It’s Amazing Grace

Recently, I have been reminded that if pain happens in relationships, then healing also happens in relationships. There are moments now when I feel like God’s daughter–His princess. I searched on-line to find the verses in the bible where it talks about God taking the ruins and giving a double portion in return, making us that much more magnificent than the original plan for our lives. I love how “The Message” puts it–it speaks to my soul. Oh how comforting it is to read and hear God’s promises! Even if my heart is heavy, I know God’s truth is real, and He is faithful to see it through.

Isaiah 61:6-8 (New Living Translation)
6 You will be called priests of the Lord,
      ministers of our God.
   You will feed on the treasures of the nations
      and boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
      you will enjoy a double share of honor.
   You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
      and everlasting joy will be yours.

Isaiah 61:6-8 (The Message)

1-7 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
   heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
   pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
   a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—
   and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
   give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
   a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”
   planted by God to display his glory.
They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a
   new city out of the wreckage.
They’ll start over on the ruined cities,
   take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks
   and foreigners to work your fields,
But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,”
   honored as ministers of our God.
You’ll feast on the bounty of nations,
   you’ll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble
   and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled
   and your joy go on forever.

 8-9″Because I, God, love fair dealing
   and hate thievery and crime,
I’ll pay your wages on time and in full,
   and establish my eternal covenant with you.
Your descendants will become well-known all over.
   Your children in foreign countries
Will be recognized at once
   as the people I have blessed.”

Can I get a Amen!

I have been taking more chances lately in stepping out. I played music for my group the past two Thursday’s. I was unsure and nervous of whether I should do it or not. I don’t like to be overbearing. But they assured me it was what they wanted and I’m glad they enjoyed it. I played two piano songs I have been practicing for my piano class at RCC. Well, kind of…actually when I started playing the second song my mind when blank. I kept playing the same first measures over and over again hoping that I would remember. But that never happened so I said to myself, “Oh well, play something!” So I just played and made it up. I told them what happened and they didn’t even notice! One person said, “Wow, that was made up music!” I was sure that they thought something was wrong. But I’m glad they enjoyed it anyway. I think I could get use to this.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what we talked about Sunday night at prayer. I think it’s interesting to know that we have more power as Christians than we think. When Leah told us her story about a lady who could spot out Christians instantly, and how this lady said she isn’t afraid of Christians because most of us don’t know how to use that power, I was caught up in deep thought over this. How do I use the power of Christ that is within me? Or,am I already using it? It made me feel like we are His chosen ones, set apart and special. I fantasized us being this walking and talking group of people, who are sisters and brothers related in Christ, roaming the earth like a sleeping giant. What would happen if the sleeping giant were to awaken as a whole? What if we all knew how to use the power that is within us? We could accomplish greatness far beyond our dreams!

When I think of the horrible acts that happened at Virginia Tech it scares me. It scared me that people could be so cruel and heartless as to injure and end another persons life. When I think about how the shooter was able to go around campus shooting and killing two professors and thirty students I wander how safe I am. It makes me want to be more cautious. And for me that can be a bad thing sometimes. I already struggle with checking things excessively. How safe are we? How safe am I? Will we have another terrorist attack? Is that a risk we’re willing to take everday of our lives? …maybe I just need to remember that no matter what happens God is with me.

…remember Ron & Joey Mahoney? Well, I received a phone message today from Joey. He said that his dad, Ron, had a heart attack at work, and they were not able to revive him. Ron just got married not to long ago. I believe he was in his 50’s. Joey’s grandmother (Ron’s mother) died not too long ago as well. Joey and his step mom are in anguish over missing Ron. I don’t know if they have any other family. But he asked me to ask Sandal’s if we would pray for them. Anyone who would like to get in touch with Joey can reach him at (909) 327-7395 cell or (909) 886-3949 home. Thank You

On Sunday, I was trying to find the right time to trick Curtis. After we got home from church I stopped him in the living room and screamed, “there’s a big fat bug on your arm!” His eyes got extremely wide and he started searching his body. I laughed and said, “April fools!” He laughed.

I am amazed at the things Jesus is doing in our marriage. He is helping both of us to see things more clearly. Curtis has said some very selfless, compassionate and loving words to me that I never ever would have thought he would ever say. I mean, you couldn’t have paid me to believe he would be so understanding and loving. That is why I now trust in the Lord and let him work in our marriage as He sees fit. I have learned that no matter what His will is, it is for the best, even if I can’t see it that way.