I feel the need for a reflective post.... 2021 in the form of a poem.....

Out of the Chrysalis

Oh little caterpillar
it's been a process
as you've hidden away
inside your chrysalis

Oh little caterpillar
you've been made anew
from the inside out
it's a different you

Oh little caterpillar
you're reshaped, refined
let go of what was
and anticipate fresh life 

Oh little caterpillar
please do not forget
there is a world outside 
your hardened chrysalis

Oh little caterpillar
burst into the dawn
you've played it safe
for far too long

Oh little caterpillar
emerge from hiding
rest for a moment
then get the blood flowing

Oh little caterpillar
pump those wings
up, down, up, down,
let your heart sing

Oh little caterpillar
persevere with expectation
you will soar on high
with no pull of gravitation

Oh little caterpillar
Take the risk
Be bold and brave
Come out of the chrysalis

Oh little caterpillar
embrace your freedom
Ride upon the wind
Claim your kingdom ​

God surprised me with a metamorphosis ... God had already performed major healing work in me, but a year ago He revealed that I needed even deeper healing that I was at last ready for, and He took me through a process of healing that I did not expect ... a process that was a mix of adjectives ... pleasant, painful, perplexing, powerful ... and while I have reached a breakthrough point, a new phase of the process has begun ... 

As promised, another blog post.  And this time it only took a month and not a year. I call that success! Haha!

For this post I feel a free write poem is the right choice.  The word "Rise" came to mind.  So here goes... a poem on the spot, from the perspective of God speaking. 

RISE
Rise and shine, my child,
for the Son is up,
up and on the move,
moving to bring the new day.

Rise and shake,
shake off the worries,
worries and weariness of the past,
the past that is behind you.

Rise and be clothed,
be clothed in my kingdom Spirit,
my kingdom Spirit of righteousness,
of righteousness, peace and joy.

Rise and feast,
feast on my Word,
my Word of truth,
truth that brings freedom and life.

Rise and speak,
speak my decrees,
my decrees and promises,
promises which I always fulfill.

Rise in my strength,
my strength and my victory,
my victory and my authority,
my authority which is absolute.

Rise in my identity,
my identity which is your identity,
your identity through the blood,
the blood of the Risen Son.

Wow, thank you Lord for a quick and powerfully loaded poem!

Scripture references this reminds me of:

Lamentations 3:22-24 
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Isaiah 43:18-19 
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord;
    my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
    and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness

John 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 Psalm 119:57-58 
You are my portion, Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.
I have sought your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 141:3 
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Isaiah 55:11 
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Mark 11:23 
Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

John 14:12 
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 

1 John 5:4-5
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

And I could go on, but shall stop there for now. Be blessed!

A post at last, tada!  I have been meaning to get around to this multiple times... and I keep getting encouragement every so often from people to get into this again... so here is another post, finally finally FINALLY.  The season just changed... to the season that is associated with change... so I figure it's a good time to do this.

This post will be a free write style... later I will do a longer reflective post.  Really.  I will.  Really really REALLY.  

Side note... as a words and grammar geek... isn't the alliteration of this particular post title totally super splendid and phonetically fun? 
(I could not resist putting alliteration into the side note apparently... this is what happens when I  have had caffeine and it's late haha) ​

Lessons Learned:

• I love coffee (not black).  Espresso milkshakes are particularly delicious.
• I love the coffee shop atmosphere... and a couple of locally owned places in particular.
• Caffeinated coffee after 3 + me = no sleep until 3 a.m.
• Figs + Goat cheese + walnuts + rosemary on toast is a thing... a yummy thing. 

• It is possible to have the ability to truly trust people as old barriers come down and God brings healing. 
• Healthy relationships require effort... vulnerability, intentionality, humility, honesty... it's not easy but it can be done by the grace of God.  And it's worth it.
• I have come a long way, had lots of healing, but there is still more... there are layers...
• God is not bound by time, and He can bring about restoration in many ways.
• I can be healed to the point that I am comfortable in my own skin.
• I can push past old boundaries with new boldness and courage with what I call "Holy Spirit oomph" (the word "energy" or "vitality" could be substituted for oomph, but oomph is way more fun, right?)
• No matter my age, I am young... with wisdom and maturity... young at heart and youthful. 
• God can revive old hopes and dreams that have gone dormant, or even been forgotten.
• If God and His favor are on it, He can bring about a swift life direction change. 

And two things that I already knew, but I have rediscovered...

God has a sense of humor.
God likes to surprise.
Standing on God's Word and praising God are two POWERFUL tools and weapons that shift the focus and perspective back on the truth and bring hope and life. 
​
So there it is... a free write musing on lessons learned... 

Stay tuned for more rambling to come on these lessons learned.

Last thought... I have been holding tightly to this... 
​
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 

More than ever, prayer is needed.  I was inspired by the Holy Spirit while interceding to write this poem, which is more than just a poem, it's a prayer and a declaration in faith.  God is still on His throne, He is not surprised, He cannot be shaken, and nothing is impossible with Him.  As the church rises up in faith and prayer, we will see the atmosphere shift and things change as God moves on our behalf.  If His people seek Him.  

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

GOD IS ON HIS THRONE - A PRAYER AND DECLARATION

God is on His throne
His armies are on the move
His people are rising up
Just ahead is breakthrough

Heaven's angels are released
To fight for our country
They fight to bring Heaven
Into our reality

Let the cry ring out
Let the people sing
God has brought victory
God has brought healing

Let the people rejoice
Let the people dance
As goodness and mercy flow
Over all the land

Justice will prevail
Wickedness will be exposed
Wrong will be made right
As the truth is made known

God's will shall be done
His law will shine bright
Our country will find hope
And thrive in the light

Liberty and justice
Will go hand in hand
Freedom will reign
As righteousness stands

One nation indivisible
Is one nation under God
When the nation aligns with Heaven
The nation will not fall

Rise up oh people of God
Rise up and pray
That we as a nation
Would be in God's grace

Rise up and declare
Our nation will live its destiny
And answer the call
To display God's glory

Shout it out loud
That the land of the free
Shall be free indeed
Through Christ's victory

And let it be said
We're the home of the brave
Because we sought God
And rose up in faith

Oh say can you see
The light of dawn is near
Though perilous the fight is
Still God's salvation is here

Let our cause be just
Let us in God trust
And let us in triumph say
That our nation by God was saved

And let us proclaim
That our Heaven rescued land
Is blessed with victory and peace
And preserved by God's hand

God is on His throne
He will not be shaken
His kingdom will reign
As His people awaken

The Lord look upon us,
And bless us under His keep
The Lord's face shine upon us
And shower us with grace and peace 


I felt I should incorporate some things specific to the USA, as that is what this is for, so I have woven some things from the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner in there.  The last lines are inspired by Numbers 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord cause His face to shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His face to you,
And give you peace."

Hope.  Such a little word.  Such a weighty word.  Such a needed word.

And when it's most needed it seems the most elusive.

Hope gives strength, but to have hope where there is no hope requires strength to spark hope into being.  

Hope allows a person to persevere, but to keep hope alive requires perseverance.

Hope.  It's only one syllable and four letters (at least in English :) ).  But it carries the power to uplift, to encourage, to revitalize, to give meaning, purpose and motivation.  A small and mighty word.

Rather than going on musing or philosophizing, I shall give a free write poem a try, because sometimes poetry is more satisfying than prose.  And I am feeling poeticky.  (Yes, I am aware that "poetic" or "poetical" are the correct words but it's more fun to make up words and I am in the mood to make up words.  So "poeticky" it stays.)  

"Speak Hope"

God of Hope
You say You are
But God, oh my God,
Hope seems so far

Hope is what I want
Hope is what I seek
But despair is lurking
And fear won't leave

The waters rise
as I try to breathe
Lord, don't let me drown
Lord, rescue me!

Where is the God of hope?
Where is the God who saves?
Everywhere I turn
all I see are stormy waves

But then a voice,
I hear a voice pass by
"My child, my child,
don't trade truth for a lie

The truth has not changed
I am still Master of storms
I am still a Promise Keeper
And I hold you in my arms 

You still have a future
You still have a hope
You will still reap a harvest
for desires you have sowed

I started something beautiful,
something beautiful in you
And I finish what I start
Remember this truth 

So speak out, child,
with the authority I gave you
Rise up, child,
with the power I gave you

And know this:
I am with you,
I am for you,
I am all around you."

So with my next breath
I speak hope
I speak the promises,
the promises God has told

I keep speaking life
and the storm subsides
And up, up I rise
to walk by my Savior's side.

That was mostly unedited.  Mostly free write.  And that basically sums up my conversations with God lately.  In the most "poeticky" way.  (Yes.  I just used my made up word again.  Because I am still in that kind of mood.)  

The stories of Jesus stilling the storm and of Jesus walking on the water are two of my favorite go to scriptures to hold on to (Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25 for calming the storm; and Matt 14:22-32, Mark 6:45-51, John 6:16-21 for walking on water).  Both stories paint such a vivid picture of what life can feel like and demonstrate the authority of God over circumstances regardless of appearances.  And the really amazing thing is that as a Christian, with the power of the Holy Spirit, I have the same authority!  Though outward circumstances might not immediately change, if I press into the comfort of God's presence and truth, and agree with what He says, I can have "peace that surpasses understanding" (Phil 4:6-7) and "fullness of joy"  (Psalm 16:11).  And I can trust that God is working on my behalf (Romans 8:28, Psalm 138:8, Phil 1:6).  And as I continue holding onto God and His truth in the waiting, He is forming endurance and character in me, which leads to hope (Romans 5:1-5)!  

So the same circumstances that cause me to lose hope can have the opposite effect if I switch my focus to God, in which case those circumstances are an opportunity to let hope arise in me. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.~Romans 15:13

Finally I am getting around to another post... Five Minute Friday. The word is START.

***So AFTER finishing this, I realized "start" was from the FMF post last week... but this turned out really beautiful so I shall keep it, I just won't be able to put it into that link up. However, I was able to link up at Dance with Jesus and Faith 'n Friends.***

There are a few directions I could take with this. However, I feel this post is to be one coming from the perspective of God. I asked Jesus what he had to say about "start," and I can picture him looking me straight in the eye, taking my hands in his, and firmly but lovingly saying,

"Start believing that I really am God of the impossible. Start calling on my strength more often and relying less on your own. Start grasping that I am a mighty God, your warrior and defender, and that you also are more than a conqueror when you tap into my strength by the Holy Spirit.

Start believing that I am a God of complete, unconditional love. Start letting the pain and hurt, the scars and aches, fade and disappear as you lean into me as your lover and comforter, confidant and protector. Start letting me speak loving truths into you.

Start believing, deep down to your core, the truths that I say about you. Start fully believing that you are fully forgiven, fully loved, and fully beautiful to me. Start believing that you are worthy of such love. Start living every moment like you really believe it. Start living in the freedom that is yours because you are mine. Start living with a victory mindset, full of hope and faith. Start living the abundant life that I have won for you.

Start taking hold of the authority I gave you when you trusted me as your Savior, the authority to live without fear, to live with a heart filled with joy, the authority to be fully healed. Start trusting me also as your Lord and watch the pieces of everything else fall into place. Start letting go of control and rest in my peace as you lay things in my capable hands.

​Start understanding that I have better plans for you than you have for yourself, that I know and care about your desires, but I am also looking at things from outside of time, and I see everything down to the tiniest detail, and I know what you need and what you can handle.

Start fully taking part in a journey with me and see what wonderful adventure awaits."

Ahh... it's always beautiful when I listen and let Jesus talk... I have come a long way, had a lot of inner healing, and have grasped the above to an extent... but it is time to start going deeper... deeper into God's goodness...

​But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)
​
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

(Jesus speaking) "Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me."
Matthew 11:28 (TPT)

Five Minute Friday time! It's been quite awhile... too long... 

The link for the link up: fiveminutefriday.com/2019/06/13/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-goal/
Also linking with http://www.spiritualsundays.com/

The word for this five minute spree is GOALS.  

The first thought that comes to mind is how much I wish I could be better at accomplishing goals.  I have all these ideas and dreams and "to do" list things... and I am lucky if half gets done.  I wish I had more motivation, more speed, more time... how will I ever be successful?

And right on the heels of that thought, I clearly sense God gently correcting me.  If we were face to face, I am sure He would look at me with love and compassion in His eyes and say, 

"My measure of success is different than yours.  If you are spending time with me, if you draw close to my heart and know me, if you are in tune with Holy Spirit and sensitive to His promptings, if you understand the Kingdom of Heaven and its principles and are spreading my truth and peace and joy, then you are successful.  You are carrying out my goals for you."

And I would say, "But are you really sure that's enough?  I feel like more should be accomplished than I tend to get done."

And God would repeat Himself, more firmly, and then say, "Rest in my presence.  In the peace I give you.  Draw strength from that and know that as long as you are doing things from a place of resting and trusting in me, the important things that need to be done, the lasting things, the things that will be rejoiced over in Heaven, those things will be done."

And I would sigh and say, "Ok." Then I would fall into His arms and rest in His love.  

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

"So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.  I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless."   John 15:4-5 (TPT)


"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  Romans 14:17 (ESV) 

And I am finally doing a Five Minute Friday linkup! (Click here to see the linkup) 

Yeah ok... so it's a wee bit after midnight... but it is still Friday in some time zones! 

Anyways... The word is IF.  

Ready go! 

The first phrase that comes to mind is "what if?"  God has been teaching me how to look at life differently.... through His eyes... and so here is a poem that is a positive spin of the What if game.

Well, over a year!  I kept meaning to get back to this, would get busy, and time goes by so fast...

Anyway at long last, I am finally posting something! 

It was my birthday three days ago, which causes me to get in a reflective mood.  First to come to mind was how God has moved me over the past year.  Figuratively and literally!  

A little over a month ago, May 10, was my closing date.  I sold and bought a house.  A year ago, I was considering moving perhaps within the next five years.  Although a part of me really wanted to move within a year.  However I just assumed that was not possible; I was sure I did not have the equity and finances necessary to move to a place that would be worth moving to.  

But the Lord is a God of surprises!  Last September, at the urging of my mom (who was obviously sensitive to the urging of the Holy Spirit) I looked at a place for sale.  I was only going to please my mom, and was amazed by how much I loved it.  I felt God was saying to go ahead and try for it, and He would close the door on the opportunity if necessary.

So, I went to the bank, was startled and pleased by the fact that I could get pre-approved for the loan needed, made an offer contingent on me being able to sell, and waited. 

And waited.... and waited...

...and the house I was trying to buy was sold before I was able to sell.  

I chose to trust this was God closing the door on that particular house and felt at peace with continuing to attempt to sell and move, for at least the next few months.  Move where, I was not so sure, but I believed God would either open the door to buy a better place for me, or close the door on moving altogether. 

So, more waiting.  

Finally, after several months of trying to sell, I had an offer!  But there no longer seemed to be any listings that I could afford and want to move to.  I wondered what God was up to.  Why did I have to wait so long only for there to be no place available?  Would I actually get to move?  Would I end up being at my parents for awhile because I had sold and not found anything? As much as I love my parents I did not want to have to move back in with them, no matter how temporary.  

After a few days of nothing turning up, again God used my mom to bring about a shift.  She had heard about a place for sale and it sounded like it might be just the place for me.  I went to view it the very next day and LOVED it.  It felt so right.... like home.  I asked God if I could please, please have it.  But that I would trust if not, there was something even better.

So I made an offer, left it in God's capable hands, and the offer was accepted the next day!  I will never forget receiving the news!  And it was extra special because I happened to be with my parents and they rejoiced with me! 

Next came the inspections and renegotiation regarding those, the appraisals for the value, and finally the actual physical work involved with moving.  God was incredibly faithful the entire way. 

While it took longer than expected, and turned out differently than planned at the start, God proved He was watching over every detail, and He does know best.  God delivered on what I asked, and even went above and beyond!   My home is very much my home sweet home.  I have actually had tears of joy, I am so thankful and overwhelmed by God's goodness.  

​As mentioned, God has moved me in more than just the literal sense.  I am feeling more and more like myself, like the me I am supposed to be, who God intended me to be.  I have more confidence, and for the first time ever, more often than not I have a comfortable sense of feeling at home with myself. 

So... God has physically and spiritually brought me "home," more so than ever before.  And it is a wonderful feeling.  

Thanks be to God who has moved me forward in more ways than one!  He has moved me more and more into freedom... freedom to let go of what has held me back and cling to the truths that will guide me on in the right direction... until the only thing holding me, that has a claim on me, is Jesus and His love.  

Ephesians 3:20 ~ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 37:4-5 ~ Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Philipians 3:13b-14 ~ Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 Five Minute Friday time!  Five minutes of free writing, the word is EMBRACE, ready, set, go!
(Linking with five-minute-friday-embrace)

First thoughts... God's embrace.  Oh what love...

The more I still myself enough to soak in God's presence, and the more I embrace Who He is, the more I become aware of who I am in Him, and who He is calling me to be. 

The more I let Him hold me, the more I believe the truth of His faithful love and promises, the more I believe the hopes and dreams I hold can come to be.

The more I step forward into His open arms, the more He reveals to me of His nature, and the more I can step forward in confidence in who He has made me to be.

Abiding in God's embrace leads me to a deeper appreciation of Who He is, to a fuller connection with my Creator, which leads me to be able to appreciate who I am in His grace and who He has created me to be.

Abiding in God's embrace allows me to fully live, to fully embrace every moment.

(So, I may have gone a wee bit over five minutes *ahem* in fact did indeed go over with the poem... oh well... 'twas still a brief free write)

Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
~Psalm 37:4-5

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
~John 15:4

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
~Isaiah 26:3