Beauty for Ashes

Have you ever felt like something was coming?  Heart racing....eye twitching....kind of anxious...like prom night..butterflies in your tummy...seeing your favorite person on the planet walk through the door something was coming?

I have had this feeling all week, and I can't shake it.  I have no rhyme or reason to feel this way.  My quiet time is still riddled with unanswered prayers, but this time it just feels different.  Something.is.coming!

And I hope it's good.

I read the final sessions of my James bible study this week.....I started January 1st, but when I cracked open that book for the first time, I knew that I would take my time.  I would really meditate on the lessons, and if I knew I wasn't in a place to really inhale and ingest the lessons, I wouldn't force the issue.  You can do that when you are studying alone.  I loved every bit of it.  Every in your face, uncomfortable, love for the poor, love for the weak, love for the sinner, examine your heart, examine your motives minute of it.

However, about the last couple of lessons in James, I could feel God asking me what I would do next.  Which lesson I would embark upon....what I would slough off of myself for the next ...6 months....ha!

I started feeling like getting my house in order...cleaning out closets, drawers, organizing, really taking a good look at my finances, and cutting off the fat, saving more (seriously, who am I), and just getting free.....

So I set out to find the perfect bible study for me.  But more importantly, I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do.  And in true Saviour fashion...He did not disappoint.

I've never really had a scripture that I lived by, read all of the time, have everywhere in my home, but in late 2013, God started showing me that everything that I thought I had lost, He would give it back to me.  It was in my dreams, thoughts, the theme of most scriptures I read...it was a real word that I needed, and still need.

Isaiah 61:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

2 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

    instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

    instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

    a planting of the Lord

    for the display of his splendor.

Little did I know that Beth Moore has an entire study on those very precious verses to me, Breaking Free.  I am so happy, and so excited to see what God will do through me as a result of what I learn.  So happy to get rid of some baggage, junk, mess, stuff, just ugh!  I can't wait to get rid of it!!!

So, I'm starting this new journey, with an expectant heart, knowing that something is around the corner. Whatever it is.....I know it will display His splendor.

The Mark!

You know, I wasn't going to post tonight, but someone told me the greatest thing I've heard possible ever in my life!!! Now, I understand that this may sound a little dramatic, but let me explain.

Lately, I've been totally consumed to the point of ridiculousness that God is shown through me, and that He is pleased with me. I mean totally obssessed, almost to the point where I get on my own nerves, and I'm sure sin even more...

Now, to some, this may be a no-brainer...I mean, it's a good thing right, but hear my heart on this. Sometimes, I'm so consumed with making the right choices, that I don't move AT ALL. Because of some past disappointments, and times where I've clearly stepped out on my own, I've allowed fear of failing, falling, and missing the mark to keep me right in the same place because it's comfortable.

So, follow me...this is exactly where I was when I embarked upon a conversation through FB chat tonight. I chatted with an old friend, and she told me that God shows through me!!! Now, to some of you, that may not be a big deal, but to me...the biggest sinner I know, it pretty much made my life!

All I ever want is for God to be shown, and way more often than not, I miss the mark.completely. So, that was really encouraging to me, because believe it or not folks, I am SO hard on myself in that department! In fact, I could begin to talk myself right out of that compliment, but I'll just stop NOW!!!

So, I'm encouraged, and I hope you find a little encouragement too...goodnight~!!

ONE MORE WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!!

P.S. I GOT A JOB!!!!! I'm too tired to post the details, but I will soon!!