Friday, August 31, 2012

"A Hopeful Beginning"

"The Power of God is a wonderful thing,
Peace, love and joy is what He will bring,
The Power of Prayer is a powerful thing,
Strife, hurt and confusion, it takes out the sting,
Nothing happens by sitting on our seats,
Expect the situation to change when we get on our knees,
All things in this life will vanish into thin air,
But do not fret, I tell you the truth, nothing will compare,
What you will see will blow your mind,
Just watching all of us stand at Heaven's Gate in line,
And if you don't take heed to His Hand,
All will bow whether they want to by demand."

Thursday, August 30, 2012

"Expect The Unexpected"

"I Am Able"

"I dream of one day to ride a bike,
Then on my list I would take a mile hike,
The next day I'd get into a car,
I would take a long trip with my family, oh so far,
I would put my left foot in front of my right,
I'd run so fast with all of my might,
I would spread my wings as wide as they'd go,
Just where I'd end up only God knows,
I want to jump up as high as I can,
To know God gets all the credit and not man,
I am going to live my life as pleasing to You,
I've decided to be obedient to what You want me to do."


Some of you have asked about what difficulties, or for better words, physical disability I display. I have felt very strongly to share with all of you some of my experiences. Nobody likes conflict! This is safe to say. Most everyone wants to live their lives peacefully. I mean, who wouldn't want too. You can view this two ways. The difficulties we endure can either be a blessing or a curse. We choose the outcome based on our attitude during the trial. I have spoken in detail on previous post about how God sometimes uses struggles in our lives as a "wake up call". He wants to get our attention. And unfortunately for most of us, this is the case. We live in such a "fast-paced" world. And a I need it done now mentality. We are all guilty, including myself, of not slowing down and giving God our best! So, we are mostly content with giving Him our "leftovers" or "crumbs" (a quick prayer here and there) that drop from our tables or we at least hope that will be sufficient for Him. We all live life unexpectedly, if you think about it. We all have things that are edged in stone about our lives like our personalities (God created us). But we don't know things like the security of our income, health issues (I know this one), or even car problems, just name a few. These are all unforeseeable issues we we can't control. We need to realize, life is one BIG puzzle, and everything that happens to us is a piece of the puzzle. We can either choose to allow God to put these pieces together for us in the right place (follow His plan for our life), or we can do it ourselves, maybe never getting the correct pieces in their places (maybe never executing God's plan for their lives). (Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"). When we all face trials they have a tendency to strengthen, mature us and somewhat make us more complete. A lot of times, these trials mold us into what God wants us to be. Anyway, let me get back to my original thought (sufferings). I suffer from a physical disability called Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease (TDDD). I was diagnosed just over two years ago. There is no surgery or medical procedure available to date to correct this issue. The only option I was given was pain management and that was the best one. But little did I know, God would use this time not to heal my physical body (back), but to start transforming my heart on the inside (Expect the Unexpected). You know, a renewing of my mind and heart. It was during this trial I had my own expectation. I expected to be healed physically. But you know, God is God!  And I know, He sees the bigger picture. I found myself actually hurting worse than I had before. But, what I have found in the midst of MY storm was peace. A  perfect peace that only God, no human could provide. The best way to describe this peace, was a very "calming" peace. I longed for God's Word more and more. I couldn't get enough of it. I felt as if I was being turned inside out (like we do with certain clothing) only to be washed in hot water (growth hurts). The hot water is the significance of making sure the clothes are clean. I'm telling you when we allow God to clean us up, He does a rather thorough job. Last Year, I felt prompted by God to start a blog and call it "No, Pain, No Gain". The thoughts got stronger and stronger for starting this. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do this no matter what kind of pain I was in. The Good News is, little did I know, there I go saying, "little did I know" again. But God did! And He knew He was going to use this blogging instrument to heal my heart, and draw me closer to Him while being an encouragement to others. Especially, those dealing with chronic pain like I do. He started by giving me scriptures to look up (not having a clue what they said). I would sit down to write, and He would give me the words to put on paper, just as if I was dictating a letter for Him (I kind of was). So many times, I would be woken up in the middle of the night to write things down, only to realize I wasn't sure where they would fit in with the post I was currently working on. This happened and continues to happen ALL the time. I'm telling you, God has such a sense of humor. I would go back to bed only to get up and start jotting words down again, in which connected with the words He woke me up earlier to write down.  And before I knew it, I had a newly completed post finished before the one I was currently working on. And without fail, I am usually told to post the last one first. That's crazy in normal thinking. But, I know I serve a BIG GOD! And He is forever looking out for my best interest and the interest of His children (what we need, when we need it). I believe, God is more interested in our spiritual well being, than our physical healing. I'm not saying that our physical hurts are not important to Him, because they are. And He can heal you!  But what I am saying, is it's far more important that our hearts be given to His Son, Jesus so we can live forever with Him. Well, I appreciate you all who taking to time to read my (short) story. However, I do have one more thing to share with you. I woke up thinking about the story of David and Goliath. I believe God gave me a different look at this story. Anyway, here is what I wrote down. WellIt's been almost a year since the "unexpected" happened (kidney stones surgery). We all know that we all go through difficulties everyday.  They sometimes seem all day long. The past 3 years has kind of reminded me of a movie called "Groundhog Day". I think we've all seen this movie one time or another. You know, where the main character gets up and does the same thing over everyday. But, what we seem to forget is that through those similar days there are little incidents that take place to change the course of the next day. Well, that happens to us each day, and those incidents are little "nuggets" that do make a change for the better. Sometimes those little "happenings" can change the course of your life. (2 Corinthians 4:18- "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.")  We can be assured, God does bring us hope during our most darkest days. It's only natural to focus on Goliath (problem) and not the little pebble (solution) that David slew Goliath with. Here me out for a moment, you see everyone was so focused on the BIG problem (Goliath) and how he was going to destroy David. But you know, most of time God works in ways we don't always understand or expect. Who knew, the little shepherd boy named David and his little "nugget" (pebble-solution) would be victorious  over such a huge problem in the natural (our own physical eyes).  I can honestly say God works "best" in things we don't foresee. (2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight.")  So I challenge all of you to stop looking at your (Goliath) problems and try to focus on the (David) solution that God is able to deliver you from.





Wednesday, August 29, 2012

"Upward Battle"

"At times I feel so down,
I don't want to laugh, smile just frown,
It's no surprise I see no way out,
I am even guilty to sometimes doubt,
Not that You Jesus are not able,
But that I always seem to be unstable,
Trusting You is hard when nothing changes,
I'm consistently looking for someone to be blaming,
Then I move past my foreseen thoughts,
Only to find them legitimately not,
I am trying to be in-tune with Your Spirit,
Only to be kept from drowning in the pit,
The deeper I go, the more right you are,
Your Promise to me was to heal my scars,
Just when I'm asking, laid out on the floor,
You are forever faithful to become my Lord." 

"The Right Path"

"Through His Word, God gives us His co-ordinance,
Which provides us with our guidance,
The right way we should act,
This is truly God's facts,
To each life is given a plan,
We have a choice to carry it out to the land,
If you choose to accept your earthly task,
Just know without a doubt your rewards will last,
Jesus paid the price for sin and death forever,
Which allows us to see past this life's endeavors,
One day we will stand before the Almighty King,
Only to realize it's real life and not just a dream."

"Communication With God"

"Difficult circumstances come and go,
When the next one pops up nobody knows,
We've been given One way out,
It's not easy, but is without a doubt,
The quickest way to our knees,
Is to give in and allow the Lord to speak,
Into our hearts everyday,
He creates a clear path in every way,
He wants to talk with us all the time,
And is even willing to supply the dime,
We are so important to Him,
He'll travel lands end to make amends,
He longs for us to open the communication,
Which takes away from the the devil's ammunition."

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

"Mindful Things"

"Sifting through all memories past,
Knowing the photographic thoughts would last,
Jesus took away all the pain,
And He did it with just three small stains,
He changed the way we use to think,
By filling our mind and hearts with the Word, the missing link,
We are promised a refreshing every morning,
One that will bring Him ultimate glory,
Instead of focusing on our past and what we remember,
Let us take a look forward and see Him as our Redeemer."

Monday, August 27, 2012

"Changing"


"I'm not the same person that use to live,
The dying of the old man is not a myth,
But I'm here to tell you to make a new start,
It's at that point your heart is the mark,
Your mind is a battlefield where wars are to be won,
Just give your heart to God's One and Only Son,
Jesus will fight your battles for you,
Until you give it up there's nothing He can do,
He's promised we will be renewed,
Only God's Word gives us that clue,
Before accepting Jesus we were sinners,
Because of  His sanctification we became winners."

"Living On The Inside"

"Holy Spirit keep me safe from all deception,
Staying close to You drives away desperation,
Just knowing You are near,
Makes my difficult past disappear,
Living for You is my only choice,
It brings peace to muffle the noise,
I can't live this life without You inside of me,
The washing of Your Word makes me clean,
If we are faithful to stay on Your road,
You promise to carry our load,
You are always there to hold us up in strength,
And when we are thirsty You give us a drink."

Thursday, August 23, 2012

"Reminisce"

"You stand at the door and knock,
I'm too busy to even look at my watch,
We are always in a hurry to get no where fast,
By not changing our lives the devil dredges up the past,
Satan is always bringing up what we have done,
When all the while God took care of you with His One Son,
So the next time these bad thoughts come to your mind,
Hit rewind on what God did and how far He had His Son climb (on the Cross)."

"Our Weapon"

"The Scriptures are readily available to be learned,
But you must know the Words have to be earned,
By stopping everything in sight,
And diving into it with all your might,
The Words on each page are powerful to read,
But only if we are willing to speak,
God has given us a most awesome tool,
It makes the devil and demons always drool,
With every word God has our back,
He gives us everything so we do not lack"

"Open Eyes"

"The Word of God never idles still,
It's not just a book from the run of the mill,
The Living Words leap right off the pages,
On every line are passages for all of the ages,
Every Word is alive to see,
I'm learning as I open to read it...it's about me,
How awesome my life can be transformed,
By allowing the Holy Spirit to conform,
All the Words I'm speaking to you,
Can be found in this book to be true,
Diving into the Word of God today,
Can save your life from lots of dismay."

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

"Looking Up"


"I sit outside looking up at the clouds,
To you O'God I shout out loud,
Wondering why everything seems to be so hard,
All the while knowing you aren't far,
Sometimes I want to jump into the car and drive,
Thinking going fast will make me feel more alive,
Father God I need your everlasting peace,
Every need I have Your Word says You'll meet,
I hold onto the promises you have spoken,
Your Love is like finding a golden token,
All the worries, cares and strife,
Mean nothing to me with you Lord in my life"

"Alone At Night"

"Sitting here reflecting on my life,
When just a couple of days ago I was cut on with a knife,
The doctor came in and said I'd be okay,
While I was enduring my hospital stay,
The pain I feel is all too real,
All I could do was pray God would heal,
Contemplating what next to write,
At the same time moving takes all my might,
I am grateful for what You have done,
My Father in Heaven gave me His Son,
You are so awesome and precious in sight,
Jesus, You're faithful to get me through the painful night"

"Decision....Not Ignored"

"My thoughts of feelings are forever fleeting,
Always leaving me in desperate needing,
The high prizes this world has to offer,
Can never compare to the Crowns of my Father,
Your love is said to always endure,
To mold me, to make me more mature,
The more of this life I am letting go,
Your Word says the better of You I'll know,
So I must come to a choice indeed,
One that I choose to put inside of me,
I have chosen to serve Jesus as my Lord,
This is the decision I could not ignore"

"Dead To Be Alive"

"I spent years not being what you need,
It took me becoming afflicted to take heed,
Although my body is not physically strong in heart,
I've been given a new spirit and start,
I long to spiritually be what you need,
To be that Man of God and take the lead,
Waking every morning with you by my side,
Allows me to take a hard look at my life,
I'm slowly realizing the things I cannot change,
Not me but only the Holy Spirit can arrange,
The best way to get ahead in life is to give it all to You,
It helps take away all my heartache and blue,
I'm a new creation that's what Your Word says,
Which means that my old man that was living is now dead"

Monday, August 6, 2012

"Not On Deaf Ears"

We have all felt that sometimes God doesn't hear our prayers because we don't get an answer. And sometimes the wait can be long...very long. I'm talking trials may last months maybe years. But the truth is, God hears every word that we speak ("For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory"- Isaiah 66:18). I envision God's ears perking up when we start talking to Him. Now, that's just my take on it. We must understand God's time table is usually different than ours. I've experienced what seemed to be "dead silence" when I would sit down to pray. But, God calls us to seek Him ("But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"-Matthew 6:3) even when we aren't getting the answers we need right away. I, personally have chosen to seek God out and trust Him while waiting for this trial to end, you know, to persevere (2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"-James 1:2-4). It's hard, but I'm looking down the road, not at my current circumstance. And if this trial doesn't end for me while I'm still on this earth, it will when I get to Heaven ("2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."-2 Corinthians 5:4). Paul is talking about our present bodies making us groan, but when we die we will not be spirits without bodies. We will have new bodies that will be perfect for our everlasting life (I know I took a detour, anyway back on track now). Our Father wants to hear from us. He wants to communicate with us, whether reading His Word or waiting patiently in prayer. Our prayer life should be a revolving door. What I mean is, we shouldn't do all the talking, but also listening. But in the meantime, we can learn how to follow God by meditating on His Word. Meditating simply means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. Try asking yourself what changes you could make so you're living as God wants. Knowing and meditating on the Word are the first steps toward developing a closer relationship to our Father in Heaven ("but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night"-Psalm 1:2). So, I challenge you to dive into God's Word to get to know Him. You won't be disappointed with what you'll find! There is peace in the Word, it is alive!