Spiritual Discipline

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. 

Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace 

for those who have been trained by it." 

--Hebrews 12:11--

Hard to believe it's been over a year since I had any contributions to make to this blog. And so much has happened since then! There have been some tough lessons learned, strife and testing. All the while, there was a lot of painful experiences to travel through. This Word now touches my heart to the core, because I have chafed under His discipline over this year. Now, looking back, I'm thankful for the watchfulness of His love, the eternity of His mercy, and the abundance of His blessings in my life and spirit.

The journey of discovery is far from complete, but I have a peace about traveling this road today which I'm sure comes from His Spirit. Learning every day to let go of myself, my struggle and strife and give it up to His control is the key. I'm not completely there yet in developing this habit, I am getting better at it. Creating in me a discipline of total surrender to Him is a slow and steady climb. 

There's a reward at the end of the effort, though! It's the rest in His tender arms and knowing that His strength keeps me going. There has also been the discovery of daily miracles of providence; proof of my Jehovah Jireh, "My Provider" tending to all of our needs! This helps us arrive at a place of constant praise for all He has done and continues to do in our lives!

Even though my journey over these past months required me to let go of dreams and expectations, I am learning to accept that He has bigger things in store for me than I could ever dream or hope. There is nothing easy about losing relationships, either through divorce or death. There can be comfort in the loss when we choose to believe that He will make right what has been wrong. 

Another promise His Word speaks of:

"All things work together for good 

for those that love the Lord

and are called according to His righteousness"

These are the words to help soothe our hearts and minds when strife meets our path. These words and the evidence of His hand in our lives, even in the worst of times, will light our way to bring us home to rest in Him and His peace. Praise Him!

Lilies of the Field

"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"    ~~ Matthew 6:28-30


Bill has a garden growing in the back yard. He's planted tomatoes, which are now almost like trees, and have tons of tomatoes. One is about the size of his fist. He got a squash plant from our friends, but when the fruit started growing out round, he thought maybe it was a watermelon plant. Then he found that there are round zucchini plants. We also have beans, which he planted late and we're finally harvesting some which went into the potato soup I made tonight.

We bought some marigold plants on sale at wal-mart and they look great in bright yellow. In between the rows of marigold, he planted seeds that he thought were marigold. The plants are now over three feet high and most definitely not marigolds! They have buds on them now and are going to flower any day. I'm disappointed because we may have a frost tonight and I hope it doesn't hurt them before they have a chance to bloom. I've been so anxious to see just what kind of flower they are. I need to remember HIS words to us and have faith that God will clothe the plants in splendor soon.

This week I had to answer to earthly "powers that be" about how we're making our ends meet. It is so hard to put on paper the fact that many times we are completely supported by the grace of God. When you actually put it in black and white (hopefully no red there!), I see that daily we have much to rejoice for. While the world considers us well below the poverty level, I see myself as so rich in blessing every day.

Perhaps we need another perspective or definition of "wealth" in our busy, materialistic world. In Christ's day, they thought of wealth as ownership of property, livestock, fine garments, and a large family. Things have changed since then in that our family and offspring are no longer considered by society as a sign of a "wealthy" person. I think this is sad, because it is our children who will become our legacy. And He, in His wisdom, gives a divine appointment to take up the occupation of rearing children.

Since our society has allowed individuals to take control of their reproduction, large families have are now considered a burden. Additionally, those who "choose" to have more children are put down in the minds of most as irresponsible. Or, in the case of poor families who rely on state support, our society calls them "leeches"; feeding off our government support programs and having more children in order to profit from tax payers.

Today's Rocky Mtn News had point/counterpoint commentaries about the amendment on the ballot next month to raise our minimum wage. The article against really made me think. I began to imagine a world in which our wage was determined by our dependents, rather than by our education or experience. Would people put off having a family to complete 10 yrs of school and obtain a medical degree if they knew that once employed they would only be paid the standard wage for one person? Would I be able to find an employer willing to hire me who would have to pay me the wage assigned to an adult with four children at home? It's an interesting theory.

The good news is that God knows what He's appointed me to do, and who to care for. And in His time and wisdom, He always provides just what I need, when I need it to complete the work He's given me to do. I don't have to worry about the world's ways, knowing that God will "assign my wage" for me to accomplish His tasks. One of those tasks is that while I'm in the process of explaining our provision to those who are in darkness, may God also give me opportunity to glorify Him and be a witness to His goodness.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Welcome to the Web!

Wow! What a wonderful place this "world wide web"! Within minutes anyone with the desire can become a "published" author!

I'm just thrilled to be able to share with the world that which clutters my mind. I hope you may find it not "dull". My daily mind-set seems to me full of excitement. Although, too, there are times when I wish for a bit less chaos. I suppose it's in the chaos that we can begin to appreciate quiet and steady times. When we long for them; seek them out, perhaps we can find a respite from the storm. Even if that rest is only in words like, "Come unto me....", or "...and the peace that passes understanding keep your hearts and minds....".

During your chaotic times, what keeps your spirit calm in the storm? I would love to begin a meditation of the subject. How do we really know the "peace that passes understanding"? How is this obtained?

"For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory that

far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4:17

I hope this blog will not just be my own little "soapbox" in cyberville. I would love to hear from friends, mentors, family and anyone with an idea who is willing to share. It's such a thrill to me to be connected in this way with the inner thoughts of so many others. Perhaps this "moment" of excitement can also be a moment that brings encouragement to struggling souls or those with something to encourage. Overall, my goal is for my blog to bless others.I hope this can be a blessing to you and, 
if you decide to share, you can be a blessing those who read.