanted) a double portion of his spirit. Elijah says that if Elisha sees him when he goes, he will receive his request. He did see him go, and picked up the mantle after it fell to the earth. 

(Taken from Google.com)

Each season, each day, each moment, there are times it may feel like things are being stripped, there are times it may feel like I am a bit off balance; but as I press into Him to hear His voice, and follow His leading, I can know that He is clothing us in the mantle I need for the season I am in currently, and even as I am in between the seasons, He will strengthen and show me what is needed to be ready for each season.

Lord, thank you for these lesson you are showing me daily. Thank you that you know what I am called to be, what I am called to do, and You know how to "dress me" for each season and to help me change for the coming seasons as they are coming up. Thank you for helping me to be all that You have called me to be! 

I praise You for your love and heart for me, and for preparing me to be ready for each season. <3 

Am I Living Surrendered, Giving My All?

The last few months, I haven't just read the passages for my devotions, I listen while reading, and often I find it helps me to absorb a bit more of the content.

A couple of days ago, the passage in Mark 12: 42-44 that speaks of the widow's offering. Here is the passage:

"Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." (NLT)

"She has given everything she had to live on"... that line hit me. In the NKJV it says, "But she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." Then the MSG says, "She gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford- she gave her all."

She gave her all...

(Photo taken from Pinterest)

I know that living for the Lord means that there will be changes. There will be things to let go of, there are things to lay down, and changes will come. Right?!

2 Corinthians 5: 17 "Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new." (TPT)  That line in the NIV says, "The old has gone, the new is here!"

But while the old is gone and the new is here, some changes are more gradual. The gradual changes can be slow enough that I don't fully realize all that is different. In the daily walk, and relationship with the Lord, I realize that some things are not as important as they once were, and it is worth letting go - or giving up- some things as I grow closer. 

The widow gave everything... her all. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says this, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully"." (NLT)

It was the widow's decision to give it all. 

In my life there have been times when I know there was something I needed to change. An action that I either needed to do, or stop doing; or something I needed to give up. Honestly, I am not always happy with change, sometimes. Some change is a bit easier than other change is to handle. Walking through the changes that He is leading me to are all for my good. I know this, because He is good. 

Reading the first passage, makes me think of the hymn "I Surrender All". 

"All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him I freely give, I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all! I surrender all! All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all!" written by Judson W. Van DeVinter (https://hymnary.org/text/all_to_jesus_i_surrender) 

(Photo found on Google.com

In thinking about the commentary about the widow, I have searched my heart, asking if I am holding back on something that I know I need to do, or to change... 

Have I surrendered all, like the widow, have I given everything?

When I think of the changes, the sacrifice is sometimes felt very deeply. It is akin to putting part of me on the altar. Yes, like the altars spoken of in the Old Testament stories... stones, wood, flesh/meat, and fire... 

Now for the "humor" of it... I was looking at some reels earlier this week, and came across a video of babies dancing to a song, and a line of the song caught my attention. Who doesn't love to watch babies dance, right? I know I do, it just brings a huge smile to my face. But when I heard the line in this song, it brought the story of the widow to my mind, and then I saw a bonfire, and more logs being thrown on it... 

What song was in the video, you ask?? I am so glad you did! =) 

Iko Iko  - by Justin Wellington. The part that caught my attention says this, "My bestie, and your bestie, sit down by di fire. My bestie say she wan' party, so can we make these flames go higher." 

When I heard that line I almost laughed as I saw the story of the widow giving it all, Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac, and then Elijah on Mt. Caramel. We have the picture there of the false prophets doing all they can do to get the attention of their god; all to no avail. When it was Elijah's turn, he built the altar, and then drenched the altar, wood, and sacrifice with water. Elijah prayed, and the Lord answered with fire that ate up all the sacrifice, the altar, and licked up all the water in the trench around the altar! 

(Photo from iStock.com)

What a picture!! 

As I surrender to the Lord, as I lay it on the altar, my God is a consuming fire!! He burns away what is no longer needed. 

Father,

As I walk through this life, and am growing in my walk with you, closer to you, help me to lay down and surrender all that is not good, or that is not needed in my life. Help me to remember what changes I am encouraged to make are for my good. Help me as I let it go to leave it on the altar, to be fully surrendered to you. Thank you for stirring up the fire, and burning away the dross in my heart and life. Thank you for helping me along each day to walk more closely to you. Help me to give everything, and to spend it all in my life with you!

Thank you!

Is My Faith Contagious?

I read this recently, and I keep thinking back to it, so I wanted to think it through some.  

"We’ve been told the mustard seed verse means “even a tiny bit of faith is enough.”
But that’s not what Jesus actually was saying.

He said faith AS a mustard seed. KJV

And in His day, the mustard seed wasn’t seen as something delicate or small. It was an invasive plant that took over entire fields, choked out every other plant, and was impossible to remove.

That’s the kind of faith He was describing the disciples needed to have in Matt 17:20
Unstoppable. Unshakable. Outrageous.
The kind of faith that spreads until it overtakes fear, doubt, lies, and every man made system 🔥 

This meaning changes everything at least for me!
 Faith isn’t fragile. It isn’t “just a little.”
It’s meant to be so rooted and forceful that it looks crazy to the world, yet nothing can stop it in the Kingdom.

Learning the real meaning of this verse after years of never understanding it really blew my mind

So now knowing this, the real question is, is your faith as strong and rooted as a mustard seed!?"

I've been guilty of quoting it as it is in different translations, but the KJV, NKJV,  & ESV all say it like it is written above. Some translations are word for word, and others tried to translate the thought process. 

I have thought of, and read this passage many years, and felt challenged that I need my faith to grow. Which is true, but I also felt that my faith must be microscopic, since a mustard seed is to tiny. Which made me think occasionally, that I hadn't used it enough that it would grow.  

One thing that is true, is that the tiny mustard seed grows into a large tree, or at least it did in the times that Jesus spoke of it.  

(Photo of Mustard Tree taken from https://lessonsfromthegoalpost.com/2020/10/21/mustard-seed-opportunities/)

So, the seed, and the growth process described above, got my thoughts going. I looked up some information to see what I could find. 

Some of the characteristics of mustard as it grows are as follows:

1- One of the smallest seeds that grows into a large shrub or tree.

2- Mustard seeds are known to grow in unfavorable conditions like poor soil and adverse weather.

3- It can grow large enough to be a shelter for birds, and even provide shade for people.

Romans 12: 3 says, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." - NKJV

I referred above to the underlined portion of this verse. God has dealt a measure of faith to each one. The word "measure" means a specific portion; and each one, means just what we think it does. 

I was given "a measure" of faith, that is the seed, it has the potential to grow large. It grows in unfavorable conditions. What can be related to the "poor soil and adverse weather conditions"? The difficult times, the trials, and attacks that I've been through, could be considered "adverse" conditions. 

These difficult times that I have been through make for wonderful growing conditions for my faith, even though they are not conditions that I would like to experience.

All problems can either take me deeper into His arms, knowing that He never changes. His character is that He is Good and He is Faithful. He is always with me!

Is my faith growing and it is contagious? I love the above description of mustard growth characteristics that got me thinking down this trail. 

"...mustard seed wasn’t seen as something delicate or small. It was an invasive plant that took over entire fields, choked out every other plant, and was impossible to remove."

It makes me think, self examination type of thinking. Is my faith invasive? Does it take over? Will it choke out the fears and the challenges to my faith? Is it impossible to remove?

How often do I let the difficulties I face take my eyes off the One that can help? How often to I let them distract me?? 

This week, I was told by someone that they had a dream and in it they saw me worshipping the Lord in dance, and it encouraged them to do the same thing. And then to add some humor to all of this, I woke up this morning to the song Locomotion, that was released in the early 70's. It is still a fun dance selection at parties and wedding receptions. =)  I can't say I've done the dance, but according to the lyrics, it's easy. LOL I felt like the key take away from waking up to this one, is it is a song that is recognizable. It is a song that a lot of people know the dance steps, and it's contagious! Not only contagious, people dancing it, encourage others to join in the dance! 

(Photo copied from https://share.google/images/Yly8Zf5MRKGyxUtpd)

So with my faith, and with my praise/worship- Am I contagious? Does my life of faith and worship cause others to want to join in?? I hope so!

Lord, I am humbled as I examine my heart and feel that I find myself lacking. Forgive me for the lack of faith and the times I have complained when I should have praised you. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You, making the challenges or difficulties bigger in my eyes than I should. 

I choose to worship. I choose to believe. I love You and thank you for who You are to me, in my life. Thank you for always being here. Thank you for Your faithfulness, and Your goodness to me. Thank you for your love and your grace! 

Help my faith and my worship to be contagious!

Thank you, Lord!

Amen