Awaken Your Potential

GOD’s Work in Me Throughout 2011 – Dependence

joyislife — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:23:55 +0000

Every now and again, Our Lord lets us see what we would be like if it were not for Himself; it is a justification of what He said – “Without Me you can do nothing.” That is why the bedrock of Christianity is personal, passionate devotion to the Lord Jesus. – Oswald Chambers

On my prior blog I wrote about how God worked with me on my faith, now this week, I thought I would share some of what He is doing on dependence.

Think about it, from birth we are programmed, taught, instructed, what ever you want to call it, on how to become independent. As parents we want to raise self sufficient, young adults who take their place independently in society. We instruct and hire employees on how, or that know how, to work independently. Yet, when you get down to the basics, everyone and everything is “dependent” on something or someone else. No one, no one, is totally independent.

That was, and still is, a big challenge for me to accept dependence as part of my life. Now, I have had faith in the past, faith that I could do anything I wanted without anyone’s help, which I soon discover to be an untruth in myself. To help with a bit of perspective, through my life, I have been divorced, allowed myself to be a victim (of abuse), did my best at raising three children and despite all odds, achieved success (in my eyes). I was “totally independent” or so I thought.

That’s about the time in my life, I needed a change in perspective. When we start believing that we are controlling all situations, independently from God, God has a gentle, graceful way of showing us, He is in control. After a change in my career, the boys moving in and less than half the income being generated, I knew the only provider during this period would be God. He has provided all we need, all we ever needed and all we will need.

With the loss of a family member, multiple auto accidents, school grades, illnesses and everything in between, you would think dependence would come easy, but it doesn’t. There is still that controlling little piece that we keep working. I will say, “the more I read and pray the more faith I receive”, yet, still today, I struggle with the “self” trying to convince the rest of me “I can do it” and yes, often forget to Let Go Dear and Let God Do.
Have a joy filled week. LGD

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

From Past Into Future

joyislife — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:10:05 +0000

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw

I hope you join me the next few weeks, as I recount some of 2011. I thought I would share some of God’s past and present work on me as He creates this, lump of clay into what will be, in the future, a useable vessel. Psalm 25:10 says “All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful.” God, the Almighty sends His Spirit to work on, with and through each of us. I am what my parents would refer to as a rebellious and stubborn child, at best, but God never gives up.

One of the works God did with me during 2011 would be to work on my “faith” through a group study that GracePointe Community Church did in April. I had been attending GracePointe for several weeks and thought I would probably enjoy a study called “Believing God” a Beth Moore series. A Wednesday night out would be more than welcome.

My husband and I had taken residential custody of his two boys during the last quarter of 2010, changing our home from George and I to four of us. Then in December 2010, my brother-in-law wanted a change of view, and moved from Miami, now there are five. So seriously, I needed time away, with women only. During the first meeting, on the video that was played, the women in the taped audience gave up something. I liked that idea, but what am I willing to believe is a sacrifice and give up? I’ve given up stuff before and taken/started/began again after the challenge. This time, however, I decided it had to be not just challenging, it had to be life changing.

Life changing it would be. I had attempted so many times to quit, at no avail. I’d tried a patch and prescriptions, it just wasn’t happening. No matter how many prayers, I didn’t, I couldn’t, I wouldn’t, stop smoking. I liked my tobacco and liked to find ways to justify my habit. I know and believed, 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 (NIV) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I wanted to honor Jesus, His sacrifice and took a step in faith, believing God would help clean up some smoke damage.

So that evening when I left, I headed towards the 7/11, to get a pack, as I began my conversation with God, my Father. I prayed that I could have the faith to believe God to be who He says He is. I prayed He replace the chains of smoking with a new craving for more of Him. He listens, He hears, He answers Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

I know, with first hand knowledge, God can do what He says He can do. I believe I am who God says I am and that I can do ALL things through Christ. I am believing each day that God’s word is alive and active in what I do and say (from Beth Moore; Five Statement Pledge of Faith)… I smoked my last cigarette on the evening of April 13, 2010, not through “will power” or “denial”, but through faith. I am still smoke free and looking forward to 2012 – TYJ (Thank You Jesus)

He Listens; He hears; He Answers…

When I tune out the world, sit, listen, expect. In faith I know that You hear me, You do listen to this heart…

You are never too busy, You are never on vacation And You are never out of area or off-line. You are always available…

You answer every call, every IM, every email, every snail mail, every question, every plea, every request…

You died that I could live, search, grow, chat, text and enjoy this place, I lift my praises To the Almighty Father, My Creator, My Fortress, My Refuge…

And as I faithfully, patiently wait for You, I give thanks to My Lord and Savior, Thank You Jesus…

Next, I’ll tell you about “Dependance”… Have a joy filled week.

New Day, New Hope, New Song (reposted) – When I Think of You, Jesus

joyislife — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:34:03 +0000

The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ. – Oswald Chambers

When life’s turbulent waves hit our home, family and friends who do you think of? Although this world can be cruel and things don’t go the way we think they should, I know that I have a friend in Jesus and I am not alone.

This week think about who is the one that you know will always be there when things don’t go the way you expect? Enjoy!

When I Think of You, Jesus

When I think of you
My world around is bright,
All I do is bow my head
And know that all is right…

When I think of you
I know I have a friend,
A savior who died for me
And saved me from my sins…

When I think of you
My emotions start to flow
For you are always in my heart
No matter where I go…

When I think of you
My heart is filled with love,
I feel you watching over me
Sending mercy from above…

When I think of you
My mind begins to dance
For you know the plans for me,
Your blood my soul financed…

When I think of you
The worries of earth dissolve
For you give me hope to know
My problems are resolved…

When I think of you
Your promises flood my mind
And through your grace and word
I know that I’ll be fine…

When I think of you
My mind, body and soul
Begin to sing your praises
As you lead me towards the goal…

When I think of you, Lord
There’s nothing I can’t do
For nothing is impossible
When I turn to you…

LGD

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

New Day, New Hope, New Song – Time

joyislife — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:58:45 +0000

God has a time for everything, a perfect schedule. He is never too soon, never too late. The when of His will is as important as the what and the how. –

Richard C. Halverson – Online Article

Time reminds us that we are human. It reminds us, no matter how hard we try, our physical bodies are bound by it, we are getting older. Time reminds us of the days of our youth and programs us to look forward. Time is friend and foe.

Time

Live for the future.

Get Lost in the past.

You’ll be looking at life

From and hour glass…

Wait for tomorrow.

Dream of yesterday.

You’ll never be happy,

For it’s always to-day…

Put aside your memories.

Let go of broken dreams.

Be happy right now,

Today is all you need….

So watch where you’re going.

Remember where you’ve been.

Yet don’t try to cheat time,

Cause time will always win…

By John & Sandra Tracy

Another Year!

joyislife — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:26:08 +0000

“It takes a long time to grow young.” -Pablo Picasso

My Birthday!
Another day, another dollar, that’s how the saying goes
But today I think I play and holler as my birthday flows…

It’s been a year of travel and tasks, celebration and heartache
But not one single day has passed without a memory to make…

Now I know there are lots of candles, too many if you ask me
But with each flame that is ignited I’m reminded of life’s glee…

For if I had not been here, I would have missed all the fun
So I thank God everyday for my friends, the stars and the sun…

Ecclesiastes 11:8 However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all…

New Day, New Hope, New Song – Give It Back

joyislife — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:26:19 +0000

If we will only surrender ourselves utterly to the Lord, and will trust Him perfectly, we shall find our souls “mounting up with wings as eagles” to the “heavenly places” in Christ Jesus, where earthly annoyances or sorrows have no power to disturb us. – Hanna Whitall Smith

Give It Back

I give it all to you, Lord,
This home, this body, this life.
I give it back to you, Lord
My Shelter in plenty and strife.

I give it all to you, Jesus,
To you I surrender my all.
I give back to you, Jesus
For in love you took my fall.

I give it all to you, Lord
All these possessions that I own
I give it back to you, Lord
For I know they are on loan.

I give it all to you, Jesus,
The love you give me each day
I give it back to you, Jesus
In thanksgiving I surrender and pray…

LGD

John 12: 26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

New Day, New Hope, New Song… me; YOU

joyislife — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:21:24 +0000

“is Jesus one of many, or is He your one and only?” – Kyle, NAF Study

Who am I? What do I do? What is my relationship with Jesus? These are a few questions that are on my mind this week. What is on your mind? Enjoy!

me; YOU…

I suffer a little;
You suffer much…

I give what I can;
You give Your all…

I love some;
You love everyone, unconditionally…

I get hungry;
You feed through Your Word…

I get thirsty;
You are the Water of Life…

I let people down;
You lift folks up…

I hurt others;
You heal all wounds…

I am weak;
You are strength…

I destroy with my mouth;
You create with a word…

I cause chaos;
You bring peace…

I wallow in sorrow;
You produce joy…

I run away;
You call me home…

I sin;
You save…

I am human;
You are Jesus, my Savior…

LGD

Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

New Day, New Hope, New Song – My GOD!

joyislife — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:05:50 +0000

You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller your God. ~ Author Unknown

My God!

You are the Potter, I am the clay
You are the Water of Life each day.
You are Jehovah, the Master of Life
You are Prince of Peace in daily strife.

You are the Lamb, you are the Way,
You are the Leader as I surrender today.
You are the Judge in which I depend.
You are the Savior that covers my sins.

You are the Teacher, you are the Guide,
You are the Refuge where in love I abide.
You are Father to whom “Abba” I cry.
You are the Truth on who’s wings I can fly.

You are the Creator, the Author of Life,
You are the Bridegroom, the church, your wife.
You are Cornerstone, the great Foundation,
You are the Counselor for all my relations.

You are the Deliverer, the Bright Morning Star,
You are the Word, and the Healer of scars.
You are the Redeemer, You are Love,
You are the Lord of Lords who rules from above.

You are the Alpha and the Omega too,
You are the Great I AM, just to mention a few.
You are the Vine, the Rock, the Seed,
You are God! You are all that I need…

LGD

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

New Day, New Hope, New Song – For He Is Good…

joyislife — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:09:15 +0000

“Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was reminded over this past week how “wishy, washy” we are as humans. When things go well, we seem to take the credit and thank God. Yet, when things don’t go the way we think they should or when prayers are answered differently than our expectation, we curse and blame God. Oh, if we could only remember in all situations and circumstances that God is good. Enjoy!

For He Is Good