Has mercy called your name lately? Ever?
Listening to K-Love on radio the way to work this morning I sang along with this Matt Maher version of this beautiful song.
BECAUSE HE LIVES
I believe in the Son
I believe in the risen One
I believe I overcome
By the power of His blood
Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
I was dead in the grave
I was covered in sin and shame
I heard mercy call my name
He rolled the stone away
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
Every fear is gone
I know He holds my life my future in His hands
I don't know if I love it because it's just plain a beautiful testimony or if it is because it is MY testimony!
Mercy calls my name on a daily, hourly . . . ok! On an on-going basis! And just when I start to think I'm beyond needing it . . . It calls me once again! It gives me the courage to be raw, and real, and honest about who and what I am with myself.
It's kind of scary! Nothing else in this life affords us that absolute, total, complete freedom and safety! I step into it often! And these days, even more often than ever before! I want to be "right with the Lord" when I leave this earth! I want to walk straight through the gates of heaven! I want to do all the work towards my perfection that I possibly can in this lifetime! I don't like waiting! I'd just hate it if there was a line in heaven! Ha!
So I'm mustering my courage. I'm stepping out in faith. I'm alive because He lives! Mercy . . . I hear you! Don't get too far ahead! I'm coming!
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
It has been so long since I posted here I had to "look around" and figure out how to make a new post! Yikes! I've thought a number of times about just letting go of this blog. But I just haven't been able to bring myself to do it.
I don't think I have any words of wisdom that I can share. My own life is less than exemplary in that regard. I don't even listen to my own advice, let alone expect anyone else to! LOL! But I'll not be offering advice here. Only sharing my continuing journey. And my prayer is that in my journey, you will see something that offers you hope, healing, maybe even redemption.
I won't say my faith has faltered at all in the past year - which has flown by at lightning speed! I literally just turned around and it's December 2015! It has certainly evolved and expanded, though!
God has been doing some deep, hard work in me! And I have been trying to let Him. I fight it all too often, but in the end, I have found myself, surrendered. At the foot of the Cross. And it hurts. But it also feels so good. Because He hung there for me! He died up there and He allows me to approach Him there. Laying down who and what I have been; anticipating all that will rise up in me as He rose 2000 years ago. It's scary. It's exhilarating. I'm getting stronger. I'm getting more single-minded and focused. I'm getting to be more of who He sees me to be: beautiful, wise, loving, caring, strong, full of faith and hope. And He is getting ready to do some great things through me!
What are you seeing when you look back on 2015? If the year has not been everything you hoped - if it has been hard, sad, lonely, fearful, or just "blah" it's okay! Because God makes all things new - and that includes each day and each person. You and I are being made new every single day. Who do you want to be when 2016 rings in? You can be that person! I have caught a glimpse of myself - in the mirror of the Savior's eyes. I am so excited! I cannot wait to do Him proud!
I hope you will catch a glimpse of your own perfect reflection!
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
I don't think I have any words of wisdom that I can share. My own life is less than exemplary in that regard. I don't even listen to my own advice, let alone expect anyone else to! LOL! But I'll not be offering advice here. Only sharing my continuing journey. And my prayer is that in my journey, you will see something that offers you hope, healing, maybe even redemption.
I won't say my faith has faltered at all in the past year - which has flown by at lightning speed! I literally just turned around and it's December 2015! It has certainly evolved and expanded, though!
God has been doing some deep, hard work in me! And I have been trying to let Him. I fight it all too often, but in the end, I have found myself, surrendered. At the foot of the Cross. And it hurts. But it also feels so good. Because He hung there for me! He died up there and He allows me to approach Him there. Laying down who and what I have been; anticipating all that will rise up in me as He rose 2000 years ago. It's scary. It's exhilarating. I'm getting stronger. I'm getting more single-minded and focused. I'm getting to be more of who He sees me to be: beautiful, wise, loving, caring, strong, full of faith and hope. And He is getting ready to do some great things through me!
What are you seeing when you look back on 2015? If the year has not been everything you hoped - if it has been hard, sad, lonely, fearful, or just "blah" it's okay! Because God makes all things new - and that includes each day and each person. You and I are being made new every single day. Who do you want to be when 2016 rings in? You can be that person! I have caught a glimpse of myself - in the mirror of the Savior's eyes. I am so excited! I cannot wait to do Him proud!
I hope you will catch a glimpse of your own perfect reflection!
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Do Justice and Love Kindness
Tonight I am world-weary. I have been watching "awful" Christmas movies all week on Hallmark Channel. I have been listening to Christmas music in the car - or driving in silence.
The state of our country-and the world can be so distressing. I'm not the smartest person I know, but I know this much: Human beings, in general, as a rule, are decent, kind, loving, generous and fundamentally good. The media hypes every other truth - because it's sensational and riles us up and gets us hooked and anxious to tune in to see what the latest awful thing has happened in the world!
I'm not advocating sticking our heads in the sand - I'm one of the most generally well-informed citizens of the world I know! But I have this to say: God is in heaven and He did not create us to hate and kill each other. That does not relieve us of our responsibilities as His creations: we must be the best we can be - and demand - yes I said demand - the same of others in our world. Not perfect - but attempting to live well.
I refuse to be overcome and overwhelmed by hate, violence, prejudice, political posturing. I pray every waking minute for wisdom and courage on the part of our leaders. But I also pray for the same for myself and for each of us - regular people, just trying to live each day.
There is no excuse for behaving badly. There is no "pass" on committing acts of violence, cruelty, or advancing hate - whether you are a "regular" person on the streets, or a powerful politician or business mogul!
I ask that you join me in praying for our country, for our world, and for each other.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
The state of our country-and the world can be so distressing. I'm not the smartest person I know, but I know this much: Human beings, in general, as a rule, are decent, kind, loving, generous and fundamentally good. The media hypes every other truth - because it's sensational and riles us up and gets us hooked and anxious to tune in to see what the latest awful thing has happened in the world!
I'm not advocating sticking our heads in the sand - I'm one of the most generally well-informed citizens of the world I know! But I have this to say: God is in heaven and He did not create us to hate and kill each other. That does not relieve us of our responsibilities as His creations: we must be the best we can be - and demand - yes I said demand - the same of others in our world. Not perfect - but attempting to live well.
I refuse to be overcome and overwhelmed by hate, violence, prejudice, political posturing. I pray every waking minute for wisdom and courage on the part of our leaders. But I also pray for the same for myself and for each of us - regular people, just trying to live each day.
There is no excuse for behaving badly. There is no "pass" on committing acts of violence, cruelty, or advancing hate - whether you are a "regular" person on the streets, or a powerful politician or business mogul!
I ask that you join me in praying for our country, for our world, and for each other.
"[ The Essence of the Law ] So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul," (Deutronomy 10:12 NIV)
"He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8)?
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Perfect and All-surpassing Peace
There was a time when I could easily slip into a place of God's perfect and all-surpassing peace whenever life got too complicated or challenging -- or even just because I savored the sacred time with my Savior. That is where I could right myself and go back to my life with renewed energy, assurance and hope.
Life these days is so complicated - and I have drifted far from my intentional seeking and succumbed to my need to "be in charge" of my life and of situations around me. Silly me! I know I have NO control on any level. I realize there is a direct link between this fact and my lack of peace and calm within my being and surrounding me lately.
Sunday night I tossed and turned and could not shut my mind off even with ardent and continual prayer. It was a spiritual battle that left me drained and defeated. But in the morning, as my anxiety level rose and my mind continued to race, God stepped in and released me from my battle! Surrender is a powerful and glorious thing! I told myself that "its going to be okay." Words straight from heaven certainly, because I had no capacity to think it, let alone speak it out loud or believe it!
I instantly felt an odd sense of empowerment - which is what I thought at the time. What I now realize it that it was a sense of freedom! God stepped in and took back His rightful place as ruler of my life -- because I allowed it! He was with me all through that night - battling my own sinful inclinations and pushing back every time I insisted on being in charge.
No, the issues and problems and questions I still struggle with have not gone away. What has changed though, is that I have a renewed strength--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I let go and let God! And the all-surpassing peace is blanketing me (though I do have a proclivity to "kick the covers off")!
I slept better last night, though still remnants of my flawed, stubborn humanity tried to rob me of my hard-won peace. This morning I feel renewed again and even stronger, though still tired. My humility took a huge hit! It's back in its proper place -- at the forefront of everything I do, think, say, believe.
Thank you dear, sweet Lord for loving me even when I am the most unlovable! I pray you will turn over whatever you are dealing with in your life to our Heavenly Father who wants nothing more -- or less -- than our well-being and our praise!
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Life these days is so complicated - and I have drifted far from my intentional seeking and succumbed to my need to "be in charge" of my life and of situations around me. Silly me! I know I have NO control on any level. I realize there is a direct link between this fact and my lack of peace and calm within my being and surrounding me lately.
Sunday night I tossed and turned and could not shut my mind off even with ardent and continual prayer. It was a spiritual battle that left me drained and defeated. But in the morning, as my anxiety level rose and my mind continued to race, God stepped in and released me from my battle! Surrender is a powerful and glorious thing! I told myself that "its going to be okay." Words straight from heaven certainly, because I had no capacity to think it, let alone speak it out loud or believe it!
I instantly felt an odd sense of empowerment - which is what I thought at the time. What I now realize it that it was a sense of freedom! God stepped in and took back His rightful place as ruler of my life -- because I allowed it! He was with me all through that night - battling my own sinful inclinations and pushing back every time I insisted on being in charge.
No, the issues and problems and questions I still struggle with have not gone away. What has changed though, is that I have a renewed strength--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I let go and let God! And the all-surpassing peace is blanketing me (though I do have a proclivity to "kick the covers off")!
I slept better last night, though still remnants of my flawed, stubborn humanity tried to rob me of my hard-won peace. This morning I feel renewed again and even stronger, though still tired. My humility took a huge hit! It's back in its proper place -- at the forefront of everything I do, think, say, believe.
Thank you dear, sweet Lord for loving me even when I am the most unlovable! I pray you will turn over whatever you are dealing with in your life to our Heavenly Father who wants nothing more -- or less -- than our well-being and our praise!
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Friday, September 19, 2014
God's Persistence. My Way Through.
God has been gracious lately in offering me some
introspection.
One way I've changed: I hunger for correction, redirection, molding, reshaping, deepened understanding and self-awareness. Hard to believe! Even more difficult to understand! I've had some profound, earth-shattering, comforting, disheartening and hope-filled moments and hours on my deck in the mornings these past months. God has chosen to swoop down from heaven with the same persistence with which I seek His touch, wisdom, thoughts,
We are all just fragile forms, trying to get through each moment, hour, day, month, year, with whatever we can muster. I am awed by the strength of human conviction, by the courage of those who should cower in fear, by the hope of those who have no reason to be hopeful.
And it makes me glad to wake up each and every morning. Without my mom. Without all the other people and things that I value and have clung to, without having accomplished all the things I think I should have accomplished. I rejoice! Because in spite of my rebellion, refusal, denial, lack of cooperation, hesitation and doubt, God still loves me as His perfect and wondrous creation and longs for me to live in to and up to all He has created me to be and do.
Don't know when I'll post again, but know my dears, that I pray for each and every one of you often and seek His blessings, grace, peace and hope upon your lives.
It’s been too long since I visited my blog. But perhaps has been just the right length of time. At first I was thinking I have finally found my way “back” a year and a half after mom’s death; then 8 months ago a major reorganization at my job where I have grieved no longer being part of the group I was a part of for three years. Rather I have found my way through. I am not the same person I was then. And God has worked mightily in me – sometimes, I fear, to no avail. Other times, I seem to have been more receptive and pliable in His hands.
I had no idea it had been 3/4 of a year since my last post. What a journey! What a ride! I suppose that if I had been true to my purpose for starting and maintaining this blog I would have been sharing it all over the past 9 months.
I won't condemn myself for NOT. I know it might have been helpful to others. But God and I have been having some heated conversations . . . some battles of the will . . . well . . . not really . . . I have been struggling, growing, exploring, journeying . . . and well, living life every day. And He has been gracious enough to allow my engagement - if not always my cooperation :)
You may wonder if my faith is less or diminished in any way - and perhaps attribute my lapse to that. But exactly the opposite is true. Very few things in life have turned out as I planned them. Very few. But many things have turned out far better than I could ever have fathomed with my small, limited, one-dimensional view of life and grace and living on this earth. Yes, I have sought knowledge, wisdom, insight and God has seen fit to share all of those with me - sometimes to my chagrin, other times to my utter delight.One way I've changed: I hunger for correction, redirection, molding, reshaping, deepened understanding and self-awareness. Hard to believe! Even more difficult to understand! I've had some profound, earth-shattering, comforting, disheartening and hope-filled moments and hours on my deck in the mornings these past months. God has chosen to swoop down from heaven with the same persistence with which I seek His touch, wisdom, thoughts,
We are all just fragile forms, trying to get through each moment, hour, day, month, year, with whatever we can muster. I am awed by the strength of human conviction, by the courage of those who should cower in fear, by the hope of those who have no reason to be hopeful.
And it makes me glad to wake up each and every morning. Without my mom. Without all the other people and things that I value and have clung to, without having accomplished all the things I think I should have accomplished. I rejoice! Because in spite of my rebellion, refusal, denial, lack of cooperation, hesitation and doubt, God still loves me as His perfect and wondrous creation and longs for me to live in to and up to all He has created me to be and do.
Don't know when I'll post again, but know my dears, that I pray for each and every one of you often and seek His blessings, grace, peace and hope upon your lives.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
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