"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." ... Galations 5:1
******
Whew! Feelin' better now.
I'd wandered a bit. Lost some focus, gotten sloppy, forgotten some good rituals. Procrastinated so that little things became big problems.
Hey, it happens, especially to those of us trying to help others see (and walk in) The Light. Certain principalities (Ephesians 6:12) enjoy tripping us up in our weaknesses so to hinder progress.
I'd put myself last--and not in a good way. Invested more than I'm willing to lose via some peoples' opinions. I'd lost some confidence.
Really, I needed a tune-up and God kindly, patiently, gave me one. I just had to keep my eyes and ears open to the method(s) He used. And then do what He asked.
Then this super-helped me yesterday. Confirmation City. (Mega times I've visited that 'city' over the 20+ years while listening to Joyce.)
How good to feel good again.
I'm grateful, also, that I've learned not to wallow for months, accepting misery, before realizing, "Duh! I could have sought help ages ago and enjoyed these weeks, instead."
Seriously, why needlessly waste so many of our precious days feeling bad? Besides, it's (usually) harder to come back from a dark, narrow cave than just a few steps away from the road.
So today I would say to you--if you need help, seek it, seek God, now. Don't accept feeling bad or mediocrity or boredom as a lifestyle. Ask God to bring the right words, people and freedom to you however He wishes, even if you've never been helped that way before.
And be well. Happy. Healed. At the war's end with yourself and others.
It's possible. It's what God wants for His kids, just as you'd want those things for your own children.
And He's a better parent than any of us ever will be. Indeed.
"Life has a way of pushing us down. If you’re not careful, you'll look up and find you’re not believing like you used to, not dreaming, not passionate. You have to go out each day with expectancy—that’s what sets the dream in motion.
The scripture says that God is going before you, making your crooked places straight, fighting your battles. He’s already lined up everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Nothing can stop you. Get your fire back; stir up your faith!" ... Joel Osteen
(These timely statements came via Facebook. See? God uses crazy places even like Facebook to help us. What remains is that we stay open to being helped through unconventional forms.)
******
Oh wow! I'm not even a big fan of country music, but this documentary (via Netflix) was awesome. Tom and I, both, were sorry to see it end.
Remarkably interesting. Seriously.
******
"The little details are still important. Though they are small, they are not insignificant. Though they are easy to overlook, still they matter. So as you continue to set your gaze upon your life today, do not overlook the small details, for they still carry impact. In your observation of details you will enhance your perspective and comprehension of the big picture." ... Neil Vermillion
(Also discovered these at Facebook.) :)
******
A tuneup includes two sections. In the initial segment you cut out a touch of time to reflect upon your existence with God. You'll consider what you have increased in the course of recent months and what has helped you to interface with God. You'll distinguish what cravings and dreams are mixing in your spirit and in addition a few modification you could make which could help you to understand your goals.
ReplyDeleteCustom Essays--I believe my previous years of blog posts (and ones to come) have done all that (and will do so). I don't believe one blog post/essay should or can explain *everything*--that's for books. I believe in simplicity and slowly adding one thought upon another, over time, giving my readers one, perhaps two thoughts to meditate upon during the day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting... Blessings, Debra
As one who has recently gotten off track myself and back on - it's good to be back :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this post!!! I listened to Joyce Meyer's sermon and really appreciated what she had to say. She's taught me much over the years. Tune-ups are a good thing. Many thanks, Debra
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're on new ground, so to speak. Life is a journey, and as cliche as that sounds, it's true, as cliches often are.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of commercial country music myself, but I do love the old ballads and folk tunes brought from across the ocean to this country, and morphed and added to by Americans over the last 200 or so years. So - that link to the documentary about the Carter family just put me in heaven. I've always loved Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash - not so much because they had "lovely" voices, but because they were real people, not "stars", and they were Christians with skinned knees. I could identify with the tough times they went through and with their love for music, and for the way music is a cathartic to soothe a hurting soul. Thank you SO much for linking to that. I bought it, downloaded it and watched it - it won't be the last time either. Something about folk music - it tells stories about real human life, it's pains and sorrows. Singing those songs makes the pain easier to bear.
Debbie--that's a great way to put--gotten off track. I'm so glad we're both back on, aren't you? :)
ReplyDeletePam--thanks so much and I'm so happy you listened to Joyce's message. Wasn't it freeing? Really helped me much. Thanks for letting me know!
Susan--I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the documentary as much as I did (or maybe even more!).. :) Thanks so much for telling me you'd watched it. Wasn't it special?
Thanks for your comments, Everyone! Blessings, Debra