Broken

English: Final baked loaf

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt: “Broken” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

Broken…

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The world’s definition of broken–beat down, ruined, unusable.

God’s definition of broken–love poured out.

The woman, broken. A sinner. She broke the jar and poured out the perfume on the Jesus.

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7 NIV

Jesus broke the bread with His disciples. A breaking. A thanksgiving.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26 NIV

That same Jesus, body broken. He poured out His blood for us.

There has never been a greater love.

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open.  Matthew 27 NIV

Cherish

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. That is like the one rule we all really care about. For reals.

OK, are you ready? I’ve had this word on my heart for you all week. Usually I’m wondering what the prompt will be right up until nearly midnight myself. But this week – this week I think a few of you at least need this word…

Cherished…

GO!

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I am nostalgic. I keep momentos. I believe in surrounding myself with things that I love.

I have certain pieces that are cherished.

*Pictures of family, before everything went digital.

*A lock of hair from my son’s first haircut.

*The table that my late husband made, just for me.

*My grandmother’s earrings.

*The emails from my husband when we first getting to know each other.

There are many things that hold a special place in my heart, these things that I cherish. I can’t imagine not having them…if something happened to them, I would miss them. I might not look at these things every single day, but I know that they are there. Waiting.

And yet, these things will not last forever. All things in this life eventually fall apart, fade, decay. My grasp on them will loosen as time goes on.

I came into this world with nothing…and I will leave that same way.

My true treasures, the ones that will never be destroyed are the things that I lay up in Heaven.

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6 NIV

 

 

In Need Of Rest

English: Beeches, Moss Road Plantation The fie...

For the past week and a half, I’ve been off the radar so to speak.

Life got busy and I didn’t know whether I was coming or going on most days.

Do you ever have days like that? Or weeks? Months?

Life always tugs at us. The immediate and urgent takes over.

I, for one, find myself irritable and exhausted when I try to get everything done.

I want things completed, and I want things done right. Unfortunately, I, like so many other wives and mothers across this great country, feel if I don’t do the task(s) it won’t be done correctly.

I find myself faltering.

This is not what my heavenly Father calls me to do.

He does not want me struggling for perfection in a world that will always be broken and imperfect.

My focus has been in the wrong place.

What He really wants is for me to abide in Him. He will give me rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28  NIV

Rest.

That is what I really need.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4  NIV

 

Jesus In The Gospels

I often wonder what it would have been like to know Jesus while He was here…in this place. Walking this earth. Living among us. I think that once I knew that Jesus was, who He claimed to be…God….that I would have bombarded Him with questions. (Jesus is patient, right?)

Passion of Christ at Ginosa (TA) (Italy)

What is heaven like? What did it feel like to be at creation? Please explain The Trinity. How many stars are there? What were you thinking when you made the platypus? How did you make such beautiful colors in a sunset? Physics, and biology, and gifting people with words and colors……and Jesus…..um…….what I really want to ask……what I really want to know……Why do you love me so? Why are you willing to die for me?

Honestly, I’m glad I live in this current period of time but, it would have been wonderful to see Jesus face to face. I know that some day I will. I will stand before Him, and all my questions will have answers. It will all make sense. I, right now, can only see a dim image but, one day I will “get it”.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12 NIV

I’ve had people ask me, “How can I know Jesus?”  I point them to the gospel books. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the written accounts of Jesus’ life on this earth. His words, His actions…that tell the story. Listen to what He says.

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49  NIV (Jesus at age 12,  in the temple, when his parents were looking for Him.)

“Away with you, Satan!” replied Jesus, “the scripture says, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve’.” Matthew 4:10

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18 NIV

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1: 14-15 NIV

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:38 NIV

“But what about you?” he (Jesus) asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”  Mark 8:29 NIV

“Why must you argue like this in your minds? Which do you suppose is easier – to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But to make you realize that the Son of Man has full authority on earth to forgive sins – I tell you,” he said to the man who was paralyzed, “get up, pick up your bed and go home!” Luke 5: 23-24

And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5 NIV

“And what is the point of calling me, ‘Lord, Lord’, without doing what I tell you to do?” Luke 6:46

Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48

But Jesus said, “Somebody touched me, for I felt the power went out from me.” Luke 8:46

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John 1:35-36 NIV

“Is that your concern, or mine?” replied Jesus. “My time has not come yet.”  John 2:4 (Jesus before performing the miracle at the Cana wedding)

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. John 2: 12-16 KJV

Believe me,” returned Jesus, “a man cannot even see the kingdom of God without being born again.” John 3:3

“I am Christ speaking to you now,” said Jesus. John 4:6

I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. John 5:36  NIV

“The work of God for you,” replied Jesus, is to believe in the one whom he has sent to you.” John 6:29

Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” John 7:28-29  NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,  but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10: 25-30 NIV

“I myself am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus told her. “The man who believes in me will live even though he dies, and anyone who is alive and believes in me will never die at all. Can you believe that?” John 11: 25-26

On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:20 NIV

JESUS —- Name above all names.

MESSIAH. LORD OF ALL.




Unto The Least Of These…

10th Special Olympics World Winter Games

As many of you know, I’ve worked with individuals with special needs for twenty-two years professionally, and for another six years before that, as a volunteer with Special Olympics, camp counselor and group home/ house counselor. I knew I wanted to teach and work with this population of people since I was about sixteen years old. In all these years I’ve seen a lot, done a lot, and have some good…and not so good memories.

Not too long ago I was looking through the online newspaper in the town I used to live in. I saw some of my former students. Arrested. Drug Possession. Armed robbery…and a myriad number of other things. It made me sad. The one young man I had in my classroom when he was only six years old. Even then he was hard core to the bone. I would go home at night and cry. The words that came out of his mouth were vile, hurt and anger seeped from every pore. My heart was soft for this little guy, who cussed me on a daily basis and even threatened my life on more than one occasion.

I would pray, “God, I don’t think I can do this! These boys have serious emotional problems. How can I make a difference? Will it even matter? Give me strength…and keep me focused. Give me patience with them even when it is undeserved.  Father in the face of darkness, I ask for safety for me…for them… Thank you, Father. Amen”

Looking back…did I make any real difference in their young lives? Was anything different for having me as their teacher? I wanted to help, but did I?

When doubt creeps in and I wonder about the past, God whispers to me through His Word……

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40  NIV

Nothing we do for the Lord is in vain. He sees. He knows. He remembers.

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This day I am thankful for:

* beautiful almost-Spring mornings

* enjoying my son driving

* shared smiles

* a latte my son bought for me as a surprise

* riding down country roads

* my husband patient with me as I snap pictures

* rest

* quiet in the midst of chaos

* mom time with each child

* opportunities that continue…

* the chance to make a real difference

* doing for “the least of these”

* God who sees

The Windows Of Heaven

Sun Rays Through The Clouds

Everything belongs to Him.

It is all His. Every bit of every thing that ever was, is, or will be.

God of the universe is also, God of the every day.

He called all of creation into being, with the sound of His voice.

He knows all the stars in the heavens, can easily count the grains of sand on the beaches of the world, sees the sparrow when it falls….

and He sees and knows each of us.

He knows my needs—

Personally. Intimately. Completely.

What He gives…

I realize, I am only borrowing for awhile.

God doesn’t owe me. He is not indebted to me. He is not required to stay in my good graces.

And yet, He gives freely to me.

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

   “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Matthew 7: 7-11 NIV

All that He gives, is out of His love, mercy, and grace.

Sometimes the gifts are glorious and abundant. Other times the gifts are small and scarce.

Sometimes I realize the gifts for what they are, and sometimes I don’t.

Sometimes the gift doesn’t feel like a gift. It might feel like a hurt, or a loss.

But He knows. He knows me. He knows the gift.

He knows how it will all work together, until my mind and my heart can see the gift for what it truly is.

Each of His gifts, no matter how big or how small, is a blessing to me, the receiver.

Don’t believe it? Don’t think He will come through for you?

God does not make a habit of telling any of  us to test Him. (After all, who are we to test the motives or actions of the Almighty?)

But this time He did….He said, “TEST ME”.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Malachi 3:10 NASB

God is not a smooth operator. He is not a player or a slick salesman. He does not cheat, lie, or mislead. He cannot. It is not His nature.

You can believe that if He says something…He means it.

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Thankful, this Monday, for…

* being able to trust

* my good eye sight

* hands that help and hold

* love that endures

* a heart that overflows

* the gift of realizing that it is all God’s

* storing up treasures where neither moth nor rust can destroy

* relationships

* learning…always learning

* good books

* thought provoking statements

* warm jacket

* miracles that occur in the mess

* songs that must be sung

* letters penned from long ago

* the ability to create word pictures

* living in His grace, and knowing it

* growing

* being able to look back and smile

* being able to look forward and smile

* being safe

Immanuel

Bonnie, at Faith Barista, asked, “What are your hopes for Christmas this year?”

Immanuel.

“God with us”.

My hope, that in amongst the opening of gifts, the festivities, and the get togethers with family, people do not forget.

Do not forget the baby born in Bethlehem, was God, with skin on.

That this child would one day grow up to perform miracles, love the unlovable, and provide salvation for the broken, the lost, and the disheartened.

No ribbons and bows, no electronics or games, no clothing or jewelry, will ever be able to touch the most incredible gift of all time….

That the King of all Glory, gave us the gift of Himself.

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23 NIV

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I Am….

Psalm 121

Image via Wikipedia

Today, at Faith Barista, the topic is—-

Complete the following sentence:  In God‘s heart, I am ________.

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Loved–For God so loved the world (of which I am a part!) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life…… John 3:16

Wanted– That while I was still a sinner (living only for myself) Christ died for me. Romans 5:8

Valuable —I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (you created me!) ;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14

Forgiven– Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Chosen– But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Worthy– So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:31  

Beautiful–Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Saved--He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2

His child–Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

The apple of His eye–For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you–for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye… Zechariah 2:8  

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings… Psalm 17:8

Worth dying for–When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Understood–But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

REDEEMED–You were bought at a price….1 Corinthians 7:23

For Each One

blood, human, splatter, drops

Image via Wikipedia

My “Take me home Tuesday” is a bit different today.

I read an article through the BBC yesterday.

It touched me.

It broke my heart.

There are young children in Uganda being kidnapped by local witch doctors for the purpose of child sacrifice.

This is not just some barbaric ancient “custom”.  It is happening right now. In 2011.

Because, evil is real and it walks among us.

The body parts and blood of children are thought to bring prosperity…..and to some, human life always has a price.

God has something to say about those that would harm a child.

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”   Matthew 18: 6,  Mark 9:42,   Luke 17:2

This world we live in is broken, one doesn’t have to look very far to realize that.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:8  NIV

Christ took our place.

He shed His own blood for our souls.

Because HE believes human life is valuable,

each one of us is…….

priceless.

 

 

 

 

He Makes All Things New

reaching out to you

“Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.” –Sixteenth century poet

What beautiful words. And aren’t we all a work in progress?

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I thank God, when I come to the end of my road…it’s not really the end of me.

Jesus is new beginnings.

I thank God He didn’t allow my poor choices of the past…to define my future.

God is sovereign.

I thank God that my mistakes are only part of me… they are not ALL of me.

God is all knowing.

I thank God that His forgiveness, although undeserved, is abundant.

Jesus is love.

I thank God that He is holy and just… yet full of mercy.

God is compassionate.

I thank God that when I chose to turn away from Him… He never turned His back on me.

Jesus is patient.

I thank God that during my times of anger or indifference… He stood firm.

God is the Rock.

I thank God for second chances…and third chances…and fourth chances…

Jesus is the One that makes all things new.

I thank God, when I understood it was Him that I needed…

He is the One that said, “Come to me“.

I thank God that He is worthy of all my praise…

God is the One that hears me when I pray.

I thank God that He can and does make beauty where none existed. That He brings back to life, that which was dead.

God is a miracle worker.

“For nothing is impossible with God.”  Luke 1:37 NIV

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What are you thankful for?