Self-Reliance

A new season of reclamation has begun.

Excerpt from Self-Reliance  -  Ralph Waldo Emerson

I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, that I will do strongly before the sun and moon whatever inly rejoices me, and the heart appoints. 

If you are noble, I will love you; if you are not, I will not hurt you and myself by hypocritical attentions. 

If you are true, but not in the same truth with me, cleave to your companions; I will seek my own. I do this not selfishly, but humbly and truly. It is alike your interest, and mine, and all men's, however long we have dwelt in lies, to live in truth. Does this sound harsh today? You will soon love what is dictated by your nature as well as mine, and, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last.

.

.

.

What you love to think about, dream about, speak about, learn about and create about is your genius. Don't water down your natural style or contort yourself into some idealized version of who you think you should be. The impulses that come from deep within are your guide track to greatness. We want you as is. ~Marie Forleo

Grace by Max Lucado Review

"We find it easier to trust the miracle of resurrection than the miracle of Grace."

"...We scamper and scurry, trying to please God, collecting merit badges and brownie points..."

Can you relate?

Max Lucado's latest book GRACE is an inspirational read. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down, but forced myself to so as to meditate on what was being presented. Mr. Lucado interwove his thoughts, scripture, and real-life stories causing me to laugh, cry, think...and most importantly, pray.

I was encouraged as I was reminded of how God extends His grace towards us and how wonderful that grace is in our lives.

"Grace is simply another word for God's tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave."

This book challenges the reader to question how we have been changed by grace, and how we can make change by grace.

"To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it."

A read that does not condemn, but inspires. The end of this book also contains a "Reader's Guide" that individuals or groups can use to further explore grace in their lives.

This is a book for all, regardless of your experience with grace. I highly recommend it. It would be a great gift for Christmas or a fantastic Bible Study topic to start off the New Year! And as you can see in the picture, it comes in various versions for the young and old, experienced or otherwise.

One last quote (it is full of good ones...another thing I enjoy about this book), 

"You are loved by your Maker not because you try to please Him and succeed, or fail to please Him and apologize, but because He wants to be your Father."

~GRACE~

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.  

The Tongue of the Devil

 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

~1 Corinthians 16:13



Extreme Home Makeover and Empathy

Extreme Home Makeover - great show. Inevitably, as the show goes on to the part where the homeowners see their new home for the first time, I cry...I cry with them. On yesterday's show, the homeowner was from Jamaica and grew up without shoes. The EHM team coordinated an effort where 1000 shoes would be sent back to the homeowner's school in Jamaica, at which point, I cried along with the homeowner.

I cry when there is heartfelt emotion. Generally, I am not a crier, but when I sense strong emotion from others, it is like I become sucked in through a strong vortex and become entwined in their moment. It is uncontrollable...the wave of emotion that wells up...and for that moment, I feel connected by something greater than myself. I can only attribute this experience to God and to how He created us.

Empathy... "Empathy is an ability with many different definitions. They cover a broad spectrum, ranging from feeling a concern for other people that creates a desire to help them, experiencing emotions that match another person's emotions, knowing what the other person is thinking or feeling, to blurring the line between self and other."

We need empathy in our world today. We need to allow ourselves to feel the joy, the sorrow, the hurt, the anger of others...to view the moment or the world through the experiences of others. The reason why I say this is that without empathy we become calloused and cold to the truth. Truth.

In having empathy, we are able to offer mercy and love. The world around us is very quick to condemn us, hate us, and attempt to destroy whatever hope we may have. It is a fear thing. But with the Holy Spirit, we can overcome this pattern in the world by allowing Him to work in us and through us, allow ourselves to feel empathy and act upon it. For some of us that is easier said than done; however, it is possible because it is not us making it happen, it is God working in and through us. Perhaps it is something we need to pray for...the ability to see with His eyes, to hear with His ears, and to respond with His heart...

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,...

...so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.~Romans 15:5-6

Rhema Marvanne - The Prayer

The Prayer - Amazing 7yr old Rhema Marvanne @ Yahoo! Video

A friend on Facebook posted this link...and I am sooo thankful she did! This little girl is absolutely inspiring! I was immediately sure the Spirit of God had filled this little one with such a beautiful gift to bless this world. And perhaps I needed to hear the sweet, unhindered sound of innocence, and that is why I am so impressed. Listening to the tone and the quality of her voice, the flow of the notes, it is so easy to imagine heaven...rather, a piece of heaven on Earth. Wow...just wow!