Filed under: Faith
[Parent and child are about to cross a street;
Parent grabs child's hand;
Child pulls away with rebellion for he/she feels that they don't need help;
"No! I don't wanna! I can do it!" says the child]
Having this image in our minds…it isn’t exactly rocket science to figure out what the solution to a situation like this is. I believe that the only response is that the parent would still take the child’s hand regardless. Securing and guiding, so that the street is crossed as safely as possible. Now, think for a minute what were to happen if the parent let the child run free…it’s a thought that would only make one apprehensive.
As I was reading my devotional tonight/this morning…amongst the text written in a size 10 font…the significance of this statement felt like it was in a font size of 72.
“The root problem with independence is trusting ourselves more than trusting God.”
We live in a world where we are just geared to be independent; learning to do things on our own, for ourselves, by ourselves…The problem with human nature is that we have a tendency to feel that we are in control. Constantly trying to “take the bull by the horns,” so to speak. Always trying to handle things on our own because we feel that no one will help, or in fear that someone won’t “fall through.” It’s this “I can do it on my own” kind of attitude that resonates in our flesh. From the minute we gain that independence as a toddler; no longer wanting to hold Mommy or Daddy’s hand…
Truth is, we can’t do it on our own. Being independent can certainly be a great thing…but getting deep down to the core- all that we do and all that we are capable of does not stem from our individual ability…all of our help comes from God. I have been through many situations in which I tried to control things…I’ve said many times “No! I don’t wanna! I can do it!” But as a result of me trying to do things myself, without any remembrance of the source of my help, or very little of…I always wound up stressed, and I often felt disappointed for things didn’t exactly go the way that I wanted them to…and that right there- is problematic. It was me first, and after everything got messy- then did I turn to God.
But that’s opposite.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you what path to take.” [Proverbs 3:5-6]
It was when I released my grasp into His sovereign control did I really learn. Fully entrusting anything and everything to God provides me with nothing but peace and fills me with so much joy. When I seek Him first and then take my steps, I am not only given a sense of direction, but I feel completely safe. So even though at many times there’s this tendency to try to put things into my own hands…I always try to remember to put them into His first.
I know that if I hold my Heavenly Father’s hand, I will be kept in perfect peace. So instead of saying “No! I don’t wanna! I can do it on my own!” I say “Yes! I want to hold your hand! I can’t do anything without You!”
Whenever I cross a street, He is always with me.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” [Matthew 6:33]
My soul is on a radiant fire. Sometimes it’s much too much to comprehend, but it is a feeling that really isn’t all that hard to fathom. For you are in every which way a valid reason for the elevation of my being within. Sometimes I feel like she is detached from my flesh; rising higher into the sky, and the only thing keeping my exterior planted on the ground is gravity. However, like I said once before…gravity ain’t got nothing on me.
Everything that is you, is beyond the configured, dreamed, imagined, non-existent form of a man that I have ever stormed up in my vibrant coloured mind…and as creative as I can get with mixing brights, shades, tones, and pastels…I would have never thought up- you. All that I have ever wanted, beautifully exceeded a figment of intertwined heart beats and hopeful brain neurons. You are like the invention of a new colour; and you make my ongoing master piece shine as if it were under positive, electric love spot lights. I don’t believe that there is even such a thing…but what I do know is that since you came in to my blessed brightly coloured world- the pigments became more intense and I step into a place that feels like red velvet cheesecake, peach yogurt, vanilla ice cream, avocado shakes, Starbucks lattes, Extra gum in Maui Melon, warm blankets, aloe vera drinks, Life-Savers gummies, heated car seats…I could go on forever…and though all of those things are tangible, I am in a place where they have now become feelings. With you, I explore horizons that I thought only existed in sparkly fairy tales…but this, is reality. Your heart of gold, your beautiful character, your down-to-earth demeanor, your humbleness, your spiritual light, your sweetness, your genuiness, your kindness, your craziness, your smile, your voice, your hugs, your kisses…it is all REAL. You are REAL. We are for real. Now, I could use the word lucky…and I often feel that way sometimes…but you my love, are a beautiful blessing. I know that He sent you to me; for there is no other explanation for this realistic dream to be placed in my life. My gratitude goes beyond limitless turquoise waters; glistening under warm sunlight.
I was once flying skies with alizarin sunsets feeling free and elated…but since our Creator placed you beside me on the canvas that we were so delicately stroked onto- I fly skies with orange moons, shooting stars, and sheets of deep indigo, waiting patiently for glorious royal sunrises. The terms free and elated fall short from the feeling you provide; it’s something more than butterflies- it’s as heavenly as the starry skies. And as indescribable as this realistic dream is, I will continue to reach for heights of my aspirations. Praying that we will maintain ascension, growing- through Him; the heart and soul that is our reason for existence.
My love for you is as deep as the tones of jewels on the crown of a king. You, are my handsome king…and as your queen- I will stand by your side; in which I pray will be…
Forever.
Sincere fervent love,
The voice of my heart
I am a fortunate woman.
I am rich.
And my wealth is one that I’d like to share.
You see, my wealth is one beyond money;
I wouldn’t want there to be any confusion.
If you took my wallet, the only appealing thing would be the pictures inside, and maybe a shiny dollar;
But if you’re looking for some riches, it would be clear that my wealth is beyond things material.
You see, when I say that I am rich,
I am speaking about my heart.
I am part of a royal family,
And the Lord is my Heavenly Father;
The King,
And I am His daughter.
I live a life that is indeed blessed by His grace.
I wake up to sweet air,
I live in a secure home,
I get out of a warm bed,
I drink crystal clear water,
I eat a meal that nourishes my body,
I have a loving family,
I have an amazing man by my side,
I have wonderful friends,
I have an education,
I have a job,
I…have a life.
I am a fortunate woman,
Who is blessed by the riches of God’s unfailing love.
We sometimes take for granted all that we have…
But instead we should be thankful.
Incredibly grateful.
And that- I am.
For my heart is wealthy.
It is golden.
It is soft.
It is open-
To Him.
I am a fortunate woman.
And my Heavenly King provides me with the effervescent riches of the heart…
His instructions were placed on my heart.
And I will boast in His divine grace.
You see, my rich is a different kind of rich.
But, it’s the best kind.
Living life on earth, people are often overtaken by the other meaning…
But this is temporary.
Our real treasures are the ones that we store within our hearts,
Not within our closets,
Our wallets,
Our homes…
Those things don’t matter…
I am certainly a fortunate woman.
And the beauty of my wealth is radiant within my faith;
My trust in Him-
The one that provides me with life;
The sweet air,
The secure home,
The warm bed,
The crystal clear water,
The meal that nourishes me,
My loving family,
My amazing man,
My wonderful friends,
My education,
My job,
My…life.
The earthly kind of rich is one that is not appealing…
But it is that of the heart which is the most desirable.
Take a look at what surrounds you.
For it is He who has provided.
He is the one that gets you through the day.
He is the one that makes that shiny dollar last you however long it takes.
For He is the reason why we live.
I am a very fortunate woman,
I am assured of His faithfulness,
And I share my wealth…
With you.
From an outsider’s perspective you’d assume that I was falling,
But I find it hard to believe when I feel as if I’m being lifted;
Rising-
Into the warm embrace of God’s love
And the warmth that I feel when he’s on my mind.
So different.
So refreshing.
Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.
Whatever the Lord has in store,
Is what I look forward to.
My patience flows in the peace that I am provided with;
Through His intent.
Thus, I feel nothing but content.
Though our feelings were revealed and so wonderfully mutual;
We understand the sensitive situation.
Therefore we take our steps slowly,
And on God we rely.
I’m addicted to the light that takes me higher;
Gravity ain’t got nothing on me.
It is so easy to head towards the route of frustration, distress, and hopelessness when you encounter a situation that doesn’t necessarily put your desires in favour; and as easy as that route is to take- I simply refuse.
I have always encouraged and continuously engage in the act of humility…no matter what the circumstance. It is a cruciality. Though I am human, and my nature is almost inevitable…I am constantly striving to be a Godly woman. For I know that whatever happens is within God’s will, and I therefore do not lean on my own understanding …but on God’s.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
[Proverbs 3: 5-6]
I have learned, and am still learning to leave situations involving my emotions into God’s hands- for I cannot deal with these things alone. I can only be guided; given direction to what is truly meant to be…what God has planned for me; thus the feeling I am provided with is one of peace and gratitude.
I pray to be content with whatever the Lord has in store for me…and whatever it is…I know that it is nothing but amazing.
“…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
[Philippians 4:11-13]
The Lord is my love.
I have been struck by His faithfulness.
For Him, I will shine like a bright light.
No matter how dark it gets.
Filed under: Faith
“I don’t want a little thing to keep me from being everything that God’s created me to be.”
[Joel Osteen]
- Whatever you do, get better at it
- Develop a habit of making things grow
- Keep your attitude positive, remain versatile, and strive to always improve
____________________________________________________________________
Learn. Grow. Fly. High.
I have been reminded of the person who I was….the self that I had lost when I had come face to face with fear. Letting my doubts, my worries, my way….consume me, and losing sight of the individual that was once so easygoing, relaxed, and confident.
This is a blog that I had posted almost 2 years ago… (I’ve “bolded” the things that presently stand out to me….my “reminders”)
I HAVE A PLAN
[Monday, September 17, 2007; 12:20pm]
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
I don’t like to over-analyze…I like to let things flow….I’ve learned that you shouldn’t worry so much about certain things in life, and instead, you need to learn to enjoy it…
Some people have these clear-cut goals set out for them- for example, knowing what they want to be from the age of 5, and growing up to be just that…..But it doesn’t work out that way for everyone….Not everybody knows what they want- whether it be a specific career or what they feel like wearing that day- indecisiveness comes across everybody some time. I used to be the pickiest person in the world…but growing up, I’ve learned to just appreciate what I had…and to be happy- because whatever it was would be a blessing in itself…Ok, the point of this whole thing is to put across the point that everybody’s got a plan….Even if it seems like the plans that we have for ourselves seem to disperse in different directions…it’s alright, because God’s got something bigger and better for us…We need to stop spending our lives worrying about what we wish we had, what we wish we didn’t have, and we need to start focusing on what we already have in our lives.
…We need to stop overlooking every little detail….because sometimes, the “overlooking” makes us lose sight of what’s right in front of us. We need to stop worrying about tomorrow…“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” [Matthew 6:34] We need to appreciate what we have…and when things don’t seem to go right..when things don’t seem to go as we had “planned”…we know that we can count on God to help us…especially when we feel like we can’t help ourselves….
Life’s crazy…but the best thing we can do is live….“
___________________________________________________________
Reading this blog had opened my eyes to so much…
How much I have been missing out on because I’ve spent so much time worrying. But now looking back, and being reminded of the person that I was…the one that simply liked to let things flow, enjoy the scenery, appreciate what she had presently; with no fear, worry, or doubt of what was to come in the future, because she was confident…in herself, but especially her faith…
I have been reminded…and I want to be her again…
One day at a time.
No worries.
No doubts.
No fears.
I’m here.
Right here.
In the present.
PRESENTLY.
Mind & body.
Heart & soul.
I’m here.
No.
More.
Fear.
I rest easy.
My core values:
1. My faith in God
2. My loving family
3. My ability to maintain humble
As I think intensely about my true desires over the course of the past few days….I keep my core values in mind. They are everything to me and are entirely what I am about. With every decision that I make in life there is not one time when one of these values do not cross my mind. They are attached to my heart and mind strings and will forever be a part of my being.
My faith in God is what keeps me going day by day. He gives me reason as to why I’m here…and belief that I don’t need to worry about anything. I have complete trust in my faith. I have learned that no matter what I encounter in life, it is all in the will of God. Whether good or bad, we are meant to go through these situations in order to learn very valid lessons…whether we acknowledge it then or later. Everyday struggles and blessings are all a part of growing. They help us to develop strength of character. With my faith I have only learned, and I yearn to constantly grow. I want to be a better person everyday. I want to learn from my mistakes. I want to remain positive…
My family reminds me everyday how great it is to feel loved and to be cared for. They remind me to stay true to myself. I don’t know what I’d do without them…I don’t believe that I’d be as compassionate as I am if it weren’t for them teaching me, and nourishing me to be someone who should strive for happiness. Growing up surrounded by so much love, I don’t believe in living life any other way…living life with relationships that only exude loving care and nourishment. They remind me to stay positive and to pursue my dreams…
My ability to maintain humble lies within my faith. In everything that I do, it is my ultimate goal to keep an attitude that reflects the light which reminds me to stay positive. I do my best to be sincere and to remain selfless. Optimism isn’t just a word for me…it’s how I see life…
These past few days haven’t been the easiest for me…they’ve been quite difficult. I am faced with making a decision that isn’t so black and white. It’s a decision that requires the inclusion of my core values, and it’s a decision that would also require the core values of another individual….The dilemma here now, is that, I’m not too sure that our values are at all similar…or even on the same level. And I think that, that is the biggest problem in this decision…
I only want to do what’s right…and when love is involved…things get complicated.
What do you do when you love a person so much….but, you aren’t certain that they will support and respect your values? What do you do when you love a person so much…but, you aren’t certain that they entirely understand you? What do you do when you love a person so much….but, they don’t realize how much you really do?
But….what do you do when you love a person so much that you just can’t let them go?
I find myself facing harder and harder decisions each day…
But the one thing that doesn’t change is how I feel, and how much I love this person…
As I continue to think about this decision of mine,
I stand at a crossroads.
Without suffering, there’d be no compassion.
Without compassion, there’d be no happiness.
I strongly believe that happiness is one of the most important things to achieve in life.
I believe that true happiness comes from within. We must first learn to love ourselves, but most importantly- we must first learn to love.
