Day Ten in the Wilderness

 

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established 
in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s 
holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high 
and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love
 that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to 
the measure of all the fullness of God." 
Ephesians 3:17-19
 

        "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." 💕

                                                  John 1:16

I've pondered these three words this morning:

GRACE UPON GRACE

The Amplified Bible translates John 1:16 this way:

 “Out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] 
 we have all received grace upon grace
 [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, 

and gift heaped upon gift].”

 

"What’s abundantly clear is that, when we come to Christ, 
He dishes out grace in heaping, huge servings." (GotQuestions.org)

 

                 Do I actually "get it"? I know it's a LOT 
                 but do I get the enormity of His GIFT? 
                                    His FREE gift?
 

Abundance is described this way:

 

"An overflowing fullness or ample sufficiency; 

profusion; copious supply;

 superfluity; plentifulness."

 

Wow! That IS a LOT! But do I understand all that it means?

 

So what does grace mean? 

It's defined as: 

Unmerited mercy (favor) that God gave to humanity by 
sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross, 
thus securing man's eternal salvation from sin. 

So, as a wretched sinner, I don't deserve God's grace but when 
I repent (sincerely regret) of my sins I am extended favor, 
God's abundant grace. ️
 

About 20 years ago (really young in my faith) I had a really hard 

time defining sin in my life. After all, I had a wonderful family, 

loving husband, great kids, a relationship with my parents, 

pretty amazing extended family. 

I was kind and loving.
 

Was I a sinner?

 

I am really thankful that God gives the ability to "look back" into our 
lives to not only re-examine but to see the progress.
If you simply look to the 10 Commandments you think,

• I don't steal
• I've not murdered anyone....nope
• Never committed adultery...
• Idols? What idols?
• Given false testimony against my neighbor? Never!
• Of course I honored my mother and father, right?

Not all ten but you get the picture......

 

And slowly, painstakingly, over years and years, God revealed my heart
and showed me my sin. See, if you just pluck the words 
from the Word of God and go no further you really can say, "I've obeyed."

It's actually hard for me to write here my thoughts from long ago 
because by each of these thoughts I am immediately reminded of 
how I broke each one.....and though I've repented and ask God to
forgive me I'm still very aware of the feeling I had upon realization 
of those sins and how that feeling has not completely reformed me as 
I am still a work in progress.

So, lets take a look.....

1. I have stolen....a pair of earrings when I was 12 years old....

at the  instruction of a friend who told me how to slip them into 

my mouth and walk out of the store. You can dismiss it as a child's 

prank but the fact that I broke a commandment does not change.
 
2. Adultery? A very long time ago I certainly liked the attention 

I received from a young man at work.
In my heart I wished my husband could be more like him.
 
“You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery" 

but I say to you that everyone who [so much as] looks at a woman 

with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Matthew 5:27-29
 
Women are not exempt.
 
3. Murder - no I haven't physically killed anyone but I've wished 
someone death in anger and many times my heart has wished harm 
on those who have hurt me.
 
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 
‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to
 judgment.’  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or 
sister  will be subject to judgment." Matthew 5:21
 
4. Idols? Oh my!
 
Idol - an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.
 
I've too many to list!  So many that I've placed ahead of my love for my Savior.
 
An amazing teacher described it this way: Think of an umbrella. 
At the top is God. Over all. From the umbrella hangs "life".
Family, job, hobbies, house, cars, money, status, education, worry,
anxiety, fear.... insert whatever displaces God at the top, simply put, 
it's an idol.
Can't begin to list all of the ways I've done that.
 
5. I held a grudge against my dad for years and years until 
God revealed it to me. I honestly did not see it that way....then....
now I can't see it any other way.
 
6. And just last summer I talked to a new neighbor about her neighbor,
 a man our family has had many run ins with over the years. But 
this young woman ministers to him as crotchety as he is. Why I felt 
compelled to tell her how wretched he is I do not know.  I apologized 
to her when I realized I was trying to taint her view of him. That was NOT right.
 

I haven't talked about all of the commandments but suffice it to say 
I've broken them all. That's a really hard, humbling statement. 
It shows the depravity of my heart.
 

But God....

 

Extending Grace upon grace to me, a sinner. 

 

As I began, I end...

 

I can't grasp the vastness of His love but I believe it 
with all my heart.

 

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with 
power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ 
may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you,
being rooted and established in love, may have power, together 
with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long 
and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love 
that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure
 of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
 
And ending with this:
 
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all 
we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work 
within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21

Day Seven in the Wilderness

I woke at 2:00 AM this morning thinking of day seven, THIS day. Day seven of my wilderness journey. What would God show me today? Often, in the wee hours, in the darkness, in the stillness, in the quiet, God will bring to mind that which He intends to work in me. I'd say in AND through me but I have yet to see what the "through" might look like. So with my first hot cup of tea I began to dive into the significance of the number seven.

• COMPLETION AND PERFECTION - Six days God labored to create the heavens and the earth and when he was finished, his work completed. He rested on the seventh day and proclaimed all that he has done VERY good.

Did you know that Jesus made seven statements as he hung in agony on the cross?

1. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" Luke 23:24
2. "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise" Luke 23?43
3. "Woman, behold, your son!!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" John 19:26-27
4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46
5. "I thirst" John 19:28
6. "It is finished" John 19:30
7. "Father, into you hands I commit my spirit!" Luke 23:46

Did you know that the Lord's Prayer has seven parts in the way we should pray?

1. Hallowed be thy name
2. Thy kingdom come
3. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
4. Give us this day our daily bread
5. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us
6. Let us not into temptation
7. Deliver us from evil

Did you know that Jesus described Himself using seven metaphors?

I AM:

1. The bread of life
2. The light of the world
3. The gate to salvation
4. The good shepherd
5. The resurrection and the life
6. The way, the truth and the life
7. The vine

• EXONERATION AND HEALING - 

1. The Israelites  were to cancel all debts and free their slaves every seventh year Deuteronomy 15:1-2
2. Jesus answered Peter "seventy times seven" when asked how many times to forgive Matthew 18:21

Did you know that Jesus preformed seven healing miracles?

1. The man with the deformed hand Matthew 12:9-13
2. Man possessed by an unclean spirit Mark 1:23-26
3. Peter's mother in law's fever Mark 1:29-31
4. The woman crippled by a spirit Luke 13:10-13
5. The man with abnormal swelling of the body Luke 14:1-4
6. The lame man by the poo of Bethesda John 5:5-9
7. The man born blind John 9:1-7

• FULFILLMENT OF PROMISES AND OATHS

• Jesus promises never to destroy the Earth again by flood. This covenant is promised by the rainbow which is compromised of SEVEN colors. 
• You need only read the Book of Revelation to see that the number seven is amazingly present:
• Seven seals
• Seven trumpets sounded by seven angels
• Seven bowls carried by seven angels

**Disclaimer: Not every mention of the number seven has divine implication attached to it.

 

*********************

WOW! Blown away by the purposeful detail of our Creator God! He IS an intentional God.

• Intentional - done on purpose, deliberate, getting clear up front about what you want to achieve and then doing it.... 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

READ IT!!

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

LIVE IT!!

God, I'm actually not sure why you woke me at 2 AM and gave me the number seven to study this morning. But O, how you have blessed me by what you've shown me. So much more than I could ask or imagine. What I so love most today is that you are an intentional God. Again reminded that you waste NOTHING. Not even a 2 AM wake up call. Thank you God that today, unlike others, I recognized that you were working in the darkness. Help me to be intentional today with those who cross my path. Thank you for your example....that as you mold me into your likeness you never ask me to do something that you haven't experienced. Thank you that you are there when that molding is uncomfortable or painful or when I don't understand it or want it. Help me to always see you in the midst. Help me to remember that you promise never to forsake me. I am grateful that you love me, even the parts of me that are ragged and raw. To you be the glory today. May I be your hands and feet. Amen

Day Six in the Wilderness

Is it Day 40 yet? I'm struggling! I feel out of touch! It's that feeling that something isn't quite right but you're not exactly sure what it is.....UGH....Perhaps it's FOMO (fear of missing out)....Whatever it is it's HARD.  The very fact that I'm struggling shows me that too much importance has been placed on that which I seemingly can't live without.  

I find it really bizarre that I would "mourn" such a thing as social media connection. The self talk is laughable but isn't it when you want something so badly? My self-justification in asking myself why I wasted so much time scrolling would be admirable and accurate.....if any of it was true.....at all......

• It's probably just Winter....
• It's so gloomy, so cold.....What else is there to do?
• I'm just trying to keep up with my friends and family
• Is it REALLY hurting anyone?

This is simply WRONG thinking! Trying to justify my actions is WRONG! Trying to talk my way out of  clear instruction is WRONG! 

Is God going to continue to show me amazing things from his Word? Of course he will if I am willing! Will I continue to use my freed up time to drive me to the Word for wisdom? I pray it will be so.

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" Proverbs 4:7

COST ALL YOU HAVE??? WOW! 

ALL -  The whole of one's energy or interest.

Isn't it interesting that if you go to the Word of God He WILL show you exactly what you need to hear? 

"The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper." Proverbs 19:8

Prosper -  “to help on the road” or “succeed in reaching.”

 "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17

Oh I LOVE THIS!! Why would I NOT want to FILL myself with the Word of God? Wisdom that comes from heaven is PURE (without flaw), WILLING TO YIELD (not stubborn and obstinate) and full of GOOD FRUIT (the outward deeds of the inward working of the Spirit). 

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, put painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

And just like that from the beginning of typing my thoughts full of frustration and sadness.... to the end....seeking God's guidance & discipline, I am restored to right thinking. He NEVER disappoints IF I can separate myself from selfish desires to actually be able to HEAR what it is he is trying to say.

God, I hear what you're saying. I confess I fail often with wrong thinking and blurred vision. I am sorry Lord. Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your patient guidance. Thank you for restoration. Thank you for ears to hear and eyes to see.   Help me to continue to remember that you waste nothing. You never said it would be easy, you actually said it will be painful, but you promise that your power will be made perfect in my weakness. Help me to continue to be drawn to your Word. Amen

Day Two in the Wilderness

 

To the church in Ephesus.......

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 2:4-5 NIV 

I've backtracked from yesterday where I talked about being lukewarm (To the church in Laodicea) in Chapter 3 to The church of Ephesus in Chapter 2. After having looked closely at these two churches I'm convinced that there is a need to start at the beginning. After all, if the angel instructed John to write to each of the seven churches it would be reasonable to assume there is something to learn from each. Each morning as I pray for God to direct my path  it's becoming clearer that my 40 day wilderness journey may just be spent in the book of Revelation. While puzzled and surprised I also excited. But we shall see, each day is a new day and each day will bring it's own purpose. 

When I first read this passage I wondered if somehow it would pertain to the Christian walk, distinctively MY walk with Jesus. 

"Yet I hold this against you" - The Ephesian church had persevered and had patience (vs3) ....they labored for the sake of Christ....by all outward appearances they were a solid church. 

"They worked hard, had great outreach and protected the integrity of the gospel." (Enduring Word Commentary)

But they had lost their fervor, their passion.....they were doing all the right things. Their APPEARANCE was above reproach. But INSIDE?              

"You have forsaken you first love" - Did they leave their love for God? Did they leave their love for one another? A bit of both - since the two are really interconnected or should be. 

I love this quote: "You can't say you love God and not love His family, and you can't really love His family without loving Him first." (Enduring Word Commentary)

Everyone's salvation story is different. Some have a really powerful "I felt slapped in face" experience. Some, like myself, have a definite calling but it's a gradual wooing....you KNOW there's something but you're not quite sure....you follow because it's a strong prompting.....you just do it because, well for me, when you're in a really hard place, you want out. Out from your circumstances, from pain.....and even if the leading doesn't alleviate the cause of your strife,  instinctively you know this is the only way.

As God leads and you begin to follow, He begins to work His purpose into your very being. You can't believe it! It's amazing! You're ALL IN! You want everyone to know what's happening to you, how your heart has been quickened! It's exciting! You can't get enough! You study your Bible and go to church.....you get involved, you volunteer for every ministry! You are SO excited to serve that you try everything in order to serve where you best fit. It's a time of glorious awakening. I can't help but think how glorified God is! How much joy it brings to Him! As one of my devotionals said, "it brings a smile to His face"..... and for us, we fall to our knees in THE greatest thanksgiving beyond ANYTHING we've ever experienced.....EVER! 

The way I see it (and I speak from my own experience) there are two things that can happen or "WILL" happen. 

• Do all the right things....go to church, go to Bible study, maintain a flawless outside appearance....but inside my heart is just not in it

• Become sedentary, lazy, the excitement fades, it's all familiar.......

     OR I CAN experience this:

• A deepening relationship with my Savior that becomes more intimate, better with time. The Enduring Word commentary puts it this way:

"A couple that has been married for a long time doesn't always have the same thrill of excitement they when they first dated. That is to be expected, and is fine --- IF that excitement has matured into a depth of love that makes it even better than the first love."

Ahhhhh to have that relationship with Jesus. Its what I want. My hearts desire. To know Him so intimately that words aren't necessary. So deep. So beautiful. So exciting.

I am already gaining SO much from my journey in the wilderness. That's not to say that two days in I don't miss my connection. How is little Katelyn doing with her cancer treatment? How is Franz in his struggle to recover from a devastating skiing accident? Then I realize that even when I don't know day to day how they are doing I can still pray for them! My role is to pray. I don't know them personally nor their families. Though I don't know their progress, I can still pray! How precious! Look to what you DO know Dianna! Don't dwell on that you don't!

God, thank you. You are amazing!

 

Day One in the Wilderness - Part 2

 For some reason God has been directing me towards the book of Revelation for a few days now. Definitely not an easy book to understand but, when obedient with persistence, he has shown me something I never actually knew about very familiar verses.

Revelation 3:14-18 says this:

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. ¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

My intent here is not to be a Bible scholar/teacher….always, always, when studying God’s word I want to be instructed. I want to be changed. I’m beginning to realize how much the history of the times means so much to what the scripture is actually talking about. 

I’ve heard context, context, context so many times…I’m understanding better (I know, it takes a long time for some) why it’s really important. Verses 15 and 16 have always been powerful verses to me. But today, grabbing a commentary for deeper meaning (correct meaning) I was blown away at first and then deeply moved. I knew I never wanted to be lukewarm. 

To be lukewarm (neither hot nor cold) is to be apathetic, complacent……Apathetic is defined as showing or feeling no interest, concern or enthusiasm….No Lord, not apathetic…..But then Jesus says, “I wish you were either one or the other!” Never thought of it before but why wouldn’t Jesus say, “I want you to be hot”? My thinking, “On fire for the Lord”.  But why the cold? Really fascinating….

Both hot and cold were positive in context. Hieropolis (ancient Greek city) had hot springs and Colossae (city in Ephesaus) had cool springs. Hieropolis represented HEALING hot springs while Colossae represented REFRESHING cool springs. Both are POSITIVE attributes. To be lukewarm meant you were neither. Their spiritual apathy was that of tepid water. 

The real focus here is to NOT be lukewarm. Either be a HEALING hot spring or a REFRESHING cold spring. What that looks like day to day in my life I’m not sure. But I have cause for further pondering. How does it translate to my journey? I’m not sure of that either. What I do know is this:

1. ·    I DON’T want to be lukewarm
2. ·    I can pray and ask God to show me what it looks like day to day
3. ·    I can have confidence that he WILL do just that
4. ·    I can consciously stay focused to his leading and NOT leaning on my own            understanding
5. ·    I can ponder what it looks like to be either HEALING or REFRESHING in the lives of those I love and in the lives of those that cross my path

Healing – alleviate, assuage, palliate, relieve, ease, help

Refreshing – revitalizing, reviving, restoring, enlivening, energizing, inspiriting

 I don’t think I can begin to comprehend what God is going to do in this 40 day journey but if today, Day 1, is an indicator, then I’m all in!

God, today, help me to see those you place in my path…rather a stranger or a dear friend or a beloved family member. Help me to REALLY see them. Help me understand what the attributes of HEALING and REFRESHING really mean in the day to day journey for those who proclaim you and love you. I’m listening….

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day One in the Wilderness - Part 1

 

It's been a couple of years since I've posted to my blog so I did not realize that I could share my posts from my blog over to Facebook without actually getting on Facebook. If you respond on the blog I'll see your responses. 😁

Yesterday I savored my time, my last day for 40, on social media. I’m not gonna lie I was beginning the mourning process. I was reminded each time I picked up my phone that tomorrow would be different. I said at least 100 times (not really THAT many), “this time tomorrow there will be no opening that app”

Last evening I opened Facebook and I was absolutely delighted to see that my nephew, whom I ADORE, got engaged! Since he lives in California, I rarely get to see him. Social media is our major mode of communication. I was so thankful I got to see it. No doubt I would have heard about it from family but seeing the pictures and them sharing their hearts…well it is simply different. 

I couldn’t help but think, at that moment, God may not have asked me to give up my love of communication through social media had I been even close to responsible with my time. Then again, he may have. I am not having a pity party……. I am accountable….. everyday I was so aware at the amount of time wasted scrolling endlessly. Now, here I am. But, like a child, I need to learn boundaries…..and I will. Funny isn’t it that no one knows. This is between me and God. And who would know if I was even on Facebook if I was careful not to like a post. But again, this is between me and God. HE would know and that matters to me. 

So how might I spend my freed up time? Right away the verse that came to mind is: 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Webster's definition of a disciple is this: "a pupil or follower of any teacher or school. A true disciple is not just a student or a learner, but a follower: one who applies what he has learned. Thus, a true disciple will ask, "What would Jesus do?" 

Honestly, I don’t know what that looks like for me. I have some thoughts, but…. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways,” 

declares the LORD. 

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

 so are my ways higher than your ways 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

Why that particular verse came to mind….only God knows. But if he intends something to come from it, he will show me no doubt. Patience Dianna, patience. 

Ahhhhh…..and that is just where I’m determined to be. Waiting patiently……..In HIS will…not my own. 

This first day is HARD. I miss seeing the beautiful pictures in “What do you see from your window?” I’m wondering what great crochet project someone is working on in “Yarn Wars”. Ill miss the sweet treats my daughter in law is whipping up at “Sarah Mae’s Bakery”. What’s “Roo Conkle” doing? What beautiful picture is Priscilla painting in “Watercolor Therapy”? Funny, FUNNY memes from Teri Barry! She finds the best ones and I laugh out loud nearly every day! Yep! Day one is hard……..I’d really be bummed if I didn’t believe, deep in my heart, that God has great things planned for me. 

So here I go…….. 

“Today, if you hear his voice, 

do not harden your hearts 

as you did in the rebellion.”

No rebellion, no hardened heart….no sadness, no dismay, no arguing, no grumbling simply this: 

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

 Remember the wondrous works that he has done” 

AND 

Whatever you (I) do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men….. 

Day 1 – Adjusting….. 

Praying in the wilderness…. 

Praying I can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Posted to Facebook on Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Good Morning! It’s Tuesday…..FAT Tuesday! I’m down with that! Thinking I might just indulge in a pancake or two…..errr….or three! 🥞 In all seriousness though it is the day before the season of Lent begins. Many years ago, as a practicing Catholic, Lent was a time to give up something, or to make a sacrifice, or deny self. Since I was an adult I took it quite seriously….not just chocolate, or a toy, or sweets…but a character building action. I’m swiftly approaching my 18th anniversary at my current church and still during the season of Lent, I feel compelled to really ponder on Jesus’ time in the wilderness.  Lent is not mentioned in the Bible, but is characterized like this:

“Lent is connected with the 40-day fast that Jesus undergoes (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13).  

And this…..

Lent, in the Christian church, a period of penitential preparation for Easter. In Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

As the Easter season approaches, I have been praying and asking God to search my heart and show me what it is that keeps me from best serving His kingdom. In the past that has meant denying myself indulgence in things like food and material possessions. He has shown me many, many times that self-control is not my strong suit and admittingly so, in some areas I have none. So in these last weeks, I’ve prayed, God spoke, I heard…didn’t like what I heard…kept praying…..surely he would show me something else…..but no…..same thing…..and I’m resistant…..surely not THAT Lord…….

To some social media is not a big deal….quite a few I know hate it, quite a few have fled from it, quite a few pop in and out…..I actually embrace it. I love to honor God with it. I love to share my life’s journey. God is doing amazing things in the lives of those who love him and desire to be “grown” by Him, to share what He is doing gives glory to His name. So, I shamelessly put myself out there and share how God is growing me through trials of great sorrow and times of great joy, restoration, and victory. I argue with Him, complain to Him, wrestle with Him, barter with Him and after a little while (or years) He gently (even when I behave as a rebellious child) shows me where I’ve gone astray, where I’m lacking, where my path needs straightened, where I’m stuck in wrong thinking, where I’ve leaned on my own understanding. When I'm in HIS will I lack nothing... consequently when I'm not I lack everything. 🤦🏻‍♀️ If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, you may find it hard to understand how correction actually brings great joy. How new understanding soothes the tired and weary soul. How restoration is a healing balm.  He carries me when I am weak, loves me when my heart hurts and rejoices with me in my accomplishments and my turnings. He IS my best friend, the ultimate lover of my soul and my greatest encourager.  I can’t help but share because if it wasn’t actually happening TO me and IN me I wouldn’t believe it myself. Simply put, I want others to have what I have.
Soooooo, when I hear Him saying, “Facebook is taking too much of your time” I cannot argue...he is NOT wrong.  

I think of the little girl with the tiny teddy bear. Jesus is asking her to hand it to Him..…she says, “but I love it”. What she cannot see behind His back is a GIANT teddy bear ready to replace the tiny one she is holding so tightly in her hands. But she must give up the one before she sees what it is He has for her. He has SO much more for her……immeasurably more. I am that little girl too. Holding so tightly to that which I deem to hold great importance. She must be obedient to his calling and open her hands FIRST and I must too.

I am excited to see what God has planned for me in my 40-day fasting from social media and I am excited to share on April 5th what I already know will be amazing. I must remember God wastes nothing. He will not waste this time either.

God Bless you all.

Have a beautiful day today and the 40 days to come.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
❌⭕❌⭕️️️
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