Thursday Thoughts ~ Open Arms

This song is so inspirational to me! It speaks of loving others around us, but to me it also serves as a reminder to be actively seeking to be a representative of Jesus Christ to all those around me. The chorus of the song has been written and composed in a way that touches me deeply, because I feel like my faith in God is sometimes tightly held in a personal way, but just like a lit candle, I can't really serve a greater purpose unless my light is uncovered and out of hiding. As a stay-at-home Mom, it can be even more difficult to have an active, growing spiritual life. Finding time to read the Bible, reflect, and pray, is pretty difficult. I recently made a new personal goal to read, even just a few verses, from the Bible everyday! I want to grow spiritually, and I believe the way to do that is to nourish my spiritual life through connection with God. There are so many ways to connect with God, but reading His Word, the Bible is one of the very best ways. Praying to Him, talking to Him and asking Him for help is another way to grow closer to Him. It reminds me of a dating relationship, which without communication, give-and-take, it is likely to end. The society we live in has so many ways to fill up our time, which leaves very little "quiet" time to connect with God and focus on His plan for us--which ultimately involves us going to heaven with Him to end all the sin, pain, and death on this earth. I want that, I don't want my only "life" to be lived here on this sin-filled earth. That is so so so much less than the AMAZING, AWESOME eternal life God has planned and prepared for us. Reading the Bible and praying should never be a forced activity, if we are seeking to be in a relationship with God, then we will love to spend time with Him, just like we love to spend time with our family and closest friends. That's not to say we shouldn't put some effort into it, because we will have to--just like it takes effort to plan fun familiy gatherings, find quality time for our friends, and make nice food and other special things for our families. But, we do these things out of love for our family and friends, and so whenever we commit to spend time with God, we do that out of love for Him also. Now, let me get back to what I was saying about that song "Open Arms". I need to be growing spiritually, and have a healthy spiritual life in order to have anything to offer those around me. If I'm a bread salesperson, but don't have any bread, that won't work. I want to follow the verse that says, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) I have felt that my spiritual life has gone through a roller coaster, with being a new Mom and all that comes with this wonderful new role, it's been hit and miss with taking in spiritual food. I am making more specific efforts now, and I pray that God will help me to be drawn closer and closer to Him. Then, as I try to have what the song says, "Open Arms" to all those around me, I can reflect Jesus, because I have spent time with Him, surrendering to Him and asking for Him to live in my heart. One more thought for today, I like to watch the Today show on NBC in the mornings sometimes, and they have all these experts on their talking about all kinds of subjects. They remind me of people who have "Open Arms", because they are openly sharing what they know to benefit other people. I have no idea if I will ever get to be on a TV show like that, but I want this blog to be a place where I share recipes i have developed, talk about what I'm learning as I study the Bible and other Christian books, and also just share some fun things that me and my family like or things we've done recently that might inspire someone who is reading this blog. Someone like you! Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings!

Thursday Thoughts ~ Healing

Maybe you need some healing in your life! I know this sinful world gets me discouraged many times, but I'm so thankful that God is constantly only a prayer away. Join me in praying this prayer, "Search me, O God and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts. God you know I want You and I want to be saved from my sins and live with You as my Lord and Father and Friend forever. I make so many mistakes and I feel so much guilt and frustration. Please help me God! I need You and I want You. Please fill my heart, mind, and soul with your Presence, that I may shine You to others and I may be transformed inside to be the person You created me to be. Lord, forgive me for all my sins and bad choices I have made and done. Please cleanse me, please give me the joy of Your salvation and the assurance of Your love and acceptance. Please lead me in Your way and keep me from wasting precious time, resources, and talents You have given me. Bless me greatly and bless my family and friends, too!

Thursday Thoughts ~ A Journey

I am a Christian, and I won't be ashamed of that on this blog. However, if others do not believe in God or experience their faith in the same way I do, then I won't judge them either. I will share thoughts from my spiritual journey openly and in a genuine, non-preachy way.I'm starting an 11-week DVD Bible study series for women right now! I am sooo excited about it! If you would like to take this journey with me, you can order this DVD set from here for $40.

Today I watched the introduction segment and learned that the entire program is based on this theme text: Exodus 33:14 ~ "And the Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you." NLT

From The Message: God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." Exodus 33:14

I do not recall reading this verse before, although I'm sure I have at some point. It is a really good one! I am already inspired. The introduction section required some writing, drawing, and journaling. Here are a few thoughts I wrote down, "God continues to bless me and He works in and through me to make me the person He wants and plans for me to be. I want to be drawn into a much closer relationship with Jesus and have increased faith in Him and more wisdom from Him. I believe I need God to continually be recreating me and forming me on the inside so that I can be who He wants me to be." Your turn.

Think about what the future holds if you continue your life as it is now, and then dream about how you would like to see your journey continue.

Another thought, "God can save me from sin. No matter how many mistakes I have made, He is bigger than all of them, and He even saves me from sins I may commit in the future."

And, finally, I thought about this concept . . . "I need to learn more about the "ways of heaven" and less about "the ways of the world."

I am a little worried about having enough time to take this "journey" because being a Mommy keeps me so busy, but I want to keep my priorities in the correct order. My relationship with God is important, and I want to live my life in a way that shows that my walk with Christ is alive and growing.