Divorced...Again!

As a divorcee, I know what it means to facilitate the process of divorce. One person decides that they are going to divorce the other, both parties know about it, and both parties then sign the piece of paper that makes it official. Well...I got told today that someone whom I thought of as a friend has “divorced” me from their life. Yes, you could say that this terminology came as a surprise to me, but not as much of a surprise as to why. Even more surprising is the timeline of events leading up to this one-sided “divorce” process.

I perhaps should not post this, but I'm going to because, aside from not naming names, this situation has only highlighted the infallibility of the human condition; the fact that I foolishly give others an undeserving level of respect, and then subsequently get burnt. You’d think after almost 41 years of walking this earth I would know...but I am a slow learner with some things. Another reason for posting this is because it will show you whom it is that you CAN rely upon!

After having gone through almost 3 months of psychologist visits to sort out my own life, I am trying really hard to understand the other person in this situation. I just cannot. I perhaps should have left well enough alone and not said that this person is hurting me by their behaviour towards me, but I deserve respect. Never mind the fact that I had no idea what I had done for this person to do a 180 degree turn and treat me nicely one week and totally ignore me the next!

I read this tweet from @AverageBlackMan on Twitter today - "People will hate you, Parents will provoke you, family will divorce you, but real friends will always build you and God will always love you." It was a timely reminder of where I am to focus my attention during this time of “post-divorce” shock; on God.

He is infallible, unfailing, trustworthy, kind, gracious, loving, honouring, ever-present, reliable...just to name a few of His wonderful traits.

“We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love.” - John Owen

I got to this place this afternoon; sitting in my car while waiting for my daughter who was at a dancing lesson. I sat for 45 minutes pondering this “divorce” and pondering life in general. After a long 6 months of anxiety attacks, increased anti-depressant medication, illness, a love relationship breakdown, a change in job (to a job that I actually LOVE!), solo parenting a feisty 6 year old girl, financial concerns, and more, I finally realised that I am closer to God than I’ve ever been at any other time in my life.

And that is my hope and my promise; that as a child of the Most High God, He will be with me always and will never do to me all that has been done to me by humans.

He is infallible! He will never divorce me, blame me, mistreat me, ignore me or generally make me feel that everything is my fault.

He just loves me, as my Heavenly Father.

Thank You God.

It Wasn't For Nothing...

On this Good Friday I’ve experienced a myriad of emotions; from happiness to sadness, from joy to deep and dark despair. The last week of my life has been pretty intense, but I have survived it. The only answer to how is because God is shown strong in my weakness.

Today I was weak. I was literally unable to move. My despair was debilitating. With an almost 6 year old to look after by myself while still suffering from a nasty head and chest cold, it took everything I had to get through the morning. I was blessed by phone calls of support from two of my best friends who brightened my spirit and provided the much needed diversion from my agony. I was also blessed by laughing uncontrollably at Jasmine learning how to hula hoop! Then, to top it off I was blessed by a friend arranging to meet us at the park for a play date with her daughter.

The biggest blessing of the day, however, was the knowledge that throughout my despair I was able to rest in the comfort that the one man who loves me unconditionally and with an undying love gave His life so I could have mine in eternity with Him. It reminded me that all I do and all I have done is and has not been for nothing.

I was told otherwise during the week and it hurt. It hurt a lot. Miscommunication, misunderstanding, misinterpretation...call it what you may, but to be told “thanks for nothing”...well, that really hurt. Even Jesus wouldn’t say that. You know why? Because everything we do, whether it involves hurt, happiness, a brief encounter or a long lasting relationship, is for something! Jesus dying on the cross was for something. The mere fact that I am raising my daughter alone is for something. To have been married and divorced happened for something.

I believe that to say that anything we did in our life was for nothing is foolish thinking.

In Ecclesiastes we are told that there is a time for everything. God has pre-destined everything that happens in life. Even if the situation we’re in doesn’t work out the way we planned (and I can hear God chuckling already at that notion), it worked out the way God planned it.

The happiness and pure joy I experienced over the last few years of my life happened to give back to me the part of me that I lost when my marriage broke down at age 27. The sorrow and grief I felt back then happened to prepare me for the present day when I find myself travelling life’s road and dealing with the usual emotions that follow when a relationship breaks down.

One verse that kept me going today was Hebrews 12:3 – “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” I will not fear anything as He has a purpose for me. I will not lose heart when I feel that I cannot cope. I will remember that Jesus suffered more pain and indignation in one day than I will suffer in a lifetime. He has had people say worse things to Him than “thanks for nothing”.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for nurturing me today. Thank You for bringing blessings into my life today that reminded me of Your faithfulness. Thank You for loving me with an undying and unconditional love, despite my faults and failures. Thank You for Jesus. In His wonderful name, Amen.

Conscience Cleansing...

A couple of verses from my new NLT that have made me to want to meditate on what my conscience is like...

"This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them." - Hebrews 9:9

"Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds* so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins." - Hebrews 9:14 (* from dead works)

As my little cherub said last night about a book she was looking at..."interesting..."

May I Introduce You To...

...Jesus the Gentleman.

While reading my bible just now I found a slip of paper marking Jesus' birth in Matthew. This slip of paper contains words I wrote on it roughly 20 years ago about Jesus. I don't think I actually penned the words; from memory I think I'd copied them down. I would like to share them with you now. For those that already know Jesus, please enjoy. And for those who do not know Jesus, my hope is that you are blessed by these words. Despite all the misgivings that unbelievers have in this day and age, what you will read here is absolute truth about the man that came to earth to save it.

As a man Christ lived the most perfect life ever known. He was KIND, TENDER, GENTLE, PATIENT and SYMPATHETIC. He LOVED people. He worked marvellous miracles to feed the hungry. Multittudes, weary, pain-ridden and heartsick, came to Him, and He gave them rest (Matthew 11:28-30). It is said that if all the deeds of kindess that He did were written, the world would not contain the books (John 21:25).

Then He died - to take away the sin of the world, and to become the Saviour of men.

Then He rose from the dead. He lives today... And He promises eternal life to all who come to Him.

The Bible was written only that we might BELIEVE and UNDERSTAND, KNOW and LOVE, and FOLLOW HIM.

(The image above depicts Jesus' interaction with the Woman at the Well. Please see John 4:1-42 for a complete reading.)

And He Called His Name Jesus...

¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

²⁴Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

²⁵And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18-25, King James Version)

(To embed scripture straight onto your blog like I have done above, see Bible Gateway's new Embed Passage Tool.)

On The Eve...

...of the day when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We are truly blessed to be able to freely celebrate this blessed occasion. My focus on Christmas, and especially how Jasmine sees it, has changed quite dramatically over the last few years. I am thankful that I have a daughter who loves Jesus and who is so able to understand about both Jesus and Santa. Speaking of the jolly man, I am teaching Jasmine about the history of Santa, but focussing on the fact that Christmas is just that - CHRISTmas; it's about and for Jesus. It's not just about a holiday and receiving gifts. Although, the ultimate gift that mankind received was Jesus, which is enough for me. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Where I Am At...

It seems like forever since I last posted, but while it actually hasn’t been ‘forever’, a lot has happened. Low patches... incredibly low patches, surges forward, regression, adapting to new ways, removal of the old, and more.

The one constant in all of this...? Our incredible Heavenly Father. Caring for me through His Word, my prayers and the answer to these prayers, friends, family and the reassurance that every trial is building my character and forming me to be the person He knows me to be.

Psalm 46:1-2, 10a from the King James Version reminded me recently of God’s faithfulness –

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ... Be still, and know that I am God.”

I have learnt many important and valuable lessons over the last month or so, with these verses summing up everything that God has taught me.

At the end of the day He is all I need.
I need not be fearful of anything or anyone.
To hear Him, I need to allow Him in.
Everything is His because He is God and He made, shaped and formed it all.

I’ve learnt lessons on human relationships, sexuality and psychology and how things fit together in God's grand plan. Spirituality, empathy, forgiveness, developing patience and choosing my attitude.

October was a great month...seriously! And November is proving to be even better!

Two other verses sum up the last month or so as they tell of the peace, power and freedom that comes from being a child of the King.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”- Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves by burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

For Me...

I am feeling rather tired tonight. Actually, I've felt tired all week. From a beeping smoke detector battery in the middle of the night to a frightened child after a dream at 4am. I work full-time and then come home and run a house and take care of a 5 year old child. I do this day in and day out and it gets a bit tiresome.

But ...and this is a BIG BUT ... tonight as I was nearing the end of my chores, with pain shooting through both my legs and my head starting to ache, I was reminded that Jesus endured more.

He endured untold pain and suffering and death on a cross ... FOR ME.

Much more than working a full day to come home to deal with a child and household duties. I flinched after I had that thought tonight.

He was whipped, beaten, bashed, scourged, ridiculed and spat on ... FOR ME.

The worse that happens to me during the day might be a rude checkout clerk. Or another driver that won't let me in when in traffic.

He hung on a wooden cross with a crown of thorns sticking into His brow and with nails through His hands and feet ... FOR ME.

I watch "The Passion of the Christ" on a regular basis just to remind myself of the 'realness' of what Jesus went through. Some may call me crazy; I'm not. It's my 'wake up call' movie.

It reminds me of Jesus' humble nature, of the sacrifice that He made, of the culmination of God's ultimate plan to save, of what Jesus did ... FOR ME.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" - Philippians 2:8 (NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to be a living example of how we are to live our lives. I pray that I too can live a humbled and obedient existence, just as Jesus did ... FOR ME. In His Precious Name, Amen

Immanuel...

All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: "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 1:22-23

You promise to be with me

To pursue me

Despite my sinfulness

Increase my confidence and trust in accepting Your desire for me

You are ever-present, even in trials

You watch over me

I cannot shine without Your grace

Show me where and how You are working in my midst

You chose me to bear Your image

You live in me

Even though I make You look bad

Show me how to be a better example of Your love

© Paula, 2009

What I'm Learning...

A lot!

From God's perfect faithfulness in Isaiah 25:1, to how He helps when the enemy attacks in Psalm 86. From how Christ did not please himself in Romans 15:3a, and how I need to submit myself to God in James 4.

So many lessons! So much relevance! So much thankfulness!

The stand out lesson has been through Daniel and how he "purposed in his heart..." (Daniel 1:8 NKJV) to honour God. I have never read a devotional that was so relevant before until I read one from UCB Australia on the 17/7/09. Life doesn't always go the way I want it to. I will face opposition and hardship. It's how I react to those things that matters. If I take control in small things and leave the big things to God, then the journey I'm on will be a smoother one.

As I said ... so many lessons! So much relevance! So much thankfulness!

From these gems above to the wisdom gleaned from Liz Curtis Higgs book, Embrace Grace and Charles R. Swindoll's A Life Well Lived. Then there are emails from my wonderful friend Lelia sharing what she has learnt! I have been blessed ... and blessed ... and blessed. I cannot just post on one thing, as there are so many things that He is showing me. It's kind of doing my head in, but tonight I've felt some clarity of mind, so hence this post!

The importance of focussing on Jesus and the life He lived. Of staying close to God and remembering His strength in my weakness. And of living as one in the world but not of the world.

Again ... so many blessings. So many lessons learnt after the fact. The best way to learn at times!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the blessings that you bestow upon me. Thank you for standing by me as I go through the trials of this life I live. Thank you for comforting me when I need it most. Thank you for reminding me that while I'm on this earth, I am not alone as you are with me. Thank you mostly for taking on board my frustrations, confusion, misunderstandings and dilemmas and returning to me only peace and understanding. In Jesus' Wonderful Name, Amen.

Thanksgiving...

After a few weeks of trials and tribulations, I have been presented with various revelations from the Lord, and I am truly thankful for His constant presence. I am slowly reading through the New Testament and this morning I started on 1 Corinthians. Paul is the epitome of one called by God to serve Him, and I always enjoy reading his invaluable contribution to The Word.

Two passages of Scripture stood out this morning - 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Both of these remind me to be thankful for God's presence in my life, for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, and for their enduring presence in my life.

While reading through the first passage, I wrote the following down:

Thank God
Life enriched
Wait on Jesus
He is my strength
God called me
God is faithful

Simple yet poignant reminders about the simplicity of the Christian walk amidst the complexity of it. These are basic truths for me to hold onto throughout my walk.

Thanksgiving then leads onto a reminder of who I was before God chose me. It’s an open and honest reminder of the fact that He is wiser and stronger and I am to never forget that.

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in my life, thank you for the blessing of Jesus' sacrifice for me and thank you for your enduring presence through the good and bad times in my life. All things, good or bad, serve a purpose, and I have been strengthened by this truth through You. In Jesus' Wonderful Name, Amen

He Never Let Go...

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

I did...but He never did. That is why He is my Saviour.

Sunday's Coming...

On the eve of Good Friday here in Australia, I want to share this video that was sent in a Tangle email today. Over this Easter weekend folk will spend time with family, go away on holiday, enjoy sumptuous meals and even over-indulge in other areas; me however, I will delight in time spent with my Lord and Saviour, enjoy the gift of my daughter and eagerly anticipate growth as God's Girl. And why? Because of Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for me and for us.

"The story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion is one of betrayal, brutality, despair, and pain. Yet we know even before His death that redemption was promised to be coming soon. We know that the story does not end at the cross. We know what many did not realize -- that Sunday's comin'." - Igniter Media Group

Into Your Hands...

The following is taken from Walter Wangerin's fictional adaptation novel "Jesus" and is from the viewpoint of Jesus' 'Beloved' John. It IS fictional writing, but it is also emotion stirring writing.

"Mary lets go of my arm. She stands up. She faces Jesus, and speaks those same words herself, out loud: 'Father, into.'

Jesus manages to open one eye. But he cannot focus. Nor is he able to talk anymore. Neverthless, he moves his lips soundlessly while Mary speaks aloud the words he forms. It is his sentiment; it is her voice.

They are praying:

'Father. Into your hands. I commend my spirit.'

'Amen.'

But Jesus' Amen is really only Ahhhhhhhh, for it is his final breath, expiring; and his head descends the length of his neck and he dies."

And then...we were made free. Humble praise to our Lord Jesus.

Boasting in The Lord...

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,

but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are,

so that no one might boast in the presence of God.

He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
(New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.)

Taken from the Tuesday of Holy week from "The Revised Common Lectionary".
Photo courtesy of Windows Live Images.

A "Moment": The Other Side of the Yoke...

I've just been reading the latest Zondervan email titled "I Will Give You Rest", where it gives an excerpt from Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of Jesus" and I have officially had "a moment". I am speechless, my heart has done a full turn inside my chest and the emotion that has welled up is incredible. All I want to do is to run away from work and be alone with Jesus, but as I can't, I will have to do it here from work. Here is the excerpt -

""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28–30).

One of the most winsome promises Jesus made to his followers was the promise of rest. But when was the last time you felt rested? Part of the secret of receiving the rest Jesus speaks of is to be sure that we are wearing the right "yoke." A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load. Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength. Ask Jesus to free you, his servant, from burdens he does not want you to carry."

What affected me so much? It was this sentence - "Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength." Specifically the words "...he is on the other side of the yoke...". You get that?

"He is on the other side of the yoke."

I'm all about imagery and feeling the image on the inside, right down deep in my heart, in my soul, and in the core of me where I know I need it most so I can heal. This has done it, or at least part of it. This moment is definitely up there with when I felt Jesus with me at church, where I saw Him, heard Him and felt Him. "Praying the Names of Jesus" is definitely a book that I will be reading. With every e-newsletter that has come through regarding this book, I have gleaned a new understanding and appreciation about my Saviour.

Dear Saviour Jesus, thank you so much for this moment. Thank you the reminder I so need; that I am not doing this worldly existence alone, that you are right by my side and right where I need you. Praying thanks in your Wonderful Name, Amen.

PS: After re-reading the email, another sentence stands out, being - "A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load." It's very comforting to know that I am harnessed together with Jesus; a team and a pair. It is a very comforting thought.

That's My King...

There are no words to add with this one...

You Are Good...

A new musical discovery for me here in Australia.

Words of truth sung so beautifully.

Please enjoy just as much as I have.

Why I Am Free...

As Easter approaches and as my love for and understanding of our Lord Jesus deepens with every trial that comes my way, with every new insight bestowed upon me, and with every reminder that I am actually free, I sat here tonight and perused some of my blog entries and happened upon a Monday Manna post from November on Philippians 3:10-11.

Jesus is the reason I am free in this (but not of this) world, with all the pitfalls, even though I have been pre-destined to live here for as long as our Heavenly Father deems. My life is not my own, despite spending the majority of the last 39 years thinking so; it is His. So, as Easter approaches and Christians around the world prepare to remember our Saviour who died on the cross for our sins, I am going to reflect on the fact that, despite the trials that come my way and smother me, God has my life under control. As I read in The Bullinger Companion Bible only yesterday -

"And the peace of God, surpassing every thought, shall garrison your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

God will garrison my heart and "be a watcher in advance...protect...keep" (Strong's Concordance). I need only concern myself with the purpose He has for me while here. Fixing my eyes on Jesus, living as an example of Christ's love for man, showing love, compassion, kindness, understanding and humility as Jesus did; loving until I give my all just as He did. And all the while thanking Him for the sacrifice He made on the cross.

Yes to God Tuesday: Chapter Four - Speaking Truth to Your Issues...

I'm a week behind, but I WILL catch up on this amazing study of Jennifer Rothschild's book "Self Talk, Soul Talk", which is hosted by Lelia at Write From the Heart.

Jennifer opens this chapter by talking about the bleeding woman from Matthew 9:20-22 (also see Mark 5:25-34). She talks how “this woman had a single, insurmountable issue, and she had endured it for 12 long years.” Doesn’t that sound familiar? Yes, it does. We have issues that we endure, that “complicate everything”, that “challenge us, drain us, isolate us, and perplex us.” We really don’t do ourselves any good when we have issues, especially when we don’t talk to ourselves the way in which we should. I know that for me, I speak to myself so badly that it amazes me.

This woman, however, knew how to talk the right talk to herself and her soul. She put her talk into actions - she talked and walked by faith - and “she reached out her hand and touched Jesus.” And what did He do? He healed her. She knew that if she could only touch Him then He would heal her, and she was right. Why did she know this? Because “she talked to herself”.

But, she didn’t just talk some namby pamby talk to cover up the fact that she’d tried for 12 years via various means to rid herself of her bleeding. “She spoke words of wisdom and truth to her soul.” She no longer was relying on self help, on doctors to cure her, on magic cures. No, she gave up on all those things, and told herself, in wisdom and in truth, to go to the One who she knew could heal her. She didn’t just talk herself into it, she knew. “Her faith invited healing.” Jennifer expands on this and tells how “Jesus never said her soul talk made her well. He said it was her faith...Her soul talk contributed to her faith, but it didn’t replace her faith.”

I love how Jennifer writes that “it’s essential that we center our soul talk on the truth of Scripture and on our faith in Christ.” I guess the key here is that we need to stop thinking that what WE think and tell ourselves will make everything better. No, it won’t. Only faith and trust in God will do that. We must base our self talk and our soul talk on the truth of that fact.

One way of doing this is what Jennifer tells about what she did one day. She “wrenched her gaze from my own crowd of problems and focused for a moment completely on God.” I’ve done that. I’ve been in the midst of a mental, emotional and physical breakdown and literally grabbed for God, leaned on Him, pleaded with Him and sought after Him to release me from my own crazy self talk. Release from my problems only comes from seeking Him through prayer and reading the Scriptures. His truth is in there, His guidance is in there, but we need to learn to stop trying to talk ourselves into feeling good based on what we know. We know nothing compared to Him.

Jennifer leads us into the topic of self-control. I know that my self-control is weak at times. I do, think and say things that are completely nuts and completely against what I know as truth. My 'insane' mind crowds out my 'sane' mind, which I know is the truth. I need, like Jennifer has, “to rely instead on the Spirit’s control in my life – God’s Spirit.”

Jennifer runs through the four roles that the Spirit has in our lives: Counsellor, Christ’s Representative, Teacher and Reminder. A study question at the end of the chapter asks the reader to identify which out of the four roles are needed most in our lives. I answered that I need all of them. As Counsellor so I accept the truth – His truth – in my life instead of worrying about what people think of me. As Christ’s Representative to quieten myself and to hear what the Spirit is saying to me, and asking Him for help when times get tough. As Teacher so I can learn more from God, become less reliant on self while learning how to understand myself better; to know the Paula that God knows. And as a Reminder that God created me “just the way I am”, that I am special, I am His, and I have a purpose.

I could write more and more about this amazing chapter, but time doesn’t allow for it. What I do need to do though is to make sure that I think “praiseworthy” thoughts so that I (and I absolutely love how Jennifer hits home in only a few words with things) “end up at the destination of truth.”

“...destination of truth...”

We all know where that is; right where God’s Spirit is. Jennifer says that “if we follow God’s Spirit, we trade our negative and unprofitable thoughts for thoughts that are positive and fruitful. He is the One who leads us to know what is worthy of our thought closet and what should be thrown in the Dumpster.”

The bleeding woman knew where to find the "destination of truth". Jennifer's closing sentence in the chapter reads -

"She told herself the truth, and that led her straight to Jesus. May you be that woman."

Yes, may I be that woman, and may you be that woman also.

...He turned and looked at her, saying "take heart daughter...your faith has healed you", and from that moment she was healed..." (Paraphrased from Matthew 9:22 NIV)

Speak truth about your issues to yourself with wisdom that our Lord God blesses you with. Remember who you are in Him. We are not 'fashionistas' from the Dumpster; we wear Heavenly Realm fashion, and we must not forget that.

(My post on "Chapter 5 - Tune In: Awake, My Soul" is on its way soon. Now that the introduction to school week is over, life is settling down somewhat at home. Jennifer has some amazing stuff to share in this book, and the book is well worth the read!)