Star-fish

     Today I started my doctoral studies. I read all day about people with theories regarding how we develop the ability to think, ways in which we are to plan our futures, and that some believe we create our own selves by going deeper into ourselves. Here is an excerpt of my response: In creating my reality for the next three and a half years of this doctoral journey, I will not take the solipsism view that “the mind, and mind alone, creates the world,” but agree with von Glaserfeld’s notion that, “When I re-present something to myself, it seems to come from another source, a source that feels as though it were wholly ‘inside’.” Although my belief is that within me is the Holy Spirit of God and as a follower of Christ Jesus, He has set this “source” of guidance, counsel, direction, and protection in me when I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. That being said, I don’t set my own self-identity, but choose to follow the Holy Spirit’s “reality” for ...

     I awoke this morning with my heart pounding. I had been dreaming about riding a bicycle down a long steep hill with no sense of brakes. As sleep began to disappear, reality made my heart begin beating rapidly again. With many huge life changes converging this week, as well as health concerns niggling at the back of my mind, I cried out to God to understand what to do. I told Him I was afraid. He responded in my soul, "Are you saying that I am not big enough to handle your problems?" I took a deep breathe and replied, "Of course not Lord."      But that's exactly what I was saying with all my fears. I was saying in my trembling heart that God had either not heard my cry or was not willing to do anything about it. Rather than standing firm on the promises of God and trusting in the reality of His might, I was going into my old ways of handling things that caused me fear. Action, sleep, procrastination, impatience, anger, and worry, my favorite ineffecti...

     In a recent Bible study I attended the speaker, Britta LaFont, spoke to the idea that we are all sojourners on this big blue sphere called Earth. Today is Earth Day, a day to celebrate the Earth, remembering the need to be good stewards of the resources that God has provided for us on this terra firma. But as Christians, we know the place we plant our feet is temporary. Thus we are sojourners, temporary residents of this place, seeking to one day find our way back home.      The Bible tells us the way to our heavenly home. Although some say the path is broad, we know it is narrow and only a few will find it. I pray today, that as you read these words of a simple human traveler, who knows how to get lost (both literally and figuratively), you will also know how to be found. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He tells us that the way to heaven is narrow. He said that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a r...

     Peace is fleeting when you seek it in the world. It is broken down by emotions, delays, discussions, repercussions, and regret. But God's peace is unconditional, because it is not dependent on you, me, or the world around us. God's peace can be found in war, storms, disease, and distractions. His peace is completely dependent on my dependence upon Him and Him alone.       Find peace today in your circumstances by getting out of yourself and allowing Jesus Christ to come into you via the Holy Spirit that dwells in those who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Peace to you my friend. Now seek peace with others.  4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.   5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand;   6  do not be anxious about anything,  but in everything by prayer and supplication  with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   7 ...

It's so difficult to remember that when I complain, I'm saying God's provisions and/or decisions are not good enough and when I criticize others, I'm saying God's creations are not good enough either. Gather blessings today my friends,  K T Jesus Calling by Sarah Young "When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if  I’m mismanaging things. But you don’t know what I know or see what I see." - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young "For we live by faith, not by sight." -2 Corinthians 5:7

Some thoughts came to me this morning as I struggled in prayer with the Lord: Release others from the responsibility of making you happy. Seek Joy in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. Love others…regardless. Thank you Lord, for reminding me that I'm to lean completely and totally upon you. That my relationship with others is to be based upon my love and trust in you, not in whether others love me or are trustworthy. Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

    I have a HUGE praise…it's a long story as most of mine are:( but anyway…I was prescribe a medicine lately for stomach issues and asked the doctor specifically about it's content as I'm HIGHLY allergic to a certain chemical in drugs. The doctor assured me it didn't contain this chemical. I got crazy busy this last week and forgot to take the medicine. Tonight as I started to take it a thought came to me, "I should check it's chemical compound, just in case." It contained 6 molecules of this element! One molecule of this chemical in another drug, caused me to go into anaphylactic shock years ago prior to a surgery. I can't image what this new drug would have done to me. It's scary, but also awe inspiring.       It's such a wonderful honor to know that the creator of the universe is willing to guide, direct, and protect me daily, if I'll just listen to His still small voice.  1 Kings 19:11-13 Then a great and powerful wind tore the mou...

      Messing up seems to be my strong point. I say that in jest, of course, but in reality my propensity is toward going with the flow of my emotions. The problem is my emotions run fast and deep which is a recipe for daily disaster! Thus the reason this post by Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling spoke to me today: "Even though King David committed some terrible sins, he was a man after My own heart who was very teachable. When Nathan the prophet rebuked David for having committed adultery and murder, he repented immediately, saying, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' So do not despair when you realize you have sinned. Instead, turn quickly from the offensive way and turn back toward Me. I will receive you warmly—with no condemnation." -Jesus Today by Sarah Young, p. 136  "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1

      In our recent Bible study, the speaker challenged us to come up with an "elevator pitch" for our testimony. The website, MindTools.com, defines an elevator pitch in the following manner: An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use them to create interest in a project, idea, or product – or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name. They should be interesting, memorable, and succinct. They also need to explain what makes you – or your organization, product, or idea – unique.      In our study, Prodigal Confessions , by Britta Lafont, she asks us to answer the following questions when creating our "elevator pitch" with which to share of personal testimony (the moment, and events surrounding the moment, when we chose Jesus Christ to be our personal Lord and Savior). She notes to write it dow...

As I'm reading the Britta Lafont study called, Prodigal Confessions, I'm reminded of so many times in my life that had I not opened my mouth to defend myself, excuse my behavior, and the like, I would have allowed space in the conversation for Jesus to get a "word in edgewise." See the excerpts below: "My real problem was, that the One Who hurt me the most was God. He didn't meet my expectations. I wanted rescue. He gave me the Refiner's Fire. I wanted the feeling of security from love here on earth. He gave me instability and difficulties to drive me to a more dependable love…His." Then she goes on to make a point about the story of Mary and Martha from a pastor's sermon she once heard. He asked the congregation, "What did Mary say?" "…she was quiet. Mary did not defend herself when she was rebuked…scolded, criticized--called out--in front of a room full of men…"  She goes on to write, "because Mary was quiet, Je...

I'm currently working through a women's Bible study by Britta Lafont called, Prodigal Confessions and wondering, "Why can I only hear this now when it's always been the truth?" Here are some excerpts from the study by Britta, bits and pieces, that spoke to me: Seed of Pride sprouted and blossomed, shouting in my head about the faults and flaws of others, and my hurt only increased…back to my childhood: Do I really have to submit to authority when I think it is unfair? My heart said, "No!" but God's Word says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God" (Romans 13:1, NLT). My overwhelming emotions had to do with another lie that simmered, unacknowledged, under the surface: someone else's bad behavior or attitude justifies mine…"I couldn't help it; they just made me so mad!"…Yet, I knew in my heart that this ...

      This spoke to me today. There are so many hurting people in the world. Do I add to their pain or become a "pain reliever"? Morning Blessing: May the power of the Holy Spirit awaken your heart in a fresh new way. May you see others the way God sees them. May your heart of compassion grow in a way you never thought possible. May God give you insight into other's stories so you will know what to say and when to say it. May Jesus Himself open your eyes to His activity on the earth today. Instead of looking too long at the enemy's wicked schemes, remember this: whenever the devil makes a move, God already has a plan and His purposes will prevail. Pray audaciously. Obey immediately. Walk forward in faith. God has you on the earth today for a reason. May He find faith in you! Blessings on your day today. By Susie Larson Jeremiah 29:11-14 11  For I know the plans  I have for you,” declares the  Lord , “plans to prosper  you and not to harm you, plan...