#rootedbythewater – Page 12 – rootedbythewater.blog

Love a Challenge

November 27, 2023November 27, 2023Leave a Comment

Truth be told, I do love to challenge myself. Today was no different. I sent a text to my 80 year old mom to let her know I would be available to help her with her Christmas decorating. My husband Ron was stuck at our house since our garage door was being replaced. He said he would join us later in the afternoon.

Mom picked me up and we headed over to her house. She had five containers of Fall things in the garage to put upstairs before starting on Christmas. I really didn’t want to wait all afternoon until Ron came. I told her I could get the containers up and down the stairs, just one step at a time. I’d lift the container a few steps then move up, then do it over and over. Once reaching the top, I’d just slide it in place then went down to do it again. On the first trip up to the attic I was searching for the light and smacked my head on a low ceiling board. Thank God I didn’t break the skin and it was behind the hairline. Whew! That was close. I didn’t want a “shiner” for the Christmas season. That knock “upside my noggin” was just the beginning. We girls could do this. I got all the Fall boxes up, then it was time to bring Christmas down.

Mom came up and picked out all she wanted me to bring down. We were just going to put up the window wreaths but once we got started we kept going. No surprise there. The same process for taking boxes up the stairs, worked just fine to bring them down. I would take a few steps backward down the stairs and slide the boxes along the edge of the stairs. It worked like a charm. Even the two Christmas tree boxes worked that way, turning them long ways, I slide them right down.

Our next task was for her to decide where she wanted her big tree and the pencil tree. We rearranged a few pieces of furniture until she decided where she wanted things. I put the pencil tree together and she decided she wanted that in the foyer so I moved it there. It was a perfect place for that skinny tree. I originally had no intention of putting the big tree together. We wanted to see if it would fit in a corner with the furniture where it was. I told her I’d get the bottom part out and see the tree limb spread so we could get an idea. Putting the tree stand on the floor in that corner, I inserted the bottom portion of the tree, expanding the limbs, it was a perfect fit. The oddest thing though was I couldn’t find a power cord. I laid on the floor under the tree, fluffing limbs and searching for the power cord. I did notice two light connections with a bit of red tape on the ends. I have low vision but I can see red. This was beginning to be like a big puzzle and I was determined to figure it out. I went to the garage and for the next section of tree and the power cord was on that part. I also noticed another cord that had five light connections on the end. Ummm…. Okay there were five connectors and power cord on this piece and two connectors on the bottom piece. I decided to plug the power cord in and connect all the light connectors I could find. The lights started to light up. There was still one more light connection I could not find. I went and got the final top piece and attached it. I found one more light connector there and attached it to the remaining one and BINGO!! It all lit up. I lifted my hands and said “YES”! I was so tickled and pleased that I was able to do it myself. Ron was pretty astonished. Truth be told, there was a whole lot of prayer going on. “Lord helps me do this”. “Lord where are those light connectors”? On and on it went and piece by piece God allowed me the ability to connect the pieces. Christmas lights are my favorite part of decorations. Just having the lights turned on the trees is so soothing.

When “push comes to shove, it’s ok if you’re pushing yourself. Persistence pays off. I started today like I start every day, in prayer. I asked God to help me be a blessing to my husband and also to my mom as I helped her decorate. We had not put the big tree up since my dad passed away in 2021. Dad loved Christmas decorations. I told mom today our “tree fluffier” was in Heaven. He always fluffed the tree limbs. He would be pleased. Now to help her put the decorations on. That’s another task for another day.

Tonight Ron was telling me how I’m always consistent. I think persistent is a better word. I dont give up or give in easily. I keep trying until I get it right. That’s something he admires about me. I see it more as a way of life. Being hearing impaired and having low vision makes every day life a challenge to some degree. God has given me a positive perspective to look at tasks kind of like a game. The game of life. The goal is to get through every day with a sense of humor and giving God glory through whatever is thrown my way. Perspective is key. Ask God everyday to help you see it from His point of view. I promise that makes all the difference in the world.

I was going to put a selfie as my blog picture BUT I was a sweaty mess today. It was a no makeup, no frills kind of day.I will spare you all the chuckle. Be blessed.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

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A blooming legacy

November 16, 2023Leave a Comment

On this day 110 years ago my Nanny Kenley was born. We were blessed to have her 100th birthday party in the church she went to for the longest time. She passed away at the beginning of 2015 at the age of 101.

Nanny was such a remarkable woman. She loved her family and her family loved her. We have a family text group with 26 people. Today the cousins were talking about her special day: sharing pictures, memories and a video that warmed our hearts. Some of my fondest memories as a child were with her, at her house with all the cousins.

I’ve been doing some searching on Ancestry, trying to put our family tree together. From what I have gathered it looks like she married my grandfather on March 31, 1935. They had three boys in 11 years. My grandfather died at the age of 43. She never remarried because she said she wouldn’t be able to find someone like my grandfather. It takes a strong woman to raise three boys. Her legacy continues to live on in her remaining son, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren. It’s such a beautiful thing when we all remember her so fondly.

Nanny was a strong, independent, fun loving lady, and an excellent cook. No body made biscuits like our Nanny. Family meals, Christmas Eve and Easter at Nanny’s were the best. Good food, fellowship and lots of laughter come to mind when I think of her. She was so active. She loved card games and had a sharp mind. In her later years, we would sit around my parents kitchen table, four generations playing Skipbo. She would never let you win. She played well and it was so much fun.

The last few years of her life she lived at a rehab/long term care facility. We would race her down the hallway in her wheelchair. She would get her hair done and put her powder and lipstick on for meals. She loved to dress nice and play games with the other residents. There was a nice window near her bed and she would keep her plants there. There was also a bird feeder outsider her window where she enjoyed watching the birds. I have her cactus which is blooming right now for her birthday. This year it is full of buds that are beginning to open. It always makes me smile when it blooms. Just like her rich beautiful legacy of a life well lived and full of loving memories, that cactus grows bigger each year with more blooms. Tomorrow I will be going up to our attic to bring down Christmas things. I will hang the stocking she made for me when I was a little girl. She started with my name and apparently ended with someone else’s. It says “Sharrot” on my stocking. I have never had it fixed because it is what she made and it is extra special.

So today we celebrate our Nanny. She’s been gone for almost 8 years, but her legacy lives on. She continues to bless us even though she is gone. That’s a life well lived when your legacy continues to BLOOM.

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A truly beautiful thing

November 8, 2023Leave a Comment

I’m laying here on the bed considering “calling it a day and hitting the hay“ For anyone reading this outside the USA, thats just a figure of speech meaning I’m tired and ready for a good nights sleep. My heart is so full right now though and while the day is fresh on my mind, I figured I would get some blogging done.

It seems like this is going to be one of those really transparent blogs. From time to time those are good to share. I love when people are real and genuine.

Towards the end of summer my Bible study group decided to pick up with our Fall study. The only setback was our leader was a part of a different study and wasn’t able to join us. When the girls asked if I would lead the study, I remember slowly responding, okay. Inwardly I was asking God, “Are you serious Lord? How can I do this? I cant see the book. “. There are four girls in our Bible study group: one hearing and three deaf. I am also legally blind. We all have different reading skills and different ways of learning. I knew the book we were planning to do was a bit difficult for a couple of our members but they wanted to try anyway. Over the summer one had told me she liked it best when someone explained things to her. Kind of like acting it out in story form. I have kept that in mind.

Funny thing, when you tell God He’s got the wrong person for the job, He will prove you wrong. I cant tell you how many times I’ve flat out said “Lord help me. I cant do this”. Every time I buckled down to give it my best try, I end up standing amazed at how God is working.

I can’t see the book unless it is under my video magnifier machine. So I sit in our home office in from of my machine with the book zoomed in so I can see. I have my ipad notes ready to take notes to teach from and use the iPhone to look up scripture on YouVersion app. I like being able to see different transplations,when trying to interpret into sign language. Some translations are easier to interpret than others. Sign language is in a different word order and conceptual. As I prepare my notes I’m trying to see it from their perspective and word the notes in such a way they can really gleam from the study. Since it’s hard for me to even see my ipad notes unless they are zoomed in large, going over the notes again and again so I dont have to look frequently has been the best approach so far and the girls are participating. That is so so beautiful.

Over the last two weeks we have been studying Leah and Rachel who were both married to Jacob. To be honest, I’m not a fan of speculation. God has given us His Holy Bible that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In my point of view, you don’t add anything to it nor take anything away from it. While we are getting a lot out of the this study, some things the author says doesn’t quite sit right with us. Meaning we aren’t in total agreement, simply because the author speculates about certain aspects of the study. This really creates some awesome discussions among us. Today one of my deaf friends took the open Bible on the table and began searching for a certain scripture to prove her point. My other deaf friend thought she knew what she was looking for and they found it together. Talking about awesome. These two girls just bought their bibles last fall and now they are digging in deeper to see what God has to say about something. That is a truly beautiful thing. There is nothing more beautiful that a person fully surrendered and submissive to the Lord.

I would have never thought I’d ever be teaching a bible study. However I am a willing empty vessel that God is choosing to prove He can use. It is so humbling and exhausting. God can use anything He wants to full fill His divine purpose.

Just about every week I find myself saying, “God help me. I can’t do this. It’s too much.” Then in response, each time I say that, God pours His grace, enabling God to get it done. I am in awe of how God works. He chooses the broken things to bring about His desires.

Moral of this blog, never say never. In everything do it for the glory of God. You’d be surprised at how many people are watching how we handle situations. Make it a priority to shine for the Lord. It’s a dark world in need of light. Be willing to be a light for Jesus.

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Fix your eyes

October 30, 2023Leave a Comment

In the daily grind, what do you fix you eyes and thoughts on? Today I realized that my daily Bible reading, parts of my weekly Bible study group lesson and a recently message from our Pastor have all aligned. That is a sure sign to pay attention.

Life happens to all of us. There are good times, not so good times and all together tough times. Remember at times our circumstances are beyond our control, but they are never beyond the control of God. We always have Jesus. If you are a Christian you have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, alive and working in you who believe. Rise up and fix your eyes on Jesus.

I was talking to someone today who is a strong believer. As Christians we walk around with a target on our back. The enemy wants to trip us up so we fall flat on our faces. He is good at his deceptive schemes and lies. We have to stay in the Word of God, reading it daily so we can put him in his place. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, every single time He used scripture to rebuke the enemy. Jesus set an example for us. Read the Word of God, memorize it and use it.

As I was listening to this person, they related some things from the past. (And I do mean PAS). I asked, “Have you confessed these things to the Lord and repented from these things?” The answer was “yes”. I saw the enemy at work and told the person to take authority over it in the name of Jesus. Don’t let the devil dangle your past in your face when your Heavenly Father has forgiven you and forgotten all about it. Whew! That enemy has some nerve!

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to pray without ceasing, in this perverted world we live in. Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. When we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us from unrighteousness. Stay in prayer. Stay inn fellowship with other believers. We need the community of believers. We need to encourage each other. Hebrews 12:1- 2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”(‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

When facing life’s struggles it is best to turn your eyes on Jesus Christ and allow His life in you to overcome your flesh. Check our Galatians 2 20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”(NLT‬‬)

You see it is Christ living in us that allows us to rise above the circumstances of life we can’t handle. We can’t handle them but He can. Everyday read the Bible even if you don’t feel like it. Do it anyway. Everyday pray. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James‬ ‭5‬:‭16 says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”(‭NLT‬‬) Stay in fellowship with believers. With Jesus we have already overcome. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Stay the course. Stay strong. You will overcome. Be Blessed.

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Always be ready

October 20, 2023Leave a Comment

Years ago when my son Joshua was 6, we took tae kwon do lessons together. I loved it but he never really took a keen interest. Before each class we had to recite some “reminders”. I still remember two: Always finish what you start and always be ready or prepared. To this day, nearly 20 years later, these reminders still apply to every day life. Whether you are training to spar, preparing to teach a Bible study lesson, preparing cookies for book club, or spiritually training to be ready for what the enemy daily throws, you must be prepared. You must be ready.

I haven’t written a blog post since the war began in Israel. The conflict is alarming and much prayer is needed. I’m not extremely familiar with end times prophecy, although my husband Ron is knowledgeable. He has always been intrigued about prophecy and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do much Bible study but it’s more for daily living. Daily preparation to get through life’s struggles.

With the events unfolding in Israel our conversation has turned more to prophecy. All my life I have seen signs of the times and prophecy is a roadmap to current events. It’s like labor pains in pregnancy. As the time nears for a woman to give birth her labor pains increase in intensity and that is what we are seeing in the world today.

Luke 21 verses 5 through 36, is full of information and I urge you to read it. Israel became a nation in 1948. According to Luke 21:32, “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.”( ‭NLT) ‬‬The last time Israel declared war was in 1973, 20 years ago. Take into consideration that Israel is surrounded by enemies that want to see them destroyed . They are Gods chosen people. Also consider the scripture, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-5‬ (‭NLT‬‬). ‭‭Folks this is where we are today. Scripture is unfolding right before our eyes.

The question must be addressed. Are you ready for Jesus Christ soon return? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you anticipating His soon return? Are you living in such a way to bring glory to God? Are you ready?

About a week ago Ron was watching a pastor on YouTube talking about the end times. The pastor said he believed many in the church would leave the service unable to tell you what the message was really about . I believe many play the part of being a Christian. What it really boils down to is who you belong to. Do you belong to Jesus or do you belong to the world? God calls us to be set apart from the world. We have to live in the world but we don’t have to be like the world. God wants us to be true to Him, not just play the part.

Always be ready. 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12 says, “ Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NLT‬‬) There comes a time when we need to take inventory of our lives and honestly think about why we do the things we do. Sometimes we must ask ourselves the hard questions and finish what we star. This present world is passing away. Eternity is forever. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell!

If you have wandered away from Jesus, He is always willing to forgive us when we confess our sins and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, there is no time like the present to surrender toHim. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV‬‬)

I invite you to say this simple prayer if you desire to surrender to Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the son of God. I confess my sins to you and ask you to forgive me and wash me clean. I desire to have a relationship with you and learn your ways. I need your help and trust you to help me every step of the way. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and thank you for coming back to life on the third day. Thank you for the victory and free gift of salvation. I invite you into my heart. I love you Jesus Amen. Welcome to the family of God.

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Fall Family kayak venture

October 9, 2023Leave a Comment

Ron, me and Joshua kayaking at Lake Wylie.

A couple of days ago my husband Ron and son Joshua humored me by agreeing to a Fall afternoon of kayaking. We had not seen Joshua in over a week but he had the day off and agreed to join us. I was so excited; a few hours doing one of my favorite things with my favorite guys.

This was our first time going as a family. I had gone with Ron once and had gone with Joshua once, but since we just have two kayaks we borrowed one from a friend. It was a beautiful sunny Fall day with a slight breeze. This may have been our last paddle of the season because the next night temperatures dipped down into the 40’s.

How can I describe the sheer joy and happiness those few hours brought me? Being on the water is so relaxing, especially when there aren’t many boats out. The beauty of nature with the sun shining and breeze tickling my skin makes me smile from my heart. What a feeling! The sky was reflecting off the calm water. We didn’t talk that much out on the water. I did wear my old cochlear implant processor though. We would paddle a ways then pull together for a water break and to chat a bit.

I found out later that neither of them had wanted to go but they both knew how much I love it and they wanted to do it for me. I am thankful for these two. Joshua has grown up and Ron has been having some health issues over the summer. Relaxing times with just the three of us doesn’t happen often but it sure did bring joy to my heart and they both ended up having a good time. I do believe they will do it again next season. I think the trick to drawing them will be finding new interesting places to explore and catching Joshua when he’s not busy.

Live in the moment and cherish times spent with those you love. Tomorrow is not promised. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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What is your aim?

October 4, 2023Leave a Comment

Has it ever crossed your mind what your aim is in life? During different stages of life my aim has changed. Currently I’m happy when I make it through the day, still standing, with a sense of humor. The last few months have thrown some “ugly pitches” (and no I don’t like baseball). Things pertaining to my experience living with hearing and visual issues I can share. Other situations when I’m along for the ”rollercoaster ride” with a different role, I’m not able to share. Whether it’s the role of wife, mom, Bible study member or whatever, I want to be ”all I need to be” in every role.

Truth be told, it can be exhausting. Recently my husband and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking after dinner. I told him I felt so tired and drained. (granted, we have had quite some hurdles lately in life) I explained when I’m with deaf people my eyes are strained trying to see sign language. When I’m with hearing people, I’m trying hard to understand and I can only do so much in that area. When I’m doing Bible reading my iPad is zoomed in large on YouVetsion app. When I’m doing Bible study, I’m sitting at my video magnifier with the study book, making notes for the girls in the group on my ipad, looking up scripture and words to explain meaning. When it’s all combined I feel overwhelmed by it all. God has really opened my husbands eyes to see how I feel and it’s so nice to be understood. As we sat there talking, I admitted that I would probably not be where I am spiritually if I could hear and see everything. God has me at a place where I depend heavily on Him for strength, courage and resilience. Is it hard? YES! Is it worth the struggle? Oh YES! While it is hard, I am at a point where I feel the eternal benefits of my limitations. I don’t have all the distractions of the world to compete with my focus on Jesus. My aim is to serve Jesus. I love how Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭puts it: “That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”(NLT) (As a true Southern would say, “now ain’t that the truth!)

My aim is to be pleasing to the Lord in whatever role I am in. So often my prayer is, “Lord I can’t do this. You’re going to have to help me.” God has given me a sensitive heart to the needs of those around me.

Two days ago I had lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-A. As we were talking (sign language) one of the employees was persistently trying to help us. As I observed his mannerism I realized he was special needs. It dawned on me that he was connected to us because we too are “different”. My friend and I are both hearing impaired. It took extra effort to understand him but I tried my best. It’s my desire to bless those around me. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭9 says,“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” ‬ ‭(NKJV)

Sometimes God gives us opportunities that we don’t feel equipped for. About a month ago my Bible study group asked me to lead the study we are doing. While I do much study on my own and God has taught me much, I still feel inadequate. You need to be able to see the book to teach. You need to be able to read scripture. I was like… but Lord I can’t do this! Two in our group are completely deaf and I know the book is a bit of a challenge. While I can’t carry my video magnifier around to use to teach, I figured I could make good notes on my iPad and zoom in to teach from those notes. As I work on the notes and lessons, I ask God to help me simplify it in a way to get the message across in an understandable way. Defining any words to bring the meaning to life for them. Today was our third lesson and somehow with Gods help I am doing it. One friend gave me a ride home afterwards and mentioned I was doing well. I was pretty stunned. I told her right before our time to get together I said , “Lord help me do this. I need your help.” I will never understand how God works but I know from experience when we make ourselves available, He will pour into us and use us for His glory. Psalms 32‬:‭8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.”(NKJV‬‬)

While my hearing and visual senses are way off, I am grateful the Lord gives me spiritual aim to keep my focus on what’s important in life. I love Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”(NKJV) That’s what it’s all about. Let your aim be high and you true focus on Jesus. He will take you places in life you otherwise would never attain.

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Shall we dance?

September 21, 2023Leave a Comment

I love a good rain storm and don’t mind walking in the rain. A little rain never hurt anybody. Although I have yet to actually “dance” in the rain.

What about life’s “storms”. With as many “life storms” I’ve gone through in my 54 years, I should be a professional dancer by now but of course I’m not. Each “life storm” has its own “song” and this one has left us trying to catch the “beat”.

It’s kind of ironic because yesterday during Bible study we talked about how God always sees what we are going through. He is sovereign. Absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. We have to trust God in the waiting. That’s a lot easier said than done. We also talked about how God knows our breaking point. He knows exactly how much we can take. God is not going to give us more than we can handle and He is right there with us.

Another thing we discussed in Bible study was things that seem impossible. The irony of it all, I’m sitting there teaching about El Roi, the God who’s sees and I begin to share what all is going on in life and ask, “God do you see all this?” My friend Tami was sitting across from me and started signing “Abraham, Abraham. Abraham”. You might wonder why. Abraham had to wait a LONG time for his promise. But God made a promise to him and all Gods promises are yes in Christ Jesus.

We aren’t thrilled about this current “season”. Geez it is hurricane season of life. One after another, they come through. May we have this dance? No choice but to get out there an boogie. Although I am changing the music here. Today I told my husband Ron, I wish I could sing because he would like the song playing inside me. He said to sing it anyway. The lyrics I sang we this: “Almighty fortress, you go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of God. You shine in the shadow, you win every bottle. Nothing can stand against the power of God”. ( Battle Belongs, Phil Wickhan) Yes we will dance to that. And the next song will be, Yes I Will (Vertical Worship) “I count on one thing, the same God that never fails , will not fail me now, you won’t fail me now. In the waiting, the same God who’s never late, is working all things out, your working all things out.”

So in this apparent hurricane season of life we will praise God through it all and watch Him work it out. I’m attaching the YouTube song video links below . Take a listen and join us in our “dance”. Perhaps we should create s whole playlist of worship songs. Comment any suggestions.

Battle Belongs
https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=equV8L1G6gqTCuMc
Yes I Will
https://youtu.be/ryFS_3eBq6s?si=oBnadmCsrfX9

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He sees me!

September 18, 2023Leave a Comment

When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.

My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”

God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.

As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.

Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.

That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.

One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.

Recently I came Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ ‭(NKJV)

I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

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What do you diffuse?

September 10, 2023Leave a Comment

Every single night before I go to bed I put essential oils in my diffuser. The scents of rosemary, frankincense, peppermint and lavender are so soothing. We have tried several brands. My husband has even ordered some off Amazon. I’m a bit wary of using just any brand. It needs to be 100% pure if we’re going to be breathing it all night. Revive brand is my favorite because it’s pure and affordable.

Years ago I ordered a beautiful diffuser. It had a ceramic cover with a beautiful design of little holes. When you turn the diffuser on you can change the color of light and the light shined through the little holes as the sweet smelling oils diffused from the top. Once while changing the water, I removed the ceramic covering. It rolled off the bed, hit the side table and broke into pieces. I could replace the ceramic cover but it’s kind of pricey and the diffuser otherwise works fine. It just no longer has the beautiful cover.

There is a deeper lesson here. That is so symbolic of people. The outside appearance can be so attractive but it’s whats found in the heart that makes all the difference. You know the saying, “Pretty is, as pretty does”.

Just like the fragrant essential oils that I put in the bottom of my diffuser: what I put in my heart is what comes out. If it’s negative criticism, that’s what will come out through speech and action. If I’m filling my heart with the things of the world then my life will reflect the next thing I want to buy or do. When I fill my heart with God’s Word, prayer and worship, I will diffuse grace, love, kindness, patience, mercy, etc.

Here’s a relevant question. What are you diffusing? And while we’re on the tough stuff, a good cleansing is needed periodically. The essential oils can buildup in the diffuser and it needs to be wiped down. I take a q-tip to clean out the small opening at the top. The oils build up over time and it’s hard to get out of the very small hole. Our hearts and minds need a good cleansing too.

It’s hard to be “clean” if you have a daily intake of the worlds crud. God calls us to be set apart. Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‭‭‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Here is another good one:“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). I’m going to wrap this up with one more gem.
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

I don’t know about you, but I’m challenged to live life diffusing what will bring glory to the Lord. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!