Call me crazy... whatever you want to say or think is up to you. I've struggled a lot lately. This past week has been pretty difficult. From my own "failures" to overwhelming work loads (which I made to be more than they probably really were) to relatives' health struggles... my heart aches... my eyes have been swollen... and tears have flowed... it felt like bad news was just never ending. I have struggled... my heart has hurt. And then God spoke... He spoke through the amazing support system that I have around me, the mentors, brothers, sisters, friends... He spoke through you. Most of all, He spoke through Scripture. One of the few with which I have shared my struggling heart with encouraged me to "Live in the Psalms"... that God would meet me there in the Word... and I took that advice. This morning before I got ready for church and went about my day, I sat in a quiet house (which is AMAZING and I have loved this quietness recently)... and I read one of my favorites. And God spoke through Psalm 62... hearing and responding to my heart cry of prayer and petition to Him. I hesitated to listen at first and then found my hand moving to the words being sung to my heart... I then hesitated in sharing it but realized that it blessed my heart... what if it could bless another? I love those moments when somebody shares a good "God-thought" or I am sitting and having a "God-talk" with a mentor and something they say blesses my ailing heart beyond belief. And so I am moved to share with you... my God conversation... more like a letter from God to my heart.
--------
My dear and precious daughter,
I know it is hard. I know it is difficult to not know, to not understand. Trust me... I am comfort for your heart. I have already taken the pain and anguish you feel and hung it on the cross. Meet me there and you will see... I am the comfort for your soul and the peace that you seek. Sit quietly, patiently, humbly before the cross. Wait for me. I love you. I love the tears you have poured out before me... just let me wipe them away. I love the sound of your grieving heart... just let me wrap my arms around it for comfort. When you weep, I weep with you... and your pain will subside if you allow me to take it away from you. I love you even more than that. Trust me... that is what faith does... trust. It does not need to understand, it simply trusts in my plan. Trust me, wait for me, sit humbly, even tearfully, before the cross... and know that I love you that much.
---------------
"1 I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.
3 So many enemies against one man—
all of them trying to kill me.
To them I’m just a broken-down wall
or a tottering fence.
4 They plan to topple me from my high position.
They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
but curse me in their hearts.
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
If you weigh them on the scales,
together they are lighter than a breath of air.
10 Don’t make your living by extortion
or put your hope in stealing.
And if your wealth increases,
don’t make it the center of your life.
11 God has spoken plainly,
and I have heard it many times:
Power, O God, belongs to you;
12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you repay all people
according to what they have done."
~*Psalm 62*~
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Energy...
Lately, energy throughout the day has not necessarily been something that is difficult to come by for me. It is toward the day's end that I begin to lack energy and motivation, as is usually the case for most people... it usually happens when I need to be at home cleaning or spending time with my roommate, at the gym working out, or the time I should be spending in fellowship with others. You know that feeling? You know the feeling that you have when you know if you take a seat on the couch you are done for the night regardless of what you SHOULD be doing? Yeah, that one... that feeling has been ridiculously overwhelming recently. The days do NOT drag on and on, but by the end I am spent.
There has been much attention given to my energy level for a few days now, not just be me charting and attempting to channel it, but by other people taking notice of the craziness known also as happiness. On a recent morning, I began to wonder where it is that I am getting all of this energy and where it is going. Lately it has been an unbelievably spectacular feeling to be so "bubbly" and somewhat hyper... but just awesomely happy and joyful... feelings I have not had for a very long time. I wonder why all of the sudden I lack motivation to do much of anything by the end of the day even though the energy seems to "radiate" from me throughout it. Could it be that maybe I am draining myself?
I sit in my chair at the dining room table, my coffee and morning devo in front of me, staring out the amazingly huge windows that fill our room with the morning sunlight. I watch the sun come up over the hill that rests on the east side of my yard. I take notice... the rays slip through the breaks in the clouds, peaking through the tree branches wherever they can. Beauty and majesty... God at his finest!!! Then it hits me... energy... the complete source of energy. God is the Energy... He is the energy that I have made a renewed commitment to... Energy like no other. That is where I get it... where does it go? The source of my joy and happiness... the warmth of my heart... my bubbliness!!! I did not know that renewing a promise of focus and commitment to Christ would bring so much joy to my heart and life!!! I pray that I keep that sparkle in my life. It is the life I choose to live... faith in Christ Jesus and what He has done. That is my choice for energy. An energy source like no other... that is more than enough to keep me going.
A few reflections from this week have really energized my heart. I am blessed in so many areas of my life (all of them to be exact). One of my morning devotionals encouraged me to get up early and watch a sunrise. I giggled because at LEAST five days out of the week I enjoy this experience and marvel. What is so stinkin cool about it? God's power in the universe and how He is always providing some light in the dark places... I cannot even begin to describe or attempt to put it into words... it is that wonderful of a feeling!!! I realized just how cool mornings are when I was driving to work on an extremely clear morning. I look up and see the stars and a full moon shining so brightly. I look forward and see little rays of sunshine creeping up over the horizon... at the same time? AMAZING!!!! That just blew my mind to see the moon and the stars shining so brightly and at the same time to see signs of the sun illuminating the sky. I cannot express how amazed I was and how wonderful a feeling I felt. Take the stars and moon by themselves and see the light they give... take a sunrise and the beautiful colors that paint the sky... at the same time though? STUNNING!!! If God can do that, what can't He do? It led me to this sweet realization of just how powerful, creative, and infinite the God of the universe truly is. What an absolutely amazing revelation!!!! It is the every day blessings I so often take for granted... but God opens my eyes. He opened my eyes that morning and has done so many times since. What an awesome and indescribable God I serve!!!
---------------
The Energy
By: Sharina Marie Schaller
Written on 01/14/2012
Energy to raise the sun every morning and cause it to gently fall beneath the horizon out of sight.
Energy that lights the darkness with the moon and the stars in the sky at night.
Energy that pulls raindrops and snowflakes to a parched earth.
Energy that can take a dying seed and from it give new birth.
Energy of the living water that grows the plants and animals that feed.
Energy that causes the wind to blow - that feeling in the whisper of a breeze.
Energy that holds masses and galaxies together and swings planets around the sun.
Energy timed perfectly to shine through cracks in the clouds and trees, revealing Him as the One.
Energy that created this miracle known as life, keeps a beating heart pounding and a breathing lung filled.
Energy that provides and is the cure, that causes someone to be miraculously healed.
Energy that turns stone to clay to be molded and shaped as He wants it to be.
I have this energy burning inside and fueling me.
Energy only God can provide, making a change and breaking down walls inside.
God is the energy that keeps me going even if I feel I cannot survive.
Energy that opens my eyes to see a heart only He can revive.
If this energy flows for me, through me, and in me, then nothing can come against.
My God is my energy, the purpose for which I live.
There has been much attention given to my energy level for a few days now, not just be me charting and attempting to channel it, but by other people taking notice of the craziness known also as happiness. On a recent morning, I began to wonder where it is that I am getting all of this energy and where it is going. Lately it has been an unbelievably spectacular feeling to be so "bubbly" and somewhat hyper... but just awesomely happy and joyful... feelings I have not had for a very long time. I wonder why all of the sudden I lack motivation to do much of anything by the end of the day even though the energy seems to "radiate" from me throughout it. Could it be that maybe I am draining myself?
I sit in my chair at the dining room table, my coffee and morning devo in front of me, staring out the amazingly huge windows that fill our room with the morning sunlight. I watch the sun come up over the hill that rests on the east side of my yard. I take notice... the rays slip through the breaks in the clouds, peaking through the tree branches wherever they can. Beauty and majesty... God at his finest!!! Then it hits me... energy... the complete source of energy. God is the Energy... He is the energy that I have made a renewed commitment to... Energy like no other. That is where I get it... where does it go? The source of my joy and happiness... the warmth of my heart... my bubbliness!!! I did not know that renewing a promise of focus and commitment to Christ would bring so much joy to my heart and life!!! I pray that I keep that sparkle in my life. It is the life I choose to live... faith in Christ Jesus and what He has done. That is my choice for energy. An energy source like no other... that is more than enough to keep me going.
A few reflections from this week have really energized my heart. I am blessed in so many areas of my life (all of them to be exact). One of my morning devotionals encouraged me to get up early and watch a sunrise. I giggled because at LEAST five days out of the week I enjoy this experience and marvel. What is so stinkin cool about it? God's power in the universe and how He is always providing some light in the dark places... I cannot even begin to describe or attempt to put it into words... it is that wonderful of a feeling!!! I realized just how cool mornings are when I was driving to work on an extremely clear morning. I look up and see the stars and a full moon shining so brightly. I look forward and see little rays of sunshine creeping up over the horizon... at the same time? AMAZING!!!! That just blew my mind to see the moon and the stars shining so brightly and at the same time to see signs of the sun illuminating the sky. I cannot express how amazed I was and how wonderful a feeling I felt. Take the stars and moon by themselves and see the light they give... take a sunrise and the beautiful colors that paint the sky... at the same time though? STUNNING!!! If God can do that, what can't He do? It led me to this sweet realization of just how powerful, creative, and infinite the God of the universe truly is. What an absolutely amazing revelation!!!! It is the every day blessings I so often take for granted... but God opens my eyes. He opened my eyes that morning and has done so many times since. What an awesome and indescribable God I serve!!!
---------------
The Energy
By: Sharina Marie Schaller
Written on 01/14/2012
Energy to raise the sun every morning and cause it to gently fall beneath the horizon out of sight.
Energy that lights the darkness with the moon and the stars in the sky at night.
Energy that pulls raindrops and snowflakes to a parched earth.
Energy that can take a dying seed and from it give new birth.
Energy of the living water that grows the plants and animals that feed.
Energy that causes the wind to blow - that feeling in the whisper of a breeze.
Energy that holds masses and galaxies together and swings planets around the sun.
Energy timed perfectly to shine through cracks in the clouds and trees, revealing Him as the One.
Energy that created this miracle known as life, keeps a beating heart pounding and a breathing lung filled.
Energy that provides and is the cure, that causes someone to be miraculously healed.
Energy that turns stone to clay to be molded and shaped as He wants it to be.
I have this energy burning inside and fueling me.
Energy only God can provide, making a change and breaking down walls inside.
God is the energy that keeps me going even if I feel I cannot survive.
Energy that opens my eyes to see a heart only He can revive.
If this energy flows for me, through me, and in me, then nothing can come against.
My God is my energy, the purpose for which I live.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
All Things Work Together...
First blog of the year: Happy New Year!!! I'm hoping the New Year has been kind to all of you!!! I must say, my 2012 has started out with a bang... I was asleep on my couch by eleven o'clock on New Year's Eve... partied with the back of my eyelids and it was great!!! In a weeks' time, however, there have been the ups and downs in my life... so much can happen in such a short amount of time. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations of actions, and miscommunication by all parties have had the stress levels rising and me questioning some of the "blessings" I listed on my 2011 Blessings list... mostly the blessing that my job has been recently... that was mostly what was being questioned. Feedback on something somebody "perceived" as wrong is pretty difficult to swallow and it really honestly sucks. But as I sit back and reflect (and kind of let it fester... not gonna lie), I began to think and wonder... "God how are you going to use this? What are you doing in this whole situation?" Questions... questions I did not want to ask and really did not want to know the answers too... difficult situations and confrontation are not really something I enjoy, I must admit that.
The reality of it all hit me this morning in my morning devotional. God uses all things, instances, feedback, and happenings... He uses it all for our good... for my growth and my focus, even if it hurts or is crazy difficult to process. Romans 8:28 hit me like a ton of bricks... just like the meetings Thursday that caused the anxiety and stress to fly... only the Scripture hit me in a great way and did not cause my eyes to swell. My word for the year 2012 is commitment, as I mentioned in "Yesterdays and Tomorrows". Deep in my heart I am questioning my commitment to the "things" in my life... in this life. It hurts me most to realized that maybe I have lost focus on a few things... that sometimes commitment hurts and that I may not have been as committed as I thought I was. A harsh realization, but good one to build on.
I then realize that I am blessed by counsel, not just from God, but counsel from those who love me and love God more. Growing is hard... listening and acting on counsel can be harder... but it is a step in the right direction... even though I'm pretty block headed and I do not always allow the truth to sink in until about twenty-four hours later. I also realize that people will question my actions, attitude, and life... questions will come. And sometimes the questions will hurt, but when I sit and think and seek the counsel God gives, I realize the truth behind Romans 8:28, that He truly does know what He is doing, not just in the good but also in times that come off to me as bad. "ALL things work together for good..." and the ALL is what is brought to my attention. The ALL is the good and the bad, the fun and the difficult... but ALL... works together for one purpose. That purpose? The purpose of ALL things is to glorify God... glorify my Creator... praise Him and focus on that commitment through ALL times, the good and the bad... something I struggle with mightily but that I have guidance and counsel to point me back to Him in all things.
Slowly my anxiety and frustration have lowered, although the happenings of this week may have left a sour taste in my mouth and me questioning how much I trust some people. Reassurance came in the form of text messages from a few people who care enough to offer counsel when I seek it in times of need... prove it to them... for His glory. It is truthfully ALL in the hands of God, not of man or in the words of another. He is the one who supplies for my needs... the one who is meant to be glorified... the day is His... all is His... I am His. Refocus on commitment... commitment to Him. Let the questions and difficulties come... they come to glorify Him. Commitment. Focus. All things, work together, for good... He makes them ALL work together.
BTW, I have already kept one resolution for the year: attend at least one yoga class... talk about muscles that are sore... I am definitely that today!!! AND, Candice and I now have a new Saturday workout: Yoga... for an hour... crazy.
--------------------------
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
~*Romans 8:28*~
The reality of it all hit me this morning in my morning devotional. God uses all things, instances, feedback, and happenings... He uses it all for our good... for my growth and my focus, even if it hurts or is crazy difficult to process. Romans 8:28 hit me like a ton of bricks... just like the meetings Thursday that caused the anxiety and stress to fly... only the Scripture hit me in a great way and did not cause my eyes to swell. My word for the year 2012 is commitment, as I mentioned in "Yesterdays and Tomorrows". Deep in my heart I am questioning my commitment to the "things" in my life... in this life. It hurts me most to realized that maybe I have lost focus on a few things... that sometimes commitment hurts and that I may not have been as committed as I thought I was. A harsh realization, but good one to build on.
I then realize that I am blessed by counsel, not just from God, but counsel from those who love me and love God more. Growing is hard... listening and acting on counsel can be harder... but it is a step in the right direction... even though I'm pretty block headed and I do not always allow the truth to sink in until about twenty-four hours later. I also realize that people will question my actions, attitude, and life... questions will come. And sometimes the questions will hurt, but when I sit and think and seek the counsel God gives, I realize the truth behind Romans 8:28, that He truly does know what He is doing, not just in the good but also in times that come off to me as bad. "ALL things work together for good..." and the ALL is what is brought to my attention. The ALL is the good and the bad, the fun and the difficult... but ALL... works together for one purpose. That purpose? The purpose of ALL things is to glorify God... glorify my Creator... praise Him and focus on that commitment through ALL times, the good and the bad... something I struggle with mightily but that I have guidance and counsel to point me back to Him in all things.
Slowly my anxiety and frustration have lowered, although the happenings of this week may have left a sour taste in my mouth and me questioning how much I trust some people. Reassurance came in the form of text messages from a few people who care enough to offer counsel when I seek it in times of need... prove it to them... for His glory. It is truthfully ALL in the hands of God, not of man or in the words of another. He is the one who supplies for my needs... the one who is meant to be glorified... the day is His... all is His... I am His. Refocus on commitment... commitment to Him. Let the questions and difficulties come... they come to glorify Him. Commitment. Focus. All things, work together, for good... He makes them ALL work together.
BTW, I have already kept one resolution for the year: attend at least one yoga class... talk about muscles that are sore... I am definitely that today!!! AND, Candice and I now have a new Saturday workout: Yoga... for an hour... crazy.
--------------------------
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
~*Romans 8:28*~
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Yesterdays and Tomorrows
It is obvious that life is full of ups and downs. 2011 was full of twists, turns, and loops... a roller coaster ride that would knock your socks off. I look forward to 2012 being the same way (in a good way)... adding to this roller coaster known as life. I look back at the "yesterdays" of 2011 and see the highs and lows, goods and bads... there were easily more enjoyable moments than downers. The less enjoyable memories are probably more like things in my life that are out of my control and let's be honest, who really enjoys not having control of a seemingly crappy situation?
However, I have learned... learned from the yesterdays I did not so much enjoy... learned that God always has my back when I am up against a wall. I have learned that it is not even really "back against the wall" but more like "backed up against God." I have also come to realize how often I have turned to Him as a LAST resort instead of seeking Him first and foremost, through all of the thicks and thins and not just the goods. I have learned how a kind word and a little care, even from hundreds of miles away, can bring comfort to a grieving heart. I have seen how a listening ear can be appreciated even by those you would not necessarily expect it from... and how that can get somebody through a tough day when it looks impossible in the wee hours of the morning.
Lessons learned; learning loved. How amazing it is that something difficult bears positives in the end... what a witness to God's goodness. He is so amazing!!! I look at the rough spots and I am amazed... and then I remember the beautiful scenes passed by on the journey through 2011. That is the point in which I stand in complete awe of God's works. I look back at 2011 and see the amazing works God has done. I reminisce on the blessings and my thoughts also wander to how many times God has rescued me from a tough spot. He has blessed me in ways unimaginable!! Here are a "few" highlights (or a lot of highlights because I can not just share a few...).
-An awesome church (Faith Evangelical Free) and an amazingly loving spiritual family.
-Seeing Christians doing what they love to do and being able to use that to witness to those around... examples: my doctor, the secretary at the dentist office I visit, one of the executives at GTM, the Director of Housing and Dining at KSU... amazing people who love what they do.
-A miracle performed by God in my life... there is no other explanation for my body surviving without a need for insulin shots and for the ability to decrease oral diabetic meds... only God can perform that miracle.
-A brother married and two more engaged.
-A beautiful nephew to watch grow... who I love seeing and stand in awe of the mystery known as life... and who decided he could walk.
-My Baptism!!! A symbol of how life with Christ has truly changed me.
-At LEAST 35 pounds lost... and how great that makes me feel!!
-Co-workers who are so stinkin awesome and a job I enjoy greatly even when it is frustrating.
-Working with fellow Christians and what a blessing they can be!
-My LIFE GROUP ROCKS!!! Need I say more?
-Weddings and engagements of some of my best friends... AND FRIENDS WITH BABIES (or babies on the way)... =)
-Anonymous gifts that help me and move me to tears.
-My health and not taking it for granted.
-The new "friends" God has blessed me with and how amazing they are!!
-The word God placed on my heart for 2011: Focus. The meaning of that word, God used so often in my day to day life.
And there are SO MANY MORE blessings that I have not mentioned... there are far to many. Focus... God's word for me in 2011. It is a word that so often came to heart... especially when I took my eyes off of where my focus should be: on the Cross and what it truly stands for. I do not usually make New Year's Resolutions... but last year I took the "challenge" from K-Love to choose a word and stick with it. Focus. This year's word: Commitment. Although I regained some "focus" throughout the past year, I did not always remain committed to the true meaning in my life. I can have focus... but lack the commitment I should have with it. That is what I want to add to my life... commitment added to focus.
I sit and wonder what I have committed my life to lately... some good and some bad. More good than bad. I know we all lose sight of the "goal we should be running towards" (Philippians 3:14). What is it that I should be committing my time, energy, and focus to? When I commit, I now want it to be all out... following the One my life is supposed to be focused on... commitment to Christ, my daily resolution. I am so excited to see what God does in the "tomorrows" of 2012. When I commit, I want to commit for Christ and Him alone. In all I do, I want it to be done for Him. I reflect on the cross... and that was God's commitment to me... the death of the Son on the cross. What a commitment!!! I want to be committed to the one who holds my life in the palm of His hands... letting Him control (Isaiah 49:16). "Let go... Let God" is a motto to live by... I say it, can I act on it? I want to commit my everything to Him... give Him my all and more (Colossians 3:23). In all that I do, I pray that I do it for Him, with His guidance. I pray that I commit my life to being healthy, working out, eating right, and treating my body as though it truly is a temple of our Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I pray that I commit to build people up with my words... not tear them down as I have done so much recently... that my words would be encouraging to those who hear them... (Ephesians 4:29). I know that I have been blessed... I pray that I use my blessings to bless those around me. I pray that I am smart and commit everything to Him... including my finances which I usually have the most difficulty with... that I would be smart the way God wants me to be smart and that money would not rule my life the way it has done in the past. I pray I will be committed to my Prince... my Knight in Shining Armor, Jesus Christ.
I know I will stumble and fall... we all fall down... we all fall short of God... nobody is perfect (Romans 3:23). I pray that when I fall, I get back up on my feet, let Him dust me off, and follow through on the commitment that I made August 2nd, 2007... the commitment to live for Christ who died for me. I made it, lost focus, broke it, renewed it through His grace... and now I want to follow through, recognizing what He has done for me in my life. I pray that my life is committed to Christ alone. That is my resolution... a renewed resolution... a resolution that should have meant more to me than what it truly has. Commitment to Christ.
2012: Commitment. Happy New Year!!!
BTW, Josh and Zoe, I will TRY to make it part of that commitment to come to at least ONE yoga class... just because you challenged me ;).
-------------------------------------------
Word for 2012: Commitment
Verse for 2012: Colossians 3:23
------------------------------------------
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."
~*Colossians 3:23*~
However, I have learned... learned from the yesterdays I did not so much enjoy... learned that God always has my back when I am up against a wall. I have learned that it is not even really "back against the wall" but more like "backed up against God." I have also come to realize how often I have turned to Him as a LAST resort instead of seeking Him first and foremost, through all of the thicks and thins and not just the goods. I have learned how a kind word and a little care, even from hundreds of miles away, can bring comfort to a grieving heart. I have seen how a listening ear can be appreciated even by those you would not necessarily expect it from... and how that can get somebody through a tough day when it looks impossible in the wee hours of the morning.
Lessons learned; learning loved. How amazing it is that something difficult bears positives in the end... what a witness to God's goodness. He is so amazing!!! I look at the rough spots and I am amazed... and then I remember the beautiful scenes passed by on the journey through 2011. That is the point in which I stand in complete awe of God's works. I look back at 2011 and see the amazing works God has done. I reminisce on the blessings and my thoughts also wander to how many times God has rescued me from a tough spot. He has blessed me in ways unimaginable!! Here are a "few" highlights (or a lot of highlights because I can not just share a few...).
-An awesome church (Faith Evangelical Free) and an amazingly loving spiritual family.
-Seeing Christians doing what they love to do and being able to use that to witness to those around... examples: my doctor, the secretary at the dentist office I visit, one of the executives at GTM, the Director of Housing and Dining at KSU... amazing people who love what they do.
-A miracle performed by God in my life... there is no other explanation for my body surviving without a need for insulin shots and for the ability to decrease oral diabetic meds... only God can perform that miracle.
-A brother married and two more engaged.
-A beautiful nephew to watch grow... who I love seeing and stand in awe of the mystery known as life... and who decided he could walk.
-My Baptism!!! A symbol of how life with Christ has truly changed me.
-At LEAST 35 pounds lost... and how great that makes me feel!!
-Co-workers who are so stinkin awesome and a job I enjoy greatly even when it is frustrating.
-Working with fellow Christians and what a blessing they can be!
-My LIFE GROUP ROCKS!!! Need I say more?
-Weddings and engagements of some of my best friends... AND FRIENDS WITH BABIES (or babies on the way)... =)
-Anonymous gifts that help me and move me to tears.
-My health and not taking it for granted.
-The new "friends" God has blessed me with and how amazing they are!!
-The word God placed on my heart for 2011: Focus. The meaning of that word, God used so often in my day to day life.
And there are SO MANY MORE blessings that I have not mentioned... there are far to many. Focus... God's word for me in 2011. It is a word that so often came to heart... especially when I took my eyes off of where my focus should be: on the Cross and what it truly stands for. I do not usually make New Year's Resolutions... but last year I took the "challenge" from K-Love to choose a word and stick with it. Focus. This year's word: Commitment. Although I regained some "focus" throughout the past year, I did not always remain committed to the true meaning in my life. I can have focus... but lack the commitment I should have with it. That is what I want to add to my life... commitment added to focus.
I sit and wonder what I have committed my life to lately... some good and some bad. More good than bad. I know we all lose sight of the "goal we should be running towards" (Philippians 3:14). What is it that I should be committing my time, energy, and focus to? When I commit, I now want it to be all out... following the One my life is supposed to be focused on... commitment to Christ, my daily resolution. I am so excited to see what God does in the "tomorrows" of 2012. When I commit, I want to commit for Christ and Him alone. In all I do, I want it to be done for Him. I reflect on the cross... and that was God's commitment to me... the death of the Son on the cross. What a commitment!!! I want to be committed to the one who holds my life in the palm of His hands... letting Him control (Isaiah 49:16). "Let go... Let God" is a motto to live by... I say it, can I act on it? I want to commit my everything to Him... give Him my all and more (Colossians 3:23). In all that I do, I pray that I do it for Him, with His guidance. I pray that I commit my life to being healthy, working out, eating right, and treating my body as though it truly is a temple of our Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I pray that I commit to build people up with my words... not tear them down as I have done so much recently... that my words would be encouraging to those who hear them... (Ephesians 4:29). I know that I have been blessed... I pray that I use my blessings to bless those around me. I pray that I am smart and commit everything to Him... including my finances which I usually have the most difficulty with... that I would be smart the way God wants me to be smart and that money would not rule my life the way it has done in the past. I pray I will be committed to my Prince... my Knight in Shining Armor, Jesus Christ.
I know I will stumble and fall... we all fall down... we all fall short of God... nobody is perfect (Romans 3:23). I pray that when I fall, I get back up on my feet, let Him dust me off, and follow through on the commitment that I made August 2nd, 2007... the commitment to live for Christ who died for me. I made it, lost focus, broke it, renewed it through His grace... and now I want to follow through, recognizing what He has done for me in my life. I pray that my life is committed to Christ alone. That is my resolution... a renewed resolution... a resolution that should have meant more to me than what it truly has. Commitment to Christ.
2012: Commitment. Happy New Year!!!
BTW, Josh and Zoe, I will TRY to make it part of that commitment to come to at least ONE yoga class... just because you challenged me ;).
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Word for 2012: Commitment
Verse for 2012: Colossians 3:23
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"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."
~*Colossians 3:23*~
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Blessings
It's a wonderful feeling, really, being blessed. Christmas has had me thinking a lot the past week... thinking about how blessed I am. Small things like the experience of sleeping in a brand new bed... the little things in life we often take for granted... anonymous gifts that almost bring me to tears... spending time with all of my family… the multitude of presents that are received throughout the holiday season. It is wonderful to be blessed... but it isn't necessarily the gifts that are received that has me thinking. What has my mind flying is the thought and the intangibles of the season and why it exists in the first place. God sent His son... to save me. Lavished by the love of God. And He could have stopped at Jesus... the birth... the cross... the death that saves lives. But God, He didn't stop there. Every single day I am blessed beyond measure through God. I also experience the blessings that are not meant for me... gifts that will bless people who need it more than me.
Living where I do, at theHomestead
Christmas Blessings... God's blessings... a time to think and recognize and remember how much God loves us. Merry Christmas!!!!
Living where I do, at the
Christmas Blessings... God's blessings... a time to think and recognize and remember how much God loves us. Merry Christmas!!!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
There is a Way
Often I have been told that being shattered and to the point of broken is where God can minister to us the most. It is the most unpleasant place but a beautiful place to start. It brings us to the end of self and turns our eyes to Him. We get to the point that we no longer can rely on our own strength or even the strength of those around us… the only strength that can keep us going is that of our Lord. When life knocks us down, stay prostrate on the floor and worship Him. God will pick you up when He is ready. Let His strength be your strength and allow Him into your heart to work out the healing He provides. Nothing else can fill the hole that tragedy leaves… nothing else can fill that hole of grief and pain left behind. I am not able to begin to imagine the anger, questioning, grief, and wondering that goes with the gut-wrenching pain of loss… sometimes I kind of wish I did so that maybe I could find a way to offer a little more comfort.
We are His lost little sheep… sometimes caught in the thicket… but the Good Shepherd comes back for us, and if we let Him, He will rescue us, pick us up, clean us off, and nurse us back to health. Life truly is but a vapor… some a smaller breath than others (John 14:27). It is hard to bring glory in such hard times… but it opens a door to shine a light in the valley of darkness where light does not often shine. Lift your eyes up to Him. Let His glory shine… I have seen it so much already in these tough times.
Jesus is our rock and our salvation. He has built a fortress around our hearts that cannot be overtaken. God is our help and our comfort and only HE knows the excruciating pain being felt in times of loss. HE KNOWS… and therefore He alone can offer enough comfort and strength to get us through. Our purpose is to bring glory and honor to Him… to praise Him in the storm and shine His light for others to see His glory and majesty. Let Him find you… take His hand… and walk. Let Him pick you up and carry you when you cannot walk anymore and become too weak. His strength never runs out… His river of peace, comfort, and love never runs dry. Run to Him and fall helplessly into His arms.
We are His lost little sheep… sometimes caught in the thicket… but the Good Shepherd comes back for us, and if we let Him, He will rescue us, pick us up, clean us off, and nurse us back to health. Life truly is but a vapor… some a smaller breath than others (John 14:27). It is hard to bring glory in such hard times… but it opens a door to shine a light in the valley of darkness where light does not often shine. Lift your eyes up to Him. Let His glory shine… I have seen it so much already in these tough times.
Jesus is our rock and our salvation. He has built a fortress around our hearts that cannot be overtaken. God is our help and our comfort and only HE knows the excruciating pain being felt in times of loss. HE KNOWS… and therefore He alone can offer enough comfort and strength to get us through. Our purpose is to bring glory and honor to Him… to praise Him in the storm and shine His light for others to see His glory and majesty. Let Him find you… take His hand… and walk. Let Him pick you up and carry you when you cannot walk anymore and become too weak. His strength never runs out… His river of peace, comfort, and love never runs dry. Run to Him and fall helplessly into His arms.
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I Wish There Was a Way
12/14/11
By: Sharina Marie Schaller
I wish there was a way for me
To take away the pain…
To take the pain that breaks these hearts
And throw it all away
My heart breaks for those hurting
…unimaginable pain they feel
To be able to offer some advice
On learning how to heal
I pray these hearts find comfort
Some form of peace inside
That the tears might stop flowing
And the pain would gently subside
There is a way… in Jesus!!
He can heal the pain
He lived a life for you and me
And died but not in vain.
Jesus can take away the pain
He knows the pain of loss
He opened the gates of Heaven
As His arms spread on the cross
Turn to Him in wonder
Praise Him in this storm
When we meet Him face to face
This pain shall be no more.
Lean into Him
Feel strength in His arms
Let Him wrap His love around you
Only God can heal your heart.
I wish there was a way for me
To take away the pain…
To take the pain that breaks these hearts
And throw it all away
My heart breaks for those hurting
…unimaginable pain they feel
To be able to offer some advice
On learning how to heal
I pray these hearts find comfort
Some form of peace inside
That the tears might stop flowing
And the pain would gently subside
There is a way… in Jesus!!
He can heal the pain
He lived a life for you and me
And died but not in vain.
Jesus can take away the pain
He knows the pain of loss
He opened the gates of Heaven
As His arms spread on the cross
Turn to Him in wonder
Praise Him in this storm
When we meet Him face to face
This pain shall be no more.
Lean into Him
Feel strength in His arms
Let Him wrap His love around you
Only God can heal your heart.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Binding a Broken Heart
About a week and a half ago I shared "Breaking Down My Pride", something that God is continually doing in my life. I shared how my pride often blinds me and how sometimes God breaks down pride by putting life as I know it on hold. He has been showing me how much I have taken for granted in my life. Over the past few days, God has brought to mind a few things I have taken for granted... and honestly have cherished selfishly. My health, my family, and my life are a few. Yes, my health and diabetes has left me feeling kind of lousy at times recently, but it is getting better and my problems are minor compared to some I know. I love my family. I look forward to the holidays when I get to travel home to see them. I love my spiritual family and the support they give me away from home. I am twenty-four years old and blessed, but for some sad reason I may not always see it that way. I look at the lives of some of those closest to me and the unbelievably difficult circumstances that they are facing.
A friend who's husband was just diagnosed with cancer. Another who has a mother battling for her life... who is also trying to balance that with wedding planning and grad school. My heart was left breaking... and recently it has broken to bleeding... pain for those in pain that I don't know if I've experienced before. A friend who lost a younger sister because of an asthma attack and a family and young husband grieving the loss of a loved one. A few short days later I learn of another friend who is battling the loss of a younger brother killed in a car accident. That was the breaking point for my heart and the tears would not stop coming as I looked at the lives of those I love and hold so dear. Pain for those in pain... grief for those grieving. In no way can I even imagine the pain truly felt... the gut wrenching and aching pain that only Christ can help subside. My stomach knots as I type this... wondering how to manage so much in such a short time. I'm in awe by those above... not sure how I could ever begin to process or handle a situation like any of them.
But here is what amazes me: the faith shown through all of this by those mentioned above. The faith shown in the midst of tragedy and hardship. Faithful. Beautiful. Faith for the One who gives and takes away... our Creator and Redeemer. It is amazing, and yet a strange feeling, when the one trying to encourage the hurting is encouraged by them instead. I am experiencing that feeling right now. I'm in awe of so much faith and love... how when I call to check up on one person they instead check up on me... how one can maintain a balance of craziness in life and still give their time to help me move... how a grieving father loses a twenty-two year old daughter and still shares how it is in God's plan for life and the purpose of all is for good and how eternal healing has been perfected... how a sister grieving the loss of a twenty-three year old brother can say to me "We will def miss him! Lucky guy - gets to be with Jesus! :-) Thankfully Jesus can be in more than one place at once"... and I'm left stunned and unsure what to say.
How many millions of words are spoken through so few words and actions like these? My heart is left to wonder how many lives are touched or are being ministered to by such words and actions like these. My mind is still trying to wrap itself around it all. I am blessed. I am encouraged and blessed and my heart is being bound by such words and actions of faith. Faith in action... it speaks millions. Worship in words. The tears are no longer that of grief alone but of joy and amazing encouragement offered by those around me... words of those who truly know what it may look like to walk through the valley of the shadow of death and have a table prepared before them in the presence of the enemy (as stated by a sister in one of the scenarios given). And so it continues... binding up a broken heart. God will bind up a bleeding and broken heart... He is the only one who can!!! It is amazing to experience how God works.
--------------------------------
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
~*Psalm 34:18*~
"The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth."
~*Psalm 145:18*~
"He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds."
~*Psalm 147:3*~
A friend who's husband was just diagnosed with cancer. Another who has a mother battling for her life... who is also trying to balance that with wedding planning and grad school. My heart was left breaking... and recently it has broken to bleeding... pain for those in pain that I don't know if I've experienced before. A friend who lost a younger sister because of an asthma attack and a family and young husband grieving the loss of a loved one. A few short days later I learn of another friend who is battling the loss of a younger brother killed in a car accident. That was the breaking point for my heart and the tears would not stop coming as I looked at the lives of those I love and hold so dear. Pain for those in pain... grief for those grieving. In no way can I even imagine the pain truly felt... the gut wrenching and aching pain that only Christ can help subside. My stomach knots as I type this... wondering how to manage so much in such a short time. I'm in awe by those above... not sure how I could ever begin to process or handle a situation like any of them.
But here is what amazes me: the faith shown through all of this by those mentioned above. The faith shown in the midst of tragedy and hardship. Faithful. Beautiful. Faith for the One who gives and takes away... our Creator and Redeemer. It is amazing, and yet a strange feeling, when the one trying to encourage the hurting is encouraged by them instead. I am experiencing that feeling right now. I'm in awe of so much faith and love... how when I call to check up on one person they instead check up on me... how one can maintain a balance of craziness in life and still give their time to help me move... how a grieving father loses a twenty-two year old daughter and still shares how it is in God's plan for life and the purpose of all is for good and how eternal healing has been perfected... how a sister grieving the loss of a twenty-three year old brother can say to me "We will def miss him! Lucky guy - gets to be with Jesus! :-) Thankfully Jesus can be in more than one place at once"... and I'm left stunned and unsure what to say.
How many millions of words are spoken through so few words and actions like these? My heart is left to wonder how many lives are touched or are being ministered to by such words and actions like these. My mind is still trying to wrap itself around it all. I am blessed. I am encouraged and blessed and my heart is being bound by such words and actions of faith. Faith in action... it speaks millions. Worship in words. The tears are no longer that of grief alone but of joy and amazing encouragement offered by those around me... words of those who truly know what it may look like to walk through the valley of the shadow of death and have a table prepared before them in the presence of the enemy (as stated by a sister in one of the scenarios given). And so it continues... binding up a broken heart. God will bind up a bleeding and broken heart... He is the only one who can!!! It is amazing to experience how God works.
--------------------------------
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
~*Psalm 34:18*~
"The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth."
~*Psalm 145:18*~
"He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds."
~*Psalm 147:3*~
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