Weekends are for letting it be well with your soul

Isn't it something how we can have plans, but God always has the best of plans for us?

This morning I woke to plans of my own.  Plans that didn't pan out, plans that didn't come to fruition.

As I sat back telling myself to, "Be still.  Be still to see how the moment would emerge" something beautiful happen.  First the Lord calmed my spirit.  He told me, "Let this be well with your soul for what you are experiencing is a good thing.  Go with this daughter."

I decided to listen.  To be obedient to the leading, to let the happenings be well with my soul.  And so it is.

And the reading and meditation of my heart has been upon these things:

Dear friends, keep this close to your heart this weekend and this week as you are going to and fro with the activities of your life, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well with my soul."

And remember this, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good ..." ~ Gen. 50:15

There are many people and numerous situations that God allows to enter into our lives.  People who we think we can trust we find out otherwise, situations that we thought were good turn out to be not so good.  Just keep in mind that God allows it all.  Be still.  Learn from the moment.  Take it all in and then see which way God will have your situation turn out.  Regardless of what it looks like, it's for your good.

Blessings and happy weekend!

xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

Awakening to the gateways of life

Sometimes, many times even I forget.

I forget to count my blessings and name them one-by-one.  I forget that the very thing that taste bitter is the very gateway that could bring me joy.  I think of this as I climb in the bed and look at him.  The one who has taken me as his wife.

"Why is it that with just a bit of seeing things differently, the tilting of the head, an entire life can be changed.  Perspective and the ability to see becomes clearer and things that just hours ago appeared to be detrimental no longer seem as bad anymore?  Why?

Right now, this moment, this season, I resolve to be slow. Slowed, not rushed.  Slow to stroll through the gateways of my life, to smell the fragrant flowers, to enjoy the strolls, and yes, even the messes.

"Is having loads and loads of laundry to wash so bad?"

No.  Today I resolve.  I resolve to work for my family as if I am working for the Lord.  Isn't that really what I am doing—working for Him.  Laundry, cleaning, instructing are all gateways to joy.  They are my holy experience.  My noble work to Him for Him and for them.  And in doing this, I find my way.  I see who I am.  I understand.  I am woman and this is the work that my creator has called me to this day.  I'm a Soul Sculpture.

It is only in carrying out His will that we are able to fully understand who we are and find contentment and true meaning for the life He has given us and called us to.

In contentment and peace comes understanding.

On this day, I resolve to county my blessings one-by-one, to walk through the gateway and find what's been there all along: joy.

"A nail is driven out by another nail.  Habit is overcome by habit." ~ Erasmus

xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

Weekends are for worshiping Him

Seeing His beauty in the ordinary liturgy of your service.  "In other words, you choose your life, that is to say, you choose all the conditions of your life, when you choose the thoughts upon which you allow your mind to dwell." ~ Anthony Bloom

"We are transformed by the renewing of our minds...." that's what the Bible says.

Today may you learn that the mental diet of your mind is really the most important diet for your whole life.

Let your mind dwell on the joy-gifts that only a gracious God can give.

Happy weekend!
xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

I am loved

I  could feel it rising up within, trying to take hold of me, grip me tight. Anxiety.

"I must pray." I whispered, then on with my day I went. Gathering together for this and for that.  Doing the next thing, and the next, and the next, when I came upon what I needed. "Wow.  God always comes through."

I inhale deeply, a sigh of relief.  "Thank you Father." I silently whisper. I proceed to read.

Peace.  Calmness.  They both sooth my soul and I feel rich.

I am richly blessed. I know this because the Bible told me so.

This feeling of being close to the Father and in sync with him is far better than anything this world could ever give me or you.

Oh how blessed I am to be called a child of God: his daughter.  I am the daughter of the one and only true God.  And I know that I am loved.  I am loved by Love.  It feels good when you know you can give in to love, and you are most assured that you are loved like you know you should be.

Have you ever thought about this? God is love.  And that because God is love everything that comes from Him comes out of His love for us.  Just as we who have children, love our children and everything that comes from us to them comes from our perspective of love toward them, though most times it may not look like that from where they are standing.

Can't children be foolish sometimes?  None of us see the picture of love right away do we?  None.  The old or the young.  We all just want what we want when we want it.  Silly kids we are.

If you are a Christian, you are a child of the One True God, the God who is Love, who embodies love. And no matter what you go through God loves you, regardless of what your situation in life feels like right now or even looks like.

Remember God is Love and all He can do is love you.

This post is linked to Beholding Glory for Faith filled Friday's.


xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook