Roses and Rhinos

The Plan

2017-04-12T11:57:00.001-04:00

Jesus came with a mission.

To rescue us. To keep His Father's Word.

In the garden, Jesus had to face the reality of what He would soon face.

Arrest.

Torture.

Humiliation.

Loneliness.

Death.

Why would He even consider going through with The Plan?

Twice during His arrest, He answered the "Why."

To a friend and follower,

[You know I could stop this,] "But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

Then, to the crowds,

"But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” Matthew 26:54, 56a NLT

Jesus came to do what His Father had been promising to do.

To rescue us from sin. From death. To set us free. To show us true love than gives abundant life. Freedom.

Our life came at His great cost.

Nothing could stop Him.

He kept His Word.

Chains are broken. We are free.

Father God, thank You for being faithful. You promised to send a Messiah to give people light, hope, and freedom. You kept Your Word! Thanks for being trustworthy and powerful enough to do what You said You're going to do. For giving us freedom from sin, death, from evil. For unfathomably loving us to depths we have yet to grasp. Father, as we reflect on these matters, increase our faith and increasingly love others through us. Give us opportunities to share our stories and share our hope. We trust that You will continue to do all that You haven't yet done, because You are faithful! Be glorified as we cry "Holy, Holy, Holy is The Lord God Almighty. Who was, who is, and is to come." We declare that all blessing, honor, glory, and power belong to You. In Jesus' name.

Intimacy

2017-02-27T13:31:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we are caught up in what we need to do, out of obedience... we entrench ourselves in survival mode while mortar shells are flying overhead. Maybe we aren't necessarily caught up in the doing (today), but in some other overwhelming matter than claims to shackle us to a wall.

We forget that there is a quiet, private room where only two can fit... cozy, not claustrophobic. Where Jesus waits for us, desiring to fill our tea cups, to warm us, to assure us, to give us all we need for today's battles. Where He gives us the good gifts of peace and joy...

John 4:10a "if you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

Father God, help us tell our souls to be still... to rest in the beautiful and strong assurance of Jesus. Give us the courage to sit still before You for a few minutes longer... to breathe deeply from Your provision and blessing. Give us courage to close the door on all the noise and trust that You really are God - wisest, highest, most able, and completely faithful to finish the work You've begun in our lives and in this world. In Jesus' name...

Hard is Hard

2016-07-03T16:12:00.001-04:00

Hard is hard. It stinks. But God - there's always a "but God" - He gives us tools we can use to get stronger through those hardships. Like King Asa, we have choices to make when we need face hard times.

"Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 NIV

Remember how God helped you through impossible circumstances before. He is faithful to you. He has walked you through hard before! Unsure how He helped you? Ask Him to show you. He won't zap you for this, I promise!

Remember the cost of not relying on God. Learn from others' choices. Learn from your own choices. (Have we not all chosen to trust ourselves or another human more than God at some point?)

Each time we remember God's faithfulness and the cost of not depending on Him, the choice to trust Him gets easier.

Choose to believe truth… God will strengthen you! He is with You!

See also: Romans 8:31-35 and Philippians 3:10-14

Father, thank You for walking us through hard! For giving us courage to face giants! For giving us faith that continues to increase. Help us finish each hard trial well. Convict us when we don't want to hear Your correction - when pride tries to rule in our hearts. Give us pliable, reachable hearts. We long to honor You and ask that You have YOUR way in us!

We give You our hard circumstances and agree with You that, being covered by the blood of Jesus, we are not defined by circumstances. Jesus is our circumstance!!! Jesus is our provision, our sustenance, our life abundant!!! Thank You!

I ask a special blessing over those facing what seems impossible and mighty. Speak encouragement into their souls. Heal hurts. Strengthen weak knees. Help us in the Body of Christ to encourage one another as we wait for Jesus’ return. Let us finish well together! In Jesus’ name!

Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

2016-06-29T09:52:00.000-04:00

(This is a long post. My heart is bursting and I deeply desire that The Body of Christ be encouraged in these truths!)

I've been deeply reflecting on faith and hope these last few weeks.

Faith and hope are focused on what we cannot see, but what is real nonetheless.

We are constantly encouraged throughout God's Word - dare I say - urged to take hold of faith. To believe. To hope.

Abraham "hoped against hope". Shadrach & friends told Nebuchadnezzar that God was able to save them, but even if He didn't that they would not bow. Paul & Silas singing praises to God in jail, confident that God was more powerful than their circumstances. Also, the many written of in Hebrews 11.

Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

Truly we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and are not alone!!! Throughout history, how many people lived fully in awe of God whom we never hear about? Quiet lives who do His work and don't have books written of them. Yet they obeyed and impacted lives around them through their faith...

Truly, God is at work in His Kingdom here on earth and He is helping us all to do the good works He has given us to do - whether our good work appears clearly to others or not is not the issue. God is revealed through us to those whom God is drawing to Him as we go about His business.

In all these things, can we not rejoice today? Can we not celebrate His goodness to work in and through us?

Dear friends, there is something even greater for us to rejoice in!

When the 70 came back excited from their missionary excursions, Jesus instructed them to have Godly perspective in their victories.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."” Luke 10:19-20 NASB

Crazy! They had power from The Son of the Real God (not a made up god like cultures around them worshipped). BUT!!!! There was a GREATER gift to celebrate. Their names were written in the Book of Life. They were secure in Christ!

We also are secure in Christ! We do not shrink back! We are the chosen and equipped warriors of God who seek His face. We work in His strength. We find refuge and encouragement in Him. We are made right with our Maker through Jesus and given authority and power to do the work God gives us to advance His kingdom against the gates of hell.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 NIV

The church will not be overcome. She is the Body of Christ. Jesus is in us and overflowing though us. Jesus has all God-given authority and He has given this to His followers so we can do the work God gives us to do. Our names are written in the Book of Life. Nothing can separate us from God's love.

“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 NIV

Father God, You are glorious! Mighty! Holy! You have not only saved us from sin and death, but also given each of us work to do today. We all have different jobs to do, and all are important. Speak through us to the lives around us. Let our lives be so full of Your Holy Spirit that even strangers would notice and be drawn to You. Open our eyes to opportunities to share Jesus, using words when necessary. Love boldly through us. Reach the individuals who feel lost and unloved. Let them know You are aware of them and that Your love for them is pure. Heal those with diseases, and if not healing in this lifetime, we ask for a mighty outpouring of Jesus through them. Give increased faith to those struggling with anxiety and depression, that they can build their 'believing muscles' today. Thank You for working in our lives and giving us work to do... That we get the awesome opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus with others! In Jesus' name.

Evidence of growth in you!

2016-06-20T08:19:00.001-04:00

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB

God is working the same lesson of learning to lean hard on Him alone in so many of us! The fire has been turned up 7 times, but we are not consumed.

We process our "stuff" quieter. Faster. Less flailing of the arms. Less tantrums and blow-ups. We cry out to friends less frequently. Explain our details a little bit less. We have stronger faith. Enduring hope. Increasing peace. Jesus is more real to us than ever before. And it shows.

Our view of community has become more like sprinkles on life to enjoy and cherish - instead of our bread & water to live from.

Jesus has become our sustenance and our thirst quencher. That is GOOD!

Press on, dear sisters! For, as the pressure continues, our hope will not fail! God will finish what He began in us and in His kingdom! Praise be to God who sustains us by His Word and ministers to us by His Spirit!

Father God, thank You! Thank You for changing us. For promising to finish what You began! For bringing us hope that endures, greater faith, peace and happiness. Thank You for being our sustainer, encourager, guide, and friend. You are faithful and have loved us so deeply. Fill us to overflowing with the love of Jesus, that we may continue to love You more and share that love with those around us. In Jesus' name.

Jesus saw her.

2016-06-07T15:09:00.001-04:00

Jesus "was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.”

Luke 13:10-13 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.13.10-13.nasb

She's suffered 18 years. That's a long time to be doubled over. Painful. Day in. Day out. Makes it hard to do basic chores. It is possible that it affected her relationships in a culture where afflictions were thought to be a sign of judgement.

As uncomfortable and hard as life was, she wasn't bitter. She was at the synagogue. Still seeking Her Jehovah. She had not stopped following Him in her hard days.

Jesus noticed her.

Out of the crowds there, He noticed her.

He called out to her. Told her to approach the One who was there at Creation. To come near to her Maker.

She risked embarrassment. Walking up to Jesus would put her in the spotlight. She might be mocked. Surely there were whispers.

Her response? She came. She scored closer to her Lord. She drew near to Him, possibly the only one in the room willing to be near her.

If she hadn't come near, she might have missed Jesus. His healing words. His healing touch.

Her freedom came when she drew near and let Jesus do His work in her life.

Father God, just like this woman was noticed by Jesus, we are assured throughout Your Word that You notice us! You know what we face today. You know what we need. Give us ears to hear Your whispers to draw near, and hearts that quickly respond. Courage to "shuffle" closer when it hurts to move and when we are afraid. Your grace and love for us is huge - open our minds to grasp a bit more of Your heart toward us today. Where healing is needed, we ask in the name of Jesus for healing to come. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Give us hearts that seek You as we wait. Enduring in faith. Lift up the hearts of those who need an extra dose of hope today. We praise You and thank You for being our Good Father and for never leaving us alone! In Jesus' name we pray!

Ambassadors

2016-05-12T02:35:00.000-04:00

Want to know the secret to having courage to share God’s love with others?

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh…Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, NASB

The more we understand the great cost Jesus paid to make us right with God… The more we grasp the result of His sacrifice… the more we are compelled by a mighty force…

The love of Christ

Abba God, thank you for the love of Christ. Have your way in me today. Soften my heart as I lean in to learn from You. Teach me the depth of Jesus’ love. Move me with that love – compel me to be a more focused ambassador for Christ, reconciling others to you. Help those of us who struggle to sit still, to learn how to meditate on the powerful truths in this passage. Help those of us who are afraid to grasp – and focus on – your perfect love which casts out fear. Open doors for us to share our story with others. Speak through us so others can know your great love. Give us eyes to see all believers as new creations; unify us as one Body of Christ, which we are. Give us courage to love each other more as the days continue. Fill us with a deep insatiable desire to love and serve, using the tools you have given us. Show us as individuals what you want us to do. We are listening, Abba, and we want to please you because you gave us ALL the good we have and know. We are nothing – we have nothing – apart from you. In Jesus’ name.

Jesus knows & will bring you through.

2016-05-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hello my Sweet Friend.

I love you SOOOoooo much. I wish I could give you an in-person hug right now. I wish I could take away all your hurts, but I know that would change who you are and I wouldn’t change a thing about you!

What I’m about to say will require a lot of trust on your part, but I ask that you read on and seek the truth, based on the only absolute truth we have in this world (God’s Word, which is Christ Jesus Himself).

I see such a beautiful child of God, who’s being changed before my eyes in an amazing way, by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah Himself. You are being made, as a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly, into the very image of Jesus Himself.

He knew pain. He knew suffering. He knew emotional anguish.

He knew betrayal. He knew, really knew, loneliness.

He knew the daily distractions, burdens, and drudgery.

Jesus also knew the answer…

In order to become the man He was meant to be,

he would have to rely solely on His Abba.

In prayer. In trust.

Through the tears. Through the frustration.
Through the loneliness. Through sadness and loss.
Through losing friends as he made tough choices.

For direction… even when it seemed there was none.

For hope… even when it seemed there was none.

For friendship… even when it seemed there was none.

“For consider Him who has endured

such hostility by sinners against Himself,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:3, NASB

Jesus is the only one who can fully knows your frustrations and struggles. I'm committed to walking with you as you wait for answers, believing that together He will bring you through this hard season. Together, my friend. Together.

Father God, my friend needs comfort and encouragement. Meet her where she is and, in your faithfulness, let her know how precious she is in your sight. Replenish hope. Help her network of support be the kind of friends she needs right now. Show us clearly how to pray for and love her. Help us be respectful and kind. Protect her from hurtful words. I ask, too, that you clearly show her if there is anything she can do - or should stop - during this time as she waits on You. In Jesus' name...

I love you so incredibly much, and while I cannot take away your struggles or emotional turmoil, I am with you. I will be with you all our lives long. You are so dear to me, and I’m so glad that we can share our journeys together.

You are a valuable gift, and I am so glad to have you in my life!

With all my love…

Just some guy.

2016-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

Remember Barak? The one in the Bible, whom Deborah told to fight Sisera?
Just some guy. With doubts and fears.

A few decades later, God calls Gideon.
Just some guy. With doubts and fears.

God works in and through the lives of common, broken "just a guy" (and "just a gal").
I don't know about you, but I needed that reminder!

Father God, thank You for giving us the training and tools to do the work You call us to do! I am "just a guy/gal" and I am so thankful that You are with me in my daily training, as well as the big battles. Increase my faith in You, in Jesus. Greater is He who is in me, than he that is in the world. You are at work in us and You are reconciling others to Jesus through us. Love and speak through us, Father. Show me what You want me to do today. In Jesus' name.

Barak's story can be read in Judges 4-5.

How deeply you are loved!

2016-05-04T09:30:00.000-04:00

Upon hearing of a friend's death, I was compelled to write her family to convey her love for them.

She was so fond and proud of her kids and grandkids. I wanted to share some good memories and to remind them of what they hopefully already knew. She loved them dearly.

Dear friend,

I want you to know...

God is real. He came to Earth for you.

To show you how much He loves you.

Listen. Do you hear Him?

"Do you know how much I love you? I love you so much that I sent my Son to tell you - to show you - my love in person. My love is real. He chose to die, because that was the only way to conquer death and sin. I love you so very much and want you to know My love."

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jhn.3.16-17.niv

Father, thank You for loving me. So. Much. To send Jesus to save me. To show me grace and truth. Thank You for freeing me from life-choking habits and attitudes. Thank You for walking with me. Increase LOVE in my heart for the people around me. Overflow Your love through me into their lives. Let them see You and praise You for Your good works. In Jesus' name.

Crazy Times

2016-05-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

Today's culture. Media. Does it excite you? Make you cringe? Anxious? Mad? Scared? Tempted to spew your view?

Have you stopped to think how we are to react in these times? (It's not so different from Paul's day.)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.... Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:14-15, 17-18, 21 NIV

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NASB

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,” - 2 Corinthians 5:18 NASB (See verses 19-20 also)

Love. Reconcile. Prayer. Share Jesus. Help the weak. Humble yourselves. Love your enemy. Forgive. Pray for their salvation. Trust God.

Father God, thank You for unmerited favor!!!! Give us wisdom & humility so we can be shrewd & gentle in these crazy days. Convict us if we have any unhealthy attitude or sin in us. Help us develop a grateful mindset, focused on what's good. Help us believe that prayer is powerful. Grow Your fruit in us! Love boldly through us! Father, speak truth and grace through us to people in our networks. Give us opportunities & compel us to share Jesus. How will they know if we don't share? Don't let us forget who we were before Jesus saved us. Don't let us get sucked into emotional bondage or verbal wars that aren't beneficial. There is much work to be done! Show me what You want me to do to spread the hope and promise of Jesus - for all who believe & follow Him. In Jesus' name!

Will I see you there

2016-05-03T02:07:00.001-04:00

Death. Disbelief. Memories. Relationship.

In all of our time together,

Did you hear Love call?

Sense Love's reach?

You believed in God. Lived "responsibly."

All that work

didn't build the bridge you needed

There lies the great canyon.

One Way to cross.

Jesus stands. Love in His eyes.

"Will you be My Beloved?"

One final breath...

Oh dear friend,

Did you accept His hand

Before it was too late?

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 NIV

Father God, please love huge through us, using words when necessary. If any one is reading this who doesn't know You, reveal Jesus to them. Give them courage to accept Jesus & follow Him. Remove deceit clouding any of our minds. Teach us truth. Thank You for freeing me from sin, from death. For guiding me. For hope. For promising You will never, ever leave me. In Jesus' name.

Stars Also

2016-02-15T17:45:00.002-05:00

Occasionally an author or speaker will share a discovered understatement that rocks my world. [Thanks to author Randy Alcorn for this one!]

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. “

Oh, and by the way,

"He created the stars also."

Like an afterthought. Easy. What? Wait.

The box – which I didn’t think I had put God in – is being shattered.

The God who created the sun and the moon

– oh yeah, the stars also –

is my dearest Abba.

My Abba is The Creator, with infinite creativity and power.

Our Abba God MADE THOSE colors and heavenly bodies in the sky. He set into motion all the rules that scientists are still trying to decipher.

When was the last time you made time to meditate on – and let yourself be astonished by Him?

His character… abilities… imagination … strength… desire for you.

His choice to save… to lean in to hear your hearts’ cry… to meet you in that desert.

Dear friend, THIS is our Father.

The more we consider Him, the easier it is to trust Him and to cast our cares on Him.

Abba God, I don’t want to settle for a lesser version of You! You can do, are doing, and will do more than we can think or imagine. Give us a bigger faith, courage to ask, and conviction that You are able. Don’t let fear keep us from asking. You extend grace with each answer – even with each “No.” Shatter our small understanding of who You are. Help us pray big prayers. In Jesus’ name…

Adding Truth to My Day

2016-01-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

I needed to find creative ways to place Scripture in my life - right in my face throughout my day. Truth to cling to when I don't "feel" so strong in faith.

Post-it's and slips of paper disappear. So I painted some blocks, glued on some paper and plastered Truth on them! I'll be drawn to look at them now - and maybe someone who comes in my home will be encouraged as well.

Here is a verse dear to my heart. It reminds me of so many truths!

How deeply loved I am!
God wants me to be with Him.
Jesus made a way for me to remain.
God hears me.
God works through me.
He produces fruit - that lasts beyond my last breath.
God is glorified in my relationship with Him and through my prayers.
God wants to answer my prayers.
Because of Jesus.

I could go on and on. (I'll spare you.)

Abba God, thank You for truth to put in our belt (Eph 6) - we need it!!! We need Your Word for guidance and encouragement. Show us what verses You want us to focus on - and how to increase truth in our daily lives. Whether it's through post-it's, a daily calendar reminder, crafty decor, etc. We are all created differently; let us not compare ourselves but to focus simply on You and Your Truth. Saturate our souls so thoroughly with Truth and Grace that doubt dissipates into oblivion. Increase our faith as we seek You. Thanks Abba, for guiding us and encouraging us through Your Word! In Jesus' name...

Keeping Christ in Christmas. In the Overflowing.

2015-12-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hi! So glad you stopped by!
I'm excited to join the BCW Christmas Blog Tour,
where we are keeping Christ in the Christmas season.
That's the goal, right?

Love it or dread it, most of us have had to find ways to survive

the Christmas season without losing sanity.

(Yet. All we really want is to celebrate Jesus.)

We want the season to be overflowing with the Love of Christ.
Traditions. Gatherings. Decorations. Gifts.
Then. Overwhelming hits. Schedules get full. Back to the store for a forgotten item!

Sometimes... What is good gets lost in a long list of obligations.

Sweet friends, take heart! This season is totally redeemable in the hands of our Father God!

May this be our season to be encourage each other

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody

with your heart to the Lord;" - Ephesians 5:19, NASB

May this be our season to adore our Jesus

O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.

O come, let us adore Him, Christ The Lord.

May this be our season to sing joyfully

Joy to the world, The Lord has come!

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove

the glories of His righteousness... and wonders of His love.

May this be our season to ponder
“By this the love of God was manifested in us,
that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world
so that we might live through Him.”
– 1 John 4:9

Abba God, Thank You for loving me - enough to send Jesus.

Show me clearly how to encourage others this Christmas season.

Fill our hearts to overflowing with adoration and jubilation as we look for ways

to share Jesus with those around us.

Convict us to love as You have loved us - especially when

we feel tired or mis-budget our energy or time.

Help us grasp the depth of Your love for us as we celebrate and ponder the gift of Jesus.

May Your will be done in my heart as it is done in heaven –

as it was, and is, and will be accomplished in Jesus!

In Jesus' precious name…

Be sure to stop by the Christmas Blog Tour to see how others are keeping Christ in Christmas. Thanks to yesterday's hostess, Marianne Baker Ball, for her 12 Days of Christmas post at Adventures in the Ballpark. A very special THANK YOU to Blogs by Christian Women (BCW) for organizing the tour!

Low Energy. Pain. Mistakes. Living without Regret.

2015-11-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Low energy. Pain. They torment me. There. I said it. I didn't intend to ever share this about myself. It's quite uncomfortable to share, but when God tells you to do something... Well, you just better. Am I right? I manage to push through most days, concealing as much as I can. I felt convicted today to put it out there. For whatever that is worth.

On this particular day, I didn't have the energy to accomplish much, so I chose to crochet the edging on a blanket I've been experimenting with. (Don't go getting all comparison on me whether you DIY-all-day-long or not-at-all. Just please don't.)

As much as pain -and low energy- can affect my plans for each day, I still have choices. I have projects that I focus on during my "no go" days and I reserve more ambitious goals for the few days I'm blessed with energy.

I'm glad to have a blanket to show for today's lack of energy. It will remind me that I pushed through many hard hours by working on this blanket. It will keep me warm during bitter winter nights. I don't have to share it with the guys - its all mine! (Bwaha! Oh, sorry. Did that slip out?) I wasn't sure I could finish an afghan, but look! I did it!!! I really finished it y'all!

What you probably can't see from the picture is this: This blanket has LOTS of mistakes.

Not kidding! Each mistake presented me with a choice: keep or undo? For me to undo work I've done, it must bother me a lot. I tore out what I knew I'd regret - which was a lot. There are many mistakes I chose to keep. Some flaw's add character. Others are close enough to what I was aiming for. Every mistake that I kept in this blanket is one that I choose to live with.

I want to live with that outlook toward my life.

To live without regret.

To rip out habits and sinful patterns that get between me and Jesus.

To accept who God made me to be,

even the "flaws" that really aren't so bad after all.

While I can't remove the mistakes I've already made in life, I can trust God to:

Finish what He began in me. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6, NASBRE

Give me wisdom in trials. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. James 1:5, NASBRE

Work together all things - the good & the bad - for my good (I am His and I love Him): And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, NIV

Abba God, thank You for promising to finish what You began in me, to give me wisdom in trials, and to work together all things for my good. Help me to trust You with my mistakes - and with all the details that simply do not make sense! Remind me often that You are the Master Creator of my life. Help me rejoice in Your goodness and creativity as the Master Artist. Help me rejoice that You made me wonder-FULLY and detailed. My quirks don't turn You off. You've removed my sins so I can be with You forever. You love spending time with me. Thanks for drawing nearer to me each time I draw near to You. I choose to trust today that You made my life beautiful - even with all my mistakes and flaws. Give me eyes to see what You see and a heart that celebrates Your work in me. In Jesus' name...

You, my dear, are new!

2015-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old is gone, the new has come!

We are made new. The old is gone. Easy to read.

Do we really believe it?

The REAL treasure of who we are is still being revealed to us.

God already sees what is.

Who we are.

We’re still getting our eyes adjusted to His light.

God cannot change or lie.

It’s a done deal.

We can cling to this truth!

He's already made us new!

You are so loved. You are cherished. You are beautiful.

You are made with loving care.

Yes, you really are absolutely ok as you are!

We don’t need to struggle anymore, dear friend. We don't have to force progress.

We’re so much like the struggling swimmer in rough waters. We have a Lifeguard who’s extremely well-trained and has never lost one of His own. EVER. He never will, either. All who are His cannot be taken from His Father’s hand. I say we should – for this second in time – trust our Life Preserver to do His job, while we lean back into His arms. He really will hold our heads above water. And we’ll reach shore faster as we trust Him to get us through these tumultuous waters.

God is responsible for my spiritual progress (sanctification).

I’m responsible for yielding to Him. That’s it. Simple.

Abba God, thank You! Thank You for making us new!!!!! Thanks for taking away the old. Help me lean on YOU - to trust You fully for maturity. Help me trust that You are doing a good work in me and through me. Let me be like the swimmer who, when drowning, relaxes in the lifeguard's arms. Let me trust that I'm safe - that I no longer need to try to save myself, or make myself better. Let my life be pleasing to You. I want so much to live well as a thanks-giving to You. In Jesus' name...

You, my dear, are complete.

2015-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

What if we choose -just for THIS moment- to believe

we’re acceptable, ok, and lovable?

Oh, do I hear some sighs? What's that you're saying?
You don't know what it's like... Life's been hard & taught me otherwise...

I've messed up... How can I be ok?
Oh, but, sweet girl, listen.

Did you catch that part about Jesus - He is FULL of Deity.

The Authority. What He says, is.

It is in this same Jesus, you have been given fullness.

For this moment - just for a few seconds - can you do this with me?

Lay it all down. People troubles. Work. Tears. Pain. Anger. Fear. Lay it all down.
Move your eyes off of troubles and onto God.

Just for this moment... let truth soak into your soul.

God has given you fullness. Completeness.
God has made you
Complete. Filled. Full. Come to fullness. Enough.

He completes you. He completes me. We don't need anything else.

He loves you so much, dear sister. Don't you see? We are ok. In Christ.

Abba God, thanks for making me complete. Help me believe this! To grasp what this even means. Let all my identity be rooted in Your value of me. You've completed me. You've made me new. The past is gone. Enable us to stand firm in this truth daily. No matter what. In Jesus' name...

So rooted in Christ that nothing phases us!

2015-11-03T21:56:00.002-05:00

What if we were so well-rooted in Christ, that nothing phased us?

What if I knew - really knew - who God is

and spent more time acting grateful

and amazed by His holiness and kindness toward me?

What if I truly knew all that He has done

- and all that He will do -

and believed it fully?

What if I absolutely knew who I am in Christ Jesus

and walked in His confidence?

Abba God, thank You for reaching down to be in relationship with me. Thanks for being incredibly involved in my daily life. Teach me who You are, what You've done - and will do, and who I am in Christ Jesus. Help me accept truth and reject lies. Help me understand YOUR value of me so that I'm not as concerned - or limited - by what others seem to think of me. Increase my faith and understanding, so I may be increasingly more compelled by the love of Christ in all I do. In Jesus' name.

You did not choose me. I chose you.

2015-11-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

When you walk into a room full of strangers,

isn't it a relief when someone you know greets you warmly?

"Hi! I'm so glad you came!"

That sure does make me feel more welcome!

How awesome to know that Jesus chose me

- Jesus chose YOU -

and not just for an occasional get together!!!

"You did not choose Me,

but I chose you and appointed you so that

you might go and bear fruit

-fruit that will last-

and so that whatever you ask in My name

the Father will give you." John 15:16, NASB

He chose you, dear sister. Soak that in today. HE. CHOSE. YOU. He loves you more than you can grasp. He longs for you to know the depth of His kindness and goodness that overflows to you. Will you accept His love today?

Abba God, Thanks so much that Jesus choose me. All good gifts come for you and I count this as a VERY GOOD gift! Thanks that I'm not the "last one chosen" ... that there's room for me on your team... I want to live my life well, as a way of saying, "Thanks for choosing me!" In Jesus' name...

Introducing Delighted in God - DIG!

2015-10-31T19:26:00.000-04:00

Hi friends!

I wanted to introduce you to Delighted in God (DiG), a ministry created by Aaron Smothers and Sandy Herman. God put the vision in our hearts years ago and tonight is the exciting launch of our dream. We invite you to visit our website, find us on Pinterest, sign up for our newsletter (See "Join My List" to the left), and share our ministry with your friends. DiG was created to remind you that you have value and you were created for a purpose!

I'll continue to write here, at Roses and Rhinos. Please pardon any construction mess as I work on making things better here. Love you all am so excited to share our journeys together!

Desert of Shame (Warrior Princess Series)

2015-10-30T22:11:00.000-04:00

Defeat’s salty tears sting as they flow over scars from the past. Reminders of failed attempts – my lack – bring me to the Desert of Shame. I didn’t need to go “there,” but I didn’t know where else to go. I’ve failed so often! How could The King possibly want me to be His ambassador?

I’ve read many accounts of warriors in days gone by. I’m told there’s a time in each warrior’s journey when they feel inadequate, beaten, and not enough for the task that lies ahead – no matter how many victories they’ve won.

What’s always bothered me in these stories, is the incredible faith which brought those warriors so far along! I cannot even get through one mundane day without feeling expended and useless. They were far much more honorable, faithful, and noble than I!

I want to do what honors The King, yet grasp how desperately incapable I am, unless...

Daring not to speak what I desire out loud, I seek answers before continuing on my journey. I'm on a quest for truth and I must speak to – and hear from – The King directly. I need to know if He truly will give me success (in spite of my lack). I do not seek success as the world seeks, but simply to be useful to The King.

It’s a lonely section of this journey, and brings great sadness in the wait. It yields much great worth! For, after a time, the Mighty and Wise King of the Universe confides in His Counselor, “It’s time to send Word.”

What a glorious moment when I hear Word from the King! His Counselor swiftly and powerfully embeds Truth deeply in my heart. I’m astonished! How could I not see this before?

It was good for me to come to this place, the Desert of Shame. It was here that I met God, my King. The shame of who I am (on my own) has proven useful in training me to rely on Him further. He brought me to repentance and has shown me many truths. I will share them with you, dear friends, in the next few letters. At this moment, I must ready my horse for today’s journey. Grace and peace to you, dear friends.

Abba God, my King, humbly and with much thankfulness I bow before You. You are great and faithful to your servant warriors. May You be known throughout the world as great, glorious, and just! Cause those who are yours to walk in dependence on You, full of your courage and faith. Increase our faith. Strengthen our weak knees. Convict us where we sin, bringing us to repentance so that we may be made more like Christ Jesus. In His name…

Our Deliverer Delights in Us

2015-08-25T08:43:00.001-04:00

“He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.”

Psalms 18:19 NASB

When He is done squeezing out

all of the usefulness

that can possibly be pressed

from each hard trial...

He paves a path for us and moves us into beautiful, restorative places. Why?

HE. Delights. In. Us.

Abba God, thank You for delighting in us. You made us Your daughters - royal children of The King. You clothe us. You give us an inheritance. A future. Innumerable spiritual riches and blessings.

You don't leave us in hard times to waste away. You give us strength. You renew hope and give us training to prepare us for future work. You delight to be with us, and You let us know You. You let us get close to You. We don't have to go through body guards for only a brief moment of your time. You walk with us constantly. Wow.

In restorative times, You use our beautiful battle scars as reminders of Your faithfulness and lessons learned. You bring us to peaks where we can see miles of abundant beauty, catch our breath and enjoy the ground gained. When it's time to move on, You give us strength and courage move forward in the work You prepared us for.

Have Your way in us. We pledge our service. Our lives are Yours. Our hearts. Our breath. In Jesus' name.

Until We Meet Again, Dear Sister

2015-08-22T19:30:00.001-04:00

A sweet friend from church died last night. Cancer. She had grace and one of the sweetest smiles. I treasure the hug she went out of her way to give me a month ago. I wonder if she knew that her health was failing.

That was the last I saw her.

I didn't know her well; she was one of those sisters for whom I had a deep respect and love. I'm glad she is with Jesus; heart broken for her family.

I'm glad we'll meet again, Holly. While I wished we could have know each other better, you sure did leave a lasting impression in my heart. It was so obvious that you loved your family deeply; loved Jesus even more. I look forward to the next time we see each other. So glad that we will.

Abba God, grant Holly's family & friends comfort and strength. Help us to live fully for You while we have breath, "having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For [You have] not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. [Let us strongly] Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as [we] also are doing.” in Jesus' powerful name, and for Your glory, with the desire that all would know Your kindness and grace while they have breath. Amen.

(1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 NASB)

http://bible.com/100/1th.5.8-11.nasb

He meets us!!!

2015-06-10T09:35:00.001-04:00

I've been reading through the Gospels chronologically. Following Jesus' resurrection, I have been captivated by the reactions of the followers of Jesus.

Wanna know what hit me today, in John 20?

We ALL struggle with doubt. We ALL need God's help to believe.

...and...

HE meets us all in different ways.

Jesus met Mary in the garden. He opened the eyes and minds of two men on a journey. He showed up more than once to some (on the beach; in locked rooms). He gave Thomas hands-on evidence without condemnation.

They all had doubts and were definitely struggling. They would've been asking questions and searching Scriptures...

How could this be???

What now???

Does everything we've done mean nothing?

Has life been a lie?

I know... What we face can't compare to that situation. [I can hear your "Yeah, but!"]

Was your world ever turned upside down?

Your dreams crushed?

Heart broken?

Faith in someone you trusted obliterated?

Has life turned out the way you expected?

Have you ever done something You knew God wanted you to, only to despair at the results?

Have you questioned God's presence, faithfulness?

Where ARE You, God?

When will You help me?

Have You left for good?

How could this be?

What now?

Does everything we've done mean nothing?

Has life been a lie?

Please God, I need You.

I don't understand.

I did what I was so sure You wanted me to do, but this isn't where I thought the path would lead.

Did I miss something? Did I miss You?

The same basic faith versus doubt struggle exists in all of us.

And HE STILL MEETS US.

Where we are.

He never left.

Ever wonder why Jesus waited so long to show up to Thomas? I sure have. Maybe the wait revealed to Thomas the depth of his doubt-or some other issue he needed to work through. We don't know. Jesus knew how long to wait before showing up to Thomas... And He knows when to minister to us.

Praise be to God that we don't have to stay in the rut of human doubt. That He helps us and increases our faith! That even through our questions, He can bring us to place where:

...we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB)

Abba God, You know we struggle to believe. You aren't shocked by this. [I'm so glad!!] Help us honestly acknowledge our doubts; help us in our unbelief. Open our eyes to see You - don't let us miss You. Father, I also ask that You show us specifically how to encourage each other. Thanks for loving me, for meeting me, for never condemning me, and for sharing who You are with me... Your creativity and faithfulness is great. You amaze me. I love You so much. In Jesus' name...