I woke up with a heart and mind full this morning. There were a ton of things to do to get ready for a MOPS meeting I had to lead. Usually my heart and mind are full of good things and happy thoughts, but a sly trick of the devil is to bring to my mind past regrets, failures, low points, hurts, mistakes, etc. In a flash I saw people's faces the moment after I said something thoughtless or hurtful, opinions I shared that would have been better left unspoken, judgments I had made about others, things I had done that brought guilt and shame, things done to me that make me sad.
And then the line of a song sprang into my heart, "I have no time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us...". Thank you Holy Spirit! And after that I remembered friends, family, mentors, counselors who have helped me get past these times in my life that I'm not proud of. God is sooooo good! In a moment my heart went from full of shame and sorrow to full of the mercy, grace, and love of God offered new everyday and the knowledge that He doesn't see me broken or stained. He doesn't hold my words and actions against me. I don't have to drag these regrets through my day or through the rest of my life. But, I can use them as stepping stones. When they come to mind I will let them remind me of what not to do, what not to say, and that I'm not the person that I once was.
Everyday in my walk with the Lord He is changing me. Little by little, day by day. I don't want to be the same. I still have PLENTY of quirks, rough edges, imperfections, uglies...but He's not done with me yet! How grateful and blessed I am to have such a loving and caring Father!
As a parent I try to make everyday a new day. I don't want my kids to carry their mistakes of yesterday into today. Today is a clean slate. I want them to learn from yesterday's spankings and time outs, but I do not want to hold over them or against them. What a wonderful example God is to me in this.
So today, if you are remembering past mistakes, failures, regrets...know that God is willing, able, and faithful to forgive us, if we are willing to ask Him. He loves us just as we are, but doesn't leave us that way.
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 1 John 1:9 (AMP)
One more thought, I can't help thinking of the people who may read this and think back to a time that they were on the receiving end of something hurtful that I did or said. I may remember or I may not even know I hurt you. Just like I know there are others who have hurt me and didn't even realize it (and still others who could care less). I just want to say I do care, and I'm very sorry. I hope you will forgive me as I too strive to choose forgive others. Know that I don't want to be that hurtful person! I hope you can see me for who God is molding me to be and not for who I have been! :)
Wishing you peace and joy today!
Dina
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Walking with Jesus
Walking along with Jesus
But He is quiet on the way
"Jesus, have you left me?"
"No child, I'm with you always"
"Up ahead the path grows darker,
Cliffs and valleys, dark as night
But I'll hold you, lead and guide you,
Hold my hand, you'll be alright!"
My bestie once told me God is like a navigator, he doesn't always speak until it is time to change directions. He is such a faithful friend and guide! When no one else is trustworthy, tried, and true, HE IS! :)
Have a great day!
But He is quiet on the way
"Jesus, have you left me?"
"No child, I'm with you always"
"Up ahead the path grows darker,
Cliffs and valleys, dark as night
But I'll hold you, lead and guide you,
Hold my hand, you'll be alright!"
My bestie once told me God is like a navigator, he doesn't always speak until it is time to change directions. He is such a faithful friend and guide! When no one else is trustworthy, tried, and true, HE IS! :)
Have a great day!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Thoughts worth thinking...or not
Thoughts are such profound things in our lives, when you take a minute to think about it. I just had one of those moments. My life at this time is crazy busy. It seems like my mind is on overdrive, but I don't have time to process my thoughts much of the time. Not long ago I wrote a post called "Thought Life" because God has been working on me in this area. The funny thing is, as soon as I put into action the steps I described to combat the thoughts I was struggling with at that time (and had great success!), here came another one. This thought is really a question I've struggled with most of my life, attached to a huge ball of emotion, hurt, and blame. It's so funny that something so huge could slowly creep it's way back into my mind and start an "auto-repeat" cycle without me realizing it until literally just now.
I was praying and pouring out my heart to God to help get rid of the huge burden there. In the process, He pointed out to me that this big question has become a real problem and the enemy is using it to stir the emotional pot in my life. Um, yeah, I have enough on my plate, thanks, but NO THANKS! And so, it just occured to me, some thoughts aren't worth thinking and some questions aren't worth asking. There are some situations in life that can't be fixed even if you had all the answers. So, this question is one I'm laying to rest tonight. I should have been casting it down for a long time now, but honestly didn't realize it before. The devil is just that sneaky. When his old tricks aren't working, he finds new ones.
God is sooooo good and faithful! I'm thankful to be able to bring my burdens to Him and have Him so sweetly point out the problem. I'm willing to cast this question out, to forgive and let go of that huge, ugly, sad ball of emotion and let God pour in His love and healing again.
I'm sending this message into cyberspace because I want to encourage you to take a minute and let God search you and know you. Your thoughts. Your emotions. Your questions. I'm sure it's possible that someone else might read this and realize they too have an annoying, legitimate question or maybe just some stinkin' thinkin' that needs to be cleaned out. I pray for the people who read this that God will touch your heart and mind in a special way and prompt you to give over any negative, dibilitating thoughts in exchange for his comfort, peace, and burden-lifting rest!
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV -love this whole chapter)
Wishing you peace and joy this week!
Dina
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? 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. (Psalm 13:2, 5, 6 NIV)
I was praying and pouring out my heart to God to help get rid of the huge burden there. In the process, He pointed out to me that this big question has become a real problem and the enemy is using it to stir the emotional pot in my life. Um, yeah, I have enough on my plate, thanks, but NO THANKS! And so, it just occured to me, some thoughts aren't worth thinking and some questions aren't worth asking. There are some situations in life that can't be fixed even if you had all the answers. So, this question is one I'm laying to rest tonight. I should have been casting it down for a long time now, but honestly didn't realize it before. The devil is just that sneaky. When his old tricks aren't working, he finds new ones.
God is sooooo good and faithful! I'm thankful to be able to bring my burdens to Him and have Him so sweetly point out the problem. I'm willing to cast this question out, to forgive and let go of that huge, ugly, sad ball of emotion and let God pour in His love and healing again.
I'm sending this message into cyberspace because I want to encourage you to take a minute and let God search you and know you. Your thoughts. Your emotions. Your questions. I'm sure it's possible that someone else might read this and realize they too have an annoying, legitimate question or maybe just some stinkin' thinkin' that needs to be cleaned out. I pray for the people who read this that God will touch your heart and mind in a special way and prompt you to give over any negative, dibilitating thoughts in exchange for his comfort, peace, and burden-lifting rest!
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV -love this whole chapter)
Wishing you peace and joy this week!
Dina
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? 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. (Psalm 13:2, 5, 6 NIV)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Make time for God today!
Make time to be with God today. Sit and be still and let him speak to your heart! :) He has wisdom, direction, peace, comfort, hope, joy...whatever you may need!
Revelation 3:19-20
Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten I discipline and instruct them. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent changing your mind and attitude.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he will eat with Me.
Revelation 3:19-20
Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten I discipline and instruct them. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent changing your mind and attitude.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he will eat with Me.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Thought Life
I wanted to share something that I'm working on in my own life in hopes of encouraging you.
For the past several months I have struggled with some crazy thoughts! From depressing to just plain weird. Sometimes these thoughts affected the way I felt about myself or others, they had a way of setting the tone for my mood, and influenced my tone and topics during conversations. After being at home for months during the cold and flu season with newborn twins, I kept telling my husband I felt depressed, sad, etc. During one of my first Sundays back at church our pastor was preaching a sermon series called "Toxic" and his message was about our thought life. He reminded us not to just passively accept every thought that came through as truth. He reminded us that there is an enemy and other influences that affect our thoughts. I realized then that what I thought was depression was really me letting the enemy attack my mind and basically giving him permission to rule over my emotions because I wasn't guarding my mind. Now that I'm aware my thoughts and feelings have changed for the better.
Thoughts are powerful. As Christians the bible teaches us to be careful what we think about and to be on guard against wrong thinking in whatever form it takes (depressing, unkind, inappropriate, etc). I've been praying about this issue and felt encouraged by the Lord to start memorizing scriptures in the areas that my struggles are in. I think of this now as kind of a "duh" moment! Of course! What did Jesus use when Satan tempted him? God's word! So basically He reminded me that I need to hide his word in my heart and recall the words that are already hidden there.
Again, thoughts are powerful. Sin doesn't just happen, it starts with a thought. When we entertain wrong thoughts they can influence our words, actions, attitudes, reactions, etc.
Here are some tips to help control your thoughts:
1) Proactively guard your mind and recognize when your thoughts are negative, wrong, inappropriate, unkind... Don't just be passive when thoughts come up, if they aren't right DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 KJV)
2) Give your thoughts the thought test based on Philippians 4:8- Is it true? Honest? Just? Pure? Lovely? Of good report? Does it have any virtue or any praise?
If your thoughts don't meet this standard, trade them for new, better ones!
3) Hide God's word in your heart and keep it fresh in your mind (memorize scriptures that will help you think good thoughts or ones that address areas you are struggling in)
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11 NLT)
4) Be careful what you put in your mind. This is huge! We are bombarded all day every day with all kinds of media and various people in our lives. BE CAREFUL!!! Garbage in, garbage out. Be careful what you watch, read, listen to and the conversations you have with others. ...yes, I just said "be careful" 3 times, it's important!
A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart; a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45 GNTD)
5) Renew your mind by replacing the old kinds of thoughts with better ones.
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2 AMP)
6) Remember your enemy is real and he is a liar. If the devil is feeding you lies, remind him of the truth!
He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. John 8:44
7) Pray, pray, pray!! When you surrender to God and ask Him to handle your problems, troubles, worries, etc, he will give you peace beyond understanding to guard your mind & heart!!
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 AMP)
Have a great week!
<3 Dina
For the past several months I have struggled with some crazy thoughts! From depressing to just plain weird. Sometimes these thoughts affected the way I felt about myself or others, they had a way of setting the tone for my mood, and influenced my tone and topics during conversations. After being at home for months during the cold and flu season with newborn twins, I kept telling my husband I felt depressed, sad, etc. During one of my first Sundays back at church our pastor was preaching a sermon series called "Toxic" and his message was about our thought life. He reminded us not to just passively accept every thought that came through as truth. He reminded us that there is an enemy and other influences that affect our thoughts. I realized then that what I thought was depression was really me letting the enemy attack my mind and basically giving him permission to rule over my emotions because I wasn't guarding my mind. Now that I'm aware my thoughts and feelings have changed for the better.
Thoughts are powerful. As Christians the bible teaches us to be careful what we think about and to be on guard against wrong thinking in whatever form it takes (depressing, unkind, inappropriate, etc). I've been praying about this issue and felt encouraged by the Lord to start memorizing scriptures in the areas that my struggles are in. I think of this now as kind of a "duh" moment! Of course! What did Jesus use when Satan tempted him? God's word! So basically He reminded me that I need to hide his word in my heart and recall the words that are already hidden there.
Again, thoughts are powerful. Sin doesn't just happen, it starts with a thought. When we entertain wrong thoughts they can influence our words, actions, attitudes, reactions, etc.
Here are some tips to help control your thoughts:
1) Proactively guard your mind and recognize when your thoughts are negative, wrong, inappropriate, unkind... Don't just be passive when thoughts come up, if they aren't right DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 KJV)
2) Give your thoughts the thought test based on Philippians 4:8- Is it true? Honest? Just? Pure? Lovely? Of good report? Does it have any virtue or any praise?
If your thoughts don't meet this standard, trade them for new, better ones!
3) Hide God's word in your heart and keep it fresh in your mind (memorize scriptures that will help you think good thoughts or ones that address areas you are struggling in)
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11 NLT)
4) Be careful what you put in your mind. This is huge! We are bombarded all day every day with all kinds of media and various people in our lives. BE CAREFUL!!! Garbage in, garbage out. Be careful what you watch, read, listen to and the conversations you have with others. ...yes, I just said "be careful" 3 times, it's important!
A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart; a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45 GNTD)
5) Renew your mind by replacing the old kinds of thoughts with better ones.
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2 AMP)
6) Remember your enemy is real and he is a liar. If the devil is feeding you lies, remind him of the truth!
He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. John 8:44
7) Pray, pray, pray!! When you surrender to God and ask Him to handle your problems, troubles, worries, etc, he will give you peace beyond understanding to guard your mind & heart!!
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 AMP)
Have a great week!
<3 Dina
Friday, April 13, 2012
Being honest
I've been thinking this morning about how honesty and trust go hand in hand. I'm so thankful that God is not a man that He should lie. He is our example of trustworthiness and truth. When you are faced with situations and must choose to tell the truth or a falsehood, tell the truth! God will be proud of you, your conscience will be clear before him, and people will discover honesty is one of your character traits! Being truthful is a way to let your light shine for Jesus in this dark world.
Have a great week!
Dina
Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (Psalm 51:6 AMP)
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)... (John 16:13 AMP)
Have a great week!
Dina
Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (Psalm 51:6 AMP)
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)... (John 16:13 AMP)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Let our children see...
Loved this passage of scripture, what a great prayer! I want to see God working and i want my children to see His glory!!! :)
Wishing you a great day!
Dina
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us!
How long will you delay?
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful! (Psalm 90:12-17 NLT)
Wishing you a great day!
Dina
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us!
How long will you delay?
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful! (Psalm 90:12-17 NLT)
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