::releasing the hold::

I think today is one of the best days I've had in awhile....and I think its because I let go of somethings that were just weighing me down, things that I had no control over but yet I was so wrapped up in worry over them I could hardly even pray about them. Peter didn't say; "cast only the cares you feel like casting on Jesus, like the small ones, because He cares for you."...no he said; "Cast ALL your cares on Him because He cares for you...!'' 1 Peter 5:7

Why does it seem so much easier to fret then to trust, to worry then to have faith, and to control instead of releasing?

The more one gives to GOD the more He can give back. The more He can control the better everything turns out. The more we worry and try to control the more we take for ourselves and the more we make us miserable and those around us miserable!! Jesus said that the birds of the air, and the lilies of the field are taken care of, but yet we humans who say we believe that we mean more to GOD, worry about all the big things in life and only trust GOD with the little things, the things that if we tried real hard (or not) we could fix just well enough on our own, and then we sit back and cry our little eyes out saying "GOD!!! Why are you doing this to me? Why aren't you there, why aren't you helping me as we wrestle with the boulders, but yet we sulkily tell Him "no its mine," when ever He tries to take it..I think the cure is in us, or should I say in me.

I know that for me it is time to start trusting GOD with everything, including the gigantic things in my life...the things dear to my heart...with me even!!!!!

It's time for me to show Him I love Him in more then words, but in the way that I completely through myself into His arms and gleefully yell; "CATCH ME DADDY! I LOVE YOU THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS MUCH!!!!!!

::thankfulness::

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalms 118:1 (ESV)

I find that for myself it is so easy to get caught up in all the little annoyances of life and forget just how blessed I am. But when I stop and allow myself to see what others around me are going through or have already gone through, I end up being stopped dead in my tracks. I have absolutely nothing to complain about!

This subject has been on my heart a lot lately and I found it quite amazing when I picked up my bible and just started reading and realized that everything I was reading had something to do with trusting God, thanking God, and fearing God!!! All of those being subjects I have a lot to learn in!

Paul says we're to "give thinks in EVERYTHING," not just the things we feel like...because so often the things we want to be grateful for are things that somehow draw all attention to ourselves....Matthew Henry says: "We are appointed to sing psalms, &c., for the expression of our thankfulness to God; but, though we are not always singing, we should never want a disposition for this duty, as we never want matter for it. We must continue it throughout the whole course of our lives; and we should give thanks for all things; not only for spiritual blessings enjoyed, and eternal ones expected (for what of the former we have in hand, and for what of the other we have in hope), but for temporal mercies too; not only for our comforts, but also for our sanctified afflictions; not only for what immediately concerns ourselves, but for the instances of God's kindness and favour to others also. It is our duty in every thing to give thanks unto God and the Father, to God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in him, in whose name we are to offer up all our prayers, and praises, and spiritual services, that they may be acceptable to God."

The Psalmist said; "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." (KJV) How often do we think about all that Jesus did and is still doing for us, and yet keep moving on with our daily lives as if it was nothing?

Jesus suffered the impossible for us, and He deserves all our love, praise, gratitude and adoration. That is true worship! Worship isn't singing repetitious choruses waving your hands in the air and feeling good about yourself. Worship is continually bringing glory and honor to the Almighty, thanking and praising him with our hearts, our lives and our lips!!!

April Thoughts

"I prayed to the LORD and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy, no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles: For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh the the joys of those who take refuge in him!" Psalm 34:4-8

The other day I had been praying, begging GOD to do something deeper in my life...begging him to free me, to show me more of him and all of the sudden Ps. 36 crossed my mind, so I looked it up...it didn't really have much to do with what I'd been praying about...and then I looked across the page and these words just jumped out at me. It was as if Jesus whispered into my heart at that moment and said; "My little girl I've heard your prayers, I've seen you tears and I am here. I've answered you prayers and I will wipe away your tears. I love you!"

I am amazed everyday at the extent of His never ending love and grace.

I feel as though He has taken a shovel and trimmers and been digging and cutting things out of my life....its been so painful, but refreshing!!

I will say that He is becoming the LOVE of my life. I wish I could say that He was already, but I'm learning that that comes with complete abandonment of self. Complete worship and adoration to Him. That, I'm afraid I am still learning. But I'm willing to keep going until He is that total, unreserved LOVER of my soul.

More Samoan Pics

All these photo's were taken by a variety of people. Bethany Grizzard, Yolanda Halteman, Rachelle Grizzard and myself.