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 :)
Monday, August 27, 2012
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
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!
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....
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....
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Still in Awe of Him
I cannot believe the year is almost over. What a year it has been! There have been so many changes in my life. I am truly blessed. The lack of blogging is indicative of all that has gone on... It also tells the story of how truly happy I am. I have found a trusted partner, best friend and blessing where I can hang my heart and confide. This has lead to less writing. I do want to sum up my blessings.
My word for 2011 was FEARLESS. In attempting to live it, God provided many opportunities. Looking at where I was and where I am, I stand AMAZED of a God who loves ME enough to care! The sum total of what I am compared to all that HE has created leaves me in AWE of one so mighty that would consider me.
My job has transitioned to a place where I finally feel comfortable and feel like I am contributing. I feel more like an asset and less of a liability. I can also see the many ways HE is working in and through me here. No doubt this was the choice HE had for me.
My home has moved. I am starting to feel more like I am coming Home rather than sleeping over in someone else's house. Praise the Lord deer season has ended and Roger is more inclined to make some changes. He also showed Valley View yesterday to what appears to be a very interested party. Praying that HE sells the place so the money can be invested elsewhere.
Christmas as a family was wonderful. The girls are settling in and believing this is real and right. I love watching them with Roger. He is such a dream!!
Which brings me to my greatest blessing of this year. What a joy! What a thrill! How simply amazing! We are still living the Happily Ever After and watching how it takes shape. I have nothing about which to complain and everything to be thankful for....who could ask for more!
Thank you El Roi...for seeing where I was and knowing how to shape me and guide me back to the right path.
Awed by His mercy and grace....
Arla
My word for 2011 was FEARLESS. In attempting to live it, God provided many opportunities. Looking at where I was and where I am, I stand AMAZED of a God who loves ME enough to care! The sum total of what I am compared to all that HE has created leaves me in AWE of one so mighty that would consider me.
My job has transitioned to a place where I finally feel comfortable and feel like I am contributing. I feel more like an asset and less of a liability. I can also see the many ways HE is working in and through me here. No doubt this was the choice HE had for me.
My home has moved. I am starting to feel more like I am coming Home rather than sleeping over in someone else's house. Praise the Lord deer season has ended and Roger is more inclined to make some changes. He also showed Valley View yesterday to what appears to be a very interested party. Praying that HE sells the place so the money can be invested elsewhere.
Christmas as a family was wonderful. The girls are settling in and believing this is real and right. I love watching them with Roger. He is such a dream!!
Which brings me to my greatest blessing of this year. What a joy! What a thrill! How simply amazing! We are still living the Happily Ever After and watching how it takes shape. I have nothing about which to complain and everything to be thankful for....who could ask for more!
Thank you El Roi...for seeing where I was and knowing how to shape me and guide me back to the right path.
Awed by His mercy and grace....
Arla
Monday, August 8, 2011
Praise
Yesterday Kylea and I went shopping in LR for some much needed Mother/Daughter time. When we returned, we began up the road that would lead to our house and were stopped just prior to our house being visible by a police car blocking the road with blue lights flashing. You can imagine the pause my heart took. Kylea immediately went hysterical as her precious baby(dog) was at home alone while we were gone.
There was a power line down in the road ahead. The house to my right had lost many shingles and portions of the siding on the outside. The house to my right had a tree lying on the ground in the backyard and we could see where another tree lay across the road in front of this house. This would be the house directly across the street from my house. I opened my car door and stepped out and the police officer told me I would have to turn around. I explained my house was directly behind him and he said he was sorry but he could not let me pass through.
I could only glimpse roofing shingles and twisted metal in my front yard and barely see the top of my roof.
I got back into my car and turned around and went around the block to enter my street from the back. More trees down were visible all around the neighborhood....
We drove across small limbs and pulled into the carport and Kylea immediately ran to the house. I stepped out of my car and began a tour of my house from the outside. I stepped over limbs that had fallen out of trees. To my left another tree had fallen on the house the sits across the street from my driveway. I rounded the front of my house and a tree that had stood between my neighbor's house and mine had fallen....on his roof.
As I walked all around my house, I could visibly see there was not a shingle missing...nor any other damage visible....
For eight years now I have prayed and asked God to be my Husband, my Father, my Companion and Friend....as well as my Deliverer, my Shield, my Rock and my Fortress. He has never failed me. We have never experienced any major catastrophes. I just have to give Him praise for once again taking care of me and mine!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the All Mighty...I will say to the Lord, "You are my Refuge, my Fortress, my God in whom I trust!" Psalm 91: 1,2
Psalm 138: 1-3
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me. "
Still in Awe of His mercy and grace,
Arla
--
"For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11
There was a power line down in the road ahead. The house to my right had lost many shingles and portions of the siding on the outside. The house to my right had a tree lying on the ground in the backyard and we could see where another tree lay across the road in front of this house. This would be the house directly across the street from my house. I opened my car door and stepped out and the police officer told me I would have to turn around. I explained my house was directly behind him and he said he was sorry but he could not let me pass through.
I could only glimpse roofing shingles and twisted metal in my front yard and barely see the top of my roof.
I got back into my car and turned around and went around the block to enter my street from the back. More trees down were visible all around the neighborhood....
We drove across small limbs and pulled into the carport and Kylea immediately ran to the house. I stepped out of my car and began a tour of my house from the outside. I stepped over limbs that had fallen out of trees. To my left another tree had fallen on the house the sits across the street from my driveway. I rounded the front of my house and a tree that had stood between my neighbor's house and mine had fallen....on his roof.
As I walked all around my house, I could visibly see there was not a shingle missing...nor any other damage visible....
For eight years now I have prayed and asked God to be my Husband, my Father, my Companion and Friend....as well as my Deliverer, my Shield, my Rock and my Fortress. He has never failed me. We have never experienced any major catastrophes. I just have to give Him praise for once again taking care of me and mine!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the All Mighty...I will say to the Lord, "You are my Refuge, my Fortress, my God in whom I trust!" Psalm 91: 1,2
Psalm 138: 1-3
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me. "
Still in Awe of His mercy and grace,
Arla
--
"For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Fear inhibits blessings....
I know you share this feeling in some way....
When I was about 12, I stayed with a cousin to help man the store my uncle owned. Uncle and his wife were on vacation and their daughter in law was manning the store (or I guess womanning ;)) and I stayed with her to be an extra pair of eyes.
Around lunch time we were hungry, but I couldn't drive and she couldn't leave me alone in the store. My aunt and uncle lived above the store. We rummaged through the cabinets and found this box of blueberry muffins. We baked them and I must have eaten 12 that day I was so hungry.
Later in the day I became seriously ill. As you might guess I was sick on the overdose of blueberry muffins. To this day, I do not want to think about eating anything blueberry. That memory is still stuck in my head. So I always avoid blueberries.
I remembered this when talking to a friend. Friend commented that they never use a straw because of an experience once. They were helping with a project and while their drink was unattended a spider crawled down inside the straw. Next sip the spider was in their mouth and bit them. Their solution no more straws!
I am sure by looking you can see the simple truth in both situations. My error was in gluttony. I ate too many blueberry muffins at one time. I am sure blueberry muffins or anything blueberry might be tasty. I am allowing one bad experience to taint my feelings toward blueberries.
My friend left something unattended and suffered consequences as a result. Are straws bad? I personally do not like to drink without a straw. It is very healthy on the teeth.
My point is this, how often do we avoid the good things in life with people and relationships for the same reason? We have one bad experience and we are done for life. We are allowing the defeat in our mind over one bad experience. satan is having a field day with all of our bad experiences. He is hindering and robbing us of the joys and blessings.
My game plan is to take captive every thought and allow God to renew my mind. I do not want to miss any blessing and give satan another victory. Get thee behind me dude! I am done and over you!! I am fearfully and wonderfully made and have so much left on my list to experience....
Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
Arla
When I was about 12, I stayed with a cousin to help man the store my uncle owned. Uncle and his wife were on vacation and their daughter in law was manning the store (or I guess womanning ;)) and I stayed with her to be an extra pair of eyes.
Around lunch time we were hungry, but I couldn't drive and she couldn't leave me alone in the store. My aunt and uncle lived above the store. We rummaged through the cabinets and found this box of blueberry muffins. We baked them and I must have eaten 12 that day I was so hungry.
Later in the day I became seriously ill. As you might guess I was sick on the overdose of blueberry muffins. To this day, I do not want to think about eating anything blueberry. That memory is still stuck in my head. So I always avoid blueberries.
I remembered this when talking to a friend. Friend commented that they never use a straw because of an experience once. They were helping with a project and while their drink was unattended a spider crawled down inside the straw. Next sip the spider was in their mouth and bit them. Their solution no more straws!
I am sure by looking you can see the simple truth in both situations. My error was in gluttony. I ate too many blueberry muffins at one time. I am sure blueberry muffins or anything blueberry might be tasty. I am allowing one bad experience to taint my feelings toward blueberries.
My friend left something unattended and suffered consequences as a result. Are straws bad? I personally do not like to drink without a straw. It is very healthy on the teeth.
My point is this, how often do we avoid the good things in life with people and relationships for the same reason? We have one bad experience and we are done for life. We are allowing the defeat in our mind over one bad experience. satan is having a field day with all of our bad experiences. He is hindering and robbing us of the joys and blessings.
My game plan is to take captive every thought and allow God to renew my mind. I do not want to miss any blessing and give satan another victory. Get thee behind me dude! I am done and over you!! I am fearfully and wonderfully made and have so much left on my list to experience....
Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
Arla
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