Mightier than the sea!

Psalm 93:4 (English Standard Version)

4Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!

In my quiet time this morning I read this psalm and verse 4 wrapped around me and made me think of a picture I saw recently. The picture above was taken by NASA from the International Space Station and it is actually a picture of hurricane Ike. I saw this image while looking through news image galleries and just had to save it to my computer. It is now the background image on my screen. I shared with a friend recently that I would LOVE to travel to outerspace. I can't imagine beholding a view like this! What a wonder!! To take in a wide-angle view of God's creation! This image will be the closest I ever get - but still, every time I see this image, I just have to praise the Lord for his creation!! AND for His love - because on that ginormous terrestrial ball - is little tiny 'ole me and the Lord has lavished His love and His grace on my life and brought me to repentance and salvation through Christ - me. A teeny tiny speck on the timeline of eternity. Amazing!

So that's not really what I wanted to write about - but still it amazes me. So, I read Psalm 93:4, thought of this image and was reminded that through all the destruction that Hurricane Ike brought - wiping out towns completely along the coast, redefining the shoreline....God is STILL mightier than that! This verse brings me comfort because the last two days have been one crashing wave after another - honestly this whole month has been one crashing wave after another and yet He is mightier!! The Lord is on high! His hand determines the waves and drives the winds and allows them to fall where He ordains. It has been an incredible reminder to me that even in times where I feel I am going crazy because I am so overwhelmed - I am still hidden in the shadow of His wings, I can rest in the Almighty and know, I am His and I am in His sovereign will and His perfect plan.

I love that the Lord reminds me of these things when I need him most. I guess that's why he's mighty and in control : )

...and the waves continue...my mom is coughing up blood this morning, she is having such a hard time recovering from the surgery. Please, if you will, keep her tucked in your prayers.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

The workings of grace...

In previous posts I have share that the Lord has been and is working on my heart to have more grace towards others.

His challenge continues.

I have prayed that the Lord would help me, through His own grace on me, to see others as He does. To love them as He does and to have compassion on them. Sometimes in a fallen world, this is hard. Especially when I am verbally assaulted in a situation when my conscience is clear. The flesh in me so much wants to match words for words, but thankfully through the Holy Spirit I was able to show restraint, yet also defend myself and let it be known that I will not tolerate anyone treating me in such a manner and with such utter disrespect.

Needing comfort and direction, I turned to God's word for encouragement in dealing with the particular situation.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

It was good to read this verse. It was encouraging to know that the Lord will continue to sanctify me in this area. Since I was born a sinner, my first inclination will always be to act or react in sin. But as the Lord continues to sanctify me, I do believe that I am strengthened more and more in the Holy Spirit - therefore, the fruits of the spirit will be more evident in my actions. But God's grace makes this all possible - and because of that sin will not be the master over my life.

2 Corinthians 1:12 [ Paul's Change of Plans ] Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

This is my challenge from the Lord, that my conscience may be free in my dealings and interactions with others. That I represent myself, my words, my deeds and my thoughts in a way that glorifies God, and represents Christ to others.

Some may think that I'm going overboard, thinking way too much into this or setting myself up to be a doormat - but having grace towards others is important to me because before the beginning of time God chose me, set me apart, and lavished His wonderful grace on me. ON ME!? of all people! If such love, kindness and mercy has been shown on me - a worm, how can I not extend the same to those around me? Would I not be a hypocrite to receive such a blessing, yet not give such a blessing to others? Often times others have no clue - as I really have to remind myself to be gracious when I'm in traffic!!

But too, I am seeing many benefits in this pursuit. I am becoming more patient. I get less stressed over things, less work-up and too, I am learning a bit more of God's love for me.

Now, to explain the picture. I'm determined to have a picture with each post and who honestly can't feel better when they read the Word and see a cute girl with kool-aid mustache!??! This is my youngest niece Lauren, and this picture makes me smile. It sure makes me feel better.

Huntley Brown's email

Worthy to be read.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

Amber gets political...

It's a rarity...but brace yourself...I'm going political, publicly.

I am utterly amazed, dumbfounded and baffled at the ignorance in our country. And for the first (and perhaps ONLY time) I actually have some respect for Howard Stern. In doing some internet research on politics and the like, I came across this sound bite from Mr. Stern.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/10/13/howard-stern-exposes-why-so-many-people-support-obama

Yes, it does allude to racism, I get that, but I am astounded at the ignorance of people. And frankly it worries me even more.

You know, as I think about it...to get a high school diploma - we take tests. To get a drivers license - we take tests (written and performance). To become a U.S. citizen - folks take a test. For anything with an ounce of responsibility - even birthing a child - mom's take a class, but to elect a man into the most powerful office in the world, you register and then willy-nilly push a button. Often times getting their information about the candidate from short sound bites from the opponents during prime-time mind-dulling "entertainment."

As this election season moves on, I find myself getting more and more worried about the direction of this country. Obama worries me and so many in this nation are so blinded and are quick to brush off things that raise blazing red flags in my mind.

I'm glad my hope, salvation and future is rooted in Christ.

Sunday Morning Thoughts...

I haven't posted any pictures yet, and since photography is what I do, I thought my first official image posts would go to my two wonderful nieces! They spent the night at "Auntie Am's" house Friday night and then we had a portrait session downtown after doing nails and hair! They are so much fun and keep me laughing all the time! I just love them, and I'm so thankful that the Lord brought me back to Henderson to be closer to them and the rest of my family.

It truly is a blessing, when so many others my age are miles and miles away from their families. I wouldn't want it any other way right now.


Ah! I could just eat them up and pinch their cheeks off!!!

So this morning, I wasn't feeling the best, was too tired and I'll be honest - too lazy to get up for church after working late last night and then being unable to wind down and go to sleep until after 2 am. But the church I've been visiting the past few Sundays has a live feed of their sermon on their website.

So, in the spare room at my mom's there I was cozy under a blanket, with the Bible at my side, my computer on my lap and my little pooch curled up at my feet. I allowed my thoughts to take in the scene, at how wonderful it is that even though I wasn't there, I was still able to receive the blessing of hearing the sermon.

It was on James 4:11-12:

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

I have many thoughts on this, as this has been something the Lord has been dealing with me on and something I've been thinking a lot about lately. Pastor Ted said that this not only applies to slander against a brother, but also speaking truth about a brother that wasn't ours to speak. This is where my thoughts and questions have been lately.

There are times we may share something, then immediately think 'Why did I say that?' It's in those times that we have to examine our hearts and our motives. Did we speak out of our own pride at setting ourselves above the deeds of others? In doing so, we become their judge - taking the place of God. And James writes, "Who are YOU to judge your neighbor?"

Our words are powerful. My words are powerful. There are many other truths that Ted brought out in this scripture, these are just a few that I'm processing, convicted of and asking forgiveness for.

I love it when the Lord confirms his message to me when He uses a sermon to speak to the very things that have been on my heart the past few weeks. I pray He will place His mighty hand over my mouth and keep me from judging and speaking against my brothers, sisters and neighbors.

Me for Joy?

So, in my insomnia last night - which has become the norm lately - I read a puritan prayer on Joy. I'm fighting for joy and seeking the one true and pure source of joy, which is found in Christ. But one line grabbed a hold of me:

"Thou preparest me for joy, and joy for me."

Hmm..so me for joy?

Would that mean that the Lord, through working in me, sanctifying me, cleaning out the junk, giving me strength and victory over sin - would and could use me for joy? I know his word twice calls us the "apple of his eye" and he delights in us - His creation, his children. But I find it very humbling that he would prepare me for joy. It's hard to think of myself as one who has the capacity to bring joy to others - but why sell myself short? I am a child of one very amazing and powerful God!

But what brings immense comfort to me right now, is that He also prepares joy for me.

Man, I needed to hear that.

I really like reading through the Puritan Prayers in the book, "The Valley of Vision." It is beautiful, scriptural and brings new language to God's word. And gives me the very words I need to express to my Father, when I struggle right now to find my own.

A Hearty & Warm Welcome!

I needed a new start to the world of blogging.

So this is my new start.

I titled my new blog "This Ransomed Life" because the Lord has been reminding lately that a price has been paid for my very life -- a big price. A debt I can never repay - but a price paid out of an incredible love.

I have been overwhelmed by God's love for me.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I pray that this simple blog will be a simple way to show the world the very things the Lord is doing in my life -- and how he continues to grow me, teach me, stretch me, correct me, and love me.

Sit back, relax, and welcome to this ransomed life! ;-)