Dealing with loneliness is hard.
We have all heard "Christ is all you need, there's no need to be lonely" and while that's true... there's still that longing for human affection, beyond that of a friend. Nothing will change that. There is no getting rid of it. There is only commiting it to Christ to be used for His glory. And yes, He can use it for His glory. :)
It seems we treat loneliness as a sin, and something to be shunned. Really it's an emotion God has given to help us feel our need for each other.
We all need friends. But this need is something beyond that of normal friendship. Something that most want.
There are some that abhore the idea of every marrying.
There are some that have just gone out and married the first one that came along. And are now regretting it.
There are still others that found the right one quickly; married and setteled down long ago.
Then there are those who have waited forever, and have seen their friends all around, married, and happy with their families. While those of us who have waited for the right one are sitting here wondering will it ever happen?
We look around on our happy friends, and their families; then we look up and say "God, when is it my turn? What about me? Isn't there someone for me?"
Yes, there is. If God gave the desire to marry, He has a reason for doing so.
It seems all we do is wait, and nothing happens.
God has not forgotten us. He's testing to see if we will remain faithful to Him.
It's so easy to just walk away from the way He has us in, and go the way of the world, just to find someone. But that's a false love, and will not, cannot last.
The real test is... will we stay with Christ through it all? Will we turn our back on the world and say, in spite of our feelings - Not my will, but Thine be done! Wether together with the one I love; or wether I'm solitary, I will serve You. No. Matter. What. - ? Do we have the courage to say that? and to live it?
Yes, God made us to be with other people. Yes God made us to want to be married. But are we willing to go with Him even if He sees fit for us to be single always?
We all may think it's a long time to wait. We all know (or think) that we're ready: but it hasn't come.
Let's not worry about if it will ever happen. Let's not worry about wether the "one" knows if we're ready. Let's spend this time in prayer, and study for the future.
God only gives the trials He knows we can handle. It's just we don't know that yet ;) He'll never give us more than can be endured. He will give us more than we can handle alone, so we will be reminded of our need for Him.
That lonely, hollow feeling won't go away until we're married. We don't have to "get rid of it", we do't have to hide it. We have to trust it to Him, and make sure our hearts are full of His love, so we're ready for the other kind when it comes.
But while we're waiting for the right one, while we're getting ready for the right one; let's be careful who we are interested in.
It's so easy to think "oh, well they're nice, we get along alright, they're a Christian and all" and we lose sight of the true purpose of marriage.
If we see someone we think we like, or maybe love; we need to examine why we love them. What is the reason we are interested in them? Is it because they look good? or because they love God? Is it because they are smart? or because they know what they believe, and are ready to die for those beliefs? Is it because they know how to talk well, and can keep up an interesting conversation? or is it because they can talk freely with God, and can truely pray without ceasing? Do we love them based on virtue? or based on lust? Do we have the same beliefs? the same goals? or are they just nice, and we can put up with differences because we'll never find "Mr. or Mrs. Perfect"?
There are so many reasons we can love someone. And I'm sure we'd all be amazed at our real reasons for "loving" someone, if we just examined them.
If I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is the only person I could ever be comfortable around; the only person I could love in this way; the only person I would willingly, and gladly marry - chances are it's the right one. Then just wait for God's timing.
But if we think we love one person, and want to marry them; but can still look at others as a possibility: it's not right.
If we can't be faithful to the one in our thoughts, then we won't be faithful in reality. If we don't keep our hearts now; we'll never do it then either.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
God gave us hearts to be given to one person. We need to keep it pure. Not giving out little pieces to this one and that one until the right one comes and there is nothing left. Keep it pure; keep it locked up in the chest of God's wisdom, and when the right one comes, God will give them the key needed to access it. :)
So there was my preaching at myself to get past todays lonely. ;P
In the service of my Father
Hallie
Friday, October 19, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Complete Surrender
When people talk about fully submitting to God, I always think, "well, that can't be too hard" HA!
It seems so simple that God should ask something of us, and we would just say yes, and do it.
God says to Trust and Obey... in those two words He gives us more than we can handle. Which causes us to run to Him for strength, and courage. That's His purpose. That's what He's wanting us to do. Will we do it?
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Some of us take more trials than others.
We all look at others and think they have it easier. Well, they don't.
Some can internalize it, to where it doesn't look like they have struggles. But they have just as hard of trials as the rest of us. And some have harder; that's why they pull inside.
The other day I was praying over my trials. Asking for strength to give up my dreams... then it hit me.
I'm hanging on to other peoples dreams. I'm willing to let go of mine; but am I willing to let go of theirs?
I can't live someone else's dream. I can't revive their dream for them. I have to let it go.
Then this song comes to mind.
ONLY A SHADOW
by Rev Carey Landry
The Love I have for you my Lord
is only a shadow of your love for me
Only a shadow of your love for me
Your deep and abiding love.
My own belief in you my Lord
is only a shadow of your faith in me
Only a shadow of your faith in me
your deep and lasting faith.
My life is in your hands my Lord
My life is in your hands my lord
My love for you will grow my God
Your light in me will always shine
The dream I have today my lord
Is only a shadow of your dreams my Lord for me
Only a shadow of all that will be
if I but follow you Lord.
The joy I feel today my lord
Is only a shadow of your Joys for me.
Only a shadows of your joys for me
when we meet face to face.
When I prayed for the strength to give up those dreams, God asked me to give up not only the dreams, but the person they belong to... I said I would.
Then He showed me how I had not given without reserve... He started asking me if I would be willing to go on without those dreams. If I would be willing to let God do whatever He saw fit, through them. I said I would.
Then He asked me if He were to take them away, and the person with them... in the way He did Wallace? ... and shame to me... I told Him no! I said He couldn't do that.
Then He said... "But you just gave them to me. What makes you think it's your choice? Did you give them unreservedly?"
I had to say "no" again... I hadn't.
Yes, maybe it all was a test. Yes, maybe He isn't going to take them in that way. Maybe He isn't going to use them for the kind of mighty work He did in Wallace... but whatever He plans, am I standing in the way?
Yes, I have been.
And who's to say He won't do those things? Maybe He will... but I have to be willing to follow Him no matter the outcome.
He asked complete surrender. I thought I knew what that was... until I experienced it.
There is no way to describe complete surrender. One has to experience it for themselves. But are we standing in the way of that experience?
When God asks something of us, do we do lip service, and say we will do it; but inwardly are we keeping it tucked away in hopes of it reviving?
I was. I was hanging on to those dreams... in hopes that one day they would come to pass.
I finally gave in, and gave up... He has been bringing me to this point for years... and I was fighting Him. I was determined to win, or to die trying.
Well, the other day I laid down my arms and surrendered.
But I will still die trying... I will die to self, trying to follow Him. That's been His goal for me all along. I saw it; I said I was doing it... but I was still fighting.
God won. And oh! the peace that came to me, after so long of struggling. After so long of trying to measure up, and trying to "fit in" and "make something of myself" I gave up.
Now there is a peace that passes understanding. A peace the world never gave, and the world cannot take away.
He's been asking me if I could trust Him. Yes. I can. We all can.
Now He's asking us to really do it... not just know that He's trustworthy; but to really trust Him.
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant, and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord, tho' your testing seems long
In darkness He giveth a song.
I could not see through the shadows ahead
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day,
Then peace came, and tears fled away.
Now I can see, testing comes from above
God strengthens His children, and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
Oh rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake
He knoweth the end of each path that I take
For when I am tried, and purified
I shall come forth as gold.
Rejoice in the trials. They're meant for our good.
No, we may not see the reason for them. We may never know the reason until we pass from this world to the next.
But He will see us through every one of them. He has a plan in every one of them that is beyond our imagination.
Hang in there. Trust Him. Obey Him. Surrender, stop fighting. Give in, and give up. And see what He does through you.
“Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.” (Psalm 84:11-12)
In the service of my Father.
Hallie
It seems so simple that God should ask something of us, and we would just say yes, and do it.
God says to Trust and Obey... in those two words He gives us more than we can handle. Which causes us to run to Him for strength, and courage. That's His purpose. That's what He's wanting us to do. Will we do it?
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Some of us take more trials than others.
We all look at others and think they have it easier. Well, they don't.
Some can internalize it, to where it doesn't look like they have struggles. But they have just as hard of trials as the rest of us. And some have harder; that's why they pull inside.
The other day I was praying over my trials. Asking for strength to give up my dreams... then it hit me.
I'm hanging on to other peoples dreams. I'm willing to let go of mine; but am I willing to let go of theirs?
I can't live someone else's dream. I can't revive their dream for them. I have to let it go.
Then this song comes to mind.
ONLY A SHADOW
by Rev Carey Landry
The Love I have for you my Lord
is only a shadow of your love for me
Only a shadow of your love for me
Your deep and abiding love.
My own belief in you my Lord
is only a shadow of your faith in me
Only a shadow of your faith in me
your deep and lasting faith.
My life is in your hands my Lord
My life is in your hands my lord
My love for you will grow my God
Your light in me will always shine
The dream I have today my lord
Is only a shadow of your dreams my Lord for me
Only a shadow of all that will be
if I but follow you Lord.
The joy I feel today my lord
Is only a shadow of your Joys for me.
Only a shadows of your joys for me
when we meet face to face.
When I prayed for the strength to give up those dreams, God asked me to give up not only the dreams, but the person they belong to... I said I would.
Then He showed me how I had not given without reserve... He started asking me if I would be willing to go on without those dreams. If I would be willing to let God do whatever He saw fit, through them. I said I would.
Then He asked me if He were to take them away, and the person with them... in the way He did Wallace? ... and shame to me... I told Him no! I said He couldn't do that.
Then He said... "But you just gave them to me. What makes you think it's your choice? Did you give them unreservedly?"
I had to say "no" again... I hadn't.
Yes, maybe it all was a test. Yes, maybe He isn't going to take them in that way. Maybe He isn't going to use them for the kind of mighty work He did in Wallace... but whatever He plans, am I standing in the way?
Yes, I have been.
And who's to say He won't do those things? Maybe He will... but I have to be willing to follow Him no matter the outcome.
He asked complete surrender. I thought I knew what that was... until I experienced it.
There is no way to describe complete surrender. One has to experience it for themselves. But are we standing in the way of that experience?
When God asks something of us, do we do lip service, and say we will do it; but inwardly are we keeping it tucked away in hopes of it reviving?
I was. I was hanging on to those dreams... in hopes that one day they would come to pass.
I finally gave in, and gave up... He has been bringing me to this point for years... and I was fighting Him. I was determined to win, or to die trying.
Well, the other day I laid down my arms and surrendered.
But I will still die trying... I will die to self, trying to follow Him. That's been His goal for me all along. I saw it; I said I was doing it... but I was still fighting.
God won. And oh! the peace that came to me, after so long of struggling. After so long of trying to measure up, and trying to "fit in" and "make something of myself" I gave up.
Now there is a peace that passes understanding. A peace the world never gave, and the world cannot take away.
He's been asking me if I could trust Him. Yes. I can. We all can.
Now He's asking us to really do it... not just know that He's trustworthy; but to really trust Him.
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant, and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord, tho' your testing seems long
In darkness He giveth a song.
I could not see through the shadows ahead
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day,
Then peace came, and tears fled away.
Now I can see, testing comes from above
God strengthens His children, and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
Oh rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake
He knoweth the end of each path that I take
For when I am tried, and purified
I shall come forth as gold.
Rejoice in the trials. They're meant for our good.
No, we may not see the reason for them. We may never know the reason until we pass from this world to the next.
But He will see us through every one of them. He has a plan in every one of them that is beyond our imagination.
Hang in there. Trust Him. Obey Him. Surrender, stop fighting. Give in, and give up. And see what He does through you.
“Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.” (Psalm 84:11-12)
In the service of my Father.
Hallie
Friday, September 28, 2012
About Me
Alright, I got tired of this long rambling thing in my profile introduction box. So, here it is being moved. :)
My favorite thing right now is reading the History of William Wallace, Andrew Murray (Wallace's companion) and Robert Bruce. :)
I Would absolutely love to get into movie making.
Music is one of my favorite things. :) If you come to our house there is ALWAYS music going, most always Hymns, and classical. :D
I love to make things, such as crochet doll dresses out of size 30 - 60 thread, and sometimes sewing thread. Doilies, pot holders and slippers are never in short supply here either. :)
I've tried quilting, and found that very fun. :) I also have a lot of dresses I need to make, and so far have done a few. :)
I want to do anything I can to further the Kingdom of God, and bring Glory to His name!
The Kingdom of God being this: The Heavenly government.
Where God is King, and we are His loyal subjects; not as slaves, but as loving sons, and daughters dwelling in the glory of their Fathers court. :)
Trying to further the Kingdom, to me is laying up treasure in Heaven; that treasure being human souls. :)
When Christ died on the cross, it was to bring us into God's presence; not as the filthy sinners coming to our sentencing, by the Only true, Just and Holy Judge, because of our sins of breaking His commandments, and rebelling against the only True King of the universe; (which universe, by the way means One Spoken Word) But as redeemed Sons and Daughters of God, entering our Fathers court, to sit in His presence, and be heirs to the Glory of God!
Jesus dying on the Cross means, to me, that we are precious to Him; that He loves us SO much, that He was willing to leave that Glory of God the Father, which He was SOLE heir to; to come to this filthy earth and die so we could share that Glory with Him; that we had despised, and rejected, and now cannot buy back without Him.
He looked Beyond my fault, and saw my need!
He looked through the filth, and the rags, and saw my soul... your soul, and said ''I love her, I love him: I'm willing to pay the price they owe, so they can spend eternity with Me'' Can you imagine!?
The price He paid for us, was more than we are worth!
The death we deserved, was taken up by Him, and now we are not only accepted into the Kingdom, but it Belongs to us!!!! :D
How could we grudge God one single prayer, one single word of gratitude? Insufficient as it is.
We should be willingly praising Him day and night, for what He has done for us!
After all that, how can we look at any one person, and say they're gross, dirty, or strange; and turn our backs on them?
God loved me, and claimed me, when I was forsaken by all, when I deserved death: now how can I do other than praise Him and follow His example?
Every person is precious to God, they are precious to me. :)
I try to always be honorable, and truthful.
Being Virtuous is one of my goals. :)
And by virtuous, I mean to be like Christ: loving, kind, gentle, caring, forgiving,; one in spirit with God, and with His people. :)
Other than that, I love to play piano, penny whistle, violin and organ. Maybe one day I'll get to play a bagpipe! :D
Music that I would call "epic" is cello, and a combination of bagpipe, bodhran and penny whistle. :)
I love my ''mountains'' (Black Hills of South Dakota) and would like to someday see the Highlands of Scotland! :)
Aside from all that I'm just your common, ordinary nut. ;)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Time For Reflection
Another year has been, and gone.
Ever since I can remember, birthdays have meant a lot... to other people. For me, they've just always been another ordinary day.
All I remember of my first birthday is the pictures of me eating my cake with my fingers. O.o
Eighth birthday, I only remember because we had my sisters party on my birthday. And, being little, I wasn't happy about it. :P
My tenth was a party. Couldn't even tell what we did at the party.
Eleventh we moved.
Sixteenth I was grumpy all day, and got teased about it being "sour sixteen" instead of "sweet sixteen"
Seventeenth was almost forgotten in making plans for my friends wedding. That was about the best birthday yet. :D
Eighteenth... I learned not all dreams come true. Just because you have a dream doesn't mean it will one day be reality.
Nineteenth we moved again. And I learned even more, dreams can't always come true. And also, that God does care about even the "little" things.
Now, twenty is upon me. And looking back on this last year, I see it was anything but perfect. But God's goodness was revealed in many unexpected ways.
This has been the hardest year of my life... but it's also been the best.
God has taught many things... and in trying to learn those lessons, I see just how much more there is to know, and how unequal I am to the task; but as Wallace said: "He strengthens my soul"
No, dreams don't always come true. But when you think about it; do you really want them to? Are not God's dreams for us far better? Are they not far greater than can be imagined?
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
I'm now seeing the difference between dreams, and having a vision.
Dreams are fantacies of things you want, things you want to do. A vision is knowing where you are going, what you are doing, where you will end up. A vision is a goal. A dream is is just that... a dream. Dreams don't hold up to light. Dreams are of the night. When the morning comes the dream goes away.
When the morning of reality comes... dreams disappear. It's hard to let the dreams go. It's hard to "wakeup" but it's got to be done.
That verse has taken a whole new meaning to me of late, as I see those around me who have always had a vision, that are now losing that vision; and the person they always were, has died. It's hard to see. It's hard to see the life, the vision, die in your dearest friends.
Yet, it's good to let go of the dreams. Let go of the dreams and make room for the vision. Not the other way around.
The dreams are not real, and never will be. The vision is forever. The vision gives purpose in life.
So, as I enter my twentieth year, I will be persuing a vision. Not dreams. Not some vapor, come to pass. But a goal for the future that will last through the ages. One I can pass on to the next generation.
That vision is to be Christ like. "To love Christ more - this is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul" "To learn Christ - this is life!"
So the next trial the Father sees fit to send, I want to be able to say as Wallace said: "Did I believe it my Father's will that I should die at ever pore I would submit, for so His immaculate Son laid down His life for a rebellious world. And is a servant greater than his master, that I should say, Exempt me from this trial? No!"
This year I can say with more truth as Wallace did: "I am resigned to every dispensation of Providence"
Let King Jesus reign! And see what He does through you. It will be far above all that you could ask or think! :)
In the service of my Father
Hallie
Ever since I can remember, birthdays have meant a lot... to other people. For me, they've just always been another ordinary day.
All I remember of my first birthday is the pictures of me eating my cake with my fingers. O.o
Eighth birthday, I only remember because we had my sisters party on my birthday. And, being little, I wasn't happy about it. :P
My tenth was a party. Couldn't even tell what we did at the party.
Eleventh we moved.
Sixteenth I was grumpy all day, and got teased about it being "sour sixteen" instead of "sweet sixteen"
Seventeenth was almost forgotten in making plans for my friends wedding. That was about the best birthday yet. :D
Eighteenth... I learned not all dreams come true. Just because you have a dream doesn't mean it will one day be reality.
Nineteenth we moved again. And I learned even more, dreams can't always come true. And also, that God does care about even the "little" things.
Now, twenty is upon me. And looking back on this last year, I see it was anything but perfect. But God's goodness was revealed in many unexpected ways.
This has been the hardest year of my life... but it's also been the best.
God has taught many things... and in trying to learn those lessons, I see just how much more there is to know, and how unequal I am to the task; but as Wallace said: "He strengthens my soul"
No, dreams don't always come true. But when you think about it; do you really want them to? Are not God's dreams for us far better? Are they not far greater than can be imagined?
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
I'm now seeing the difference between dreams, and having a vision.
Dreams are fantacies of things you want, things you want to do. A vision is knowing where you are going, what you are doing, where you will end up. A vision is a goal. A dream is is just that... a dream. Dreams don't hold up to light. Dreams are of the night. When the morning comes the dream goes away.
When the morning of reality comes... dreams disappear. It's hard to let the dreams go. It's hard to "wakeup" but it's got to be done.
That verse has taken a whole new meaning to me of late, as I see those around me who have always had a vision, that are now losing that vision; and the person they always were, has died. It's hard to see. It's hard to see the life, the vision, die in your dearest friends.
Yet, it's good to let go of the dreams. Let go of the dreams and make room for the vision. Not the other way around.
The dreams are not real, and never will be. The vision is forever. The vision gives purpose in life.
So, as I enter my twentieth year, I will be persuing a vision. Not dreams. Not some vapor, come to pass. But a goal for the future that will last through the ages. One I can pass on to the next generation.
That vision is to be Christ like. "To love Christ more - this is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul" "To learn Christ - this is life!"
So the next trial the Father sees fit to send, I want to be able to say as Wallace said: "Did I believe it my Father's will that I should die at ever pore I would submit, for so His immaculate Son laid down His life for a rebellious world. And is a servant greater than his master, that I should say, Exempt me from this trial? No!"
This year I can say with more truth as Wallace did: "I am resigned to every dispensation of Providence"
Let King Jesus reign! And see what He does through you. It will be far above all that you could ask or think! :)
In the service of my Father
Hallie
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Battle Field Of Life: Where's The Back Up?
Lately there has been a call for the men to rise up... this is good, and as it should be.
We women want good Godly men; leaders. Courageous leaders.
But, you know the saying; "Behind every good man is a good woman"
Are we standing behind our men? Are we supporting them in the battles of life?
Battles they are. Men wage war against the enemy of our souls daily. They, more so than we women. The enemy attacks them more than us, because they are the heads. They are the leaders, the guides. If the enemy defeats the leader, he has the whole army.
By attacking the men, and winning, he wins his greatest victory.
We seem content to stand back and watch them get crushed by the enemy, and then instead of at least trying to heal the wounds we could have spared them; we start kicking them for losing!
When in battle, if the enemy can eliminate the leader, he can better defeat the entire army.
Yes, others can step up, and make a stout resistence; but in the end, it all comes down to, without a leader, they lose.
We see that happeneing in so many families. The man loses interest; he abandons his family. They are left to fend for themselves. The men fall under the attack of the enemy, because they have no support.
We cannot send them out alone and expect them to come back victorious.
They are the leader, we the minute men.
Rather than doing the normal these days, and trying to take the leadership; we should be the footmen, coming to the aid of our beloved general.
Trying to take the lead ourselves only helps the enemy win.
Mutiny never accomplished anything but defeat.
We as the footmen are to defend our leader. The way in which we are to defend, is to pray for them. Support them. Encourage them. Stand behind them when they are in the right, and never back down, even when the going gets tough.
Where are you women, who will rise up, in the face of adversity; and strive to be virtuous Proverbs 31 women, and be in support of your men?
Be it fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, grandfathers, cousins or just friends. Rise up and support them!
We will never see a generation of Godly men, that stand firm on the truth, until we see a generation of Godly women rise up in support of them.
Yes, there are Godly men now. But they will get battle weary, and eventually lose to the enemy, as so many others have; unless we rise up now and support them!
The best source of truth, as we all know, is the Bible. But it's also the "virtues handbook". I want to be virtuous, but didn't really know what true virtue is. Well, I've found the answer, by the help of some friends. Proverbs lays the ground work of virtue. It give specifics. It teaches how to be virtuous.
We have the source, now we need the strength to do it. Prayer is the answer to this problem. Pray without ceasing that you will be endowed with the strength to press on toward the goal. It's all uphill. But by God's strength, we will win!
We've put forth the call for true men... Now I put forth the call for true women!
In the service of my Father
Hallie
P.S. Yes, I am the warrior sort. And I intend to use that warlike bent in service to my Father, and support of the men in my life.
We women want good Godly men; leaders. Courageous leaders.
But, you know the saying; "Behind every good man is a good woman"
Are we standing behind our men? Are we supporting them in the battles of life?
Battles they are. Men wage war against the enemy of our souls daily. They, more so than we women. The enemy attacks them more than us, because they are the heads. They are the leaders, the guides. If the enemy defeats the leader, he has the whole army.
By attacking the men, and winning, he wins his greatest victory.
We seem content to stand back and watch them get crushed by the enemy, and then instead of at least trying to heal the wounds we could have spared them; we start kicking them for losing!
When in battle, if the enemy can eliminate the leader, he can better defeat the entire army.
Yes, others can step up, and make a stout resistence; but in the end, it all comes down to, without a leader, they lose.
We see that happeneing in so many families. The man loses interest; he abandons his family. They are left to fend for themselves. The men fall under the attack of the enemy, because they have no support.
We cannot send them out alone and expect them to come back victorious.
They are the leader, we the minute men.
Rather than doing the normal these days, and trying to take the leadership; we should be the footmen, coming to the aid of our beloved general.
Trying to take the lead ourselves only helps the enemy win.
Mutiny never accomplished anything but defeat.
We as the footmen are to defend our leader. The way in which we are to defend, is to pray for them. Support them. Encourage them. Stand behind them when they are in the right, and never back down, even when the going gets tough.
Where are you women, who will rise up, in the face of adversity; and strive to be virtuous Proverbs 31 women, and be in support of your men?
Be it fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, grandfathers, cousins or just friends. Rise up and support them!
We will never see a generation of Godly men, that stand firm on the truth, until we see a generation of Godly women rise up in support of them.
Yes, there are Godly men now. But they will get battle weary, and eventually lose to the enemy, as so many others have; unless we rise up now and support them!
The best source of truth, as we all know, is the Bible. But it's also the "virtues handbook". I want to be virtuous, but didn't really know what true virtue is. Well, I've found the answer, by the help of some friends. Proverbs lays the ground work of virtue. It give specifics. It teaches how to be virtuous.
We have the source, now we need the strength to do it. Prayer is the answer to this problem. Pray without ceasing that you will be endowed with the strength to press on toward the goal. It's all uphill. But by God's strength, we will win!
We've put forth the call for true men... Now I put forth the call for true women!
In the service of my Father
Hallie
P.S. Yes, I am the warrior sort. And I intend to use that warlike bent in service to my Father, and support of the men in my life.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Give In Or Give Up?
Going through hard trials, it seems easier to give up, than to stick with it.
The harder it gets, the more we - or I at least - want to give up. But is that what God wants of us?
God gives us these trials to make us like Him. If we give up, we're depriving ourselves of the joy He has for us at the end of our journey.
He's gently pushing us to the point of surrender. That's not giving up; that's giving in.
If we give in to Him, we're opening the door for Him to do a work in us. If we give up we're standing in the way of what He intended for us.
Proverbs 3:11,12
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD: neither be weary of His correction.
These trials are hard; but they are meant for our good. They sharpen us.
It's like making biscuits. The dough has to be rolled out fairly thin, and evenly. Then it has to be cut.
When we're being "rolled out" fairly thin, we tend to get worn out, and want to be done. Many give up at the point of being "rolled out".
We have stayed with it through the "rolling out", but now comes the being "evened out". That's not easy to go through, and we want to give up. We like to "stick to the pin"; but that makes it harder for ourselves.
Now, many of us are at the point of being "cut"; and it would be easier to give up. But God wants us to give in. He wants us to yield. Now comes the time to decide. Give up? or give in?
Yes it's hard. But it's also worth it. The good outweighs the bad.
When We See Christ
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
The harder it gets, the more we - or I at least - want to give up. But is that what God wants of us?
God gives us these trials to make us like Him. If we give up, we're depriving ourselves of the joy He has for us at the end of our journey.
He's gently pushing us to the point of surrender. That's not giving up; that's giving in.
If we give in to Him, we're opening the door for Him to do a work in us. If we give up we're standing in the way of what He intended for us.
Proverbs 3:11,12
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD: neither be weary of His correction.
For whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
These trials are hard; but they are meant for our good. They sharpen us.
It's like making biscuits. The dough has to be rolled out fairly thin, and evenly. Then it has to be cut.
When we're being "rolled out" fairly thin, we tend to get worn out, and want to be done. Many give up at the point of being "rolled out".
We have stayed with it through the "rolling out", but now comes the being "evened out". That's not easy to go through, and we want to give up. We like to "stick to the pin"; but that makes it harder for ourselves.
Now, many of us are at the point of being "cut"; and it would be easier to give up. But God wants us to give in. He wants us to yield. Now comes the time to decide. Give up? or give in?
Yes it's hard. But it's also worth it. The good outweighs the bad.
When We See Christ
Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.
Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.
Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.
Through Christ, it will be worth it. We can't do it on our own steam. "But there is one in heav'n who knows" and He will see us through.
It may look as though there is no end to the trials. But rejoice anyway. Rejoice He has counted you worthy to bear this trial, and to be like Him.
Rejoice In The LORD
God
When trying His servant and molding a man.
never moves without purpose or plan
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
He has a plan in it all. So, which is it?
Give up? or give in?
I'm giving in and going to see what He will do through all this.
Isaiah 30:18
And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 52:9
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
In the service of my Father
Hallie
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Father Still Cares
I have not posted for some time. It seems forever and a day since I've even looked at my blog. Sorry about letting it slip like that.
There are many things I should write about, but can only do one at a time. So, we'll start with this...
God is SO good! He sends trials to strengthen us. Hard trials. Ones we wonder at times if we'll make it through them. But, He allows a ray of light now and then, that help us through.
Still going through the same trial as before... it just gets worse. There seems no hope, no getting out of it. But as someone said; "The only way out is through." And I've been wondering if there is an end? Does God have for me to be dealing with this same trial for the rest of my life?
But He allowed a ray of light. He allowed me to see it's not so bad as it seems. He is still in control. He does still care.
At times I forget that. But it's true. God does care. He is still there for us. He is still in control. He is still working His plan, which is infinitely better than ours.
God Will Take Care Of You
There are many things I should write about, but can only do one at a time. So, we'll start with this...
God is SO good! He sends trials to strengthen us. Hard trials. Ones we wonder at times if we'll make it through them. But, He allows a ray of light now and then, that help us through.
Still going through the same trial as before... it just gets worse. There seems no hope, no getting out of it. But as someone said; "The only way out is through." And I've been wondering if there is an end? Does God have for me to be dealing with this same trial for the rest of my life?
But He allowed a ray of light. He allowed me to see it's not so bad as it seems. He is still in control. He does still care.
At times I forget that. But it's true. God does care. He is still there for us. He is still in control. He is still working His plan, which is infinitely better than ours.
God Will Take Care Of You
- Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.- Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
- Refrain:
- Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. - All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you. - No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
He allows these trials to bring us closer to Him. Will we continue on with Him? or will we give up, and walk away?
I have wanted so bad to just walk away... but He is doing wonderful things through it all. I just need to trust.
Proverbs 3: 11, 12
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD: neither be weary of His correction.
For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth;
He showed me a ray of light in all of this... which was sufficient to get my hopes up. So, even in showing me another side of the situation. In let a little light on the subject; He allowed my newly revived hopes to be crushed, as quickly as they were revived.
God, in His wisdom, and mercy, will show us He is still on control. But He'll be certain that we are still in the place where we have to trust only Him.
With such a God, how could I ever doubt Him? He is everything. Laying dreams aside is so hard. But He is SO worth it.
In the service of my Father
Hallie
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