Un-Stuck

Today I am joining in and sharing my un-word for 2104.

Un-stuck:

Caught or held in a position so that you cannot move. 

There were lots of words I could have chosen, but I think stuck adequately describes what I have felt, and where I have been this past year. 

I simply allowed circumstances to get me to a place where I felt paralyzed.

For one who is all to familiar with depression, I know all of the right things to do. I know that God is sovereign. I know He is in control, but we live in a fallen world. People make bad choices, and people do bad things.

This year is the year that I want to trust HIM more and not allow myself to be controlled by my circumstances. His word tells us that  trials and unpleasant circumstances will come, but they also have a purpose for our good.

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [c]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [d]endurance. 4 And let [e]endurance have its perfect [f]result, so that you may be [g]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

Hope you will join me this year being Un-Stuck.

Thinking

Being reminded of this today:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life, and have it to the full."           

John 10:10 NIV

New

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW THINGS

31 Days of Getting It Done: Day2 Priorities

"Everyday I have a choice to make: God's priorities or mine?"

"Without a deeper exploration of God's priorities for you, you'll just juggle your existing commitments and end up even more frustrated."
                                                      From Glynnis Whitwer's book
                                             I Used to Be SO Organized

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world,  and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:28
31 Days of Getting It Done Day 1

Through The Fire

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
then my frustration gets so out of hand
It's then I am reminded that I've never been forsaken
and I've never had to stand one test alone
As I look at all the victories the Spirit rises up in me
and it's through the fire my weakness is made strong

(Chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
and the hill would not be hard to climb
he never offered our victories without fighting
but He said help would always come in time
So just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
and the adversary says give in
just hold on, our Lord will show up
and he will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
but if I trust the hand of God , He'll shield the flames again
(Repeat Chorus)

One of my very favorite songs I wanted to share with you today.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."  James 1:2-3

What tomorrow holds, and where is your hope?

That's just the thing, we don't know what tomorrow holds. I have been vividly reminded of this truth this

week.

-Sunday we visited a friend, whose wife didn't wake up from surgery. What was supposed to be a 3 day hospital stay after surgery, has turned into 7 months, with set backs and small bits of improvement. Where is his hope?

He is very clear, his hope is in the Lord.

-My daughter and sweet Judah visited unexpectedly Sunday evening. Her UC has flared up again with infection. She needed some help and Mom encouragement. She has battled with this for 10 years. Where is my hope for her?

It is in the Lord, our sustainer and Great Physician.



-I found out my Dad has been diagnosed with something called myodisplasia , a blood disease causing chronic anemia.

Our hope is still in the Lord.

-Wednesday morning my Sunday school teacher's husband was attacked and shot during an armed robbery attempt at the bank he manages. He received a head injury, shoulder injury  and gun shot wounds in each leg. Thankfully these injuries were not life threatening and he is recovering. The suspect has not been caught. Where is their hope?

It is in the Lord, the God of all comfort and peace.

Today I am grateful for my Lord and Saviour. Everything I face will be sifted through His loving hands. He is the one I can trust." He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God."

Have you been reminded of God's truths this week?

I'd love to hear how.

Have a blessed weekend.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains:

From where shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who has made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip

He who keeps you will not slumber."

Psalm 121:1-3

RADICAL

I've just finished reading this.

This was not just another "christian " book, with information that we have heard before. Actually we have heard this before, in the Bible.

 Here is an excerpt from the book:

"The reality is, we need community in order to follow Christ radically. I am convinced that one reason may of us have not taken radical steps in our giving, for example, may not be so much because we love our possessions as it is because we fear isolation.

If the radical, simple living we see Jesus talking about were more common in the church, it would be much easier for us to live simply as well.

But we look around, and everyone else has nice cars, nice homes, and lifestyles characterized by luxuries, so we accept that this must be the norm for Christians.

We may get convicted about our way of living when we look at the Bible, but when we look at one another, we assume it must be okay because everyone else lives this way." pgs. 205-206 Radical

This statement rung true for me. Radical lays out challenges that may not be comfortable. It will challenge you to think differently from what we have accepted as norms among the christian community. In short, it will challenge you, to  live a lifestyle for the glory of God, radical living by today's christian standards.

I was interested to learn more about David Platt, and how the Brook Hills Church was living this out. For more go here. For more on Radical the experiment go here.

Have you read it? if so, what are your thoughts?

Have a blessed weekend.

After The Rain

O LORD, our Lord,How majestic is Your name in all the earth,Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! Psalm 8:1-3

Thoughts for Thursday

Give God Your Worries

"Who is among you that fears the Lord, let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God"

Isaiah 50:10

Let's get six words clearly fixed in our minds. These six words form the foundation of God's therapeautic process for all worry warts.

WORRY ABOUT NOTHING

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

What qualifies as a worry? Anything that drains your tank of joy-something you cannot change, something you are not responsible for, something you are unable to control, something(or someone) that frightens and torments you, agitates you, keeps you awake when you should be asleep.  All of that now needs to be switched from your worry list to your prayer list. Give each worry-one by one-to God...Tell Him you will no longer keep your anxiety to yourself...The more you practice giving your mental burdens to the Lord, the more exciting it gest to see how God will handle the thing that are impossible for you to do anything about.

I found this on a friends desk this week, while filling in for her at work. I do not know the author, but  What a reminder to "cast our cares upon Him"

Jackie

Yesterday

was sunshine.

Today

is

RAIN.

 I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine yesterday, with no hint of rain in sight, and today I woke up to gray skies with rain on the horizon. Isn't that a lot like life? One day we are enjoying the sunshine of pleasant circumstances with no hints of rain in sight, and before we know it the rain is upon us. For those who know the Lord, we know that his grace is sufficient in these times of rain. The key is, drawing close before the rain comes. Are you drawing closer today?

 Jackie

24"Therefore (V)everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24-25

Looking forward......

This trip is coming up in April. I will actually be attending the  live conference at FBC Woodstock.

Will any of you ladies be attending? 

 I think that it sold out like super fast! I was on a waiting list and blessed, that a spot that opened up.

A wonderful friend called me this evening to invite me to this coming up in May.

It will be held at Southern Evangelical Seminary near

Charlotte, NC.

If you are interested there is a limited number of seats.

You can go here to read more details about the conference and the sessions that will be offered.

I have been busy subbing, and hope to have a few more exciting things to share over this way soon. Have a blessed week! Jackie

South Georgia SNOW?

Yes, it does snow in south Georgia!

Across our fence this morning.

I went for a drive and took in the beauty of it all.

     While I was driving I thought, how amazing it is that a little snow could change my perspective. An empty field blanketed with snow became a thing of beauty. What a gift from God to have this day, being able to see beauty in the common things.

     I also was reminded of the song "Whiter Than Snow". It was like a record playing over and over in my mind, and it was as if God said, "That is what I have done for you!" Something as unlovely as me, became beautiful in His sight because of the blood that Jesus shed for me. What an awesome thing to be reminded of today!

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Blessings,

Jackie

God's Eyes

     I had a wonderful weekend away in Augusta, visiting my sweet boy. Already missing him after just a few days, and filling one of his Christmas requests was the reason for my visit. Mostly the first reason, but taking care of his Christmas request was a very good Excuse!  One of the gifts that he wanted for Christmas was curtains for all of the windows in his townhouse (which isnt' very many). He asked for absolutely nothing else but this one thing. Not just any curtains however, curtains MADE by his Mama! He said it would seem more homey with them. Being an artist he just isn't quite into ready made, manufactured anything. So my task was to find the material at a bargain price. Bargain might not be quite an accurate description, for almost nothing would really be more what I am meaning. God provided!I have all of the fabric ready to sew for 45.00! I am making 2 pr. of floor length curtains, and 3 valances. Sort of mistreatment style, however there will be sewing involved(I just have to sew).
     I am sure you are already thinking what in the world does this have to do with God's eyes. Here it is. When I got all of my things together for church Sunday morning, I couldn't remember if I had gotten my makeup. When I realized I might have forgotten it (around 11:00 p.m) I told Blaine that I hoped I had not forgotten my makeup because I surely could not go to Sunday morning church without it. Of course he thought that was absurd, but not me. Fortunately I only forgot half of it. Eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and brow pencil. I was not crazy about half of a made up face. This morning more than usual,  I had a more intense longing to hear from God, and just worship him, so I knew it would really be no big deal. I went and you know what? nobody noticed! No one came up and said" You know you forgot your eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner, and eyebrow pencil" Not a single person! Isn't it funny just the smallest things that Satan will try to use to get our focus from where it should be!
     Please forgive the rambling here! It was refreshing worship. Different from our church here, but exactly what I needed for today. The worship songs were just that for me, WORSHIP. As I was driving home, and thinking back on how easily I could have been silly and stayed home, and I do mean SILLY! God brought theses words,HIS words to mind.

"for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I Samuel 16:7b

 I think God is has more than once this year spoken to me about FOCUS. My focus needs to be on HIM.

He is not at all interested in my makeup, whether my house is the most stylish, my clothes, etc. He is interested in my heart. Hope you have a blessed week. Striving to stay focused.

Jackie

Last Tuesday I traveled with a group from our church to Atlanta/Woodstock, where we participated in "Love Loud". This project concluded the Georgia Baptist Convention here in GA. It rained non-stop from the time we left, until the time we returned home around midnight, yet approximately 950 volunteers still showed up to work together and complete many projects around the Atlanta area.

Our team traveled to the Nelson Price Treatment center. Since our fence painting was out of the question, we painted two offices on the inside of the building. Above is our team. We divided up into groups.

Here is our group in the office that we painted. Part of the group painted another  office, and a couple of others did some small repairs.

We had a great time serving others. I am learning when serving others my attitude improves. I am no longer focusing on myself and my needs/wants, which is something I need to practice more often.

Looking for ways to "Light it Up" in our communities will impact others in a way that words cannot. I truly believe this is how the Lord intends for us to function as the Body of Christ.

How will you be "Lighting it Up" this week?

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Colossians 3:17

Watch This!!

This is the new fall Bible study that I will be participating in for the next seven weeks. I hope you will take a minute to listen to this small excerpt from our Bible study series. We will have the opportunity to hear from these three wonderful women of God, in the coming weeks. Have a blessed week. Jackie

Blah Bogger

These days I am feeling a little like a Blah Blogger! Not much creativity going on around here, lots of cleaning, and more than just the surface that needs to be done. It doesn't feel like fall quite yet, but even so, summer is over, school has started back, which means subbing has started back for me.

I need to get out some fall decor, throw away some of my summer plants since they are looking pretty pitiful! We have these lovely worms that build nests in our trees, and they seem to be eating up everything!

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration to get us going. Fall is my favorite time of the year!!!!!! I am sure I have told you that at least a dozen times or more. What are you planning to do, to change things up for the Fall season? Let me hear from you. Inspire all of us with some of your fall decor or just great ideas! Have a wonderful weekend. Hope to be back with lots of inspiration next week.

Jackie

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"

Ecclesiastes 3: 1

Words for Wednesday

Have a blessed day! Jackie

I Can't

• I can't solve our world's economic crisis.
• I can't solve our world's spiritual crisis.
• I can't make our world's leaders make right choices.
• I can't nominate the right person for the Supreme Court.
• I can't make people understand the value of a human life.
• I can't stop wars.
• I can't erase famine and poverty.
• I can't turn a world that seems upside down, right side up.

Here's what I can do.

• I can stand for righteousness.
• I can humble myself before God.
• I can ask for forgiveness.
• I can ask that God will be merciful to His children.
• I can call on the Sovereign Lord of the universe to change what I can't.

....and YOU can too! I just finished reading a letter from our Pastor with a reminder to wake up, pray for God's forgiveness, and pray for a generation that is growing up not knowing who God is, what it means to be a Christian, and understanding that there is only ONE way, and that is through Jesus Christ. Focus on the Family has also issued a request that we not have just a National Day of Prayer, but a National Year of Prayer. I believe God is challenging me to pray daily for our nation and the place we find ourselves today. Will you join me? I will try to post a reminder every week, to keep myself accountable to do this daily.

"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:13-14

Please notice this is not talking to those that do not know the Lord, but those that belong to HIM. It is my prayer that you will be willing to join me daily. I know this has been a little heavy, but God calls us to obedience, and for me, this time obedience means sharing what He has put on my heart. Have a blessed weekend. Jackie

Life

WhAt to dO wHeN LIFE DiSSaPpOinTS..................................

Look to the ONE who will Never Dissappoint!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him , and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." Psalm 28:7

Word for Wednesday

I am trying to be a little more consistent with my posts, and also share more of what God is showing me, or often times reminding me of. For instance, what I shared on Monday was not at all what I sat down at the computer to write. Today I am sharing an attribute of God that I am so thankful for. In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that I serve a God who never changes. He is constant, regardless of the circumstances. In a changing world, what an awesome anchor to have!

"For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O Sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

Malachi 3:6

Ponder this, and have a blessed day. Jackie