"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"
Jeremiah 32:27
Thursday, October 27, 2011
How Big God Is
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"
Jeremiah 32:27
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Impossible? Nope, I'm possible!!!
Love this quote.
Impossible can be one of those hopeless words- if we allow it to be. Or we can look at it another way, like this quote here.
First, let’s think about how “I’m possible.” God is helping us with all things:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Next, let’s remember Who was the first “I Am.”
“…’I AM WHO I AM…’”
Exodus 3:14
God is whatever we need Him to be for us. Therefore, if we need the possible out of an impossible circumstance, He’s already it!
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Luke 1:37
Remember, it IS about “I’m possible.” And don’t forget the first and most powerful “I am” in your life! It’s NEVER impossible!!!
With God, your life and future can only be possible!
Impossible can be one of those hopeless words- if we allow it to be. Or we can look at it another way, like this quote here.
First, let’s think about how “I’m possible.” God is helping us with all things:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Next, let’s remember Who was the first “I Am.”
“…’I AM WHO I AM…’”
Exodus 3:14
God is whatever we need Him to be for us. Therefore, if we need the possible out of an impossible circumstance, He’s already it!
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Luke 1:37
Remember, it IS about “I’m possible.” And don’t forget the first and most powerful “I am” in your life! It’s NEVER impossible!!!
With God, your life and future can only be possible!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Look up, Bride of Frankenstein!
In this classic film, we see- and hear the Bride of Frankenstein scream and do your garden-variety freak out. Been there, looked and sounded like that. Anyone with me?
Lately, it appears like there’s not much great stuff to look forward to. The world seems to be a hot mess.
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.”
Luke 21:28
But, before your high pitched scream sends dogs running for the hills, do a Bible check with what’s going on. That doesn’t just apply to the big, vague fuzzy world out there; it also applies to our internal chaotic stuff as well.
You may feel like you have completely lost it, that there’s too much craziness for you to ever get the life you desire. God works in such chaos; He’s working in you.
But where are you looking?
At the problem… and your flailing and screaming?
Or, are you looking at God?
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”
Isaiah 45:22
When it looks the absolute worst, often, that’s when the blessing breakthrough’s stage is set.
God has not changed His mind about blessing and loving you; His Mind is still made up about your future.
Your life, in all of its Frankenstein craziness, is not too impossible for God (Jeremiah 32:27).
Could it be that what you see as your epic breakdown is really a revolutionary breakthrough?
Keep your eyes on God, even if you’re squinting, even if you feel emotionally or spiritually near-sighted.
Keep looking; keep looking up!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Don't compare...
Don't compare yourself with someone else. Live your own journey.
“I have chosen you and have not cast you away.”
Isaiah 41:9
Coveting sets us up for frustration, disappointment and wasted time. God has a life meant only for you. Stop trying to lives someone else's life!
“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
—Philippians 1:6
There will never be another you in life. Make the most of God's gift!!!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
There's both healing and a future...
It's never hopeless; YOU'RE never hopeless!!! God is in it, helping you through it.
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
Psalms 107:20
When people walk away from you...
No matter who or what leaves our lives, God is always still there.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Judgey Wudgey
Nothing in the world like competition, is there? Pageants. We all see the females lining up, the different categories open for judging and of course, the sisterhood, loving response on the non-winners when the beauty queen winner is announced. Yep, just as it occurs in nature.
The natural response...
Indeed, judging seems to be a part of human nature, doesn’t it? We all want to be great people, noble, loving wonderful creatures. But, at our nasty core, we also all want to win, don’t we? So, we find ourselves in some situations which aren’t quite so noble, loving and wonderful. We may “level” someone else, just to build ourselves up.
"Judge not that ye be not judged."
Matthew 7:1
Judging. Whether it’s our insecure life situations, it ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. With eating disorders, unfortunately, this kind of competition and judging is too common. It’s based on fear. We’re afraid that someone else winning, especially in areas of beauty and status, will take away from our value. So, we judge and pick at flaws. If we spend so much time, however, picking at another’s flaws, how in the world are we supposed to be able to compassionately love and treat ourselves.
Judgey Wudgey.
We’re already special, beautiful, valuable. Someone else’s win doesn’t make us lose. Realizing and living that is the real crown!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pass it on...
Just a reminder. Monday's as good of a day as any to carry the diddy throughout the entire week.
Or our entire lives...
Or our entire lives...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Simple and to the point...
Mr. Einstein is on target here.
I’m frequently reminded of this concept as I write a book proposal. The toughest part of writing, for me, is not the lengthy book. It’s the succinct proposal where brevity is prized.
I’ve often been referred to as “wordy” or longwinded. I have the film scene from “Monty Python’s The Holy Grail,” the “get on with it” scene whenever I find myself expounding, elaborating, going on and on.
Yes, simple is often best. We can come up with the most clever, most profound theory or formula. But if, after sharing it, everyone’s looking at you like a startled deer, then maybe, we should re-think it. And get on with it.
God is Love. God loves us. God’s helping us. It's not hopeless. Simple. Short. Sweet. None of these statements need our arguments. They are real.
So let’s choose the simple Truths; let’s not argue with Mr. Einstein.
I’m frequently reminded of this concept as I write a book proposal. The toughest part of writing, for me, is not the lengthy book. It’s the succinct proposal where brevity is prized.
I’ve often been referred to as “wordy” or longwinded. I have the film scene from “Monty Python’s The Holy Grail,” the “get on with it” scene whenever I find myself expounding, elaborating, going on and on.
Yes, simple is often best. We can come up with the most clever, most profound theory or formula. But if, after sharing it, everyone’s looking at you like a startled deer, then maybe, we should re-think it. And get on with it.
God is Love. God loves us. God’s helping us. It's not hopeless. Simple. Short. Sweet. None of these statements need our arguments. They are real.
So let’s choose the simple Truths; let’s not argue with Mr. Einstein.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
What you might have been
One of the most despair-filled statements is "It's too late."
With God, however, there is always another chance.
Feel that it's too late for you? Give that feeling, that circumstance to God. Hang on. Be kind to yourself.
You're still here for a reason. And you're still here to be who God created and called you to be!!!
Cracked Pots
“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'"
Romans 9:20
Why did you make me like this?
Ever ask that question? Feel like a mistake, a freak, an aberration? What about a vessel?
I love this image here, not to mention, the accompanying quote…
The reality is, we are vessels, yes, even “cracked pots.” We have numerous fissures, imperfections and flaws. But that never takes away from our value, our intentionally created value from a Master Sculptor. God.
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8
None of us create ourselves. Any “re-invention” on our part, is also an illusion, a mirage that leaves us with nothing substantial to count on.
Are we arguing with God about how we perceive our vessel’s worth? Whether we use physical traits or anything else to measure against ourselves, is there really a point in arguing with God about it?
"Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?
Isaiah 4:9
God knows every detail about us: every trait, every weakness, every hurt and every flaw.
“for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:14
Yet it doesn’t intimidate Him. He’s still at work; He never gives up.
Could it be that, even in our “cracked” state, we’re blessed? What’s preventing us from seeing ourselves as vessels of God’s Light? We are made in His Image, right?
“And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’”
Genesis 1:26
Your cracks don’t disqualify you. God uses everything for His Glory, even those things that we feel the worst about. There is hope, renewal and opportunity to be a shining vessel:
“put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:10
You are shining right now and you don’t even know it!
Embrace who God made you, don’t fight Him or argue with Him about it. He chose to create you to let His Glory shine through you. Don’t be afraid of your cracks!
“put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:24
Romans 9:20
Why did you make me like this?
Ever ask that question? Feel like a mistake, a freak, an aberration? What about a vessel?
I love this image here, not to mention, the accompanying quote…
The reality is, we are vessels, yes, even “cracked pots.” We have numerous fissures, imperfections and flaws. But that never takes away from our value, our intentionally created value from a Master Sculptor. God.
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8
None of us create ourselves. Any “re-invention” on our part, is also an illusion, a mirage that leaves us with nothing substantial to count on.
Are we arguing with God about how we perceive our vessel’s worth? Whether we use physical traits or anything else to measure against ourselves, is there really a point in arguing with God about it?
"Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?
Isaiah 4:9
God knows every detail about us: every trait, every weakness, every hurt and every flaw.
“for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:14
Yet it doesn’t intimidate Him. He’s still at work; He never gives up.
Could it be that, even in our “cracked” state, we’re blessed? What’s preventing us from seeing ourselves as vessels of God’s Light? We are made in His Image, right?
“And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’”
Genesis 1:26
Your cracks don’t disqualify you. God uses everything for His Glory, even those things that we feel the worst about. There is hope, renewal and opportunity to be a shining vessel:
“put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:10
You are shining right now and you don’t even know it!
Embrace who God made you, don’t fight Him or argue with Him about it. He chose to create you to let His Glory shine through you. Don’t be afraid of your cracks!
“put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:24
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
By very slow degrees...
What does Frankenstein have to do with recovery?
Well, how about this little gem?
"By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses…I recovered."
Mary Shelley (from Frankenstein)
Can you relate? Where do you see yourself in this quote? Is the pace of progress by slow degrees? Are you relapsing? Are you recovering?
Recovery, more often than not, is a process, not a cure. And where you are today will not be where you are tomorrow. Change is happening. And with God, we never need to fear that change.
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
You are not a monster; you’re not hopeless. In this autumn season, when Frankenstein’s monster is all the more visible, remember, in the broad spectrum of things, there’s a great creator at work. With Frankenstein, it was Shelley. With each of us, it is God.
He is NOT done with you yet. It may be by slow degrees, but nevertheless, change for the better is happening! God is too good of a God to allow you to stay stuck!
Well, how about this little gem?
"By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses…I recovered."
Mary Shelley (from Frankenstein)
Can you relate? Where do you see yourself in this quote? Is the pace of progress by slow degrees? Are you relapsing? Are you recovering?
Recovery, more often than not, is a process, not a cure. And where you are today will not be where you are tomorrow. Change is happening. And with God, we never need to fear that change.
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
You are not a monster; you’re not hopeless. In this autumn season, when Frankenstein’s monster is all the more visible, remember, in the broad spectrum of things, there’s a great creator at work. With Frankenstein, it was Shelley. With each of us, it is God.
He is NOT done with you yet. It may be by slow degrees, but nevertheless, change for the better is happening! God is too good of a God to allow you to stay stuck!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I start over...
Life is filled with "start overs." Don't get discouraged; don't beat yourself up. God has enough grace for you!
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8
Monday, October 3, 2011
Walking in His Will
Stumbling. Tripping. Falling. Paralyzed. Looking up from the ground. Some days, it’s almost impossible to walk, let alone, GET anywhere! Forget about walking in God’s Will, huh?
Not so fast! In fulfilling God’s Will and destiny for our lives, falling, tripping and feeling paralyzed are all part of the process. That doesn’t make us hopeless failures, however. It, instead, makes us who we are supposed to be.
When it’s a hard to walk day, we need to realize that we don’t need to always see everything about where we’re going. We need to walk by faith.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
And when we’re falling, stumbling or going seemingly nowhere, we need to remember that falling down is a part of the process.
“A Righteous man may fall 7 times and rise again."
Proverbs 24:16
We fall forward, no matter what. God makes sure our fall never stays permanent!
Not so fast! In fulfilling God’s Will and destiny for our lives, falling, tripping and feeling paralyzed are all part of the process. That doesn’t make us hopeless failures, however. It, instead, makes us who we are supposed to be.
When it’s a hard to walk day, we need to realize that we don’t need to always see everything about where we’re going. We need to walk by faith.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
And when we’re falling, stumbling or going seemingly nowhere, we need to remember that falling down is a part of the process.
“A Righteous man may fall 7 times and rise again."
Proverbs 24:16
We fall forward, no matter what. God makes sure our fall never stays permanent!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Candy? A Scary Monster?
Hearing the Jaws theme?
Psycho music?
How about a menacing Transylvanian accent?
Scared yet? Yep, it’s Halloween candy season again.
Nope, we can’t stop Halloween- and all “candy holidays” from coming. But, we can look for God’s perspective and help, even considering the temptations and issues we face, dealing with candy and “triggers.”
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
And we can look at candy for what it is, no scarier than this little kitten here.
We can choose to think a new thought about it.
Again, candy, by itself, is neither evil, nor good. It’s inanimate. It’s the power we give it that can be far more damaging than any of the ingredients. Candy has no nutritional value; and yes, it’s loaded with sugar, other preservatives and colors. The “moderation” issue, therefore, comes into play. You and I will not die or have the worst case scenario, (whatever we define that to be for our lives, such as the notoriously dreaded “getting fat” fear) if we eat some candy, from time to time.
Look at eating candy as a choice, not a scary monster. According to 1 Corinthians 6:12, after all, it’s “lawful.”
Candy will not harm us, if the constant staples in our lives are healthy choices: healthy food, balanced exercise, sleep, relationships, support and numerous daily spiritual, emotional and physiological choices. It’s about an overall healthy lifestyle, not whether or not we ate some candy corn today.
And let’s not forget, each of us has help for our individual, unique lives.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalms 46:1
Yes, it’s challenging, facing the overwhelming fears that candy can represent. But remember, God has called us to a life that includes enjoyment.
“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”’
John 10:10
Are you and I taking time to enjoy our lives? For some of us out there, that may mean having some candy today; for others, it may mean choosing another option.
Regardless of what you choose during this upcoming candy holiday season, God is in control and loves each of us unconditionally. He’s there, helping us, wanting us to succeed and to experience His love and blessings.
So, look at candy with some newer eyes today. It’s not your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s not a monster. It’s candy; that’s all. And God is more powerful than it- and every trigger/disorder/issue surrounding it.
Go to God, then, no matter what you face concerning your struggles/disorders/issues with candy- or with anything else, for that matter. He IS there, now, for you! He will be, long after the candy- and the candy holidays- are gone!
“…I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20
(A recent update to a candy entry)
Psycho music?
How about a menacing Transylvanian accent?
Scared yet? Yep, it’s Halloween candy season again.
Nope, we can’t stop Halloween- and all “candy holidays” from coming. But, we can look for God’s perspective and help, even considering the temptations and issues we face, dealing with candy and “triggers.”
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
And we can look at candy for what it is, no scarier than this little kitten here.
We can choose to think a new thought about it.
Again, candy, by itself, is neither evil, nor good. It’s inanimate. It’s the power we give it that can be far more damaging than any of the ingredients. Candy has no nutritional value; and yes, it’s loaded with sugar, other preservatives and colors. The “moderation” issue, therefore, comes into play. You and I will not die or have the worst case scenario, (whatever we define that to be for our lives, such as the notoriously dreaded “getting fat” fear) if we eat some candy, from time to time.
Look at eating candy as a choice, not a scary monster. According to 1 Corinthians 6:12, after all, it’s “lawful.”
Candy will not harm us, if the constant staples in our lives are healthy choices: healthy food, balanced exercise, sleep, relationships, support and numerous daily spiritual, emotional and physiological choices. It’s about an overall healthy lifestyle, not whether or not we ate some candy corn today.
And let’s not forget, each of us has help for our individual, unique lives.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalms 46:1
Yes, it’s challenging, facing the overwhelming fears that candy can represent. But remember, God has called us to a life that includes enjoyment.
“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”’
John 10:10
Are you and I taking time to enjoy our lives? For some of us out there, that may mean having some candy today; for others, it may mean choosing another option.
Regardless of what you choose during this upcoming candy holiday season, God is in control and loves each of us unconditionally. He’s there, helping us, wanting us to succeed and to experience His love and blessings.
So, look at candy with some newer eyes today. It’s not your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s not a monster. It’s candy; that’s all. And God is more powerful than it- and every trigger/disorder/issue surrounding it.
Go to God, then, no matter what you face concerning your struggles/disorders/issues with candy- or with anything else, for that matter. He IS there, now, for you! He will be, long after the candy- and the candy holidays- are gone!
“…I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20
(A recent update to a candy entry)
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