RE-LEASING MY BURDENS

Lately I've been doing a lot of reading.

Seems like being sick has a way of slowing life down, and reading is a good way to pass the time.

So I've been learning, listening, lounging –

And I read something that I wrote four years ago that really spoke to me again.

I thought I'd share it with you today…

I had just read something that a friend wrote that triggered a deep response in my heart.  She was talking about *letting go* of a particularly difficult situation in her life.

About how hard it was for her to do that.  

How relinquishing control was often a moment-by-moment process.

How well I related.

So tired, wanting and waiting to release the burden of care that she was carrying.

Yes, I got it.

Those of us who are parents will totally understand the weight of love and concern that we have for our children.  (By the way, those of you who aren't parents still care for other people deeply – you will also understand what I'm talking about).

And we should care.

If we ever took that job of parenting seriously, we will care…deeply.

But sometimes we can get overburdened, overwhelmed, overcome by the things we care about.  Especially when we face the ugly fact that we have little control over another person's circumstances, pain and suffering, thoughts and feelings.

I often find myself being the "emotional burro" of the family.

Might I just say in my defense that I come by that role naturally.

I am the first-born child, and oldest daughter of a first-born son and an only child (my parents).  I am also the first-born grandchild of two first-born sons (my grandfathers) – and the oldest cousin in my family.  (Might I just add that both of my parents were also the oldest grandchildren and oldest cousins on one side of their families).

Yup.

Overly responsible.
Overly conscientious.
Overly…everything.

(Sign me up for Overachievers Anonymous)

The weight I carry for others – especially for my sons, my family – can be heavy, heavy at times.

Now, as a believer and a follower of Jesus, I know that I am not in charge.  (I'm not, right?  Funny how I keep having to check on that…)

The Lord is in infinite control of all things, and all people.

So, I know that my spiritual mandate is to allow Him to have that control.

To exhibit my yielding to His sovereignty by trusting and obeying Him.

I really, really try to do that.

But I am struck by the spiritual irony that I am now actually striving to rest. 

Silly, huh?


As I pondered what my friend wrote, I thought about that word *release*.

The definition of lease is this (taking out the specific legal stuff so it makes sense emotionally!):

A contract by which one party conveys (transfers) [something or someone] to another...

In that sense, God is asking me, inviting me, even commanding me, to do just that.

To make a contract with Him to convey all my *stuff* to Him.

When I thought about that, releasing my burden actually becomes...

RE-leasing. 

Stopping once again to hand over to Him all those things that burden me.

To once again move into that place where I abide with Him.

Where I allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to comfort and calm me.

I re-lease in order to once again find peace.


It's not easy for this crazy first-born.  

Very often I find myself *taking back* all the people and situations that I thought I had given to the Lord.

(Evidently, some of the things that I think I "nail to the cross" are actually just thumb-tacked…or loosely held on with Post-It notes…just sayin').

But, God is calling this overly responsible, overly conscientious mother to give it ALL to Him.

Yes.


Today, though with a troubled heart and an anxious spirit, I will re-lease it all to Him who loves me. 

I will transfer my troubles, my worries, my situations and circumstances, my health, my finances, my family – my past, my present, and my future – every detail, every moment – into His loving and capable hands.

Praying you will, too.


Lord, to whom would we go? 

You have the words that give eternal life.




Is there a burden that God is asking you to re-lease to Him?

One more time
He lightens up my load,
In the night of deep despair
my faith keeps telling me
He's there,
Waiting to answer prayer
one more time.


(From "One More Time" by the Downings)

A Conversation with Jesus (based on Scripture):


"I know that you are weary and carry heavy burdens, Sharon."

"Oh Lord, yes, my burdens are heavy and I am so very tired, so weighed down by the worry and care and concerns that I bear."

"This is why I bid you to come to Me.

I will give you rest."

"Rest sounds so nice, Lord.  And yet, it seems impossible to my weary soul."

"Then take My yoke upon you.  Let me share the burden.

Let Me teach you the meaning of true peace.

I am humble and gentle, and I will be tender-hearted as I lead you, and you will find rest for your soul.

My yoke is easy to bear."

"Lord, what do you mean?  Yokes are heavy and confining, they weigh you down.  And the yoke of caring right now is overpowering to me."

"Oh Sharon, don't you understand?  The yoke is not a symbol of pain, but of partnership.  I will carry the load if you align yourself with Me."

"Yes, Lord, I do strive to walk on my own path."

"Sharon, the Father has entrusted everything to Me.

Including every detail, every moment of your life.

So cast the whole of your care – all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns – once and for all, on Me.

For I care for you affectionately and I care about you watchfully.

I love you."

"I love You, too, my Jesus, my Friend."

"Then cast your cares on Me, and I will sustain you.  I will never let you be shaken.  I will not permit you to slip and fall.  I will never allow you to be moved.

Follow Me.

And all will be well.

Trust Me."

"Yes, Lord..."

(Based on Matthew 11:27-30, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 55:22)



"Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ…Whoever will, let him come.  All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. 

But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience.  He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services.  Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. 

Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good.  It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy.  It is a yoke that is lined with love.

So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness.  The way of duty is the way of rest.  The truths Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon.  Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? 

Let us come to him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows."

(Matthew Henry Commentary)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, RICH FAITH RISING, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TELL HIS STORY, WISE WOMAN, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, HEART ENCOURAGEMENT THURSDAY, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"GIMME THE REMOTE!"

I have two sons.

For the most part, they got along pretty well when they were younger (they still do!).

But, like any siblings, they also fought.  

Sometimes (rarely) they got into physical fights – mostly wrestling, which seems to be a "boy thing."  And sometimes it was verbal sparring.  And though I always stopped name-calling, I secretly had to admire their "creativity" in what they'd come up with!

But most of what they fought over was silly…

Like the TV remote control.

Oh, the arguments about what to watch on TV!

And then the ensuing wrangling for the remote.  

Sometimes they'd hide it from each other, or toss it across the room and run after it.  Sometimes the remote was stuffed into articles of clothing, or thrown into a dirty hamper, where only the brave dared to tread.  Sometimes the battle for the remote became secondary to the wrangling…

I'm not sure they ever realized the fact that if things got too heated, the remote was taken away by "She Who Controlled The Television" – and the TV got turned off.

Then they'd argue over whose fault that was!!

*Sidenote: "The Hub" and I avoid these petty quarrels – it's called two televisions, two remotes, and two rooms.  ☺

I can't say that I blame them entirely – there is something enticing about controlling the remote control.

Think about it – it's kind of a metaphor for life.

All those buttons…


GUIDE – who wouldn't want a button that showed you all the possible situations in life, and you could pick and choose what you wanted to participate in (or not!) – and you could also observe future events!

INFO – oh yes, wouldn't it be great to get further information on those situations and circumstances?!  Like when they're going to *air* and how long they're going to last?!  And if they're a rerun or not?

PREVIOUS – this button would allow you to go back to a pleasant or enjoyable episode in your life if you didn't like what the current *channel* was playing.

RECORD – oh, I love this one!  You could defer situations until later when you felt more capable of dealing with them.  Or, you could experience the same wonderful events over and over again.  (You could also *delete* the ones that weren't so enjoyable – make them disappear, like they never, ever happened).

CHANNEL – yup, multiple opportunities to *channel surf* and find just what you're looking for.

VOLUME – wouldn't it be nice to turn down the volume of unpleasantness, and turn up the volume on joy?!

MUTE – this almost needs no explanation – for either people or life in general?!

EXIT – and if everything just felt totally out of control, you could always exit all the noise and hubbub (a more effective tool than the mute button).


My personal favorite?

MENU.

This button gives a sense of total control over all the other ones, and would allow me to completely tailor-make my life to just the way it suited me.  

HA!

But there is one button on the remote that might just be more important than all of the others…

INPUT.

This is the button that determines where the power comes from, and how it is formatted.  And if it isn't adjusted properly, all you ever see is a blank screen or static.

Hmmm.

There's a lesson in that.


I am usually quite critical of *control freaks* – those type-A personalities who always strive to micro-manage everything and everybody in their lives.  In my opinion, they are domineering and full of pride.

However, it has taken me quite a good many years to realize that my quieter, subtler insecure worrying and fretting about everything is nothing more than *closet* control.

I have just begun reading a book, called "You Are What You Think," written by David Stoop.  I like it, especially because Dr. Stoop is a wonderful Christian man.

In the first chapters, he discusses two ways people have of dealing with a world that feels *out of control* – either by being over controlling or feeling overwhelmed.

There it is.

If the type-A's deal with life by being over controlling, then I have certainly spent most of my life feeling overwhelmed.

In truth, my reaction is just the other side of the control record – our words might be different, but I am playing the same tune as those people I have criticized.

For you see, both reflect a few basic mis-beliefs about the world:

1) The world is out of control
2) We have the capability to control things if we try
3) Controlling life will bring us happiness and peace

This the wrong input, and therefore, my remote control is sadly malfunctioning.

If I read the headlines, or watch any sort of television news program, I am going to be convinced that indeed, the world is out of control.  And it is a scary and unsure place, with much to be afraid of.

And therefore, I will be inclined to be consumed by fear.

Which I am, a great deal of the time.

However, I have had a rather startling insight into this whole issue of fear.

Might I share it with you?


The other day I was reading a blog post about temptation.

I got to thinking about the things that have tempted me in the past, and how I've come through those times – sometimes succumbing, mostly resisting.

But at the end of my reading, I sorta patted myself on the back for not really giving in to any current temptations.

And then, the most astonishing thing happened.

The Holy Spirit said a remarkable thing to me:

"Fear is your temptation."

What???

I spoke back to Him:

"How can You say that?  Fear is certainly my faith struggle, an enemy stronghold to overcome.  But how on earth is it a temptation?"

He spoke again:

"It is a temptation.  Because what is fear but a temptation to take control?"

Whoa.

This conversation happened a few days ago, and I am still pondering the implications.

In a staggering realization, I have begun to see that the Spirit spoke strong Truth to me in that moment.

Yes, my worries are all centered on the things that I CANNOT control.  

And I am tempted to insert myself into the equation – desperately and anxiously working to fix, manipulate, finagle, change, engineer, wheedle, influence, maneuver – CONTROL – everything and everyone.

When confronted with my woeful inability to do that, I default to my familiar position – I cave in to feeling overwhelmed.

Then I try to control God by playing on His sympathies for me.

"Lord, please change _____________ because it's making me feel so nervous."

Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with bringing the Lord my cares and concerns, and there's nothing wrong in admitting my fears and anxieties.

He wants me to come to Him with it all, fears included.

However, if my prayers are grounded in MY desires, and MY plans, and MY timing – I will be disappointed if God doesn't "perform."

Yes, fear is a temptation to control.


I was explaining this in a conversation with my cousin the other day, and another rather wonderful insight came to mind (thank You again, Holy Spirit!)

I told her something along these lines:

"You know, we're not the only ones to experience this.  Think about it.  How did the devil tempt Jesus?  He tempted Him to take control of His own circumstances, and to try to change them."

I said it without thinking, and then I started thinking.

It's so true.

In the only Biblical account of Jesus being tempted (though I know there were many, many other times), we can see how Satan tempted Jesus to take control:


1. Take control of your physical needs

"And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry." (Matthew 4:2, AMP)

Jesus was hungry.

Did the devil tempt Him with fear that He would starve?

He told Jesus to turn the stones into bread, thus ensuring that He could eat.

Jesus replied:

"'It has been written, man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" 
(vs. 4)

My translation: "No, God will take care of My physical needs.  He will provide for Me."


2. Take control of your well-being and life

Jesus was human, susceptible to the limits of the human body.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear of physical injury or even death?

He told Jesus to throw Himself off of a high place in the temple, and have the angels save Him.

Jesus replied:

"'On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God.'" (vs. 7)

My translation: "No, God does not have to prove that He watches over Me.  Therefore, I will not test Him."


3. Take control of your purpose

Jesus was human, yes, but He was also the Son of God.

Satan must have had an inkling of what Jesus' mission was supposed to be.

Did the enemy tempt Him with the fear that He would never see His own Kingdom?

Did he tempt Him to take an earthly kingdom in hand at this moment, instead of waiting for God's will?

He told Jesus he would give Him the world, all its kingdoms, and their glory and power, if He would worship him.

Jesus replied:

"'Begone, Satan!  For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.'" (vs. 10) 

My translation: "Leave Me.  I will worship only God, and gladly give up all other glory and power, to fulfill His purpose for Me."


You know what's most interesting to me?

Jesus is the ONLY person in the world who has ever actually had the ability and the authority to truly take control of anything.

He could make stones into bread.

He could command the angels to rescue Him.

He could rule the kingdoms of the world.

And yet, in a most incredible display of humility and love, He set His authority aside, He put His ability to control these circumstances momentarily into the background, and chose instead to trust God, His Father.

I am quite sure that the devil did not leave Him alone after that.

And perhaps more than any other time, I have a feeling that the enemy's taunts and temptations were strongest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Never before in His earthly walk was Jesus as fear-full as when He agonized in the Garden.

Did Satan come with the same temptations?

To take control of His physical body, to protect it from pain and suffering?

To take control of His very life, and prevent His death by calling on the angels to rescue Him?

To take control of His purpose, to take control of an earthly kingdom, and bypass the reason for the Cross?

Was fear a temptation for our Savior?

I believe we'll never fully understand what was said to Him by the enemy in the Garden.  We'll never fully understand the depth of angst and suffering He felt.  We'll never fully understand how powerful fear worked in His thoughts and emotions.

Jesus, our High Priest, understands our temptations – even the temptation to fear, and the ensuing temptation to take control.

And yet, though He struggled, He overcame.


We can, too.

By replacing three mis-beliefs with resounding Truth:

1) The world is firmly in God's control
2) We have no capability to control our lives, but God has ordained every day before the creation of the world
3) Trusting God will bring us joy and peace


Yes, to the best of my ability, and in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, I will resist the temptation to fear, and refuse to attempt to take control of my own life.

I will stand firm in my conviction that God is on His throne.

Steady and resolute.

Omniscient and omnipotent.

Sovereign.


And I will join with my Savior, Jesus, in uttering this prayer:

"'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'" (Luke 22:42, ESV)


Yes, I will bring Him my fears in prayer, but I will yield my will to His ways and His timing.

I will not frantically attempt to wield control in my life.

I will hand Him the remote control.


And yes, I will trust Him.



Are you a *control freak*?  In what areas are you most tempted to fear?

God will not permit any troubles
to come upon us,
unless He has a specific plan by which
great blessing can come
out of the difficulty.

(Peter Marshall)

If we knew what God knows, we would never complain,

Nor would we be bitter over sorrow or pain.

God reigns in His wisdom up in Heaven, above!

If we knew what God knows, we would rest in His love!

If we knew what God knows, saw the things that He sees,

If we had the insight to explore His decrees,

If God gave permission, our own lives to arrange,

If we knew what God knows, we would not make a change!

If we knew what God knows, as He rules from above,

How God takes our trial to affect those we love,

If we saw His purpose, then our hearts would be still,

If we knew what God knows, we would not fear His will!

If we knew what God knows, how our spirits would sing;

Our prayer would be only a great Thank-offering.

We'd find Him sufficient; we would rest in His Grace;

If we knew what God knows, we would seek the Lord's Face!

(Author Unknown)

"This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.'" (Isaiah 66:1, NLT)

"I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left." (1 Kings 22:19, NIV)

"Come, everyone!  Clap your hands!  Shout to God with joyful praise!  For the Lord Most High is awesome.  He is the great King of all the earth.  He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet." 
(Psalm 47:1-3, NLT)

"God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." (Psalm 47:8, ESV)

"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!  Tell all the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'" (1 Chronicles 16:31, NLT)

"The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:9, ESV)

"Your throne, O LORD, has stood from time immemorial.  You yourself are from the everlasting past." (Psalm 93:2, NLT)

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6, NIV)

"The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.  The foundations of law and order have collapsed.  What can the righteous do?  But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven." (Psalm 11:2-4, NLT)

"Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.  There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands." (Hebrews 8:1, NLT)

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." (Job 28:24, ESV)

"In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help.  From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears." 
(Psalm 18:6, ESV)

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." 
(Psalm 94:19, NIV)


"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

(Psalm 9:1-10, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING WITH FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MARRIAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT

I own a solid gold necklace.

It is a beautiful piece of jewelry.

And it's heavy – literally!

The price of gold is currently around $1350 an ounce.  So this necklace would definitely be, as they say, *worth its weight in gold!*

It's a treasure – and it would be quite a gift if I gave it away, wouldn't it?

Now what if I showed you two pennies – two tarnished, beat-up pennies?

They've been sitting in a dish of spare change for who knows how long.

They're not worth much.  

In fact, in today's economy, they're probably not even worth two cents!

Back in the day, they could buy something – a piece of candy or such.

But now, the penny is so worthless, we don't even like having them rattling around in our pockets.

Many stores have little trays where you can "take a penny, leave a penny."

If you don't want your pennies with you, leave them.  (For the most part, I'm an equal taker-leaver...)

So, giving away these two pennies wouldn't be much of a gift, would it?


Today I want to talk about a woman who gave something away…

"While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.  Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins." (Luke 21: 1-2, NLT)


Jesus was in the area of the Temple called the Court of Women.

In this area were seven boxes in which worshipers could deposit the Temple tax and six boxes for freewill offerings.  It appears that Jesus continued watching the giving for some time, and He observed a number of wealthy persons making gifts.

This woman gave a freewill offering of two mites.

At the time, a mite was the smallest of copper coins, normally equal to just 1/8 of a cent!

Though it might seem that her offering was small, her gift was a sacrifice, for it was all that she had.

Her gift made an impression on Jesus, and He commented on it:

"'I tell you the truth,' Jesus said, 'this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.  For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.'" (Luke 21:3-4, NLT)


Today, I'm not going to talk about financial giving – I'd like to expand the story beyond the issue of money.

The issue here is not that the woman had given more as to value and substance – but that she had cast in more in proportion to what she had.

Her gift was counted as more by Christ, and more highly valued and esteemed by Him, because Jesus – the One who sees the heart, and knows all things – knew that she had given FROM HER HEART.

Yes, my friends, the Lord desires no greater gift than the gift of yourself.

He wants more than financial offerings – He wants you to KNOW Him and to LOVE Him.

He is to be loved with all your powers and capabilities, with your time and your talents, with all aspects of your personality, with every ounce of your heart.

Mark 12:30 (NLT) sums up this greatest gift:

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength."


Jesus uses the poor widow's offering to teach an important lesson.

A gift is not to be evaluated by its size, but by a comparison of the gift with the total possessed by the giver.

In the secret, innermost part of your heart, have you laid your life on the altar?

Have you presented everything you have, and everything you are, to Him?


May God help us to be like this faithful woman as we give our very selves in His name.


That's my two cents...



What are you giving to God of YOURSELF?

A penny saved
is a penny
earned.

But if you give up your life
for Me,
you will find it.

"'To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.'" (Mark 12:33, NIV)

"What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Listen!  Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22, NLT)

"'I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.'" (Hosea 6:6, NLT)

"What can we bring to the LORD?  What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves?  Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?...No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." 
(Micah 6:6-8, NLT)

"And now...what does the LORD your God require of you?  He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul." (Deuteronomy 10:12, NLT)

"You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.  You do not want a burnt offering.  The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit." (Psalm 51:16-17, NLT)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1, NIV)

"Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God." 
(2 Corinthians 2:14-15, NLT)

"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2, ESV)

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." (John 3:30, NLT)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, GLIMPSES LINKUP, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE 



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE FROZEN PLACES

Brrr…

It's cold outside!

We were out of town during the Thanksgiving holiday.  And upon our return last week, we had to stop at a few places before we actually arrived home.

(You know, the usual – market, mail, and Mexican food).  

Each time we were greeted with the words, "Did you get snow?"

Actually, I suppose we did.

Though there wasn't much evidence of it left!

Whatever frosty flakes fell while we were out of town were now mostly melted – with the exception of a few icy patches stubbornly refusing to thaw.

I'm thinking about those places.

Why don't they melt?

Sometimes they stick around for days, long after everything else has melted.


I'm Google-obssessed, an info nerd, curious, so I looked it up to see if there's a scientific explanation for this.  And yes, there is!

"An interesting thing about snow and ice is that they are very good at absorbing long-wave radiation…If atmospheric conditions are such that long-wave radiation can easily escape or leave an area, that area will experience radiational cooling even if the sun is shining and the temperatures are warming up.  We can see this in the snowmelt…Even though the air is warm enough to melt the snow, in [some areas] very little if any will often melt because that snow is cooling radiationally."


Hmmm.

I sorta get that??

But even if I don't understand all the scientific intricacies of snowmelt, I have noticed two things that all these patches have in common.

For one thing, they're always in the shade.

I see them in cold ruts by the side of the road.  Or under trees with heavy branches.  Or in forgotten corners lurking under our stairs or decking.

They are found in dark places, away from the light and warmth of the sun.

I've also noticed that these patches are found in areas where there's no greenery surrounding them.

Areas that are bereft of plants or shrubs.

They are found in rocky or stony places, places where nothing grows.

Cold, lonely, forgotten places.

Frozen places.


As I gazed out my window the other day, and pondered these places, I realized something...

Sometimes these places exist in our own hearts.

Dark, rocky, stony places.

Lonely and forgotten places.

Places where something has gone cold and dead.


The causes can be many…

Maybe it's the long-ago, or not-so-long-ago hurt of rejection or betrayal. When your heart was shattered by someone you trusted.

When you said to yourself, "I'll never let anyone get that close again."

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the crushing blow of failure.  A mistaken decision.  Or something you did and shouldn't have, or didn't do but should have.  When you were overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy.

When you said to yourself, "I'm a loser." 

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the gnawing ache of estrangement from someone you once loved.  When the seeds of bitterness took root deep inside, strangling and choking.

When you said to yourself, "I'll never forgive them."

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the death of a dream you once had.  Of something you'd do or be.  When something you wanted with your whole heart was smothered by the realities of life, and it never happened.  

When you said to yourself, "I give up.  I'll never try again."

And something froze.


Are you like me?

Do you open your heart, but only so far? 

Do you surrender your life to the Lord, but only so far?

Are you like me?

Stubbornly clutching deep and secret and hidden places?  Places where something cold and stony resides?

Places imprisoned in shady darkness, where nothing at all ever grows?

Frozen places where hope has died?


Oh friend, let's look deeply at ourselves, deeply within ourselves.

And let's not be afraid to see what's there.

God already knows.

He knows.

And He loves those deep and secret and hidden places.  

Places where something cold and stony resides.

Lonely and forgotten places.

Frozen places where hope has died.


For He loves to thaw them out with the Son, with the Light of the World, with the warmth of His Spirit.


In this season of Advent, I am thinking of another place, hidden from the eyes of the world.  A lonely, forgotten, stony place.  A place where the deep darkness of the world was invaded by the bright Light of the Son.

A place where the cold and icy power of evil and sin was overcome.


A secret place where Hope was born.

And frozen places began to melt…


Are you willing to meet Him there?

In the frozen places of my heart
Where my hidden pain doth hide,
Shine Your light, bring Your warmth
Let Your hope once more reside.

Melt the icy, stubborn parts
Where I have ceased to be,
Bring me back, restore my breath
Give me life, abundantly.

(Sharon Kirby, 12/6/15) 

C. S. Lewis, who described himself as a most reluctant convert, once described his conversion in these words:

"I felt as if I were a man of snow at long last beginning to melt.  The melting was starting in my back – drip-drip and presently trickle-trickle."
("Surprised by Joy")

It's interesting that Lewis chose this word picture of snow melting.  It's a good one, suggesting how the bitter coldness of one's heart can be changed and transformed into a vibrant heart for God.

Later, Lewis once again used the imagery of snow in his beloved classic, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."  When Narnia came under the rule of the wicked White Witch, she turned it into a place where it was "always winter but never Christmas."  When the snow of Narnia begins to melt, it's an apt metaphor for how the "winter in our hearts" can once again experience the springtime of hope when a Savior invades our world.

"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,

At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,

When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."

("The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe")

"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

"'I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior – all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.'" (John 12:46, AMP)

"'…I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:4-5, NIV)


"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
and his name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor, 
Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, 
Prince of Peace.  
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, 
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, 
to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness 
from this time forth and forevermore." 

(Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, ESV)



Do you have a *frozen place* that Jesus needs to melt?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WORSHIPFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, LIVING PROVERBS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THIS ISN'T NECESSARY

Tinkering.

Sometimes I think that's all I try to do with my life…

Fix things.

And sometimes I think that this is all that happens when I tinker…

Nothing.

The definition of the word "tinker" is this: to busy oneself with a thing without useful results.

(The origin of the word comes from "tinker" = "a mender of kettles, pots, pans, etc."  The word originated in the mid-13th century as a surname.  Some connect the word with the sound made by light hammering on metal.  The verb meaning,"to keep busy in a useless way," is first found in the 1650's.) 


It seems to me that there's just something about human nature that is driven to tinker.  

It's like we feel a compulsion to contribute our *two cents* to conversations and to *offer advice* (meddle??) in relationships.  To *tweak* (manipulate??) situations.  Not to mention how much time we spend changing our wardrobes, changing our looks, changing our homes, changing our diets, changing our exercise routine…

Seems like we're always seeking to alter and modify – to revise, rework, and remodel.

Why do we do this?

I think it's because we're endlessly trying to make life feel right, and comfortable, and easy.

But, by its very definition, tinkering is futile and pointless work.

For, more often than not, our efforts are fruitless, accomplishing nothing of any significance or lasting impact.

And when I think about fruitless labor, I always think about Sarah Winchester.


Years ago, my sons and I took a most interesting tour at a place called The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.

Here's the backstory:

The house was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester, of the family that manufactured the Winchester repeating rifle.  Life was good for a while, but then disaster struck.  In 1866, her infant daughter, Annie, died, followed 15 years later by the death of her husband.  Mrs. Winchester fell into a deep depression from which she never fully recovered.  Legend has it that she ultimately sought help from a spiritualist.

According to some sources, the spiritualist explained that she was being haunted by the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles.  Supposedly the spirits caused the tragic deaths of her daughter and husband, and she could be their next victim.

Mrs. Winchester was told to move west, and in an effort to appease the spirits, she was exhorted to build a grand house for them.  As long as construction on the house never ceased, Mrs. Winchester’s life would not be in danger, and perhaps she would even ensure herself eternal life.

Over the next 38 years, 24 hours a day, construction never stopped.   At the time of her death in 1922, the unfinished farmhouse she bought in 1884 had spread over six acres.  The sprawling mansion contained 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, 10,000 windows, 47 stairways, 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms, 6 kitchens, two basements – with many false doors, confusing passageways, up-and-down staircases, secret rooms, peepholes, and dead-ends.

After all that, Sarah Winchester still died.

The house is fascinating, the story is heartbreaking.


Fruitless labor.

Yes, I've been known to "work" at that, too.

And sometimes, my tinkering just makes things worse.

Ever done that?

Tried to make things better, and everything just blows up in your face?

Now hear me on this, I am not talking about the real work of reconciliation or forgiveness.

This is necessary work, and God commands us to do it.

But, He does not ask us to do HIS work.

That's what I'm talking about – inserting ourselves into situations where God is in control.  (Which, truth be told, is EVERY situation!)

And sometimes, when God is at work, He asks us to wait.

This is when I'm most tempted to insert my proverbial nose into the process.

When things are not proceeding according to my plans and my timetable.  

When life feels wrong and uncomfortable and difficult.

When I think that God could use a little help.

HA!


My grandmother once told me a story about planting some seeds.  

And when they didn't sprout in a *timely fashion*, she dug one up.  Seeing that the seed had changed, she replanted it.  Well, I bet you can guess what happened.

That is the only seed that didn't grow.

Good lesson, huh?!


So what does God want to say to me, to us, about all of this?

These words:

"This isn't necessary."

Our pastor tells the story of a man burdened under a load of heavy sticks. Hunched over, he slowly trudges his way down the road toward home.  Then a truck comes by, with a very friendly driver, and offers him a ride.

He accepts.

But, once in the bed of the truck, the man declines to sit, and continues to be bent over by the weight of his heavy burden, which he refuses to lay down.

Don't we all do this sometimes?

Having accepted the Lord as our Savior, we then revert to behavior that impedes Him from saving us.

We tinker and toil, endlessly trying to *fix* things.

Without useful results, and sometimes making things worse in the process.

And if we're not actively tinkering, we're most likely worrying in fretful fits of futile figuring, trying to work things out.


God speaks…

Gently, insistently, and occasionally a bit forcefully – (I sometimes don't listen well, do you?!)…

"This isn't necessary."

We are not meant to carry life.

We are meant to carry our cares to The Life.

When I looked up the definition of "tinker," it included this sentence in the definition – "Stop tinkering with that clock and take it to the repair shop."

It occurs to me that I should be taking everything to The Watchmaker.

The only One who knows how to repair broken relationships, to mend broken hearts, to restore broken spirits, to fix a broken world.


Might I just paraphrase one of my favorite verses in the Bible?

One that I believe, but have so much trouble following?

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, and stop trying to fix things. Instead, in everything – and I mean everything! – every circumstance, every situation, every relationship, every financial matter, every illness or health challenge, every decision – by praise and appeal and thanksgiving (don't forget to be thankful!) – continue to make your specific requests known to God.  And then, lay down those burdens, get out of the way, and LET HIM WORK!" (paraphrase of Philippians 4:6)


I don't know about you, but I'm sitting down and unloading those heavy sticks!

I'm tired of carrying burdens that aren't meant to be carried alone.

I'm tired of worrying about situations and circumstances that are firmly in God's control.

I'm tired of shouldering responsibility in a futile effort to fix everything and make everything *work*.

I'm tired of tinkering.

And I'm sure God is tired of my interference!!


May God complete His work – in me, in my life, and in the lives of the ones I love.

May my fruitless labor be transformed into the fruit of the Spirit.


And may I learn to trust Him ever more…

Laying down my tools
and ceasing
from my labors,
I place everything
into the capable hands
of
The Carpenter,
who bids me to come
and rest. 

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'" 
(Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

"God has told his people, 'Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here.  This is a place of quiet rest.'" (Isaiah 28:12, NLT)

"'For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.'" (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)

"He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power.  Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, but those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired." (Isaiah 40:29-31, AMP)

"For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this, 'In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and confident trust is your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15, AMP)

"'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom…Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will." (Isaiah 50:4, NLT)

"A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them." (Proverbs 16:9, AMP)

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act." 
(Psalm 37:5, ESV)

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3, NIV)

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth…" (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

"…[Cast] all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail)." 
(Psalm 55:22, AMP)

"O my people, trust in him at all times.  Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:8, NLT)

"To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in You I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me…Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day." 
(Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5, NASB)

"...your eyes will [constantly] see your Teacher.  Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:20-21, AMP)

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me…" (Psalms 27:11, ESV)

Are you a tinkering fool?!

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP,THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY,TGI SATURDAYS, STILL SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"