The Simple Things...
North Carolina 2009
July 22, 2010
Sitting with my feet in the cold Carolina water, digging for little treasures - rocks of every color, shape and size... that's one of my favorite things to do! It never seems to get old to me. Listening to the music of water cascading gracefully on-ward and over the spance of glittering rocks below is a simple yet blissful event for me! I love to watch the sparkling water crests cheerfully dancing in the light of the sun! And...I think of Heaven. How much more radient and full of indescribable splendor will that be?!
My Grandma Beason went home to be with Jesus on 6/26/10. I will miss talking with her here, but I know she is in that place of complete peace and rest, our future home called Heaven. I am thankful for the simple things in life that help remind us of God's love for us.
Sitting with my feet in the cold Carolina water, digging for little treasures - rocks of every color, shape and size... that's one of my favorite things to do! It never seems to get old to me. Listening to the music of water cascading gracefully on-ward and over the spance of glittering rocks below is a simple yet blissful event for me! I love to watch the sparkling water crests cheerfully dancing in the light of the sun! And...I think of Heaven. How much more radient and full of indescribable splendor will that be?!
My Grandma Beason went home to be with Jesus on 6/26/10. I will miss talking with her here, but I know she is in that place of complete peace and rest, our future home called Heaven. I am thankful for the simple things in life that help remind us of God's love for us.
20 Years Together
November 11th, 2009
Its rainy today...and my eyes are still tired from a long night. Until 3 am i sat alone, sifting through the last 20 years of family pictures...younger years - some joyful and happy, some painful, lonely and sad, some so hard I cannot understand HOW it was possible that God brought us through. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Those little faces are almost grown now...they will soon spread their wings and fly away. Me -n- Rob are still together, still walking hand in hand. The lines in his face, his silver grey hair make me smile when I stand back and watch him. My heart grows softer with each passing day...I am so thankful for the gift he is to me. We will be truly celebrating 20 years growing in friendship and marriage together tomorrow, November the 11th.
I've come to learn in life, aside from God's amazing, faithful Love and Mercy toward us, the only consistent thing is change. Time keeps passing by...the minutes rolling faster each day, changing life events, people, places...none of us can slow or stop it. We can't go back and erase the wrongs...and we shouldn't get stuck in punishing ourselves with guilt over the mistakes we made. All we have is today to make it count for the good, to make better memories for ourselves and the ones we love. God gives us today to celebrate life...to bring a smile to others..to give hugs, to build up with affirming, loving words...Help us, God, to embrace this day and be thankful.
I pray that He will continue to guide every step, be present in each new change..that somehow, He will sustain us with HIS Spirit to finish our journey in His Grace, in His Peace and Love...that we will change in agreement with His Plans, with His changes.
I love you all In His LOVE,
Melissa
Its rainy today...and my eyes are still tired from a long night. Until 3 am i sat alone, sifting through the last 20 years of family pictures...younger years - some joyful and happy, some painful, lonely and sad, some so hard I cannot understand HOW it was possible that God brought us through. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Those little faces are almost grown now...they will soon spread their wings and fly away. Me -n- Rob are still together, still walking hand in hand. The lines in his face, his silver grey hair make me smile when I stand back and watch him. My heart grows softer with each passing day...I am so thankful for the gift he is to me. We will be truly celebrating 20 years growing in friendship and marriage together tomorrow, November the 11th.
I've come to learn in life, aside from God's amazing, faithful Love and Mercy toward us, the only consistent thing is change. Time keeps passing by...the minutes rolling faster each day, changing life events, people, places...none of us can slow or stop it. We can't go back and erase the wrongs...and we shouldn't get stuck in punishing ourselves with guilt over the mistakes we made. All we have is today to make it count for the good, to make better memories for ourselves and the ones we love. God gives us today to celebrate life...to bring a smile to others..to give hugs, to build up with affirming, loving words...Help us, God, to embrace this day and be thankful.
I pray that He will continue to guide every step, be present in each new change..that somehow, He will sustain us with HIS Spirit to finish our journey in His Grace, in His Peace and Love...that we will change in agreement with His Plans, with His changes.
I love you all In His LOVE,
Melissa
A Word Of Encouragement For Moms
Feb. 25th, 2009
Recently, a friend invited me to join a forum he created called," Learning to Hear His Voice". This morning I was impressed upon to share and encourage particularly, busy "moms", with some things the Lord has given me over the years. The following paragraphs were copied from that discussion board.
**Please feel Welcome to join this Facebook Group. You can find it on my in my friends list entitled, "Learning to Hear His Voice"
Hi Guys!! In addition to carving out separate quiet time, alone, being un-distracted to seek Most High, I would like to suggest that it IS possible to walk through out our day doing normal tasks at work or home, and STILL be able to hear His Voice. I'm always training to do this.
He says in His Word, if we will commit our works to Him He will establish our thoughts. (Proverbs 16:3)
Also, again paraphrasing, what ever we do in words or deed, let it all be done as if we were doing it to/for HIM.
(Colossians 3:17)
I'm sharing this today, for the encouragement of busy moms....I know what it's like to have a zillion things to tend to each day having raised a family. Mine are older now and are no longer totally dependent upon me. BUT I remember being so consumed with the endless duties of the day...caring for them, doing endless house work, laundry....cooking...dishes...home-schooling...and part time jobs...
Can anyone relate?!?!
Ok. Here's the deal. While this forum is dedicated to Learning to Hear His Voice and it is necessary for us make time to get alone with God, I really want to squelch the lies of the enemy that try to tell us we aren't doing enough when it comes to spending time with God. I struggled with this condemnation for years.
Here's what HE began to show me, while I was up to my shoulders in laundry, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the responsibilities of my job as a good mother/wife in my home......
*As I serve my family, I am worshiping Him...I am doing it to “the least of these", I am doing it for HIM."* (Matthew 25:35-40)
I would come before Him at the first of my day, and pray...first "acknowledging Him in all my ways, that He would DIRECT my paths"....and "committing my ways to Him that He would ESTABLISH my thoughts" through out the day...
One of the KEYS here is in the Serving of others. If we are mindful that we are helping to raise up God respecting men and women....and we are mindful that what ever we do, we are doing it as if we were serving Christ Himself....this causes us to SEE our daily responsibilities in a whole new light. Folding laundry is a ministry. Shopping and cooking is a ministry....wiping the snot off of little Johny's nose is a ministry...Mama, you are in FULL TIME Ministry!!!! (Proverbs 3:6, 16:3)
It doesn't mean everything will be all roses and happy, it's still hard at times!
But this is the post, the place where HE has asked you to stand guard over....for a season. You are always in training for the things of GOD. Each meal you make, each towel you fold is an opportunity to WORSHIP HIM where He has placed you.
Also, it helps to sing songs of praise...put some worship music on, it helps to keep your mind STAYED upon HIM!! And you're creating an atmosphere of thanksgiving, setting the stage for freedom to "Walk in Spirit." (Romans)
He keeps those in perfect Peace, whose minds are focused on and fixed upon HIM. (Isaiah 26:3)
Yes, make time to share alone in quietness with Him, but remember His Presence is WITH you at all times and you can hear His voice even while doing laundry. Practice walking IN HIS Presence in every part of your day.
Hope this has encouraged you today.
Love you all !
Your sister,
Learning to LIVE IN HIM..
Melissa
Recently, a friend invited me to join a forum he created called," Learning to Hear His Voice". This morning I was impressed upon to share and encourage particularly, busy "moms", with some things the Lord has given me over the years. The following paragraphs were copied from that discussion board.
**Please feel Welcome to join this Facebook Group. You can find it on my in my friends list entitled, "Learning to Hear His Voice"
Hi Guys!! In addition to carving out separate quiet time, alone, being un-distracted to seek Most High, I would like to suggest that it IS possible to walk through out our day doing normal tasks at work or home, and STILL be able to hear His Voice. I'm always training to do this.
He says in His Word, if we will commit our works to Him He will establish our thoughts. (Proverbs 16:3)
Also, again paraphrasing, what ever we do in words or deed, let it all be done as if we were doing it to/for HIM.
(Colossians 3:17)
I'm sharing this today, for the encouragement of busy moms....I know what it's like to have a zillion things to tend to each day having raised a family. Mine are older now and are no longer totally dependent upon me. BUT I remember being so consumed with the endless duties of the day...caring for them, doing endless house work, laundry....cooking...dishes...home-schooling...and part time jobs...
Can anyone relate?!?!
Ok. Here's the deal. While this forum is dedicated to Learning to Hear His Voice and it is necessary for us make time to get alone with God, I really want to squelch the lies of the enemy that try to tell us we aren't doing enough when it comes to spending time with God. I struggled with this condemnation for years.
Here's what HE began to show me, while I was up to my shoulders in laundry, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the responsibilities of my job as a good mother/wife in my home......
*As I serve my family, I am worshiping Him...I am doing it to “the least of these", I am doing it for HIM."* (Matthew 25:35-40)
I would come before Him at the first of my day, and pray...first "acknowledging Him in all my ways, that He would DIRECT my paths"....and "committing my ways to Him that He would ESTABLISH my thoughts" through out the day...
One of the KEYS here is in the Serving of others. If we are mindful that we are helping to raise up God respecting men and women....and we are mindful that what ever we do, we are doing it as if we were serving Christ Himself....this causes us to SEE our daily responsibilities in a whole new light. Folding laundry is a ministry. Shopping and cooking is a ministry....wiping the snot off of little Johny's nose is a ministry...Mama, you are in FULL TIME Ministry!!!! (Proverbs 3:6, 16:3)
It doesn't mean everything will be all roses and happy, it's still hard at times!
But this is the post, the place where HE has asked you to stand guard over....for a season. You are always in training for the things of GOD. Each meal you make, each towel you fold is an opportunity to WORSHIP HIM where He has placed you.
Also, it helps to sing songs of praise...put some worship music on, it helps to keep your mind STAYED upon HIM!! And you're creating an atmosphere of thanksgiving, setting the stage for freedom to "Walk in Spirit." (Romans)
He keeps those in perfect Peace, whose minds are focused on and fixed upon HIM. (Isaiah 26:3)
Yes, make time to share alone in quietness with Him, but remember His Presence is WITH you at all times and you can hear His voice even while doing laundry. Practice walking IN HIS Presence in every part of your day.
Hope this has encouraged you today.
Love you all !
Your sister,
Learning to LIVE IN HIM..
Melissa
...On Giving
June 13th, 2009
After reading a friend's blog entitled, "Turn on the Lights, Please?", by Apostle Elisa, I was impressed upon to share the following paragraphs:
(The blog spoke of a "minister" (un-named) who pridefully and blindly bragged about his great success in ministry, due to his extravagant monetary giving of tithes and offerings. His claim to gospel truth, as he enticed and manipulated his listeners, was that if they gave large mometary amounts to his ministry that they too would become millionaires! Adding insult to injury, he made the statement that those who only had a $100.00 should just keep it because he didn't need it.)
___________________________~*~*~*~______________________________
You know, I've attended church services where the speakers stated that, "if you're broke, how can you be a blessing to anyone" or, "if you're constantly under the curse of poverty and stressed out about bills and debt, how can you possibly be a good witness for the Lord?" And you know, I really came to believe that. In truth, at one time in my Christian journey, I even came to adopt an underlying, judgmental attitude about those who were driving a beat up old car with religious bumperstickers claiming "Jesus Saves", "God Is My Co-Pilot", etc..........
I think it has been taught in certain parts of the Body that poverty is a curse and therefore if you are struggling to meet your bills or aren't giving to their ministry, then you must be doing something wrong to where God is not blessing you.
Guilt. Condemnation. Fear.....
There are sooo many other factors that go into our individual circumstances for that to be a true formula!! It's not true.....I have come to believe that no matter what, it ALL belongs to HIM. (not just the "tenth" part) And, if we are impressed upon by Him to give any amount......ahhh, even if it's a penny!!!....(that oughta' break your pride!)...always give it above all, cheerfully not grudgingly or doubtfully. Give it in faith and in gratefullness and for the building of HIS Kingdom..never for the "right" to "test" Him or arrogantly demand a return. He does that anyway and not always by money.
This isn't an excuse for us NOT to give. I do think that poverty is very bad...and that God doesn't want us to be poor to suffering lack and "begging for bread". HE says He will take care of us when we look for and participate with Him in building His Kingdom first...which tells me we shouldn't be lacking, yet....not all will be rich, rich, rich with money. Jesus told us that!
There is something to be said of the law of "first fruits". Seems to me that there's a consistent thread of the Lord requiring the "first fruits" of what He allows and empowers us to gain. (starting all the way back in Genesis with Cane and Able) It didn't just start in Malachi! This theme has been repeated through out the Word.
Why does He ask for the first fruits of all of our increase? Is it because He needs that million dollars for some project He wants to get done?.......uuuhhhhhh?........probably not.
....Likely, it's His merciful way of helping us humans to remember to acknowledge and honor HIM first in our dealings and decisions so we can be blessed and BE a blessing to others. I don't think we can throw out the promises that scripture gives us that He will "rebuke the devourer for our sakes" when we bring the tithes(whatever level of faith He gives us that that IS, be it a tenth or 80, 90 or 100%) and offerings to the storehouse (the place where we are being fed spiritually)
.....and all the ones about sowing and reaping, good and bad alike, but remembering that it isn't limited to money. How we treat others, is an example of sowing.....AND for the ones who may be living in what America considers "poverty", if you(we) give an encouraging smile or word to the cashier who's taking 10 minutes to long, that is BEING A BLESSING to others... You don't have to be rich to be a blessing. BE a blessing where you are. Give what you can and give it as if you were giving to HIM.....Love you all in Him.
Hope this will encourage you!
Learning to LIVE IN HIM....
Melissa
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=394215742&blogId=463671392#ixzz0wbjmb2RG
After reading a friend's blog entitled, "Turn on the Lights, Please?", by Apostle Elisa, I was impressed upon to share the following paragraphs:
(The blog spoke of a "minister" (un-named) who pridefully and blindly bragged about his great success in ministry, due to his extravagant monetary giving of tithes and offerings. His claim to gospel truth, as he enticed and manipulated his listeners, was that if they gave large mometary amounts to his ministry that they too would become millionaires! Adding insult to injury, he made the statement that those who only had a $100.00 should just keep it because he didn't need it.)
___________________________~*~*~*~______________________________
You know, I've attended church services where the speakers stated that, "if you're broke, how can you be a blessing to anyone" or, "if you're constantly under the curse of poverty and stressed out about bills and debt, how can you possibly be a good witness for the Lord?" And you know, I really came to believe that. In truth, at one time in my Christian journey, I even came to adopt an underlying, judgmental attitude about those who were driving a beat up old car with religious bumperstickers claiming "Jesus Saves", "God Is My Co-Pilot", etc..........
I think it has been taught in certain parts of the Body that poverty is a curse and therefore if you are struggling to meet your bills or aren't giving to their ministry, then you must be doing something wrong to where God is not blessing you.
Guilt. Condemnation. Fear.....
There are sooo many other factors that go into our individual circumstances for that to be a true formula!! It's not true.....I have come to believe that no matter what, it ALL belongs to HIM. (not just the "tenth" part) And, if we are impressed upon by Him to give any amount......ahhh, even if it's a penny!!!....(that oughta' break your pride!)...always give it above all, cheerfully not grudgingly or doubtfully. Give it in faith and in gratefullness and for the building of HIS Kingdom..never for the "right" to "test" Him or arrogantly demand a return. He does that anyway and not always by money.
This isn't an excuse for us NOT to give. I do think that poverty is very bad...and that God doesn't want us to be poor to suffering lack and "begging for bread". HE says He will take care of us when we look for and participate with Him in building His Kingdom first...which tells me we shouldn't be lacking, yet....not all will be rich, rich, rich with money. Jesus told us that!
There is something to be said of the law of "first fruits". Seems to me that there's a consistent thread of the Lord requiring the "first fruits" of what He allows and empowers us to gain. (starting all the way back in Genesis with Cane and Able) It didn't just start in Malachi! This theme has been repeated through out the Word.
Why does He ask for the first fruits of all of our increase? Is it because He needs that million dollars for some project He wants to get done?.......uuuhhhhhh?........probably not.
....Likely, it's His merciful way of helping us humans to remember to acknowledge and honor HIM first in our dealings and decisions so we can be blessed and BE a blessing to others. I don't think we can throw out the promises that scripture gives us that He will "rebuke the devourer for our sakes" when we bring the tithes(whatever level of faith He gives us that that IS, be it a tenth or 80, 90 or 100%) and offerings to the storehouse (the place where we are being fed spiritually)
.....and all the ones about sowing and reaping, good and bad alike, but remembering that it isn't limited to money. How we treat others, is an example of sowing.....AND for the ones who may be living in what America considers "poverty", if you(we) give an encouraging smile or word to the cashier who's taking 10 minutes to long, that is BEING A BLESSING to others... You don't have to be rich to be a blessing. BE a blessing where you are. Give what you can and give it as if you were giving to HIM.....Love you all in Him.
Hope this will encourage you!
Learning to LIVE IN HIM....
Melissa
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=394215742&blogId=463671392#ixzz0wbjmb2RG
Under Pressure! March 9th, 2009
Just because pressures of life make it difficult to SEE how He is working things out....
Just because the heat is being turned up and it's getting difficult....
Just because things are uncomfortable and unpredictable....
Just because God doesn't always fit into our little boxes and formulas of popular "Christiandom"....
By Your Grace, cause us to stand. Cause us to trust. You are getting the false securities and dependence upon this world out of us....our trust in our own abilities.....because You know we need to trust You even to death in the days to come. And if we are wrapped up and blind by all this world has to offer....following empty promises and paths of man...we cannot also follow You.
For all you have done and all you do...for all you ARE....if it were just for salvation alone, it is enough. And we should be grateful at that. I should be grateful.
When things don't make sense....Still by Your Grace we will stand...and wait for You. We will trust You.
We will trust that You are in control and wait on You.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=394215742&blogId=475708556#ixzz0wboVKbNv
Just because pressures of life make it difficult to SEE how He is working things out....
Just because the heat is being turned up and it's getting difficult....
Just because things are uncomfortable and unpredictable....
Just because God doesn't always fit into our little boxes and formulas of popular "Christiandom"....
By Your Grace, cause us to stand. Cause us to trust. You are getting the false securities and dependence upon this world out of us....our trust in our own abilities.....because You know we need to trust You even to death in the days to come. And if we are wrapped up and blind by all this world has to offer....following empty promises and paths of man...we cannot also follow You.
For all you have done and all you do...for all you ARE....if it were just for salvation alone, it is enough. And we should be grateful at that. I should be grateful.
When things don't make sense....Still by Your Grace we will stand...and wait for You. We will trust You.
We will trust that You are in control and wait on You.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=394215742&blogId=475708556#ixzz0wboVKbNv