"FAN THE FLAME" AND A FOTO FRIDAY

"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

"Fan the Flame" has been a feature on my blog for a long time.  I've enjoyed it, and have always loved reading your insightful comments.  But I'm thinking about making a change.

However, in light of all the craziness of the past few weeks, I haven't been able to come up with a new and creative idea - (it's actually been hard to come up with much of anything!!)

So, this week I'm returning to "Fan the Flame" and asking all of you to *weigh in* on my Word for 2014 - JOY!

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to

"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, just for fun, I'm adding a *foto* - add a caption, a verse, or a thought to go along with it!

Still "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)


Today's word: joy

What does the word joy mean to you?

Why is joy so important in the Christian life?

How can we find joy in the middle of turmoil, suffering, and difficult circumstances?

What is one thing that has brought joy to your life this past week?


Let me know what you think!!

THE FOTO:

(Don't forget to add your caption, a verse, or a thought!!)

"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for JOY. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." (James 1:2-3, NLT)

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of JOY." (Psalm 126:5, NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)


And...a source of JOY lately:  

"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." 
(Matthew 5:4, NLT)

YES, indeed...


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

JUST PASSING THROUGH

There are moments…

Moments when the reality of my dad's death catches me off guard, and the tears flow.

One happened the other day.

When we "inventoried" everything that we brought home from the rehab facility, I realized that two of my dad's shirts were missing.  No one else thought it was a big deal, but it was to me.  I wanted everything that belonged to my dad to come home.

So I called the nursing station, and they thoughtfully looked in the laundry area and located the missing shirts.

The other day, I went over to pick them up.

I was doing pretty good when I walked in the front door.  Had a very nice visit with the receptionist guy, who remembered my dad's name.  I was a little shakier when I walked to the nurse's station and saw, just a few feet away, the doorway to my dad's room.

I couldn't help but think, that’s the last place that my dad ever lived. It was weird and sad.

When they handed me the bag with Dad's shirts, I crumpled a bit.  Held it together through their very thoughtful condolences.  But then, when I returned to the car and climbed in next to "The Hub" – I lost it.  Cried and cried.  He felt terrible that he hadn’t gone in with me, but I told him it was OK.

It felt like a journey that I needed to walk alone.

As we were driving home, I took the visitor sticker off of my shirt, and placed it on the front of the bag holding my dad's shirts.

And that's when it hit me.

Dad is home!

He was but a visitor on this earth, nothing but a pilgrim passing through.

Aren't we all?!

Why do we lose sight of this?

Well, for one thing, we have an enemy who likes to keep us near-sighted. Why does he do that?  Because he's afraid.  He knows that if we focused on our future, our real future, our inheritance, then we just might realize who we really are…

…Children of the Almighty God.

And if we realized that, well, we might just become dangerous.

Strong, powerful, effective, unafraid.

You see, the enemy knows the truth of something we tend to forget – that when he looks at us, he sees JESUS!

Yup, JESUS – as in Risen Savior.

The devil might have cackled in victorious glee at the sight of a broken and battered body hanging on a cross.  But the empty tomb was no laughing matter!

So when he sees Jesus in us, he sees his greatest foe – our Victor.

And when one of us believers dies, well, he is reminded of his ultimate defeat and final judgment.

This is why he works so hard to make us think that this life is all there is. It's why he throws constant arrows at us – distractions, defeats, discouragements, despairs – to keep our vision blurred to the reality of who we are, where we're headed…

…and the ONE who made it all possible!


We're all travelers, pilgrims – sojourners on this tired old planet.

But we're headed somewhere.

And that's what we must keep our eyes focused on.

My dad has left the temporary depot that is this world.  He has boarded the Train to Eternity.  His REAL life has just begun…

Now I'm asking you – what if we all focused on that, and lived like we believed it?

Might we scare an enemy?!

I don't know about you, but I want to be dangerous!!

 This world is not my home,
I'm just a-passin' through,
I'm on my way to see Jesus,
How about you?

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.  And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead..." 
(1 Peter 1:3-6, NLT)

"You love him even though you have never seen him.  Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." 
(1 Peter 1:8-10, NLT)

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." (Colossians 3:1-4, NLT)

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the JOY of your master.'" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME

(Albert E. Brumley, c. 1937)

This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Oh Lord, you know, I have no friend like you

If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Just over in Gloryland we'll live eternally 

The saints on every hand are shouting victory

Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven's shore

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Oh Lord, you know...

What keeps you from focusing on eternity?

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HOMECOMING DAY - A Poem For My Dad

I originally wrote this poem when my grandfather died.  But, I really find it encouraging - so, I'm publishing it as I also think about my father's homecoming!


HOMECOMING DAY

Now the night is over,
Day has just begun,
Ushered into Heaven,
I am with the Blessed One.

Many have come before me,
Others have paved the way,
The angels sing His glory,
It’s my homecoming day!

To a mansion promised,
Where tears are forever gone,
Where light and love united,
Live eternally on and on.

All the past forgotten,
As a fog that’s swallowed up,
Pain destroyed, death defied –
I now drink from the Master’s cup.

I am here because of Him,
His selfless gift of grace,
And now for eternity,
I will gaze upon His face.

Glory be His shining robes,
Honor be His crown –
My spirit sings, my soul redeemed,
In His presence I bow down.

Now the world has passed from view,
The victory’s been won –
He says, “Well done my faithful servant,
Welcome home, my precious one.”


c. Sharon Kirby
March 1, 2002


Dear Dad,

I don't think words would ever be adequate to express my feelings at your passing.  It's one of those truly bittersweet moments in life.  I will miss you a great deal, but I celebrate that you are with Jesus and I will see you again!

As we prepare for your graveside service, these would be sad days indeed if not for the sure promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It's a wonder to me that He came to earth to rescue us – poor, lost sinners that we are.  He gives us a love and a grace and a mercy that sometimes makes no sense to me.  We certainly don't deserve it.  But oh, how grateful I am for a Savior who saw that we needed saving!

Dad, I hope you know that I think of you often.  Please know that you are never far from my heart, that you will live there every day until I see you again.  You were a great father, and I love you very much.

I'm going to picture you in the arms of Jesus.  Or maybe just walking along together, talking about this and that.  I can see you standing up straight, with that wonderful mind of yours restored to perfect functioning.  I see your smile. And it's a sweet, sweet picture indeed.


My deepest love,
               Your daughter forever,
                    Sharon



"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.  And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself.  Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.  I am overwhelmed at the thought!"  (Job 19:25-27)

"Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."  (2 Corinthians 5:8)

"'It is finished!  I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End…All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.'"  (Revelation 21:6-7)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever."  (Revelation 21:4)


I'm giving that a BIG AMEN!!


*What do you look forward to the most on your Homecoming Day?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY DAD PASSED AWAY

As I write them, the words seem surreal.

Strange.  Puzzling.

Untrue.

But yes, they are true – so painfully true.

Last Thursday, in the wee hours of the morning, my dad passed away.

I was the first one to hear the news – an unexpected phone call that jolted me awake, followed by desperately trying to comprehend the words that didn't make sense through the fogginess of sleep.  Though it was difficult, I am grateful that I was the first to know.

I cry at the memory of the phone calls I had to make.  The people I had to jolt awake.  My brother and sister, my husband, my sons.  It was so hard to hear their reactions.  But oddly, I somehow felt privileged to be the one to tell them.

As time passed, my brother and sister came over.  And we waited together to tell Mom.   When she woke up and poked her head out of her bedroom, she was surprised to see all of us there.  I walked into her room to help her change out of her nightgown.  All of a sudden, I could tell that she understood.

She looked at me and said, "Everyone's here.  Did something happen?"

"Well…"

"Oh no!  Did Dad die?"

And that's when I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and had to say, "Yes, Mom, he did."

She did well hearing the news then, and she's done very well dealing with the news in these last few days.

The blessing lies in this – my dad died peacefully.  His injuries were serious – more serious than we originally thought – and he was in a great deal of pain. However, Thursday morning he just stopped breathing – no fuss, no fanfare.  One moment snoring, the next moment silent.

I have had a feeling that this was coming.

And so, my reaction is shock, but not surprise.

Because of the fact that a part of me somehow knew, I've been praying for him.  I've been praying that the Lord would be gracious and allow him to die quietly – not in pain, not afraid.

And the Lord answered my heart.

Since Thursday, we have had the arduous task of making arrangements. Again, the best word I can use to describe the whole process is surreal. Picking out his clothes was heart-breaking, picking out his casket was grim.

But, I'm so grateful for the last 10 days with my dad.  For the healing that came in some of the very kind things he said to me.  I heard my dad tell me he loved me.  Eye-to-eye, and fully aware.

I held his hand, and rubbed his arm.  I have never done anything like that in my life.  My dad wasn't a real demonstrative guy, so this physical, comforting contact was a gift.

My very last moment with my dad was when the rehab facility called me at 11 PM on Tuesday night.  They were unable to get my dad calmed down, and they thought perhaps a familiar face would help.

I was able to settle him down.  And just before I left, I rubbed his forehead and his eyebrows and put him to sleep.  These were my last moments with my dad, and I will treasure them forever.

My feelings are many, complex, confusing – sadness, relief, love, hurt. A weird discomfort that I am now in the world without a father.

I'm sure it will take me a long time to process it all.

But through it all, the firm and powerful Presence of the Lord has been there.

I've felt Him hold me up.  I've felt Him push me forward.  I've even felt Him pick me up and carry me a few times.

And, of course, I've had time to ponder His word for me this year – JOY.

He gave it to me because He knew.  He knew what was coming less than a week into the new year – He knew how quickly my dad was going to die after that.

So, He purposefully placed that word – HIS word – JOY, into my heart.

But I wonder, to WHAT purpose, Lord?

Someone asked me in a comment last week – How do you find joy in your sadness?  

Well, I guess I'm getting a first-hand chance to find out.

Two weeks ago, I would have been hard-pressed to answer that question in any positive way.  I would have probably told you that *joyful sadness* was an oxymoron like jumbo shrimp.

I would have told you that I didn't think it was possible.

But now, though I might still tell you it's impossible – I can tell you that it's HIM-possible.

I would tell you that sometimes you can't figure out how the joy is going to come.  That when you're not sad, you can't possibly anticipate feeling joy in sadness.  But, when the sadness actually comes, you can be surprised by the joy.

Happiness?  No, of course not.  But JOY?  Yes.

JOY as in a settled feeling that God was here in the difficult circumstances long before you arrived.  That God paved the way for His goodness to cover you, for His power to strengthen you, for His peace to fill you.

That in every single tear you shed, you will be reminded of Jesus, Only You.

My mom keeps apologizing for crying.  She says she feels that she should be strong.  I keep reminding her of the shortest verse in the King James Bible. John 11:35…

"Jesus wept."

He definitely allows grieving.  His tears prove that our tears can be a holy thing.  That our tears are sanctioned and blessed by His suffering.  That His tears reassure us that He understands, more than we will ever know, how much death hurts.

But joy is found in knowing the rest of the story.

Jesus did something BIG to fix the death problem that started in the Garden of Eden.  He did something BIG to remove its curse.

He Himself died.

(I like to think of it as the ultimate oxymoron – LIFE death!)

And so, as believers, we grieve – but WITH hope.

I can't remember who said it, but someone said that my father didn't die, he just got promoted.  And how true that is.  C. S. Lewis would say that my father has left the Shadowlands, and is now where everything is REAL.  He has experienced the end of the beginning, and is now at the beginning of forever.

I like the image of that.  My dad standing erect, with a clear mind, and a big smile on his face.  I think that image is the promise that we all have to look forward to.

My father is with the Lord.  And one day he will be reunited with his resurrection body.  And when I die, I will join him.  Or maybe, just maybe, I'll meet him in the sky when our precious Lord returns.


In it all, the JOY is found in Jesus, Only You.

Forever.

I will miss you, Dad...until we meet again.

And then, we'll have eternity.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.  We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.  First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  So encourage each other with these words." 

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, NLT)


"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.  We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.  For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.  While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us.  Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.  God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.  So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.  For we live by believing and not by seeing.  Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord." 

(2 Corinthians 5:1-8, NLT)

"It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead.  Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.  Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory.  They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.  They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies.  For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies...What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret.  We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!  It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown.  For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.  And we who are living will also be transformed.  For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.  Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

"Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"

...thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

(1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 50-55, 57, NLT)



"...do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 

(Nehemiah 8:10, ESV)


How has God comforted you in a time of grief?



Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Jen at UNITE
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

QUAINT WORDS - The Flower of Heart-Joy

Welcome to "Quaint Words!"


These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!


"For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name." (Psalm 33:21)


"The root of faith produces the flower of heart-joy. We may not at first rejoice, but it comes in due time. We trust the Lord when we are sad, and in due season He so answers our confidence that our faith turns to fruition and we rejoice in the Lord.

Doubt breeds distress, but trust means joy in the long run...

If we do not rejoice at this moment, yet we shall do so, as surely as David's God is our God. Let us meditate upon the Lord's holy name, that we may trust Him the better and rejoice the more readily...

Can we not cheerfully rely upon Him? Yes, we will do so at once, and do so without reserve.

Jehovah-Jireh will provide, Jehovah-Shalom will send peace, Jehovah-Tsidkenu will justify, Jehovah-Shammah will be forever near, and in Jehovah-Nissi we will conquer every foe.

They that know thy name will trust thee; and they that trust thee will rejoice in thee, O Lord."


(From "Daily Reading by C. H. Spurgeon" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, c. 1834-1892)


HALLELUJAH!!


"...let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy." (Psalm 5:11, NLT)

"The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7, NLT)


"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.  He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me..." 
(2 Samuel 22:2-3, NLT)


*How do you find joy in your sadness?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TESTING, TESTING...1, 2, 3

OK, so I knew that I was going to have some trouble with my new Word for 2014 – JOY.

I just didn't know that it would come so soon.

A week ago, my dad somehow flipped himself out of bed, lost his balance, and crashed into a night stand.

He is injured, in a lot of pain, in the hospital, and he cannot come home at this time.

So, this has been a week full of information overload, investigating the next steps, agonizing decision-making, and more talking than I have ever done in my life.

I have been strong, but I've experienced moments of overwhelming sadness. I have had peace, but I've experienced moments of daunting anxiety.  And boy, I am so incredibly tired.  Not much sleep, a lot of long days.

But, I have NOT walked one step alone.

First of all, family has *circled the wagons* – and we've been a united front.  So, I am not walking this new path without the support of my loved ones.

And, of course, the Lord has been with me.

In fact, His Presence has been so tangibly real that I can practically feel His hand in mine.

And though this trial is most difficult, I find that I am experiencing…yes…JOY.

(I'm as shocked as you are!)

Not happy – because who could be happy with these most painful circumstances?  

But joy?  Yes.

A deep, abiding sense that all is well, for I know that the Lord is in control.


And here's something He's teaching me…

It has occurred to me that often when the Lord wants to develop a characteristic in you, He lets you be tested in that area.  So, if this is the year that He wants me to learn how to be joyful, He's going to go to work on testing me.

To tell you the truth, this was one of the things that I was afraid of when He gave me this word.

My thought?

"Oh no.  If God wants me to learn joy, He's going to send a bunch of trials."

I do not want a bunch of trials.  (Do you???)

And yet, here I am, less than two weeks into the new year, and He is allowing a HUGE trial.  Probably the hardest thing I've ever had to experience in my life.

Hmmm…

I used to think that testing was cruel.

Like the Lord was a mean teacher who delighted in constantly giving surprise pop quizzes that nobody was ready for, and therefore, would most certainly fail.

Or maybe He was the taskmaster coach, who ran you through endless practice sessions of hurdling.  Sort of a *steeplechase approach* to life.  Up and over, into the water, jump this, jump that.

And then, just for fun, He'd throw an obstacle in the road, just so you had to figure out how to get around this trial or circumstance or situation – (or get hopelessly stuck and stopped in your tracks.)


But I'm not thinking that so much anymore.

I'm beginning to understand a new side to this faith testing that He does.

You see, it's not so much that He needs to test my faith to see how strong it is – it's that He's allowing ME the opportunity to see how strong my faith is.

Does that make sense?

Is He testing me to make me stronger?  Yes, that's part of it.  But I am also having the wonderful chance to see that yes, indeed, under difficult testing, I AM strong!

Do you remember the Gold Rush?  (No, I'm not asking whether you lived through it!!)

There was a process called assaying – in which the metal ore was tested.  

(Dictionary definition: To subject (a metal, for example) to chemical analysis so as to determine the strength or quality of its components.  It is the process of melting down, stirring and separating the gold from other elements, to determine the amount and value of pure gold).


That's what I feel like this testing is all about – assaying my faith.

And during this last week, it's been worth its weight in gold!


So, here I am – two weeks in, and my new Word for the Year – JOY – is working out.  

In spite of the testing…


JOY can be found in knowing that God is in control.

JOY can be found in knowing that God is leading you through circumstances beyond your control.

JOY can be found in knowing that you are listening to Him well, and following Him closely.

JOY can be found in Jesus, Only You!

Though the rain comes in torrents
and the floodwaters rise
and the winds beat against that house,
it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. 

"Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2, NLT)

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart." (Proverbs 17:3, NIV)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts…and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 
(Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)

"Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." (Psalm 26:2-3, NIV)

"'I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'" (Jeremiah 17:10, ESV)

"'Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.'" (Isaiah 48:10, NASB)

"'I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" (Zechariah 13:9, NLT)

"…he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.  For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.  I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food." (Job 23:10-12, NLT)


How is God testing you lately?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS 
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SPECIAL FRIDAY FEATURE - FOR DAD

I have sad news, friends.

My father had a very bad fall on Monday afternoon, and he is in the hospital.

I would really appreciate your prayers for him, and for my mother.  And for myself and my siblings, as new decisions - difficult decisions - are being made.

To honor my dad, I'm reposting a poem that I wrote for him for Father's Day several years ago.

He's still my daddy, and I'll always be his little girl.


BIG SHOES

When I was small
I used to walk around
in his big shoes,
clumping through the house,
Playing, yes
but also proud of my daddy.

Strong and sure
Always there
to protect me -

Now that I have grown
It seems
that I have spent my life
Trying to follow
in his footsteps...
They are big shoes
to fill.

But he left a path behind
A character road
Footprints
of intelligence,
integrity,
honesty,
and fairness.

In following him
I have learned to be
a leader,
I have learned to be
a better person.

Through the years
some things have changed,
most have not.
I am still proud of my daddy
Strong and sure
Always there
To protect me -

And though his steps
are slowing,
They are still
worth following
And I do -

For I will always be
a young girl
Walking around
in his big shoes...

© Sharon Kirby,
 June 15, 2007


Dad, know that I have always loved you, and I always will!


"Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:2-3, NLT)


*What is one special memory you have of your father growing up?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY WORD FOR 2014 - TA DA!

No, my word is not "TA DA."

But, I'm not going to reveal it right up front.

Nope.

Gonna make you "wait for it…wait for it…"

Because first of all, I have to tell you how much it surprised me.


Some background…

When I started blogging in 2010, I approached the end of the year with great anticipation.  I couldn't wait to write about Christmas.

But then, as the new year approached, I noticed bloggers talking about their *word* for the coming new year.  Wordsmith that I am – (recovering English major) – I wanted to join in on this tradition.

But…I did not want to hand-pick my word.

I wanted God to do it.

And He did.

Therefore, the word for 2011 was DETERMINED.  It was a year when many things happened, just like every year really.  But as the year came to a close, I saw how God had helped me become more determined in my faith.

Determined to hold on to Him no matter what.

In 2012, He gave me the word OVERCOME.  And, yes, it was a word that was a truthful theme for the year.  "The Hub" and I moved from the home and city that I had lived in for almost 29 years.  And yes, indeed, there were many things to overcome.  Physical challenges – (moving is NOT pretty after 29 years of pack-ratting fun) – and emotional challenges.

God helped me overcome many obstacles as I re-adjusted myself to a new place and life in the mountains.

So, 2013 arrived, and God spoke the word DIRECTION.  I liked this word, my favorite so far.  Good, I thought to myself, this year God is going to give me a clear direction as to what He wants me to do.  Where He wants me to go.  How I can do His work in a way that is satisfying to me. (Arrogant? Self-serving?  Maybe, but truthful…)

However, a few weeks ago, when I was reflecting on the past year, I wasn't sure how God had given me direction this year.  There was no huge revealing, no fantastic new avenue of ministry – if I was honest about it, I still felt stuck in the same place as I had been at the beginning of the year.

Until God had to tell me how I was wrong.

Indeed, the direction He had given me was, "Follow Me closer."

And as this past year comes to an end, I can see in my backward glance how I have learned to follow Him closer.  I can see how He has revealed to me that one of His directives for me up on the mountaintop is to learn how to rest in His near presence.


So, you see, I have come to realize that the word God gives me becomes a sort of *theme* for the year.  It's one of the reasons that I don't want to pick it.  I don't want to pre-dictate, if you will, what happens in my faith walk.

God knows it already, so it's good to get the word from Him!

However, this is precisely why I am struggling with this coming year's word – (the big reveal…)


JOY.


I don't get it.  It doesn't fit somehow.  Oddly enough, I am not terribly joyful to receive it.

Let me explain.

First of all, I looked up SHARON in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary.  It reads:

S haron
H as to
A bsolutely
R ant
O n and on
N eedlessly

Yup.  I am not a *joyful* person by nature.

I tend to be negative (which I euphemistically like to call "realistic").  I tend to ponder the in's and out's of life like a rat in a maze searching for my way, but mostly banging my head on the dead-ends.  I have a propensity to complain.  And, being a Nervous Nellie, I am never quite calm or settled or content.

Certainly not JOY-full.

NO ONE would say that about me.  (Ask my family, they'll tell you the truth!)


So, I'm kinda rebelling against my new word.

For you see, the *WORD* for the year always turns out to be both a command and a promise.  I see how that has played out in the past three years.

And JOY, as a command – ouch.

Really tough for me.  That verse – "Rejoice in the Lord…I say again rejoice" – well, I always hear that verse in a forcefully disciplinary tone.

It sounds more like this to my ears:  "Sharon, rejoice (insert stern voice here: "Stop moping around and paste on a happy face right this minute")…I say again, rejoice (OR ELSE)."

And as a promise?

Having trouble with that, too.  All I see are the problems surrounding me. Especially the continued deterioration of my parents, and especially the slippery slope of dementia that my father is sliding down…rapidly.

I see decisions ahead in this coming month about the next step of care. I see more times with him when he's angry and confrontational.  I see pain, and hurt, and disappointment in my future.  I do not see joy.

And, if I'm being completely honest, I'm not liking this word because I don't want to give up my *right* to complain.  I actually like being negative sometimes – (I will easily give up the nervous, though).  When I'm not feeling joyful, I don't WANT to feel joyful. 

I want to pout or whine or throw that big old Pity Party that I love attending.

Being joyful sounds challenging to me, daunting in its expectations.

It sounds like a jacket that is too tight for me to wear.

Oh, how I would have loved hearing a different word – like HOPE or PEACE or even, TRUST.  

But, God was quite clear in His message.  

JOY for 2014.


As I pondered this word – (truthfully, just trying to wrap my head and heart around it) – I remembered an old Sunday School song.   As I recall it, the chorus went something like this:

"Jesus and Others and You – what a wonderful way to spell JOY."

Yeah, so I'm thinking about that definition this way:

Jesus – OK, sure, I love you, Lord.  So this part is good.

Others – That means giving of myself to others.  And that says *parents* to me.  I'm tired.  I don't want to serve them anymore.  Fifth Commandment work is very, very hard right now.

You – I don't mind being last.  I'm just glad to make the list.


But as I thought about it more, I heard His still, small voice.  And He told me that while that old song had been accurate in its theology, He had a different meaning for me.

This is how He means it…

J esus,
O nly
Y ou

I sighed in the deepest part of my soul when He said this.  I actually felt joy at this definition.  Somehow it released me to feel all the negative stuff that I know will come this year – for all I have to do is turn to Him, lean on Him, focus on Him – ONLY Him – and somehow HE will fill me with JOY.  (HIS joy, not something I have to drum up inside of myself, by myself...)


For the last couple of years, the Lord has been asking me a question, over and over and over.

"Sharon, is it really just Me?"

And I can see that in this coming year, I am going to get the chance to answer.

"Jesus, only You."  


So, Lord, I will accept Your word for me in 2014.  But I am having some trouble understanding all the ramifications.  (Yes, I see the irony.  A person who has trouble with the concept of JOY – then being given that word for the coming year – and then struggling to be happy about accepting it!)  

At this moment in January, I am contemplating this monumental word.

Truthfully?  I am skeptical.  I am doubting the Lord's ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of making my spirit celebrate life in a way that doesn't come easy for me.


I tell Him that, just one more time.

"Lord, I'm not seeing how You're going to achieve this.

How are You going to re-shape a Negative, Nervous Nellie into a joyful person?"

And He answers:

"Just watch Me!"


How the Lord is going to make this happen is far beyond me.  

And that, probably, is the whole point.

I love you, Jesus, with all my heart. 

"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for JOY.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." (James 1:2-3, NLT)

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of JOY." (Psalm 126:5, NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)

"'I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.'" (John 15:11, NIV)

"'Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your JOY away from you.'" 
(John 16:22, NASB)



What's your *word* for 2014?  And how are you reacting to it?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLE-HEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

NEW FEATURES FOR 2014!

First of all, I am not going to change my template.

It's kinda grown on me - and I'm still loving the *rustic barn* look!

But here's some other changes:

I have added a new page, "Button, Buttons," and put some links to other blogs and sites there - in an effort to whittle down my sidebar a bit!

(My blog pages can be found on the sidebar.)

And, I am starting some new devotionals this year. 

Here's what I'll be reading:

"Your Daily Walk" by Bruce H. Wilkinson, Executive Editor, c. 1991, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Zondervan Publishers.

"The One Year Book of Encouragement" by Harold Myra, c. 2010, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

"Once-a-Day Devotional" by Rick Ezell, Dave Veerman, Bruce Fielding, Mark Jackson, Dave Tieche, Dave Jorgensen, and Tom Taylor, c. 2012, The Livingstone Corporation, Zondervan Publishers.  (This book is actually a devotional for men, but in looking it over, I really liked what it had to say - so I'm giving it a whirl!!)

So, the sidebar will reflect excerpts from my reading.  I'll be updating these frequently, so keep checking back!

Look under:

A WORD FROM THE WORD
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
DAILY WALK - Overview
DAILY WALK - Devotion
BE ENCOURAGED
A PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT
A PRAYER PROMPT

Also, I have decided to read through the Bible in The Message paraphrase.  Though I'm not going to use this version for my study purposes, I am interested in hearing a different *voice* throughout this year.  I'm hoping to add a new *shade of meaning* to my beloved Scriptures.  (This will almost be like another devotional, in my mind.)

I'll be posting a *message* from The Message on the sidebar.

Look under:

A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD

(I'll also be updating the reading plan once-a-week at the bottom of my blog).

"The Daily Message" - Through the Bible in One Year, by Eugene H. Peterson, c. 2006, NavPress Publishing.

Finally, I will be revealing my Word for 2014 next Monday.  It's a word that surprised me - and I'm wondering how God will work it out in my life next year!  

(As an interesting sidenote, I have already seen two bloggers who have the same word!  God must be speaking!!)  

May I also take this opportunity to tell you all how much you 

mean to me!  

I have made such wonderful friendships here in Blog Land.  I have walked through many life circumstances with you.  You have all upheld me, inspired me, encouraged me, convicted me, challenged me, and taught me so very much.  And, more often than not, you have provided some much-needed and always-appreciated laughs and giggles!

How I love you all!

The Lord does a mighty work through this venue of blogging, and I feel privileged to be part of this vital and necessary community.  May we all continue to write what God lays on our hearts, and may He use His words through us for HIS purposes.

All to HIS glory!

(From the bottom of my blog):

ALL FOR HIS GLORY

I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.

I will commit myself to instruction and listen carefully to words of knowledge.

I will leave it all in the Lord's hand.

I will trust Him.

For there truly is a reward for those who live for God.

ALL GLORY TO GOD FOREVER AND EVER!! AMEN!

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause -

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,

I'd rather be true to His holy name -

I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead,

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

SERVING THE MOST HIGH

Corrie ten Boom once said she was simply, "the skin on the hands of God."

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40)

"'And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.'" (Matthew 10:42)

"...my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

True greatness is to serve unnoticed and to work unseen. 

(From The Daily Walk Bible, NLT, c. 2007)

***A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!***

MAY WE BE WARRIORS FOR HIM IN 2014!!

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth." (Psalm 108:4, 5, NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"