Dancing with Simplicity

Simple Living, Walking by Faith
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Tangles of Weeds: Can I Conquer Life’s Clutter?

  • January 25, 2020 9:47 am

Conquering Life’s Clutter

Tangles of Weeds: Can I Conquer Life’s Clutter?

Every year I say I am going to …de clutter my house, journal,
read more, bake, learn a new craft, and organize paper clutter in my office.
Sound familiar? You too? And every year it does not happen. Well, not most of
it anyway. It’s like the view from my kitchen window. Our window looks out on
our long, narrow yard. Our dogs have seen to it that no grass remains. Instead,
we have a lot of odd trees and weeds that like to keep coming back every year. A
tangled, hot mess. One year we finally paid to have the overgrowth removed. Everything
was pretty, though still not grassy. The yard cleaned up nicely. My view from
the kitchen window revealed a conquered yard! Despite the lack of much greenery,
it was something to behold… for a season. A very short season. Yard clutter.

So it is with our yearly, weekly, daily, goals, and plans. The
space is cleared. We make room in our homes, our schedules our lives, for all
sorts of things (including some me time.) Unfortunately, before we know it the
whole mess has grown back again. Weeds start filling the schedule, our
thoughts, our plans, choking out our attempts to dream some big
dreams. Bottom line, our attempts to simplify, declutter, get rid of the weeds,
are thwarted every time. Life clutter.

Now you might think this is a bad thing, but it really is no
surprise to God. He knows we have no good thing in us, and He knows our sin
entangles. A manicured yard doesn’t last long in a fallen world. The weeds will
come back. Cluttering tangled messes like anxiety, addictions, stress, depression,
pride, stubbornness, disobedience. Notice these are not all blatantly sinful things.
Sometimes, they are time robbers. Sometimes they simply drain you and zap your
energy. They grow in like those weeds, quickly, subtly, unnoticed. Just like in
my backyard. Creeping clutter.

Maybe, it’s time to
remember the weeds and clutter are simply going to be there. Instead of
being caught off guard, pluck them up and move on. If they grow back, tear them
down again. If it takes some repentance and confession, so be it Let
God’s presence fill up the overgrown messy weedy places. You may find
opposition coming back, and taking over. Opposition to your plans, dreams, and
choices comes in all sorts of forms. Though it is a battle you may deal with
every single day for the rest of your life, in the end He has conquered it all.
For now, try planting His Word in the barren yard. Do not let the yard take you
by surprise. Recognize it, expect it, and conquer it. Tear it down. Deal with
it when it grows and better yet, let Him be the gardener. Simplify your
life, by anticipating the opposition. Be prepared for it, and keep moving
forward. Behold the view from the window. He is making all things new.

II Cor 4:16 (MSG) So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the
outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside,
where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.

Suggested Online Christmas Services

  • December 22, 2019 1:24 pm

If you have no plans or places to go for Christmas services, may I suggest:

https://www.viewpointchurch.org/

Viewpoint Church.  Author/pastor Becky Tirabassi’s church from Southern CA, USA. Becky has long been a  mentor. I have used her Change Your Life Daily Bible and other resources for years, and now she and husband Roger pastor a church. Visit her church site or find her on Facebook. More resources:  http://www.changeyourlifedaily.com/. Coming in January, read through the Bible in one year…with Becky on Instagram.

 

Saddleback Church, Pastor Rick Warren from CA.  https://saddleback.com/

I’m a member of the online community on Facebook, and serve on the online prayer team. You will find many online Christmas services and a new church-wide event begins in January 2020. Watch live, watch the archive or You Tube services. The Worship team has to be one of my favorites, from just anywhere!

Retinopathy Perspective, Diabetes Anniversary

  • August 27, 2019 1:16 pm

August 2019:  It’s my 49’th anniversary of my diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. I’m currently facing some challenges with retinopathy. Having had two hemorrhages since November, and two injections and some laser…well, nothing much has improved. I’ve recently won two art classes and these I hope to make use of, vision or not! Retinopathy is not fun to deal with, and in my case does not ever resolve quickly. When the laser failed this time around, I was sent for Avastin injections. Those have not worked well either. I can’t really drive and I have numerous things I need to be out doing.

My 49’th Anniversary? Wow! A lot has changed since my diagnosis in 1970. No more urine testing, injections (I use an Omni Pod insulin delivery system), and much more technology. If you are dealing with diabetes and its complications, feel free to leave a comment. And blessings to all of you!

© Tracie Koziura | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Easter Hope

  • April 19, 2019 1:27 pm

© Tracie Koziura | Dreamstime Stock Photos

I often think about one Easter spent in Georgia, somewhere back in the 60’s. My Dad spread blue fur around our hotel room. I’m assuming the Easter bunny was blue. I think that is what Dad was suggesting. He (Mr. Bunny) always took a nice bite out of the carrots I left for him. I believe he did on that occasion as well. Easter was blue fur and bunnies, and carrots with tooth marks in them. And who can forget Easter egg hunts, and being dressed up in patent leather shoes and your finest church clothes?

Those days however, are long gone. What used to be a holiday filled with candy and toys, has now become something much more to me. The Easter story brings hope. Hope of life eternal and grace beyond measure. Hope that streams from putting our faith in the one whose crucifixion we remember. When I decided to become a Christian, to follow Christ, I began to see how the Bible message as a whole became a reason for celebration. The Easter message was there in much of the Scriptures. Scripture was worth studying, memorizing, and above all following.

I would also discover that the most quoted Easter verses did not provide the whole picture. Suffering had to come before joy, fear before worship and God’s plan had to move forward into a message for others to hear. The message of Easter can be found in both Old and New Testament verses. It’s been said; that the message of the New Testament is concealed in the Old Testament. The message of hope therefore isn’t limited to just the standard Easter Scriptures. It is woven through the entire canon of Scripture. Bible verses specific to our Easter celebrations, stand as promises and bring us hope while Old Testament symbolism points to something much more.

It may not sound very hopeful to look at the suffering the Cross carried with it yet Psalm 22 reminds us of the suffering necessary to bring us future hope. Christ’s very words ” My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1, NIV) reminds us that the pain was a necessary part of the process. The whole Psalm bears witness of this. I have always marveled that the words uttered on the Cross (Matthew 27:46, NIV) were recorded in that Psalm long before. We cannot possibly fathom this suffering yet it reminds us of why we have our Easter celebrations at all. His suffering had to come before the triumph. His friends, family and followers had to endure great pain, before unspeakable joy. Though they pale in comparison, sometimes our trials precede our victories. We have to deal with pain in our lives, often before we see the glory on the other side. Entombed in our heart are many trials, many days of suffering and pain.  But Resurrection power bursts through as our heart is renewed and filled with hope and joy.

The four gospel books contain various accounts of the resurrection of Jesus. In Matthew 28 an angel explains to Mary Magdalene and ‘another Mary’ that Jesus’ body is no longer in the tomb.

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. (Matthew 28:8-10, NIV.)

Our worship should flow out of this very scene. Because of what He did for us, these Bible verses that celebrate Easter, can be personalized. We can worship at the feet of the Lord, because of the very fact that the tomb is empty. The. tomb. is. empty. He has risen. Our fear of any situation can be replaced with joy. The joy invokes worship at His feet.

In Luke Jesus left us this word “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44, NIV). The New Testament hope is concealed in the Old Testament Scriptures. Our Easter celebration is not made up of blue fur, and bunnies. Rather it is a celebration of hope. Hope based on a God who kept His promises, and fulfilled His word. I can live in light of the ‘everything’ that must be fulfilled.

This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44, NIV).

The Biblical celebration of Easter has to encompass the Cross of suffering, the joy of an empty tomb and the fulfillment of Scripture, past and future. From our own corner of the world we can preach the Easter message to others. We can share Easter verses of encouragement and hope. We can turn our fear to joy, and share that joy with those who need to hear. Be blessed and encouraged this Easter. Our world grows increasingly more troubled day by day. This Easter, embrace your Biblical hope as you live out your day to day life. Take your suffering and turn it to celebration, over the life that was given, and the life that now lives and intercedes on our behalf.

 

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Sprinkled Hearts

  • April 3, 2019 5:31 pm

I’m working on digital products. You can obtain this poem in a few ways. Here’s one link for some nice tea glasses.

What Are You Waiting for? Hoping in God

  • April 24, 2015 12:23 am

Today God delivered a healing to my husband. A suspected kidney mass, became a cyst. A word from the doctor that this was an urgent situation, became a call from the nurse who said there was nothing at all to worry about. A lot of prayer went into this situation, and the end result was a huge relief and a blessing.

What are you waiting for? Financial help? An end to sickness? A relationship to be mended? A family member to come back home? Waiting is never easy. It can involve hope and expectation. It can also harbor fear, anxiety and worry. I worried all through this incident, and am not going to pretend I didn’t.

The wait actually reminds me of when I was a little kid waiting for my Dad to come home from work. I knew he would be home, and I couldn’t wait for him to show up in the driveway. Well, sometimes I can’t wait for God to show up on the scene. I pace and pace, just as I did waiting for my earthly Dad. I’m thrilled when God shows up, thrilled with the gifts and blessings He brings with Him. Often my Dad showed up with gifts, but actually even if he came home without anything, it was ok with me. He showed up. Period. Just like God. Gifts are wonderful, but my Dad didn’t have to bring them to provie his love for me and my family. Unconditional, unrelenting, undying love. Gifts you could never buy, just like the gifts God bestows.

I don’t know what you are waiting for, or asking God for. I know it may be scary and probably is not easy. You may feel hopeless, helpless, or alone in the situation. I hope you have that eager expectation that God is going to show up. I hope you are wating for, and watching for Him. Here’s a promise to cling to:

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

The Hope of Easter

  • April 4, 2015 10:44 pm

Matthew 28:1-9 (NLT)
1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.
9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.

It’s empty. He is risen. But not before dying an unimaginable death for you and for me. If you don’t know Him this Easter, if this is unclear or confusing or simply something you have never heard about please read the page on Steps to Knowing God. You’ll find it in the right sidebar. Don’t build your Easter on anything less than Christ the solid rock. This is serious business. The greatest sacrifice ever made for anyone, was made for you and me. As always, if you have any questions please post them. If you simply want to express how thankful you are to Him, please do. In this day of instability and world terrorism threats, #Brussels and beyond, we need the hope of that empty tomb.  We need to know, our Savior lives. And one day, He will return for us.  Again, if you need this hope, this security in your own life, remember the tomb is empty. Don’t live another day, another moment, without surrendering your life to the One who surrendered His life for you.

 Have a blessed Resurrection Day. He is risen indeed.

Are You Walking in Faith?

  • March 25, 2015 11:51 pm

Walking in faith. It’s the other half of this blog’s title, but last doesn’t make it least. It is the key. It’s the missing part of the equation. It’s the piece of the puzzle that you may struggle to place. When it is placed correctly though, you see the whole picture as it was meant to be.

Faith is inexplicable, but without it, it’s impossible to please God.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Faith requires you to step out. It requires you to walk forward when you cannot see exactly where you are going.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

You may have faith that a chair is going to hold you up. Do you have faith that God is going to do the same? You may have faith in the love of a parent, friend, child, or spouse. Do you have that confidence in the one who died for you? Maybe your faith is in a weekly paycheck, your health, even your location.  What if those things crumble?

Hebrews 11:13-16 (NKJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

If you need to know more, please visit my page Steps to Knowing God (click on the sidebar). Read Hebrews 11 for a glimpse into the heroes of the faith.

In addition, if you want some help on the journey, Proverbs 31 ministries is currently registering women for the next OBS (Online Bible Study).  All you need is a book, and your internet connection. You decide how many activities you want to participate in, and it’s all free of charge (except for the book.) Did you notice the title of the book?

Note: They have registration open now for the study’s conference call series (available for a small cost) and Facebook small groups.  The groups may be full, but they do keep a waiting list.  I’ll see you over there when the study begins.  Visit the OBS link for all the latest news and registration.  #WalkInFaith #P31OBS

 

WIF_Inbound_Book_Cover

Keep walking in faith.  And as always, I welcome your questions and comments.

Quick note: It was a great study. There are archives available, all you need is a book to follow along. This quote from Lysa really moved me:

However distant your dreams may seem, God is working things out & today is an important part of that process.

Lesson Learned:  there is a place between now and my dreams. A place of growth. The waiting is often long, but the now moments need to be utilized, nurtured and not wasted. Between here and the dream there is much to do and accomplish.

 

 

 

Sprinkled Hearts

  • January 28, 2015 11:34 pm

tmd4Hebrews 10:19-23 (NKJV)
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

What Are You Seeking in 2015?

  • December 31, 2014 6:14 pm

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

There is no greater goal, no greater resolution than to seek God more in 2015. The world is obviously a little bit stressed out lately. 2014 saw a whole bunch of chaos. No matter what your political views, there’s no denying the chaos was and is there even on this last day of the year.

You may have had a wonderful year, or one filled with struggles. In any event, the new year brings a new opportunity to set some goals and work toward some changes. Now you probably know from the past that most of these changes  just do not get done. It’s like decluttering your house.  How many times have you vowed to do it, and how many times have you failed? That’s what I thought…me too!

The only thing I can guarantee you and myself, is that seeking God first is the real solution for everything. Check out the following:

Matthew 6:25-34 (HCSB)
25 “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?
27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height
by worrying?
28 And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread.
29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these!
30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith?
31 So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’
32 For the idolaters
eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Notice how the seeking part, is buried in the worry and the stress? Matthew has it smack dab in the middle of the mess.  Why? Because it works. The emphasis though, is on what to seek first. In the middle of 2014 and 2015, lies the chance to do some serious seeking. One day at a time.  It may be a little late to recover the time from 2014, but tomorrow is just a few hours away.  Start now, seeking Him in prayer as you offer Him your new year.

If you don’t know how to seek Him, or what it means to have a true relationship with Him, visit the Knowing God page on this blog. Feel free to research and discuss what it means to seek both His kingdom and His righteousness.

If Christmas taught you anything, it’s that all the stuff you may have been seeking either didn’t show up under the tree, or it didn’t make you happy.  I write from reality and I can tell you you will always have struggles and chaos in the midst of peaceful days. Happiness is never lasting. The choice though, is to seek Him through every year you have on the earth.  There is no other way. Seek Him first. Not Facebook friends, not alcohol, not drugs, not money. Seek Him first. Not status, not the perfect career, not toys and the fastest greatest car. Him. First. Above all. Right now before you land in the middle of a new year. And for the record, can you believe another year has come and gone already? Start now!

Ephesians 3:20-21 (HCSB)
20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—
21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.