A swirl here and a whiz there and the dust rises from the ground. Around and around it flies. Every now and then Hands can be seen shaping and molding some sort of being. In no time at all a man steps forth. He is complex in all the wonder of creation. He has a mind to think. He has hands to create. He has a heart to express emotions. He is loaded with talents too numerous to count. He names every living creature around. The outside has been created for the eye to see and the inside has been created for the heart to find. So intricately woven through and through. The man lies down for a deep sleep. The Hand pulls out a rib. Once again, the dust soars! Around and around it flies. The Hand is busy with His masterpiece. All too soon the work is done and a woman is presented. Her hair flows freely. Her eyes sparkle with delight. Lips as smooth as satin. Her moves graceful and free. She can think. She can speak. She has been given a heart of gold. A heart after God Himself. Her touches are tender. The man wakes up and is blown away by the Hand! For you see, He knew exactly how to create the man. He knew what His intentions were for the woman. Both designs similar but vastly different. Both creations were His beauty personified. He saw His work and knew it was good. Over in the corner, a snake saw His work and knew it was good. The plan came into motion to destroy all things good. He saw the woman and the way man looked at her and knew it was time to act.
I glance in the mirror and my face instantly crinkles up in disgust. Those annoying pink splotches are decorating my chin. My hair is an exact replica of a bird's nest full of frazzled twists and frizzy turns. My love handles are becoming a tad too pronounced. The craters on each side of my face indent so far that I could eat cereal out of them! I could stand in front of that mirror and my list would never end. On and on I would go scrutinizing every detail and by the time I went to finally pick up my Bible for quality time with Jesus it would be time to begin the day.
As females, so much time, energy, and money go into our appearance. Since day one, society gives woman a certain way to look, think, act, speak, etc. It is splattered on our televisions, magazines, internet, and anywhere else one may think to look. Don't you wish you could have been Eve in the garden? She was the only woman alive. All eyes were on her and she was completely secure in who she was as a woman and she found security in the meeting of her needs. Her husband had no other woman to compare her to so she had complete commitment and intimacy. She walked with God daily and had no other source to lead her to believe anything other than Truth! What peace and satisfaction until...Satan realized his impending doom and knew this could not go on. Hello pornography, weight programs, endless make-up brands, and mirrors!
We find throughout God's Word that true beauty comes from a pure heart. "Man looks on the outside but God searches the heart." Proverbs 31 portrays a woman beautiful from the inside out. She has a strength about her that can only be attained by a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. She is confident in who she is, what she looks like, and how she behaves because she seeks His face every morning and asks for satisfaction. You want to be beautiful?! Ask Him for it! But remember, when you ask you will not receive unless you are asking with the right motives. Our motive as Christian women should always be to bring glory to the God who created us. He didn't make us beautiful for our own agendas but so we could find a way to use it to bring Him honor and praise.
You don't understand Britt. There is nothing pretty about my outside! I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror. Then darling sister it is time you step away from the world for a moment and embrace your Creator. Go into the garden where you are the only woman around and wait to hear from the only opinion that matters! This is what He told me when I would ask Him why I was ugly. He said, "Brittany look at your feet. What are you standing on?" At the time I was standing on dirt. "Dirt, Lord." "Exactly, that is what you started as. I brought you from the ashes of dust and transformed you into My image! Brittany, is my image ugly? Do I create ugly beings? How can you say to the One who formed you that you are ugly? That is you saying you know the way better than I. I AM THE GOD OF HEAVENS ARMIES and you do not know My plans for My ways are greater than yours and My thoughts are higher than yours. From mere dirt I took you and formed you into a marvelous creation so all the world will know My name. Come away with me Daughter every day and let me remind you of who you are meant to be. I know this world throws lies at you. I am aware that every day you face doubt, fear, and defeat, but GREATER is He that is in you than he that is in the world! Rise Daughter! You are beautiful for you were created by My hands! Look at the dirt! It does nothing! Now look in the mirror and say, "WOW!"
That is just what I did. Sometimes many times a day I have to look for dirt to be reminded where I came from and who this woman is God created. It is a marvelous and freeing reality when you finally realize that you are one in a million! There is no one else on this planet that resembles you and the God of Heaven thinks you are beautiful and He delights in you as if you were His Bride because you are! If you have been given the name of Jesus then you are taken! God surrounds Himself with beauty because He is beauty! Believe it and let it captivate your heart! A woman full of Jesus can't help but be beautiful! :)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Broken Vessels
The clay rotates as the Potter's hands shape and mold. His face is disheveled in pure concentration. The potter is focused on the task at hand. His life remains uninterrupted by the loving purpose He intends for His creation. Nothing else seems important except for the eternal result that comes from a job well done. Viewers critique the clump and fail to see that there will be a day it will be complete. They can only see what is before them. They are blind to the vision in His mind. Only He can see the original masterpiece. He places it in the fire anxious to hold it once more. The refining is soon over and the jar is removed. The Potter is saddened for now His work is done. His Name is etched through and through, but now He must let it go. There has to be a way He can still exist through this pot? A beautiful jewel He created but something is amiss. The inside is empty! He can place something new! A candle will do! He is light to the dark world. He knows this idea is brilliant. He takes His light but nothing shines through. He is perfect so His creation will be too. He desires for His pot to need Him. For the clay to cry His name. Perfection fails to see in dependence there is power. So a crack here and a crack there He invokes. The process is painful but the reward everlasting. To see His beauty cracked and flawed brings great sorrow. His efforts poured into this single pot so to see it damaged churns His heart. Once more He places His light, but this time the pot shines bright! The Potter is thrilled with His plan! For now He has found a way to show the world who He is. There is something to be said of the Creator's perfection but His glory abounds through imperfection!
Living the life as a preacher's daughter, expectations surrounded me. Not only from my elders and peers, but also from my parents. As a kid, that is normal. People will always have great expectations of you. The real issue comes when you become obsessed with those expectations and seek to always please. For when you fail, you are left feeling defeated. You know you will never measure up but for some reason you seek to please even harder then next time. Pretty soon your well is dry and you are one broken vessel. You desire to be used but despair keeps you from bringing glory to your Maker.
I accepted this form of Christianity. The kind that you are only right with God when you are doing what you and others think you should be doing for the Kingdom. This is based off of a 'work for grace' religion. For so long, I couldn't figure out why I couldn't defeat sin in my life as I tried to work for God's approval. I feared that all the wrong moves I was making resulted in complete seclusion from my Creator. On the outside my pot seemed to have it's original luster but the inside was shattering. My candle was dimming and darkness was becoming my closest friend. Praise God that finally the inside began to show itself on the outside! My cracks were spreading! The ugliness from living life on my own began to seep into everything I did! I just knew this would be the end and hopelessness set in. I fell to my face and the only words that came out of my mouth were, "Jesus, HELP ME!"
I heard Him say, "FINALLY!" He was wondering just how many cracks it would take for me to cry out to the one who created me. This life wasn't meant for me to live through my own ability! No wonder I was doomed in sin! I was carrying a load I was never intended to carry. The pot cannot say to it's Potter, "Why did you make me like this?" I did not know the best way for my life because I didn't create myself. My pot was no longer beautiful and my light was almost completely snuffed out. Cracks had made a lasting impression! He leaned in and re-ignited my fire! Something marvelous happened through those cracks that I thought were my ultimate undoing. I shined! The pain I had faced from my marks brought a light into my life I never thought possible. His light!
God does not desire perfection because He is perfection. He already has perfection. God looks for our weaknesses because through them He can show His greatness and glory! When we are sapped of all that is left of our human selves that is when we are ready for Him to step in and say RISE to our ashes scattered in the dust. I no longer seek to please those around me and I joyfully accept His grace every single morning! Without my Potter my pot would be dull and lifeless. The truth is we are all one shatter away. Trust your Potter and do not fear the cracks of life! Embrace them and watch the light shine!
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." ~2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)
Living the life as a preacher's daughter, expectations surrounded me. Not only from my elders and peers, but also from my parents. As a kid, that is normal. People will always have great expectations of you. The real issue comes when you become obsessed with those expectations and seek to always please. For when you fail, you are left feeling defeated. You know you will never measure up but for some reason you seek to please even harder then next time. Pretty soon your well is dry and you are one broken vessel. You desire to be used but despair keeps you from bringing glory to your Maker.
I accepted this form of Christianity. The kind that you are only right with God when you are doing what you and others think you should be doing for the Kingdom. This is based off of a 'work for grace' religion. For so long, I couldn't figure out why I couldn't defeat sin in my life as I tried to work for God's approval. I feared that all the wrong moves I was making resulted in complete seclusion from my Creator. On the outside my pot seemed to have it's original luster but the inside was shattering. My candle was dimming and darkness was becoming my closest friend. Praise God that finally the inside began to show itself on the outside! My cracks were spreading! The ugliness from living life on my own began to seep into everything I did! I just knew this would be the end and hopelessness set in. I fell to my face and the only words that came out of my mouth were, "Jesus, HELP ME!"
I heard Him say, "FINALLY!" He was wondering just how many cracks it would take for me to cry out to the one who created me. This life wasn't meant for me to live through my own ability! No wonder I was doomed in sin! I was carrying a load I was never intended to carry. The pot cannot say to it's Potter, "Why did you make me like this?" I did not know the best way for my life because I didn't create myself. My pot was no longer beautiful and my light was almost completely snuffed out. Cracks had made a lasting impression! He leaned in and re-ignited my fire! Something marvelous happened through those cracks that I thought were my ultimate undoing. I shined! The pain I had faced from my marks brought a light into my life I never thought possible. His light!
God does not desire perfection because He is perfection. He already has perfection. God looks for our weaknesses because through them He can show His greatness and glory! When we are sapped of all that is left of our human selves that is when we are ready for Him to step in and say RISE to our ashes scattered in the dust. I no longer seek to please those around me and I joyfully accept His grace every single morning! Without my Potter my pot would be dull and lifeless. The truth is we are all one shatter away. Trust your Potter and do not fear the cracks of life! Embrace them and watch the light shine!
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." ~2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The Happily Ever After The Stories Seem to Miss!
It's a story as old as time. The fair maiden is trapped in a tower waiting for a prince to rescue her. Dreaming the days away until she spots him in the distance atop his mighty steed. When he closes the final distance her heart knows he has slayed the magnificent dragon. She rejoices because he has shown perseverance all in the name of love. She is secure in the relationship that follows for he has fought almost to the brink of death just to win her heart.
As a romantic at heart, these dramatic love stories captivated my attention growing up. I yearned for a handsome prince to seek me out. I couldn't wait to ride off into the sunset clinging tightly to my one true love. Never mind that I don't like horses and never intend to ride one. :) That didn't matter. I knew some day my love story would say 'and they lived happily ever after.' Well, I'm older now and have grown quite a bit since the age of six. My tower is more like a one room apartment. The space is suffocating and I need a real bathroom with all of it's luxuries! I have twiddled my thumbs for so long that blisters have come and gone. One more moment in what I now call my prison cell and I may not have a single hair on my head left to yank out. You see, I have spent my days yearning for my prince to come only to wake up day after day to disappointment. The stories never mentioned what the princess did in her spare time before the prince. They seem to leave those important details to the viewers' imagination.
Just when I was ready to submit to despair, I saw in the distance not a horse but a cloud and on this cloud stood a man! A man who shone with radiance and glory. One I knew was not of this horrid place but must be a King from a distant land. My heart pumped vigorously with anticipation and surprisingly He floated to my very window! When He spoke my entire body trembled. "Daughter, why are you locked away in this tower? There is a world out there that needs your beauty and tender heart! The damsel in distress does not become you! Take my hand! There's adventure intended for you!" His words brought promise but I was terrified! To forsake my walls could mean my prince I would miss. This man came to me riding a cloud. Surely, I could trust what He had to say. "Sir, who are you and why have you come?" Could I trust Him? His smile brightened at my question. His eyes full of fire and passion illuminated the room. "I have come to ask for your heart. For I am Jesus and I'm the Prince of all times. This waiting for your love is a waste of your life. I provide the love you need. I'm the One who has come to set you free! Let's jump and take life as it comes because with me life is abundant! And guess what My dear Daughter?! You have your own dragon to slay. There is one out there that will be worthy of your affection, but you will never reach him if you stay locked away. So come with Me and let's enter the battle. For your prince is looking for a queen and you only reach this type of perfection through Me."
Together my Prince and I escaped the dungeon! We set out on the rocky road before us. There were thorns, briers, and bushes galore! Each turn a new temptation to just head back to the tower. I forged ahead worried I was all alone but looking up I saw the cloud. I have still not reached the other side where my earthly prince waits for me but when I do he will know he is marrying a queen!
Ladies and gents, I have learned singleness is a vital time to grow in the Lord. The dark ones have lied to me for so long and the world has been my 'friend.' I have bought into the bogusness that relationships will complete you so just wait around until that special guy comes. Jesus Christ has taught me differently. There will be a guy some day that will allow me his name, but in this moment I have dragons of this life to slay. I have an adventure to live! My heart is not ready just yet for that special time when the season changes. I challenge you young ladies to embrace the King of your heart and watch as life unfolds! True life that keeps you too busy to twiddle your thumbs! Fairy tales have placed an emphasis on the damsel in distress but guys are human and sometimes the dragon may seem to delay their progress; however, when Jesus is breaking down the barriers for the both of you the day you meet will be more precious than silver or gold. You can be a warrior princess ladies! The kind of lady that a Godly man will know can stand through any storm and will never abandon or forsake because Christ has taught her heart not to fear. Wake up every morning with the desire to worship your King and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! :)
<3 Psalm 18 <3
As a romantic at heart, these dramatic love stories captivated my attention growing up. I yearned for a handsome prince to seek me out. I couldn't wait to ride off into the sunset clinging tightly to my one true love. Never mind that I don't like horses and never intend to ride one. :) That didn't matter. I knew some day my love story would say 'and they lived happily ever after.' Well, I'm older now and have grown quite a bit since the age of six. My tower is more like a one room apartment. The space is suffocating and I need a real bathroom with all of it's luxuries! I have twiddled my thumbs for so long that blisters have come and gone. One more moment in what I now call my prison cell and I may not have a single hair on my head left to yank out. You see, I have spent my days yearning for my prince to come only to wake up day after day to disappointment. The stories never mentioned what the princess did in her spare time before the prince. They seem to leave those important details to the viewers' imagination.
Just when I was ready to submit to despair, I saw in the distance not a horse but a cloud and on this cloud stood a man! A man who shone with radiance and glory. One I knew was not of this horrid place but must be a King from a distant land. My heart pumped vigorously with anticipation and surprisingly He floated to my very window! When He spoke my entire body trembled. "Daughter, why are you locked away in this tower? There is a world out there that needs your beauty and tender heart! The damsel in distress does not become you! Take my hand! There's adventure intended for you!" His words brought promise but I was terrified! To forsake my walls could mean my prince I would miss. This man came to me riding a cloud. Surely, I could trust what He had to say. "Sir, who are you and why have you come?" Could I trust Him? His smile brightened at my question. His eyes full of fire and passion illuminated the room. "I have come to ask for your heart. For I am Jesus and I'm the Prince of all times. This waiting for your love is a waste of your life. I provide the love you need. I'm the One who has come to set you free! Let's jump and take life as it comes because with me life is abundant! And guess what My dear Daughter?! You have your own dragon to slay. There is one out there that will be worthy of your affection, but you will never reach him if you stay locked away. So come with Me and let's enter the battle. For your prince is looking for a queen and you only reach this type of perfection through Me."
Together my Prince and I escaped the dungeon! We set out on the rocky road before us. There were thorns, briers, and bushes galore! Each turn a new temptation to just head back to the tower. I forged ahead worried I was all alone but looking up I saw the cloud. I have still not reached the other side where my earthly prince waits for me but when I do he will know he is marrying a queen!
Ladies and gents, I have learned singleness is a vital time to grow in the Lord. The dark ones have lied to me for so long and the world has been my 'friend.' I have bought into the bogusness that relationships will complete you so just wait around until that special guy comes. Jesus Christ has taught me differently. There will be a guy some day that will allow me his name, but in this moment I have dragons of this life to slay. I have an adventure to live! My heart is not ready just yet for that special time when the season changes. I challenge you young ladies to embrace the King of your heart and watch as life unfolds! True life that keeps you too busy to twiddle your thumbs! Fairy tales have placed an emphasis on the damsel in distress but guys are human and sometimes the dragon may seem to delay their progress; however, when Jesus is breaking down the barriers for the both of you the day you meet will be more precious than silver or gold. You can be a warrior princess ladies! The kind of lady that a Godly man will know can stand through any storm and will never abandon or forsake because Christ has taught her heart not to fear. Wake up every morning with the desire to worship your King and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! :)
<3 Psalm 18 <3
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Peace That Floods My Soul
I can't explain it
But I know it's there
I've searched all over
And it's not just anywhere
Peace
I've had nothing
I've had wealth
I've been sick
I've had health
Peace
I've felt love
My heart has been full
Heartaches have drained me dry
The pain searing with every cry
Peace
I've had a smile so bright
And happiness in tomorrow
I've had a distressing face
My days have seen sorrow
Peace
Relationships have lightened my load
People reaching out a hand
I have felt abandoned
I have been left alone to stand
Peace
Life whirs on by
My circumstances always shift
How does my heart hang on
He steps in to lift
Peace
I bow low at His throne
And at His feet I cast my cares
Trusting His hand with my heart
Every burden disappears
Peace
A new sensation hits me with a force
Wave after wave of untold grace
Everything stills under His crown
He shows my anxious thoughts their place
Peace
I will never be able to explain or reason
This merciful act so humbly bold
For I know the sinner I've been
I know what the dark memories have told
Peace
I cringe waiting for the rebuke
He chuckles and throws the load into the sea
My step is lighter
I feel free
Peace
He unlocks Heaven's gates
Buckets of peace pour into my soul
I close my eyes
In His Presence I'm made whole
Peace
The joy overwhelms
I have been taught not to fear
I have been shown lasting peace
When my Jesus draws me near
Peace
But I know it's there
I've searched all over
And it's not just anywhere
Peace
I've had nothing
I've had wealth
I've been sick
I've had health
Peace
I've felt love
My heart has been full
Heartaches have drained me dry
The pain searing with every cry
Peace
I've had a smile so bright
And happiness in tomorrow
I've had a distressing face
My days have seen sorrow
Peace
Relationships have lightened my load
People reaching out a hand
I have felt abandoned
I have been left alone to stand
Peace
Life whirs on by
My circumstances always shift
How does my heart hang on
He steps in to lift
Peace
I bow low at His throne
And at His feet I cast my cares
Trusting His hand with my heart
Every burden disappears
Peace
A new sensation hits me with a force
Wave after wave of untold grace
Everything stills under His crown
He shows my anxious thoughts their place
Peace
I will never be able to explain or reason
This merciful act so humbly bold
For I know the sinner I've been
I know what the dark memories have told
Peace
I cringe waiting for the rebuke
He chuckles and throws the load into the sea
My step is lighter
I feel free
Peace
He unlocks Heaven's gates
Buckets of peace pour into my soul
I close my eyes
In His Presence I'm made whole
Peace
The joy overwhelms
I have been taught not to fear
I have been shown lasting peace
When my Jesus draws me near
Peace
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Box
I hear a faint whisper
My eyes open wide
The Gardener is beckoning
I rise to approach His side
Today is the day
I'm shown my place
Among the splendid beauty
Perfected by His grace
He shows me a box
And says this is yours
He tenderly guides me in
Over my being the soil He pours
It's disgusting what surrounds
No light can I see
I cry out Sir!
What's in it for me?
The darkness overwhelms
And I'm full of fright
The Gardener grasps my hand
And commands, Hold on tight
Torrents of water
All around me rush down
My feeble mind weakening
Inside this box I may drown
I cling tighter to the Hand
Knowing I can trust His plan
A little while more
And I glimpse a door
Sunlight has grazed my crown
I'm rising above the blackened mire
The Gardener lifts me from the box
He plants me in the place known as my heart's desire
As I sputter the filthy remains
My face breaks free
Gardener, why the tiny space I ask
Little Bloom, you needed to depend fully on me
Too much room and weeds would crowd
Waves of sorrow and doubt would prevail
Out in a garden so big
Without My boundaries you would fail
Because of My care
The roots hold fast
You no longer need your box
I have planted a seed that will last
My eyes open wide
The Gardener is beckoning
I rise to approach His side
Today is the day
I'm shown my place
Among the splendid beauty
Perfected by His grace
He shows me a box
And says this is yours
He tenderly guides me in
Over my being the soil He pours
It's disgusting what surrounds
No light can I see
I cry out Sir!
What's in it for me?
The darkness overwhelms
And I'm full of fright
The Gardener grasps my hand
And commands, Hold on tight
Torrents of water
All around me rush down
My feeble mind weakening
Inside this box I may drown
I cling tighter to the Hand
Knowing I can trust His plan
A little while more
And I glimpse a door
Sunlight has grazed my crown
I'm rising above the blackened mire
The Gardener lifts me from the box
He plants me in the place known as my heart's desire
As I sputter the filthy remains
My face breaks free
Gardener, why the tiny space I ask
Little Bloom, you needed to depend fully on me
Too much room and weeds would crowd
Waves of sorrow and doubt would prevail
Out in a garden so big
Without My boundaries you would fail
Because of My care
The roots hold fast
You no longer need your box
I have planted a seed that will last
Zombie, Bland Man, and Mr. Radiant! O MY!
The man of the week! He walks into the room and all eyes instantly turn to him. He's got his support system coming in behind him, the better than Wal-Mart brands clothing his body, a mega-white smile that could light up the darkest alley, and the attention of every single, available female in the room plus some. Hearts pound, music strikes, and as all eyes are riveted on him lips part to sing "Amazing Grace." Youth group ends and the man leaves with more phone numbers than he cares to count. He gets into his car, drives home, and enters his empty house littered with beer cans and bongs. He thinks back to his adoring fans and wishes just one individual would look past the appearance to the core of his existence. He would give it all up if he thought just one person would take the initiative to really care for him more than just a piece of eye candy. He has heard the name of Jesus yet he hasn't seen it evident in the lives of those who claim to know Him. The girls want to be with him and the guys want to be him. All are too busy trying to satisfy their own lives to let Christ be their life. Sad and dejected, the young man returns to his everyday life wondering if he will ever find answers.
Ladies, the temptation to seek out a fellow is everywhere! From the television, to the movies, in your friendships, to books, even your own deceitful heart. Society has revealed to us that it is perfectly normal to desire a man and to act on it. Even God says in Genesis, "and her desire will be for her husband." What a relief to know it is normal to desire a man! The acting part; however, it where it becomes tricky. Getting to spend time with young teenage girls, I am getting a glimpse into the teenage girl I use to be. Boys were my heart and I was the girl who tried everything to get them to notice me. Oh they noticed me alright and they tucked their tails between their legs and ran in the opposite direction. Desperation is a scary thing for a guy! You are asking that mere man to fill up something inside of you that he has no clue about and wasn't created to do. Be honest with me girls, when you look for a man you want to feel loved and accepted! You think you find someone and you will be complete and on your way to the altar within a matter of days! You will no longer have to worry about those couples around you rubbing their togetherness in your face because you are taken! You are no longer sitting on the shelf collecting dust but are out on the dating scene making kodak memories of your own! You have someone you can pour yourself into! You can invest in someone and your life will be complete! WHAT A LOAD OF BULLARKY! Unfortunately, it is one I believed over and over again! From elementary school all the way into college, I was on a man hunt. A hunt that never got me anywhere and left me feeling emptier than the day I started. All of those desires were meant to be filled by your ULTIMATE HUSBAND! The man of the hour and every hour after that: Jesus Christ! "Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
You may say, God doesn't want me to have a husband! I have done too many bad things or have you seen the way I look?! That is one desire He knows nothing about! In the Garden of Eden, God sees the man is alone. His name is Adam. God feels immediate concern for Adam because He has given him control over every living thing yet he lacks help to take care of it. So what does God do? He puts Adam into a deep sleep and out of his rib God forms a woman. After He is done creating the woman, HE BRINGS HER TO HIM! Ding, ding, ding!!! I hope you hear wedding bells and do not fail to miss this! The woman is brought to her husband at just the right moment. Does the Bible say she went searching through the garden to find Adam and wake him up?! No! God cared enough for Adam and enough to help Eve and brought the romance together in His perfect timing! Ok, ok, ok that is all beautiful and such you may think but where does that leave me now?! So God brings me someone?! They were the only two in the whole world. It was a piece of cake for them to love each other. They didn't have options. Well, guess what neither do we! Through many trial and errors, God has blessed me with the ability to finally understand romance in His eyes! I have come to realize there are three types of guys and only one type God wants to me to notice in a romantic sense.
1. Mr. Zombie. This is a man who does not claim the name of Jesus Christ in his life. He doesn't believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God and he wants nothing to do with seeking a relationship with Jesus. This type of man may seem like he has it all together, but deep down if he doesn't have Christ then he lacks the fruit of the Spirit and one of the most important aspects of a relationship is love! The Bible says God is love! (1 John 4:8) If he is not a God fearing man than where is the love?! "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unebeliever?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) For years, I didn't care whether the guy was a Christian or not. If he gave me the attention I sought after I was all gungho! God really got a hold of my heart the only way God can when it is stubborn. He showed me through various instances that men like that are zombies personified! They are dead in this life! There is no life inside of them because Jesus came to give us an abundant life! They are walking dead men! If Christ is the Life, the Truth, and the Way and He says He is than those without Him are the opposite! A man without Christ will be death, the lie, and multiple paths that will lead you to join him as one flesh. One death, one lie, and all those paths stretching you in different directions! If you think about what zombies look like on television they are not that attractive! So the next time you see a guy you think is the finest thing since sliced bread picture a zombie and walk the other way!
2. Mr. Bland Man. Hooray! You have graduated from Zombiehood! You are now only allowing Christian men into your life! But guess what?! Now this is where it is time to really embrace the knit-pick attitude! You want a man who exemplifies Christ! You find a man with the characteristics of Him and you find a treasure. However; there are false imitations. A man approaches you for a date and you ask him, "Are you a Christian?" His response is, "Yes I am." This is the part where your heart does a little jig and you jump into the wagon! Whoa, slow down cowgirl! Okay so you have a Christian man but guess what if he's not spicy in Christ than you are not going to get very far! Christ has called us to be the salt of the earth and a man's heart will be revealed from his fruit! If his fruit is rotten then that man is not ready for a God honoring relationship. His life doesn't reveal he is fully committed to putting Jesus first in everything and he is lukewarm! Yuck! The Bible says, (paraphrasing), lukewarm water will be spit out! Spit that excitement right out girlfriend because the next man will blow you away! Hold on just a little bit longer and get ready!
3. MR. RADIANT! This is a man that you can tell from every detail of his life that he walks with Jesus Christ not just here and there but every day of his life! He has died to himself and has allowed Christ to infiltrate every thing about him. Does this mean he is perfect?! Of course not! Not even we as females serving Christ are perfect! Shocker I know, but a man who is allowing Christ to live through him will be the closest thing to Christ Himself in human form that you will be able to attain! That is special and not many women are patient enough to wait for him because that kind of man takes a while to mold! After all he is only a lump of clay. 'He looks to the Lord and is radiant. His face holds no shame!' Take a step back and survey the men closest to you and see if you can identify the radiants from the blands and zombies.
In the meantime, as you wait for God to bring you your heart's desire may I challenge you to get up and live life! Make Christ your desire and see the wonderful adventure unfold! It won't seem like such a long wait with Christ as your Mr. Radiant! The beauty of accepting Him as your one true love is that as you are waiting for your earthly man, He will transform you into MRS. RADIANT! And yes girls, there are guys who are looking for her! You better believe if there is a Mr. Radiant then he is seeking a MRS.!
Put Jesus first, entrust your future mate to Him, then get busy living life abundantly daily! Get involved in youth group or college activities and you will be amazed at the change in your perspective as you depend on Jesus to take care of your every need! Life will no longer seem to drag but will fly by. And maybe just maybe your change will impact others and your group activities will no longer be about finding someone but how Christ can use you to bring others to Him. :)
Thursday, March 21, 2013
TRUST: TELL YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO ME!
"But those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." ~Psalm 34:10b
The daddy comes into his daughter's room to read a bedtime story like all the nights before. They make it through their night time ritual and with loving eyes the daddy looks at his little girl. "Honey, do you love me?" The little girl looks at him with all the wonder that comes from loving a strong, dependable man of integrity. "You know I love you Daddy!" The daddy points to the pearl necklace around her neck and says, "then may I please have your necklace?" The girl panics and says, "Oh no Daddy not my necklace." This is her most prized possession she bought from the dollar store after working hard to save her pennies. "You can take that horse over there! You know my favorite one! Have it Daddy!" Daddy kisses her cheek and says, "That's ok sweetie. Go to sleep. Daddy loves you." The next night Daddy comes in from a long day at work and reads a story. After the story he asks, "Darling, do you love me?" "Of course I love you Daddy!" "Then hand me your pearl necklace." The little girls eyes go wide, "Oh no Daddy! Not my necklace! You can have Suzie! The baby doll I play with every day! Take it Daddy!" Daddy smiles and says, "That's ok Baby. Daddy loves you." He kisses her goodnight. This continues for several nights. Each night the daddy asking for her pearl necklace and each time she offers another valuable item instead of the one she treasures most. One night the daddy comes in to find his little girl sitting on her bed with tears rolling down her cheeks. "What's wrong Honey?" She opens her hand and holds out her pearl necklace. "Here Daddy. It's yours." As she holds out the necklace to him, the daddy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a real pearl necklace he had picked up from the jewelry store. He places it on the little girl's neck and said, "Daddy loves you."
As a young girl, I remember my daddy sharing this illustration in his sermons as he would relate this story to how God is waiting for us to trust Him with every detail of our lives for 'He delights in every detail!' "Wait a minute," you may say. You don't know what I have been through?! The pain and heartache I have felt for so long. Why should I trust someone I can't even see?! That's crazy! The Bible implies it's crazy not to. "But those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." You take a leap of faith and put your trust in Him and you have everything you could ever need! To lack nothing is to have everything!
For just about all of my life I have had struggles with trust and when I say struggles I mean I had hardly zero trust at all. There have been situations and instances in my life that shattered my faith in trust, but each time I step out seeking to trust Him I am amazed at all He accomplished through that tiny mustard seed. Tiny meaning you need a microscope to even see it! Last Sunday, I was running late for church. My sister and I stopped at Starbucks and I happened to make eye contact with a lady that I had never seen before. The instant I saw her I knew she needed a word of encouragement but I was scared to approach her. She and her husband sat down and as I was passing by I said, "Okay Lord. Your will not mine." I looked at her and said, "This may seem odd but do you have anything I can pray for?" She replied, "Honey, I got a whole list you can just go ahead and sit down." At that Starbucks, God brought me to church! One small step, One Big God!
What happens when the coin is flipped and I don't trust Him? What if I know He won't be there to catch me when I jump? How will you know if you don't ever jump to begin with! I had a friend who looked me dead in the eye and said, "just jump." My human nature told me you have jumped and look where it got you?! But it was a lie! I had never fully jumped because I would get close to the edge see the looming darkness before me and shrink back in fear. The fear of my life has been I will end up alone and be an old maid for all of my days! I laugh at that now because I am married to Jesus and have been since seven but never understood what that meant, but it's not funny the sin and torment it brought into my life through lack of trust. I have learned before a woman can enter a marriage covenant with a man she must first understand her marriage to Christ. In learning this, I no longer desire marriage in the way I use to to fulfill my own needs! I have everything I need in my marriage to Christ and I mean everything! You may be thinking "What?! Jesus can't give you everything. You don't go to bed with Him every night." Oh but I do! But not in the perverted ways the world has twisted sexuality. You ask Him to fulfill you in all the ways He was meant to and He will!
Think of Eve in the Garden of Eden. That woman had everything her little heart could desire! She was secure in God's love and her husband's! She was fed spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. She didn't need clothes because she had no shame and lived in God's presence every day! She had every reason to trust Him until that sneaky snake convinced her otherwise. Satan does not come up with new tricks. If he can get us to believe God is holding out on us then our trust will be weakened and that vicious deceiver will pounce. That lack of trust in God brought down all of humanity!
Trust is a precious tool in a relationship and one that has been used against God's people with a damaging ferocity. God has a treasure for those who can jump. He will catch you, take away the old, cheap junk and hand you life abundantly!!! Who wouldn't want that kind of life? So long life of fear and doubt! Hello to peace, mercy, love, blessings, all things good and righteous! "The Lord leads us on the best pathway for our life." He knows what is best for us and is just waiting for us to realize it and to JUMP!
It is not something that will happen overnight but in gradual procession just like any human relationship. He takes the days as they come one by one and a little at a time the more you trust Him the more you will realize He treasures your trust and will never fail you! I have trusted Him with the major pains in my life and He has taken them and used them for good not harm! Try it. One small step at a time and see how different your life becomes!
"So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to God who created you, for He will never fail you." ~1 Peter 5:19 (NLT)
The daddy comes into his daughter's room to read a bedtime story like all the nights before. They make it through their night time ritual and with loving eyes the daddy looks at his little girl. "Honey, do you love me?" The little girl looks at him with all the wonder that comes from loving a strong, dependable man of integrity. "You know I love you Daddy!" The daddy points to the pearl necklace around her neck and says, "then may I please have your necklace?" The girl panics and says, "Oh no Daddy not my necklace." This is her most prized possession she bought from the dollar store after working hard to save her pennies. "You can take that horse over there! You know my favorite one! Have it Daddy!" Daddy kisses her cheek and says, "That's ok sweetie. Go to sleep. Daddy loves you." The next night Daddy comes in from a long day at work and reads a story. After the story he asks, "Darling, do you love me?" "Of course I love you Daddy!" "Then hand me your pearl necklace." The little girls eyes go wide, "Oh no Daddy! Not my necklace! You can have Suzie! The baby doll I play with every day! Take it Daddy!" Daddy smiles and says, "That's ok Baby. Daddy loves you." He kisses her goodnight. This continues for several nights. Each night the daddy asking for her pearl necklace and each time she offers another valuable item instead of the one she treasures most. One night the daddy comes in to find his little girl sitting on her bed with tears rolling down her cheeks. "What's wrong Honey?" She opens her hand and holds out her pearl necklace. "Here Daddy. It's yours." As she holds out the necklace to him, the daddy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a real pearl necklace he had picked up from the jewelry store. He places it on the little girl's neck and said, "Daddy loves you."
As a young girl, I remember my daddy sharing this illustration in his sermons as he would relate this story to how God is waiting for us to trust Him with every detail of our lives for 'He delights in every detail!' "Wait a minute," you may say. You don't know what I have been through?! The pain and heartache I have felt for so long. Why should I trust someone I can't even see?! That's crazy! The Bible implies it's crazy not to. "But those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." You take a leap of faith and put your trust in Him and you have everything you could ever need! To lack nothing is to have everything!
For just about all of my life I have had struggles with trust and when I say struggles I mean I had hardly zero trust at all. There have been situations and instances in my life that shattered my faith in trust, but each time I step out seeking to trust Him I am amazed at all He accomplished through that tiny mustard seed. Tiny meaning you need a microscope to even see it! Last Sunday, I was running late for church. My sister and I stopped at Starbucks and I happened to make eye contact with a lady that I had never seen before. The instant I saw her I knew she needed a word of encouragement but I was scared to approach her. She and her husband sat down and as I was passing by I said, "Okay Lord. Your will not mine." I looked at her and said, "This may seem odd but do you have anything I can pray for?" She replied, "Honey, I got a whole list you can just go ahead and sit down." At that Starbucks, God brought me to church! One small step, One Big God!
What happens when the coin is flipped and I don't trust Him? What if I know He won't be there to catch me when I jump? How will you know if you don't ever jump to begin with! I had a friend who looked me dead in the eye and said, "just jump." My human nature told me you have jumped and look where it got you?! But it was a lie! I had never fully jumped because I would get close to the edge see the looming darkness before me and shrink back in fear. The fear of my life has been I will end up alone and be an old maid for all of my days! I laugh at that now because I am married to Jesus and have been since seven but never understood what that meant, but it's not funny the sin and torment it brought into my life through lack of trust. I have learned before a woman can enter a marriage covenant with a man she must first understand her marriage to Christ. In learning this, I no longer desire marriage in the way I use to to fulfill my own needs! I have everything I need in my marriage to Christ and I mean everything! You may be thinking "What?! Jesus can't give you everything. You don't go to bed with Him every night." Oh but I do! But not in the perverted ways the world has twisted sexuality. You ask Him to fulfill you in all the ways He was meant to and He will!
Think of Eve in the Garden of Eden. That woman had everything her little heart could desire! She was secure in God's love and her husband's! She was fed spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. She didn't need clothes because she had no shame and lived in God's presence every day! She had every reason to trust Him until that sneaky snake convinced her otherwise. Satan does not come up with new tricks. If he can get us to believe God is holding out on us then our trust will be weakened and that vicious deceiver will pounce. That lack of trust in God brought down all of humanity!
Trust is a precious tool in a relationship and one that has been used against God's people with a damaging ferocity. God has a treasure for those who can jump. He will catch you, take away the old, cheap junk and hand you life abundantly!!! Who wouldn't want that kind of life? So long life of fear and doubt! Hello to peace, mercy, love, blessings, all things good and righteous! "The Lord leads us on the best pathway for our life." He knows what is best for us and is just waiting for us to realize it and to JUMP!
It is not something that will happen overnight but in gradual procession just like any human relationship. He takes the days as they come one by one and a little at a time the more you trust Him the more you will realize He treasures your trust and will never fail you! I have trusted Him with the major pains in my life and He has taken them and used them for good not harm! Try it. One small step at a time and see how different your life becomes!
"So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to God who created you, for He will never fail you." ~1 Peter 5:19 (NLT)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Under the Stars So Bright, In the Presence of the Light
Under the stars I lie with You as we discuss the day
You handled everything that came my way
I began the day searching for Your face
You welcomed me into Your Holy dwelling place
So the adventure we embarked upon
Purposefully forgetting the journeys long
Many we encountered as time went by
You revealed each soul's cry
At moments my feet would stray
In an instant You carried me anyway
Now here we are as the day is done
You call me Your holy one
We glance at the sky full of wonder
The mystery of God's creation we ponder
You open my eyes to all things new
In Your Presence, my heartaches seem few
You point and name each bright light
I am fascinated by the awe of night
You are pleased with my grin
Another day, You defeated sin
I close my eyes completely at rest
Today's path has been Your best
As we lie under God's watchful eye
Strength abounds and on wings I fly
Hoping for a new tomorrow
Where you lead me through joy and sorrow
We rise to say goodnight and embrace
My heart yearning to once again see Your face
Friday, March 1, 2013
The ULTIMATE Marriage Proposal
Dear Daughter-To-Be,
I am searching for a bride for My Son. I do not desire human effort from you in the steps of preparation for the special day for even the most you have to offer at the altar will be inadequate. No my dear one, you must come just as you are. I only ask you to lay your most prized possession at His feet. Your heart must be given to Him in order for the marriage to be consummated. This step of ultimate trust will terrify you but let Me reveal the beauty of your soon to be Bridegroom. I sent Him as the one and only sacrifice, for you cannot become My beautiful daughter unless you first marry My Son. His character will not disappoint you like so many you have put your trust in. Your name was on His heart as He took searing slashes to His flesh. As the blood spilled, the only cry from His lips was your name. Before you were born, I knew you would be Mine! He won't have a large, flashy diamond to win your heart, but instead His life was given up to the point of death on a cross just so He could marry you! Give Him your heart and He will overflow your cup with love! What are His intentions you may want to know?! He wants to give you a rich and satisfying life and with Him you and I are made one! I will dress you in my splendor and perfect your beauty! All you have to do is say YES! Do not take too long to decide for your Bridegroom is anxious to hold you and behold here He comes riding on a cloud! Shalom daughter-to-be!
Love,
God of Heaven's Armies
*I believe this to be inspired by the Spirit but I do not claim to be THE voice of God! My interpretation of the most precious gift we could ever receive!*
I am searching for a bride for My Son. I do not desire human effort from you in the steps of preparation for the special day for even the most you have to offer at the altar will be inadequate. No my dear one, you must come just as you are. I only ask you to lay your most prized possession at His feet. Your heart must be given to Him in order for the marriage to be consummated. This step of ultimate trust will terrify you but let Me reveal the beauty of your soon to be Bridegroom. I sent Him as the one and only sacrifice, for you cannot become My beautiful daughter unless you first marry My Son. His character will not disappoint you like so many you have put your trust in. Your name was on His heart as He took searing slashes to His flesh. As the blood spilled, the only cry from His lips was your name. Before you were born, I knew you would be Mine! He won't have a large, flashy diamond to win your heart, but instead His life was given up to the point of death on a cross just so He could marry you! Give Him your heart and He will overflow your cup with love! What are His intentions you may want to know?! He wants to give you a rich and satisfying life and with Him you and I are made one! I will dress you in my splendor and perfect your beauty! All you have to do is say YES! Do not take too long to decide for your Bridegroom is anxious to hold you and behold here He comes riding on a cloud! Shalom daughter-to-be!
Love,
God of Heaven's Armies
*I believe this to be inspired by the Spirit but I do not claim to be THE voice of God! My interpretation of the most precious gift we could ever receive!*
Mighty Hand
I rise and I am radiant
The glory is etched throughout my entire being
Righteousness flows from my inner parts
A river of life for all to see
Where oh where does this come from?
My yesterdays tell a different story
Shame has been my covering
Disgrace my robe
I have walked a different path
Stumbling over rocks and mire
My clothes tattered and torn
My heart shattered and worn
Were you to count the sins of my youth
Not even the stars would properly amount
I staggered one last time
Into the hole of despair
I teetered over the edge
A hand grasped my back
I was yanked to solid ground
Stripped down to the core
My dirty garments removed
My filth washed away
I glanced down at the hands so tender
To see nail scars in the name of surrender
A cloak wrapped around
The color so white
My eyes went wide
At the purity so bright
A crown topped my head
A name written in red
I glanced at the One before me
To see a face so meek
His clothes were tattered and torn
His body weary and worn
He wore only humility
As a perfect being took on my form
Knowing I was saved
I opened my lips to ask why
He opened His arms and whispered
"You Are Mine"
"Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it." (NLT Colossians 1:22-23)
The glory is etched throughout my entire being
Righteousness flows from my inner parts
A river of life for all to see
Where oh where does this come from?
My yesterdays tell a different story
Shame has been my covering
Disgrace my robe
I have walked a different path
Stumbling over rocks and mire
My clothes tattered and torn
My heart shattered and worn
Were you to count the sins of my youth
Not even the stars would properly amount
I staggered one last time
Into the hole of despair
I teetered over the edge
A hand grasped my back
I was yanked to solid ground
Stripped down to the core
My dirty garments removed
My filth washed away
I glanced down at the hands so tender
To see nail scars in the name of surrender
A cloak wrapped around
The color so white
My eyes went wide
At the purity so bright
A crown topped my head
A name written in red
I glanced at the One before me
To see a face so meek
His clothes were tattered and torn
His body weary and worn
He wore only humility
As a perfect being took on my form
Knowing I was saved
I opened my lips to ask why
He opened His arms and whispered
"You Are Mine"
"Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it." (NLT Colossians 1:22-23)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Catch Me If You Can
Relationships are vital to the human race whether they be between a man and woman, a parent and child, an employer and an employee, a pastor and his church congregation, a woman and her friend, etc. The list could travel beyond the horizon. Our daily lives are surrounded by relationships. We have been created to exist as relational beings. That just happens to be a fact of life. Even the most isolated hermit crab will need companionship eventually. Twenty-three and a half years of life is how long God chose to wait until the appropriate time to teach me a vital truth in my relationship with Jesus! Is that a long time? When weighing time I cannot view the span on earthly scales, but rather try to ask for a glimpse on the scales of eternity! To witness this truth earlier would have been a blessing I was not yet prepared for. In God's infinite mercy, the cobwebs of my heart were cleared and the wellsprings of Life began to take effect!
How many times in relationships have you been told or have been the one doing the telling, "You are so clingy!" I have been on both sides of the spectrum and neither do a heart any good. To define 'clingy' I like on of the definitions of Mirriam-Webster: "to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal." That is some intense clinging going on! Many times the clinging comes from a desire to be accepted by another, to receive deep emotional fulfillment, and to answer questions from our innermost parts through the relationship. I have ran after relationships (particularly with the opposite sex) in hopes that Brittany La Shae Walker would be in need of nothing. That once I found what it was I was looking for everything would fall neatly into place and my life could begin. O dear! Do you think the end result flowed with beautiful fragrances such as buttercups and spices?! I think not! Those individuals I sought after and clung to with all my might hightailed it out of my life and I was left standing amid the dust and confusion. What is wrong with me Lord? Why am I different? Everyone else around seems to succeed in relationships and mine tend to break not just once but again and again.
Thankfully, when you ask God for answers He shows up in a mighty way! He will not leave His children in the ashes, but shows them understanding when seeking! He pointed me to a verse in Jeremiah where He is threatening impending doom on Judah and Jerusalem. They have turned their hearts away from God and have set out to worship false idols. When reading the Bible, I firmly believe it is ALIVE! Jesus was and is the Word! That is the beauty of scripture, I can insert my name when God is speaking from His heart and that is how I grow closer to knowing and seeking God's heart!
"As a loincloth clings to a man's waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to me, says the Lord. They were to be My people, My pride, My glory--an honor to My name. But they would not listen to Me."~Jeremiah 13:11
So replace Judah and Israel with your name! Ah!!!! Did you catch that?! We were created to be clingy!!! That character trait is not abnormal! We are not weird, at least not in that sense! :) However, we weren't meant to cling to anything or anyone other than God and to know God is to know Jesus Christ! He is Life itself! "I am the Truth, the Way, and the Life!," says Jesus. Honey, we are commanded to be clingy! How liberating to know that grasping the God of the Universe is required for our daily lives! Have you counted the stars and wondered how they just suspend in air all on their own? Or how a ball of fire rises every morning and illuminates the sky? We aren't clinging to a dead deity but the God of Heaven's Armies who raised an innocent man from the dead, Jesus Christ all so we can walk in freedom every day of our lives if we believe! I don't know about you but when I cling to earthly things they will slip out of my hands. These things weren't meant to last.
As for me, I learned the reason I could never attain the relationships I wanted to cling to was because it scared the life out of the recipient! That is a tall order to satisfy Brittany La Shae Walker and I only know one man who can, Jesus! It scares them because mere humans weren't created to deliver that kind of satisfaction. They are dealing with their own bouts of insecurities. How in the world is a broken person going to answer the needs of another broken person?! We are all walking through the same day and the only way we will break free of the need to cling to those around us is to cling to the One who offers life and not only life, but life abundantly!
"The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" ~Psalm 32:8
How many times in relationships have you been told or have been the one doing the telling, "You are so clingy!" I have been on both sides of the spectrum and neither do a heart any good. To define 'clingy' I like on of the definitions of Mirriam-Webster: "to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal." That is some intense clinging going on! Many times the clinging comes from a desire to be accepted by another, to receive deep emotional fulfillment, and to answer questions from our innermost parts through the relationship. I have ran after relationships (particularly with the opposite sex) in hopes that Brittany La Shae Walker would be in need of nothing. That once I found what it was I was looking for everything would fall neatly into place and my life could begin. O dear! Do you think the end result flowed with beautiful fragrances such as buttercups and spices?! I think not! Those individuals I sought after and clung to with all my might hightailed it out of my life and I was left standing amid the dust and confusion. What is wrong with me Lord? Why am I different? Everyone else around seems to succeed in relationships and mine tend to break not just once but again and again.
Thankfully, when you ask God for answers He shows up in a mighty way! He will not leave His children in the ashes, but shows them understanding when seeking! He pointed me to a verse in Jeremiah where He is threatening impending doom on Judah and Jerusalem. They have turned their hearts away from God and have set out to worship false idols. When reading the Bible, I firmly believe it is ALIVE! Jesus was and is the Word! That is the beauty of scripture, I can insert my name when God is speaking from His heart and that is how I grow closer to knowing and seeking God's heart!
"As a loincloth clings to a man's waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to me, says the Lord. They were to be My people, My pride, My glory--an honor to My name. But they would not listen to Me."~Jeremiah 13:11
So replace Judah and Israel with your name! Ah!!!! Did you catch that?! We were created to be clingy!!! That character trait is not abnormal! We are not weird, at least not in that sense! :) However, we weren't meant to cling to anything or anyone other than God and to know God is to know Jesus Christ! He is Life itself! "I am the Truth, the Way, and the Life!," says Jesus. Honey, we are commanded to be clingy! How liberating to know that grasping the God of the Universe is required for our daily lives! Have you counted the stars and wondered how they just suspend in air all on their own? Or how a ball of fire rises every morning and illuminates the sky? We aren't clinging to a dead deity but the God of Heaven's Armies who raised an innocent man from the dead, Jesus Christ all so we can walk in freedom every day of our lives if we believe! I don't know about you but when I cling to earthly things they will slip out of my hands. These things weren't meant to last.
As for me, I learned the reason I could never attain the relationships I wanted to cling to was because it scared the life out of the recipient! That is a tall order to satisfy Brittany La Shae Walker and I only know one man who can, Jesus! It scares them because mere humans weren't created to deliver that kind of satisfaction. They are dealing with their own bouts of insecurities. How in the world is a broken person going to answer the needs of another broken person?! We are all walking through the same day and the only way we will break free of the need to cling to those around us is to cling to the One who offers life and not only life, but life abundantly!
"The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" ~Psalm 32:8
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