Lives Under Construction

New Subscription Link

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 21:37:00 +0000

I am thankful for the many of you who have subscribed to this blog for so long! I have finally set up a similar subscription option for the website I use most. If you would like to receive updates from that website (You Are A Fingerprint of God), follow the link below:

Subscribe to Revealing His Glory by Email

A Mini-Book by me!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:43:00 +0000

Many of you have been reading the material I write for years, I finally decided to play with CreateSpace, a self-publishing program. The result is now on-line: Soul Training in the Barn.

I'm doubtful any of it would be new to most of you...it's just a little book to help folks dig into a life of faith. Using a love of animals, the study focuses on partnering with the Spirit to 'train our souls.'

A three part study on 'willingness, respect and obedience' with a few pages of helps on spiritual disciplines. I thought you all would be excited more than anything. If you'd like to have a Word file, I'd gladly send it to you. CreateSpace did a nice job, though, and it's a compact, pretty little book with some useful pages. Thanks for supporting me all these years!

Billie Jo

Book Review: Beyond Belief

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 20:27:00 +0000

Hi, friends. I was asked by a friend to do a Book Review. I've done a few before; they are easy. Read and give a summary of the content to help folks determine if the book is a good fit for them. This book was different. It was so good, I couldn't just 'read it.' Abby Kelly, the author, helps readers journey into the amazing depths (heights) of growing in the fullness of Jesus Christ. I so thoroughly enjoyed it, I wanted to share the review with all of you. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book. I used it more as a devotional than a Bible Study--and plan to do it again!

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Whether your salvation took place today or decades ago, this book is a Holy-Spirit crafted tool that will deepen your maturity. Abby Kelly clearly partnered with the Spirit in writing this book. Expanding the definition of maturity to incredible depths, the study clears a path for believers to walk upon.

Exploring maturity as a key to unity, Abby builds a beautiful case for pressing into the design of God. Moving on to the topic of humility and then moving on to masterfully balance grace and law, the guide helps believers march forward to freedom. This study guide provides disciples with an awesome journey; I will be taking the journey again.

Kelly carefully closes the study by leading the reader to explore the depths of a love-powered, spirit-filled walk that produces for eternity. Beyond Belief is the study every Christian needs to live the life Jesus intends for us to live!

The Amazon Link for the book

Chaos of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:02:00 +0000

The world is a chaotic place these days. I love the reminder that a small light is very easy to see in a dark room. We are 'little lights,' but God will use us to draw others to Himself as long as we walk faithfully toward Him. Here are a few pieces I've written over the last month on living our faith in the chaos of our culture.

Exposing the Enemy in the Confederate Flag Controversy

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Billie Jo

The battle that began with murderous rampage a week ago continues to rage in South Carolina. The Enemy, infuriated with the outpouring of forgiveness and love, switched tactics. Diverting attention from good, he is seeking to create disunity with slander and half-truths. Satan desires the controversy around the Confederate Flag to accomplish what the killings did not. God forbid that the church fall prey to his devices..Click the title above to read the whole piece.

Are you trying to fix the world?

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Billie Jo

This world sure needs fixing. At least that is the message I see on Facebook and news reports. Everybody seems to know how to do it–or how someone else ought to do it. Usually ‘fixing the world’ means getting others to change. God’s plan is that we change–and let Him work through us.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a ‘fixer.’ Not a fixer of things—oh, my no! My spatial reasoning ability leaves no doubt: My fixes create disaster. ... Click the title above to read the whole piece.

The Independent Spirit of America

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Billie Jo

A study of American history readily reveals an Independent Spirit. A nation born with a maverick spirit nurtures the same. I can trace mine back to childhood. I was eight or so before I gave voice to my desire. Overhearing my parents discussing their wills and my guardianship, I emphatically stated, “I don’t want a Guardian. Just put in your will that I can get a job and I’ll take care of myself.” Raised in a small business family, the unstated but evident work ethic made sense to me. I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone...Click the title above to read the whole piece.

And of course, there is my website. The development of Heartsong Pets continues and some of the writing relates to that. The message is always the same on that site: You are a Fingerprint of God. Let Him express Himself fully through your life!

OBEDIENCE = TRUST

JULY 7, 2015 | BILLIE JO | EDIT

“Obedience is really just getting your dog to trust your judgment more than its own.” Wally Wimmer, Last Straw Dog Training

Heartsong Pets continues toward developing therapy dogs to bless our community! Our heart desire is to help our pets honor the intent of St. Francis of Asissi when he said, “Preach the Gospel at all times–and if necessary, use words.” Below you will find an overview of the steps we are following to help our dogs. But I can’t help but see how it relates to walking out a life of faith.

Heartsong Pets--and Learning from the Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 20:30:00 +0000

Stopping by to say hi to my friends who are not on the other medias I play with! Click over to the Heartsong page for links to pieces I have been writing about learning from the animals. Blessings!

HEARTSONG PETS

Growing into the design God intends for us takes a lifetime. Along the way, God uses many tools to shape us. Animals are a primary tool He has used in the lives of our entire family. Believing in the power of pets to touch lives, we are working to develop an Animal Therapy Ministry that visits residential and educational facilities. We also will be breeding Holland Lop bunnies and English Bulldogs for pet homes.

Some readings you may enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 09 May 2015 20:26:00 +0000

Hi, my friends. Here are a few of the pieces I've enjoyed sharing in the past few weeks. Hope you enjoy one or more of them. The first two are for younger ones...but I love to learn simply, so big folks may enjoy them too :).

“Abba” is like saying, “Daddy.” Praying is just talking with Daddy-God. I like to use the word PRAY to remind me what I want to say.

Are you ever afraid of the dark? (Learning from the Fireflies :))

Knowing who you are....

Our identity as children of God is integral to living a victorious life. Identity is a front-line attack from the enemy. It is what he used on Jesus (“if thou be the Son of God”), and it is a technique he uses on us. If we doubt our security—and authority—in Christ, the enemy can cripple us. Scripture has firmly settled the issue. Paul states it clearly in Romans 8:15:

...and this is one of my favorites that reminds us to trust that God is transforming all!

God continually creates fine linen from filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that our very best good works serve to clothe us in filthy rags. Yet, inRevelation 19:8, we see the Church (that is all of us who believe in Jesus Christ) wearing fine white linen for our wedding day! That is an incredible makeover. The recipe for earthly-world linen requires that great bleaching agent, baking soda. The spiritual world cleansing is nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.

Praying, Knowing Your Worth and Loving the Law

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 18:25:00 +0000

Hi, friends. I hope you are having a wonderful week! Here are a couple pieces I thought you might enjoy. But first, the links to the children's devotions. Ask your Daddy (a piece on prayer) and God Can Use You (knowing your worth. The intros for the grown-up devos are below.

Rejection hurts. We want to be a chosen one.

Do you remember gym classes with team captains who chose members? If you were not athletic, it was a time of humiliation and rejection. Then, adulthood delivers more opportunities for rejection: looking for a job, losing a job, finding a mate, enduring a divorce, raising teen-agers. Rejection stains every life, producing ugly fruit: shame, more rejection, fear and a burning desire to control others—so you can avoid more rejection. MORE...

Have you read Leviticus lately? Most would have to say, “No.” Many would say, “I don’t need to; I don’t live under law. I live under grace.” I say, “You don’t know what you are missing! There is great joy to be found in those pages. The light shines from the Law.”

Leviticus 5:1-5 offers an eye-opening look at the desperate need for grace. When is the last time you heard that hearing or seeing another sin brings that sin onto you? Or when did you last consider that touching sin defiles? Later in the chapter, we read that “not knowing it is sin” does not cancel our responsibility for sin. The reality of life is this: we cannot spend one hour in public without hearing, seeing or touching something sin-soaked. MORE...

Some reading possibilities!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:26:00 +0000

I feel like I neglect you, my friends, who signed up on this blog! I am busy writing and wanted to share some excerpts with you. I will try to do this on a regular basis with past articles--and the four I write each week. If the opening piques your interest, jump on over to the website.

A “Walk of faith” is a powerful metaphor to consider. A walk implies progress, movement and purpose. In the natural world, a walk offers multi-faceted blessings: the beauty of nature, the health of physical activity, the quieting of the typical frantic pace. Though I know those things are truth, the primary reason I walk is our 70-pound Boxer. One of his favorite things in the world is walking. Well, what he considers walking anyway. A walk for him is a joyous exploration of sights, sounds and possibilities. “What’s that smell? Who has been here? What’s that over there? Oh, look, people who want to pet me!”

For the rest of the article:

Faith Workout

Our GPS is an excellent guide; she and I just don’t get along. It’s not her fault. We’re often out of sync with one another–or more accurately, I am out of sync with her. She gives an order, and I obey—too soon and end up on a wrong road. Or the street she insists on doesn’t fit my recall, so I ignore her—and end up on a wrong road. She patiently and persistently redirects me. Best of all: my struggles with the GPS help me see my problems with a bigger and better guide: God Himself.

The rest of this piece can be found here: God as Guide: the Ultimate GPS

And I just began writing for children as well. Here is the first of that series.

God Loves Little Lambs

Does Jesus Still Heal?

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:19:00 +0000

Most all believers readily acknowledge that Jesus did heal and can heal. The doubt always enters in with “if it be thy will.” His ways are so far higher than ours; we cannot know the intricacies of His purposes. Or can we?

The passion of Father God was, is and always will be personal relationship with each of us. God loves to share mysteries with those who seek His face. He uses the natural to reveal the spiritual. I do not believe that means we can eliminate illness or struggling. Christ Himself endured suffering to perfect his human body. Healing is always for the glory of God; sometimes greater glory may come from not healing. I believe there will be times we are not be able to sort through the purposes of God; in those times, we must like, Job, choose faith. But those times should not stop us from asking or seeking!

I also believe God uses our bodies to get our attention. I do believe our bodies become unhealthy from unholy choices…and that God loves when we seek Him to eliminate each and everything that hinders us from enjoying His gifts to the full. This year, through my church, I have had the privilege of participating in a series of Healing Training workshops aimed at preparing us to minister more effectively in our community. The instructor ministers extensively to individuals with various illnesses and life traumas. The testimonies of changed lives are inspiring.

The ministry process begins with the parable of the unmerciful servant and rests upon reconciliation—first with God, then with self and finally with others. Many of those who come to him have failed to find a medical solution. The ministry sessions help them hear God and find strength to walk out truth that brings healing. It is beautiful to watch individuals come face-to-face with the One who perfectly administers grace and justice in love!

This past week offered me a fascinating glimpse of the tangible truths in the process. For several months I have battled significant low-back issues. Although I had minimal pain, continual discomfort and extreme stiffness characterized every day. Wrapping up a session, I asked for insights on possible spiritual roots of the issue. Through his years of ministry and research, Sean has identified patterns with many illnesses. With my stubborn refusal to visit a doctor’s office and obtain a clear diagnosis, I only had the ‘guess’ of a PT friend: degenerating discs. Given that, he quickly responded: ‘Typically that would relate to envy and jealousy. Ask the Spirit to show you if any is hidden from your view.” We packed up and went separate ways.

As I drove to the office, I pondered his words. My relationship with God felt great; I had nothing in my conscious mind that felt envious. Knowing sin hides well, I asked the Holy Spirit for clarity and quickly knew.

Envy/jealousy of those who hear God in ways I do not…with clarity that I do not did periodically plague me!

Prior to this, I just dismissed such thoughts as immature and went on with my life…never thinking it could be a door to blessing if I would just walk through it! As quick as I confessed the envy, I also confessed the fault as mine and sought forgiveness. God is so gracious; He understood that receiving is hard for me…that I am comfortable working for my rewards. He waited until I was ready to receive the ‘much more’ He is always willing to give.

Hearing that quiet ‘walk this way’ in the midst of a storm is pure faith and grace; no traces of doing enter into that receiving. That level of hearing is a necessity in the Healing Ministry. I know how to study and prepare what to say. I even know how to pray and wait for an answer over time. Trusting God will reveal what I need to share in the midst of a ministry session (or perhaps more powerfully even in the moment-to-moment of living) is a new level of faith for me. It was clear to me that God was saying, “Ask and it will be given to you. There is no need to envy.” SO…I confessed and asked for His mercy and went on with my day.

The next morning, my devotion time was sweet like usual. I spent some time looking at what Scripture had to say about bones. One of those 84 verses came from David’s great prayer of confession in Psalm 51. David begged God to cleanse his soul, rebuild His spirit, and ‘help him hear with joy and gladness that the bones you (God) have broken will be restored.’ I created a Scripture Prescription for myself and went about the day.

Rejoicing in the spiritual clarity, I hesitated to believe that physically I was moving better. But it became undeniable. I was…I am. It has been four full days; I can lift my left foot to tie my shoe; I (almost) stand straight when I get up J. It has been the neatest thing. I believe God wants our bodies to point us to Him as much as He wants our souls (mind, will and emotion). I have enjoyed his healing of my soul for many years now; I’m excited to be learning about the physical healing as well. I hope you enjoyed a different look at healing. I’d love to hear what you think! Blessings, Billie Jo

Hope for Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 15:12:00 +0000

While I am still plodding away at combining my various blog sites, I wanted to share this linked post with you. My heart breaks to see the pain and suffering in this world. I want to bring healing, don't you? Here's a look at our path to healing:

http://freestock.ca/conceptual_g65-mending_a_broken_heart_p2490.html

How is your eyesight?

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 14:19:00 +0000

The natural world offers amazing glimpses of the Creator. When God spoke the world into being, a part of His very self was represented in everything. Eyes exercised to see Him bring amazing blessings, even life itself! God is always present, omnipresent; we need to learn to see Him. When I received my first pair of eyeglasses, I was amazed at the vibrancy and detail of the world around me. Tools that correct weaknesses are valuable. But some vision problems simply require a bit of ‘eye exercise. Focus, dimensional depth and attentiveness issues diminish with a bit of intentional eye exercise. Our spiritual eyesight is improved in the same ways: corrective aids and disciplined exercise.

For the rest of the story, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/eye-exercises/

And today's piece: Is Christianity Any Good for the World?

Perception and reality often are poles apart. The impact of Christianity on the world is a prime example. The tendency to perceive Christianity as negative and limiting is rampant. Increasingly, the world reacts to Christianity as a negative, often trying to silence it. Yet there is transformational power in Christianity! In fact, volumes have been written on the realities of life transformed by Christian thought. As we celebrate how our faith has changed the world, we gain confidence in its power to continue to change the world!

That's on the same website: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/is-christianity-any-good-for-the-world/

Another Piece on Peace!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:32:00 +0000

Peace in this time of unrest seems to be my heart cry as I write...and this piece continues the theme.

‘Peace on earthy, good will to men,’ chimes the world at Christmas time. The words of the old carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was birthed in a time of civil unrest and personal heartache. The present day turmoil threatens to trap us in the verse that proclaims in despair: ‘…and in despair I bowed my head: There is no peace on earth, I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song…” That need not be: Longfellow found the Truth in Christmas and proudly proclaimed it. We must too!

THE REST OF THE STORY...

Whose Problem Is It?

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 21:23:00 +0000

"Whose problem is it?" That one line from a parenting education course remains a powerful tool in my life--even though our children are now grown. The necessity of discerning problem ownership permeates all of life. God demands accountability from each of us, for all of us.

We saw it first in the Garden of Eden. Can you imagine the horrific heartache of that day? God, who loved walking in His perfect creation with the ones He made to relate to Him, accepted the heart-breaking responsibility of delivering cursed consequences. Instead of enjoying the fellowship He longed for, He confronted rebellion and delivered consequences. Delay would have meant eternal destructive havoc. Yes, He knew that the Promise dwelt in the midst of the Curse, but He also knew the millennia of pain already unfurling.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/whose-problem-is-it/

Jars of Clay

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:25:00 +0000

In a way, this record represents, for me, a self-imposed eviction notice from a religious community that is unfit to live in. I am packing up my things. I will gather my questions, my opinions, my mistakes and confessions and start walking in search of….

Daniel Haseltine, lead vocalist Jars of Clay

Those are sad, hard words from an artist who was nurtured and popularized by the religious community he cannot find a place within. Yet in the midst of those words, there is a glorious right-ness about his movement. In his blog piece explanation about his ‘self-imposed’ eviction, Haseltine explains his weariness of pretending to be more than he is. Never does God desire for us to be pretenders.

For the rest of this piece: http://www.thebottomline.co/featured/jars-of-clay/

Prayers that change the atmosphere!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 19:20:00 +0000

Hey, friends! We have so much to give thanks for...and so much to pray for...let's use the power and privilege we have as His children and change this world!

Can prayer change a whole community?

Posted on November 22, 2014 by BillieJo

The world around us often echoes with sirens and cries. “Let’s pray about it,” sometimes feels like an escapist retort. “Let’s do something about it,” seems futile. The news coverage out of Ferguson, MO gave us a glimpse of the sad realities of crime and distrust. Fear, rage and rampant crime escalated so rapidly the Governor activated the National Guard. Private gun sales increased by 300%. Fear feeds on itself, and the situation seemed poised for more tragedy. There is another side of the story though! An awesome reportfrom the Heartland Apostolic Prayer News offers us a different look—and inspiration for all our cities.

For the rest of the story, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/can-prayer-change-a-whole-community/

Treasures and Trades

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 21:21:00 +0000

One of the writings for the week that you can read in full on The Bottom Line if you like. Here's the intro:

In the 1970s there was a popular game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.” After multiple small trades, the show concluded with an opportunity for two participants to trade their winnings for a mystery deal behind Door 1, Door 2 or Door 3. It was a fun game with trust on the part of traders and integrity on the part of the organizers. Traders often gave up personal items such as shoes or purses only to receive them back at the end—often with hidden treasures inside. When traders won ‘zonk’ prizes such as a live lama or a person dressed in an animal costume, an option to take cash instead came with them. Everyone left a winner.

We have that same potential in life: assured winnings! Every day offers us ‘trades,’ and none are small...

...for the rest of the story.

Hidden Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 12:24:00 +0000

Reality TV is such an odd title for shows made for television. Immensely popular, they are not known to provide much ‘reality.’ Would you believe there is a glimpse of divine design to be seen in shows such as Junk Gypsies, Pawn Stars, Rehab Addict and even Super Nanny? Their popularity sprouts from a place deep within us that calls us to uncover treasure. In a world which chases recognition as a sign of success, a deep longing for intrinsic value to be recognized exists. Reality TV shows that focus on restoration, whether transforming trash, rehabbing a shabby home or healing broken families, speak a truth we know in the depths of our souls: true treasures are worthy of time and effort. That deep longing within us finds its roots in the creation of mankind.

Travel back with me to the Genesis record of creation. Each day of creation finds God assessing His work with “…and it was good.” On that last day of creation, when He brought forth man, God said about the day’s work, “…it was very good.” All of creation expressed the nature of God:

To read the rest of the article, visit: Reality TV Truth

Guided by His Eye!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:53:00 +0000

Hello, my friends! This week I had the fun of writing about Riesa and Scooby for the Bottom Line... here's the link and a little piece to let you know if you are interested in the rest :). By the way, I am in the process of creating new site that I will be sharing with you all soon! Have a blessed day.

The Bottom Line

What’s He Looking At?

Posted on October 23, 2014 by BillieJo

It was the second week of horse training. Quietly the trainer explained, “Today we will teach him that where you look, he must move.” I had never heard of such a thing and watched with interested amusement. Within five minutes, amusement turned to awe. By then the diminutive trainer had helped the horse understand what she wanted. As she leaned to the right and stared at the horses’ hindquarters, the 1200 pound beast began to pivot in a circle, moving only his hind end. “You see. As soon as he understood what I was asking, he did it,” she casually explained.

My mind immediately thought of two scriptures—and my frequent failure ....

To read the rest, visit: The Bottom Line

Safety!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 11:57:00 +0000

The threat of ISIS, the growing dis-taste for Christians...it weighs on my heart that we need to 'toughen up' here in America. God is not angry with us, but we are placing ourselves in danger if we do not seek to live His ways moment-by-moment. He is calling us to come closer. Here's some thoughts on that...what are your thoughts?

In American, Christianity remains a safe choice for most everyone. It is not so in other areas of our world where refusing to reject Christianity costs your life. In our safety, we assume we would stand in the face of persecution. That is a deception the enemy would like us to hold onto. Just as an athlete cannot be lax in preparation for an Olympic event, we cannot assume our faith will stand in the face of a major test unless we prepare.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Read the rest of the article at:

http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/living-in-safety/

Prayers that Produce!

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Here's a piece of the whole article, which you can read here if you prefer :)

http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/prayers-that-produce/

This week Franklin Graham (www.SamaritansPurse.org) and other national and international organizations issued special calls to prayer on Pastor Saeed’s behalf. In support of those requests and the multitude of needs in our world, an honest look at prayer weighs on my heart. Prayer is something we know we should do but like the father in scripture, sometimes we want to cry, “I believe, help me in my unbelief.” We know thousands prayed passionately for the ISIS captives recently murdered. We know millions have prayed, ‘thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,’ yet we see evidence of God’s will not being done every day. Countering those dreary, seeming truths, we know Jesus promised, ‘Ask anything in my name and it will be done.’ In fact, His name is “Yes and Amen.” Our key, then, is to ask in His name and know that greater things are happening that what we see.

I can't...

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:17:00 +0000

Ugh, it's been a week of realizing my limitations, and I confess again: I don't like it. I want to be accomplished and make folks happy, but it's not the job assignment I have...so, this is what God said to me as I choked back the tears of not being able to fix the things I want to...His greatness quiets my heart and brings me back to rejoicing :).

I Can’t

Sep 20, 2014 by BillieJo

We moms don’t like that statement. We tell our children not to say it. We remind them of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But we know in our hearts how hard that is to walk out, because there’s a truth motherhood teaches well: we can’t do all we long to do. God began teaching me that my best is but filthy rags during that first pregnancy. I did everything ‘right’ when I was pregnant—and ended up in the hospital with complications two months before the delivery date. Now decades later, as my children are about to ‘fly from the nest,’ I have nearly a daily encounter with the same truth. As much as I long to, I cannot fix every hurt. I cannot smooth every trial. Now, as then, my best is below His best. The things I want seem good and right. The things He wills are good and right.

Jesus lovingly told us “…you can do nothing without me.” In fact, He even said He could nothing without the Father. Why do we struggle so hard to accept the truth of needing Him? We struggle because we have a will. We struggle because trusting His choices is contrary to our nature. He knows that and patiently instructs us every day! Our best lies in the heart of our God. We must seek the very heart of the Father in the face of disappointment and even heartache to arrive at the truth we tell our children. Indeed, we CAN do all things through Christ but not when our trust lies in ourselves. Praise Him, the Father allows life to mercifully strip us down to the shield of faith. Faith in the plans and power of God provide us with the glorious righteousness of God!

As I mulled these concepts, my mind shot back to childhood swimming lessons. Learning to float frustrated me. I recall the instructor standing beside me asking, “How are you doing?” As I floated, I said, “I can’t do it.” Though she told me I was doing it, it felt like doing nothing—and I did NOT like that feeling. Forty-five years later, I struggle to float in the arms of Jesus. I want to do. I want to feel like I am accomplishing something good. Slowly I am learning that He works when I rest in Him. He is always working, but I need to get out of His way. That is what I will do. Move aside, so the Creator can bring His purposes to the world around me…so His will will be done and His Kingdom will come! Hallelujah!

Back Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:13:00 +0000

My back has been chatting with me, and it is grumpy. Here's a little devo on what God showed me from that conversation :). Hope you enjoy...

Back Talk

Sep 18, 2014 by BillieJo

Statistics indicate that 80% of people have trouble with their back at some point in life. Our spine affects every aspect of life, but a healthy back is often taken for granted. Being in the second half of my first century (read that 50+ in age), my back talks to me more frequently and with greater insistence these days. Recently, unable to tie my shoes easily and tired of limping and my gimping my way about, I humbled myself to consult with a physical therapist.

For the rest of the article, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/back-talk/

Why is life so hard?

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:41:00 +0000

I thought you all might enjoy this site as well. And if you have a question, you'd like scriptural answers for, zap them my way, please.

It is another site I have the joy of writing for...therefore, I can't put the whole post on here, but I can drop the teaser :).

Why is it so hard to live the Christian life? I try to do the right thing, but I feel like everything is against me.

It is a timeless question…and one that has to be confronted directly. The promise of peace and deliverance is mistaken as a promise to keep us from trouble—in reality, it is a promise to deliver us in difficulties.
There are many aspects to an answer for this, but the first that God lays upon my heart is this:
1 Peter 3:15New International Version (NIV)
¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Our troubles are our opportunity to share in the work of Christ: faith in the goodness of God. It is not faith to live peacefully in comfort.

Read the rest at: http://bibleabout.org/?p=353

Learning from Chick-fil-A Founder, Truett Cathy

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:36:00 +0000

God’s Word Works!

Sep 11, 2014 by BillieJo

The Word of God works. Truett Cathy proved it—not that it needs proving, but celebrating wisdom’s victories is enjoyable and profitable! Cathy, the Chick-fil-A founder who died this week, left a legacy to learn from. His franchise began with and operates from a biblical foundation. And, as they say, the proof is in the pudding (or the chicken, rather!). The very Mission Statement of the enterprise includes “to glorify God.” Each life mission draws closer to its purpose when we build on the same foundation:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

From family life to franchising, wisdom from the Word of God produces solid results. The living nature of the Word allows each person to apply that wisdom in unique ways to unique situations. It is not time-bound or situational. So, what are some foundational principles Truett Cathy employed that might work for you and me?

For the rest of the article, please visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/gods-word-works/

What Next?

noreply@blogger.com (Heartsong Ministries) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:26:00 +0000

What next?

Sep 5, 2014 by BillieJo

At some point, we all ask the question, what do I do now? Everything we know to do, everything we believe to be right disintegrates before our eyes. At the end of all we can do, all that is left is to surrender our self-sufficiency and beg for direction. Can you believe that those times hold the greatest power, potential and hope? At the end of ourselves, we reach the doorway of faith. Indeed, faith IS the victory that overcomes the world. With all my heart, I believe God allows trials so the miracle of faith can bloom in our lives.

As young parents, we asked those with adult children serving God to give us advice, to help us know what to do to ensure the same outcome. They gave us the humble, ‘right’ answer: “It’s all God. Just do your best and trust Him.” We understood in our heads the ‘rightness’ of their response—but peaceful, confidence in the outcome we so desperately desire demands faith along with our best efforts. While they planted seeds of faith with their words, faith’s development required time and experience that cannot be rushed. We find it is extremely easy (and common) to be caught up in doing one’s best and totally forget to trust. Yet, our best is but filthy rags in the eternal economy and that is divine design. Faith does not grow in a soil fertilized with self-sufficiency.

So, how do we learn to move beyond ourselves, to enter that doorway of faith? How do we go from mental assent that God is in control to heart-confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness? Simply put–we live and let life unfold. We do everything we know to do and let life show us, our best will never be enough but Jesus never fails! The trials of life—whether in parenting & family life, or career or health—help us understand that we are but created beings needing the Creator to bring life into our brokenness, our lacks and our dying souls.

When those times of trial come:

praise God for who He is…for His goodness, His power and His desire to deliver.
Release the end of the story to Him knowing His plans are always perfect.
Set your course by what will bring God the most glory.
Take the next step in faith by acting on the scriptural truth you know…and if you don’t know one, open your Bible or seek the wisdom of a godly friend.
Ask God to show you the most purely loving action available and do it!
Relax in the knowledge that if you choose a wrong step, He is bigger than every mistake.
Finally, watch for the miracles to unfurl.

The stretching times of life develop our faith…they bring the knowledge in our heads down into our hearts. We learn more of the greatness of God by seeing our inadequacy. As long as we maintain control and stay on the pre-planned path, there is no need for faith. Christ said eternal life is this: knowing the Father and one whom He sent. (John 17:3) We cannot know Him until our self-centered, self-impressed blind eyes see our need. When we do know Him, the next step holds no fear.