Tuesday, December 31, 2013

What do you "VOW" this Year?

 What do you “VOW” this Year?

My crossroads and a hard choice to move forward..
Promises, 
Promises,
 Promises..
To self, to others, to God…

So here before us is a New Year and the tradition of making those far reaching promises to improve ourselves is the talk on radio, blogs and cable shows. Do you listen? Do you care? Yes, you’re the one reading this blog. Or are you looking for the escape X to opt out of this conversation. 
Bare with me a moment,  I won’t keep you long!


Not long after, say January 15th your list of commitments to do better, be better has dismally been washed in your favorite jean pocket twice and soon looks like lint.

If you had a running list of what you said would be your New Years resolutions from 30 years old and up, would you be. “Oh so disappointed” or “Pleased as punch?”  Yep, take that frown off your face!  Why? Because God has created GRACE and man created the rear view mirror!
Don't get caught looking in two directions, reflect and move on

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...” Phil 3;13

The thing about God is that he doesn’t look back, he guides you forward. God created timing and the calendar of the New Year after all.  The start to all things fresh! Look, he invented fresh starts with his son Jesus Christ! A forgiven past is certainly refreshing. Look at Lot's wife and how she looked back and lost her life, or the Israelites looked back and saw a battle to big for them and lost their hope.

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend" Proverbs  22:11 NIV

So whatever your desire in your flesh will be tough to accomplish. But that which the Lord Jesus is calling you to do deep in your spirit be led by the Holy Spirit and washed in grace!

So don’t lose hope this New Years. Spend time sitting quietly and asking God what your focus should be... The talk shows have their own version but God’s is accurate. Trust him to lead you in going forward. After all, if you fail he has the grace that no man really can pour over you!

A reminder to me what my focus will be!
So for me, 
  I am committed to grace ! 
Be Grace, 
Serve Grace, 
Have Grace 
Repeat Grace when I fumble !
May the  grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with my dear friend in your spirit. 
Happy New Year,   Rebekah  

A compiled list of Resolutions for you if you are looking for one :) 

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/01/do-you-make-new-years-resolutions.ht



Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Fishing for the Peace

It could’ve been a clear or even an overcast day on the sandy shore. Several boats are moving up and down in the waves nearby at the harbor. You hear the husky voices of many men each with his own opinion on where to cast the net. One says cast it to to the aft, several says to the starboard. Frustration has mounted, feelings are frayed and ropes have tangled. The waters are murky and unclear and very dark.

On the shore a man stands in quiet strength as the morning dew gives way to a glimmer of growing light. He is unrecognized by those in the boat who are closest to him. The fisherman’s focus is on the water with attention drawn into the perplexed situation of no provision. Searching for a sign of fish. Any fish.

They never knew a dark night
always had the Son's light
on their face
Perfect in glory
Broken by the story
of untold grace...
come that day

This man who is strong physically and in spirit and who has the wisdom the men need for their situation is now lighting a small fire. Short distance separates the group from the man who is nearby. Frustration of the fisherman is countered by a man of peace. This single man is not alone as his spirit is full and he is at the helm. The group of men are depleted wrapped up in nets and boats and looking for their provision. They’re vision is shortsided. Little do they know as they are looking into the deep dark water around them how much they need that man. If only they would pull their eyes up away from what has them occupied. That which is draining and frustrating their spirit. 

Majesty had come down 
Glory had succumbed now 
to flesh and bone
In the arms of a manger
In the hands of strangers
that could not know
Just who they hold

If you were to close your eyes and think of this as a fantasy movie you could envision the dark cloud hovering over the boat. The net that is dropping from the sky as this unseen rope is entangling them. With no fish to be found and a night has been wasted with vacant holds, and the weight of empty pockets. If you were to take your supernatural vision to the shore you would see the light shining brightly with rays that glimmered gold like that of a fantasy movie. Maybe the angels are gathered whisking the darkness away with their wings. And the man on the shore knows where the fish are swimming, where the provision of Spirit is.

          But it is no movie. It is our reality.  It is Jesus.



To break the chains
Of guilt and sin
To find us here 
To pull us in 
So we can join in Heaven's song
And with one voice around the throne

In our hustle of doing the traditions. Buying gifts that are not for the one we are celebrating. Getting impatient with others as we drive and stand in lines. As we prepare for what? The purpose of Christmas and the Christ child gets buried under the nettings of the stress. Financial spending and overload. Family drama. Feeling alone and for some left alone and uninvited. Just to much to do or not enough!  Lost in the wrong flow of the season. It can all feell like heavy wrapping paper covering up the issues that we wish were different. Bright and shiny instead of dark. 

And all fell silent 
For the cry of an infant,
the voice of God
Was dividing history
For those with eyes to see,
the Son would shine
From earth that night

What do we need to reclaim the things of Christ? To be like Jesus who touched the lives of those in his path. Or in training to fish for men? To forgive those who are persecuted by their own sins in a world where everybody is a sinner. Many are moored in un-sailed rigs. The pier is comfortable. It bridges our own fears, anger, or justifications we have let sink in our mind and lives. Like a lure on a hook. It dangles until more weeds than fish are caught  As we let it flow we work really hard during these holidays not to go under. To put the smile on our face to those around us. Only the closest know the hook is full and weighty. 
            
All the Angels filled the sky
And I can't help but wonder why 
Why this King would choose to be
Be a baby born for me
Be a baby born 
Be a baby born to die

So how do we open the door to the cargo to unload the burdens? You know how! Stop! Spend a moment reflecting on the baby who was born to die! For you, me, and this sinful imperfect world. This perfect child, Our Savior! Ask Christ to fill your heart and take away the burdens and rest in His peace. He was born so he could die for all of this stuff. The man-made Christmas. Our dramas, opinions, spending and unloving spirits.. 

Join Christ, Be Christ, Live Christ, Love Christ!                          

Love and Merry CHRISTmas to you as you seek and catch His Peace!


*Born to Die 
Bebo Norman




Monday, November 11, 2013

Saying goodbye

Vivian Nadine Darlene Oman Gaiser
Saying goodbye again. Being grateful for my Mom. When you think you have grieved all that their is to grieve there always seems to be one more emotion that sneaks out of no where.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1,3

As the sun set, we quieted our conversations and had our last family prayer around the big kitchen island that my Mom called home. It has not been her home in 10 years since her death. This night we celebrated a Thanksgiving meal at my mom's, Nadine Vivian’s house. It was a final good-bye as my dad is moving on in life. This was the house he built on a promise to her after she battled cancer the first time. I spent the afternoon helping with the preparations of the meal. Greeting lifetime friends and family. Plain busyness. Not wanting to think about this chapter ending. I finally sat spanning the room. It was one of those moment where you want to take a forever picture but you know that moment will fade. 
Love of family and friends

I started looking around and made eye contact with my husband's kind eyes and I got weepy.  Reality finally came.  I let myself feel the inevitable emotions of that moment. I am great at turning off the valve when needed. My mom did that too. We think that makes us tough but actually it is not a good trait. It’s like playing dodge ball. Eventually your going to get hit and come unglued or unhealthy. Take your pick. When something is missing in your life it is part of the plot of your storyline.The missing familiar.

Gabriella Nadine at Nad's Casa
I think the kicker for me was when my oldest daughter came walking up the driveway with her niece the namesake of my mom. They had escaped the crowd for a moment of peace. Nichole and Gabriella Nadine had ventured to the neighbors porch across the street. The one with the rocking chair that was one my moms favorite resting places. One where she had a perfect view of her house and she could rest her tired body and reflect in her last days. Or it could have been the minutes with my younger daughter Nichelle, as we looked upon her Great grandmother Emma’s antique piece that was no longer ours. We reminded each other it is just stuff.  Good stuff. Good memories of good people long gone!


Patio in the Pines

I read this yesterday ... People want to live on one side of the line. But if you don’t feel sadness you cannot feel joy. So as I post these photos I need to say goodbye again. Tomorrow I will change the view and look for the new sunrise. 
Gaiser staples, pecan rolls and cranberry ice
Antique sideboard

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sold Out

Turning the Corner to Sold Out
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” I have gratitude in my heart that I am sold out! *
What are you sold out to?

Sold out boys to CU BUFFALOS
Today is another Bronco Sunday! This day I can go on Facebook or through a store and see blue and orange shirts. There is unstoppable enthusiasm for a team that everyone around me wants to win! Oh the fun and hooting and hollering that goes on in homes around Denver is at a all time pitch! Pride and excitement rules the scene! Their is value that brings family and friends together in these celebrations! There is no denying it!

I can make you a list much like yours of things that I have supported and been important to me. My marriage, family, football teams galore, products, and it goes on and on.  I like many have lived a life for the things of this world. Pride has stepped in countless times and made what I am sold out to more important that those around me. But now humility needs to turn me nearer to the truth of the cross.

As I finishing an amazing novel (*See Link) that has changed my perspective on life! The things of this earth grow strangely dim and I am more than ever sold out to those around me who need joy, love, care, and a Savior.  Every word, action, decision or path we take needs to have purpose and direction.. I know those in my sphere who can't stand what I am sold out to but thats the cool thing about being sold out to something that is life changing. It does not matter to me what they think but it does matter to my boss! 

My version of HEAVEN, Picture of this year, 5774
"SRO"

Standing room only! I want you to be standing next to me in that beautiful destination? Come be SOLD OUT!

Lord, I pray that I can live a life that makes sense for eternity. I ask that you direct me to make a impact to those around me I humbly pray that many have "eternity of YOU in their destination!"
*http://www.jackiemacgirvin.com/angels-of-humility
*Photo"5774" by Bill Mutz

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Intent

Don't get tangled!

If you know my heart then you know my intent. This Equals: If you know my intent then you can see my heart.

Intent: fixed on, determined, resolved, committed to.

 I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:18 (MSG)


After so many years of knowing somebody you can pretty much guess their motive. There are those that put themselves out there as servants, helping on a difficult day or in the midst of tough financial circumstances or someone who rearranges their time to pray with you when things are upside down. Then there are those who injure your heart over and over again because they themselves are hurting. Words or actions are used to tamper with your bruised heart.

*Put your best foot forward. Every journey starts with a single step.

We all have both sides to us. and would never think or believe we are harming someone. The thing about knowing people by their fruits is the intent. It is hard not to prejudge a person from years of behavior but within that God teaches us to forgive, forgive, forgive! He says 7 times 77 times. That's 539 times. Can someone hurt you that many times? Yes we can and we do! God says a thought or comment that is not edifying is hurtful. How many times in a situation does that happen where we want to act out and hurt someone who is intentionally hurting us?

Last year, God asked me to take my shoes off. Ok, "I said." And then he told me to stand in somebody else's shoes. Yes! In my mind God got the point across. He changed the angle of my view. What I saw was a guarded heart that could not take knowing new reality so their heart was set in a different direction. Upon removing those shoes I got in my prayer mode and prayed for a healing to their pain and an understanding of what they could handle. Even though we are called to not do certain behaviors we all fall in the mirey pit. Staying away from returning ill words is hard when your are hurt. The opposite action is a must!

As I entered the Christian walk I have tried my best to follow God’s intent and instructions for a happy life filled with love and mercy and forgiveness. Even though I fail at times, those around me should understand, I am choosing God’s principles to lead my life. Sometimes we sit on a different ledge and have a different view of understanding. That’s ok. I can only look at the shoes I have to fill and the healing my heart is set on. I have honorable intent!
So upon this Day I have gratitude of intent to love with all of my heart! Peace be yours!


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
~Song by LeAnne at GZI "Put your best foot forward."


Friday, November 8, 2013

Seasons

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, Coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Their are many variation of changes and seasons. Many people relish change but for some they are comfortable in the present season.  Adjusting to a new one for some, does not hold much excitement. Some people are lovers of fall and all their colors and some like the spring rain and blossoms. Some love the fresh snow of winter and some relish the hot days of summer. Others have great delight in the fresh change of the next holiday or celebration.


God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and        years,  Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was. Gen. 1:14

There are other things we get eager to change. We girls love to change our sandals to heels to boots and back again. Kids love to change into the next grade or video game level to show their maturityYoung women hunger for the ring that changes into a house and children. Men love to change their sports jerseys or teams in season. The older generation are not in such a rush and know that savoring of life season has so much value! next grade or video game level to show there maturity.                    Do we really like the season of change?
The lady bug enjoying the fall season!
For our family we have been in a odd change that feels like the hand of God moving and directing us into something new. With the ending of a old season we are stretched into a place that is different and uncomfortable. This has a certain excitement of new unknown possibilities. It’s is like we know that we know it will be good. But this has reflected the death of a certain time of life. The loss of familiar is like a death of sorts that has required grieving. But within that is new growth. So in this season of everlasting gratitude I am grateful for being stretched into a season of change and remolding. 

         What God is tearing down he will certainly rebuild stronger!

“What is normal at any given time? We change just as the seasons change, and each spring brings new growth. So nothing is ever quite the same.”  Sherwood Smith




Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thorns

Thorn in my side.. Grateful really?  Yes,Ever so grateful! Why I was asked? Because it makes me a better person. Tell me more, tell me more!

Everlasting Gratitude
So recently I had this thought and I wondered if I had been transported back in time to Ephesus sitting next to Paul comparing the size of our current thorns, (straight spike, prickle or curved barb). His was large, but mine was adequate for me. Hmmm? So what in a thorn would make you ever so grateful? Oh yes, my mind said, as I smiled! Why oh why, you crazy girl?!

2 Corinthians 12:7, There was given to me a thorn in my flesh… Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to take this away from him. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness. So therefore I will boast all the more gladly for my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me.” “That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak I am strong!”


We enjoyed this recipe so sharing it~Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers
A thorn is something that makes you have to look to the heavens and turn to our Lord. I have at times allowed that thorn to fester. But I learned early on, that a fester turns into a bitterroot and who needs bad health? So Paul’s thorn might be different than mine. But for me, I know when it is irritating me. The inflammation can be my actions or the actions of others. I have this place on my body that knows when there is something not right. The thorn in my side makes me go into prayer. In life and particularly mine, I understand without these challenges spoken by Paul I would not be the woman of faith formed by these test. As I contemplate the pain of Christ thorns I realize the pain I cause Him. Oh yes, this journey is long but without my weakness's how would Christ had formed me? So I have gratitude for the difficulties that have grown my life!

~JALAPEÑO CORNBREAD POPPERS! 
**Let's spice things up! 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Our lens

I love viewing Gods word as a photo lens...a willingness to see his picture, and to search for his light in troubled times. Not my sight but through his. Out of darkness comes God’s light. Without light the enemy prowls and causes chaos. I am blessed by the Light of God’s word.

“No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going.  Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.  Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky.  Keep your life well lit”  Luke 11:33-36  


Everyone has a different lens and how they view their world of life.  Many times it is not infocus or adjusted with the right view. Looking back at our past and the lens of many generations tells us if it is lovely and pure and aligned in Christ or in darkness. How we were raised and taught has so ingrained our path and daily living that often times we do not question if we are exposed in the light or darkness. I am finding the more I see the morality of the world I need to have the resource of God’s word. Without the influence of God and his teaching I can easily falter into the ways of the flesh and fall into darkness. I believe God wants us to test our light and question the validity of our thinking.             


We have learned to process trials through our auto focus using others life lessons of hurts as solutions not with the view of God’s perfect word. What if parts of our past needs a new lens or a flash. Are we willing to let go of the pride of our current thinking to switch structure of operation into that of our view of the heavenly Father?  If you changed the view finder you might see we have unhealthy layers of film that need to be peeled back. It reminds me of a photographer who take many photos and change their light and speed to find the perfect shot.

So I ask you, can you peel back the past and get a fresh exposure and hold it up next to Gods word to see what shines and what is in darkness? Give it a shot!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Gifts

 There are times you know that you know that God is trying to redirect your path and direction in life. Last year I stopped stuffing my talents and spiritual destiny because others were uncomfortable with what I might write or how that boldness might looks spiritually. For me it is stepping out into that which I delayed and am called to. Knowing that God loves me and has given me his gifts makes me smile.. I have grown great Gratitude for these gifts!

 Working on the vineyard piece
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 (ESV)Luke 11:35 (AMP)

“Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness.” Luke 11:35 (AMP) 

I remember my mom teaching me how to knit, sew and cook. Insisting I play the piano, ride and care for a horse, forcing me to do competive sports that I disliked but glad I learned. Some of these things I did better than others. But she believed in my art ability most of all. She drove me many places to learn from talented teachers. Somewhere along the way I lost the belief in myself. I gave up and believed the lie that I was inferior to others. Then I had periods of time that I would get the urge to try again. With my 4th pregnancy, I remember the day I was frustrated and repacked my watercolors thinking there was not enough time to do it all. Being available as a Mom was so important! So here I am 20 years later figuring out that I can do it! God saw fit to move me into a place i am not so comfortable (literally) and restructuring my time. He is lighting the fire under me along with my family. To my surprise my gifts extend in several directions and are being braided into a new format of sorts. So with new drive and knowing this is the time to grow, I am figuring it out.

Gifts are given and it is our responsibility to hold, mold and grow those. Everybody has them! What are yours? Don't wait!! What are you going to do to flourish what God has given you?

Monday, November 4, 2013

Future Generation

Next generation with so much abundant hope!
The next generation and their influence, our children and their children, my nephews and nieces who are hearing the call, who are making a difference to impact where they are in the world around them. Blessed to watch the next generation!

~ As I watch this generation before me with all of their knowledge and the desire to be different then their parents and those around them. I am filled with abundant hope. They are learning what healthy is in the sense of how we should operate with in a different realm of how my generation was raised. Their baseline is stronger, their eyes more open, their faith more substantial, and the desire to call things as they are. Not with grey tones but with black and white. I am thankful for what my children have learned from my struggles and the desire to improve for their children in the area of morality inspires me to walk stronger. I am jealous in all the right ways and if only I could go back and do things differently I would. But then I would not be who I am! So blessed by the next generations unfolding as they answer the call on their life!

Destiny before Him! 


“The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life. "Proverbs 14:9 (MSG)

 “I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice,”  Proverbs 8:20 (AMP)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Unseen

 My heart is expanding for the desire to pray for influence in the nature of goodness where I sit in my state, my community, my family, my home. Discipline in prayer for the hidden unseen battles through prayer. 
Peering into to what is not easily seen!



I would never in my younger years think that discipline was a great thing. Now I see its hidden rewards! Blessed to have God’s eyes for the unseen.





“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Everlasting Gratitude - Day 2, 2013 Hunger and Thirst

Day Two 
-Gratitude that I have hunger and thirst for more of the things that feed my soul.
As I go to into church tonight, and hear the beating of the drums, the voices singing in unity, feeling of the Holy spirit speaking quietly: it all takes me to a place of peace in a world of turmoil.


“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matt 5:6


Friday, November 1, 2013

Everlasting Gratitude - 2013


In this year 2013 I am hearing the call to be Thankful for where I am !  The more we have gratitude, the more we are in the place of joy. The desire to measure that which I am thankful for is increased by my heart expanding and the decreasing of self. Can that be possible?

Day One-  
The readiness to share my gifts with those who daily influence my world with their touch. A Blessed exchange from one to another. From the top of my day with my Lord speaking prayers of protection over each family member and beyond, 
to the time I snuggle up in bed with my husband and faithful furry friend I am blessed! 

Please feel free to share your joys, thoughts of gratitude or heart expansion in this month of thankfulness

Apple Recipe
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Squares/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=125909424&prop26=WhatsCooking&prop27=2013-10-31&prop28=Photos&prop29=Link_3&me=1

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Arrows in my heart


The group of women sat before a beautiful alabaster box my husband had made out of a exotic wood. I sat there quietly envisioning a different time when Mary’s original box perhaps kept the vial of expensive perfumed used to anoint Jesus's feet as I scribbled my prayer onto the paper and put it in the box never to be seen again.
Betrayal, envy, jealousy, strife, and add some backstabbing, gossip, lies and underhandedness. Sounds like one of those new fall television series doesn’t it? 

Steamboat Springs, CO
I have thought back on many incidents and such thing that had accumulated over time leaving me wounded.  I have had many arrows of betrayal by those I loved or said they loved me. Close friends, strangers, family and even a boss or two. Then I recalled when a person who I did not even know prayed for my heart one afternoon. 

She said, “God is dropping a plumb line with healing balm down over your punctured heart.”  I tried to get my head around Abba’s true love as I pictured arrows dropping on the floor.

It was a fall day much like today when I felt the point of the arrow in my heart. The story is like a prism, many facets of God and his created people, gut wrenching sorrow, violation of trust, a ripping away of relationships. For those who share their bleeding hearts through status posts, much like myself, I want you to know this happens to everyone. It is one of the enemy’s tools to bleed hearts and to destroy intimacy. 

          He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds. PS 147:3c
Rebekah's symbolic sketch
heart, arrow and angel wing
Psalms 91
It happened n the midst of this Bible series on my favorite book Esther with some well known anointed women. An intimate close group.  Ones who promised to be open and  proudly said each of us present were there for a reason. Women with whom I had witnessed a miracle healing the previous week, that occurred through Jesus Christ name. We again turned on the video and listened to a blonde woman who poured out her greatest fears. The voice spoke about Queen Esther's fears as well. The story unfolds with plans revealed that would annihilate her relatives, her people by a bully. Much like some of the pretend characters in the recent TV shows. Arrows were being sharpened by the enemy in the true story of Esther and in my world.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

As I crossed the grass to my car, my feet walked across the fall leaves. I heard crunching and saw leaves flying down from the trees and doing their fall swirl. It was a pleasant warm day with a slight presence of a Fall chill. You could feel the season in motion and I felt happy, excited for new growth and to be included into this group. 




“God doesn’t allow pain unless He’s allowing something new to be born.”   Ann Voskamp
Through a series of events betrayal was being set up around me even though I had not spoken a word or been in the presence of these people. I now picture a lion pacing back and forth. “ ...be alert. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1Peter 5:8  My enemy was loading his arrow into the bow.

The caller said she and the others had sought the Lord and had given it much prayer about the circumstances that had unfolded that week. They told me I was not welcome to return to the Bible study group because of some events with someone close to me. The arrow labeled “unwanted” was in midair.
                                             You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day

It knocked me to the floor How could these Godly women hurt me, exclude me and dismiss me? They said they heard from God. They were so off. Jesus loves all. Isn’t this what being a Christian is all about? Ministering by example to those who are next to us as sisters in Christ, excluding not one soul? 
I had one of those dark night and dark days. I curled up in the bed and could not function because of the heavy weight on me, the arrow in my heart from those I trusted. My eyes leaked rivers of tears! Have you ever experienced this?
My husband put me in the car that night and drove me to our church to visit, “The Healing Rooms.” I laid at the foot of the altar and openly wept with a seeping wound.  People walked around me, stared at me, stopped and laid a hand on me, understood or not. I did not care. I was in a dark place. Again God intervened. The woman playing the music stopped the singing. She prayed for a hurting person who was experiencing betrayal from God’s own people that night. Oh yes, the pain was real not imagined, not in my head. Abba Father showed someone the truth again and she spoke it out loud to all that were present. Confirmation of the love of the living God on an inconsolable woman.
The sting of the arrow head
As I was called back into the prayer room the man escorting me said. “You know Jesus experienced  betrayal also.” Oh my, how true! I felt the instant recognition of the pain that the Father had felt as his son hurt from the betrayal of those closest to him. 
Jesus’s feet had been anointed with perfume before he was betrayed, brought out of an alabaster box that carried the cries and needs of women just like me. The difference was it was Judas being used by the enemy to get Jesus to the cross. Just as the enemy used Christian women to hurt me. The cross he went to was the one I needed so much then, in that place. As for me, the enemy roaring, the archer with the poison arrow, was trying to get me to feel exactly like I pictured myself.  Worthless, devalued, unimportant. 
The cross that Jesus walked to was the one that I reached for that night- to touch the healing power of the blood that he bled for me. 
As I think on the arrow that is flying though these TV shows, I cry for the one’s who see this betrayal and have no hope of a Redeemer. No hope of healing, No understanding of the need to forgive in order to shut the door from the past. No hope to overcome the hurt as their wounds bleed from their hearts on each sofa, by those whom they trusted. 
Oh, come to the feet of Yeshua. Reach out and smell the fragrance of the perfume of the living Savior. Let him touch your heart wounds and heal them.
Resources in regards to this blog: 
  Check out The Healing Rooms in CO:   http://www.healingroomsrock.org    Nationwide:  http://www.elijahlist.com/healing_rooms/                                                                                          
   Prayers that Bring Change by Kimberly Daniels, Prayer: Breaking the Spirit of Betrayal
  Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. Bible Study  by Beth Moore

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Walking the Tight Rope


So as you walk the tight rope of life, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27

Dear Holy Spirit, There is so much in this world that divides the body of believers. Help what truth is yours be spoken to those who seek you. May this word come forth without offense or bitterness. Help us have grace and your mercy for each other. Let your spirit shine into our hearts as we seek your plan and destiny for each of us, as we love those into the kingdom. Amen

I was sitting with my sweet granddaughter as her mother asked her how her day went at school. She then asked her if she did yoga in her class. I said, “Not again..”
Years ago when my children attended the same elementary school, the kids came home and told me they had yoga in PE and meditation in music class. I took action! Yes, this momma did!  So over the years as my children left home I was thinking I was on easy street as I had fought that battle and won. I pretty much started to wince right there at the kids table as I looked at my precious grandchildren.  Awe, the next generation.... 

When this happened the first time, I had just finished reading several books* about new age, the history and what to watch out for that could slip under the door. Being a mom who was on guard, I always pictured that kind of green crawling smoke that went down the streets of Egypt in the movie,”The 10 Commandments” on that Passover night. You know, the story with the plagues and the snakes and God saying, “thou shall have no other gods before me.” Yep, I was on the look out for those things that slip in on us. Those things that I had innocently done. Those things the world agrees and adjusts to, and God has put a sticker on your heart, the kind that has a circle and a slash through it.

So I talked a little to my granddaughter about how tough it is to be a Christian and to walk a narrow path that is not so popular. The title of this blog popped in my head. The tight rope! Yes, walking a tight rope is tricky! Balancing, losing friends over your life lessons that have become your calling, learning not to be judgmental, but not losing the message, walking with grace, following God’s instruction, standing firm as you get criticism. All with love.  Yep, doing the right thing can be a lonely awkward tight walk.

My, oh my! I was not popular then and I won’t be now. 

So that next day back in 1989, after my kids told me the news, I went to the library and looked up yoga, the roots, the beliefs, of this form of religion/exercise. Today I thought, “who really stops their car and googles yoga exercise or its foundation on the way to the gym?“  No, we just sit in and do it!  What floored me then was this was a religion that was founded on eastern ideals and beliefs. I learned that each pose was a form of worship.*See notes I was struck that you cannot have a Bible in the library at this grade school but this eastern religion was allowed to slip under the door as a disguised form of exercise. 

In the midst of this I have heard people say, “Oh, it’s ok. I don’t focus on their god, I focus on Jesus.”  Well, if Jesus was sitting next to you what would you say?  It’s a Christian Ouija board, or a Christian 8 ball. “Oh, I like you Jesus but I like my yoga.” “This is just exercise Jesus, it is not about you.” Well, everything is about Jesus in some form! Show me something that is not? His Dad created the earth! His Dad saw the first free will of rebellion form in his fallen angel who has a plan to deter us. Now Jesus watches us compromise vs. standing firm as instructed.

The other thing that tightens my rope is people saying, “It helps my back!”  Really?  Great! But how about your spirit? Well, guess what spirit the Eastern religion has attached to that exercise -The Kundalini spirit. In Sakit, India it is the serpent power.  A visual of “coiled up.”  The original serpent was found in Eden speaking deception to Eve. 2 Corinthians 11:14, “And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

Well, I believe in stretching and being limber, but just do it without the yoga class! Stretch away. And while you’re at it, keep your eyes on the prize at the other end of the rope and you won’t fall off the tight rope!
Jesus has you...for he says, “you are the temple of the living God.”

Research, Supporting Verses and Books
CHRISTIAN YOGA: AN OXYMORON? (Short Exert)
 The Yoga most practiced by Christians is Hatha Yoga. The poses themselves are often depictions of Hindu deities, and the hand positions mimic the hand positions seen on the statues of Hindu gods. These hand positions are called mudras and are thought to help manipulate and channel prana, a supposed divine force or breath of the universe. 
The purpose of Hatha Yoga is not physical and it is not to relax; it is part of a complex spiritual path to prepare the student for more advanced meditative states and also to lead the practitioner to the realization that the true self is divine (the Atman). The goal is to dis-identify with the body and self as one's real identity in order to reach a state of Self-realization; that is, to realize the divine nature of Self.
*Unmasking the New Age by Douglas Groothuis
*Confronting the New Age by Douglas Groothuis
Dvd "Dangerous Meditations"
KUNDALINI ENERGY Yoga’s Power, Influence, and Occult Phenomena in the Church
‘’n those days Israel had no king; and everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 17:6  This implies that Israel departed from the covenant standards of conduct in the law, to do what ever they pleased. 

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”  Genesis 3:4-5
“.Dear Children do not let anyone lead you astray..the reason the Son of God appears to us is to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:7-8