One of His Own

>> Wednesday, March 31, 2010

“For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16

I picture His blood flowing onto the dirt of Golgotha Hill. I feel the tears on my face as I think of His blood cleansing me and washing away my sins. Sins no longer remembered, by Him.

The miracle did not end there, the grave could not hold Him; on the third day He arose! Jesus is risen! He is our Shepherd!

A recent Friday afternoon found my husband Joe and me, on the way to our favorite weekend getaway. I was enjoying the lush green hills bathed in golden sprinkles from the sun when, much to my surprise, a flock of sheep were feasting on the grassy hillside. The shepherd sat on a rock watching over his flock. I felt as if I had been transported back to biblical times, and given a glimpse of David as a shepherd boy tending his flock. Maybe I had.

A shepherd looks for a luscious green pasture for his flock to feed on and a safe place for them to rest. His sheep knows his voice, even if there are other flocks near by, maybe sharing a field, when he calls, his sheep knows his voice. If the shepherd knows one of his sheep has strayed he will leave the others and search for the one. Even risking his life to find that one and return it safely to the fold.

Jesus used the comparison of the caring shepherd to help us understand His role in our lives. He’s the Master, yet willing to serve. He experienced death to give us life. He arose to overcome the grave. If we stray He beckons us come. With open arms He welcomes us home and tells us we are His own.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 NKJV

Random Thoughts on Procrastination

>> Friday, March 26, 2010

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV

I have wanted a blog for over a year, and kept procrastinating. I received various invites to join in activities such as, Monday Manna, which I want to do. Why did I wait so long? I don’t have a good excuse. I saw a posting for Patty Wysong’s blogging class and decided it was time.

In thinking about procrastination, I realize it encompasses things that I want to do, really want to do. If I could wave a magic wand and have it appear, I would be jumping up and down and waving my wand, like crazy. But as long as the outcome depends on me, on my ability to stick with it, procrastination becomes the name of the game.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, has an opposing side, nothing ventured can’t fail. I may not be doing and accomplishing, but I’m not trying and failing.

My honesty statement from this thought process is, I have a fear of failure. Although, I wanted a blog, and I wanted to participate in the various blogging activities, I was also feeling I just might not measure up to the other participants.

I have stepped out of the proverbial boat and am determined to overcome my fear. I am determined to examine other areas and find where else I may be procrastinating, into order to avoid failure.

Father, I thank you for Your strength, I thank you that through you we can over come all fears and insecurities. With You, Father, all things are possible. In Jesus name, Amen.

I am excited about my new blog. I hope you will visit often. Be sure to leave a comment—I love comments!

Patty, is an awesome instructor. If you need a blog makeover, or a new blog check out, Patty’s, blog classes. http://clearingtheblogfog.blogspot.com/

Joyfilled Heart

>> Thursday, March 25, 2010

Praising God for the countless ways He enhances my life. I grow determined to make Him the priority of each day. Seeking His wisdom and His guidance in each step I take. Basking in the rays of His mercy and His grace, knowing His love is with me each day, no matter what may unfold in its wake. Giving me the inner strength I require to circumvent the pitfalls which are sure to cross my path.

David beautifully reflects this in one of the much-loved Psalms.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. And with my song I will praise Him.”
Psalms 28:7 NKJV