In the Creator’s Hands

Ephesians 3:15 (NLT)

¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.^[a]

Perception. This rose is perfect, despite my shaky camera phone hand. Each delicate petal perfectly formed, open at just the right angle, colored in a hue that speaks volumes of love. It appears large enough to fill a lapel or round out a corsage.

Reality, this is a miniature rose on a petite bush on my coffee table. Yet a close up reveals and unfolds God’s masterful handiwork.

There are times when we feel our contributions do not really matter as much. The little that we contribute, seemingly a mere pittance, yet in God’s hands our little far exceeds our expectations in order to fulfill the purpose God has for us!  The Creator of the entire world and all that is in it created us, we were made to do amazing, incredible things all we have to do is believe!  All contributions to mankind count, no matter the size!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Taking a Shoulder ride

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLV)

⁵ Just as you do not know the path of the wind or how the bones are made of a child yet to be born, so you do not know the work of God Who makes all things.

You’ve seen them, up high, heads above the crushing crowd, held secure and safe riding upon shoulders of their protective fathers, squealing in glee as they take in the sights and sounds from their elevated perches.

Lately it seems that the jostling to and fro by the masses, the kicks and stepping on the back of my shoes by the masses  that trampled my feet, and knocked me about,  disoriented and juggled me so I don’t remember where I was traveling.

I am fed up. I am tired.  I am on the verge of tears or a flat-out, full-blown tantrum but instead I fall back remembering that I know exactly what to do.  I turn, raise my arms, tear streaked face and hands like a child and  say “up”.   Lift me up Poppa, shield me from this onslaught. Protect and aid me through this madness. Allow me to ride upon your shoulders until You have shown me the wonders You have for me to see.  Lord, I am depending on You to guide, protect and direct me, and for you to place me where I am to be when the coast is clear.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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No more ..

Sunrise over the Bristol Channel taken from the shore near the coastal town of Minehead in the county of Somerset,England. Sun rose at 05:30, and peeked above the clouds at 05:37, this photo was taken 05:39 BST on 27/07/2008, by Sean Hattersley. (The image has not been adjusted in any way.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (CEV)

²⁰ But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. ²¹ Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. ²² Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us.

There was a time not so long ago where life was seemingly devoid of pain and suffering.  Then I woke up, grew up and opened my eyes.  What a joy it is to know that there will come a day when there will truly be no more pain, no more uncertainty and no more fear. Christ paid the full price of my admission to that pain-free, anxiety free future.

Because He lives, we can face buckets full of tomorrows!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Magnetic Words

Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

⁴ For the word of the LORD is right and true;  He is faithful in all He does.

I have owned a box of  magnetic words for almost three years.  I found the box, covered in dust on top of the fridge this morning and was inspired to surround myself with words today.   I got here a little early and have posted them on my office door and door post filling me with a profound sense of God’s presence as each word is a word that draws me (and hopefully others) closer to Him, if only

they read and understand the words!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

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Project Status Updates

Matthew 14:29-32 (CEB)

²⁹ And Jesus said, “Come.”

Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!”  ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” ³² When they got into the boat, the wind settled down.

A question was asked on one of the knitting Facebook pages I frequent on yesterday that made me think.  Forgive me, for twisting it but the  gist of the question was “how many WIP’s (work in progress) have turned into UFO’s (unfinished objects) in your house?”.  The responses were varied and I must say surprised and encouraged me.

Currently I have three projects on needles that for various reasons remain incomplete (wip).  There are also one or two complete projects that because of huge mistakes will be frogged (taken apart, stitch by stitch).  The reasons for not finishing range from not knowing a stitch, insecurity about cables and plain old boredom from repeating the same stitches over and over and over.  In truth the most glaring reason is pure intimidation, marinated in a sauce of  misplaced confidence.

When those projects were started I was focused, not paying attention to what I could do, but fully dependent on God to guide the every stitch on the needles.  No matter how challenging the pattern, my ignorance and lack of knowledge were of no import because God was guiding  my hands. Yet, like Peter, I took my eyes off of Jesus and my insecurities fueled the thoughts of inadequate knowledge to do what I was doing, and opened my eyes to every perceived flaw and mistake and the needles went down.

Today I  prayerfully commit to seeking God’s direction as I pick up the needles  and to prayerfully repeat that ”I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.  Surely, as He can complete a good thing in me those fingerless gloves, cowle and sweater will be finished solely by His grace!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Half-baked Life

Cookbook:1-2-3-4 Cake fresh out of the oven. The top is very brown due to the high sugar content in the cake. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 John 4:12 (NIV)

¹² No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Peering into the oven I viewed my masterpiece. The top a wonderful, shiny gold, the hints of cinnamon and vanilla wafted through the air, my mouth watered, but away I walked.  Though the smell and color proved completion was close it was not quite finished, it was not done.

As a masterpiece, I jumped out of the oven a time or two believing I was done, but God patiently slid me back in with a gentle whisper of, not yet.  Not the time to give up, not the time to throw in the towel. Not the time to stop dreaming.  As this song says “It’s Ain’t Over until God says it Is over”.

So write that book or poem, paint or shoot that picture, knit that sweater or pillow do all things to God’s glory and He will let you know when it is done.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Crashing through the Yarn Wall

 

Proverbs 14:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ Each heart knows its own bitterness,    and no one else can share its joy

Oh my goodness, happened again!  I was going merrily along and bam that wall popped up!   I was once again blocked, stymied, according to blogger Peaceful Knitter, my knitting mojo had flown the coop/gone on vacation, was nowhere to be found. No matter how many exciting new patterns I read on All Free Knitting or added to my Ravelry que nothing was motivating, encouraging or jolting me back me into picking up those needles and relaxing into knitting nirvana.

I picked up a book and started reading, something I used to do as relentlessly as I had been knitting. It seemed that my old reading love had been replaced by knitting my new, productive, time-consuming hobby. Picking up a book reminded me how much I always enjoyed reading and how it transports me to new exciting places, introduces me to new friends and fuels that round the corner, beneath the shelf spot of my mind where the mojo might have gone to seek quiet restful peace.

More often than not we fill our lives with so many new and exciting things that the tried and true are often relegated to spots of less importance.  This also happens with our Cristian walk, the fire that burned brightly  when we first learn the wonderful truths can over time die down or almost distinguished by busyness or overwork.  It is important to build our continued joy and happiness in God.   Proper alignment with reading God’s word and working to do for others provides moments of bliss.  Deciding to knit something for someone else, sped my mojo’s return from vacation.  Glory to God for the daily lessons and moments of sheer joy!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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The Wrong Flock

Animal husbandry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16 (NIV)

Growing up I recall how exotic and exciting it felt to visit another church when the family traveled out of town.  Being shy I hated that part of the service when we were asked to stand up to be oggled and often tried to imagine that if I held very still I wouldn’t be seen, or noticed, I know not likely when the rest of the family stood, but I couldn’t be blamed for trying.

The older I got my feelings about standing out in church never quite felt right, so regardless of where I went, no matter the looks or elbows from friends with whom I attended, I did not and to this day do not stand.  While I might walk around and shake a few hands, I refuse to stand up and stand out.  You see, I realized that no matter where I went, surrounded by other believers, should have been home.  The text this morning reminded me that standing out in a flock is not a necessary requirement.  My Shepherd, Jesus knows my name, pedigree,  and even the number of hairs on my head (before and after they are cut).  As a Christian I believe it is imperative when in the presence of other visiting sheep, to envelop them gently and prayerfully.  Our posture of attentive, active listening to the Sheperd’s voice  is an example in and of itself.    There are amongst us daily sheep not really looking for flocks, yet the attention and love of the Shepherd wraps them in a love that bids them to stay.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Praying for Freedom

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Many years ago I was in an emotionally abusive relationship. That relationship robbed me of self-esteem, confidence and hope. When some days seemed darkest a sliver of light peeked through and with that light the promise of renewed hope and possibilities.

During my emergence from that pit it was necessary to get a new car. I selected a 2000, 4-door Acura Integra that I named Freedom. Freedom allowed me to come and go when and where I pleased. Along with an orange stuffed prayer bear we traveled from one end of the country to the other. There were several failed theft attempts to remove her from my life and a late night tussle with a deer that caused a rattle and wheeze that can still be heard.

Through it all Freedom has been such a blessing in my life! When she became our only vehicle, I admit to harboring a smidgen of doubt as she is getting up in years but daily we covered her in prayer and placed her and our safety in God’s hands.

Freedom’s radiator began hissing smoke on the way home the other day and again I prayed and again God delivered us home safely. i am so thankful that God always allows me to see His love and hope in situations that appear

1994-2001 Acura Integra photographed in USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

dire and I know that by continually trusting God all things will work out as He sees fit.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Thankful Thursday!

god lives in yu - treo_062809_002_web (Photo credit: kevindean)

¹¹ Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion;    proclaim among the nations what he has done.  Psalm 9:11 (NIV)

Each and every single day there is something to be thankful for!  From the breath filling my lungs, the blood that pulsates through my veins, the smile I can share but most of all for a Savior who loves me!  This day is special because it is the day of my 100th blog posting, I am truly amazed that it  happened so quickly.  Praises to the Lord for inspiring, touching and blessings with these posts, I am so grateful to be used by Him.   My humble thanks to those who pray for me and read these words!

This week I am also very thankful for good medical reports! My Dad no longer needs dialysis and his body and life are miracles and he truly has a testimony to share. I am also thankful for the blessing of being able to witness the promises and possibilities that another Spring brings.

Today, I thank God for the love and possibilities that surround me. Lord, let Your light and love shine through today!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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