(A quiet lake in Southern Idaho that jeremy and I visited recently)
But obedience has brought with it greater understanding and light in dark corners.
I wanted to take a moment today to share with you some of the specifics, finishing with one that a dear woman of God shared with me only today.
One of the first revelations came as the Lord asked me to begin memorizing Scripture. I began by looking at small portions, either from the bible study I was working on or perhaps the reading I was engaged in that week. But then, the Lord asked me to do something a bit more intensive. I'd heard of the concept before, and decided that it was too difficult for me to accomplish. (Hmmm, wonder where that idea came from???? Any ideas?)
The Lord asked me to memorize a book of the bible! In particular, 1 Peter. And so, because he's also been teaching me to obey, right away, I began. I don't think I can express to you the joy and peace that has come to me through this exercise. Not only so, but did you know that repeating a scripture until it's burned deeply into your heart is a form of bible study like NO OTHER!?
I've found that when I struggle with a particular portion, it is ALWAYS because the Lord wants me to seek Him for the meaning of that bit. In 1 John 2: 27-28, it tells us that the Spirit WILL teach us! ' As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.' And so I ask my Lord what those portions mean and He begins to open my mind and heart to understand through the Spirit's teaching.
The Lord has also asked me to step out of some of the things I was doing to make room so that I can do what He wants me to do. He's asking me to do the things that bring Him glory. They are often quieter than the things I was doing before. But the joy I've had in watching Him change the lives of people around me is without compare.
He's asked me to spend more time just getting to know Him. This particular bit I've been a little reluctant to do. But He is faithful, and today, through a friend, confirmed my need for obedience in this area. Thank you Jesus, I will follow.
So the last thing I want to share????? My friend shared this with me today. You empower what you focus on. If you focus on failure, hurts, bad habits, etc, that is what you are giving power to in your life. This is why Our Lord tells us to think on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)
So.....what are you empowering in your life today?
Hi Ursula, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeletehttp://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Wow, I have a lot to say after seeing this blog. For starters, you are an amazing photographer and you are so creative. I absolutely love your photos and the creativity you put in to your scrap art. That isn't even the beginning of what I want to say, though. I don't really know how to say this or even what to say but, I know I have to say something. It is still shocking to me that I came across your page. It is about 8:03 pm now and I have been looking at your blog since about 3:00 and I can tell you that it is no coincidence that I came across your page. I know this might sound out of this world, but it's true. See, a couple of years ago, I was befriended by your son and daughter, Maddie and Hunter. Maddie and I became best friends and we had so much in common. We loved to talk about the music we were interested in and other different things we liked to do. Then, at the same time Hunter and I became close also. I have a lot of great memories from the both of them. Having Maddie and Hunter in my life was such a blessing. They understood me and I felt like I could trust them both. I looked forward to starting my day because I knew I would be able to talk to them. Then, when Hunter told me that we could no longer be together, my world came crashing down. I had never thought that it would be possible for something like that to happen. I thought that there was no way we could broken apart. But, there was. And it did happen. Ever since we said goodbye, I knew that what we had was way too special to just let go. It didn't seem right to forget about something that was so unforgettable. I tried to move on, but I just couldn't. I believe that it if you want something enough, you will do whatever it takes to get it. And if you really want it, you will get it. With that being said, I couldn't just let either of these people walk out of my life and be okay with it. Hunter is more than just someone to me. I love him more than I have ever loved anyone before. And Madison is one of the best friends I have ever had and I want to be there for her all the time. Both of them are very special to me and I can't risk losing them again. You have no idea the impact they have had on me and how they have changed my outlook on this life. I don't if you will even read this, but I am hoping that when you do, you will understand how I feel. I am not sure where they are now, but I hope both Hunter and Maddie are doing well, and I just want them to know that I love them both just the way I did before we said goodbye.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Jazlyn R.