It is so very interesting the way the Lord works. We have started a study at church about the "Unseen". What is underneath - picture an iceberg - you only see 30% of it, 70% is under the water. So what are we built upon? What is our foundation? Why do we some times make poor choices? How do we picture ourselves?
All of this can be answered by looking into who/what our foundation is. Do we build upon Christ? the world? our past? Do we know why we struggle in certain areas of our lives? Do we believe the lies that others have told us about ourselves?
What I have come to realize is that I need to look into my past to see where my future is going. Why am I insecure in certain areas of my life? Why do I always have to make sure others are happy or not upset with me? How can I follow the Lord and still do all the things in my life? Where is my balance?
These are just a few things rolling around in my mind and I am working them out with God so that I can be ready for the ministry that He is going to give me.
Also, this year on my journey, I have found out many new and exciting things about God. I know that I want my path to be His and I can trust that He will show me and let me know when I am NOT walking on that path.
God is so amazing, such a gentleman! He loves with an everlasting love and truly only wants the best for our lives.
Instead of worrying that I am not on the right path, I am looking for doors that He is opening and going through them. Instead of worrying that I am not doing what He wants, I am listening to the Holy Spirit and moving in His direction.
I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me and I choose to move forward and not allow the enemy to cause me to be still and not productive.
I feel His gentle leading towards a ministry in restoration. So I am going to move forward in that direction.
Ok, so now what?? Well, June is almost over and so that means I am half way through my journey. I am excitedly expecting what the next 6 months will reveal! More puzzle pieces falling into place - why? Because I am seeking His face and digging in deep into His Word.
Ever watch bull riding or bareback riding? How the guys hold on to make the clock, well that is what I am going to do! Hold on to Him and watch what He is going to do over the next 6 months!
Truly this has been an amazing journey and I am so very thankful that you are sharing it with me! Stacy
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Live Like You Were Dying
This is one of my favorite songs that Tim McGraw sings. There was a time in my life when I had to play that song over and over again. I needed to remember that each day is a gift from the Lord and we are not guaranteed tomorrows.
Funny thing is that the guest pastor spoke to this last Sunday. Not the song, but the reality of each day being a gift and not knowing if we will be here tomorrow or if the Lord will take us home.
He also mentioned about us having a ministry, a journey, a path. Well, he didn't say all those words, but that is what I heard as I listened. Isn't it just like God to bring messages and verses to you while you are searching for Him?!
After listening to the sermon and praying throughout the week, I heard something from God that I hadn't really heard before. The word Restoration. That is it - well, the beginning of it - the beginning of my journey!! I want to be able to offer Restoration to others. Being restored to God, to someone else,or from something. Helping others to see how great God is and how much He loves us. That we are created with a purpose and He is just waiting to use us for that purpose.
So knowing that I might not have a tomorrow and I need to act in the "now", I have put that into action at the Center. Like, talking with my CPS clients or even yesterday when I ran a pregnancy test for a client. I was bolder in how I spoke about God and Jesus. The CPS client is a believer and wants to be restored and hurts healed from her past; we were able to talk about God and His grace and mercies which are new every morning. Having the client that needed a pregnancy test, I was able to ask her if she had ever received Christ as her Savior. She thought about that and said that she thought that she had, but she wasn't ready to rededicate her life just quite yet. Which was fine with me, I am not going to push God on anyone. She did allow me to give her a Bible and I know that the Word of God does not return void, so I was excited that she allowed me to share what I did with her.
Not knowing where God is going to take me on this journey has been interesting, frustrating and long, BUT knowing now that He wants to use me to bring restoration into others lives - well, that has become a new breathe of fresh air for me - or something like that - lol! Let's just say - I am excited!
I do want to live every day to the fullest and be able to tell others about God and how He can change hearts and lives.
It is so easy to become frustrated with what we see going on in the world. How people act towards one another, what moms and dads do to their children, or just how selfish people truly are. It is hard to see that and yet I know if they would just realize how much God truly loves them, how He created them for His glory and His purpose and how special they are - their lives would change in a moment and generational cruses would be broken and hearts restored!
I have to look at life that way - that the glass is half full! That people can change and lives can be restored! That is me and that is my heart!
So today I choose to live my life as if I were dying - moment by moment - making a difference for His kingdom. The only thing we can take with us to heaven is another person that we introduced to God!
What an amazing 6 months it has been, curious to know what the next 6 will bring about! I just know that it will involve horses!!! :)
Thank you for joining me on my journey!!!! Stacy
Funny thing is that the guest pastor spoke to this last Sunday. Not the song, but the reality of each day being a gift and not knowing if we will be here tomorrow or if the Lord will take us home.
He also mentioned about us having a ministry, a journey, a path. Well, he didn't say all those words, but that is what I heard as I listened. Isn't it just like God to bring messages and verses to you while you are searching for Him?!
After listening to the sermon and praying throughout the week, I heard something from God that I hadn't really heard before. The word Restoration. That is it - well, the beginning of it - the beginning of my journey!! I want to be able to offer Restoration to others. Being restored to God, to someone else,or from something. Helping others to see how great God is and how much He loves us. That we are created with a purpose and He is just waiting to use us for that purpose.
So knowing that I might not have a tomorrow and I need to act in the "now", I have put that into action at the Center. Like, talking with my CPS clients or even yesterday when I ran a pregnancy test for a client. I was bolder in how I spoke about God and Jesus. The CPS client is a believer and wants to be restored and hurts healed from her past; we were able to talk about God and His grace and mercies which are new every morning. Having the client that needed a pregnancy test, I was able to ask her if she had ever received Christ as her Savior. She thought about that and said that she thought that she had, but she wasn't ready to rededicate her life just quite yet. Which was fine with me, I am not going to push God on anyone. She did allow me to give her a Bible and I know that the Word of God does not return void, so I was excited that she allowed me to share what I did with her.
Not knowing where God is going to take me on this journey has been interesting, frustrating and long, BUT knowing now that He wants to use me to bring restoration into others lives - well, that has become a new breathe of fresh air for me - or something like that - lol! Let's just say - I am excited!
I do want to live every day to the fullest and be able to tell others about God and how He can change hearts and lives.
It is so easy to become frustrated with what we see going on in the world. How people act towards one another, what moms and dads do to their children, or just how selfish people truly are. It is hard to see that and yet I know if they would just realize how much God truly loves them, how He created them for His glory and His purpose and how special they are - their lives would change in a moment and generational cruses would be broken and hearts restored!
I have to look at life that way - that the glass is half full! That people can change and lives can be restored! That is me and that is my heart!
So today I choose to live my life as if I were dying - moment by moment - making a difference for His kingdom. The only thing we can take with us to heaven is another person that we introduced to God!
What an amazing 6 months it has been, curious to know what the next 6 will bring about! I just know that it will involve horses!!! :)
Thank you for joining me on my journey!!!! Stacy
Friday, June 1, 2012
Back Stage Living
This was the title of our sermon last Sunday by our guest Pastor. Basically we all have a front stage and a back stage - the front stage is what the public sees, the back stage is private, the soul.
The front stage is always doing, going, performing (not meaning that in a bad or false way). The back stage is a state of being, resting, and restoring ones self in the Lord (or should be).
We are to live our lives inside out, meaning, whatever we put into us will come out of us. So am I putting good things into my life so that good things will come out? Am I clinging to the branch so that I can be a vine that produces good fruit? Am I creating time to sit at the feet of Jesus? Can I hear His voice?
As I am having my year of "journey", I wonder if I am the one doing all the talking to God or if I actually have any time to hear Him, listen to that still small voice, slow down enough to breath?
I got together with a group of women that I know for a challenge to read the entire Bible over the course of this year. While I am not good at doing this every day, I must say that it is something that I look forward to every day and when I miss a day, I truly miss being in the Word. BUT it is strange to me how much I am retaining it, I mean like, how many verses can I say by memory? I have my verse of the day and I do cut some out and tape them to my bathroom mirror, but how many have I memorized - ah - not one of them yet.
I drive to work for about an hour each day, on the way into work I take time to pray. I truly enjoy that time with the Lord, lifting up prayer requests and such. BUT how much during the day do I take to listen to Him? I can see Him working at the Center and am truly blessed by watching Him at work - BUT how much of the work that I do at the Center is through His power or my own? Would I really know the difference?
A beautiful point the Pastor brought out was how Jesus got up early to be with His Father, spending time with Him before ministry. He was being filled up so He could pour out. This is what I want to do. Spend my time with Him being filled up so that I can pour out.
I am starting to feel bold in Christ, feeling the freedom to speak the words that He wants me to speak. Although I do need to slow down and hear Him more.
This past week I have seen CPS (Child Protective Services) Clients (I have 2 couples right now). I truly enjoy this, meeting with them, talking about parenting skills, hearing their stories, all of it. I am starting to use the principle of being filled up so that I can pour out, speaking truth in love to them. Trying to slow down, listen to them so that I can hear from the Lord and speak back to them.
You see over the past couple of years I have filled my life with going and doing, not being. So after this past Sunday's service, I have felt that conviction of slowing down.
So this is what I feel I need to start doing: create space (don't always just be on the go), slow down, hurry less, being in the Word more, by doing this I will be able to hear His voice.
If I can begin to manage my back stage well, then my front stage can keep going. I will be able to perform the ministry that He wants me to do, be on the path that He wants me to be on. Clinging to the branch so that this vine can produce good fruit. After all God is my anchor!
Funny how life is, still not sure where my journey will take me, but being in the back seat, taking care of my back stage sure makes a lot of sense. What an interesting journey so far and just think, June is here, in 6 more months I might just know where my path is leading me!! :) Thank you for joining me, Stacy
The front stage is always doing, going, performing (not meaning that in a bad or false way). The back stage is a state of being, resting, and restoring ones self in the Lord (or should be).
We are to live our lives inside out, meaning, whatever we put into us will come out of us. So am I putting good things into my life so that good things will come out? Am I clinging to the branch so that I can be a vine that produces good fruit? Am I creating time to sit at the feet of Jesus? Can I hear His voice?
As I am having my year of "journey", I wonder if I am the one doing all the talking to God or if I actually have any time to hear Him, listen to that still small voice, slow down enough to breath?
I got together with a group of women that I know for a challenge to read the entire Bible over the course of this year. While I am not good at doing this every day, I must say that it is something that I look forward to every day and when I miss a day, I truly miss being in the Word. BUT it is strange to me how much I am retaining it, I mean like, how many verses can I say by memory? I have my verse of the day and I do cut some out and tape them to my bathroom mirror, but how many have I memorized - ah - not one of them yet.
I drive to work for about an hour each day, on the way into work I take time to pray. I truly enjoy that time with the Lord, lifting up prayer requests and such. BUT how much during the day do I take to listen to Him? I can see Him working at the Center and am truly blessed by watching Him at work - BUT how much of the work that I do at the Center is through His power or my own? Would I really know the difference?
A beautiful point the Pastor brought out was how Jesus got up early to be with His Father, spending time with Him before ministry. He was being filled up so He could pour out. This is what I want to do. Spend my time with Him being filled up so that I can pour out.
I am starting to feel bold in Christ, feeling the freedom to speak the words that He wants me to speak. Although I do need to slow down and hear Him more.
This past week I have seen CPS (Child Protective Services) Clients (I have 2 couples right now). I truly enjoy this, meeting with them, talking about parenting skills, hearing their stories, all of it. I am starting to use the principle of being filled up so that I can pour out, speaking truth in love to them. Trying to slow down, listen to them so that I can hear from the Lord and speak back to them.
You see over the past couple of years I have filled my life with going and doing, not being. So after this past Sunday's service, I have felt that conviction of slowing down.
So this is what I feel I need to start doing: create space (don't always just be on the go), slow down, hurry less, being in the Word more, by doing this I will be able to hear His voice.
If I can begin to manage my back stage well, then my front stage can keep going. I will be able to perform the ministry that He wants me to do, be on the path that He wants me to be on. Clinging to the branch so that this vine can produce good fruit. After all God is my anchor!
Funny how life is, still not sure where my journey will take me, but being in the back seat, taking care of my back stage sure makes a lot of sense. What an interesting journey so far and just think, June is here, in 6 more months I might just know where my path is leading me!! :) Thank you for joining me, Stacy
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Daily Devotional
A volunteer at the Center shared this with me the other day. She doesn't read my blog or even know that this is my year for my journey - a journey to see what God wants me to be when I grow up - lol.
Just thought I would share this with you, it was the May 1st daily devotional in a book called "Jesus Calling":
You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.
Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace.
The recommended reading is Luke 12:25-26 and Luke 1:79
It is amazing to me how much the Lord loves us. He places people in our lives, gives us multiply blessings and loves us unconditionally.
As I continue to seek my path, I can rest in this; I am on the path of His choosing. I also want to communion with Him not only daily, but deeper. Seek Him more and hear from the Holy Spirit.
It is so comforting to know that He is not limited by time or space, even though I am. Which is a good thing for me - lol.
As I continue this journey, walking with Him, He will show me what my life is and how my life should be. Praise be to our God!
Thank you for joining me on my journey - Stacy
Just thought I would share this with you, it was the May 1st daily devotional in a book called "Jesus Calling":
You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.
Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace.
The recommended reading is Luke 12:25-26 and Luke 1:79
It is amazing to me how much the Lord loves us. He places people in our lives, gives us multiply blessings and loves us unconditionally.
As I continue to seek my path, I can rest in this; I am on the path of His choosing. I also want to communion with Him not only daily, but deeper. Seek Him more and hear from the Holy Spirit.
It is so comforting to know that He is not limited by time or space, even though I am. Which is a good thing for me - lol.
As I continue this journey, walking with Him, He will show me what my life is and how my life should be. Praise be to our God!
Thank you for joining me on my journey - Stacy
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
All About the Ranch
Just thought I would take a break from my journey writings to let you see some pictures of our wonderful vacation. It is truly a great place and if you like the desert, golfing and horses, it is a place for you!!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
A Wonderful Weekend
This has been a wonderful weekend (well, a bit longer than a weekend) with my hubby and cousins. It is so much fun to be here in the desert air and sun - just enjoying all the beautiful scenery and just amazed at how God creates so many beautiful things and areas. Just blows my mind! He is so awesome!
The past 2 days I have been able to ride and able to think about my horses and what it all means. I love horses, love riding, love exploring and love the wide open spaces. So while riding and thinking it occurs to me that I need more than a journey or path in my life. I have to have some balance!
Driving in the car for over 2 1/2 hours a day (to and from work) has put me out of balance. While I do enjoy structured time and knowing what I am going to do (checking things off a list) I also need to balance out my life. The pressures of the Center can become overwhelming. Am I going to bring enough money in, how can I help this client, what articles do I need to write, what about making the deposit. All of this can be draining and adding traffic to it just makes it worse. Like joy is stolen from me - well, more like just sucked right out of me.
It is harder and harder to wake up in the morning, life has moments of joy, but not most of the time. Life seems to be more about checking things off my list than actually living. Like I have this pressure to preform and get things done. Which I like, but for some reason this is different. Not sure I can explain it all.
So, how can I have balance? What is it that I need to cut out? How do I change my thinking? Being on the back of a horse can change your thinking. This is for sure! The beauty of it, the feel of a horse, talking with the horse; it is all so calming and so fulfilling. Just amazing! It is so amazing how God created these majestic creatures! As you can tell I love horses. I need to ride more, but how do I fit it all in??
Which brings me back to balance. Where do I get it? What do I give up? How do I create more time in my day? What does all this have to do with my journey?
Well, these are all thoughts that I will be pondering over the next couple of weeks - will need to get some balance in my life soon - that is for sure!
Thank you again for help me on my journey! Stacy
The past 2 days I have been able to ride and able to think about my horses and what it all means. I love horses, love riding, love exploring and love the wide open spaces. So while riding and thinking it occurs to me that I need more than a journey or path in my life. I have to have some balance!
Driving in the car for over 2 1/2 hours a day (to and from work) has put me out of balance. While I do enjoy structured time and knowing what I am going to do (checking things off a list) I also need to balance out my life. The pressures of the Center can become overwhelming. Am I going to bring enough money in, how can I help this client, what articles do I need to write, what about making the deposit. All of this can be draining and adding traffic to it just makes it worse. Like joy is stolen from me - well, more like just sucked right out of me.
It is harder and harder to wake up in the morning, life has moments of joy, but not most of the time. Life seems to be more about checking things off my list than actually living. Like I have this pressure to preform and get things done. Which I like, but for some reason this is different. Not sure I can explain it all.
So, how can I have balance? What is it that I need to cut out? How do I change my thinking? Being on the back of a horse can change your thinking. This is for sure! The beauty of it, the feel of a horse, talking with the horse; it is all so calming and so fulfilling. Just amazing! It is so amazing how God created these majestic creatures! As you can tell I love horses. I need to ride more, but how do I fit it all in??
Which brings me back to balance. Where do I get it? What do I give up? How do I create more time in my day? What does all this have to do with my journey?
Well, these are all thoughts that I will be pondering over the next couple of weeks - will need to get some balance in my life soon - that is for sure!
Thank you again for help me on my journey! Stacy
Friday, April 27, 2012
My Mind is Crowded with ALL sorts of Thoughts!
Those of you who know me should be very scared of that title - lol! I think I have gotten myself into trouble - how - well, by trying to read 3 books at the same time! "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life", "Total Forgiveness" and the newest one, "When Pigs Move In" - and no - that one is NOT about pig farming. :)
As I am on my journey, I have found that I have issues from my past to deal with. Evidently I have some sort of unforgiveness in my heart and I need to have that plucked out - not sure of what that is just yet - but while reading my "Total Forgiveness" book I felt that sting in my heart and I know I have things to work through because of that.
Last Sunday's church was also very good. Talking about God's timing and how His plans don't really revolve around timing - He is timeless - anyway, the example was Moses taking the Israelites into the promised land, how stubborn they were, and that they didn't trust Him so therefore the first generation didn't get to go in - they all died off. Then the 2nd generation was able to receive their inheritance and go into the promised land. We also learned how important it is to mediate on God's Word, that it's not about me, it's about God and to receive His promises. His words are true and He is faithful!
Ok - so how does this all fit together - see - my mind is spinning!
And oh, not to mention, as I was driving into work this week I see a semi-truck that used to have a logo on it about "Feed the Children" - it was all faded - like they took it off - but I could see it. Actually I had to blink a couple of times to make sure I was reading what I was reading. I was like, really God, what are you saying to me!
Well, this much I can say I know for sure! 1) God has a plan for me 2) All circumstances are under God's control 3) His Word is my direction and 4) I need to live a life devoted to Him.
So many puzzle pieces that I am just going to let Him put them all together. Some days I really love my journey, some days I am really confused about it and some days - well - I just don't like it. BUT I am ready to see where this year takes me and what God has for me. And can you believe this year is already a 1/4 over - man!
Oh, and get this, my newest addition of Horse and Rider Magazine cover says, "Got A Goal" - really??!!
Truly my mind is crowded with all sorts of thoughts! Hopefully it will be less crowded soon - lol! Thank you for joining me on my journey, Stacy
As I am on my journey, I have found that I have issues from my past to deal with. Evidently I have some sort of unforgiveness in my heart and I need to have that plucked out - not sure of what that is just yet - but while reading my "Total Forgiveness" book I felt that sting in my heart and I know I have things to work through because of that.
Last Sunday's church was also very good. Talking about God's timing and how His plans don't really revolve around timing - He is timeless - anyway, the example was Moses taking the Israelites into the promised land, how stubborn they were, and that they didn't trust Him so therefore the first generation didn't get to go in - they all died off. Then the 2nd generation was able to receive their inheritance and go into the promised land. We also learned how important it is to mediate on God's Word, that it's not about me, it's about God and to receive His promises. His words are true and He is faithful!
Ok - so how does this all fit together - see - my mind is spinning!
And oh, not to mention, as I was driving into work this week I see a semi-truck that used to have a logo on it about "Feed the Children" - it was all faded - like they took it off - but I could see it. Actually I had to blink a couple of times to make sure I was reading what I was reading. I was like, really God, what are you saying to me!
Well, this much I can say I know for sure! 1) God has a plan for me 2) All circumstances are under God's control 3) His Word is my direction and 4) I need to live a life devoted to Him.
So many puzzle pieces that I am just going to let Him put them all together. Some days I really love my journey, some days I am really confused about it and some days - well - I just don't like it. BUT I am ready to see where this year takes me and what God has for me. And can you believe this year is already a 1/4 over - man!
Oh, and get this, my newest addition of Horse and Rider Magazine cover says, "Got A Goal" - really??!!
Truly my mind is crowded with all sorts of thoughts! Hopefully it will be less crowded soon - lol! Thank you for joining me on my journey, Stacy
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