lenses

During my quiet time this morning, I was asking the Lord to help me find my center...find my balance again. My time with Him has been hit-and-miss since the holidays and I just felt off-kilter. I was judging myself for not spending enough time with Him. It's amazing how quickly He answers our prayers sometimes.

"Child, keep the eyes of of your heart turned toward heaven. Look for Me - My signature - on all who are around you. Look for Me in laughter - look for Me in darkness and thunder and rain. I am surrounding you, enveloping you. Ask Me for the eyes to see. This is not a hard thing for Me to do for you. It is My desire that you see as I see so you can judge righteously. Focus your spiritual eyes on the love I hold within My heart. Every decision you make must be made through the filter of love, for only through the lens of love can you truly judge righteously."

Oh, goodness...I needed that reminder. He impressed upon my heart that I won't be able to see myself correctly unless I'm looking through the lens of love. It reminded me of the story of the prodigal son. He had completely destroyed his life. He broke just about every commandment that could possibly be broken. And when he finally hit bottom, his heart reached out for his home, and the father he'd left behind. He rehearsed over and over again on that long road back home the words of repentance he'd say to his father. But while he was still just a speck on the horizon, the father saw him. Calling behind him for his servants to bring a robe, ring, and sandals, the father RAN to meet his son. He ordered them to prepare a feast!

Love runs. Love covers. Love CELEBRATES!

I'm sure it blew his mind how much love the father was lavishing on him. It just didn't make sense. But the father saw him through eyes of love. The father saw him as being resurrected from the dead. And this is how God sees us as well.

We all wear glasses. Some are placed there during childhood, and some are placed there by religion. Some are there due to hurt and trauma. But none of them will enable us to see ourselves or others clearly unless we're looking through the lens of love. God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), and the clarity to see as He sees is a vital part of what He's provided for his kids.

Put on love. Place it on the eyes of your heart so you can see as He sees. Begin to see yourself through the Eyes of Love.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

a guilty conscience

"Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people's bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins." 

Hebrews 9:13-14 NLT

Ever have your conscience "prick" you? That niggling in the back of your mind that those words that left your mouth might not have been the right thing to say? Perhaps you indulged in a bit of gossip thinly veiled as a prayer request. Maybe passed judgment on a stranger. Spoke ill of your spouse. Criticized a loved one. Like the song we used to sing as children...

"Ashes, ashes, we ALL FALL down!"

We all fall down. We all make bad choices from time to time. We miss the mark. (God calls it sin.) And we are taught from the time we are children to listen to our "conscience", for it will keep us out of trouble. Right? Well, sometimes.

Because of the Fall, my default setting for my conscience was "guilty". But because I am a new creature in Christ and follow Him, my default setting is now set to "holy". Now I can have a face-to-face relationship with the Father. Because of Christ's perfect sacrifice, my sin doesn't separate me from Him any longer. The price for my freedom has been completely paid. I am wholly and dearly loved by the Father, and I am free to become the dream that He has had on His heart since the foundation of this world! But my mind needs to be renewed to the truth of these things.

I've come to understand that my conscience can be defective. If it sides with the truth found in God's word, then, yes - it's a good thing to listen to. But if it decides to side with lies concerning my identity in Christ or anything contrary to scripture, then no. And I refuse to give it the time of day. 1 John 4:1 says:

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Jesus came to cleanse us and deliver us from a guilty conscience - a heart that is totally focused on sin. It's okay to question the messages we are hearing in our hearts. We are commanded to guard our hearts diligently (Proverbs 4:23). Our life flows from this very place, and it must be protected at all cost. It is the blood of Jesus that purifies my conscience. Why? So I can worship Him in spirit and in truth. So I can worship the living God. If I hear a voice that dissuades me from that one magnificent purpose, chances are I'm listening to the wrong voice. I heard a pastor say one time,

"I can't afford to have a single thought in my head that God doesn't have in His." ~Bill Johnson

Now THAT is truth you can hang your heart on.

Have a guilty conscience? Take it to the Lord. He alone can see clearly to cleanse you and purify you and set you back on your feet once more. Ask Him for His perspective. He delights to see His kids free! Don't let it keep you from receiving His free gift of grace in your time of need.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us 

in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

signs of life

Creativity. Music. Color. Change. 

All these things bring my heart life, even in the midst of winter's shadow.

balance

I found it ironic that today's assignment for Picture Winter was to find something that exemplified balance. Balance is something that I have fought to achieve for so many years. Actually, I believe most people struggle with this issue. We have a multitude of things pulling for our attention on a daily basis...a lot of really good things. That's what makes our daily decisions so difficult sometimes. It's not a choice between good and bad, but a choice between good and best. What's the best use of my time? What are the best relationships to nurture? If my goal as a Christian is to love God and love people, how do I do that practically? What does that look like? Who comes first?

As a believer, I know that God must come first. He tells me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). And oh, how I need to find Him! He's the only one that can give me clear direction for my life. But many days it's a struggle just to get to that place. If we only had a pause button to push when the world starts spinning out of control!

Every generation has faced challenges in their devotion to God, and ours is no exception. We are virtually connected to our world in a multitude of ways. Television, cell phones, texting, blogging, email, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc., claim hour upon hour of our time. Time stealers. None of these things are inherently bad, and I'd be the first one to say I've enjoyed many of them. But after awhile, they numb you to hearing God's voice. Sometimes it's good to just take a break and disengage from technology. To reset your internal clock. To just breathe and "be" a human be-ing instead of a human do-ing. To invest more time in people instead of things, to turn our heart towards God and just listen. He has amazing things to speak to our hearts if we'd just be still, and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

One of the best ways I've found to bring balance into my life is to enter into a time of fasting. My church is joining others all across the world in a 21 day fast. For the next 21 days we are choosing to set aside those things that have drawn our hearts away from God and reconnect to each other. We're putting first things first. We're believing for miracles. We're praying audacious prayers. Some of us are fasting various types of food, and some are fasting technology. Many of us are combining the two. We're not fasting to get God's attention...we're fasting to get the world's grip off our hearts. It's not a time of mourning over what we're giving up, but a hopeful expectation of hearing God's voice, and getting His direction for the year. It's a time to increase our faith. Faith comes from hearing the rhema (revealed) word of God..not from having heard (Romans 10:17). It is an active listening for His voice. I'm looking forward to this time of renewal, and can't wait to see what God says to my heart in the coming days.

Here's to a New Year that is balanced and full of blessings in every way!

knit together

 

"I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself." Colossians 2:2 NLT

I've been rejoicing in my heart lately over all the talk from various ministries concerning the unity and building up of the Body of Christ. It seems everywhere I turn people are beginning to really focus on what it means to nurture, protect, and encourage community and well-being in the Body. What a breath of fresh air! And what will strengthen us? The scripture above tells us we'll be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. It all goes back to the most important command: Love God, love ourselves, love others (Matthew 22:37-39). We must choose to celebrate the Christ in each other, and cultivate a culture of honor and respect. If we say we love God, and yet hate our brothers and sisters, is the truth really in us? Now flip it around. If we love each other well, and support, encourage and embrace each other...how can God not show up in our midst? I heard a pastor say yesterday,

"If you need a visit from Jesus, start celebrating the people around you, and start glorifying God in them." Eric Johnson

It's simply profound isn't it? Love God. Love yourself. Love people. Be knit together!

rest

"Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go."  1 Corinthians 16:6

***

One of the things I love about winter is the peacefulness of it. My body automatically wants to slow down...snuggle in...stay warm. I crave a steamy mug of hot apple cider, a warm blanket, and a good, long book. 

As I went outside today to take pictures, I went with the assignment to find "quiet beauty and rest". I found these Black-eyed Susan seed pods just off my back porch. To look at them you'd never know that just a few months ago they were vibrant yellow flowers. But there's a dignity in their form now, and the promise of new growth in the Spring.

They're at rest.

It gives me hope that during the winter seasons of my own life there's more going on than what appears on the surface. That even when things seem dead and lifeless, there is still hope. It is good to go through these resting seasons. New adventures are just around the corner!

cracked pots

I have this planter next to my kitchen sink. It recently developed a crack in the side, so each time I water the plant, it just pours right out. It's a great reminder of my own imperfections and "cracks". If I don't ensure that the soil stays moist in the pot, the plant will dry out and die. If I don't take the time to nurture my heart, my dreams will die.  Life pulls on us, and even breaks us at times. We leak. Good thing God's mercy is new every morning! And when I am still before Him, not only does He fill me with everything I need to face the demands of the day, but He often repairs the cracks all together. 

And sometimes, He uses the cracks for His own glory. Sometimes He creates them Himself so what's inside will refresh the needs of others.

"Then God made a crack in the hollow rock in Lehi and water came out of it; and after drinking, (Samson's) spirit came back to him and he was strong again..." Judges 15:19

Be a blessing today...

mirror, mirror

Women have a love-hate relationship with their mirrors. At least this one does. Nevertheless, most of us would readily admit to checking ourselves before walking out the door.

Today I was to find an everyday object to celebrate...something that I use daily. I was going to attempt taking a good picture of my journal, pen and bible, but that seemed too obvious. And I never could get the right angle to save my life. But as I was getting dressed this morning the mirror quickly drew my attention. How often had I used it to do my makeup, check my hair, and pluck those unruly eyebrows? How many times had I frowned at the newest wrinkle? Made stupid faces that would make my kids howl with laughter? Made sure my double chin wasn't sprouting a triplet? *sigh*

Thank God who I am on the outside is not who I am on the inside. For God has called me "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). What's another wrinkle when my Creator has called me His special treasure?

I think I'll go practice more silly faces. Somewhere I heard that laughter does good like medicine. ;0)

rain, rain, go away...

It's been a very cold and rainy week. My assignment for Day 4 was to go and find some sunshine, or some representation of something that even remotely reminded me of warmer days. I can't remember a colder winter in the South than what we've had this year. We've had snow twice here in Charleston in 2010. Ridiculous, I tell you! Fortunately for me I had the foresight to purchase a new wool coat. Bought it on a whim when it was still 80 degrees outside. I'm so grateful I listened to my gut this time!

And if the sun is not shining where you are...well, get a little creative. ;0)

Here's hoping your week is sunny and bright!

promise & possibility

Today's assignment from Picture Winter...

"Be on the lookout today for something that speaks of promise or possibility - something hopeful, touching, soul stirring. Something that reminds you that anything is possible and we have everything to hope for."

Everything to hope for... 

I couldn't think of a better subject matter than my brushes. I've painted since I was a child. It truly is my creative first-love. With my brushes I can create anything my heart can conjure. I'm limited only by my imagination (and my pocketbook!), and I can choose whatever colors I may fancy at the moment to create mood, drama, or a sense of order. Perhaps chaos. Truly, the possibilities are endless.

There's a sense of complete awe and wonder for me as I look upon a pure white canvas. And a part of me in that moment knows a little of what God must have felt before His very first creation. He was about to place a little bit of His own heart upon the canvas of our world. And perhaps He held His breath for a moment too.

winter gloom

I woke up not feeling well again today. But I showered and dressed and went to church anyway. It's such a privilege to serve on the prayer wall and take others to the throne of God in intercession. But I realized I needed prayer first, so I sought out a good friend and received the grace I needed to finish out the morning. (How many times do we just try to "muscle through" our day without asking for much-needed prayer???) I just felt like I was moving in slow-mo, and desperately wanted to take a looooonnnnngggg winters nap. My jammies were calling my name.

I tried taking pics this morning, but it was a bust. I hadn't even had my first cup of tea, so my mind was still fuzzy. I decided I'd try again later.

I slept for three hours this afternoon. And I do feel better! I heard a pastor say once that the most spiritual thing you could do sometimes is just take a nap. I heartily agree!

I was able to take more pics this afternoon. And this was the one I chose for the 365 Project. It makes me want to break out in poetic song. How about a little winter haiku? :0)

Coffee and tea on

a winter day; tea for you,

the other for me

Charles de Lint

happy NEW year!

Bacon, blueberries and my best friend
Rushing to dress, blow my nose (again)
Hugs, more hugs,...just one more hug from Nathan

Drive

Welcome!
Hugs, smiles, scintillating smells
Feasting
Kids frolicking, chicken dancing, bells ringing
Talking (last night drinking, college-picking, marriages pending...)
Goodbyes
Hugs

Drive
...and drive
...and drive some more

FATZ Cafe!
Rest
Laugh

Drive

Home!
Unpack

Happy New Year Everyone!

new beginnings

I love a fresh start. A clean sheet of paper. A new year.

This year has been wonderful on many fronts, and I have MUCH to be thankful for. And this Christmas season has brought its many blessings, and expensive gifts. I can't remember a Christmas where I've been blessed so much materially.

• two pairs of Sanita clogs that i adore
• one fabulous Nook
• a Vera wallet to match my handbag (thanks kids!!!)
• and a Nikon D70!

The Nikon is actually a wonderful hand-me-down from my friend Beth. I'm sitting at her Mac as I type this post, in Belton, SC. With 56 minutes left in 2010, I'm beginning to feel a bit nostaligic. And I'm fighting a post-Christmas cold, so I'm feeling a bit loopy - hence all the rabbit-trailing. *grin*

The camera is pretty intimidating. Seriously. And it takes a lot to intimidate me technologically. But I'm looking forward to the challenge of learning all the cool features. Beth has talked me into joining her for Project 365 that is sponsored by www.shuttersisters.com. Every day, for the next 365 days, I will attempt to post a picture and learn all the ins and outs of this DSLR. I'm hoping i'll be able to spark another creative side of me in the process. 

The pic above is my first attempt at using this fabulous camera.

Here's to a very blessed, and VERY creative New Year.