Thursday, February 17, 2011

What Kind Of Leaf Are You?

Yesterday as I lay down for a nap. God drops in my heart in a brief second an analogy. FALL LEAVES
Notice the colors - Red, yellow, orange, etc. You see fall leaves are made to be full of color and beauty. The colorful leaves represent that they have a good and beautiful life. (Hence the color) Truly displaying beauty. He then showed me a brown leaf. It lacked color. It lacked the good and beautiful life because of issues like anger, hurt, abuse and the past. On a dictionary online page, one of the many definitions of color is an outward appearance or aspect; a guise or show: It was a lie, but it had the color of truth.

To continue:  When you hold the brown leaf it crumbles more so than the other leaves. Why? IT LACKED THE BEAUTY OF LIFE. It lost its focus, so to speak. It relates to us because we don't know beauty and life until we focus and receive the beauty God gives us and display it for all to see for His glory. 

He has really been speaking... FOCUS to me. FOCUS! Focus on things noble, true, praiseworthy, admirable. When you do that is when you truly have peace.  I tried this out this week when what would have been disappointment for me wasn't.  As I said in post My Sweet Valentine I had planned on seeing my daddy on Valentine's Day, but the morning I called he was "sick", but instead of feeling rejected I changed my focus and it didn't phase me at all.  Simply because I focused on things true, which IS my daddy loves me.

He calls us to a good and beautiful life NOW so I ask you...WHAT KIND OF LEAF ARE YOU?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 4-9 (Amp).

Sunday, February 13, 2011

My Sweet Valentine

The Holy Spirit really started showing me where my focus has been for the past two years. Sad to say not the best at times on focusing on what is true, noble, pure, lovely or of a good report. I mentioned before in another post about how I realized I wasn't focused on the good in my relationships as much as the hurt. How did hurt replace some great memories which transformed into some sort of amnesia in my heart?  Abba has really given me some "love tokens" in the past few months to awaken the memories that are lovely and true.

I was reminded yesterday by my mom how my daddy was my first valentine. She said he always took time to give to me a flower or something special on valentines. It meant a lot to him. Something I had forgotten, but once she reminded me, I did indeed have those very beautiful memories tucked in my heart. I remember how beautiful and special it made me feel. I called my dad right after my talk with my mom since Valentines approaches to see if I can come see him on Valentine's Day. He answered the phone in such a downcast voice. After asking if I could come over, after-all he was my first valentine, his voice changed into a truly joyful and excited tone. Like it became something worth living for. Doesn't love make us feel it's worth living for?

As a parent, we have the treasure of showing love to our children that does reflect how they view God, the Abba Father and their value and worth.  As a daughter, I do have the ability to remind my father (and mother) that there is indeed a beautiful life worth living. I can bring those beautiful memories to them, to heal their lifetime of hurt and painful past. As a wife, I can complete my husband and be his helpmeet. In the good times and bad, in sickness and in health. Constantly being that love starring back at him when he needs me the most.

It takes a moment to offer love to someone when it could have taken a lifetime sometimes to overcome hurt. I know I am going to put such things into practice and pray to bring peace and a little token of love to those I meet.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S FRIENDS... If you think about it.. Stop and just tell someone you love them especially the Almighty Father in Heaven. He awaits to be reminded He is our Sweet Valentine.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9