Monday, August 27, 2012

The Truth will set you free...

In John chapter eight we read the words of Jesus spoken to His disciples.  He tells them if they hold to His teachings, they are His disciples.  Then they would know the truth and the truth would set them free.

What is the Truth?  How can I know it?  Through daily reading and meditating on His word. 

I began a new bible study for my quiet time, Read the Bible for Life.  I am truly enjoying it.  Today's scripture passage was Deuteronomy 6:1-12.  The children of Israel were preparing to enter the Promised Land.  They were told as instructed by the LORD your God to remember that HE is their God and HE is one.  They were to love HIM with all their heart, soul and strength.

The TRUTH?  I am to do the same.  That is my purpose in life.  Each and every day, I just need to love and follow Him.  So long as I am pleasing Him, nothing else matters. 

Freedom.... so easy... yet so difficult.  Why do I let the things of this world bog me down?  This world is not my home.  I too am headed for the Promised Land... and until then all I have to do is please HIM.

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye.....

Makes me smile :)

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

That's How You Know It's Love

Julie Gunter has a cd with a song titled "That's How You Know It's Love". It speaks of a lot of scenarios if you are willing to do for someone, then you know it is love.
I included that song in my playlist of love songs. It mirrored my thoughts on what true love really was. It expresses feelings I believe existed between two people yet had never experienced... until Roger.
Two weeks will mark the first anniversary of our marriage. I still cannot believe it has been one year. A year use to be such a long time!
I can honestly say my love for Roger falls along the lines of that song. And I feel his love for me is the same. Never have I felt so incredibly loved!!
I am truly Praising the LORD for blessing me so.... I waited a long time for this!!!
Happy Anniversary Baby!!!!
Awed by His mercy and grace,
Arla

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

It is time....

For everything there is a time and a season...Ecclesiastes 3. I remember a song based on that scripture. I have not really studied that entire chapter. Reading it just now I sympathize with the author.
Roger and I are approaching our one year anniversary. It is amazing! I have no doubt God has blessed me with this man. He truly completes me and fills so many needs in my life. He came along at the right time and God brought us together. I am so glad I did not let fear keep me from reaching out and claiming that blessing!
As I have embraced marriage and changed jobs both in the same year, I feel like I have lost a lot of time and I know there are things I use to do that I don't do anymore.
It is time for me to move forward in some areas I feel I have somewhat neglected. One area is exercise! I have got to find that ten to twenty minutes a day! Sitting at a desk ten and eleven hours a day is killing me!
More important I need to find a feeding place in His word. I haven't not been in His word this past year. I have my quiet time each day. I just have not found that steak lately that I can chew and savor for a while. Do you know what I mean?
Do you find yourself at times merely existing? It is not that I have stopped doing.... I just feel like I have stopped making progress. So I ask myself the question Why?
Do you feel the Holy Spirit alive in your life? Or are you merely existing? Is it time? Where are you feeding? Would love some suggestions!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

La Helicopter or La Boat

Stepping out in Faith or Waiting upon the Lord...how do you know when to do what? As I struggle with decisions in my life, I often think of the story of the guy caught in his home as the flood waters rose. He climbed upon his roof and asked God to save him. First came the boat, then the helicopter. The man choose to be rescued by neither as he wait upon the Lord. Eventually he drowned and went to Heaven. There he questioned God why He did not deliver him. God's response was that HE sent a boat and a helicopter but the man refused each.

As I think of that story, I wonder how many boats and helicopters I have missed while waiting for something I expected to be different? How many times have I prayed for God's will to be done and still expected Him to answer my way? Convicting thought as I ponder my past.

I also see where God provides options. Given the choice between the helicopter and the boat rescue, I would have chosen the helicopter to soar above the flood waters than trudging along in the water. But to have received the helicopter option, the boat would have to have been passed.

How often am I too quick to seek the fastest, easiest response to my questions? While these options work, they are not always the best. Sometimes I see a better opportunity later if I had only waited. What a true blessing to wait on the Lord to overwhelm me with His love and blessings. Then, I know it is HIM and not me making the decisions.

Stepping out in Faith or Waiting on the Lord...much to ponder as I continue this journey called Life bound for the Promised Land....