Its a New Day!

Today is a new day! Everything in me wants to shout!
We've had a trampoline in our backyard for years. The kids love it, but, I haven't been on it more than 3 or 4 times. Today - I decided that I'd better get some exercise; get the blood moving, heart rate up, burn some calories, and lift my mind with endorphins (of which I have few).
I grabbed my ipod, turned on one of my 'zippy' playlists and out I went. WOW! Would you believe me if I said that I had a blast? It was so much fun!
They tell me that there are many benefits from forcing cellular structure against the pull of gravity - well, one thing is for sure - it made me wish I had wings to fly! and, I'll be back out there tomorrow!
I dare you to do something different today! Go for it! and enjoy the thrill of a new sensation.

A Word of Encouragement

The Lord longs to be gracious to you
He rises to show you compassion
Isaiah 30:18

God speaks the truth and He keeps His word. He never changes, so we can believe whatever He says, and know that He will never change or go back on His word.
Sometimes our life circumstances are so great, it feels as if the Lord is not there. It is easy to become disheartened, our soul become downcast because of expectations we’ve had that don’t seem to be materializing in the time frame we need them to.
Right now, many people are out of work because their employer has had to cut back. Many are finding it challenging to get into the job market because of the critical economic times we are experiencing.
Some are broken hearted. You’ve suffered a loss, a great disappointment and right now, it is easier to believe that He is not there because it looks and feels like He’s obviously disappeared, taken His hand off my life - everything is upside down and out of control.
I want to encourage you – God hasn’t left the scene. He isn’t oblivious to your situation. He is there! He is always there! He said that He will never leave you or forsake you. No matter what you’re feeling – discouragement, anxiety, panic, brokenhearted, abandoned. I’ll say it again – no matter what you’re feeling – HE IS THERE.
The verse in Isaiah 30:18 says,
”The Lord longs to be gracious to you
He rises to show you compassion.”
One night I was praying for someone who was experiencing intense grief, I saw, in my spirit, that the Lord was right there beside them. The person was huddled on a couch with their knees to their chest, in immense grief, feeling so alone, so helpless and hopeless. Yet, there was Jesus, standing right there beside them, ‘longing to be gracious to them’, and it was as if He would say, “I’m here…I’m right here…and I’ve got grace for YOU to take the next step.” He rises up to show you compassion – He stands up and stretches His hand to help you up. He’s right beside you, and He understands every detail about the situation you are dealing with. Often you don’t see Him and cannot receive His help because you don’t believe He is there.
I want to tell you – HE IS THERE! Don’t lose hope. Don’t let your circumstances overwhelm your soul. Fix your mind on the truth of God’s word that never changes. HE IS THERE and HE WILL HELP YOU. Look up, my friend. Look into His face and reach for His outstretched hand – and find grace to help in your day of trouble.
”The Lord longs to be gracious to you

He rises to show you compassion.”

Check It Out!

This is a new blog I became aware of today. I am quite sure you will enjoy it.
He does all his own photography and writings.
He's from Washington too!

http://thephotopoetslens.blogspot.com/

HELP

Can anyone tell me why my Captivating Woman Blog 'disappeared' from viewing on Internet Explorer? It can be viewed through Mozilla. If you know anything about this kind of issue - I'd really appreciate your input. Thank you!

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

verses from Psalm 91

Let Me Know Your Love

Will you take my hand
Will you come and walk along with me
Help me stand and
Still the angry storm
Shelter me from harm
Let me know Your love

I can't go alone
I will fail You
I can't stand alone
Lord, I need You
But, when You speak to me
That is all I need
Let me know Your love

I can walk through flood
Carried by Your love
I can walk through fire and war
If You are near
Your voice I'll hear
Enfolding me in Your love~

Will you take my hand
Will you come and walk along with me
Help me stand and
Still the angry storm
Shelter me from harm
Let me know Your love
Let me know Your love!
words and music by Diane Nelson
c. February 2000 Beautiful Treasure Music

Quotes from Beth Moore's study on Esther

I am in a Bible Study with some women from our church. It is a Beth Moore study on the book of Esther. In the homework today, there is a couple of sentences I'd like to share:

" Sometimes God reserves the right to tell us what happened without telling us how He reacted to it. God is so wholly secure in His own spotless integrity that He feels perfectly comfortable giving us an account of something without making Himself accountable to us. We can always rest utterly assured that God never compromises His holiness or sighs at sin."

Another one:
"Even those most serious about their pursuit of God and godliness fail to be perfect examples all the time.... The mystery is not that an earthly hero can still be flawed and fall to cultural pressures but that God, in His mercy, chooses at times to retain only the snapshots He took when they were standing firm."

And one from the video lesson:
"You cannot amputate your history from the fulfillment of your destiny." - When I am in Jesus, my past is something He takes hold of and makes it into a destiny. That's called redemption!

The United States of America now has its 44th President.

President Barack Obama

Quote for Today

"The friend
who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us
in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate now knowing,
not curing, not healing
and face with us
the reality of our powerlessness,
THAT is a friend who cares."
Henri Nouwen

For months, when I would go to Costco, I have resisted the temptation to buy an item they had begun carrying. EVERY TIME, I passed by them and I would hesitate. No one knew, except me, how much I wanted to buy some – but, reason and logic would always kick in and I’d leave the warehouse without them. Well, a couple of days ago, I gave in, and of course, right away – at the checkout counter – I was on the receiving end of teasing - which, is fine. I just thought it was funny, because the way the young guy was carrying on, you’d think I had bought a bag every time I went in there and he was only too willing to help me eat them! Once I'm in my van, I realize there is a complication. When I get this bag of Snyder’s Chocolate Dipped Pretzels home, it is possible that I won’t even see one, because there are 5 other people who live here who would gladly help me eat them, too! And, its uncanny how they seem to know when I’ve brought home a treat – that’s when they show up and the goodies disappear! So, I was thinking, “I’ll put them in my bedroom on my desk” that way, at least, I’ll get a handful before the bag is devoured by the other chocolate lovers in the house. And that’s where the bag landed – right on my desk. The next day, each person seemed to make their way into my room while I was sitting at my desk. Each one casually looked at the bag – Interested? Definitely! Opened? Not!
On went the day - I’d just smile, not saying much of anything, watching all of their expressions, until…. Jeff, my husband, came home from work and found me writing at my desk. You guessed it! Like everyone before him, he noticed the bag and was intrigued. He even poked it! He was even bold enough to ask, “What’s this doing here?” with a kidding tone in his voice. He had to ask because he knows that I am not in the habit of bringing quantities of food into my bedroom. I started laughing and was feeling a bit cheeky, you could say. I told him how I had resisted these things since they first came out in Costco, and how I’d wanted to be sure to get at least one before the whole bag disappeared into thin air. I was not prepared for his response, “Well, hurry up then, and get one!”
I laughed so hard, but the REAL funny part is that the bag is STILL unopened on my desk! I can’t tell you why, but there it sits – intact. I think its time to celebrate - anyone for a chocolate covered pretzel?

Peace that Surpasses All Understanding

These are peaceful days. There is no hurry. There are no pressures.
Life is still going on - but, I'm not caught up in the momentum.
My heart craves alone time with the Lord. My mind is still.
This began about 3 weeks ago. At one point, I was filled with an awareness of God's presence all around and all through me and it arrested me. I've run to Him, stayed with Him many times a day for hours at a time.
When I contemplate writing - He is there.
When I write - He is there.
When I am in conversation - He is there.
When I lie down or rise up - He is there.
The shadow of His wings are over me and
I know - He is there.
I can't explain all that it has done in me - music is flowing and my skill has increased! My mind is quiet but my heart is full! I am awake more hours and never felt so rested! The cares of this world are still present, but they are not within me - they are with Him!
"His banner over me is love." - Song of Solomon 2:4
Click here for my new article, "Be Still and Know"

"Between loving friends there need be no secrets...

the trusting heart is always safe

with another who truly cares."

Joan Walsh Anglund

"Let us walk deeper in the Kingdom of God
as we stand peacefully in the present."
Diane Nelson

Choices

Life is made up of choices. Every moment, I choose what to do with my life. Even the writing of this post is a choice I make; when I get up and move into another part of my day, it is a choice.
Everyday consists of choice, after choice, after choice.
Choices are linked together. No single choice stands alone. The choice I make at this moment is added to a 'pile' of similar choices I've made before, or it is a choice based on experience and/or information that results in my wanting to change the 'pile' and start a new one. But, even that new choice is still linked. It is linked to the old pile because of its association with the reason for the choice.
The 'piles' of choices are commonly referred to as habits - habits of behavior, habits of thinking, etc. I may choose to spend my pay check as soon as it is deposited in the bank. At some point, I may need some extra cash and realize the foolishness of my choices because all my cash is gone! That will motivate me to make a new choice - put some money into savings. The new choice is still linked to the old pile because both piles have 'how I use my money' in common.
Over time, it seems the piles take on an energy of their own - like in the process that happens to piles of vegetation that are left in the garden or in Landscaping Yards. 'Composting' is the result of energy produced as air and moisture interact with the bacteria and decay in the leaves, bark and soil in the pile. In the landscaping companies yards, piles of mulch will begin to steam or smoke because of the heat that builds up in the center of the piles and if not rearranged or stirred up, the process can accelerate into a fire.
Sometimes, I recognize when a pile of choices I've made is producing energy and I feel myself heading for sure destruction (in that area affected by my poor choices) or toward sure reward!
Some piles give off a dreadful stench as they compost, while other piles give off the most heavenly fragrance.
I want that heavenly fragrance. That's what I want people to breathe when they come close to my life and its piles. I want all that I do to be a pleasing aroma to the Lord - an offering of incense.
Lord, help me to make wise choices today. I yield my desires to You. Not my will, but Yours, oh God.

I Am So Blessed!

How many Nelsons can you fit on one couch?

So far, all of them!
Why?
Because they are really close friends!

"We all need friends with whom we

can speak of our deepest concerns,
and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us."

Margaret Guenther

History Reading

I have been re-reading books to which I was introduced years ago. They were written by people who were persecuted, imprisoned, excommunicated or executed for their teachings which were born out of their radical view of loving God. The books were written over 300 years ago and are held with great regard to this day, proven by the impact they've made on vast numbers of lives through the 3 centuries of their existence.
The authors, mostly from Roman Catholic history, lived during a time when the authorities of the church were incensed by those who would claim to have a living relationship with God; a relationship which was in contrast and outside of the form of religion these authorities clung to and fought for, even though their form of religion was void of the life and power of God.
Among these great authors are Michael Molinos, Brother Lawrence, Fenelon, Madame Jeanne Guyon. The common thread that is as pure as crystal and yet strong as steel is the communication of a relationship with Christ that is not dependant on works, and not motivated by a desire for God to work for them (miracles, answered prayers, etc.). Their passion was to be found in His presence every moment of every day that they might love Him with total abandon and, in so loving Him, becoming like Him and less like the sin nature that grieved His heart.
The church, at that time, was not much different from the Pharisaical traditions and laws that had been formulated to burden the people in Jesus' time. Outward conformity to rules was thought to be the solution to man's sinfulness. However, the Holy Spirit gave wisdom to those who abandoned themselves to Him and the experience of loving Him wholeheartedly brought about the victory over the sinful nature they longed to be free from.
Here is a quote from Madame Jeanne Guyon's book, "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ". She quotes St. Augustine and in this short passage puts the whole of life and godliness in a nutshell.

"Only one thing is required - love.
St. Augustine said, 'Love, then do what you please."
For when you have learned to love, you will not even
desire to do those things that might offend the One you love."

"I am a fairly good judge of character,
tho' sometimes I've been wrong.
But I have never been wrong or regretful
for extending the love of God to anyone."
Diane Nelson

Michael Molinos

In the introduction to his book, "The Spiritual Guide" - 1675, Michael Molinos states,
"I have not written a particularly stylish book here. My only aim has been to teach naked truths, and that with all humility, sincerity and clearness. In this book I will not try to define or defend the Lord's ways."
In 1687, there went out a Papal Decree that "Anyone found in possession of this book will be excommunicated." Within 6 years of its release, the book had 'gone around the world', being translated into every language in Western Europe and its impact so great that in Napels, Italy, as many as 20,000 Christians were reported to have gathered in small groups to practice inward prayer. Michael Molinos ended up sealed in a dungeon. His life, being so controversial, that even today it is understood that the Vatican will not release the transcript of his (secret) trial.
All of the above information is gathered from a 1982 copy of Michael's book, printed in modern English by the Seed Sowers publishing company.

While I admit that I do not understand all that Michael Molinos discusses and that some of what he says I argue with in my soul, all of what he has written is born out of a heart that is filled with Divine Love - to the great measure I have no way of fathoming. There are things he's written that show how very immature my spiritual life is and how much I am affected by my feelings, intellect and fleshly responses.

Allow me to quote 3 small passages that I've been meditating on:

"Enjoyment and inner peace are the fruits of the Divine Spirit. No man lays hold of these two elements unless he finds them in the depths of his spirit, and unless he resigns all things that come into his life as being from the hand of God.

Keep silent and let your conversation be something that is internal. Deny and put to death your self-nature by not judging ill of anyone at any time. Your suspicion of your neighbor troubles the purity of your heart; suspicion and criticism disquiet the heart; they bring the believer out of the realm of the spirit and take away his rest.

You will never be fully resigned to the will of God if you are troubled by human opinion of you, or if you make for yourself a little idol of what people say."

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of Your own house,
letting them drink from Your river of delights.
For You are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
Pour out Your unfailing love on those who love You;
give justice to those with honest hearts.
Psalm 36:6-11

I Will Wait For You

I will wait for You
Until I hear Your voice
Your Spirit brought me here
I will not go

I will wait for You
Until I see Your face
Your heart is what I long for
Nothing more

Lord, Your glory fills the heavens
And You reign over the nations
Oh Your love amazing overwhelms my soul
I bow down in sweet surrender
To Your power and Your splender
Touch my heart so I’ll remember who You are

There is no other time
There is no other place
There is no other One I want, but You
There is no other grace
No touch or sweet embrace
There is no other One I love, but You

I adore You
I adore You
In Your presence I delight
I love You Lord

I adore You
I adore You
Lord, Your heart is all my heart
Is longing for. . .

Words and music written by Diane Nelson
c. August 2008 Beautiful Treasure Music

Abandonment

As I am sitting here, trying to get to the 'beginning' of what I want to write, my helpful husband reminded me of how Snoopy begins every time he writes! And you know, its not far from being a good beginning for me too!
"It was a dark and stormy night"... when my willingness to trust God's sovereignty is put to the test.
On bright and happy days, its so easy to declare His greatness and to trust His plan for my life! When everything is going according to 'plan' and I'm not worried about the options for outcome, its easy to say, "God, I know I can trust You and I know that You are working everything out for my good!" -- which, of course, probably means I think He's going to make it a good outcome for me.
Its much easier to trust someone if they are being nice to you and keeping circumstances pleasant but, if circumstances change, our ability to trust the person we're with will be directly proportionate to the degree which we 'know' the person.
Sometimes I was around older kids who were supposed to 'take care' of the younger kids - of which I was one. They'd invariably want to take us places that were very unfamiliar to us and it were disturbing - to little kids my age. If I didn't know the place or the kids very well, I would be very uneasy about going with them. (It could have been perfectly fine - but, since I didn't know enough, I couldn't trust enough.)
On the other hand, because of the time invested in a relationship between me and my Dad, I had come to know him, his character, his abilities, his love for me in such a way that I could trust him no matter where he wanted to take me. In the course of getting to know him in 'safe places', it gave me the confidence to trust him when he would take me to 'unsafe places' (every child's definition of 'unsafe' is different and relative to the child). The more 'unsafe places' I went with him, the greater my trust was built in him and his love for me. But, I had to be willing to go there with him. I had to trust the first time, based on what I knew of him; and the more I experienced, as difficult as it was sometimes, the more I got to know him.
In her book, "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ", Madame Jeanne Guyon states, "Abandonment is key to the inner court – the key to the fathomless depths – key to the inward spiritual life." She goes on to say that abandonment is surrendering to the Lord, allowing Him to do with you as He pleases - every moment, every day, all life long. That's not easy!
If I want to know the depths of Jesus Christ, I must be willing to go with Him anywhere He wants to take me. The circumstance will not change - it will still be '... a dark and stormy night', but the difference is that I will know He is with me; He has a reason for this moment in time and I will come to know Him more intimately in the process. If I resign myself to His will for my life, accepting everything as His instrument to achieve His purposes, my heart will be in 'perfect concert' with His.
I know Him - I can accept His will. I accept His will - so I may know Him more.
"Lord, I desire to know You more. I long to be in the inner court with You. I surrender my will, my expectations, my desires, my rights, my responses to You. Take me where You want me to go so that in the journey, I will come know You and love You more deeply. Amen."

Happy New Year - 2009

As we ring in the New Year
~2009~
may your heart be filled with
Resounding Joy and Peace!
May you ever anticipate
all the good things
that God is doing
and will do for you this year!
My heart is filled with wonder!