June Caedmon's Blog, page 68
October 2, 2014
Inspired by . . . Day 2: Adversity
Inspired by . . . Day 2: Adversity
This post is part of a 31 day series on JOY
You may access all the past days by clicking here.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on
the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt 5:44-45
Some people think that because they’re a Christian or because they’re a good person that they should be prosperous and healthy, enjoying a life of blessing. But the blessings of God come from His hand of Grace. They are not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. “. . . for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
If we base God’s love for us, our happiness and our worth on the blessings that we receive then we’re believing a lie.
Oswald Chambers says, “There is a difference between environment and circumstances. We each make our own environment, our personality does it for us.” You might insert the word “attitude” for “personality” here. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can always control our response and our attitude.
Remember, happiness depends on things that happen. But JOY is not affected by external conditions.
Take some time to consider how you’re affected by adversity. If you’re only JOYful when things are going well, or going your way then you may be confusing happiness with JOYfulness. An honest look at ourselves during times of adversity can tell us a lot about our true character, and show us where we need to change.
The Bible doesn’t promise happiness or a life free of trials.
But the Bible does have a lot to say about JOY, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on for the next 30 days!
Blessings,
Quotations taken from God’s Workmanship and The Shadow of an Agony, © Discovery House Publishers
#write31days
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October 1, 2014
Inspired by . . . 31 days of JOY
Inspired by . . . 31 days of JOY
Welcome!
I’m joining The Nester, and several hundred other bloggers, in the 31 days writing challenge (#write31Days).
We begin today!
Joy means the perfect fulfillment of that for which I was created
and regenerated, not the successful doing of a thing. ~ Oswald Chambers*
As many of you may already know, JOY is not the same thing as happiness. Happiness is a feeling, usually based upon and influenced by, our circumstances.
JOY is something that resides within. It is bigger, more powerful than our circumstances.
I feel like I need to say that again – out loud - in bold – JOY is bigger, more powerful than our circumstances!
If we extract a definition from the Oswald Chambers quote, happiness is based on success, and JOY comes when we are doing the will of God.
So, for what {or why} were we created?
In Acts 20:24 the apostle Paul said:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul was called to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Truly, this is the calling of all Believers, is it not? The High Calling. The reason we were created. The WHY.
The HOW, is different for everyone. Even those of us who may share the same vocation.
I’m pretty certain that God didn’t make another tent-maker like Paul!
Paul was also preacher, and a teacher.
He was the son of a Pharisee. He had trained under Gamaliel, the most highly-esteemed rabbi of all. All of this gave Paul a unique passion for the law, with a touch of grace. Only Paul could teach and preach like Paul. He was unique because of his past, because of his life experiences.
Just as each one of us are unique. Uniquely created. Uniquely called.
Being true to his calling is what brought Paul JOY.
Identifying our spiritual niche is the first step!
What does your HOW look like?
Are you a teacher? a preacher? a mom? a wife? an executive? a writer? a photographer? You get the picture! {wink}
I’d love it if you’d share about your spiritual niche below in the comments, or join the conversation on my Facebook page!
Blessings,
*Quotations taken from Called of God and Knocking at God’s Door, © Discovery House Publishers
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#TellHisStory
September 30, 2014
Inspired by . . . a challenge
Inspired by . . . a challenge
I try really hard not to set myself up for failure. I know myself well enough to admit that there are some things that I am just not going to do. Instead of continually setting a standard that I know I won’t reach, I accept the fact that it’s not going to happen – and move on.
Getting up early to exercise is a good example. I stopped beating myself up over that one a long time ago. It’s just not who I am.
And that’s okay.
But sometimes a challenge can be a good thing. Especially when it helps to grow and stretch you in positive ways.
I’ve been circling around The Nester’s 31 Day writing challenge for awhile now. It’s difficult for me to do anything consistently for five days, let alone thirty-one, and I was leery of adding additional stress to my already stressful life.
I can do this!
God has shown me a way and what!
So, beginning October 1st, for the next 31 days, when you visit me here you’ll find me talking about JOY!
Intentional may be my one word for 2014, but JOY is my life word! I’m so excited to be sharing insights about JOY, from God’s word, with you through the month of October! My thoughts are inspired by the Oswald Chambers devotional, JOY: Strength In the Lord, available through You Version and I’d love it if you followed along!
The Joy of the Lord
is my strength!
Blessings,
September 29, 2014
Inspired by . . . road trip
Inspired by . . . road trip
Here’s some eye-candy from our recent road trip through Wyoming and Colorado. Enjoy!
Black-billed Magpie textured with kk_2312
Lincoln Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary)
Textured with kk_simple2
Engine 499 parked at the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, Colorado
"Oh, my dear, dear aunt," she rapturously cried, "what delight! what felicity! You give me fresh life and vigour.
Adieu to disappointment and spleen. What are young men to rocks and mountains?
Jane Austen. Pride & Prejudice (p. 80). Amazon Digital Services, Inc..
Monarch Pass, CO
Hwy 149 heading toward Lake City, CO
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;
What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3-4
Blessings,
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September 24, 2014
Inspired by . . . the cost
Inspired by . . . the cost
Satan is so much more in
earnest than we are -
he buys up the
opportunity while we are
wondering
how much it will cost.
~ Amy Carmichael
Amy Carmichael didn’t waste time counting the cost. Neither did Corrie Ten Boom. I haven’t read Michelle DeRusha’s new book, 50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith, but I can pretty much guarantee both these women are in there. I can also pretty much guarantee the other 48 women that Michelle included in her book, didn’t waste their time counting the cost either.
But there is a cost.
And sometimes, it’s huge.
I’ve been reading The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom.
Be warned. This book reaches out, grabs on to every piece of you, and pulls you in.
“All of Haarlem seemed to know what we were up to. We knew we should stop the work, but how could we? Who would keep open the network of supplies and information on which the safety of hundreds depended? If a hideaway had to be abandoned, as happened all the time, who would coordinate the move to another address? We had to go on, but we knew that disaster could not be long in coming.”
“That night Father and Betsie and I prayed long after the others had gone to bed. We knew that in spite of daily mounting risks we had no choice but to move forward. This was evil’s hour: we could not run away from it. Perhaps only when human effort had done its best and failed, would God’s power alone be free to work.”
Excerpts from: Boom, Corrie Ten; Elizabeth Sherrill; John Sherrill (2006-01-01). The Hiding Place. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
This side of heaven, there will always be a cost for doing God’s will.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own.
Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,
therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)
Read what Ms. Ten Boom’s father said, the day after he was arrested, when given the offer to return home “{and not} cause any more trouble.”
“If I go home today,” he said evenly and clearly, “tomorrow I will open my door again to any man in need who knocks.”
Mr. Ten Boom died eight days later. Corrie scratched this on the wall of her cell: MARCH 9, 1944 Father. Released.
He was not a senile old man. He could say what he said with conviction because, “for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Tim 1:12) God had proved His faithfulness time and again.
I don’t know about you, but one of Satan’s most effective wiles in my life is that of inaction.
Amy Carmichael’s quote convicts me. The Ten Boom’s give passion to that conviction.
I pray that when the knock sounds at my door, that my response will be based on the invisible, rather than the visible.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
while we do not look at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen.
For the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Paul could say this, despite the beatings, the shipwrecks and the prison cells.
I know that Corrie Ten Boom believed the same.
Do we?
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!
Shalom,
Note: links in this post are NOT affiliate links. Click freely!
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September 20, 2014
Inspired by . . . splish splash
Inspired by . . . splish splash
I can’t tell you how much JOY this little Lesser Goldfinch brought me the other day! I hope her antics bring some JOY into your life today.
This little one reminds me to be present in the Now.
And that a random look out your kitchen window can result in
JOYful worship.
Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
September 17, 2014
Inspired by . . . 2doz roses
Inspired by . . . 2doz roses
He buys me flowers simply because . . .
. . . he knows they bring me JOY.
PSC drybrush filter
He is the sweetest man in the world.
An example of a man who, “love{s with} sincere, a pure, an ardent, and constant affection, and that notwithstanding the imperfections and failures that she {his wife} is guilty of.”**
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; Eph 5:22-25
This is one of the most misunderstood, often flat out rejected, passages of scripture. Some of the biggest spiritual battles are fought over these two little words, “Wives, submit.” And every time a woman rejects them, the devil wins a victory. Because it is not about us.
This passage holds the key to life.
Abstract pdpa_oldworldcharm3
Won’t you take some time, today, to read these scriptures, in context with an open heart and an open mind?
Paul’s exhortation does not begin with v. 22. Read what comes before.
Read what comes after.
Ask God to speak to your heart. To reveal the mystery.
And, most importantly, ask Him to give you the desire
to obey.
Blessings,
**taken from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Ephesians 5:25
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September 14, 2014
Inspired by . . . blogs that inspire {Vol. II}
Inspired by . . . blogs that inspire {Vol. II}
As Shelly would say, we are best when we are in community, and that is {part of} the premise behind this series.
Here’s a look at what’s inspiring me this month:
Denise J. Hughes, embracing grace & truth – I can’t remember how I first discovered Denise and her beautiful blog, but it didn’t take much reading before I was clicking that golden star. Denise has a gift for taking ordinary moments and linking them to the movements of an extraordinary God. Her writing ebbs and flows, engages and inspires. And, if you’re a writer, she has a lot to say about the craft of writing. If you visit, take a moment to watch the welcome on her home page before you click over to her blog. It’s worth your time.
Pollywog Creek – A psalmist with a camera is how Patricia Hunter describes herself, and she’s spot on with that portrayal! I’ve been a fan of hers since I started blogging, and was thrilled when her book, No Matter What, It’s a Good Day When, {written by Robbi Cary} finally arrived in my mailbox. Her blog is a feast for the eyes, and inspiration for the soul.
Ginger’s Corner – I met Ginger after she left her sweet calling card {comment} on my blog. I’m so glad she did! Ginger writes about real life with a contagious sense of humor and an obvious love for God. She sealed our friendship with her blog post Pray It Forward. Her words will be forever tucked between the pages of my Bible, and I pray them over my children every night.
Writing . . . Apples of Gold – If you haven’t had a chance to meet Pam, and see her amazing pen and ink drawings, you won’t want to wait another minute! Pam’s descriptive writing will warm your heart and her talent with the ink-pen will delight you! When you visit, make sure you click on her pen & ink HOME PORTRAITS link. I just love the drawing she did for this year’s Christmas card!
Lantern Hollow Press – I was doing a Google search for a C.S. Lewis quote when I found this group of inspired authors. As with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, most of their writing sails right over my head. Nevertheless, I enjoy gleaning what I can, and pray that even that which I do not fully comprehend is somehow benefiting me. Do have a look around.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this sampling of inspiration!
For more inspiration you can view the first post in this series here.
Remember,
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” Ecc 4:9
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20
Have a wonder-filled day!
Sharing inspiration here:
and with the lovely Lisha Epperson
September 12, 2014
Inspired by . . . a change of color
Inspired by . . . a change of color
I’m not ready for the stores to smell like cinnamon. Not ready to face the ghoulish specters, framed by innocent scarecrows and fairytale pumpkins.
Simply put, I’m not done savoring summer.
I’ve enjoyed her light and her warmth. Her billowing clouds and dark blue skies. Her green grass and fragrant flowers.
I’m not yet ready to change her greens, pinks, and yellows for Fall’s browns, oranges, and reds.
But change is coming.
My front porch is evidence of this truth. It’s no longer safe to sit out there in the evening or early morning.
The ruby-throats have arrived, and the space between two feeders is no longer a safe place to be!
They are the first heralds of the change coming down from the north.
The season change is subtle here in south Texas. The trees at Lost Maples don’t turn until mid-November.
That’s just fine with me.
I like to savor the seasons.
There is something to be said for enjoying the moment and being present in the now. We stand to lose the essence of life when we’re constantly looking ahead, rushing to the next season on the calendar.
There is an order to the seasons, and there is an order to our lives.
I don’t want to get caught up in the pursuit, and miss the Purpose.
Won’t you join me in savoring the last rays of summer?
Blessings,
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September 10, 2014
Inspired by . . . a walk to the mailbox
Inspired by . . . a walk to the mailbox
It’s a cool morning. Or, should I say, cooler. Seventy-four is cool to me, but not most. It’s humid. My phone widget says 90%.
Damp. Steamy.
The earth feels heavy. The clouds are hugging her close.
I know my pant legs will get wet, but I don’t care as I head off across the fields to the mailbox. Not bills in my hand, but the ramblings of an 84 year old. I hope the recipients can read his writing. It’s worth the effort.
I side-step the evidence of deer gatherings and keep alert for hidden fawns under the low slung trees. The birds are chattering away, introducing each other to the day.
I’m talking to God. Saying good morning, and thanking Him for the abundance of blessings.
My mind conjures up a tune, “The birds are singing and all is right with the worl –“
Except it’s not. The needle skips across the vinyl and comes to a screeching halt.
I look up at the sky. A slice of blue reminds me that there are others looking up too.
But they’re not hearing bird song in background of their world.
And my heart breaks. Again. For the millionth time over the suffering in the world.
Marana tha!
Come, Lord Jesus!
And yet, I know why He tarries.
But do not forget one thing, my dear friends!
There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to Him the two are the same.
The Lord is not slow to do what He has promised, as some think.
Instead, he is patient with you, because He does not want anyone to be destroyed,
but wants all to turn away from their sins. 2 Peter 3:8-9
I’m grateful.
Grateful, yet longing.
I raise the red flag and turn back.
My heart still heavy with prayers, I gaze back over the fields.
There is suffering here too, Lord.
A scissor-tail flies overhead, directing my gaze upward.
The clouds are loosening their grip. Pinks and yellows are staining the edges of the clouds.
I’m filled with the assurance that His ways are good. And just. And right.
That all truly is – will be – right with the world.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Because of Him.
Shalom,
First sky image textured with kk_simple2
Mailbox image textured with kk_flow
Crepe Myrtle poster edges filter
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