Thursday, April 25, 2013
Don't Get So Close to the Miracle That You Can't See It ~Paul Francis Lanier
Words so simple yet such a powerful meaning in so many ways. Bishop Paul Lanier's father was referring to the miracle of the ministry his son was creating in Hope Community Church (As I understand it to be in it's infancy stages during their conversation.)
"Don't Get So Close to the Miracle That You Can't See It."
Dear Lord it has been on my heart since I was a little girl to have this farm. Not only to have a horse farm but to make a difference with it. To bring children closer to nature and animals. To teach them life lessons that will carry them through their adult life. Adults who never had the opportunity Lord to experience the joy and love of a horse. To feel the softness of their muzzle against your cheek or feel the connection as you learn to control such a massive animal with harmony and grace. Lord I also want to make a difference to the animals. If only one at a time Lord please put opportunities in my path where I can change their life for the better. To educate the public Lord and to bring people and animals in need of healing together. I heard your word "Don't get so close to the Miracle you can't see it," I know those words were meant for me. It took me a while to see that while my childhood dream is coming to fruition (not nearly as quick as I would like) You are working in my life Lord and I am doing your will. I get such joy and peace out of every person I teach, every person that I can help and educate. To teach them that these great creatures are not a commodity to be used and discarded but great creatures created by you. That to bond with one of these precious animals is like no other feeling on earth. Thank you Lord for the blessings you have provided me with and the opportunities that have presented themselves along the way. From the old cow farm with some broken down chicken houses to the horse farm that has been established. Where people and animals alike can come and breath a sigh of relief as the Drama of their Past is left behind them. Thank you Lord for bringing people like Bishop Lanier and Pastor Debbie in my life to teach me about you and how to be closer to you Lord. I know that I may not always get it Right but I do try to at least travel down the Right Path. Lord I know you will continue to work your miracles in my life and point me in the direction of YOUR WILL. I can only believe Lord that this is the Direction YOU have chosen because it brings my heart such peace to do good in this way. Please continue to give me the strength to power through the opposition of the people who do not support me. The people that continually try and bring negativity into my life as a result of this. As I continue to breath your spirit of Love and Kindness into me Lord please continue to guide me towards the greatness you have chosen for me. I know that in my heart through you and the incredible people you are introducing into my life I am destined to do great works through you. Patience Lord is not now or has it ever been a virtue of mine, but you know that, I believe you continue to remind me that your will works in your time, not mine. I continue to see the Extraordinary things that you are doing in other people's lives and I have to take a step back to remind myself that your plan for me is different. That while the paths will cross and intertwine there is a divine reason for everything you do.
I have taken those few steps back Lord I have seen the Miracle you are creating through me. I see it everyday in the beautiful daughter you have gifted me with. Watching her ride and grow into a young lady and equestrian athlete making good life choices that will bring her closer to you. Watching the aged paint horse, Rocky, that you blessed me with 17 years ago build the confidence of a young rider one day, an adult rider the next. I see it on the faces of the teenage girls that have shown him over the years teaching them how to jump. Seeing their smiles when their names called out placing in the ribbons. For the incredible Arabian gelding, Tonka, you brought into our lives after Genna's precious Reba pony was laid to rest and for her move up horse Georgia that you brought back into my life years after selling her. The other horses Lord you have put in my path, the neglected, aged and unwanted who all have something to offer. Help me to continue to teach these young ladies that currently ride with me that are willing to REALLY work for the chance to ride and learn about the passion of loving horses, the dedication that it takes. Lord please continue to bless me with these little miracles which make me who you want me to be. Please continue to bring people into my life that will teach me what it really means to live authentically in the word of Jesus Christ. The loving breathing spirit of your generous giving nature. Thank you Lord for my friends and family for supporting me in what some call a crazy money pit endeavour. That they know and understand the joy and peace it brings me to raise my daughter in such and environment. An environment Lord that teaches the true meaning of what it means to live authentically in you. I have heard this verse many times in the past months. "No one lights a lamp and then Puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will PRAISE your Heavenly Father." ~Matthew 5:15:16
Every good deed I have done Lord is because you have brought it to my heart to be done. You have always provided a way and the means Lord even when I didn't think I could do it....for this I thank you. Please continue to use me to shine your light so that I may show others your greatness.
I promise Lord to take a moment each day and look at the continued Miracles you create in my life and especially in the lives of others. It all begins Lord by taking those first few steps to follow you. In Jesus name I am glad I did. Amen
Sunday, April 14, 2013
GETTING MY JESUS ON...
"You know we go wayyy back so I have to ask, When did you get so Jesus-y?" This was a text message received from one of my oldest and dearest friends in the world this week. She and I grew up together all through school 4th grade up, roomed in college, after college, stood in each others wedding party and can pick up the phone every day or twice a year and never miss a beat. The kind of friend that you tell secrets to, the one you do things with that will get you in trouble... IF you get caught. She is that kind of friend. "Was it because of your accident?" she asked. Let me tell you this is not something I could even begin to answer in a text message but it did get me thinking.....
For the record I have always believed in God and Jesus. That is the way I grew up, not in church per say but believing there is a greater being than what I can see, touch, taste, feel, in living flesh. This was not the deep in touch faith going to church every time the doors were open or even on Easter in Christmas. I was a closet believer. I didn't proclaim my faith publicly, nor would I argue or even debate with people about religion. I am a firm believer you don't debate what you don't know or what you don't quite understand. That was me the closet pray-er. Most of my praying was generic. Protection and safety for family and friends, forgiveness, but mostly I have always prayed to understand how to deal with daily life. People always say tragedy or life milestones will either shake your faith or bring you closer. I have dealt with both of these. In my adult life I struggled with organized religion. Please understand I had never actually read the Bible and couldn't quote a Bible verse if my life had depended on it but one thing always held true for me to believe in God and Jesus you; DON'T JUDGE someone you know nothing about, even if you do know something it is not your place, YOU GIVE of YOURSELF with no expectation of reciprocity and you LOVE FIERCELY. This is fundamental whether you believe in Jesus or not. This is how EVERYONE should live their life. Do I always get this right, of course not, I still don't but I strive for it.
Several years ago I was having a discussion with my daughter in the car, let me tell you a child will put it in black and white for you really quickly. We had discussed right and wrong many times over her young life but I believe she was about 7 at this point and she asked, "Mommy if somebody does something and they know it is a sin and they ask for forgiveness, but keep doing it doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of trying to live your life the way you are supposed to?" YEAH try answering that one with NO religious background what so ever. I don't remember my answer exactly because I am pretty sure I could not answer it. I do know that is when I decided I needed to grow in my faith. It was apparent to me that my daughter was only going to ask tougher questions if this is what I was getting at 7years old.
Still not a big fan of organized religion at least where we live I reached out to some friends who had been in church all their lives for some direction. This is when they suggested I look online for Andy Stanley and start with some of his preachings and teachings. I am here to tell you if you have never been to a Church you felt at home in but have questions about the Bible and the beliefs that it teaches Andy Stanley at NorthPoint Ministries http://www.northpoint.org/ is a good place to start. They have an amazing ministry! Who knew you could feel at home online at a church 2 states away. I began to crave more knowledge. Several things stuck with me while listening to him.
One particular sermon stuck with me. I am paraphrasing part of this so please forgive me....
The word Christian only appears 3 times in the Bible. First Century Christians didn't call themselves Christians it was a derogatory term used by outsiders to describe the followers of Jesus. Christians called themselves Disciples...
OK WOW now when you are as ignorant of the Bible as I am this really stood out. Really only 3 times??? Then he went on....
"Disciple" is an intimidating word because it's defined. It means a student, apprentice, adherent, or follower. A disciple learns and grows by obeying and imitating his or her master. So what does a Disciple of Jesus look like. I challenge you to look up the book of John 13:34-35 in a bible. If you don't have one go online I will even give you a link. http://www.biblegateway.com/ this is a GREAT way to learn about different verses. I will give you a hint.. It deals with LOVING one another.
He went on to preach "When Christians truly and faithfully try to live like disciples of Christ outsiders look at them and wonder. "Look at the way they love, Look how they honor their women and children, the elderly and the sick, Look how generous they are. That kind of love can change the world."
This man wasn't preaching at me he was teaching me how I should live my life, how I wanted my daughter to live her life. My friends whether you believe in God or Jesus or neither shouldn't we all live this way?? The second thing Andy Stanley would continue to mention in his teachings was that Church wasn't about being in the Rows. Meaning it isn't just about showing up at the church for service. It was about what they called small groups. Smaller groups of Church members getting together to be there for one another during seasons of your life. The third and probably the most important thing is he encouraged people watching online and listening to his sermons through web cast to get involved in a LOCAL church. Get involved in a local church that gets involved in the community.
AGAIN WOW... Here is a man with a HUGE ministry thousands of members telling me that not only was he happy that I was tuning in but the Church is more than a sermon and I needed to find a church home. I wasn't sure I was ready for all of that. I continued to watch his sermons and his teachings. Still though at this point I was still the closet prayer. I only spoke about what I was learning with others that well already knew. Those who were open to discuss my questions with me, but certainly by no means ready to announce my faith to everyone. What would they say? How would everyone react? Would it start a huge debate? Would I lose friends? These were all questions that stuck in my mind, until my accident.
Fast forward to December 12, 2012, for those of you who don't know me I had an accident where I severed the tips of my three middle fingers down to the first joint. If you just shuddered don't worry most people do. It usually follows with them gripping their hand and going OW that must of hurt... I can laugh about it now but let me tell you why.
It is strange how life can throw you a curve ball and well you can either swing and miss, swing and hit it out of the park, or get hit up side the head. I think this one hit me. :) This accident was detrimental to everything I cared about. It was life changing but more importantly life affirming. Here I was being told they didn't know how this would turn out, that I would probably need at least two surgeries and possibly three. All I could think about was my family and Don and how worried they must be. My only thought was to reassure them I would be fine. My first and only prayer through this entire accident "God give me the strength I need to get through this." That is all I asked for.
When did I get so Jesus-y? ( I will save that text message forever it makes me smile) It was my first day home. I have never had so many profess prayers on my behalf. People of people, family of people I have never met prayed for me. Co-workers, Horsey Friends, Family, and people I just know in passing offering to help Don, Genna, and me get through this tragedy. Food poured in food of the likes I have never seen. So much food that we didn't have to cook for a good 8 weeks. Let me let you in on a secret. If you wished me well and sent me good thoughts, "News flash, you were praying for me" Just sayin..
When did I get so Jesus-y? The first time I stepped into Hope Community Church by my brother's invitation and people whom I have never met came up and hugged me and said "We have all been praying for you. You have been such an inspiration to us" Who me, inspiration for what????
When did I get so Jesus-y? The second time I attended Hope Community Church and the choir moved me to tears. Inspired me to walk to the front of the church in front of people I didn't know, bow down on the alter to ask God to "Guide me toward your will for my life and I will have the faith to follow." I had found my local church home. http://www.hopecommunitychurch.tv/
When did I get so Jesus-y? The very first time I had communion at church, Bishop and Pastor Debbie pulled me to them and said "We want to pray for you that God fully heals you" Now I know it wasn't just my hand they were praying for.
When did I get so Jesus-y? My final visit to the Occupational Therapist after he kicked me to the curb and said "I never thought you would get that much strength back." My final visit to the Surgeon when he said.. "Never in a million years would I have imagined you would heal this well, as bad as your hand was mangled and only with ONE Surgery." I did give him his props for being an amazing surgeon and I will shout Dr. Johnsons praises from the roof tops but he had some help. :)
So you see after all is said and done I CHOOSE to "GET MY JESUS ON" everyday. Without the LOVE, SUPPORT, GIVING and CARING of so many people Christians and Non-Christians alike praying for the healing strength of God's Love I would not be in the same place I am now. I can not explain the peace this brings to my life. To be still in his presence to learn about his word strengthens my daily resolve. The people I have met through all of this warms my heart.
God timing is always perfect. He will never set us up to fail but we must have faith in his will for us. I have chosen to believe and to openly profess my love for Jesus.
Please feel free to share this if you like. Hopefully you too can "GET YOUR JESUS ON"
For the record I have always believed in God and Jesus. That is the way I grew up, not in church per say but believing there is a greater being than what I can see, touch, taste, feel, in living flesh. This was not the deep in touch faith going to church every time the doors were open or even on Easter in Christmas. I was a closet believer. I didn't proclaim my faith publicly, nor would I argue or even debate with people about religion. I am a firm believer you don't debate what you don't know or what you don't quite understand. That was me the closet pray-er. Most of my praying was generic. Protection and safety for family and friends, forgiveness, but mostly I have always prayed to understand how to deal with daily life. People always say tragedy or life milestones will either shake your faith or bring you closer. I have dealt with both of these. In my adult life I struggled with organized religion. Please understand I had never actually read the Bible and couldn't quote a Bible verse if my life had depended on it but one thing always held true for me to believe in God and Jesus you; DON'T JUDGE someone you know nothing about, even if you do know something it is not your place, YOU GIVE of YOURSELF with no expectation of reciprocity and you LOVE FIERCELY. This is fundamental whether you believe in Jesus or not. This is how EVERYONE should live their life. Do I always get this right, of course not, I still don't but I strive for it.
Several years ago I was having a discussion with my daughter in the car, let me tell you a child will put it in black and white for you really quickly. We had discussed right and wrong many times over her young life but I believe she was about 7 at this point and she asked, "Mommy if somebody does something and they know it is a sin and they ask for forgiveness, but keep doing it doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of trying to live your life the way you are supposed to?" YEAH try answering that one with NO religious background what so ever. I don't remember my answer exactly because I am pretty sure I could not answer it. I do know that is when I decided I needed to grow in my faith. It was apparent to me that my daughter was only going to ask tougher questions if this is what I was getting at 7years old.
Still not a big fan of organized religion at least where we live I reached out to some friends who had been in church all their lives for some direction. This is when they suggested I look online for Andy Stanley and start with some of his preachings and teachings. I am here to tell you if you have never been to a Church you felt at home in but have questions about the Bible and the beliefs that it teaches Andy Stanley at NorthPoint Ministries http://www.northpoint.org/ is a good place to start. They have an amazing ministry! Who knew you could feel at home online at a church 2 states away. I began to crave more knowledge. Several things stuck with me while listening to him.
One particular sermon stuck with me. I am paraphrasing part of this so please forgive me....
The word Christian only appears 3 times in the Bible. First Century Christians didn't call themselves Christians it was a derogatory term used by outsiders to describe the followers of Jesus. Christians called themselves Disciples...
OK WOW now when you are as ignorant of the Bible as I am this really stood out. Really only 3 times??? Then he went on....
"Disciple" is an intimidating word because it's defined. It means a student, apprentice, adherent, or follower. A disciple learns and grows by obeying and imitating his or her master. So what does a Disciple of Jesus look like. I challenge you to look up the book of John 13:34-35 in a bible. If you don't have one go online I will even give you a link. http://www.biblegateway.com/ this is a GREAT way to learn about different verses. I will give you a hint.. It deals with LOVING one another.
He went on to preach "When Christians truly and faithfully try to live like disciples of Christ outsiders look at them and wonder. "Look at the way they love, Look how they honor their women and children, the elderly and the sick, Look how generous they are. That kind of love can change the world."
This man wasn't preaching at me he was teaching me how I should live my life, how I wanted my daughter to live her life. My friends whether you believe in God or Jesus or neither shouldn't we all live this way?? The second thing Andy Stanley would continue to mention in his teachings was that Church wasn't about being in the Rows. Meaning it isn't just about showing up at the church for service. It was about what they called small groups. Smaller groups of Church members getting together to be there for one another during seasons of your life. The third and probably the most important thing is he encouraged people watching online and listening to his sermons through web cast to get involved in a LOCAL church. Get involved in a local church that gets involved in the community.
AGAIN WOW... Here is a man with a HUGE ministry thousands of members telling me that not only was he happy that I was tuning in but the Church is more than a sermon and I needed to find a church home. I wasn't sure I was ready for all of that. I continued to watch his sermons and his teachings. Still though at this point I was still the closet prayer. I only spoke about what I was learning with others that well already knew. Those who were open to discuss my questions with me, but certainly by no means ready to announce my faith to everyone. What would they say? How would everyone react? Would it start a huge debate? Would I lose friends? These were all questions that stuck in my mind, until my accident.
Fast forward to December 12, 2012, for those of you who don't know me I had an accident where I severed the tips of my three middle fingers down to the first joint. If you just shuddered don't worry most people do. It usually follows with them gripping their hand and going OW that must of hurt... I can laugh about it now but let me tell you why.
It is strange how life can throw you a curve ball and well you can either swing and miss, swing and hit it out of the park, or get hit up side the head. I think this one hit me. :) This accident was detrimental to everything I cared about. It was life changing but more importantly life affirming. Here I was being told they didn't know how this would turn out, that I would probably need at least two surgeries and possibly three. All I could think about was my family and Don and how worried they must be. My only thought was to reassure them I would be fine. My first and only prayer through this entire accident "God give me the strength I need to get through this." That is all I asked for.
When did I get so Jesus-y? ( I will save that text message forever it makes me smile) It was my first day home. I have never had so many profess prayers on my behalf. People of people, family of people I have never met prayed for me. Co-workers, Horsey Friends, Family, and people I just know in passing offering to help Don, Genna, and me get through this tragedy. Food poured in food of the likes I have never seen. So much food that we didn't have to cook for a good 8 weeks. Let me let you in on a secret. If you wished me well and sent me good thoughts, "News flash, you were praying for me" Just sayin..
When did I get so Jesus-y? The first time I stepped into Hope Community Church by my brother's invitation and people whom I have never met came up and hugged me and said "We have all been praying for you. You have been such an inspiration to us" Who me, inspiration for what????
When did I get so Jesus-y? The second time I attended Hope Community Church and the choir moved me to tears. Inspired me to walk to the front of the church in front of people I didn't know, bow down on the alter to ask God to "Guide me toward your will for my life and I will have the faith to follow." I had found my local church home. http://www.hopecommunitychurch.tv/
When did I get so Jesus-y? The very first time I had communion at church, Bishop and Pastor Debbie pulled me to them and said "We want to pray for you that God fully heals you" Now I know it wasn't just my hand they were praying for.
When did I get so Jesus-y? My final visit to the Occupational Therapist after he kicked me to the curb and said "I never thought you would get that much strength back." My final visit to the Surgeon when he said.. "Never in a million years would I have imagined you would heal this well, as bad as your hand was mangled and only with ONE Surgery." I did give him his props for being an amazing surgeon and I will shout Dr. Johnsons praises from the roof tops but he had some help. :)
So you see after all is said and done I CHOOSE to "GET MY JESUS ON" everyday. Without the LOVE, SUPPORT, GIVING and CARING of so many people Christians and Non-Christians alike praying for the healing strength of God's Love I would not be in the same place I am now. I can not explain the peace this brings to my life. To be still in his presence to learn about his word strengthens my daily resolve. The people I have met through all of this warms my heart.
God timing is always perfect. He will never set us up to fail but we must have faith in his will for us. I have chosen to believe and to openly profess my love for Jesus.
Please feel free to share this if you like. Hopefully you too can "GET YOUR JESUS ON"
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