35 years (and well over 100 pounds ago) I used to take dance and gymnastics classes. I wore little pink or black leotards with white tights and pink ballet slippers. I was adorable and I was pretty good. As a gymnast I really had a bright future ahead of me but alas it wasn't to be.
I loved gymnastic class though. I could do handstands, headstands, cartwheels, round-offs, roll-overs, flips and back bends. I was even getting pretty good on the uneven bars but the one piece of equipment that just had me scared out of my wits was the balance beam. The balance beam is a piece of wood 16' long and 4" wide and sits about 4' off of the ground. It was a very intimidating slab of wood. I mean honestly, I could fall off and break my neck!
But they didn't just throw me right up there on that 4' monster. They started us off with a low beam that sat just a few inches off the ground. Can I be honest and tell you that it was still very intimidating, even though it was down on the floor! It was soooo narrow. But the coach used to hold our feet and teach us how to walk....one foot in front of the other...slow and steady at first just to get us used to it.
"Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps" Psalm 85:13
But my biggest problem with the beam was that it was only 4" wide. That's about the width of the average foot. That means I couldn't stand planted with my feet side by side. It had to be one foot in front of the other. I was wobbly and unsteady at first. But then I learned that I had to use my whole body to keep my balance. My arms and my head where just as important as my feet. I had to keep my arms outstretched in order to keep my balance. I had to keep my head aligned with my body. Where my head went, my feet would follow. I had to keep my eyes focused ahead of me - I could not look at my feet or I would surely fall.
Did you know that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives? So if there's a plan then He has already thought through what we need and how we need it. He isn't going to just throw us up on the 4' tall beam without some help and some training. He seeks to hold your feet while you practice walking along His path.
"If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm" Psalm 37:23
He also gives us an instruction manual, the Holy Bible, full of examples of others who have walked along that path before us. We have a Master Gymnast in Jesus Christ, who went to the Spiritual Olympics and won Gold! He can teach us how to walk, and then jump and maybe even do flips on this beam. He provided a great coach in the Holy Spirit, to teach us to hold our heads high and straight. To remind us to keep looking ahead and not back to the past or down at our feet. To cheer us along when we make progress and to console and encourage us when we fall, which we will. To tell us to get up, dust off and get back on the path.
See even though the beam is only 4" wide, with the right instructions, guide and coach you can learn how to maneuver across it - at times wobbly and nervous, and other times with fluid grace - BUT NEVER ALONE.
Walk in love, walk as children of light, walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In love,
Mona
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
1-give, 2-give, 3-give...
Despite how sane you are, there exists these voices in your head. There is the voice of self, the voice of the enemy and the voice of the world. We'll call these the SEW voices. But there is also the voice of God, the voice we long to hear and the only one we should be listening to. But the SEW voices are sooooooo loud - almost deafening. But more on that later. First a quick play!
Me: God?
God: Hey there!
Me: Remember 6 years ago when I really messed up?
God: Uh, no.
Me: You know..."The Thing". Don't you remember?
God: Nope
Me: Well I do?
God: Let's see... I do recall you asking me to forgive you, so I did. Then, as promised, I promptly forgot all about it. Now it's time for you to do the same.
And...scene! *bowing*
-------------------------------
You know God is so amazing that He forgives us as soon as we ask and then He does something so amazing. He forgets!
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more Isaiah 43:25
But guess who doesn't forget? Remember the SEW voices? They don't forget and seek to remind you of your sin all the time. Here's Act II...
SEW: Psssst!
Me: What!
SEW: We know what you did!
Me: What did I do?
SEW: You remember...."the thing"! You're bad.
Me: Okay...and?
SEW: What you're going through right now, we bet it's because of "the thing" from the past.
Me: But God forgave me.
SEW: Hah! But you never forgave yourself. That's why we're still here!
Me: *sigh*
And...scene *bowing*
-------------------------------
Self-forgiveness is really tough. Not just tough...darn hard! We are so quick to be reminded of the mistakes we've made in the past. It's too easy to condemn ourselves for errors and not walk in the joy of God's forgiveness.
He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19
We don't think we deserve it. But God is so merciful and loves us so much that He says He WILL NOT remember. YOU DO DESERVE IT!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
Act III
SEW: Psssst!Me:
SEW: Hey?
Me:
SEW: Hello???
Me:
SEW: She's not listening to us.
Me:
SEW: Are we talking to ourselves here?!?
Me: Thanks God!
God: You're welcome, my favorite child!
And...scene! *bowing*
-------------------------------
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
I know it can be a tough nut to crack, this self-forgiveness thing. Learn to say "SEW WHAT!" God says you are worthy. Believe Him!
In love,
Mona
Me: God?
God: Hey there!
Me: Remember 6 years ago when I really messed up?
God: Uh, no.
Me: You know..."The Thing". Don't you remember?
God: Nope
Me: Well I do?
God: Let's see... I do recall you asking me to forgive you, so I did. Then, as promised, I promptly forgot all about it. Now it's time for you to do the same.
And...scene! *bowing*
-------------------------------
You know God is so amazing that He forgives us as soon as we ask and then He does something so amazing. He forgets!
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more Isaiah 43:25
But guess who doesn't forget? Remember the SEW voices? They don't forget and seek to remind you of your sin all the time. Here's Act II...
SEW: Psssst!
Me: What!
SEW: We know what you did!
Me: What did I do?
SEW: You remember...."the thing"! You're bad.
Me: Okay...and?
SEW: What you're going through right now, we bet it's because of "the thing" from the past.
Me: But God forgave me.
SEW: Hah! But you never forgave yourself. That's why we're still here!
Me: *sigh*
And...scene *bowing*
-------------------------------
Self-forgiveness is really tough. Not just tough...darn hard! We are so quick to be reminded of the mistakes we've made in the past. It's too easy to condemn ourselves for errors and not walk in the joy of God's forgiveness.
He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19
We don't think we deserve it. But God is so merciful and loves us so much that He says He WILL NOT remember. YOU DO DESERVE IT!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
Act III
SEW: Psssst!Me:
SEW: Hey?
Me:
SEW: Hello???
Me:
SEW: She's not listening to us.
Me:
SEW: Are we talking to ourselves here?!?
Me: Thanks God!
God: You're welcome, my favorite child!
And...scene! *bowing*
-------------------------------
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
I know it can be a tough nut to crack, this self-forgiveness thing. Learn to say "SEW WHAT!" God says you are worthy. Believe Him!
In love,
Mona
Monday, August 17, 2009
Breakthroughs
This is the level, this is a harvest
This is the day that You will manifest Your promisesThis is the moment, this is the season for a breakthroughAnother Breakthrough - Israel & New Breed---------------------------------------------------------------------We as Christians talk about breakthrough a lot. We are always looking for a breakthrough. God is going to give us our breakthrough. We are always on the verge of a breakthrough. But do we really know what that means. Are we really aware of the costs of a breakthrough?
There are 3 definitions of 'breakthrough' in the dictionary but funny enough there are over a hundred definitions for 'break' and more than 30 definitions of 'through'. But today I'm going to focus on these two:
Break: to overcome or wear down the spirit, strength, or resistance of; to cause to yield, esp. under pressure, torture, or the likeThrough: from the beginning to the end
So I guess my definition of 'breakthrough' would be the act of overcoming or wearing down the strength of something, causing you to yield to someone, from the beginning to the end. Not bad...
So, in order for God to give us a breakthrough, He's going to have to take us through some changes and, based on what we generally know about the word 'break', I get the feeling these are gonna hurt! Strange, but there are hardly ANY positive or uplifting definitions of 'break'. If I want a breakthrough then I'd better be prepared for something to get broken...all the way through!
What's going to get broken you ask? Well how about control, ego, self-reliance, hatred, anger, lust, insecurity, selfishness, apathy, gossip, lying, mistrust, greed, jealousy, envy... but this is MY list, you'll have to get your own!
How is it going to get broken is really what I wanna know!
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God. Zechariah 13:9
Oh boy, refining....that's what they do to silver and gold. They take these very precious metals and they stick them in FIRE! Hot burning FIRE! Why? To burn off the impurities that exist there naturally. After refining, the silver or gold is pure. That's pretty deep. If I were to put a piece of wood or plastic or straw into a hot fire it would burn away and all that would be left is ashes and smoke. God sees us as metal, no...precious metal, able to withstand the heat of the fire and come out pure on the other side!
But listen, fire burns, it's hot. You are going to experience things that are going to make you sweat... a lot. Maybe you won't be able to see your way through the smoky haze (check the blog entry I Can't See). You're going to be made uncomfortable, I can almost guarantee it. You're going to cry, fight and whine. It won't be pretty but it'll be WORTH IT!
Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. Daniel 11:35
God wants to bring you to that next level in Him. He wants to get rid of all of the crap that weighs us down, keeping us from fulfilling our destiny and His purpose. We need to learn to yield to His perfect will and not our own.
For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Psalm 66:10-12
So let Him 'break' some stuff off of you. Your breakthrough will lead you to a place of abundance. And that's worth all of the ouches in the world!
In love,
Mona
This is the day that You will manifest Your promisesThis is the moment, this is the season for a breakthroughAnother Breakthrough - Israel & New Breed---------------------------------------------------------------------We as Christians talk about breakthrough a lot. We are always looking for a breakthrough. God is going to give us our breakthrough. We are always on the verge of a breakthrough. But do we really know what that means. Are we really aware of the costs of a breakthrough?
There are 3 definitions of 'breakthrough' in the dictionary but funny enough there are over a hundred definitions for 'break' and more than 30 definitions of 'through'. But today I'm going to focus on these two:
Break: to overcome or wear down the spirit, strength, or resistance of; to cause to yield, esp. under pressure, torture, or the likeThrough: from the beginning to the end
So I guess my definition of 'breakthrough' would be the act of overcoming or wearing down the strength of something, causing you to yield to someone, from the beginning to the end. Not bad...
So, in order for God to give us a breakthrough, He's going to have to take us through some changes and, based on what we generally know about the word 'break', I get the feeling these are gonna hurt! Strange, but there are hardly ANY positive or uplifting definitions of 'break'. If I want a breakthrough then I'd better be prepared for something to get broken...all the way through!
What's going to get broken you ask? Well how about control, ego, self-reliance, hatred, anger, lust, insecurity, selfishness, apathy, gossip, lying, mistrust, greed, jealousy, envy... but this is MY list, you'll have to get your own!
How is it going to get broken is really what I wanna know!
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God. Zechariah 13:9
Oh boy, refining....that's what they do to silver and gold. They take these very precious metals and they stick them in FIRE! Hot burning FIRE! Why? To burn off the impurities that exist there naturally. After refining, the silver or gold is pure. That's pretty deep. If I were to put a piece of wood or plastic or straw into a hot fire it would burn away and all that would be left is ashes and smoke. God sees us as metal, no...precious metal, able to withstand the heat of the fire and come out pure on the other side!
But listen, fire burns, it's hot. You are going to experience things that are going to make you sweat... a lot. Maybe you won't be able to see your way through the smoky haze (check the blog entry I Can't See). You're going to be made uncomfortable, I can almost guarantee it. You're going to cry, fight and whine. It won't be pretty but it'll be WORTH IT!
Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. Daniel 11:35
God wants to bring you to that next level in Him. He wants to get rid of all of the crap that weighs us down, keeping us from fulfilling our destiny and His purpose. We need to learn to yield to His perfect will and not our own.
For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Psalm 66:10-12
So let Him 'break' some stuff off of you. Your breakthrough will lead you to a place of abundance. And that's worth all of the ouches in the world!
In love,
Mona
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Conversation with God
A Conversation with God (Jeremiah 33:6-11)
Me: God, things are a freakin' mess right now. You know this situation I'm in and I just can't seem to see my way out. I think I'm losing it.
God: Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it.
Me: But I am in so much pain about the whole thing. I am really hurting. I can't see straight! I can't sleep and I don't know what more tomorrow will bring!
God: I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Me: Things are so torn apart. I feel separated from everyone and everything. I'm lost!
God: I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before.
Me: But I've done some bad things. Really bad. Cursed, cried and said awful hurtful things in the process. I've been mad at you too!
God: I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.
Me: Really? Why would you do that?
God: Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it.
Me: You're saying when you bring it all back together, all I have to do is tell others about it? What do they care?
God: And they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.
Me: Maybe, but I feel so dead inside. I don't know if I'll ever feel okay again.
God: This is what the LORD says: 'You say about this place, "It is a desolate waste, without men or animals."
Me: Yeah, exactly.
God: Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither men nor animals, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD.
Me: That sounds good but it's going to cost me something, right? What do you want from me in return?
God: Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.
Me: Can it really be done? Can I really have it back?
God: For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before, says the LORD.
And....SCENE! (applause here)
----------------------
Director Notes:
1. Health: soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment
2. Healing: the act or process of regaining health
3. Peace: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity
4. Security: freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence
5. Rebuild: to replace, restrengthen, or reinforce
6. Cleanse: to make clean
7. Forgive: to pardon an offense or an offender
8. Prosperity: a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition
9. Joy: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
10. Gladness: accompanied by or causing joy or pleasure
11. Restore: to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor
-----------------------
Producer's Notes:
God has promised that, no matter your situation, if you call on Him, He will answer you. He will give you back your sanity and bring healing to your wounded heart and mind.
He will give you tranquility even in the midst of the storm right now. But He's also giving you the assurance that tomorrow is taken care of too. Security is confidence in the future, not the past.
He will bring you out of the wilderness and strengthen you. He will wash your sin away, never to remember or think on them again. But you have to "go tell it on the mountain" so that others will know and believe. Someone else needs encouragement from your experience.
What you thought was dead will be brought to life again. What you thought was broken will be made new again. You will laugh again. You will be happy again...in Christ Jesus.
He will bring you back from where ever you are. If you make your bed in hell, He is there. Just hold on....hold tight...hold fast. Help is on the way.
In love,
Mona
Me: God, things are a freakin' mess right now. You know this situation I'm in and I just can't seem to see my way out. I think I'm losing it.
God: Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it.
Me: But I am in so much pain about the whole thing. I am really hurting. I can't see straight! I can't sleep and I don't know what more tomorrow will bring!
God: I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Me: Things are so torn apart. I feel separated from everyone and everything. I'm lost!
God: I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before.
Me: But I've done some bad things. Really bad. Cursed, cried and said awful hurtful things in the process. I've been mad at you too!
God: I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.
Me: Really? Why would you do that?
God: Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it.
Me: You're saying when you bring it all back together, all I have to do is tell others about it? What do they care?
God: And they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.
Me: Maybe, but I feel so dead inside. I don't know if I'll ever feel okay again.
God: This is what the LORD says: 'You say about this place, "It is a desolate waste, without men or animals."
Me: Yeah, exactly.
God: Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither men nor animals, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD.
Me: That sounds good but it's going to cost me something, right? What do you want from me in return?
God: Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.
Me: Can it really be done? Can I really have it back?
God: For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before, says the LORD.
And....SCENE! (applause here)
----------------------
Director Notes:
1. Health: soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment
2. Healing: the act or process of regaining health
3. Peace: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity
4. Security: freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence
5. Rebuild: to replace, restrengthen, or reinforce
6. Cleanse: to make clean
7. Forgive: to pardon an offense or an offender
8. Prosperity: a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition
9. Joy: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
10. Gladness: accompanied by or causing joy or pleasure
11. Restore: to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor
-----------------------
Producer's Notes:
God has promised that, no matter your situation, if you call on Him, He will answer you. He will give you back your sanity and bring healing to your wounded heart and mind.
He will give you tranquility even in the midst of the storm right now. But He's also giving you the assurance that tomorrow is taken care of too. Security is confidence in the future, not the past.
He will bring you out of the wilderness and strengthen you. He will wash your sin away, never to remember or think on them again. But you have to "go tell it on the mountain" so that others will know and believe. Someone else needs encouragement from your experience.
What you thought was dead will be brought to life again. What you thought was broken will be made new again. You will laugh again. You will be happy again...in Christ Jesus.
He will bring you back from where ever you are. If you make your bed in hell, He is there. Just hold on....hold tight...hold fast. Help is on the way.
In love,
Mona
Monday, August 10, 2009
Off The Wall
When the world is on your shoulder
Gotta straighten up your act and boogie down
If you can't hang with the feeling
Then there ain't no room for you this part of town
- Off The Wall, Michael Jackson 1987
------------------------------------------------------
When I was a little girl, my father used to tell me that I was hard-headed all the time. He'd say that I couldn't just take his word for it that the wall was hard. I would have to go and ram my head against it to find out for myself. Repeatedly. Well Dad was right of course. All of the bumps and cuts and bruises I've sustained over the years prove it.
Recently I've been bouncing on and off of walls all over the place.
How often do we talk about laying something on the altar and letting God handle it - but don't actually do it?
How often do we "give it over" and then proceed to worry and wonder and question and speculate?
How often do we say to God "handle the big parts and I'll handle this little small part right here."
How often do we "give it over" but attempt to control what we have asked God to control?
How often do we "give it over" only to take it right back by the seemingly innocent act of praying for the outcome you want rather than the outcome that God wants? OUCH!
Know what I just figured out? I had been asking God to take the problem. I wasn't giving it to Him. Take what You want to take and I'll keep the rest. Take the big stuff and I'll keep the small stuff. Take the hard parts and I'll manage the easy parts.
I realize that every time I keep some or take some back (which is often...) I hit a wall. And I'm going to keep hitting it over and over and over until I am dizzy and about to pass out. Until I'm all exhausted, sweaty and wrung out. Until all I can do is throw my hands up in complete despair and cry out to God "I give up! Uncle! I can't do anything with this anymore! HERE IT IS! LET YOUR WILL BE DONE!"
And when I finally give it to Him...ALL of it - every last itty bitty bit - something happens. When I at last release it to His Mighty Hands to work it out, all I am left with is God's peace. Nothing more and nothing less. The peace of God and the knowledge that IT IS ALREADY DONE. All I have left to do is PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
Oh, by the way, that "wall"...that's God. My Structure. My Support. My Rock. My Strong Tower. My Fortress. My Protection.
"For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst." Zechariah 2:5
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalm 31:3
Hit the wall. Get bumped. Get bruised. Get it gone. Get your peace.
In love,
Mona
Gotta straighten up your act and boogie down
If you can't hang with the feeling
Then there ain't no room for you this part of town
- Off The Wall, Michael Jackson 1987
------------------------------------------------------
When I was a little girl, my father used to tell me that I was hard-headed all the time. He'd say that I couldn't just take his word for it that the wall was hard. I would have to go and ram my head against it to find out for myself. Repeatedly. Well Dad was right of course. All of the bumps and cuts and bruises I've sustained over the years prove it.
Recently I've been bouncing on and off of walls all over the place.
How often do we talk about laying something on the altar and letting God handle it - but don't actually do it?
How often do we "give it over" and then proceed to worry and wonder and question and speculate?
How often do we say to God "handle the big parts and I'll handle this little small part right here."
How often do we "give it over" but attempt to control what we have asked God to control?
How often do we "give it over" only to take it right back by the seemingly innocent act of praying for the outcome you want rather than the outcome that God wants? OUCH!
Know what I just figured out? I had been asking God to take the problem. I wasn't giving it to Him. Take what You want to take and I'll keep the rest. Take the big stuff and I'll keep the small stuff. Take the hard parts and I'll manage the easy parts.
I realize that every time I keep some or take some back (which is often...) I hit a wall. And I'm going to keep hitting it over and over and over until I am dizzy and about to pass out. Until I'm all exhausted, sweaty and wrung out. Until all I can do is throw my hands up in complete despair and cry out to God "I give up! Uncle! I can't do anything with this anymore! HERE IT IS! LET YOUR WILL BE DONE!"
And when I finally give it to Him...ALL of it - every last itty bitty bit - something happens. When I at last release it to His Mighty Hands to work it out, all I am left with is God's peace. Nothing more and nothing less. The peace of God and the knowledge that IT IS ALREADY DONE. All I have left to do is PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
Oh, by the way, that "wall"...that's God. My Structure. My Support. My Rock. My Strong Tower. My Fortress. My Protection.
"For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst." Zechariah 2:5
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalm 31:3
Hit the wall. Get bumped. Get bruised. Get it gone. Get your peace.
In love,
Mona
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Shoelaces
I cannot remember when I learned to tie my shoes, but I do remember when my son Andrew was learning. I showed him over and over and over again but he just couldn't figure it out. Once he got so frustrated that he threw his shoe across the room and it landed in the corner. I didn't say anything. I just let it be and went into the kitchen to cook dinner. After a time I noticed how quiet he was and when I looked, Andrew was sitting in the corner with that shoe, twisting the laces around his little fingers. He was bound and determined to get it that day!
But even after he mastered tying his shoes, they would never stay tied for too long. So he could spend all day tying and re-tying those laces. But if I tied them, then they would stay tied all day. I pulled them tight and did a double knot. They weren't coming undone!
Right now, we are trying to help God accomplish something. We are going around trying to help Him tie up the loose ends of our lives. Tie up that wayward child. Tie up that job. Tie up those marriage vows. Tie up the doctor's diagnosis. Tie up ourselves and this Christian walk. And God is saying, "but if you let ME tie them, THEY WON'T COME UNDONE."
"You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever" Psalm 104:5
"But the word of the Lord stands forever" 1 Peter 1:25
If we let God handle it, I mean really handle it...in His time and according to His purpose...IT WILL LAST FOREVER and nothing or no one will be able to change it. God is forever and so are His promises, His works, His covenants and His love!
"For I am the LORD, I do not change" Malachi 3:6
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" Psalm 90:2
I know that sometimes it is really difficult to understand or comprehend what God is doing in our lives.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways" Isaiah 55:8-9
He doesn't move when we want him to....but oh when He does.....
"He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” Daniel 4:35
Let God tie your shoelaces today. He promises that they won't come undone.
In love,
Mona
But even after he mastered tying his shoes, they would never stay tied for too long. So he could spend all day tying and re-tying those laces. But if I tied them, then they would stay tied all day. I pulled them tight and did a double knot. They weren't coming undone!
Right now, we are trying to help God accomplish something. We are going around trying to help Him tie up the loose ends of our lives. Tie up that wayward child. Tie up that job. Tie up those marriage vows. Tie up the doctor's diagnosis. Tie up ourselves and this Christian walk. And God is saying, "but if you let ME tie them, THEY WON'T COME UNDONE."
"You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever" Psalm 104:5
"But the word of the Lord stands forever" 1 Peter 1:25
If we let God handle it, I mean really handle it...in His time and according to His purpose...IT WILL LAST FOREVER and nothing or no one will be able to change it. God is forever and so are His promises, His works, His covenants and His love!
"For I am the LORD, I do not change" Malachi 3:6
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" Psalm 90:2
I know that sometimes it is really difficult to understand or comprehend what God is doing in our lives.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways" Isaiah 55:8-9
He doesn't move when we want him to....but oh when He does.....
"He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” Daniel 4:35
Let God tie your shoelaces today. He promises that they won't come undone.
In love,
Mona
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
In His Lap
Have you ever noticed little children who are playing in the park? Every now and again, they will stop for a second and look around for their mom or dad. Once they catch a glimpse of her/him, they go right back to what they are doing. No muss, no fuss. They just had to know they were close by.
My daughter is 16 and she's been in band or chorus for many years now and before each and every concert or performance, she manages to find me in the audience. It's funny, but once she knows where I am, you can see her relax and go about her singing or her clarinet playing with confidence.
Childhood is scary sometimes. Everything is bigger than you are. There are loud noises and unfamiliar people and places. You're not in control of anything or anybody. But you know there's only place that is truly safe....the lap of someone you love and trust. Your mom, dad, grandma, aunt, uncle... it doesn't matter. Once you're in that lap, you can just relax and know that everything is going to be alright.
As adults, don't we wish we could still crawl into somebody's lap and feel safe again? Don't you wish someone would hold you and rock you until you fell asleep, knowing you were protected?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28
You can crawl right into God's lap. Climb up there with 'Daddy' and rest your head on His chest. Feel His arms close around you, enveloping you with warmth and light. Close your eyes and notice your heart starting to thump on the same beat as His. Notice your muscles start to relax as your cares are washed away. Sense Him telling you "everything is going to be alright".
"My soul finds rest in God alone" Psalm 62:1
Nothing else matters in this moment. Only that you are safe and secure in the Father's arms. This is when He can speak to you and remind you of who you are in Him.
He wants us to seek Him out and be as little children, loving and trusting Him unconditionally; getting into His lap for a little rest and restoration.
If you say "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge" Psalm 16:1, or "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy" Psalm 116:1
He will say "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." Psalm 91:14-16
I still remember running into my daddy's arms as a little girl, thumb in mouth and climbing into his lap. He made me feel that there was no safer place in the whole wide world. God wants to do that for you today.
"...for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 11:29
In love,
Mona
Feeling "un"
Thank you Lord that I can come to you whenever I am feeling "un"...
Un-worthy
Un-settled
Un-sure
Un-capable
Un-informed
Un-grateful
Un-loved
And You will always and forever turn my "un" into something "nu"
Nu worth: "I have called you by your name; you are Mine" Isaiah 43:1
Nu calm: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" John 14: 27
Nu security: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want Psalm 23:1
Nu ability: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Nu knowledge: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" James 1:5
Nu gratitude: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever" 1 Chronicles 16:34
Nu love: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" John 15:13
In love,
Mona
Un-worthy
Un-settled
Un-sure
Un-capable
Un-informed
Un-grateful
Un-loved
And You will always and forever turn my "un" into something "nu"
Nu worth: "I have called you by your name; you are Mine" Isaiah 43:1
Nu calm: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" John 14: 27
Nu security: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want Psalm 23:1
Nu ability: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Nu knowledge: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" James 1:5
Nu gratitude: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever" 1 Chronicles 16:34
Nu love: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" John 15:13
In love,
Mona
Sit and Hush
I wish I had a dollar for every time my grandmother Jessie told me, "hush your mouth!" Usually I was running off at the mouth at the wrong time. Talking when grown folks were talking, or speaking too loudly at church or just talking so much that I was getting on her nerves. "Hush your mouth!" She often yelled it. Sometimes she brought along a smack with it. But other times it was said out of clenched teeth in a whisper that seemed scarier than the yell or the smack. Jessie didn't play - you knew she meant it and you hushed right up!
Jessie's gone now and I know that I often need someone to tell me to hush my mouth.
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” Mark 4:39
I have read that scripture so many times in my life. Normally it speaks to the great and unmatched power of Jesus over the natural elements. In the story the elements were a real thrashing sea and hurricane force winds tossing the apostles around. They thought they were going to die. In our lives today those elements can be our children, jobs, health, marriages, finances, sin, - swirling madly all around us dashing us all about. Casting us to and fro and making us think that we won't survive either.
But today when I read that scripture I realized that Jesus was talking to me! He was telling me to PEACE, BE STILL!! My mouth is the hurricane force winds and my mind is the thrashing sea.
See, when I am going through something I pray and pray and pray and tell God that I have turned it all over to Him. In my heart, I physically lay it on the altar and walk away. "You got it Lord. Now handle that!"
But the minute I get a step away from the altar, my mind revs up like a NASCAR engine and my mouth gets full of air and off I go.
I wonder this and I question that. I wish for this and hope for that. What is God going to do? When is He going to do it? What if I don't like what He does? Why did this person say that? How come she treated me that way? Don't they know how I feel? I hurt. I am sad.
STOP! Oh yeah, I have to remember to worship God and thank Him for handling this!
I don't know who they think they are? I don't deserve this? Why did God let this happen to me? This fool needs Jesus! Why in the world hasn't God taken care of this? Yeah yeah...His time...whatever! Why can't I stop crying?
AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH! (That's Jesus screaming...not me!)
MONA!
STOP!
PEACE!
BE STILL!
HUSH YOUR MOUTH CHILD!
And when I do...when I let the Holy Spirit get that mind and mouth under submission. When I still the loud and raging voices in my head... THERE IS A GREAT CALM! If I can just hush my mouth I can hear Jesus whisper "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
I..... GOT..... THIS!
Today just sit and hush and let the Lord does His mighty work...in us and for us.
With love,
Mona
Jessie's gone now and I know that I often need someone to tell me to hush my mouth.
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” Mark 4:39
I have read that scripture so many times in my life. Normally it speaks to the great and unmatched power of Jesus over the natural elements. In the story the elements were a real thrashing sea and hurricane force winds tossing the apostles around. They thought they were going to die. In our lives today those elements can be our children, jobs, health, marriages, finances, sin, - swirling madly all around us dashing us all about. Casting us to and fro and making us think that we won't survive either.
But today when I read that scripture I realized that Jesus was talking to me! He was telling me to PEACE, BE STILL!! My mouth is the hurricane force winds and my mind is the thrashing sea.
See, when I am going through something I pray and pray and pray and tell God that I have turned it all over to Him. In my heart, I physically lay it on the altar and walk away. "You got it Lord. Now handle that!"
But the minute I get a step away from the altar, my mind revs up like a NASCAR engine and my mouth gets full of air and off I go.
I wonder this and I question that. I wish for this and hope for that. What is God going to do? When is He going to do it? What if I don't like what He does? Why did this person say that? How come she treated me that way? Don't they know how I feel? I hurt. I am sad.
STOP! Oh yeah, I have to remember to worship God and thank Him for handling this!
I don't know who they think they are? I don't deserve this? Why did God let this happen to me? This fool needs Jesus! Why in the world hasn't God taken care of this? Yeah yeah...His time...whatever! Why can't I stop crying?
AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH! (That's Jesus screaming...not me!)
MONA!
STOP!
PEACE!
BE STILL!
HUSH YOUR MOUTH CHILD!
And when I do...when I let the Holy Spirit get that mind and mouth under submission. When I still the loud and raging voices in my head... THERE IS A GREAT CALM! If I can just hush my mouth I can hear Jesus whisper "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
I..... GOT..... THIS!
Today just sit and hush and let the Lord does His mighty work...in us and for us.
With love,
Mona
I Can't See
Did you know that when people are asked "would you rather be deaf or blind?" overwhelmingly people say they would rather be deaf. Most say they do not know how they would survive a world of complete darkness.
I think I choose deafness as well, even though I love listening to music and hearing my family and friends laugh. I love to talk and engage with others but there is something so frightening to me about not being able to see at all. To not be able to look into my husband's eyes and see love reflected back. To not see when my daughter feels bad but tries to hid it from me. To not see the beautiful food creations that my son puts on a plate. To be unable to go anywhere or do anything without some kind of assistance; guide dog, cane, friend. That would be TORTURE!
Do you know what being blind requires? Complete and total TRUST! Trust in someone or something to get me where I need to go. Trust that the guide dog won't run off after a cat, dragging me down the street. Trust that the cars won't hit me when I try to make it across the street swinging that really cool collapsible cane. Trust that my friend won't get mad at me and walk me right over a cliff. That is some scary stuff!
Well guess what? A real true and honest relationship with God requires just that.... BLIND TRUST.
God said "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." Jeremiah 29:11
That sounds so wonderful doesn't it? Hope and future and prosper and no harm. Wow God is good! Now if only He would send me the blueprint for these plans, we'll be all good! But uh oh...it seems God is the one who knows those plans and sometimes... He ain't telling! You mean to say that God wants me to just walk in the darkness towards His end? No flashlight or lantern or torch? Not even a match? I can't even walk through my own house with my eyes closed without peeking and I know that place like the back of my hand!
But we can walk through the darkness with God! It takes knowledge, trust and faith! What we need to settle on is that we don't have to grope around wildly like a crazy person in the dark! We have a guide and a cane and a friend in The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. He won't leave us stumbling along in darkness.
MY GUIDE said “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
MY CANE said “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them, I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
MY FRIEND said "I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46
Walk boldly forward with blinded eyes with the knowledge that God's plans for you are at work, trusting Him to fulfill His Word and with the undying faith that your hope and future are just around the next dark corner.
Seeing isn't believing...faith is (Hebrews 11:1)
In love,
Mona
I think I choose deafness as well, even though I love listening to music and hearing my family and friends laugh. I love to talk and engage with others but there is something so frightening to me about not being able to see at all. To not be able to look into my husband's eyes and see love reflected back. To not see when my daughter feels bad but tries to hid it from me. To not see the beautiful food creations that my son puts on a plate. To be unable to go anywhere or do anything without some kind of assistance; guide dog, cane, friend. That would be TORTURE!
Do you know what being blind requires? Complete and total TRUST! Trust in someone or something to get me where I need to go. Trust that the guide dog won't run off after a cat, dragging me down the street. Trust that the cars won't hit me when I try to make it across the street swinging that really cool collapsible cane. Trust that my friend won't get mad at me and walk me right over a cliff. That is some scary stuff!
Well guess what? A real true and honest relationship with God requires just that.... BLIND TRUST.
God said "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." Jeremiah 29:11
That sounds so wonderful doesn't it? Hope and future and prosper and no harm. Wow God is good! Now if only He would send me the blueprint for these plans, we'll be all good! But uh oh...it seems God is the one who knows those plans and sometimes... He ain't telling! You mean to say that God wants me to just walk in the darkness towards His end? No flashlight or lantern or torch? Not even a match? I can't even walk through my own house with my eyes closed without peeking and I know that place like the back of my hand!
But we can walk through the darkness with God! It takes knowledge, trust and faith! What we need to settle on is that we don't have to grope around wildly like a crazy person in the dark! We have a guide and a cane and a friend in The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. He won't leave us stumbling along in darkness.
MY GUIDE said “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
MY CANE said “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them, I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
MY FRIEND said "I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46
Walk boldly forward with blinded eyes with the knowledge that God's plans for you are at work, trusting Him to fulfill His Word and with the undying faith that your hope and future are just around the next dark corner.
Seeing isn't believing...faith is (Hebrews 11:1)
In love,
Mona
10 Count
When I was in junior high school there was a girl I just didn't like. Once I walked up to her while she was at her locker and tapped her on her shoulder. When she turned her head to see who it was, I punched her in the jaw. That was a sucker punch! Out of nowhere and totally unexpected.
We've all been sucker punched at some point in our lives...by our parents, husbands, wives, kids, friends, bosses...you name it. The question is what do we do when it happens. At first you are just completely stunned, shaken, confused, rattled and rocked back on your heels. You want to just lay down and never get back up again. You cry and moan and question everything you've ever known. THIS JUST CAN'T BE HAPPENING!
You're down. But are you out?
In boxing, when an opponent knocks you on your ass (sorry, I mean on the mat) the referee gives you a 10 count to get back up, to shake it off and decide if you're getting back into the fight.
In this life, on this Christian walk, we also get a 10 count from God. It's not always 10 seconds though. Sometimes it's 10 minutes or 10 hours or 10 days or 10 years! 10 bouts of crying, 10 arguments, 10 pleas for help, 10 calls to your mom, 10 prayers or 10 friends surrounding you.
But in that 10 count is where God pours his Grace and Mercy into you. Its a 10 count for you to REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST. A 10 count to get connected to your spirit man and a 10 count to realize that God is in control. A 10 count to REALLY pray and remind God of his Word. A 10 count to get your promised "peace of God and peace with God".
You know that pit in your stomach? That empty sinking feeling? That's not permanent. It will go away when you let your spirit man connect to its source, which is the Holy Spirit...the Comforter! When you pray for comfort and peace and joy...your weakened spirit man plugs in the Spirit Realm.
Here's why that's important: IN THE SPIRIT REALM, IT IS ALREADY DONE! Do you hear me? IN THE SPIRIT REALM YOUR MARRIAGE IS ALREADY REPAIRED, YOUR WIFE HAS ALREADY ACCEPTED CHRIST, YOUR CHILDREN ARE ALREADY OUT OF DRUGS, YOUR MOM IS ALREADY HEALED. Your spirit man connects to this information and then you are washed with peace and comfort. That pit in your stomach subsides. A calm washes over you...one that surpasses all understanding.
Now your mind, and the enemy, will tell you otherwise, all the time and every chance it can. Stay connected to the Source. Keep your spirit man FED WITH THE TRUTH. Don't let up on your praying (without ceasing) to keep that mind under submission. That's where your peace comes from.
I don't know where you are in your count. Maybe you're at 1, just knocked down. Maybe you're at 5 - in the middle of the battle. Or back on your feet at 8. It doesn't matter. God is there. Always was and always will be.
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7
"Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" John 14:26
"Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" Matthew 16:19
In Love,
Mona
We've all been sucker punched at some point in our lives...by our parents, husbands, wives, kids, friends, bosses...you name it. The question is what do we do when it happens. At first you are just completely stunned, shaken, confused, rattled and rocked back on your heels. You want to just lay down and never get back up again. You cry and moan and question everything you've ever known. THIS JUST CAN'T BE HAPPENING!
You're down. But are you out?
In boxing, when an opponent knocks you on your ass (sorry, I mean on the mat) the referee gives you a 10 count to get back up, to shake it off and decide if you're getting back into the fight.
In this life, on this Christian walk, we also get a 10 count from God. It's not always 10 seconds though. Sometimes it's 10 minutes or 10 hours or 10 days or 10 years! 10 bouts of crying, 10 arguments, 10 pleas for help, 10 calls to your mom, 10 prayers or 10 friends surrounding you.
But in that 10 count is where God pours his Grace and Mercy into you. Its a 10 count for you to REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST. A 10 count to get connected to your spirit man and a 10 count to realize that God is in control. A 10 count to REALLY pray and remind God of his Word. A 10 count to get your promised "peace of God and peace with God".
You know that pit in your stomach? That empty sinking feeling? That's not permanent. It will go away when you let your spirit man connect to its source, which is the Holy Spirit...the Comforter! When you pray for comfort and peace and joy...your weakened spirit man plugs in the Spirit Realm.
Here's why that's important: IN THE SPIRIT REALM, IT IS ALREADY DONE! Do you hear me? IN THE SPIRIT REALM YOUR MARRIAGE IS ALREADY REPAIRED, YOUR WIFE HAS ALREADY ACCEPTED CHRIST, YOUR CHILDREN ARE ALREADY OUT OF DRUGS, YOUR MOM IS ALREADY HEALED. Your spirit man connects to this information and then you are washed with peace and comfort. That pit in your stomach subsides. A calm washes over you...one that surpasses all understanding.
Now your mind, and the enemy, will tell you otherwise, all the time and every chance it can. Stay connected to the Source. Keep your spirit man FED WITH THE TRUTH. Don't let up on your praying (without ceasing) to keep that mind under submission. That's where your peace comes from.
I don't know where you are in your count. Maybe you're at 1, just knocked down. Maybe you're at 5 - in the middle of the battle. Or back on your feet at 8. It doesn't matter. God is there. Always was and always will be.
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7
"Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" John 14:26
"Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" Matthew 16:19
In Love,
Mona
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