Lord, I Need You

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from you, and soon forget to pray

But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear

My anxious voice cries upward with words You long to hear

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Lord help me to remember, I’m weak but You are strong

I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song

Although I’m prone to wander and boast in all I do

Lord keep my eyes turned upward, so I depend on You
(Ron Hamilton)

Singing this song many times over in the past 6 months has spoke to me. I realized my constant need for the Lord in my daily life. Not one days goes by that I do not need Him. Recognizing my weakness without Him has drawn to my knees to ask Him to come by side, because I need Him!

Blessings! 

A New Day Dawning

Having recently started working third shift, I soon found there was something that I longed for during each shift. No matter how tough the shift was or how easy it was, there was a moment in the shift that seems to fill me with peace and revive my weary human body. 

"What" you might wonder?

It is the promise of a new day. 

The beauty of each morning as the sun began to top the mountains or peek through the clouds. And you might say that not every day is the sun visible. How true that is, but even though it is hidden from eye, it is still there. As dawn breaks across the horizon, just the promise of a new day fills one with peace and revives deep down. 

So it is with our Christian life. New days dawn in our walk with Christ; some bright and cheery, others damp and dreary. And it is always easy to rejoice when the sun is bright, life is full of joys and blessings. But so often it is even harder to be happy when the skies are filled with clouds of disappointments, trials, hardships. As children of the King, we are reminded of the mercies that are new every day, whether they be something as little as a beautiful sunrise or  something as big as physical healing in the life of a loved one. Even when the day is drear, it is filled with the mercies of the Lord. Just by being alive is indication of His mercy extended toward you or me.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

So whether your day is bright or drear, the Lord has bestowed His mercies upon you. When the way is bright, thank Him for what He has done. And when the way is drear and hard, look for the small things that He has blessed you with.

Look for that new day! Wait patiently for it and dwell in the beauty that the Lord has bestowed in the bright and the drear.

Remember that there is a NEW DAY for all those that seek Him! It could happen any day!

PS. A "new" day has dawned in my life. I am now officially registered for the clinical aspect of Nursing. This has been a long awaited moment of mine, having studied 2.5 years of part-time gen ed studies in preparation for this moment. I am looking forward to seeing where God leads from here.

The Apple Tree

Just yesterday as I listened to some CDs that had been stored away for some time. And I was filled with joy and peace as I heard an old gospel song that has meant so much to me over the years. A song of invitation and reconciliation. A song of surrender to the Lord. A song that the Lord used to speak to me to prompt me to "come home"  and into His arms of love.

Coming home means so much to an individual. Maybe having spent time away on a trip, studying away from home. Coming home has a feeling of comfort and a sense of being. A place where one can be just who they are meant to be. 

In a spiritual sense, coming home is a feeling of joy and peace. A feeling of being completely surrendered to Jesus and His will for my life. No matter what I may have done, He is standing there with open arms, waiting for me. Waiting for you. 

Day after day I would listen to this song and I sensed a feeling of conviction. The Spirit continued to nudge my soul until one Sunday morning, the Lord called and I answered. I came home! Oh, the feeling of peace and joy that flooded my soul that morning, as I recognized the love of God for a soul such as mine. 

Four years later as I dealt with issues and struggles in my personal life, inwardly I slipped away from serving God and being completely surrendered to Him. At a meeting, the Lord used the song leader to lead this invitational song at the close of revivals, calling me back to Him.

And just as He saved my soul that first day, He was waiting for me with open arms, willing me back to Him. And He is waiting with arms outstretched for you! He loves you with an immeasurable love! 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Just like Ma and Pa were waiting for their son with open arms, Jesus is waiting for you. His arms are wide open, calling you home to Him, fully surrendered to Him, filled with peace and joy that only He can give.

Daily seek Him! Daily surrender your life to Him! Lord, I'm coming home to the peace and joy that only you can give!

Come home my child, come home! Find rest in the arms of Jesus. He is waiting for you!

Finding rest. Part of a series of "Finding Spiritual Whitespace Blog Tour." Find more out here.

Here Am I, Send Me

Today on Jewels of Jesus, the emphasis is placed on the call that we have as Christians. I am sharing some of my personal story and the call that I recieved to serve in Nicaragua.

Read more...

But the Greatest of These is Love!

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned , and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

4 Charity suffereth long , and is kind ; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself , is not puffed up , 

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly , seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil; 

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

8 Charity never faileth : but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail ; whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away . 

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10 But when that which is perfect is come , then that which is in part shall be done away . 

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known . 

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 KJV



Blessings to you as you love as Jesus does!

Thank You for Being Kind

Thank you for being kind!

Five simple words, but how they stopped me in my tracks. Made me think, reflect back on my actions and wonder what had been the reason behind those words. And I was reminded of the words of my Saviour in Matthew 25:

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt 25:34-40(KJV)

I was convicted as I thought of my actions from day to day. Did I truly strive to make a difference in the life of an individual who I may never see again? Did I stop to listen to the person who was lonely and just needed someone to talk to? Did I give a glass of water to a little one? Stop and see the little house the little girl had made?

Or did I turn my back on the lonely individual? Frown at the little girl who just wanted someone to look at her little house? Hurry on my path, even though it would have taken a scarce minute to hand the individual a glass of water?

Have I taken time today to place myself in another's shoes? Feel what they may be feeling? Loneliness because their family is far away? Sadness because a loved one has passed on? Joy at the birth of a new soul? Rejoice at the small steps their little child is taking?

Do I truly care about the individuals that I see each and every day? 

The challenge I leave for you and for me is to take time to listen. Listen to the heart cry. Listen to the heart rejoice. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of the my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Let the love of Christ in your life, reflect who you are. A new being, a caring soul. Be willing to listen and place them in the care of the Father. Not only will you be rewarded with simple words as "thank you for being kind," but also the eternal reward is one that I can't even begin to imagine. Do as Jesus did and take them "on your knees." 

Blessings to you as you "listen" to others.

My Plans Towards You

Today on Jewels of Jesus, I am talking about the purpose we all have in life. So often I struggle with worry, doubt and many other things. Read more here....

This World Is Not My Home! (Video Post)

This world is not my home! 

Reminded this morning of the need to "be holy, for I am holy" (Lev 11:44-45). We are in this world, but not of this world. We are citizens of a heavenly place and we anticipate that which awaits. I can't wait to go home...

but until then...

and what a day that will be!

May the Lord bless you with a wonderful day!

Andrea

Hearing from the Psalms...

It has been quite sometime since I wrote regarding the journey through Psalms. I decided to combine my thoughts of the last couple weeks. Psalms 66 focuses on "remembering what God had done and being thankful."

We are called to praise Him for what he has done. It gives a look into the future when all shall bend knee and worship God: 

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee;              they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms 66.4

Reference is made to many great things God has done, including the parting of the waters for the Israelites as they left Egypt. Although that was a "big" thing that God had done, we are reminded to be praise Him for the small things that He does in our lives as well. He is in our life at every moment and shapes our life.

Verses 13-20 reflect our response to what He has done for us. I will offer sacrifices, I cried unto Him with my mouth. What is my true response, when I feel the effect of God working in my life? I am afraid too often I brush it by without a second thought, when my immediate response should be that of immediate and constantly thanking Him for the wonder He has wrought  in my life. 

In reading this passage, I realize how lax I have come in thanking God for what He has done and continues to do in my life. But as the verse 20 reminds us, He has not turned away from our prayers. If we come to him in prayer, He has never turned away from us, even when we forget Him-a remainder to me that He loves me and cares about me. Why then should I not praise Him every opportunity that I have.

Blessings on your week, Andrea

♥Life is not measured by the breaths you take, 

but by the moments that take away your breath♥

Of a Single Heart: No Good Apart from Him

Sharing a post from one of my friends. It was what I needed to hear.

Of a Single Heart: No Good Apart from Him: I say to the   Lord , "You are my Lord;      I have no good apart from you.” —Psalm 16:2 That moment, I was struggling. Worn out. Weary. Read more....

Brave...5-Minute Friday

Brave...

But I am not brave. I am scared. The future looks so dark. I can't see where I am going. And you call me brave? What is even brave about me.? I may not know what is brave about me, but I know what brave is for the Christian. Brave is "faith." Tomorrow may be obscured from sight, but the act of placing one foot in front of the other is being brave. Brave sees the path disappear into the forest, but one step at a time, they follow the path to the destination. Brave says "With God's power, I can face tomorrow." Brave says "yes" when God says "GO." Brave is the farmer putting his hand to the plow and not looking back, but focusing on the end of the field. Without faith, brave cannot live. Neither can faith live without brave. The two are inseparable, and both are powerful tools to the life of victory for the Christian.

So go forth full of faith and be brave in the face of tomorrow!

Thursday Thoughts - Tired...

TIRED...

According to Merriam-Webster, "tired" is drained of strength and energy : fatigued often to the point of exhaustion. 

Now for this college student, she thought she was tired, but when she looked at the definition of "tired", she began to reconsider. Was I fatigued? Exhausted? As many college students know is that end of semesters bring sleepless nights in preparation for finals and last-minute homework or essays. Often the week before finals, "survival mode" kicks in and with it, the thought of just making it to the end of the week, then I can breathe. 

But am I, are you really tired? What can be done to remedy the tiredness?

For physical tiredness, a proper diet and sufficient sleep will go a long way in relieving the tired feeling that surrounds you or me.

And to revive oneself spiritually, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (KJV)

What a promise for us! We find a proven way to become spiritually "rested" and science tell us the key to physical energy. With that, we have the key to overcome " being tired."

Blessings, Andrea

Consider Him...

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Consider Him...

He who was betrayed by one of the twelve

He who was denied by his disciple

He whom they spat upon

He whom was scourged and smote

He whom they mocked

He whose clothes they parted by lots

He who endured public shame

HE WHO WAS CRUCIFIED FOR MY SINS!

"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors  and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:11b, 12b (KJV)

Commemorating the sacrifice that Christ has paid for you, for me. 

Recognizing that far too often, I take for granted the price that has been paid.

Thank you Jesus...Hallelujah, thank you Lord for what you done for me!

Blessings to all,

Andrea

Thursday Thoughts - Time

I'm running out of time, it seems to be my second name. 

I guess it must be me cause its always the same. 

I gotta to keep turning a little further down the line. 

It's 5 o'clock. I'm running out of time.

(Chorus from the song, "I'm Running Out of Time" by Amos Raber)

This song was running through my mine this morning, as I am starting my day. For some reason, time just flies by. But as I thought of how fast time goes from one day to another, I looked back at many of my days in a week and was reminded of a Bible verse. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply 

our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12 (KJV)

When my day is over, what was done for God? Do I look back over my day with regrets, when I see what I did in my day? As I reflect over the two explosions that occurred this week (Boston Marathon and fertilizer plant in West, TX), I had to stop and look at the time that I spend with my family members. Do I make it a priority to spend time with them, ask them about their day, help them with their tasks, or just be the daughter or big sister that God created me to be? 

Many families' lives have changed dramatically in the scenes that have unfolded in the last several days. Loved ones' lives were taken instantly, others were suffered massive trauma. Many families just wish they could turn back the clock and erase these disasters from their mind. But these disasters have taken place and many need to move on without loved ones. Many people will hold family close as they move on in life.

Though time with loved ones should always be of utmost importance, it has not always been this way. Such disasters often make us re-think how we are spending our time. Following such disasters, me, as well as many others will spend extra time with loved ones and let them know what they mean to us.

Take time for your loved ones today! Hold your loved ones near and let them know what they mean to you and how much you love them. No one knows what tomorrow holds. 

Praying for the families, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, governments officials, and everyone else that is involved in the situations in Boston, MA, and West, TX. May they feel the prayers of Christians around the world.

Blessings,

Andrea

Thursday Thoughts

A friend sent me a message this evening, asking me to watch the video below:

I will be the first to admit that God spoke to me, asking me to evaluate my life in regards to modesty. Modesty is one of the traits that identifies a Proverbs 31 woman. To me, modesty is not just about how I dress, but about so much more. 

Modesty:

(Brothers refers to Brothers in the faith, our Christian brothers)

In dress - We are created as beautiful ladies. We have been intricately designed by the Creator of the universe. However, we are responsible to cloth our physical being appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes, short skirts, low bodices are used by Satan to tempt our brothers in their thoughts. Modestly attired is not about wearing baggy, extra-large clothing, but about be covered appropriately, allowing a brother to focus on your conversation without being tempted lustful thoughts.

In spirit: What is it to be modest in spirit? No, it does not mean to be backwards or withdrawn, but rather it is having the love of Jesus radiating on your face. I personally know some sisters who are modest in spirit and bubbling over, willing to talk to anyone, and then there are some that are quiet, but one look at their face will reveal the love of God that fills them. So sisters, you can be outgoing or quiet, and still be modest in spirit. Be who God has created you to be!

In speech/actions: Are you one who checks your reflection in the mirror numerous times before going out with friends? Or bat your eyelashes when a cute fellow come into the room? We all desire to be loved and be a vital part of a man's life, but too often the way we go about it is wrong. So what is modest in speech and actions? Yes, we do need to care about our physical looks, but what is really is important is what is inside. Being modest in speech and actions is being friendly with our brothers and talking to them when they approach, but avoiding flirtatious speech, continuous batting of eyelashes, and such things. How we act when we are with them at a youth function is often our good behavior, thus being who we really are is what God desires. Being who we truly are is the key to modesty in speech and actions.

To close, I bring this challenge to you: 

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I John 2:10-11 KJV

In hearing this brother share what is on the heart of many of our brothers, as well as is the desire of our Eternal Father, I took a step back and looked at modesty in my life. I was convicted of several of these areas in my life and I was burdened to share what God laid on my heart. There is so much to learn about being modest, that I barely have skimmed the surface. 

Feel free to ask questions!

Blessings, Andrea