Words Exploring

keep watch

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:21:00 +0000

I have not forsaken this blog...just doing some strategic, prayerful planning...Keep watch...In the meantime,

I prayer each reader of this blog will know God more and more deeply, that your desire for Him will fill you and overflow, and those things that bind you from true freedom will be loosed from you by the authority of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, and you will reflect His love and truth in all you do and say...to the glory of God.

Shalom friends,

MistiPearl

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior

~Titus 3:4-6

The Path

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:55:00 +0000

The path

taken

by many, yet few

appreciate

the path

traversed.

Look Beyond the Grey

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:05:00 +0000

It is never all grey skies...The Son will shine though.

Remember...

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:48:00 +0000

~Memories by Faei

Memories...I seem to go there the older I become...back into time...a place of memories.

Some good, some bad...some blanked out...some I long to see and sense more clearly...

Memories.

Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall for any line like that.

Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short?

You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there.

The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.

Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends—so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God's original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ.

So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.~2 Thes 2 MSG

Remember.

Richard Rohr - Kindred Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:16:00 +0000

I subscribe to the somewhat controversial Richard Rohr's devotional from the Center for Action and Contemplation I find his writings inspirational and even challenging at times. I am not a "conservative Christian" per se (if you were looking to label me), and I like to keep my heart and mind open to how God works in and through those who are passionate about what they are learning in the Word and by the Holy Spirit...saying as much, I have found a kindred spirit in Fr. Richard's experience and I wanted to share a sample with my readers. (I love how after he shares, there is a "Starting Prayer", a simple sentence to encourage the reader to meditate upon the words written and follow through into a dialogue with God.)

(Continuing on the topic of)
Mysticism

The final experience of mysticism, after the optimistic explosion that we usually call hope, and the ensuing sense of safety, is of deep rest. It’s the verb I’m told that is most used by the mystics: “resting in God.” All this striving and this need to perform, climb, and achieve becomes, on some very real level, unnecessary. It’s already here, now. I can stop all this overproduction and over-proving of myself. That’s Western and American culture. It’s not the Gospel at all.
We’ve all imbibed the culture of unrest so deeply. We just cannot believe that we could be respected or admired or received or loved without some level of performance. We are all performers and overachievers, and we think “when we do that” we will finally be lovable. Once you ride on the performance principle, you don’t even allow yourself to achieve it. Even when you “achieve” a good day of “performing,” it will never be enough, because it is inherently self-advancing and therefore self-defeating. You might call it “spiritual capitalism.”

From Following the Mystics through the Narrow Gate ...
Seeing God in All Things (CD, DVD, MP3)

Starter Prayer: Fall into the love of God.

When Time Runs

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:25:00 +0000

All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless~Ecclesiastes 2:23

Don't forget to take the time to nourish you mind, your body, and your soul or you may end up like this:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28

The Journey Continues...

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:16:00 +0000

In this past year, I have learned that life is not always what you expect. I have learned that some people are very afraid of being alone as they age. I have learned that some people are cruel beyond my imagination. And I have learned that God still loves and works in us and through us even when we are told He would have nothing to do with us. (Yeah, seriously wrong understanding of the Father by those...)

It has been an incredible eye-opener for me. The bubble of life I have lived in for so long has popped and I find myself in a world of grit. I am no longer surrounded by church goers, let alone believers. I do not have a circle of friends that I can count on to listen to my concerns, hurts, beliefs, musings, etc. This world is foreign to me and my understanding of how to live life, yet I have not left Canada...just the province of Ontario. I am in Quebec. A province that wishes to be a country. The complications in that sentence alone could fill several pages of my blog; right now however, it is not where I want to navigate...though it does influence my existence here.

I find the blanket of oppression heavy here and prayer difficult oftentimes. My own behaviour as a Child of God inappropriate at times, and yet, when I gear up and engage in battle and the Holy Spirit does things that are far more "impressive" than what I had ever seen in my previous season of existence!

When I think that God can no longer use me...I decide that I have nothing to lose, so I speak out boldly and WHAM, God moves. He moves through me and I see a side of God that I had not yet encountered! I am not out evangelizing, speaking the Word of God like a seasoned theologian, I am just me trying to bring some love and peace into the hearts and minds of others in the way I was taught. And despite me, the Holy Spirit brings what is needed to do what He wants done...and I am left humbled and in awe.

Around me are people who have no clue that they are loved by their Creator and that life is not about the money, the next party, the next partner, the next toy, the prestige, the next church building, or church service, it is not about any other thing/event you can dream of. It is about the desire to know Him every moment of every day.

I have been struggling with what life should look like for me. I am, in a way, at the precipice of another new season. I am beginning to realize that life for each of us is the same but different...and it is a good thing, a liberating thing. I do not have to have the 2.5 kids, white picket fence, and so on (however you have been brainwashed into idealizing existence). And regardless of what my life does look like, it is this desire to know God that will overflow into how I live and what others see and moved by...even despite my imperfections. It is a journey of adjustment...neverending...

...To be cont'd....

Right Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:33:00 +0000

...Sometimes

it takes

lying on your face

before God

to get the right perspective.

The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:29:00 +0000

A homeless man is stalked by a pale, wraithlike creature with a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. Maimed animals and a host of suicides cluster around a mountain in Scotland. And deep beneath the cobbled streets of Oxford, a malicious hoard besieges a hidden city.

Freya Reynolds is a university student with a touch of OCD and an obsession with myth and folklore. Daniel Tully is living rough on the streets of Oxford, waging a secret war against an enemy only he can identify. Years ago, they found themselves in a world few know is real. They have since gone their separate ways and tried to put that adventure behind them.

But the mythical word is now bleeding into our reality -- a dark spiritual evil that is manifesting itself in forgotten corners of the British Isles. Alex Simpson is a Scottish police officer who specializes in hunting mythical creatures. Together, they must confront the past, the present, and points beyond to defeat the ultimate threat to humanity.

~The Ancient Earth Trilogy, Book 1 - The Realms Thereunder

Ross Lawhead has created a wonderful beginning to his trilogy. The main characters are likeable even with their weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how Mr. Lawhead will further develop his characters in the next book.

The storyline keeps you turning the pages, and as the past and the present are interwoven, the groundwork for a fantastic adventure is laid. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Lawhead's use of real and historical context, making the imaginary become a little more real-to-life, which I think adds to the enjoyment of this read.

Book 1 was good and I am looking forward to Book 2. Pick up The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead and give it a read! You can buy this book at your local bookstore or online at www.chapters.ca or www.amazon.com

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Appreciate Each Moment

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Never let wonders in life pass you by without taking time to appreciate them

...No matter how small.

It is the little pleasures in life that God has blessed us with during the mundane. Look around and purposefully notice what is around you and take time to wonder/appreciate/marvel at it...and breathe deep the hidden beauty of our world.

God Hears

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Never - EVER - underestimate the power of prayer! I am constantly amazed at how God works, and though I shouldn't be surprised when he answers prayer, I still usually stand in awe of His workings regardless. It is arrogant of a person to think that God does not or cannot hear our prayers...He does. Every prayer spoken out loud or silently...He hears. He knows our hearts and minds better than we do. He knows our needs and desires, and He knows what is best for us and (...this is where faith comes in) it may NOT be what we think is best.

As the Bible says,

James 1:5~If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:6~But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind
1 John 5:14~This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us

1 John 5:15~And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

John 15:7~If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:16~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.

Don't be fooled...You do not need to be a pious theologian to hold out your heart to God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~Eph.3:20-21

Look Out for One Another

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:46:00 +0000

The Father watches over everyone of us. He asks us to look out for one another also. The human heart, unfortunately, is a fickle thing...wanting to do right, wanting to do wrong. Sometimes we are so protective towards others, and yet, other times we can't strike at one another quick enough...our pride is at stake. And so it goes...But the damage done when our heart strikes out against another and is extensive, requiring healing that can only be tended to by the Master Physician. Oftentimes, we cannot see the damage...symptoms of it perhaps, but only if we are paying attention...if we care. If we could actually see the damage, I imagine the majority of us would cringe in utter disgust - kind of how when we see a body that has been maimed, we draw back.

And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

~Zechariah 7:8-10

'The Wise Woman's Stone'

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:16:00 +0000

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.

"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

What is in your heart?

Hot Air Ballooning

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0000

It was 3:38 am and I had not slept much. I had been bothered by a dream...more like a nightmare. There was a being, neither male nor female in my bed tormenting me. I cast it away in my dream by calling out to Jesus...I awoke with the name of Jesus on my lips, however muffled it may have sounded. After a few minutes of prayer, I dozed off again to awake at 3:38 am. Regardless of the dream, I got up to have a shower and start my day. Nothing was going to hinder me today, not bad dreams nor lack of sleep...Today I get to fulfill a dream...a good dream!

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a little town in Quebec, Canada holds a Festival of Hot Air Balloons every year. I am now living less than an hour away (if the bridges are open) from this little town and I upon first opportunity, booked an early morning flight.

At the VIP meeting grounds, I waited under the moon and stars for the sun to rise and the pilot to call us forth. Of course, morning sunrise is my favourite time of day, so waiting was no problem for me as I lingered in the glory of the new day. Others - wandered around half asleep in and out of the quonset hut with coffee and donuts in hand, trying so shake of their drowsiness. Despite this, there was excitement in the air for everyone.

Once the sun was up, we met with our pilot and headed off to the launching site. There are launching sites all over the little town. Fields, parks, and parking lots that were empty in these morning hours were slowly filled with trucks and trailors carrying balloons, baskets, and people all ready rise up.

The empty spaces slowly filled with baskets (that are not as big as one would think) and colourful material that would unfold and be filled with air on the ground before they are filled with propane in preparation for flight.

People with cameras, professionals and otherwise, were taking pictures left, right, and center as the balloons unfolded. The mass of colours were delightful to watch unfold in the morning light. Some balloons were characters and it became a guessing game to accurately predict what would unfold. I caught the expression of a couple of little girls as they saw one of our favourite balloons near finish filling:

The balloon they were in awe of..."When pigs fly..."

After our balloon was filled, we got instruction on how to get in and out, what to touch and not to touch...and then it was time!

In we got and off we went...

Now, I am not afraid of heights, but there is a period of time where instinct takes over and in the span about the height of a skyscraper, in the first few moments of flight, I felt slightly unnerved...Once I got past that I was good to go.

The view was incredible and it was suprisingly peaceful...

For my fellow Canadians...a welcome sight any morning whether on the ground or in the air...

For my American friends...

There were all kinds of great balloons. Approximately 120 participate in the festival (...which I highly recommend!), and I took pics of a few outstanding:

Pepe le Peu...

Sharky...

Balloons at a lower altitude have the right-of-way.

Right below us, one of my favourite traditional balloons...

The balloons can fly quite low, and we skimmed across the cornfields for a bit, about 1-2ft above the tops of the corn. It is poor etiquette to drag your basket through the crops, and a skilled pilot knows how to read the wind and mangage the balloon so this is avoided.

Our pilot...Jim is from Connecticut...Pilot for 30 yrs and a balloon inspector as well. We were in good hands.

Another shot of the tranquil masses floating along...

Balloons beginning to land...

Skimming just above the corn before we land...

We landed safely with only three bumps to the ground, basket upright.

After we got out of the basket, we helped the pilot begin to deflate the balloon and wait for the chase team to catch up with us. Once the balloon was packed up, we drove out of the field to the farmer's house to present the farmer with the traditional bottle of champagne (which, this time, was a local apple cider) and a certificate for a brunch at a local resturant.

My dream fulfilled, I fully intend to fly again. It was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to everyone!

Next...gliding.... ;)

Everything the Bible Says About Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:56:00 +0000

The title of this book caught my attention. I sometimes wonder about heaven and speculate on what it is really like...Are there really cute baby cherubs strumming harps on clouds?

Thankfully, Everything the Bible Says About Heaven does deny that myth because what you find is a great reference book scripturally documenting heaven from Genesis to Revelation .

Throughout this book, there are very few commentaries on the selected passages, which leaves opportunity for readers meditate on the Word and/or to engage in biblically-based dialogue about heaven.

I would highly recommend this book to be used in a bible study...One can explore what the bible says about heaven in a meaningful way as the editors have compiled the contents of this book with a sense of direction.

Chapter 1 - The Place Where God Dwells: Old Testament Visions of Heaven

Chapter 2 - Many Mansions: New Testament Visions of Heaven

Chapter 3 - Heaven in the Book of Revelation

Chapter 4 - Between Heaven and Earth

Chapter 5 - Answers From Heaven

Chapter 6 - Who Will Go to Heaven?

Like mentioned, this book is a scriptual reference, having little commentary, and leaves opportunity for some fantastic discussion. Check it out for yourself!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

They Did Not Realize

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

~John 21:4

Just a Cloud

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Really?!
quiet training, self-improvement, wandering, hatred, corruption, fools, pain, insecurities, clic, incompetence, manipulation, watching, life-lessons, pity, locusts, facade, disorder, apathy, resentment, peace, distance, torn, watching, stagnation, slow, self-awareness, boredom, water, incompetence, victim, hope. determination, future, love, steadfastness, purpose.

Psalm 13
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, And Me - Book Review and Free Give Away

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:09:00 +0000

ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR SUMMER READING LIST!

Skimming across my book choices, this title caught my eye. The content of the book; however, involves a slightly more difficult topic than what one might expect in a "memoir".

Mr. Cron presents a wonderfully witty and laugh-out-loud version of his life...Actually, this is only partly true. Though I did thoroughly enjoy his writing (...and I did laugh out loud at parts), Mr Cron touched my heart with his story.

He starts in his youth, creating a good base for understanding why he did what he did and what lessons he learned along the way. His father, being a significant influence to his choices, offered some wise advice: "Don't write checks against your life that you can't cover." (Good words to heed.)

Delving into the author's struggles, he reflects:

"There were kids in the Bowdoin Fellowship who were C.S.Lewis and Josh McDowell addicts, eager to develop a rational case for the faith so they could defend it against the intellectual objections of pagan professors. I wanted to fit in with them and enjoy discussing apologetics, but it was thin gruel to me. I didn't want to parse God--I wanted to be swept up in his glory. I didn't want to understand the Holy One; I wanted to be consumed in his oceanic love. I yearned for heaven, and as long as it remained beyond my reach, my life was tinged with disappointment.
How could I know that my growing attachement to drinking was nothing more than a displaced longing for this kind of ecstatic experience of God?
Besides, what would I have done differently if I'd known? I would have tried to figure out a way to have both Spirit and spirits. How else can I explain a twenty-year-old trying to swim in the depths of God, while clutching a glass of Scotch over his head?"

From innocent childhood memories to not-so-innocent memories, Mr. Cron allows the reader into a world that many (many) people can relate to and how he managed to navigate through it with, and seemingly without, God.

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, And Me...A Memoir of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron would be a great addition to your library...And, if you would like a free copy, I have one to give away. Please leave a comment describing your dad - in one word for a chance to win this copy. I will be sending out this book August 1st.

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, And Me...A Memoir of Sorts has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson".

"Bastard!"

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0000

When the father looked at the son, he was angry and ready to release a string of hurtful profanities to put the arrogant little bastard in his place. "Bastard! Yes! ...That offspring cannot be mine."

Never will you ever hear those words from our Father in heaven. When you turn to Him, even after you have strayed from the faith, rebelled, and/or turned away from your Father's advice; He will receive you - with love.

The story of the prodigal son exemplifies this:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:11-32

The Tongue of the Devil

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

~1 Corinthians 16:13

Screw Good.

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:55:00 +0000

You know, it is easy to serve God when you are single and alone (...that is: whether you are married or not, and/or just isolated). I say this because it seems to me that people get in the way of our walk with God. I can walk with Him in a sea of people and be content and filled with the Holy Spirit, oblivious to my effect on the masses, but the moment I reach out, all hell breaks loose!

Now, the fact is we are made for relationship with Him and with others, but it does not change the fact that some people are royal speedbumps in the road of life. (author included)

How does that Word go?..."Do not give up doing good"...? Bah Humbug! Screw good. Oh wait. That wasn't very "Christian" of me...But it was very real.

Sometimes I get tired. It doesn't mean that I don't believe in God or that I have left the faith or whatever. It just means I am human. Yep. News to the world. I. Am. Human. A person who still makes mistakes, who still gets frustrated with other Christians, who gets tired of always doing the "right" thing...I have my moments. Ultimately, those times are more between me and God than me and whoever else; however, oftentimes the "whoever else's" think it is between me and them...it is actually less so than their egos can take and they/we tend to make it about them and them....I mean me...and them. (Catch the "we"...I do it too..no condemnation here folks, just the facts.)

So, where does that leave me/us ? Right where God wants us. Scruffy, dirty, beaten, and breathless before Him, ready to be washed clean...again. And for those of you who think that you would never appear before God that way...well...you are a fool. He did not come to save the righteous(...and none of us are). He came to save us from the evil that seeks to destroy us. God is persistent, gentle- yet firm, full of lovingkindness (hesed), convicting- not condemning.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

It is much easier to walk with God alone...we don't get so dirty...but then again, we also don't get the cleaning that we need. ...Think about it.

Shalom

Lest You Forget

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:54:00 +0000

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ~John 14:26

I Will Not Be Shaken

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:19:00 +0000

I am watching. I have heard your lies. I have seen your ill intent and I cringe at the domino effect of it, where it could lead.
I am praying. I have confessed my sins. I have seen the ill and I cringe at its effect.
I am persevering. I am operating from hope. I choose to see the light though the darkness however dim it may seem at present.
I will not be shaken.

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;

my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me?

Would all of you throw me down—

this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 Surely they intend to topple me

from my lofty place;

they take delight in lies.

With their mouths they bless,

but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from him.

6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge.

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,

the highborn are but a lie.

If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;

together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion

or put vain hope in stolen goods;

though your riches increase,

do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,

two things I have heard:

“Power belongs to you, God,

12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;

and, “You reward everyone

according to what they have done.”

~Psalm 62

Strong, Yet Fragile

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:10:00 +0000

I didn't think much of it when it happened, but it did and here I am. What was it that led up to this event? I can barely recall. It doesn't matter now. The past is gone and I am to live in the present.
...the present...
This moment - a gift from God - the present.
I think of how quickly the moments of life fly by and how fragile we are, yet strong. Kind of like an egg; if situated properly, an egg can resist the pressure that in other circumstances would pulverize it.
...Fragile, yet strong.

A flower.

A spider's web.

A baby.

A word...

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.~Philippians 4:13

A gift...

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~Ephesians 2:8

The present...a gift from God. The past is gone. We live in the present, we look to the future...eternity with God - the giver of life - our creator...
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.~Colossians 1:16

Do not live in the past. Live in the present. Be thankful for the gift of Life and look, with hope, to the future.

Repost June 15, 2010

Albert Einstein

noreply@blogger.com (MistiPearl) — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:05:00 +0000

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.

~Albert Einstein