| Author | Message | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2005 |
Just Because I don't yet know where this journey is going does not mean I am off track... Just Because I cannot see that far ahead on me does not mean I am alone. Just Because my pain is raw and the tears flow freely, does not mean I will always hurt and cry. Just Because I have chosen to take a stand does not mean I will always stand alone. Just Because revelation lives thru His Word, does not mean everyone will accept Him. Just Because many have turned away from me does not mean many won't flock to be near me. One day you will look up from this place and give thank to He that loves you best... One day, you will understand you worth when you see the nail scarred hands that bled for you at Calvary... One day you will walk alongside the Matchless King Jesus, and you will understand why it had to be the way it is today. I send this little love note of encouragement to each of you... I actually enjoy not knowing your history...I mean that to each of you. The history I am referring to is that which you were before meeting Jesus Christ. You are each a beautiful gift and I am grateful unto God for another chance at friendship...with each of you. Hugs and Happiness, Shontay | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2374 Registered: 12-2003  |
Shontay, thank you so much for sharing your feelings and love this way with us. We are so glad you are here, and we love you. With prayers for you, Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 61 Registered: 4-2005 |
Beautiful expressions, Shontay. Thank you and may His Majesty continue to keep you Realizing His presence with you uniting you with the Holy Ones ALL. Eph 2, Col 2,3. "nearer than breathing, closer than hands and feet." Jess | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 737 Registered: 7-2000 |
Shontay, I relate well to the part of not seeing that far ahead and the worrys that fact can cause me... I tend to go into depression over my "what if?" thoughts. It is extremely vital I remember who I am IN CHRIST and the reality that HE knows and will take care of what lies ahead. Thanks! grace always, cindy | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 38 Registered: 4-2005 |
Cindy, I SO understand the "what ifs", but His grace is sufficient for all of us. I am coming out of the dark blue 'funk' I found myself in after Jesus revealed Himself to me. (Odd sounding, I know!!) I did not eat or sleep or function hadrly at all...much like a person that just found out their spouse has not been telling them the whole truth. I felt betrayed for so long. But, one night, the Lord simply loved on me. He used this forum and my local FAF to remind me of who I am in Him. I celebrate today, because I now realize that the only motivation God has behind my removal from SDAism, is love. Amazing GRACE!!! Be encouraged, sister. The sadness won't always remain. Trust Him. You can trust Him. Let Him lead. He loves you so... Miracles & Blessings, Shontay | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 612 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks Shontay for taking the time to post that note of encouragement you sent our way today. God bless you, and may His Grace continue to strengthen you. Stan | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2005 |
Cindy, The ancient philosopher Lao Tzu said, "What is, IS. Accept it." I think of that often when it comes to those pesky little foxes that spoil our daily vine experience. One of those "what is" things is the fact that the past is dead and gone. It no longer exists. Second, there is no future. It does not exist either. (Think on that one a bit.) All we have is the NOW moment. Jesus said, "Don't worry. Be happy." If we are one-centered in the NOW moment we will be at peace and enjoy relative happiness. The mind can only think one thought at a time. Most thoughts from our "Past" file hold lots of regrets, sadness, guilt, resentments, pains; and the "Future" file drawer often holds a lot of spooky "what if" things. So long as we spend time in either of these mental file drawers and think on either of those negatives, we will be miserable and send ourselves into a depressive "funk" for sure. (Where did that word 'funk' come from anyway?) I think Jesus' "Abide in Me" fits perfectly into NOW moment living. It isn't easy, for it seems our very culture and environmental up-bringing, focuses so on past and future. If we can train our minds to focus on the NOW moment, lose ourselves in what we are doing at this very second, and really concentrate upon it, we will find that all those "what if?" thoughts vanish instantly. Even focusing on peeling that potato or washing your elbow in the shower, will pull your mind to the NOW. Then to train it to focus upon Jesus and follow David's example to "set the Lord continually before me..." we will find that "because He is at our right hand, we will not be shaken." (Ps 16:8) Eternal Love, help me to more consistently learn to keep my focus ever upon You (Heb 12:2)and become lost in the NOW moment in my transcendent union with the HOLY. Jess | ||
| Brian2 Registered user Username: Brian2 Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2005 |
wow! | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 739 Registered: 7-2000 |
Jess, wow! also :-).... just what I needed today! I've been sitting, reading some, and watching the breeze blowing the birch trees outside--a back-drop of a beautiful blue sky, my 8 month old Golden Retriever sleeping at my feet. So thankful to God for what I have right NOW! I am going to copy your above thoughts and remind myself of them each day! grace always, cindy | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2005 |
Awesome post Taybie, thank you. You have a gift for sure. Jess, quite pertinent for me. And timely.  . "Focusing of Jesus and abiding in Him" has been a challenge for me. The way I have done that in the past is to read the Desire of Ages! Wow! I cant wait for my bible study to start up this year. Was not gonna go back till I heard we would be studying John. Imagine 8 months of that! I cant wait. So for now, the focus on Jesus comes for me thru nature, and in some part from reading His words. But God has always spoken strongly to me thru His creation. Maybe that is why the sabbath has had such a hold on me. I have allowed my self time on that day to commune with Him without guilt over wasting time! Im working on understanding the continual daily "sabbath", and sabbath fulfilled in Jesus. | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 37 Registered: 6-2005 |
Cindy, we were posting at the same time. I see you are also moved by nature! | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 740 Registered: 7-2000 |
Javagirl, yes...& my animals (which of course, are part of the natural order of things! :-) ) | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 63 Registered: 4-2005 |
Cindy and Javagirl, We're on our second Golden, Cindy. Koda (Sioux word meaning "friend.") is a BIG girl! She now entertains us with the Chimp soft toy we bought her by biting it in the right spot to set off the Chimp scream/laugh/whatever sound. Funny. Almost everytime she looks up, wags her tail - - do Golden's ever stop waging their tail? - - and I swear she smiles each time. They're such a great breed! They only know love, affection and "let's play ball!" Javagirl, To each his/her own applies. But one thing Bonnie and I have enjoyed for years now as a part of our pre-dawn day is our "Java and Jehovah" time, as we call it Our favorite time of the day. We read Eugene Peterson's paraphrase "The Message." We only have the NT paperback. We keep my NIV and Updated NASB version handy for our serious study, but we thoroughly are being blessed by reading the "story of Jesus" (we just started John this week) in this every-day-modern-language we all use. It's just delightful. We're not looking for exact exegesis or serious study of the WORD, but the "sweetest story ever told" of Jesus. We've enjoyed Paul's letters also; but Peterson puts the synoptic gospels in such a fun, delightful, light-hearted way. It is, indeed, just like reading a "Once upon a time" story! If you've not read it, I heartily recommend it for delightful devotional reading. My sweetheart and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary August 2nd and as has been our custom, habit, tradition, way of life for many years, we get up before sunrise, toast the Holy Ones with our first cup of "java" and read, pray conversational prayer, read devotionals, serious commentaries, etc. We're studying Reformation theology now. We discuss it, get out the dictionary, compare Scripture and have such a feast each morning we always have to force ourselves to stop. We're always disappointed when we oversleep and only have an hour. We're enjoying RC Sproul's "The Holiness of God" now, as well as several others of his books. Take a look at "The Message" New Testament at least and see if it appeals to you for light, devotional reading of the WORD. And Cindy, tell your Golden Koda says "WOFF, WOFF!" Soli Deo Gloria, Jess | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 744 Registered: 7-2000 |
Hi Jess, I love that term, "Java & Jehovah time! But my Golden thinks I've done enough of that for right now! Bentley is barking for a walk! How much does Koda weigh? Bentley is 74 pounds and a little over 8 months old. I hope he will slow down in growing now... We go to Obediance classes each Saturday afternoon; as my husband says, "Bentley has accepted the gospel of grace, but needs to learn to walk daily in the Spirit!" :-) Greetings to your wife! grace always, cindy | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 613 Registered: 3-2005 |
Congratulations Jess on your 46th wedding anniversary. Thanks for your inspiring posts above. And of course I agree with you that R.C. Sproul is one of my favorite authors. Cindy, I just took my 60 pound black standard poodle officially named Riverfonz, but we call him "Fonzie" to his "Sabbath day's" activity of getting himself groomed and cut. Dogs like Bentley and Fonzie so characteristically remind us everyday of the Creator's grace to us. Stan | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 909 Registered: 10-2004  |
My cocker spaniel Polly (pictured to the left) got groomed yesterday, and now Tiny (the kitten) doesn't recognize her and thinks she's a new dog!! He was getting used to her, and now he's scared and hissing/growling at her! The groomer is closed on Saturdays here, so Polly hasn't been able to "break the Sabbath." Jeremy | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 39 Registered: 6-2005 |
Jess, thanks for the suggestions. I have given the Message as a gift, but will have to get myself a copy! Also never heard of Sproul, so Ill have to check that out. My dogs always share my ventures into nature. They practically howl when I get near the top of the mtn and sing "praise the King" Cant remember who sings that, but it is an awesome song. (Cant blame the dogs, I cant sing well). Its one of the things I look forward to in heaven! | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 514 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jess, Your insight is remarkable. I would love to hear a daily thought from you. God blesses us greatly through the inspiration He give to you and you in turn share with us! Hello to dear Bonnie LUV Just the other day my friend, Lindylou, and I were discussing the freedom we have found in Jesus Christ TODAY. We have come to the conclusion that we, as former Adventists, can continue to allow the SDA church to come between us and the unfailing and fulfilling love of God if we are not diligent to keep Him in our NOW. His desire for us, as citizen's of His kingdom, is to let go of everything controlling our thoughts, actions, emotions and time that keep our hearts tuned into the beauty of our moments in Him now and today. Yes, our yesterdays were deceiving, our journey out traumatic (and I do not mean to minimize the impact), but as the Holy Spirit leads us into real truths we can replace the lies of our past with peace, acceptance, unconditional love. If we continue to live in the past, we are only hurting our potential in living today in Christ. Eternal life is for TODAY! GIVE ME JESUS!! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2377 Registered: 12-2003 |
I remember the surprise I had several years ago when Richard and I were beginning our serious study that led us out of Adventism. As we studied the New Testament and began to embrace the real Jesus, the real gospel, and the real impact of being born again, I remember realizing that the Holy Spirit had given me TODAY for the first time in my life. Previously, I had the past with its regrets and the unknown future for which I was always (frantically) preparing, trying to organize everything so I wouldn't be disappointed or surprised or out-of-control. I remember so distinctly that that I could never really enjoy the moment; I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. Embracing the reality of the indwelling Holy Spirit and experiencing the new reallity He was giving me brought peace and actual calm/contentment in the moment. That was a really new experience. I remember thinking that I finally had TODAY for the first time. As time has gone on I've realized that remembering to rejoice and give thanks in all things is one of the most crucial keys for me to stay calm and focussed in the now. When I'm actively choosing to trust Him I seem to be able to stay engaged with the present without ignoring the issues in the background of my life. Somehow rejoicing/giving thanks helps me to surrender the things I have no control over. I really am thankful to know and experience Jesus' love and loving Him. He is greater than all unknowns, and He redeems everything we submit to Him. Colleen | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 745 Registered: 7-2000 |
Thank-you Colleen, for your words above. The concept of being thankful for TODAY is one I have had a hard time living in. Living in the moment under the Holy Spirits' indwelling is something I desire very much. I have a question...Can we access forum members profiles to get their e-mail addresses? I am fairly computer-challenged! I went to "edit profile" yesterday & saw that my e-mail is an old one I had a number of years ago and don't even use! (Hope there's not e-mails in it I've never read...my computer had trouble a few years ago & I just started a new e-mail with AOL.) I am unable to figure out how to update it. grace always, cindy | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2005 |
When Heaven's kiss did awaken me and my brow ruffled in sleepy hello I realized that ths day was not my own to hold, but that I was to give away what only I have love and time a listening ear or a shoulder for support, I NOW take time to listen to laughter, and enjoy the sun's rays upon my face. I NOW hold onto hugs a little longer I simply enjoy a warm embrace. His voice is so clear when I walk thru TODAY with a simplicity that beckons my smile. My God is with me NOW and I know that every moment of this day is NOW worthwhile. Hi everyone and good morning! I am so greatful unto the Father for yet another beautiful TODAY!! I have really gotten that message down in my heart. I am SO happy that God sent this forum into my life. I am glad that I can express myself as He expresses Himself thru me!! I am greatful for today's sunshine and for the cute shoes on my feet. I am happy in laughing with a co worker and smiling at each visitor to my workplace. I have found a church home!!!!!!!!!!!!! God be praise in my soul TODAY!!!!!!!!!! I am SO grateful that He is patient and forgiving and kind and I only seek to die more in each NOW moment. We really can view life thru His eyes...if we just believe. I love being a Christian and I love His people. All shapes, sizes, colors and personalities...I simply LOVE people!! Thank you God for giving me words to share! And thank you Richard and Colleen, for your obedience to He that overshadows you and keeps you safe. Right NOW the sound of my typing actually comforts me...I have not been able to write for SO long!!! I was bound by my anger. I was silenced by MY fears. But God... HALLELUJAH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray each of you smile when you recall the joy of when you FIRST fell in love with the man Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God!! LET TODAY BE EXCELLENT FOR YOU!!!!!! Miracles & Blessings, Shontay (Message edited by Taybie on August 08, 2005) | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 749 Registered: 7-2000 |
Hi Shontay... Thanks for the inspiring Monday morning post; so good to remember to live in the NOW! TODAY is the day the LORD has given us! grace, cindy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2382 Registered: 12-2003 |
Shontay--thanks for sharing your praise this morning. And praise God you have found a church! That is truly awesome! Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 64 Registered: 4-2005 |
Cindy, We enjoy our "Java and Jehovah" title too. It's a fun thing we share with His Majesty! Koda is 98 pounds! She's a "Beeg" blonde! lol Does Bently like big women? LOL A good verse to share with your husband AND Bently is Gal. 5:25 - - emphasis with Bently on "keeping in step with the Spirit." LOL Goldens are very intelligent. I'm sure your obedience classes will go well. Just be sure to keep any "legalism" out! LOL Jess | ||
| Cindy Registered user Username: Cindy Post Number: 751 Registered: 7-2000 |
Jess, Koda is big for a female Golden! My Bentley has 2 girlfriends he plays with often, Hannah and Chloe, but they are only about 70 pounds. I'm sure he'd love to run with Koda also! cindy | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2005 |
Jess, thank you for the suggestion of "The Message". Ive been reading Ephesians, and the joy and exuberance from Paul is contagions. How many ways can you describe freedom! Its like reading a novel that I cant put down. Mostly it helps me with the big picture, when Im not bogged down with trying to understand the lingo. | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 244 Registered: 1-2003  |
Jess, Do you mind if I "steal" your "Java and Jehovah" title for my time with God. I love it. Richard rtruitt@mac.com |
