Stories from Starbucks...

Ok - I think I just need to write a book about things I learn and observe at Starbucks because it is quite entertaining.  Yesterday, I was at Starbucks.  The Starbucks where I went is in an affluent neighborhood.  The houses and yards are perfect, the stores all nice, and the people....Whenever I go to this particular Starbucks, there are at least 3 ladies (yes, the same ones) that come in either their tennis outfits or workout clothes.  To be honest, I am not sure they even truly worked out prior to coming.  They are so put together that I am not sure sweat is allowed.  While I wait patiently for my fat laden drink, I await their order of something healthy.  Then they order something with far more calories than mine.  They all go outside and sit together doing hand gestures I really thought only existed in movies of snobs.  It really is a show and quite comical for the onlooker.

I started thinking about looking all put together and how we do such a great job making others think we truly do have it all together.  The foreclosure rate in those affluent neighborhoods is higher than in the low income areas.  They are mortgaged and credit maxed up to their eyeballs all to look good.

I have recently heard a few friends talk about how Christians do that as well - have the right verses or things to say in any situation - but then aren't actually following anything that they say.  We are all a bunch of hypocrites - and I really can't argue with that.  We tell people we will pray for them because it is a nice thing to say instead of saying, "Can I pray with you right now?"  We talk nicely with one another but rip each other apart behind the back.  I have recently realized who are my real friends in the midst of crisis.  It always floors me how we can be there for others but when the chips are down - they walk away.

Why are we faking?  Like God doesn't know who we really are??!!  We are the wolves in sheeps clothing - lurking in the pasture if we don't show who we really are.  I will tell you - I am as screwed up as it gets but I am saved by grace.  If left to my own devices - I will mess up every time.  I am grateful that God meets me where I am at anyway and still loves me despite the reality of who I am. 
The sad thing is, I am just like those women at Starbucks - maybe not as pronounced - but I definitely don't always show who I really am.  Probably out of fear - we all hide.  We laugh on the outside when we are really crying on the inside.  I am not saying we should bare our souls to every person we meet - but maybe dare to be real with the people that you feel closest.

Why are you holding back?  What do you need to open up to God to maybe change?

Philippians 1:21

^18-21So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.

Out of Control

I have always hated going to the doctor for various reasons. If there is something wrong, you often have to wait weeks if not months or years for a clear cut diagnosis. After all, it is called the practice of medicine for a reason. It is always such an out of control feeling to wait for an answer.

I think we have the same problem when we go to pray for something. The answer may not come in a minute or two let alone a year or two. It is also not always the answer we want. We often hear wait, or no or possibly no answer at all. It can be utterly frustrating at times. God doesn't do that to frustrate us but to draw us closer to him in prayer. I won't pretend to understand it all or always be happy about it. However, I have been grateful for those closer times with God.

I am entering into one of those times right now as I watch a few loved ones go through tests. I am not in control but I know that God is. As hard as it is to sit back, I know that ultimately, His plan is better than mine anyway.

2 Corinthians 7:1
 1 With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.

May we all rest in the fact that we are not in control - thank goodness. Where are you trying to control your life and how are you going to let God take over?

Time...

The last two weeks, my mom has come to stay with us. She came to watch my children while I was in Mexico but then was also here additional days to spend with me. She lives in Colorado and I am lucky to see her once maybe twice a year. She and I are very close so that distance makes it very difficult for me.

There is nothing like curling up in your mom and dad's lap and crying or feeling loved. While I am a little too big to do that now, when I am with them, it still feels like that somewhat. I try to hold onto each precious day I have with each of them because it is so brief. I wish my kids were closer to them because they absolutely adore one another. I grew up far away from my grandparents and to this day, it still hurts that I didn't see them very much.
Time is so limited in ways we really cannot understand.

I was in tears this morning as I realized not only how much I value my time with my mom but how I should value that time every day with God. I think we consider either quiet time or time to think as an add-on to the day or sometimes even a chore. I was saddened when I realized I don't always view that quiet time as a precious and valuable time. Convicting!

2 Corinthians 13:5-9 The Message

 5-9Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. I hope the test won't show that we have failed. But if it comes to that, we'd rather the test showed our failure than yours. We're rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn't possibly do otherwise.


This isn't to say we aren't in the faith but rather that we are not fully engaged all the time. That isn't how I want to lead my life - just sometimes how I allow my life to be led.

Where are you taking time for granted?

Running for ...

I didn't get a chance to write yesterday due to massive running around with the children. I just didn't get up earlier enough to spend that time with God. I always hate those mornings because then everything feels rushed.

I was thinking about running this week because I had to run this week. I used to be a runner so you would think I would love running. The one thing I used to hate was conditioning for running. It would never fail, you would get to the Spring and everyone was out of shape because they didn't do anything after track season was over. Those first few weeks were killer to get back to a condition where you might be able to compete. Imagine if we had all stayed in shape from season to season and how well we would have done.

The other day, my husband and I were coming back from Mexico and we had a layover of about 55 minutes to get through customs, get our bag, re-check the bags, go back through security, and run to our gate. I might add that we went through Charlotte, NC - not exactly a travel mecca for international flights. Needless to say, we had close to a zero chance to make it even if we ran. I was praying about this on the flight and was praying that God would give me the stamina to deal with whatever.

We landed - LATE - no stress there! We got off the plane, took off running only to meet a long line for customs. By the time we got through customs, we had exactly 14 minutes to do the rest. We took off running to get the bags. We finally found them and then took off running with the bags - not light I might add. We got to the bag check station and then took off for security. I was doing great running until we got to the 3 tiered staircase. I had flip flops on - did I mention that?! So, I did my best to not fall on my face and got up to the security station - which we then went to a different one. We made it with exactly 2 minutes to spare. Then we took off late. :-) I did fine running except I have allergy and exercise induced asthma. I rarely use an inhaler because it is rarely triggered. I got on the plane and started coughing and couldn't stop. I then realized that my inhaler was in my suitcase because I NEVER need it. I was able to calm down and drink water and all was fine after a little while.

God worked it out. It was a wonderful lesson in trusting Him but also constantly being in training for that long marathon instead of a mile sprint. Our bodies and mind should always be in condition for the long race ahead. No matter what we are facing - keeping our minds on the prize. I want to get to the end and be able to say,

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.


I must confess that I am not always fighting a good fight or focused in the right place.
Our friends and communion with each other really helps to stay focused.
Where do you need to get back in condition for the race?

For Sale

I know that I love to shop the clearance rack. Sadly, the local Target knows me - practically by name because they know that I shop the clearance end caps. I have found many a great deal there because I am willing to find the gems hidden amongst the crap. Much of it is tossed around, torn, falling apart or just useless.

A friend of mine posted this yesterday on Facebook and it hit a nerve - so I am sure for many of you it will also.

If your’e not being treated with love & respect, check your “price tag”.  Perhaps you have marked yourself down.  It’s you who tells people what you’re worth by what you accept.  Get off of the “clearance rack” & get behind the glass where they keep all the “valuables”…. bottom line is… “value” yourself more, and get off the “clearance rack”.

I tried to find the original owner of these words of wisdom but it is posted so many times, that I could not find the author.

There are so many of us that do not value ourselves. It isn't necessarily that we are not being treated with love and respect by others - it is often that we do not love and respect ourselves. I do this a lot and I know as a stay-at-home mom, I probably do it more because I often downplay my role. So, if we cannot respect and love ourselves, how can we expect others to treat us any differently?!

So, while we may be a gem on the rack hidden amongst the crap, we should not treat ourselves that way or that is how people will treat us. Sometimes we are fine with doing day-to-day tasks but our relationships are where we put ourselves on that clearance rack.

Where are you placing yourself - on the clearance rack or among the valuables?

Psalm 119:17-24

 17-24 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
      not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
   Open my eyes so I can see
      what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
   I'm a stranger in these parts;
      give me clear directions.
   My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
      insatiable for your nourishing commands.
   And those who think they know so much,
      ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
   Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
      I've been careful to do just what you said.
   While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
      I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
   Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
      I listen to them as to good neighbors!

Hags R Us

Yesterday, we spent a good part of the day shopping in Playa Del Carmen. Unfortunately, they dropped us early and the best deals are not until later in the day. However, it is always somewhat of a rush to see how far you can get them down before they finally relent. They always start obnoxiously high. One guy was trying to get me to buy bracelets for almost $40 a piece...keep in mind that I bought similar ones in Ecuador for $1. I did my best not to laugh and kept at it. It is fun but can be a bit tiring. We had already priced certain items at our hotel and they were better so we decided to finish our shopping excursion later at our hotel where the price was set and we knew what it was. We had done a fair bit of shopping at the vendors and were ready to be done.

Sometimes it is just nice to know what you are getting. There is no gimmick and what you see is what you get. Christianity is like that. There is no catch or trick to becoming a Christian - just choosing Jesus as your Savior. It is put right there - that's it. No special haggling for getting a better life or a better placement - just a simple choice.

The verses today are oldies but goodies and there is no hidden trick behind the sticker. I wanted you to be able to read it in a heartfelt way so I took it from the Message.

John 3:16-18

 16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Babble babble

Today is our last full day here at the resort and I will greatly miss the water and sunshine. Nothing quite as serene as being by the water, listening to the waves, and feeling the sand beneath the toes. It has also been fun to be here and listen to all the languages spoken. There are many here from Russia, Argentina, Poland, France, Germany...and the list goes on. I have taken many languages along the way and can piece together many conversations but it is interesting to hear all of them in one location. It does truly start to blend together and sound like babble. The languages are so diverse and creative. However, there is always that barrier.

I could go back and tell you about the Tower of Babel but I know you can do that on your own. It is interesting how pride separated us then and really is what keeps nations pit against each other even today. We will always be in God's way if we continue to put ourselves first.
Proverbs 16:18

 18 Pride goes before destruction,
   a haughty spirit before a fall.


Where are you letting pride get in the way of being closer to God?

Kissed by the fishies

One of my all time favorite movies is "Finding Nemo". It doesn't matter how upset I am, I can pop that movie in and be cheered up instantly. It is not one I ever get sick of either. One of my favorite scenes is the Shark support group where they recite the pledge, "Fish are friends - not food" because they are trying to change their images as sharks.
I would add the clip, but my connection is poor today - so am not able to do so.

Yesterday, Chris and I went out into the Gulf and swam over some seaweed patches where no one else would go. We ended up in this tiny cove. We stood there looking for fish and saw a few yellow and black striped fish on the bottom. The water was so clear that we could see them feeding off the bottom. Chris had been snorkeling the day before and saw a 6 ft barracuda. He had said he had to take off his ring because anything shiny would've attracted the barracuda for an attack. So, we decided to experiment with the fish. I had my watch on and he had his ring. We both started reflecting it back and forth and before we knew it there were almost 50-100 fish swimming around us. It was very funny because the fish decided we were plants or something. They would take turns nibbling on us. The little fish didn't really hurt but then the big ones came out - they pinched. We left and decided to come back later. We worked our way back out there. It was much more difficult to get out there because the jet skis had been going all day and churned the water. We couldn't see where we were stepping until we got far enough out. We finally found our spot and again the fishies were nibbling. It was much harder to see them the second time or see where we were going. There were sharp rocks, seaweed to tangle us and waves to make us stumble. Sometimes it was just best to stand still until we could see more clearly.

Sometimes our lives are like that water. We can often see it in a crystal clear way and other times, things have churned it up so it makes it much harder to guide our footsteps. Clarity doesn't always come immediately Sometimes, we just need to stand still and let God make the path straight before we can move.

Psalm 119:133


133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
   let no sin rule over me.


Sometimes we step before letting God work things out. Where is it in your life that you need to let go for a little while and let God work out the details before you take another step?

Drunken Wisdom

Yesterday, we went to a Japanese steakhouse here on the complex. I always love those for a variety of reasons but one of the biggest is because you get to meet new and different people. I am definitely a connector and find it fun to meet new people from all over the world.

The couple sitting next to us was from the US but really from Poland. They had two boys, one was 6 and the other 9. We were asking them about restaurants they had eaten at and what they had done. The dad was telling us all the places and then ended with them having had a meal at the hospital one day. I asked what happened and they said their son had gotten drunk. They had left him in daycare and after a game of water polo, the caretaker gave him a Roman Coke. Keep in mind this was the 6 year old. He didn't know any better and before he knew it, he was passed out by the pool. The parents decided to stop back by the daycare after a massage just to see how the kids liked it. They saw their son passed out and were immediately concerned. The kids were able to articulate enough so that the parents knew he was drunk. They had to call an ambulace and go to the hospital.

As we were talking about this incredible story, I was thinking about my own kids and what they would have done. Mine are old enough to turn it away after a sip and realizing it wasn't pepsi. We were trying to imagine if when they were 6 if they would've known the difference - probably not. With time and distance comes knowledge. The same is true with our spiritual life. We need time to read and learn in order to have the wisdom we need to tell when we are being deceived and when we are being led. That little boy was depending on his caretaker to do the right thing for him as were his parents. He trusted that!

Re-Crucifying Jesus - Hebrews 5:11-14

 11-14I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one—baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God's ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.


Where are you still relying on those around you to do your Christian walk for you? Where do you need to work on that relationship with God?

Cool and Refreshing

It is kind of funny here in the Mexican Riviera. It isn't that it is too hot - the sun is just very intense. During the hours of 12 and 3 - it is a very bad idea to be in the sun. We had a full morning yesterday and decided to go swim in the Gulf of Mexico to get cooled off and refreshed with the inviting blue water. I've been in the Gulf before - so the next part shouldn't have surprised me - but somehow it did. It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon and the water was beyond warm. Bath water does not describe it. It was so deceving -- water means cool - right?! Wrong! I just kept thinking about how I was trying to be refreshed and while the swim was nice - left me wanting something else.

I started to think about the passage about being a lukewarm Christian - neither hot nor cold. I realize that part of this is a stretch - but have you ever been around someone that is just on fire for God - and you just want to hear more? People flock to them - not only because of what they are saying but because they want to be around that kind of passion. Now God is not saying be cold or warm in the sense of temperature - He is saying do not be wishy washy - pick which way you are going to be. Either be hot and passionate or cold so people know where you stand.

The verse:
Revelation 3:16
16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.


The water yesterday just wasn't refreshing because it was warm. It was such a good reminder that we need to stand firm in what we believe - be on fire for Christ.

Critters

Well, I picked up an unfortunate bug along the way on our lovely trip to Mexico.  I am sooooo careful about what I eat overseas but for some reason - I got sick anyway.  I have been quite ill over the last 12 hours - but as always - it has caused me to really think.

How often do we come across things that cause us to fall?  It happens to me all the time.  I will be walking along with no problems and then stumble.  Often I fall into the pitfall all on my own but more often than not, it is like the situation I am in.  We end up picking up a critter and taking them along for the ride.  We do our best to shake it but it hangs on causing our lives to be ill. 

The passage today is:
Psalm 37 : 23-24
 ²³ The LORD makes firm the steps
   of the one who delights in him;
²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall,
   for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

So, while we all may not be obviously ill on the outside, we might have tiny parts of our lives that are.  I know that I work my hardest to make sure I do´not pick up the critters along the way - but sometimes they come anyway. 

Where do you need to maybe do a detox to get rid of the critters?

All You Can Eat

So, my husband and I are at an all inclusive resort right now. It is beautiful to say the least.

http://www.grandsunsetprincessresort.com/images/hotel1.jpg

We truly have never done an all-inclusive because we really don't drink much if any at all. The whole concept is pretty funny - you can just picture everyone's eyes bug out at the thought of being able to eat all day and drink 24/7. When we got here, people were telling us all of the restaurants and which buffets to try or avoid. It was funny - nothing about the resort or the beach - just the food!

We have so much being fed to us in the world especially about religion - for that matter - politics too. So - how do you know what is the right one to eat or partake? There are many different people telling you that their one is the right one or that it is better than another. How do you know if you do not have the knowledge? I know that before we came here - I did a lot of research. If we had just taken the cheapest package - it could have been a disaster. Bottom line - you cannot live through someone else telling you how to live. It is always great to hear a wonderful sermon - but if you only feed yourself that way - you are missing out. You cannot experience it without stepping out and learning on your own. The whole point is to have a personal relationship. Just like with the buffets here in Cancun - we won't know until we get out there and make the experience our own.


Verse of the Day
   
“This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Miles away

So I am typing this from 35,000 ft in the air. I am on my way to Mexico and didn't have time this morning to blog.

Since I am getting away I was thinking about escape. Isn't it so nice to get away and feel refreshed?! I know I love that. However, I know how often I try to escape problems throu something else. It isn't always intentional or conscious. I might rely on a friend too much, eat food, or shop instead of dealing with the problem. That in itself is not totally horrible unless you are doing it all the time.

I have watched so many friends along the way cope with issues through either alcohol or pain killers. Truth is they are pretty similar because we are trying to kill the pain. Life is hard! So easily it becomes addiction and without even realizing you have fallen down that rabbit hole. No one sets out to be an alcoholic or have issues with food. It just happens over time.

Our passage today is. Psalm 40.

Psalm 40

A David Psalm

 1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.
   He lifted me out of the ditch,
      pulled me from deep mud.
   He stood me up on a solid rock
      to make sure I wouldn't slip.
   He taught me how to sing the latest God-song,
      a praise-song to our God.
   More and more people are seeing this:
      they enter the mystery,
      abandoning themselves to God.

 4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
      turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
      ignore what the world worships;
   The world's a huge stockpile
      of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
   Nothing and no one
      comes close to you!
   I start talking about you, telling what I know,
      and quickly run out of words.
   Neither numbers nor words
      account for you.

 6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
      that's not what you're after.
   Being religious, acting pious—
      that's not what you're asking for.
   You've opened my ears
      so I can listen.

 7-8 So I answered, "I'm coming.
      I read in your letter what you wrote about me,
   And I'm coming to the party
      you're throwing for me."
   That's when God's Word entered my life,
      became part of my very being.

 9-10 I've preached you to the whole congregation,
      I've kept back nothing, God—you know that.
   I didn't keep the news of your ways
      a secret, didn't keep it to myself.
   I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.
      I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth
   For myself alone. I told it all,
      let the congregation know the whole story.

 11-12 Now God, don't hold out on me,
      don't hold back your passion.
   Your love and truth
      are all that keeps me together.
   When troubles ganged up on me,
      a mob of sins past counting,
   I was so swamped by guilt
      I couldn't see my way clear.
   More guilt in my heart than hair on my head,
      so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.

 13-15 Soften up, God, and intervene;
      hurry and get me some help,
   So those who are trying to kidnap my soul
      will be embarrassed and lose face,
   So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable
      will be heckled and disgraced,
   So those who pray for my ruin
      will be booed and jeered without mercy.

 16-17 But all who are hunting for you—
      oh, let them sing and be happy.
   Let those who know what you're all about
      tell the world you're great and not quitting.
   And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing:
      make something of me.
   You can do it; you've got what it takes—
      but God, don't put it off.


God is there no matter what you are going through. Lean into his arms and let him carry you through

Are you Facebook Official?

I laugh when my kids or kids that I work with tell me about their teen drama. They start telling me about friends that have hooked up with various people but they aren't officially dating.  I laugh because they are clearly dating.  I will ask, "How can you say they aren't going out?"  They will tell me that it isn't posted on facebook.  So the joke is, "Are you facebook official  - or officially official"

I would love to say that all the content in what I am saying is all original but it isn't.  Much of it is my thought but my mom was sharing a sermon her pastor gave last week. 

Whenever I get a friend request on facebook, it always pops up with a question of whether you want to accept or decline the friend.  The first thought that runs through my head is, "Do I know this person?"  The second thought that goes through my head if I can even answer the first one is, "Do I really want to know this person again?"  Finally, you have the ultimate decision to accept or decline.  It isn't that we have intense conversations with everyone we know on facebook.  However, we are inviting them into our life if we accept that request.  That sometimes comes with good and bad.  When you accept their request, you are giving permission to add to your life and possibly change it.

Our relationship with Jesus is the same.  It is a request to come into your life.  You are faced with many questions but it always comes down to the final decision - do you accept or decline.  There isn't an in between.  We either accept him into our life or we put him on the shelf and decline.  I would also contend that we often ignore the request.  We might put off accepting or declining but ultimately, if we do not take the time to accept him into our lives, we are still declining even if we are ignoring his request. 

Our passage for today:

“Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.” James 1:22 MSG

Are you ignoring the request and declining or are you accepting?  Are you accepting and inviting Him into your life for a real relationship?

Heart

I admit that I struggled to do the blog this morning in addition to getting my house ready for my mom to come today.  I apologize if you were actually trying to read it this morning and I fell short. 

I am always moved by music.  When someone asks me what kind of music I like, it is difficult to answer.  I can usually say just about everything.  I do not care all that much for the screamo type but even the background music has some merit.  Music just moves my heart.  It is so full and my heart has so much emotion attached to so many songs.

In light of that, I started thinking about the heart and how sometimes it deceives me.  As my daughter dates, it becomes even more obvious how the heart can tell us one thing but it not necessarily be true.  I remember dating someone in high school and having such butterflies but then they started to treat me like crap and those feelings went away.  Love is not a feeling - it is a verb and action.  Love doesn't just show up when you meet someone, it is what shows up when you are sick or your relationship is having difficulty.  It is grace granted when we do not necessarily deserve it. 

Today's passage is a whopper and I hope you are ready for it: 
“I hate the two-faced, but I love your clear-cut revelation. You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my God's commands. Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure. Don't disappoint all my grand hopes. Stick with me and I'll be all right; I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life. Expose all who drift away from your sayings; their casual idolatry is lethal. You reject earth's wicked as so much rubbish; therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say. I shiver in awe before you; your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.” Psalm 119:114 MSG

Some of you may be asking what that has to do with the heart and deception.  Look closely as it is the things and people that might pull us off track from following God directly.  His love for us is one continuous dose of grace - we certainly do not deserve it.  We certainly let our hearts lead us in the wrong directions especially when we do not listen to what is right. 

So, as music touches my heart - I wanted to share a song with you from Hillsong.  So take heart my friends, and let HIM lead you and not your heart.  He will not deceive you.


Take Heart [Verse 1:]
There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails

[Chorus:]
So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again

[Verse 1:]
In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails

[Bridge:]
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/h/hillsong-united-lyrics/take-heart-lyrics.html |]

All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome

All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome

All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome

All our failures
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome

God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome