God's Wisdom, Man's Foolishness

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately (laugh, it is OK....the older I get thinking sanely IS a gift!) 
All kidding aside, I have found myself being challenged to think in a new way, to question all I have believed, and to to be open to a new way of figuring out this world, my existence and how it all came to be...or not. To take another look at what happens when we die. Is there really an eternity with a savior who died for my sins, where loved ones await my reunion to them or am I going to succumb back to the planet, biodegradable if you will.

Earth was not "created" as evolutionists suggests;  but rather morphed from a big bang and time and whatever else it took to produce an ape that eventually turned into you and me. Amazes me HOW a male ape became a female ape and thus pro creation began.  Amazes me how the insides of a body designed organs to work together so perfectly. That each organ contributes to the function of life...perfectly.  

Amazes me how all the senses we have just morphed perfectly to serve us well. 

Amazes me that it is said science is the golden ticket to unraveling the mysteries of yesterdays and promises of tomorrow. I think science IS a gift from God to enlighten us, but that is what it is....a gift. God opens the door to our understanding but make no mistake, HE alone is the author of it. There is nothing science uncovers that God did not put into place in the first place. As unlimited as man thinks the mind is, it IS limited under the watch of God. Those who disagree, disagree. Your minds can not begin to understand the ways of God, nor can mine. Just because you say there is no God, does NOT mean there isn't.

Many of you can not believe unless facts are in front of you. The problem with that is God does NOT have to answer to man WITH facts. He could, He can, but He doesn't HAVE to. That doesn't make Him bad or less, it makes Him God. 

I keep exploring that idea some of you have that the idea of God is a fairy tale, created to give man a crutch to hold onto as he makes his way through this life given to him.
You say the words found on scrolls have been translated so many times over, it is mere fables, good ones mind you....but not the true word of God. 
It is said by some that it is a sign of weakness to buy the tale. However, it is intelligence and strength to say the opposite. 

Wow, wow, WOW.  wow........

I try to not judge, I try to understand this way of thinking, but I have to be honest....at the end of "my" day the way of thinking you embrace...is a hole of nothing.

God is my life line...His word IS my direction.

I so totally believe in Jesus Christ, that HE is the way, the truth and the life, that no man comes to God except through Him. His gift is love, and forgiveness and the gift of an eternity with Him and my loved ones. I don't need to have facts to have faith in Him, I have experienced Him in my life, often more when I could NOT see or feel Him than when I do. I have glorious experiences of Him in my life!  Heaven IS real. His loving me is not relevant to my loving Him any more than it is to you loving Him.  It is never about what we do or do not do, HE took this world on His shoulders, HE did the job whether you buy it or not. 

Here are a few verses that have helped me understand the gift I have in BELIEVING that what I have said yes to IS truth.

(Creation Of Man)

Psalm 139:8
"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb."

(Explained Science)

Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:25
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

And for not needing "evidence"

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

And last but not least.....

Joshua 24:15
 "As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

GOD BLESS ALL YOU SEEKERS......

 
 








 

Freedom To Be......HIS.

I was thinking on my way into work this morning how uncomplicated my relationship with the Lord is. Maybe that is good, maybe it is complacent to some if they are looking into my life...I don't know, and honestly I have had to give up worrying what others think and be confident in knowing that my Lord KNOWS me. I also know that living life has taught me that a living, breathing, relationship with God, for me,  IS uncomplicated. In this day and age everyone is reading everyone else's thoughts on God. So many think they have found the key that unlocks Heaven's wisdom, they write a book that people buy and if truth be told...the ONLY book that unlocks Heaven's wisdom is the Bible. Everyone quotes everyone....but what moves me, beyond actually reading the Word, is when someone else quotes "THE" Word and the spirit awakens truth within me. 

I care about relationships with people but I care MORE about my relationship with Jesus. From that relationship others fall into place. I don't have to be "KNOWN" by others to be authentic or real.  I all ready know who knows me. God knows me; HE loves me, HE corrects my heart, HE is invested in me just the way HE created me. I am imperfect...but that is OK. I AM loved. I BELIEVE it!  At the end of the day, I stand before Him, not man. Life has taught me well to trust more the simplicity of my relationship with my creator.  I gave up trying to be what I am not and instead started living with the me He created in my mother's womb. I am unlike anyone else....I am not better, nor am I worse.  I am, HIS. I am "fearfully and wonderfully made."  He made me to love cookies.....He made me to be the cup half full girl, He gave me faith and strength to walk to places in my life and spirit I would have never thought I could or would.

HE is the one I give the treasure of my hearts deepest secrets to. When I do share my heart with someone it is BECAUSE God has made it clear I can. Not everyone deserves the treasure of me. It is God who moves my heart to be authentic, when and with whom. I have learned that half the time issues I think I have with others are really my own. As that is revealed to me, it releases me to get healing from my Father. It inspires me to look into my own life rather than to figure out someone else's. It has taught me also to how to forgive. That one took a while for God to give me victory in. I am doing better and better and better. I know my savior doesn't get concerned over me understanding others as much as He is concerned that I know "HE" understands me and calls me to go where HE leads.  Breaking away from needing man's acceptance was conquered by God's complete truth taking over in my life. 

I have learned to go "About MY Father's Business" as it relates to my life and what HE asks of me. 

I do have to add I am older now so where I sit is where I sit...and we are all on a different journey. I pass no judgement where anyone else is.  I am just sharing where my journey has brought me to. 

It is quite simple..."Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, FOR the Bible tells me so."

It doesn't need to be complicated...and in my world it isn't. What a restful, calming, beautiful place to be...getting to rest in the one who loves me most and leaving my heart in His hands.  HIS word is MY answer. I am thankful HE has taught me less of the world and more of Him IS my prosperity. My cup over flows in joy.

Like a small child, I don't second guess if my Father loves me...I walk in the fact He DOES. 

KNOWING Jesus far surpasses just being KNOWN by Him. Seeking Him TO love Him, not just BE loved by Him is indescribable. "Getting back to the heart of worship", just like the song says. It "IS" all about "Him!" 

The other thing I do know is this....where I am at, I give HIM "ALL" the glory and praise; for I could not be here if He was not the author of it. I have been nothing more than a simple child of heart asking to know all about Him.  I want for nothing now other than to know His heart.  I am convinced He knows mine, I am convinced I am most safe with Him.  It is He living in me that gives me life and the contentment to be free in this world. It is He living in me that can give all of you, the gift in return.

I look forward to the day I meet Him face to face.  Not because He will hold me....BUT rather because "I" will finally get to embrace HIM and LOVE Him.  

These are my heart's thoughts on this Friday night, August 13th.  

MATTHEW 22:36-37 

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment.

Time.....

I am going to try blogging again, because everyone knows I can't say anything in two sentences.  God gives each of us gifts and while I can think of many gifts I would like to have; the truth is, I was given the gift of expression. For those of you who like to read beyond two sentences, thank you.

Today were many birthday's, my mom's being one of them. Been thinking about her...something she always used to say. When she said this, I would silently roll my eyes and think "Here we go again."  Looking back....I realize what she said was truth and rings true even to this day. She said "I may be old, but it doesn't mean I have not seen nor lived life."  I liked saying "Things are different."  She would let me know, "Not so much."   I did not realize it then but do now... when you have life experience underneath you, you do have something to add to those still within their journey. The sad part is, sometimes younger people count you out, just like I did my mom. Maybe part of growing IS learning the hard way.  I sure learned the hard way, all too often! Now....I listen with all my heart to those who ahead of me.

One thing I have learned along the way from my relationship with my mother is that, some...not all have had difficult relationships with their moms. I could list a lot of things about where I felt my mom let me down. She was not much of a nurturer, an encourager, and I certainly questioned what I thought love should be and where I felt she lacked. It drove a lot of hurt, bitterness and wasted time in my life. Now that she is gone, I look back and realize she did love me, she loved me all she knew how to.  She, too was human, and had her own wounds.  My mom loved me by making sure I was given a home, I had food on my plate, and I was clothed. She loved me by giving up things for herself that I might have things. She loved me by making me laugh when I was so mad or sad. She would say "Give me that Hollywood smile" as I pouted and suddenly I would be giggling. She had no problem disagreeing with me, teaching me to trust my own heart as she trusted hers. She shared her faith. She lived her faith. She grew up without a mother, her mommy died when she was 4. She could make a piece of toast for breakfast and eat half, keeping the half and eating it later. She knew the value of not wasting anything having grown up poor.

She hid her own pain, having lost her fist child within two weeks of that baby girl's birth and later on in life losing another child to a senseless murder. I wasted so much time thinking about all I lacked from her, I missed all she had given, I missed loving her. Three months before she died, we came together in a healing blessed way. Letting her go tore my heart apart.

I now have "lived" some life and this is what I say to you whose parents still live.  LOVE them; forgive them for being human and no matter how much you think this world is one way, maybe just MAYBE they do know more than you. Maybe they have gotten a lot wrong....but maybe, just maybe they have gotten a lot right as well.  Family life is a beautiful chaos. I have seen families decimated for nothing. Fight for restoration. 
 Happy Birthday again mom

Happy New Year 2011

Happy New Year...2011.

A new year, a new day...the day everyone walks towards the future in hopefulness.



This year I want to take time to talk about experiences, people and anything that teaches me, delights me, saddens me, or challenges me. This is MY blog, you can join me in my journey or not. I am here , exposed...this is ME.



One of the greatest things I want to share walking into 2011 with you is this...dare to be YOU. I am not sure just when I actually "GOT IT.", that is, being ME brings peace to my soul, but I can tell you it is God who led me to that moment, delivered me in it, and has continued to hold me there. In Psalm 139: 14 David says

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."

God taught me that I needn't try to convince anyone of anything, BECAUSE it is HE who changes hearts; however I can be one His many voices.



Many of you know I share my faith quite openly. It IS me. I am quite happy in it, not to say that it was always that way. I could write a book on how I got here. Like many of the people I know, my life has been full of just as much heartbreak as anyone else's. Your story might be different from mine and yet, for me, the answer remains the same. The way "OUT" is through faith. For me, it is with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am surrounded by many diverse beliefs on spirituality. Having a "personal" relationship with Jesus Christ is "MY" choice. I believe Jesus IS the only son of God and in HIM I find forgiveness, and eternal salvation. I say it a million times, "Maybe YOU think I am wrong, and Maybe I am." HOWEVER, when I die, if what I believe IS wrong, I lost nothing, I had a life full of hope and love." IF what you believe is wrong and you die only to find out you were wrong, you have lost eternity." I like my odds better!"



I believe my goal in 2011 is to just let you into my world, and share how God helps me manuever this journey with Him as my guide.



Peace to you all...and much love!



Anita

October....One Year Later....2010

Another year later to make a new entry....I had good intentions...tonight is Friday night, two nights before Halloween, and here I sit at home with walking pneumonia. Never had it before, started on an antibiotic, hopefully I will be back at work Monday. I am told I am contagious for a few days, have to let the antibiotic kick in. Being shut in all week, it was almost a treat to GO to the doctor. The leaves on the trees were gorgeous! Golds, reds mixed in with some lingering green...a delight to my sick little body. Death can be beautiful. The leaves prove it. And, if we know Jesus, the other side of death will NOT be matched to any best day we have here on earth. I realize death can cause much pain too, so I am not forgetting the frailty of the human condition. But you have to admit....FALL is unmatched. (at least to me!)



I will not get to see Emery, Josiah, Christian and Luelle this weekend and THAT hurts worse than my body hurting. I am contagious though and do not want my buddies getting this from me. I do know there is one cute astronaut, one fireman, one ladybug and one little monkey that will be taking Sunday night trick or treating to a new level. I love them loving this holiday!



As a Christian I am sensitive to the fact some Christians struggle with Halloween, and I respect their right to view it as they do. My heart doesn't make room for the dark side of the holiday, not DEEP down where it matters. My soul has been the Lord's for it seems like forever! I love celebrating fall, kids, pumpkins, fires, decorating. Hey....maybe I said that last year..but it remains the same. I love the taste of those little orange Brach candy pumpkins. Many of you know I have been losing some excess weight with Medi Fast (almost 40lbs, now!) However, I have indulged I admit. So maybe another 1/4lb will hang on for another week. Such sacrifices I make!

I wanted to talk about another topic tonight but this came forth...maybe next time.
Love you all.
Anita

Emery and Luelle at top.
Christian and Josiah at bottom.

Grandchildren

What can I say about being a grandmother? Only those who have entered the paradise could even begin to understand beyond mere feelings what it feels like to see your own children become parents themselves. Looking back I know I tried so hard to capture a million memories of just being a parent. I have many wonderful memories tucked away inside my heart..OK, maybe one each per child...
Tammi...the first of three. I remember letting her eat her soup in the front room. I was taking my dish into the kitchen when I heard little feet behind me. I turned around and she was carrying her bowl of soup, with soup in it. Before I could reach out to grab it she spilled it. I looked at her feeling a bit exasperated when she looked up at me with those big brown eyes, say..."What happened mommy?......" I knelt down, held her in my mommy arms and kissed her, thanking God for the miracle of this little girl.
Tim...awwwww, yes....I sent him off to school one day dressed in nice clothes because it was picture day.Tim LOVED his t-shirts with any kind of pictures on them. He wanted to wear one that morning and I told him, "Not today son, it is picture day!" (smile, smile...) When the pictures came back, I had to take a double look. Smiling as big as a little boy could, there he sat with a red t-shirt on with a picture of dirt bikes on it. He had slipped that t-shirt into his back pack. I must admit, it is STILL my favorite school picture of him! Now he works in men's apparel for Nike...go figure! =)
Jenny.... asking me to teach her to drive. I was petrified at the thought of my baby driving! We were sitting in the parking lot of a grade school. I looked over at her, got out of the car and she moved over to the driver's seat. I took a deep breath, said an inward prayer and silently made myself ready. The next words out of her mouth were "Now mom which pedal is the gas and which is the brake?" I said "Get out! " She started laughing because she "got" me....Now, all these years later, I still pray that silent little prayer..."Lord, keep me safe in her car!" =)
But this is blog is about being a grandparent. The truth is, we as parents really DO get SO caught up in parenting we don't mean to but we MISS SO much!
Now, being a grandmother I get to really watch and treasure EVERY little nuance, every little thing a grandchild does. Emery, Josiah and Christian are miraculous gifts from God! They are gifts to be enjoyed, gifts to be ever amazed at; treasures to uncover, gifts to unwrap, love in it's purest forms, brilliant examples of future hopes and reminders that life is meant to go on. Whenever I hear the words "Hi gramma!" I am hearing angels singing inside my heart. When I see them each dancing I feel my spirit dancing too. When they are fretful, wanting only their mommies and daddies, I ache with love for the fact that each of them is Blessed to have the mommies and daddies they do. No hugs are better, no little kisses sweeter...THANK you Lord for this new piece of my journey. "I" am loved.
Philippians 1:3

I Did It!

I did it....I started my very own blog. I enjoy facebook but this is going to give me a place to share more of MY heart. If anyone gains from reading it, then I praise the Lord; sharing what He does in my life on any given day is joyous. I also may be sharing my heart about anyone in my life who has touched me and I want to share the wonder of them.
That being said; today is Halloween; my personal favorite holiday! Little kids, holding those bags of candy, hitting the candy jackpot, can life be any better?! Of course, in the world I live in, there is Mike, my husband. Mike is THE biggest adult kid I know. Yes, he had me carving pumpkins today. He loves every holiday and makes the little kid in me come out and play.
I am not feeling all that well today; I pray it is not that swine flu trying to come on...who knows?
Happy Halloween everyone and welcome to the world through my heart and eyes.