For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
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I lift up my eyes to the MOUNTAINS-- where does my help come from?  Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, Declares the Lord.  Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash For those of us who have a tendency to sweep unpleasantness under the carpet, or shove the uglies of our life in a closet, I have a few thoughts on this matter. A matter, I'm guilty of myself. Because, pushing the bad, sinful, hurtful things aside makes living life easier. Doesn't it? I'm not so sure.  Photo by Rhett Wesley on Unsplash It seemed like I was at odds with everyone. Arguments flew back and forth daily. I felt discontent and disappointed in myself. And I felt the distance between me and God growing like an opening chasm. My heart had taken a beating. It didn't feel dead, though. But rather prickly. Don't get too close or you might get poked too. My greatest desire was to simply be left alone. And sometimes, the trials of daily life leaves our ground dry and our heart full of thorns. It does mine.  Photo by Cristian Newman on Unsplash Long ago, I was hurt in the kind of way that sticks with you through waking moments, and sleeping moments, and clouds how you see the world. Hurts happen in this life, I've learned. Simple hurts like paper cuts, and deep woulds that leave scars and marks. The Bible says, "In this life, you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." John 16:33 What happens when we are hurt is that something takes over, something that we feel justified to hang onto, something we might have a very hard time letting go of. Something that can turn our hearts to ash if we do not find a way to ditch it. There's many reasons we're are warned to forgive the hurts this world heaps on us. Unforgiveness blinds us to the joy this life has to offer.  Make a wish. Speak out your innermost dreams and cast them upon Him. "Cast your cares on him for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Dare to dream. Dreams are important to our life vision. Without vision, people perish... We need our dreams to keep us going. Psalm 44:21 would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart? Don't be afraid. In my life, I've found that if I'll honestly speak my heart to the Lord, He'll hear my request and honor my dreams. Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Don't be afraid to dream. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 There's one more thing... When you dream, when you send those dreams out in prayer... be sure to fling out your arms and open your hands wide. Be ready for the Lord to show you His will for your life. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11  Don't miss out on the simple things in life. Those small, fleeting gifts the Lord gives us The moments, that if you blink, you'll lose them forever They're there if you'll only look Open your eyes. Stop for a moment. Listen. See. Enjoy... Get lost in the dust motes dancing in the beam of sunlight. Photo by Brianna Santellan on Unsplash |
Author InfoJackie Castle is an author, artist and dreamer. She lives in Texas with her husband, two grown children and her dog, Banjo. She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences. Archives
January 2019
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