I will follow..: August 2012

Monday, 27 August 2012

When the glitter is stripped away..

Last week God asked me to do something that I found hard. He asked me to not wear any jewellery of any kind or make-up. God wanted to show me that my beauty, value and approval needs to always be in and from Him.

'But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.' Matthew 6:20 - I would rather my heart care more about the treasures in heaven that receive approval from God than the earthly treasures that can receive approval from others.

I battled with God when He asked me to do this and even in the battling I still felt guilty for not wanting to do it. Freedom came in the first day, I felt I could breathe as I began to accept who I am. I can't lie, there were bad moments too where I was on a date with my boyfriend and so many attractive girls came on the train to which of course I noticed the little secret glance at them from his direction..I don't blame him for that. I want his attention but actually only God can truly fulfil my need of being wanted.

It's strange but some people didn't even notice a difference, they still showed approval of me and made comments about my beauty.

The need for approval from others steals so much joy and effort. Last week was a step in the right direction on my journey that is still a long way to go. I want to find myself in my Heavenly Daddy and enjoy collecting treasure with Him.

Friday, 24 August 2012

What does your message say?

I bought a pack of greeting cards as I needed to send one to someone. On the back of the pack there was a piece of paper that said -

'Message inside: Blank'

As I read that, a question appeared in my mind asking 'what does your message say inside?'

'Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This "letter" is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.' 2 Corinthians 3:3

I would like to reveal the new message that God writes each day on my heart that beautifully explains who He is and what amazing things He is doing in me. Sometimes I feel like the people I meet only get half the message because either I allow the others things to cover the words or they are just to blind to see it. For the times it is me, Lord challenge me with your grace and the times that it is others, open their eyes Daddy God.

The moments that people read the message God writes elegantly on my heart and the soil in the garden of their hearts are ready to receive the seed are just so beautiful I wish I could take a photo and frame them to remember them.

What is the message God has placed in my heart today..
'I delight in you but I also delight in others. It breaks my heart to see injustice. I want to use you to bring my Kingdom, to bring joy to a broken world. Let me. Don't just sing of my glory, show it. Little acts are actually really big to me'

What does your message say? :)

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

A whole lot of beautiful

'They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder
But most of the beholders are looking over their shoulders
And beauty is slowly leaving this world
And love turns to hate and selfishness unfurls' (29th Chapter)

I don't want to look over my shoulder. I see a whole lot of Beautiful and it's changing me.

The beauty in sisters looking for the good in each other instead of looking for a fight.

The beauty of meeting God in worship and discovering what matters again.

The beauty of a friend revealing that she still cherishes something I gave her long ago.

The beauty in being a part of a young person's journey with their Heavenly Father.

The beauty of the delicious flavours of gelato on your tongue.

The beauty of a community coming together to celebrate the inspiration of sport

The beauty of using a gift God gave for everyone to enjoy

The beauty of allowing someone into your heart and walking alongside one another

The beauty in something so small carrying so much hope

The beauty of a blanket of snow reminding that He's cross covered our sins and made us pure.

The beauty in sharing

The beauty of an unexpected friendship that nurtures your soul so much that you wouldn't want to be without and anticipating what you'll discover next. The beauty of a smile that you find Jesus in.