Rainbows and Lullabies

Let Your Light Shine: A Tribute to Kim

2016-02-12T01:57:00.000-08:00

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: A TRIBUTE TO KIM

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This week, early on a Tuesday morning, as I opened my front door I was taken back by the gorgeous light rays breaking through the towering trees surrounding my yard. The fog was rising, the air was cool, and the sunbeams reached from the heavens to the earth below!

At this moment, I was intensely drawn to the light. So much so, nothing else mattered. I grabbed my camera and tried to capture the beauty of the light, absorbing the moment.

Upon reflection, I thought of Matthew 5, verses 14 through 16 and how Jesus proclaims that his followers are to be "the light of this world." I can think of many people, but one recent individual named Kim, who has been just that to me; a radiant beam, cutting through the fog, projecting a majestic, powerful, vivid path, directing me back to the only source of Hope; the Creator of Light.

Through her faith, Kim is an example of how we are to be "the light of this world." By staying connected to the Light source, she pierced the dark days of cancer and overcame the fear of the unknown. With every passing day, as she fought the battle, her flesh became weak but her faith grew strong. To me, Kim is God's beautiful light-ray which must be noticed. Her faith reminds me, and others, we too are to be "the light of this world." Why? So God may also be glorified by His beauty, majesty, and power in our dark and foggy days.

I Am Forgiven

2014-03-03T16:18:00.001-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for loving me so much that you desire relationship with me. Thank you for delivering me from the power of darkness and ushering me into your family, to be called your daughter.

That you love me so much, you would give your Son, Jesus, for me, is hard to comprehend. However, I know it’s true.

When I acknowledge your sacrifice on my behalf, my desire to know you grows and I begin to thank you for sacrificing your Son for me, I feel such freedom. Freedom … that is hard to explain. One must experience it to begin to understand it. Funny how something so life changing and big happens by demonstrating something so small; faith the size of a mustard seed to be exact.

I am constantly amazed at your forgiveness in my life. You overwhelm me with your kindness and treat me in such gentle ways. I want to scream from the mountain tops. He’s alive, you need to know! Just believe; faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes to be free. That’s huge!

I try hard in myself to act right, talk right, and to be an example of you. It’s so difficult.

I fail more than I like to admit and I find myself constantly asking for forgiveness. However, from experience, I have found, if I just stop and ask for your help. You immediately forgive me and remind me it’s ok, I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to focus on you … and believe you will work in me … and through me … and form me ... into a reflection of you. Faith is what I lack … and it only takes a small amount … the size of a mustard seed.

I think because we have a hard time forgiving and forgetting others’ mistakes, we must think you have a hard time forgiving us, too. We make you so small and powerless. This makes no sense at all ... after all ... you allowed your Son to pay a huge price for our forgiveness. The world doesn’t let us off the hook, so to speak, so easily. But you are not of this world, you created it.

When you say, “confess your sins, and you will be forgiven” or “your transgressions are forever washed away,” and all we must do is simply believe. Sounds too good to be true ... and we've been taught ... if it's too good to be true, it's probably not true. WRONG! When it comes to you and forgiveness. Crazy, how a small amount of faith, the size of a mustard seed, will have a huge impact on our lives.

All this makes me want to love you more deeply, seek you more often, and spend as much time with you, in your Word, as I can. I am overwhelmed by your forgiveness toward me. Thank you. If only I could truly grasp it in its fullness but for now, I will simply relax and repeat back to me what you call me … Forgiven.

Yours into Eternity,

Your Daughter

For more study, read: 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:12, Ephesians 1:7, Col. 1:14, Hebrews 9:14

Today, I will choose .... Phil 4:6-9

2013-12-16T07:22:00.002-08:00

Yesterday was a tough day and quite honestly a day I do not want to ever relive. However, through several evening events, I woke early this morning desiring nothing more than to be in God's presence. Why? Because I am selfish; I desperately need His guidance, His peace, His love, and His joy. Without going into too many personal details, I ended my wonderful quiet time with the Lord ready to face the day focused on these things.

Today, I choose to thank you (the Lord) and rejoice in you; my God and the lifter of my head. Through a prayerful attitude and by the support of the Holy Spirit, I will see good in today. I will look for you (the Lord) in the people around me. Today, I will look for you (the Lord) in the lovely things you've given me and in the beauty of this cold winter's day.

As I watch the moon drift away and your light fill the morning sky, I choose to recognize this is your day, given to me, to be lived out for your plans and purposes. I will not ever see this day again, so I choose to not live it out in my flesh for I am so very weak, but I ask you to please live through me, for through you I am made strong and I can face whatever the day holds. Through you, I can be a light of love and hope to others.

For these things, I will rejoice and be glad, today.

Philippians 4:6-9; 3:10, 4:13, 4:19

The above image is the sole property of Mary Jane Armstrong and may not be reproduced or copied in any way, shape, or form without permission from Mary Jane Armstrong. All Rights Reserved. 2013 Mary Jane Armstrong

Love, Beauty, Presence ... Romans 1

2013-09-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Life isn't always pretty. As a matter of fact sometimes its very ugly; however, I think I'm beginning to understand that even in the ugly parts of life, there's beauty. Before you stop reading, let me try to explain by giving three of my life's examples.

Ugly is when a young man's life is brutally taken before they've reached age 25; beauty is found in how this person demonstrated the courage to stand up for what was right.

Ugly is when a disease slowly takes the life of a wonderful woman; beauty is found in the courage and faith that has been imprinted upon the hearts and lives of those of whom she touched.

Ugly is a woman who has been battered and abused; beauty is found when her children rise up and call her blessed.

All three of these examples have a common denominator; they were believers. They believed in God. They often put others before themselves and they loved with Christ's sincere unconditional love. They walked through life's ugly with strength and power.

Thus, I would present the thought ... as Paul said in Romans 1... How can a person not believe in God for He reveals himself in all of creation. Why? So no one is without a reason to believe. Every moment of every day, in nature and through people, God is painting majestic masterpieces that remind us of Him; Love (1John), Beauty, and Presence.

Problem: I sometimes walk as a blind woman, only able to believe in what I am able to touch.

Solution: Ask God, the Creator of all things, to open my eyes in a divine way so I can see Him; Love, Beauty, and Presence.

Not a good thought, not a fairy tale, not a coping with life tool but unadulterated fact. True reality of a God who is waiting and longing to pour out His love, reveal His beauty, and demonstrated His presence to me ... and to you.

My thoughts today ...

Morning Devotion: Not My Words But HIS Prov. 10

2013-08-14T08:22:00.002-07:00

This image is called, "The Fool."

Words are so powerful and not just spoken words. How about the words you play in your mind all day long; self-talk. Ever called yourself “stupid” so many times, you began to truly feel dumb? Ever rehearsed a conversation over and over again in your head until you found yourself smiling because it brought such joy to your heart?

Words are very powerful; they have the power to shape our perception of ourselves, the power to shape our children’s perception of themselves, and the power to tear down, or build up, a relationship.

Proverbs, chapter 10, is full of instructions for us. What caught my attention today were all the references to the power of “words”, how we use our mouths. This chapter has 32 verses and of these 32 verses 11 refer directly to the use of our mouths; over half give us instructions on how to use our words, as well as how to evaluate whether we live as a foolish person or a wise person.

v.6 The morally wrong or evil person plots violence but covers it up with their words. v.8 A foolish person “chatters” (talks incessantly) and will come to ruin. v.11 A person who lives a “righteous” life (a life of right doing based on God’s value system) is likened to a fountain of life; a place where people go and find life, a place that is always speaking life to those around them compared to the evil or immoral person who speaks of violence and continually hurts those around them with their words.

v.13 A person who chooses their words and discerns when and what should be said is a “wise” person. v.14 “Mouths of fools invite ruin;” it's just a matter of time for the person who cannot control their words to destroy a relationship, a person, worse yet themselves. v.18 A foolish person lies to cover the anger and hatred in their hearts and spreads slander, or gossips about others. v.19 A wise person uses self-control to stop talking, thus, sin ends. v.20 A person who desires to live a “right life in God’s eyes” will be evident by their words which are likened to the finest silver.

v.21 A person who lives a godly life uses their words to bring life and nourishment to many people. v.31 A person who desires to live a “righteous” (doing right based on God’s values) life is evident by their words which speak wisely or is full of wisdom (discerning, honest, trustworthy). v.32 The righteous person knows when to speak and what to say so others enjoy their presence; they are liked, approved of; however, the evil or immoral person speaks words that are contrary, opposite of what is good and kind, unacceptable words.

Today, after reading Proverbs 10, I pray I will live as a wise person who uses their words to build up, encourage, uplift, and bring life to others; my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my friends, and to someone I meet in line at the grocery store. Even more so, the person I am hardest on, myself, today, I will become aware of my “self-talk” choosing to use words that build up and not tear down who I am. After all, I am God’s kid, created in the image of love, Himself, a royal priesthood, a daughter of the King, and fearfully and wonderfully made.

Have a blessed day (note: blessed is not based on our circumstances but is based on our relationship with Jesus being active and alive).

Afternoon Devotion Proverbs 9

2013-08-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

One of the wisest women I know, my Mother!

"It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things" (Henry David Thoreau).

Proverbs 9 speaks of two women who both sit in prominent places and who both call out to people as they pass-by. One is named Folly, foolishness, the other is named Wisdom. Proverbs 9 continues to tell us they both have their own agendas.

Folly compels the “simple minded” to enjoy life, even add a spark to it, by indulging in the forbidden; it’s all about me. Wisdom compels the “simple minded” to seek understanding and knowledge; to learn about people and life and to continue to grow in wisdom. Sound familiar? These verses are comparing two ways of living which makes me ask a couple questions.

First, am I aware that there are two ways of approaching life; foolishly or with wisdom? Second, if I am aware, how am I evaluating the calls of life coming my way? Am I choosing to live as a fool more than a wise person?

A fool lacks good judgment, makes decisions without all the information or with misinformation, and can be considered stubborn by other people. A wise person stops to discern and judge what is right and true (according to God’s value system) and then creates a plan founded on knowledge and understanding. Based on these descriptions, I can honestly say, “Yes, I’ve lived life as a fool and, yes, I’ve lived life as a wise person.” Sometimes within the first hour of my day!

So how can I apply Proverbs 9? Prayerfully, I must become more aware of my daily choices and understand each choice opens a door to one of two homes. The home of Folly leads to destruction, “But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.” (v.18) Stubbornness, rash decisions, misinformation, and the lack of good judgment will, overtime, kill a relationship, a business, a family, and more importantly the very person being foolish. This door should always remain closed but should I happen to cross its doorstep, I better turn and run as quick as I can.

The home of Wisdom leads to life, “For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” (v.11). Wisdom also tells us that “fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (v.10).

The home of Wisdom is built upon a relationship with the LORD. Therefore, if I long to be wise, I must start every day in relationship with God. As a result, discerning why someone does what they do, or why I do what I do; seeking to understand a situation, or circumstance; gathering enough information to make a good, sound decision; and doing this all in light of God’s value system, will become a more natural way to live. This type of life produces strong relationships, businesses that are responsible and honest, and families who leave a legacy for the next generation.

Not perfect but growing and becoming more aware of God, self, and others, each and every day, that’s my picture of a wise person.

Now … it’s a matter of putting this all into practice … and that’s a different story!

Am I behaving like the Class Clown? Proverbs 8

2013-08-09T10:33:00.002-07:00

Day 4: Proverbs 8 - Morning Devotion

Have you ever made a foolish mistake, or behaved in a foolish manner? Maybe just thinking about it makes you cringe!

Ever felt like the court jester, behaving in such a way that onlookers are shaking their heads and asking themselves, “why?” Or, maybe you’ve been the class clown and enjoyed the thrill of making people laugh because of your foolishness.

I’m not talking about stupidity. Stupidity is the lack of intelligence. Foolishness is the lack or failure of wisdom and of making proper careful choices.

Well, it seems today the Lord is encouraging me (us) to wake up and seek wisdom, His divine wisdom. Proverbs 8:17-21 says:

“I love those who love me (speaking of wisdom), and those who seek me (seek wisdom) find me, with me (with wisdom) are riches and honor enduring wealth and prosperity. My (Wisdom’s) fruit is better than fine gold; what I (wisdom) yield surpasses choice silver. I (Wisdom) walk in the way of righteousness (right choices in alignment with God’s value system), along the paths of justice (what is right for others), bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me (wisdom) and making their treasuries full.”

The Christian philosopher, Thomas Aquinas, considered wisdom to be the “father” (the cause, measure and form) of all virtues. Jesus, throughout the New Testament, emphasized it and Paul, the Apostle, in the book of 1 Corinthians, argued that there is both secular and divine wisdom, admonishing believers to seek the divine.

So what is divine wisdom? Throughout the Word, and specifically in the book of Proverbs, we discover that wisdom is a deep understanding (divine discernment) and realization of people, things, events, and situations (the ability to see beyond the physical into the spiritual), resulting in the ability to control one’s emotional reactions (to act prudently – to use self-control) so that universal principals (God’s ways of living) and knowledge (divine understanding) prevail to determine one’s actions.

Based on the above, a simpler way for me to define wisdom is to prayerfully ask these types of questions before I respond to a person, situation, or event: “What would Jesus really do in this situation? Why would Jesus really do this? What emotional reactions or decisions must I make to align myself to respond or act like Jesus to this person, to this event, or this situation?” Then I must prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit for the power to put myself aside and respond in this Christ-like manner (thus putting on the “mind of Christ”).

Wow … if only I could be that wise with everyone I encounter or with every situation I faced! The Word tells me the fruit I will produce will be greater than “fine gold or choice silver.” I translate this as something beyond what this world can offer me. Knowing it will take a lot of prayer and practice, I still want that rich inheritance!

There's a proper time and place to be silly, to make people laugh; however, out of that context, I'm just being a fool!

Morning Devotions - Proverbs 7 - Day 3

2013-08-08T13:15:00.001-07:00

"My son, daughter, keep my words - store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live! Bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart!"

God's Word is so amazing to me. Since the age of 17, the Word has been my anchor and my guide. However, the Word has also corrected my behavior and challenged me to check my heart. Regardless of inspiring or instructing me, the Word has been a stream of fresh water, a light at the end of the tunnel, and strength to my soul when I've been weak.

I love God's Word! I will meditate on it, contemplate it, and hide it within my heart because it is life to my soul.

Evening Reflection - Psalm 100

2013-08-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes me want to sing more, or shout to the Lord more, than to be reminded of who I am; I am His! I belong to the God of the Universe. Furthermore, Creator God, takes joy in me … and you … and longs to commune with me … and you.

He is our Father and we are His children. He created all things and has numbered our days! His thoughts toward us outnumber the grains of sand and the LORD has our names written upon the palm of His hand because of these reasons, plus so much more, we will …

Shout for joy to the Lord! We will worship Him with gladness and come into His presence All with songs of joy (No matter how awful we sound when we sing, He can’t get enough of our praise!). We know that the LORD (Father, Son, and Spirit) is God.

Revelations 4:8 “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”

In Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 19 through 20, Paul admonishes us to “be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Personally, having acknowledged all of the above, as I say goodbye to my day, I will praise the LORD. Laying my head on my pillow, with a song of thanksgiving upon my heart, something incredible takes place.

Matter of fact, something incomprehensible happens; I become one with the hosts of heaven. Together, the angels and creatures living in the LORD’s presence … and little old me living down here on earth … are united! He listens and smiles and we experience heavenly commune with our Creator!

Now that’s the way to end a day!

All Rights Reserved. Mary Jane Armstrong 2013.

Morning Devotion - Proverbs 6

2013-08-07T10:06:00.001-07:00

Day 2 - Proverbs 6:16-19 - Rewritten as A Morning Devotion –

Father, I recognize there are seven character traits you intensely dislike and, today, would you please help me to not fall prey to any one of these things. To do this I need your help; please make me aware of my inmost thoughts and actions.

First, would you please help me live humbly; bring to attention any pride within my heart. I do not want to look down on any person, no matter their station in life, nor do I want an elevated opinion of myself. I recognize every good gift comes from You and You love each and every person the same.

Second, no matter the situation, help me be honest in my speech knowing you abhor a liar.

Third, I pray for others that are so evil they contemplate taking the life of another human being; You abominate the hands of those who take an innocent life and I pray peace and healing for families that have had a loved one murdered.

Fourth, please help me keep my heart clean so I may be innocent of plotting revenge against those who have harmed me or have hurt someone I hold dear. I know you detest a heart that wishes evil on another person. I confess my sin and ask forgiveness for the times I have failed and have not returned evil with love.

Fifth, at the same time, please help my behavior reflect your values and keep me from falling into moral sin. Let me not become prideful when I interact with others who have morally fallen.

Sixth, I pray for those who have spread lies about me or my family; seeking to harm our character, whether their intentions are innocent or malicious, I need your power to return evil with good. Help me to not exaggerate another person's situation or to judge them; thus, speak lies about their character in return.

Seventh, I do not want to cause any disunity among those who, like me, are called your kids. I ask for your Holy Spirit to help me see beyond the immediate actions and attitudes of others and remember we are Your family and You call us to live in unity; loving one another, caring for one another, supporting one another, and admonishing one another in Your love.

Your Word is a delight to me. I fear You, Father; therefore, help me take these seven things seriously and help me be a true reflection of who you are to everyone I meet today.

In Your precious Son’s name, Amen

Further Study:

Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 34:13 -14, John 8:44; Romans 2:9, Romans 12:17; 1 Cor. 13:6; 1 Peter 3:

Evenig Reflection - Day 1

2013-08-06T17:30:00.002-07:00

Psalm 108:1-5

(rewritten as a prayer)

My heart is unmovable, rooted and grounded, loyal and unwavering in love for you, O God. So much so, I cannot contain the joy bubbling deep within me and overflowing through my very being.

I want to shout it from the rooftops and awake all of creation from their nightly sleep. From the break of dawn till the setting sun, I will tell everyone I meet of your greatness. I am in awe of You and of Your great love for me. Your love cannot be contained, nor adequately described, for Your love, for me, is beyond what I can fathom. Your love is an everlasting love that lasts beyond this world and into the next; I cannot comprehend it.

I am blown away by the very idea of a love so strong and everlasting; however, I have tasted a small portion of this love and I have experienced your faithfulness to love me when I have not loved you back. When I have forgotten about your desire to fellowship with me, and gone my own way, you have waited, patiently, for my return; this is true love. When I have been angry and cried out, “Why me … why us” … you patiently wait and listen, returning my anger with a gentle reminder … you are in control; this is true love. When my love for you has grown cold, your love for me burns like a hot fire until I am once again warmed and reminded that you will never stop loving me for your love is unconditional; this is true love.

Yes, I will tell of your greatness. My story of You to others will include all the beauty of creation that surrounds me, it will include the wonderful family you have given me (in answer to a little girl’s prayer), it will include your faithfulness and love toward me.

I will shout from the rooftops, “Who I am today, is not who I should be and I’m not alone.” All people, all of creation, reflect of an incredible Creator worthy of honor for He has done great things! May the whole earth recognize and give the Lover of our soul glory.

Surviving Grief - 1 Peter 5:7

2013-07-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Raye Bennett at age 18

Grief is a process I would prefer to not walk, but I must if I want to experience wholeness. So, like most of my blog posts, here’s a brief look into today’s devotional thoughts. (My mom passed away unexpectedly on March 18^th.)

Dear Father,

Like waves, my emotions toss me back and forth as I desperately try to process the loss of my mom. So many different feelings and each day is different.

One day I wake and I feel joy at the thought she’s with you and experiencing a peace she’s never known. Other days, I wake with an intense sadness longing to call her and say good morning.

How do I process these emotions but to take them to you and ask for your help? I desperately need your help. Please put your hand upon my mind and bring peace to my entire being. It’s during these moments, when I feel an urgency to be in your presence, I am reminded of who you are and how much you long to wipe away my tears. I am so grateful you come to me, just as I am, and I can feel you right by my side.

You Come to Me

You come to me

In the dark of night

A lost and grieving soul

You ever so gently

Kneel by my side

Tears flood the pitch-black floor.

Taking your hand

You wipe my face

My eyes connect with yours

Sliding beside me

Pulling me close

We cry … I’m not alone.

You, ever so gently, lift my head and I gaze into your grace-filled eyes. You remind me that you are my shield, you are my glory, and you are the lifter of my head. It’s going to be alright. It just takes time but today, all I need to do is sit with you.

“Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2

I could not walk life's road without my heavenly Father, Christ's overcoming power, and the Holy Spirit empowering me. God is so good. Maybe today, like me, you just need to sit at His feet and remember who He is to you.

Like a Little Child

2013-07-04T08:14:00.002-07:00

When faced with fear, it's amazing how trusting a child will be, if they are in the presence of a loved one. A simple "please don't leave me till I fall asleep" helps them be at peace. Trusting the loved one to do as they say, "of course, I'll stay. There's nothing to be afraid of, really."

Then we grow up and when fear hits us, we fight independently against the inner battle raging within, trying to convince ourselves "there's nothing to be afraid of, really." Why does it become so hard to turn to a loved one and say, "please don't leave me till I fall asleep?"

Maybe that's why we should become like little children and learn to trust others with the emotions we feel deep within. Instead of feeling proud, or self-reliant, we decide to be vulnerable and real. This may create more fear than the initial emotion, but the intimacy it brings between two close friends, or a loved one, is worth the risk. There's nothing like feeling safe and loved by other people.

Recently, I have found myself trapped in trying to deal with my fears on my own. Yes, I share them with my husband but during the middle of the night or middle of the day when I'm all alone, the fearful emotion would creep back upon me. Then during a quiet time with the Lord, He reminded me to become like a little child, during these moments and throughout the day, ask Him to come and stay close by, and trust Him with the process.

Intimacy with people ... intimacy with my Creator who holds my days in the palm of His hand ... truly dispels fear and I learn to trust ... I learn to be childlike ... and trust. (Matthew 18:3)

Just an early morning thought.

What do you crave?

2013-05-30T07:39:00.002-07:00

Click here to view a larger size.

Longing – a yearning desire; such as the deep insatiable desire to be loved, the unquenchable desire for beauty, and the deep longing for joy. Am I the only one who, from time to time, desperately longs to experience deeper and deeper levels of love, beauty, and joy?

C.S. Lewis, in his book, Till We Have Faces, says, “It was when I was happiest that I longed most...The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing...to find the place where all the beauty came from.” Like Lewis, I too can remember back to the times when I longed the most and felt the happiest. How about you?

As a 9 year old child, the deep longing to be loved drove me to the church alter where I first tasted Love. Like yesterday, I can remember watching the adults worship the Lord with such grand expressions of love, but even more so, I remember how I longed to experience the Love they seemed to possess.

Meeting Love for the first time set a longing in my heart that continues to draw me to Him. Every day, I long for His loving touch upon my life; to sense His loving presence. What amazes me, my longing is simply the Lord drawing me to Him because He first loved me (John 3:16). While God longs, has a yearning desire, to be the object of my affection, even more so, He finds pleasure in me, as I long for Him; for He is Love (1 John 4:8).

What saddens me this morning is the fact that so many people have these same longings but are searching for their fulfillment in all the wrong places; unbeknownst to them of God who is the author and object of such longings.

So, here’s my prayer for you and me. Today, Father I ask that you draw us to you by creating an even stronger desire to be loved by you and help us reach out to others with the answer for their longing to be loved. Today, I pray for moments where the beauty of nature draws us to the beauty we find in you and we encounter others who enjoy the beauty of this world but do not know you. And, today, I pray for moments where we experience an unquenchable desire to know your strength as we are reminded that you see all we are facing, you know every need, and you promise to be our source of contentment in each of life’s seasons. Help us be sensitive to people around us living sad and desperate lives; searching for contentment, happiness, and love. Let us be bold and share you with them. So, people we encounter, who have the same longings, find you, who long for them. Amen.

Verses for contemplation …

Psalm 37:4 Psalm 73:24-26 John 17:23-25 1 Tim 2:3-5

Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Mary Jane Armstrong. Sharing is permitted but permission is required to download, copy or reuse text and or image. Permission maybe granted by emailing Mary at armstrongmaryjane@gmail.com.

Pushing Against the Rocks

2013-05-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

My brother commented on one of my Facebook posts and recommend I read this short story which I did and I am now sharing with you. It’s called “Pushing against the Rock.” It’s an inspirational story that leaves me contemplating the many times I have asked God the big “why” question when, in obedience to Him, I have not seen MY expected results.

Author Unknown

There once was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Saviour appeared to him. The Lord told him He had a work for him to do, and showed him a large rock explaining that he was to push against the rock with all his might.

This the man did, and for many days he toiled from sunup to sundown; his shoulder set squarely against the cold massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling his whole day had been spent in vain.

Seeing that the man showed signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture - placing thoughts in the man's mind, such as ``Why kill yourself over this?, you're never going to move it!'' or ``Boy, you've been at it a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface!'' etc. giving the man the impression the task was impossible and the man was an unworthy servant because he wasn't moving the massive stone.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man and he started to ease up in his efforts. ``Why kill myself?'' he thought. ``I'll just put in my time putting forth just the minimum of effort and that will be good enough.'' And this he did or at least planned on doing until, one day, he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.

``Lord,'' he said, ``I have labored hard and long in Your service, putting forth all my strength to do that which You have asked of me. Yet after all this time, I have not even budged that rock even half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?''

To this the Lord responded compassionately,

``My friend, when long ago I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength and that you have done. But never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. At least not by yourself. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed, ready to quit. But is this really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled; your back sinewed and brown. Your hands are calloused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have. Yet still, you haven't succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to Me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent. I, my friend will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and push, and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom, and this you have done.''

MY THOUGHT ...

Thinking we have failed ... but then we stop ... God gives us His perspective and we see clearly. The task was never really about others as much as it was about developing Christlike character within us. Touching others is the added bonus to a life, in Christ, well lived.

Gal. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Encountering My Father

2013-05-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Click here to preview a larger image or to read the poem.

Have you ever experienced a moment where you were so stunned by the beauty of nature, you couldn’t move, much less speak? If so, I encourage you to stop right now and think about how you felt. Can you remember what you saw, what you smelled, what you sensed, or maybe the emotion that was provoked by such beauty?

Many years ago, while standing and fixing breakfast for 15 to 20 elementary kids, I watched the dawn break over Mount Rainier. It was stunning! As I stood there, I was left speechless. The dark sky suddenly gave way to brilliant streaks of orange, red, and yellow while creating a beautiful, soft glow behind this gorgeous, snowcapped mountain. In stunned silence I sensed the Spirit’s presence and felt a whisper in my ear, “That’s what you do … you take my breath away.”

While I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, even more so, I was stunned by the message I received. Melting right there on the spot into a puddle of joyous tears, I began to thank God for loving me so much. For taking such pleasure in me and for comparing my beauty to the beauty I had just experienced.

Why do I share this personal story? This message isn’t just for me but also for you. If you are like me, we cannot comprehend how the God of this Universe, Creator of all things, could take such pleasure in us. We forget, or may not even know, that God tells us in His word “He has crowned us with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). The word “honor” is hadar in the Hebrew text, it means to make splendid. Hadar refers to, or speaks of, the splendor that belongs to God, to His creation, to His Kingdom, and to man who is made in His image.

In the preceding verses, King David writes, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that you are mindful of him; and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5). Here David emphasizes that God has actually crowned people with splendor in spite of their smallness relative to the vast heavens! Yes, read that again! It’s true!

Hadar is also used in the phrase “the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 96:9; 110:3) which means the splendor of holiness is of greater beauty than even the glory of nature. Once again, re-read this statement and let it sink in!

If we believe in Jesus Christ, in Him we are made right, holy before God, our heavenly Father. Therefore, God considers us more beautiful than all of nature!

Knowing God’s Word reinforces the message I received on this beautiful morning and should reinforce this message to you. The next time you are feeling unloved, lonely, worthless, and or unnoticed, please remember the Creator of all things, sees you and you take His breath away. Your beauty leaves God speechless and He takes pleasure in you and you alone!

Alone but Together

2013-05-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

This morning as I walked the treadmill, a close friend and family member texted me and began to share their shortcomings (another name for sin). Immediately, the Holy Spirit started working within me and I felt the desire to share mine. Together, unplanned by either of us, we experienced community; allowing one another to be “real" to the point of confession of sins.

This makes me think two things. First, why is it so hard to be open and honest with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Second, why do we allow the enemy to rob us of true community? I do realize that we must be careful with whom we share our sin, but often, myself included, we decide, it’s unsafe ... period; therefore, we carry our sins alone and only experience confession in the solitude found between us and the Lord. Herein faulty theology is found; faulty because it keeps us in bondage and keeps us from experiencing true community.

True community points people back to Christ and sets us free to experience Grace. True community extends grace and forgiveness to people and sets us free to rejoice. True community prays one for another and encourages people to persevere through temptation and trials, setting us free to become overcomers. True community extends Christ to people, setting us free to receive Christ’s power. Ultimately, true community unleashes the freedom we experience in Christ and requires us, as individuals, to get away and contemplate what Christ has revealed within the confines of relationships.

To be clear, this morning, following our time together, our next step was to experience solitude; we both needed to get alone and ask forgiveness from the Lord, experience God’s presence where grace and forgiveness abounds, and be made aware of the heart of these shortcomings (sins) so in the future we are better prepared to not fall into temptation.

This process of becoming like Christ, involving both community and solitude, can be wrapped up in a quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

Today I find myself in greater need of fellowship than ever before. I have come to a place in my life where, regardless of being misunderstood, I have no other choice but to share my sins with others, as well as my victories. I also experience the need to be available and ready to pray for my sisters and brothers as they share their shortcomings (sins) and their victories with me. Together and alone, but not without each, I desire to experience Christ, in an even greater degree.

I leave you with this thought, the one that challenged me this morning … where are you experiencing community and how much solitude (you and Jesus only) are you experiencing?

copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Mary Jane Armstrong. Without permission no part of the text or image maybe reproduced. Please contact Mary at armstrongmaryjane@gmail.com for permission. Thank you.

Law of Sowing and Reaping

2013-05-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Prints of this image may be purchased at
http://maryjarmstrong.artistwebsites.com/featured/reaping-and-sowing-maryjane-armstrong.html

Have you ever planted what you thought were strawberries only to find something other than strawberries growing in your garden? This happened to me my sophomore year in high school. Choosing to take a horticulture class, because I didn’t want to take biology and I needed an easy A, I and my other three classmates, were assigned a plot of land to “toil.”

Imagine my surprise when my teacher called me into his office and asked me to explain the plant that was growing in my raised bed. In disbelief, I replied to his inquiry with, “I planted strawberries and have no idea why the plant growing does not resemble a strawberry plant.” Following his investigation, we both learned that my classmates had changed the seeds; trying to pull a fast one over the teacher … and me … hoping to not get caught. Crazy thinking to say the least!

In the book of Galatians, Chapter 6, Verse 7, it says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man (or woman) sows, that he (or she) will reap.” In this verse and the verses to follow, Paul reminds us of God’s principle of the law of sowing and reaping. So what do we know about this law?

First, God has a timetable for all of our seeds; sometimes this means a quick return and other times it means a slow return. A slow return, most likely, means the process must take longer. Either way, we can expect something will always be produced. Therefore, the first principle of the law of sowing and reaping is … we are always sowing AND we can expect to always reap.

Second, we can rest assured, whatever the return, it will happen within God’s timetable; never early and never late but always right on time. God’s timetable is not ours. He sees beyond our limited vision and knows exactly the time and place the harvest will be produced. Therefore the second principle of the law of sowing and reaping is … God is in charge of the timetable. Don’t get weary in well doing, when sowing good seeds. Hang in there, God’s timing is perfect!

Third, the harvest will have the same nature as the seeds being sown; good seeds produce a good harvest, bad seeds produce a bad harvest. This third principle of the law of sowing and reaping is the most important to remember … we must pay attention to the seeds we are sowing. We cannot plant bad seeds; hateful actions, unkind words, or impatient attitudes, and expect good to be produced. That’s crazy thinking! Why? It goes against the law of sowing and reaping.

Recently, I found myself asking the question, “Where did that come from?” Then I remembered my mother and her very wise words, taken from the Bible and spoken to me from the youngest of age, “Honey, remember you reap what you sow.” Mom was right … bottom line … I shouldn’t have been surprised. I planted the seed weeks before and now I am reaping a harvest.

Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Mary Jane Armstrong Permission to use text and images must be granted from Mary Jane Armstrong at armstrongmaryjane@gmail.com. Thank you.

My Heart Bleeds for You!

2013-04-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

"My Heart Bleeds For You"
to see a larger picture click here

As I processed this photo, an image of the spring flowers called "Bleeding Hearts," I thought about the recent passing of my mom. How the many people she left behind have broken hearts but are still being held together by her memory. This morning I woke up thinking about how grateful I am to one day know I will once again see my mother.

To many people, who do not choose to believe in God, this is simply a crutch; a good thought that helps the hurting process and deal with loss. To those who choose to believe in Jesus, it is the foundation on which we build our lives.

Like it was yesterday, I remember the desire I had to be loved by someone. This deep longing pulled me ever so gently into a crazy relationship with Jesus. What I have learned over the years is that Jesus is as real as my husband sleeping in the next room. I have learned that his Love is stedfast, unmoveable, everlasting, my rock, my strength, my healer, brings me comfort, and breaks over the pain and heartache that life brings my way.

Isaiah 61 tells me alot about Christ and his love for me;

"... the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

My heart bleeds over the loss of my mom: God's heart bleeds over the loss of those who do not believe in him.

My heart bleeds because I can't call her and tell her I miss her or love her: God's heart bleeds over those he is calling but they keep turning away, too stubborn to turn toward his Love.

My heart has hope for one day I will see my mom again: God's heart bleeds over those who will choose to walk away from his everlasting love and spend an eternity without him.

Early Morning Thought - From the Word

2013-03-15T08:01:00.007-07:00

"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it!" Psalm 139:1-6

A Letter From God - Luke 12:26-32

2013-03-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

My Child,

Have you stopped to consider the flowers of the field. They spring forth without worry or toil for they are my creation. I take care of their needs. What's even greater is their beauty; created to bring me glory, created for my pleasure, they are more beautiful to me than Solomon.

Now if I, as your heavenly Father, will take care of and have created such beauty, a beauty which only lasts a brief season, how much more will I take care of you. Why do you struggle believing? I love you. I see you and I take pleasure in taking care of your needs.

Have you forgotten that as your Father, I created and own all things. Please do not worry and fret over so many uncontrollable circumstances. I see and I hear and I know all things. Also, please stop being afraid, my child. Again, I will say it. Do not fear. As my child, I long to give you all I own. My kingdom is your kingdom.

If you believe me, don't hold on to your worldly possessions so tightly, even the sparse amount you own, but share with those in need. Think about others less fortunate, yes, there are others with greater needs, and share with them that which I have given you. By doing so, I will continue to meet your needs and you will find an unending flow of wealth.

Living in this way also reveals your heart and no one can rob you of that which belongs to me.

Remember, I love you. I take pleasure in you. You are of great beauty to me.

Your Heavenly Father,

Some Stones Aren't Meant to be Thrown! Joshua 4

2013-03-01T20:09:00.001-08:00

“How great is the problem in light of God’s greatness?” Ray Armstrong

These words have resonated within me since last Saturday evening when I first heard them. They have echoed within my mind, over and over again, as if the Holy Spirit is trying to burn them upon my heart and soul and … then … I got it!

Here’s what I got! How many times do I look at a situation, a difficult circumstance or a problem and immediately place God, the Creator of the Universe, in a box. What do I mean?

I place God in a box when I respond to difficult situations, or to difficult people, with fear, anxiety, stress, worry or despair. What’s worse, I let others know my God is pretty small!

How? Before sharing with God through prayer, I begin to share, over and over again, my fear, anxiety, stress, worry, or despair with others; my words revealing my faith. Ouch!

So what do I need to do? I must do what the children of Israel did under Joshua’s command (found in the book of Joshua, Chapter 4). I must walk back into my life and REMEMBER when God displayed His greatness to me. Then, I must grab a rock and build a memorial; every single rock a tribute to God’s specific greatness in my life and I visit these stones daily ... remembering ... burning into my heart and mind God's greatness and faithfullness to meet my needs and answer my prayers.

Rock 1: Saved me at age 14, Rock 2: Healed me of shame age 30, Rock 3: Answered the prayer of a 6 year old little girl and gave me a family, Rock 4: Kept His promise to me, after 25 years of ministry, my three girls love and serve Jesus. … on and on the memorial stones are stacked. Get it!

That’s what I finally said to my heavenly Father, just today. I get it! Nothing is too difficult for you because you are great! You are big! You are all powerful! You own it all, created it all, and command all things! There isn’t a box big enough to hold who You are in Your fullness! Furthermore, IN LIGHT OF GOD’S GREATNESS, the difficulty (person, place, or situation) is just a tiny pebble, not even big enough to “trip me up.”

Wondering if you have put God in a box? Listen to your words. If you speak continually of the difficulty, then I would venture to say, yes, you have. Then, like me, ask God to help you walk back and begin stacking stones; each a memorial to His greatness in your life! Next, visit the memorial stones daily! Then ... step back ... God's greatness will overwhelm you, as He has me!

Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog, text or images, maybe reproduced without prior permission from it's author and photographer, Mary Jane Armstrong - armstrongmaryjane@gmail.com.

A picture is worth a thousand words! Psalm 59:16

2013-02-26T14:05:00.002-08:00

Snow Canyon National Park, Ivins, Utah ... click here to preview a larger image

My devotion today! I will sing praises to His name! I will sing until the heavens and all of the earth proclaims, God is good.

As I sit here, looking at this image, I am reminded that God is my hiding place and my shelter from the storms of life. Like my husband says, "you are either heading into a storm or coming out of a storm; that's life." Sounds a bit negative, but, nonetheless, true. So today, I am thankful for the blue skies and I will remember that God is my Rock and upon Him I will build my life.

How about you? What are we building upon ... sinking sand ... or ... solid rock!

He Calms the Storm

2013-02-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

Drafting a timeline over the past five years, I realize how full my life has been. I choose the word "full" to mean ... water to the brim ... with occasional spillage of joy and at other times sorrow. I also realize, regardless of the type of "fullness" life has brought, God has been and will continue to be relentless and without God's constant watchful eye, the storms of life have the potential to "take me out!"

Upon further reflection, documented by my timeline, some of life's waves, seemingly tsunami in size, were so powerful, the undercurrent so strong, that apart from the hand of God sustaining and lifting me up above the waves, I would have been lost, washed out to sea! At other times, while the waves were crashing over me, over my husband, and at times over my family, I heard His still quiet voice speak, "Peace, be still" and, by His command, the waves ceased, the stormy clouds parted, and calm washed over my heart and mind.

You may be saying, "really, Mary, that simple!" My reply to you, is yes! That simple. Even when I didn't have the strength to cry out to Him, His watchful eye knew my need; knew I couldn't handle anymore, and faithfully my heavenly Father, through His Holy Spirit, wrapped His arms around me, becoming my life jacket, reminding me, "Through Christ, (His one and only Son, who died and rose for me), I can do (survive, walk through) all things ... how ... He gives me strength!" (Philippians 4:13).

Two of life's lessons, and a lesson I hope I will never forget, is, first, I must live in the moment and cherish the here and now; no matter the weather and whatever the season. Second, I must always trust in God, even when I don't understand and even when I am angry with His decision, He sees all things, He knows all things, and ... most importantly ... He controls all things.

I challenge you to stop and do the same - draft your five year timeline. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself and about God.

Paradise!

2012-12-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

The Bird of Paradise - click here to view a larger image

What comes to mind when you hear the word "paradise?" Maybe you think of this beautiful tropical flower, or maybe you think of a gorgeous tropical island. Others may think of a place where they find rest and peace.

While raising my young children, paradise for me was each night when they laid their weary heads down on their pillows and I took a deep breath knowing I could grab a minute or two of complete silence. Now at age 54, I long for the paradise of having them run through the house laughing and rough housing. I guess my point is paradise can look different for each of us but the definition of this place is universal; paradise is a perfect place or state!

Adam and Eve lived in paradise, God created a perfect place, and state, for them to live and then He joined them in their daily living. Walking and talking to God, face to face, is beyond my comprehension; however, from the depths of my soul, I long for this relationship. For the closeness of hearing His footsteps approaching, His voice close by, and the warmth of His presence.

I'm so grateful to the Holy Spirit for leading and guiding me into my Heavenly Father's presence, and I am forever amazed at Jesus' gift of grace that seals me with the promise of an eternal life lived out in paradise. Where one day Revelations, chapter 21, verse 4 becomes a reality!

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”