Good evening dear friends,

I suppose, if you are reading this today that you are interested in applying the Word of God to your personal life. However, if you only catch what the Word of God says, then I know I am in the right place. There are many personal battles and triumphs that I have experienced. Since writing on Saturday about the yoke made by the Master carpenter, I have been healing from past bruises due to my own stubborn will and choices to have things all my way.

This is the day after. Physically, I feel like I have been in surgery and trying to function. Strength comes from the precious Holy Spirit. I am grateful for His attendance to my soul. Therapy for me today involves, worship and being quieted in His love. Maybe you can say, "Well, I've not committed any big sins." The key word is any. Attitudes can be corrected by our own choice. Even the ones that have marked our lives for a long, long time. Putting on the mind of Christ is a real work of the Lord. Again, we have to really want to be changed.

In a weakened state and weariness after this revealing, the enemy today has come in like a flood. The standard I raise up against him is the name of Jesus Christ. His Word emparts a supernatural strength against the lies. Keeping my hand in His nail scarred hand reminds me that He understands my sorrow. This not only effects me personally but effects my husband too. We had to have a real heart to heart about past attitudes that became a habitual hurt in our marriage. We have been married for going on 45 years. The first years were wonderful! Then came the worse years and we now agree to trust God and step into the better years. We desire wholeness.

We went for a walk around the lake. It was not too far to drive. We decided to take the trail on the south side, which was a first. The day, though overcast was beautiful...until we began to see trees and rocks spray painted in hidious bright colors and sick words. Oh, my heart ached! We walked, I wept. Until, about 20 minutes I couldn't take it anymore. We left.

The pictures I did take I managed to take above or around the ugliness. But, it remained in my minds eye. Like the attitudes of our heart, we may not realize how ugly it has been. They mar the beautiful path that God intended. We came home to talk about how it made us feel which opened up a whole other subject. One that I would have rather ignored. Do you follow me?

Forgiveness is healing when shared between two people before God. We may think we are getting away with a 'little' sin but, if we truly want to be like Jesus, we have to be willing to go under the knife. The Holy Spirit does a perfect work to bring us together before the Father. His grace covers us and our vows are renewed, peace restored. God is so good!

Today, I woke to a new day, a new way. It feels so good to have everything out in the open. All the fears, doubts and control issues were as gross as nature painted by wickedness. I read a scripture this morning that gives us hope for our future. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Praise the Lord! Adherence, reliance and complete trust!

We have been crucified with Christ! So, we can say with Paul in Romans 6:6..."We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin." Thank you Lord Jesus for helping us to understand that our freedom is in having our flesh nailed to the cross that we might live again. We consider ourselves dead to sin and our relationship to it broken. But, we are made alive to God and have unbroken fellowship with Him in Jesus. This is Grace!

Yesterday is past. Today, if you have the marks of the past still clinging to you, please take time to talk to the Lord. Allow Him to reveal when it began, even the tiny things that have kept you from complete wholeness in Jesus. We can hear better, the voice of the Shepherd, when we surrender and seek His face. Made new to begin another day. A day like never before.

I confess I was so ashamed by my sinful attitudes that I thought to stop writing Heartstrings. This morning about 3 am, the Lord spoke to me that this will be part of an honest living witness. A true testimony. That I can't hide behind a religious spirit. Like I said, "Forgiveness feels so good!" Be blessed as you seek the Lord. We will, Lord willing return here again. His grace covers all our sins! In the name of Jesus, amen. Thank you for your patience in this long post.

Abundance is...a life hid in Christ

Good evening family of God,

This week we talked about faith, going deeper and how our story can help others. Today, because I am one to take on more than I can really shoulder, I want to search out what the scripture says about the yolk that fits. Have you taken on more than you should?

Just because we are seeing so many around us does not necessarily mean that God wants us involved in everybodies business. If I begin to worrry about things in my life, then it seems to grow where I worry about the things in others lives. After having a long discussion with my husband, I know this is true. I sure don't like being exposed. Especially when the implication is that I am worrying or discontent. I really don't like that in me. Confessing as it is revealed is healthy. Listening to what the Holy Spirit may speak through another is wise. Maturity is wealth in the Lord.

Galatians 5:1 says, "In this freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]." We are made free in Christ and do not have to continue in worry like the unsaved. Trust conquers worry!

There is a different yoke for us to wear. It is only one side that we carry, Jesus bears up the other side. Two oxen share the load and the yoke is to keep them from straying off the desired path. If we think our burdens are for us to carry alone, we have been decieved. I forget this sometimes. I grew up being told that I had to pull my weight and do my part. For years that small part of being in a family began to transform into believing that part was never enough, it had to be more. To the point that the more became very lopsided and without Christ's direction.

I am returning to the freedom that allows Jesus to help me carry only what He intended for my shoulders. A yoke that fits properly and doesn't bruise or rub me raw. Does the world make that kind of yoke? No. It cannot because no one knows us better than our Father in heaven!

Are you ready to feel light hearted? Are you longing for a lesser burden? Jesus wants that for us too! Look at Matthew 11:28-30..."Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]" Does the Lord say, only some are eligible for this relief? He says, All.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant) and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

As we learn of the Lord, we will find every blessing! I have spent so much wasted time trying to please others and make things work for my own reasons. I can't fix myself and I have no business trying to fix others! Strong words, I know. But, if I want to really experience the joyous freedom of walking with the Lord then, I must do things His way. Did He ask me to do anything to be forgiven of my sins? Like, go to a cross? No. He paid the full debt that I owed. So it is with my walk of faith. He wants our hands free, our shoulders upright and our feet heading on the path of His purpose. This is freedom to me!

You know, I had no idea what this day would bring. I didn't know I would be in a discussion for hours over my need to be in control. But, I am grateful because the core of my hurt is brought on by my own pride, to keep a handle on so many wheels. There is only one steering wheel on my car so it only requires one driver in that position. That should be the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I moved to the passenger seat. Emotionally I am drained. It is a fight to kill the flesh! But, I am coming out a winner because of the Love of God.

Will you let Him take the other side of that yoke and allow Him to carry the load? I speak from personal experience and in no wise want to say more than what the Lord would say to you. You can hear His voice.

Father God, we thank you most of all for sending Your Son for us. We need You. We trust You and long to let You be Lord and Master of every step. Thank you for empowering us to let you do what needs to be done in our lives. Bless Your holy name. We give you honor and glory dear Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you as you walk hand in hand with Him. We will see you soon!

Abundance is...my burden is light!

 Good afternoon,

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! The Spring weather is working with the sunshine today. The wind is still very chilly blowing off our snowy mountains, but makes the air so fresh! I have been counting my blessings today. I used to live in the city with all of the noise, bad air and so much movement. Being here is a real gift of God. You might be in a rough place right now. My heart goes out to you and I pray you find the name of the Lord Jesus to be your shelter.

As my granddaughters and I were reading the Word this morning we talked about Psalm 23:1..."The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack." I asked them what those three words meant. Being 10 and 12 years old, it took a couple of minutes for an answer. We talked about how the Lord takes care of the whole part of us. Our physical needs, emotional and spiritual needs. So, He feeds us from pasture to pasture like the sheep. Because sheep can eat everything down to the dirt, the Shepherd keeps moving them to keep their bellies happy and the ground able to regrow what was eaten. There is always a fresh supply. The Shepherd guides us and gives us His wisdom and understanding too. When we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on what we think is best. Proverbs 3:5-6. And, He shields us as it speaks about in Psalm 91:1-2.

So, we had a grand time. We walked through the pasture to see the creek where the water is icy cold from the snow meltoff. We enjoyed the warmth the sun provides and the song of the birds. I love how the Lord refreshes our souls! Simply by taking the time to recognize His works of love in our lives. We serve a good, good Father! The greatness of His Words to us and the power of the name of Jesus is more than enough for us.

Where do your thoughts turn for refreshment and healing? I sure pray it is to the Father. We read in Isaiah 55:8-11 some wonderful words of life..."For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth out of my mouth; it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but is shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Today, I realized this for my granddaughters. They are hearing the Word of Almighty God at a young age when so many youth are trapped in the lies of the enemy. The indulgencies, the distractions of this world leading to bondage brings my heart to sorrow. The only thing I know to do is pray. And, take the responsibility in front of me and allow the Holy Spirit to use me as His instrument in leading the young. What a priveledge! So, come on! don't look over the heads of young people just to try to find "someone" the Lord would lead you to. You may have only the youth that are sitting at your feet, grandma. Stay at home mom, now is the time to really make a difference! You don't have to wait!

This is something I feel passionate about. Getting the Word of God into the hearts of young people. We may not be able to sit in a Bible study setting but, we can offer a listening ear and earnest prayer, a hug and assurance that you care. Well, I had better get back to my laundry. Please take time before the Father for your food, your guidence and your shield. He will not fail you! God Bless and we will see you tomorrow, Lord willing!

Abundance is...we have a story to tell!

Good evening dear ones,

What ever your day has been like, where ever you are or are intending to go, we must hold on to the Lord in everything. My day has been long and full of drama. Everyone has issues, troubles, cares and concerns. All of us. Some days are full to the brim with things we cannot fix on our own. The people we come in contact with have heartaches. Their losses are incredible. Some are so directionless that even their words are without hope. What can we do? How can we help them? Our little town has problems in many areas. The ones we are told to trust we are finding are untrustworthy. So sad. Our churches are needy of passionate, first love shepherds. Even they are becoming rare. Our schools follow the wisdom of man. Our families are torn and disabled. What can we do? How can we help them?

We are the called of the Lord if, we believe that Jesus Christ died in our place, forgives us of sins and provided redeeming fresh life from the pit of death. We have all we need as we hold to God's Words of Life. We can trust the Father in heaven to work out the good plans He has for us. From His heart to ours. But, we have to trust in Him, cling to, rely on Him above all others.

Tonight, I am counting the blessings of this day. The day is drawing to a close and I know that Jesus has been with me every step of the way. The things I had planned to do will wait for another time. They are insignificant in comparison to walking where the Lord leads. My heart is full of gladness tonight. Like it says in Psalm 4:8..."In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust."

When you think you are without friendship, He provides this and will even bring the right person to encourage you. Should I rely on the friendships of my past to complete me? No, many failed me and I failed them. So now, I bring my desire before the Lord and leave it with Him to fulfill those empty places. We serve a wonderful Lord and He is able to do far more than we can even imagine, dream or hope for. All our needs are fulfilled in Jesus our Lord! He makes a way where there seems to be no way. And, when the baricades are many, we must turn it all over to Him again. A door may slam in our faces yet, we can know certainly that there is a better way. It is found in Jesus. Are you following me? Do you understand and hear with your heart?

We look for love in so many places. We search for understanding to our questions. How far are we willing to go? When right in front of us He has been there all along. What can we do? How can we help? By looking to the Lord God Who made us. Psalm 90:1-2 says, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place and our refuge in all generations. Before the moutains were brought forth or ever You had formed and gvien birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God."

Where is your heart dwelling today? No matter where you might find yourself in the list above, or you have your own, stop and listen. You will know when you search with your whole heart for God Who knows you best. Then, you will know by His Spirit what you can do. You will know how you can help them by spending time in the Word of God and taking all your heart to Him. He made us physical, emotional and spiritual beings so, why wouldn't He fill each place? When I have a doubt, I go to the Word. When I wonder, I pray.

The eyes of the Lord are on you tonight dear friends. He cares for you and wants to heal every area of your life so you can effectively extend a hand to others who are searching. Let's allow the Lord to speak to us will we? Everything is brought into the Light. Everything of our hearts are exposed before our Holy God.

Will you pray with me? Dear Father, tonight we come before You and bring all the burdens of the day and lay them at Your feet. Fill our hearts with more of Your love and power to remain in You. Bless others through our living witness. Make us vessels of honor we pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rest well and free tonight in the name of Jesus. If the Lord wills then we will return tomorrow again. You are loved and remember He holds you close to His heart.

Abundance is...bringing it all to Him

Good afternoon everyone,

In Hebrews 11:1 we read..."Now Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." I am wanting to understand this more. The part about not seeing what we hope for.

How many times have we been saved from bad decisions and found the Lord faithful to pull us out of the pit? Many times for myself. I have hope that my life will be changed by being in the presence of the Lord, even though I can't see Him. I go anyway. I have hope that what Holy Spirit is teaching me, I will apply to my life. I too have hope that Jesus in me will make a difference in those people God brings across my path. What are your hopes?

How is your faith working today? I went for a walk this morning. I could see the clouds getting heavier with rain over the mountains, but I hoped that I would be able to get my walking in before those clouds dumped all over me. I did. We each have hopes when we think about it. Hope for the little details we face everyday. Hope that my faith will be so anchored in the Word of God that when a storm does comes, I will not be tossed about.

In reference to 2 Thessalonians 2:2..."Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled or disturbed or kept excited or alarmed..." Our minds lead us don't they. Our emotions can lead us too. But, our hearts should direct us in truth. My faith is built in Jesus Christ for this day and the ones to come. We have enough faith to be assured that even though we don't see tomorrow, we know Jesus is Lord of tomorrow too. He lives in our hearts.

This is another Paul prayer found in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Read it as though he is praying with you in mind. "With this in view we constantly pray for you, that our God may deem and count you worthy of [your] calling and [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, and with power may complete in [your] every particular work of faith (faith which is that leaning of the whole human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness)." So, if you ever wonder what faith looks like, here is your answer. You can take it to the bank! You can pray this for yourself everyday!

We serve an awesome God! Faith in God can move mountains of doubt, fear and even sleepiness. Sometimes we place more faith in how we feel than what we know is right. We read that we lean our whole personality on God in trust and have confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness. Let us pause and think about this as we take the steps today.

Be assured and look at the evidence. Continue in hope. Lift your eyes upward to God Who is our Father. He knows best! Have a blessed day and know you are thought of and in my prayers too. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will lead you. Amen and amen.

Abundance is....faith steps out