Grace Like Snow!

Hello to all my dear friends!!

I hope you all had a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Welcome to 2014!!   

Nothing is quite as breathtaking as seeing the world under a soft, shimmering blanket of freshly fallen snow.  Pristine and flawless, it begs to be touched and yet..one almost desires to leave it perfect-loath to leave the first imperfection.

During one of the snow storms that graced the first of the year, I sat in my living room enjoying the warmth of my home, sipping hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket-with my journal and pen on my lap. I am fascinated by the dancing and swirling flakes outside my window, and I listen to the symphony of sounds created by the whistling wind drawing up the snow and whipping it through the trees.  

I am in awe of the power of this storm and am reminded of how small I am in comparison to this great big world and the universe that spans light-years away.  

In the midst of my quiet reflection, I got to thinking about how God's Grace and Mercy are like snow.  Perfect and without limitations.  Powerful and yet gentle.  And just when we least expect it, it covers us like a soft blanket.  How often, dear one, do you shy away from the power of God's grace?  How often do you pull away because of feelings of inadequacy or self loathing?  I know I do it more times that I ought to, and I struggle with fully accepting it when I feel so undeserving.  

But here's the thing...we don't deserve it..EVER!  

That's the beauty of Grace and Mercy.  By definition, Grace is "giving something undeserved," and Mercy is "not giving something deserved."  


For example: God gave us Jesus, because He loves us so much and doesn't want us to die separated from Him for eternity-Grace.

And, God didn't condemn us to Hell for all eternity, through the death of Christ on the Cross-Mercy.

   So in this year, fresh and new, let God's Grace and Mercy cover you like a blanket of freshly fallen snow.  Perfect, pristine, and without limits.  All you have to do...is accept the GIFT so lovingly given-and it doesn't cost you anything!

Many prayers for a year filled with Blessings!  Take each day and give thanks for the beauty it brings!  

<3   

                       

   

     

I Give You My Heart

Hello My Dear Friends!!

I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday and are recovered from the consumption all of the delicious food!  

In the spirit of the Christmas Season, my house is fully decorated with lights and garland, Christmas carols play in the background, and the scramble for purchasing gifts is well under way.  

However, is this all the season has to offer?

In recent years, Christmas has become such a grossly commercialized holiday; touting the magic of Santa Claus and the joy of finding that special package under the tree Christmas morning.  But, what happened to sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas; 'it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE.'

I am immensely blessed to have a family that has a heart for giving and ministry.  I was recently scrolling my news-feed on Facebook and came across a post written by one of my aunts.  I was SO touched by the post; I knew it would be the central theme to this week's blog.  

Here is the post verbatim     

I passed right by him. He was nestled in between a trashcan and a coke machine trying to keep warm. He had a few dozen crushed aluminum cans scattered around him....maybe just enough to sell so he could buy a cheap burger. He kept saying "Hey ma'am. Hey". I walked right by him at first. I was in a hurry to get back home. When I got to my car I couldn't resist his cry. Ashley was in the car waiting and we dug in our purses to find enough cash to help the man out. I knelt down beside him so I could get down on his level and look into his eyes."

"Sir, are you hungry?" 

"Oh, yes ma'am, I sure am."

"I'm gonna give you some money for a meal. You aren't going to spend it on those cigarettes you are smoking are you?"

"Oh, no....I just got these out of the ashtray. They were left over from someone else."

"Do you have a warm place to sleep tonight?"

"Yes ma'am. I sleep over by McDonalds."

"I'm glad. Do you know Jesus loves you? Do you know who He is?"

"Yes, ma'am. I do. I sure do."

"Well He loves you and He wants you to have a good meal tonight."

"Oh yes ma'am. I'm going over to McDonalds now and buy two fish sandwiches."

"Okay....I'm glad you will have a good meal and a place to sleep tonight."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."

"You're welcome sir."

When I got to my car he said,

"Hey ma'am. Will you do me a favor?"

"Whats the favor sir?"

"Buckle up!!"

"Oh yes sir I will."

I smiled and drove off. Whoahhhh..... the tears started to flow. I've driven by many a homeless person. I sometimes given and sometimes haven't. There was something about this time that was different. Maybe it was because I wasn't in a hurry. This time I didn't just throw the money and drive off. Maybe it was the holiday season. Maybe it was because I knelt down on his level and felt the depth of his hunger, loneliness, and pain for just a few minutes. I don't really know, but I am grateful for those few minutes that reminded me that I am no different than him. 

He's the "same kind of different as me."

I'm lost!! I'm hungry!! I'm thirsty!! 

I need a Savior !! 

Thank you Jesus for rescuing me from myself!! 

Your grace is enough! 

Jesus is enough!

Matt.25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink....."

I am not ashamed to admit that I was brought to tears by what was shared in this post.  I was convicted of my own blindness to the world around me.  How many times do we pass by the "hungry, thirsty, and lost" of this world.  Whether they need actual nourishment, an encouraging word, a listening ear, or the Good News.  How many of us are so consumed by our own wants and needs that we ignore the needs of our fellow neighbors? 

I found it perfectly timed that she would write this post during the greatest season of GIVING.  Christmas is not about presents under the tree, or decorations, or parties.  It is the celebration of the greatest GIFT ever given; God GAVE us His Son, Jesus, so that this world, consumed in darkness of sin, may have life and light eternal. 

John 3:16 says, "For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal LIFE."

Isaiah 9:6-7 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Luke 2:9-14 says, " An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

I am not writing this post to bash the fun festivities that surround the Christmas season.  I love to take part in all of various events as well.  Who doesn't?  But!!  I am taking time to once again reflect on what Christmas is really about!  It is a time when I give thanks to God my Father for His most precious gift, and when I in turn practice the art of giving to others-others that don't include my friends and family.  

Let this also be an encouragement to practice GIVING all year round.  Let us find joy in sharing ourselves with others the remaining 364 days of the year.  Christ doesn't stop giving His love after Christmas.  He love and mercy are everlasting and unconditional.  And as I said before, what we give doesn't necessarily have to or need to be "material" related.  Most times, store bought times can't fix the real need of those with whom we come in contact.  Like my aunt, she may have provided money for the homeless man, but what she really GAVE him was her time and love.  The money was probably spent in a few hours, but the love she shared will last him a life time.  He got to see the love of Jesus through the kindness of my aunt.  That gift, my friends, is the BEST one of ALL!  

May you be blessed this Christmas Season!!  

God Bless! <3        

Thanksgiving Blessing!

Hello again to all my friends!! 

I am very late in posting; it's been quite a week prepping for Thanksgiving!  With that said, this post will be short, sweet, and to the point! 

I pray you are Blessed on this Thanksgiving Day!!  May you find joy in the company of your family and friends.  May laughter and merriment fill the room and reminiscent conversation accompany the meal!  May you remember to give thanks for the many blessings you've been given throughout the year.  Always remember, though sorrow may last for a night, JOY comes in the morning! 

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers our men and women who cannot be with their families this Thanksgiving.  Pray for their safety as they fight to uphold the freedoms we enjoy everyday. Hold your loved ones just a little bit tighter.  

For those of you who have suffered the loss of loved ones this year, my heart reaches out to you.  Cherish the many precious memories you have, and keep them alive in your hearts by sharing those memories with your family and friends!

I want to share with you the Psalm that is read, as a tradition, at my house before the breaking of bread.  

Psalm 100 

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2 

    

Worship the Lord with gladness.

    

Come before him, singing with joy.

3 

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

   

 He made us, and we are his.

   

 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

    

go into his courts with praise.

    

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 

For the Lord is good.

    

His unfailing love continues forever,

    

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

May God Bless you all!  Happy Thanksgiving.  Have a safe and happy holiday!

Much Love! <3           

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart!

Hello my dear friends!!

I pray you are all doing well! 

In the season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how fortunate I am in the many blessings of my life.  I am ashamed to say that all too often, I am more than happy and prepared to complain rather than give thanks. More times than not, I have received blessings for which I never asked.  That is the gracious and merciful Father I serve and love!  How many times have you found yourself in the same situation?  And yet?  How many times do we complain about how God didn't work according to our plan?  

I am guilty of this more times than I care to admit! 

The Bible talks about "being thankful" and "giving thanks" a total of 40 times.  God is clearly VERY serious about us developing and practicing a spirit and an attitude of thankfulness! And as you read this you may say, "this woman has no idea what I have been through!  What do I have to be thankful for?"  

Believe me, I understand!  I don't know all of the circumstances surrounding your life.  But!  I do know how bitterness, anger, and resentment can kill a spirit faster than a blazing fire.  I know, because I was there up until only a few years ago.  And!  I have been a Believer since I was seven years old!  Even so, I let years of hurt build up inside until I couldn't even see straight.  Sure, I put on a well rehearsed smile and said all of the right things; but, inside I was dying.

It wasn't until after I talked to a friend who gave me a new perspective, that I realized how selfishly I was acting.  I had spent years blaming God for my hardships; expecting that life as a Christian would prevent me from any sorrows, while failing to see the blessings He has placed and worked in EVERY aspect of my life.  Even in the struggles, God has blessed me.  If I had simply taken the time to really look and listen,  I would have seen this truth many years ago.  Now don't get me wrong; I am not asking God for hardships and struggles-even in my new understanding. But, I can approach them with a much different attitude.  

I no longer see it as God punishing me, but rather His continuous work in my life.  It gives me comfort to know that my Father is still molding, shaping, and transforming me into His image.  For that, I am eternally Thankful!

Here are several verses that remind me to give thanks in ALL THINGS.  Please take the time to read and reflect up this truth! 

Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 136: 3 says: "Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever."  

Philippians 4: 4-7 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Now, I am not saying that you will ALWAYS have a thankful heart.  Life will present struggles that make it nearly impossible to think about being thankful.  But, don't look at thankfulness as an emotion, but rather a state-of-mind and a life-style choice.  And as all habits do, it will take TIME to develop.  So!  Be patient with yourself!  This change of the heart won't happen over night, and you can't do it alone!  Seek the Lord in all things! When the flesh wants so badly to be ungrateful, ask Him for the strength to be thankful in spirit, mind, and deed!

My challenge to you!  Keep a journal or a list of the things for which you are thankful.  It can be a daily list, weekly, or monthly.  Just keep it habitual.  And!  It doesn't always have to be big things. It can be seemingly small and inconsequential items that mean something personally to you!  At the end of each day, week, month, etc., reflect on those things, and present them to the Lord.

I wanted to share a YouTube link to a song by Laura Story.  I am not going to tell you anything further.  The songs lyrics explain themselves perfectly!!  Enjoy!  

        

   

May you be blessed in the coming week! <3 

       

He Walks WITH Me!!

Hello!!

It is Friday, and I couldn't be happier!  It has been one of those weeks where I wish I could go to sleep, wake up, and find that it has passed.  Do you ever have those days, or maybe a month, or even a year?

Believe me, you're not alone!  

I'll be honest; I was having difficulty thinking of what to write for this week's post.  My mind has been scattered in a million different directions trying to process issues at work, personal responsibilities, and daily life stresses.  It all became extremely overwhelming, and I even found it difficult to pray.  

I am sometimes tempted to think God cannot possibly understand what I am going through; that I am all alone in these private and sometimes public struggles, and I must battle them on my own.

As I take time to reflect on this week, one theme keeps returning to my heart.  It is a message I have heard many times in my Christian walk, but even more so this week.

God is with me always-for He has promised to NEVER leave me or forsake me. 

Several scriptural passages come to mind as I reflect on this abounding truth.  I would like to share them with you, and I pray you will take time to read them, reflect  upon them, and understand the awesomeness of their message.      

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3: 16-17

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53: 5 

These verses are extremely sobering as I fully digest the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice for me.  When our struggles threaten to consume us, it is easy to view God and Jesus as far away "deities," who have no personal connection to their creation. 

NOTHING could be farther from the truth!    

It is MY sin that beat him nearly to death; it is MY sin that nailed Him to that tree; it is MY sin that separated Him from His Father. 

Yet, it did not stop Him from obeying God's will.  That kind of LOVE still blows me away!!    

In the early hours of this morning, I wrote a poem.  I would like to share it with you!  

On The Cross

On the Cross, Lord, you became what I couldn't be,

Holy, blameless, and completely set free.

When you cried “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,”

You drew me closer, closer to you.

I should be dead; but you gave me life,

“It it finished,” ended my eternal strife.

On that Cross, Lord, you became what you never were,

Sin at its "greatest,” me at my worst.

You became my hate; you became my pain,

You became my tears, that fall down like rain.

You became my fears, you became my sorrow,

You became time, time I can’t afford to borrow.

Oh Lord, I can’t thank you, not nearly enough,

For the sacrifice you made on that “Old Rugged Cross.”

These words will always ring true to me,

 ‘Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord to Thee.”

So I thank you, as best as I can;

Through my obedience til' the very end.

                                                                  11/8/13

We all struggle with doubts, failures, hurts, and sins of the heart and flesh.  But!! Take heart in knowing that Christ loved us so much that He WILLINGLY took on the Father's righteous wrath, so that we may know Him personally.  Through His death and resurrection, we have been given NEW LIFE.  Don't try and do this life on your own!  Let Christ take on your burdens, and allow yourself to be SET FREE! 

I pray you are blessed and renewed this weekend!!

God Bless! <3 

      

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Christian Soldier

Hello again to all my friends out there!!  Hope you didn't fall into sugar comatose with the passing of Halloween.  I pray you are well and blessed!

There are so many different topics running through my head as I listen to beautiful Italian music.  Yeah, I sometimes sit at home on a Friday evening listening to music while simply enjoying the quiet time after a hectic week.  

Despite the flurry of thoughts and ideas for this post-one in particular struck a cord with my heart.  

I am blessed with friends who encourage me in my faith and with whom I can discuss anything! 

   

And!  As a friendship should, the encouraging goes both ways.  Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to council a friend who was experiencing some persecution at work.  I'll be honest, I don't know all of the details regarding the confrontation (and frankly, that's not important), but my friend was very shaken, hurt, and angry about the way she had been treated.  

She said, "Tanya, before I became a Christian, I would have thought nothing of giving this woman a taste of her own medicine; even going to the lengths of cussing her out.  But, after I came to Christ, I was determined to put away that type of behavior.  Instead, I have learned to walk away-almost to the point of being completely passive.  I no longer fight for myself; instead, I walk away and try to completely avoid all confrontation.  I do my best to turn the other cheek as Christ asks us to." 

I understand where my girlfriend is coming from.  I truly do!  Christ does in fact command us to offer the other cheek, should someone strike us (Matt. 5:39).  However, this is not the only thing the Bible says regarding fighting and preparing for battle.  In fact, the subject is discussed at least 53 times and ranges from physical discord to spiritual battles faced by believers.

I responded with this after praying for God's wisdom.  

I said, "Don't use Christianity as an excuse to remain passive. Becoming a Christian does NOT keep us FROM fighting, but rather CHANGES HOW we fight.  We no longer strike out with malicious intent, but rather with the LOVE of Christ that dwells within our hearts.  Everyday is a battle for believers!  It comes in many forms!  Physical persecution, as well as, the very real spiritual warfare waged upon us by the Enemy.  In fact, we can not afford to remain passive, but we MUST BE AWARE of our all our surroundings!  Let Christ give you strength and wisdom in these situations, but DO NOT sit back and take it without standing up for yourself!"

As our conversation drew to close, I referenced one of my favorite passages in scripture, which can be found in Ephesians 6:13-18. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at ALL times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."

Everyday, we must prepare ourselves for battle.  Everyday, we must "suit up" in God's armor, because we are POWERLESS to do it alone! Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a life free from worry.  In fact, Christ says we will suffer much as His followers. But take heart, my dear friends!  Christ also promises eternal rewards for being obedient and faithful to His word and most importantly, accepting His work on the cross for our sins-SALVATION!    

I will leave you with this final passage.  In times of distress, I repeat these verses and find great comfort in their truth! 

"For God gave us a spirit NOT of fear BUT of power and love and self-control."  2 Timothy 1:7.

Take heart!  God knows every struggle you face and every battle waged upon you!  He hears each prayer-even those of a silent heart and holds each tear in the palm of His hand.  You are far from alone in this world.  Come alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ, your family and your friends, and join together as Christian Soldiers in the Lord's Army!  

God Bless! <3 

            

   

Thank You!!

Good Morning to all of my wonderful friends!!  I pray you are blessed in whatever and wherever God has you! 

I am SO excited about the many things God is doing in my life and in the lives of those I love and care about! I am SO thankful I serve the LIVING GOD!!!  

Can I get an AMEN?!

In particular, I am blessed with what God is choosing to do through this blog.  This is not about anything done in my own power-but rather being used by God to reach others for Him!  To Him be given ALL the GLORY! 

I pray you will be blessed by this labor of LOVE!  I welcome all comments and/or suggestions!  Please, help me make this the best it can be! 

I will be posting one to two new posts a week-depending on the level of craziness.  Working full-time and participating in different organizations every night of the week makes for a very busy me!  However, I am committed to this blog and to the message/ministry opportunity it provides.  

Thank you everyone for your love and support!!! 

<3 Tanya