Inspired by...: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Inspired by. . . my Protector

Textured with Kim's sweettart and way textures

I love the thought of God being my van-guard and rear-guard; going before me and coming behind me.

The Alpha and Omega. Protector on all sides.

Coming behind me to lovingly deal with my mistakes. Clearing a path before me, and turning to fight any foe that might pursue me.

He is the first and He is the last and we are caught up in between in His great loving arms.

Blessings,

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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Inspired by. . . freedom

A movie poster claims, "Everyone is driven by something."

If that's true, then it's worth asking the questions,

"What is driving me?"

And...

"Is it positive?"

"Or enslaving?"

Jesus answered them, "I can guarantee this truth:

Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin." John 8:34

Textured with Bonnie's medieval magic

I think about things in my past that have driven me, or perhaps more appropriately, held me captive. Most of these strongholds boiled down to a drive, a basic need for approval, manifested in a series of bad choices and just plain sin.

I think it's important to call sin - - sin. Rationalizing it, or pretending that it's not as bad as it is just gives the enemy the power to hold us tighter. To control us longer. Only truth can break the chains of sin. Only truth can free us from the suffocating, paralyzing weight that sin brings upon our soul.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free. John 8:36

I am often overwhelmed when I look back and see who I once was, compared to who God has made me today. Overwhelmed. Astonished. Humbled. Grateful. Unworthy.

Textured with Kim's justbe

Free.

The freedom I have in Christ, the victory over sin, the feeling of the emotional fetters falling from my hands and feet is. . .

. . .inexplicable.

There are no words to describe it. One must experience it to fully understand.

Christianity - a life lived with and for Christ - is far from the ball and chain that many believe it to be.

Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom.

Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don't become slaves again. Gal 5:1

And if you are a Believer currently living a life of dos and don'ts, may I humbly suggest that you spend some serious time getting to know your Savior.

You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again.

Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted

children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" Rom 8:15

But now you know God, or rather, God knows you.

So how can you turn back again to the powerless and

bankrupt principles of this world? Why do you want

to become their slaves all over again? Gal 4:9

While nothing replaces simply picking up your bible and reading His Word, I have recently found some tools that you might find helpful.

YouVersion is simple, ad-free Bible that brings the word of God into your daily life. They offer several reading plans to help get you in the Word daily. I'm currently doing the Major Beliefs plan, along with some of my friends at Goodreads. Won't you join us?

Good Morning Girls offers online Bible studies. You can join an existing group, or form a group of your own. The main purpose of joining a group is for accountability. I'll be participating in their upcoming Gratitude study, and the Advent study. If you're interested in joining our group, send me and email and I'll send you the group info.

And last, but by no means least is e-sword. If you haven't checked out this resource, stop what you're doing and go there now! Seriously.

Oh, did I mention that all these resources are. . .

. . . free. . . .

Blessings,

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Inspired by . . . those eyes

Angels with whiskers? Maybe. Kitty, as she is affectionately called, is a gift from God. She is proof {one of many in my life} of His intimate care of me. His inexplicable attention to every detail of my life.

Kitty is handicapped. The joints in her legs and hips don't work correctly. She sort of lurches her way around, often pulling her back legs up and over obstacles with the sheer strength of her front legs and claws. It's difficult to watch, even though I know she's not in any pain.

When we first found Kitty, we thought she had been hit by a car. She was dragging herself up an embankment near our home. Another victim of animal dumping in our rural area.

Except she's not a victim, she's a blessing.

Despite her affliction, she keeps herself well-groomed. Her coat is amazingly soft and clean. And she can be extremely fast when she needs to be. As you can imagine, she can't defend herself. Or fend for herself. She was very malnourished when we found her. Knowing she couldn't catch her own food, I began feeding her. And despite the fact that we did not want {or need} another life to care for, the alternatives just weren't an option.

Not when she looks at you with those eyes.

After hearing Kitty's story you might be wondering how she's proof of God's care for me. Well, I love cats, but I just can't abide their natural instinct to kill other animals. Such as birds and, well, baby rabbits. It broke my heart last year when I had to re-home my best buddy, Aslan, {Thankfully, a sweet friend of mine with four darling little girls took him in - further proof of God's care} after I found him "playing" with a baby rabbit one morning.

Kitty can't chase, jump, or sneak up on anyone or anything.

She's the perfect cat for me.

And God knew she would be.

Have a wonder-filled day,

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P52 Sweet Shot Tuesday with Kent Weakley

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Inspired by. . . a safe harbor

Do you hesitate to turn on the news, or open a newspaper? Do you think twice about going to the movies, or heavily attended events? Do you find yourself anxious about your financial security, healthcare reform, natural disasters? We live in a turbulent, quickly-changing world.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,

blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,

fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"

The fact is, this world is not our home. And this earth is not eternal. Neither our time here, nor the earth itself will last forever. It was never meant to.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."

SOOC

But for now, this is our reality. This world is where we live, work, play.

Exist.

So how do we find peace when our world, either personally, nationally, or internationally {or all three} seems out of control?

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world."

Textured with RH West's clarity

We can only find true peace, a calm amidst the storm, a safe harbor, in the One who has the power to still the sea with only a word.

"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."

His peace He gives freely.

"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."

As with any gift, we have to accept it, open it, and then use it to receive its benefit.

The gift of Jesus. A life lived in relationship with Him, where we seek to do His will.

"...make every effort to add integrity to your faith; and to integrity add knowledge;

to knowledge add self-control; to self-control add endurance; to endurance add godliness;

to godliness add Christian affection; and to

Christian affection add love.... for if you do these things, you shall never fall"

A relationship takes two. Although Jesus has done it all with respect to saving your soul, living a blessed, peaceful, joyous life is very much up to you.

Textured with Kim's chase

"Blessed are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek Him with the whole heart."

It is possible to have peace and joy

in all circumstances.

Try God according to His promises, and

see if He does not open the windows of heaven

for you and flood you with blessings.

Shalom שׁלום,

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Saturday, September 7, 2013

Inspired by. . . a giveaway

Special thanks to Brit and Madi for their recent reviews on Gladness for Mourning!

Madi said:

"This is the second book that I have read by June Caedmon (the first one being "Heart's Desire"), and I loved them both. Her stories are interesting, and her characters are just perfect."

"Gladness For Mourning" is such a wonderful sequel to "Heart's Desire"! I was so excited for the opportunity to read it. And the cover is just precious! It represents the story so well!"

Brittany said:

"Having read Heart’s Desire, the first book in the series, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I have to say that I really enjoyed the first book. It was very good and the characters were so interesting."

"Overall, the theme of God’s forgiveness through Christ stands as an example throughout this story. Will the characters submit their lives to Him and, in turn, forgive? What a wonderful book! (5 stars)"

Thanks again, Madi and Brit!

And here's your link to the giveaway!