Seasons Change

     You know, it's funny; I look back at where I was last year, and so much has changed since then. I look at my life here in Ohio, and stare in awe at the wonders God's done in my life. 

     It was a year ago, when Josh wrote a guest post on my blog, found here: http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/2014/10/guest-post-surrendering.html

     Many of you may not know, but I help take care of an elderly lady just down the street from me. I take care of her, right now for one day a week, from 7:30AM-5:30PM. Mary White (Mrs. White) tells me so many stories of her and her husband. She's 92, and has 5 generations of children/grand children/great grandchildren/etc...! When I look at Mrs. White, it's very clear that she's a Christian. For her, being a child herself was just yesterday. She has so many wonderful stories, and many stories when she had to lean on the Lord for complete and full guidance. Seasons change, and she got older. She fell and broke her hip in June, and ever since then, it's kind of been down hill with constant pain, and medications. But through it all, she still finds words to praise God... and to pray. Praying is never her last resort. We pray before each meal together. When she's worried, she'll offer a prayer up to God.
      Seasons change, and one day Mrs. White will no longer be on this earth, but with God. I can't help but wonder, what kind of a person I'll be when I get old. Will my husband and I have many children, and grandchildren? Will we be healthy? Will we read the Bible and pray all the time? I pray that we will! It seemed like it wasn't that long ago that I had my "sweet 16" birthday. I didn't want to get married anytime soon. In some aspects, I wanted to stay a child my whole life. However, God has other plans. God changes heart, and with time, God changed my heart. I longed to have a husband and children. I had the image that we'd have many children and sit down in the living room with our Bible's in hand, doing devotions, together, as a family.
     Now look at me?! I'm married! I got married at 22, and I pray to God that He'll bless our home with many children in the years to come.
     So, seasons change, and so do we. I need to remember to praise God in each season of life... even in the not-so-great-times. I'm reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11, 14 "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him."

The moment of Full-Surrender!

All of us Christians, reach the moment of full-surrender in our lives. The moment when we’ve finally realized that what we have in life, isn't enough. The moment we realize that the only Joy we can get, is through Christ. There was a time in my life when I finally realized that. When I say, “Full-surrender”, I don’t mean, “Okay, God you can have this area.” I mean, “Okay, God, you’re the only one who can fill my thirst and hunger.” The moment, when we bow at his feet, and realize that He is our ultimate and Sovereign King!

     For my birthday last year I got a book called, “Hinds’ feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard. This is a book I would definitely recommend! J In this book, Much-afraid comes to the moment of full-surrender. I thought I’d post an excerpt from the book! After you've read the excerpt, I would encourage you to watch/listen to the video below! Enjoy! :)

     The white-robed flowers growing on the High Places that were buoyant and unsullied after being walked on by the Shepherd and Much-Afraid, are perfect examples of what happens when we lay our lives down for Him. Instead of being damaged as we might fear, we rise again to exude a perfume richer and sweeter than before. Is there anything you are hesitant to lay down? Think about it for a moment. Then, with renewed commitment and yieldedness, come to your Lord and say: You are my King-the King of love and of everything that is lovely.

     Kneel before Him knowing that you are kneeling before the One who is gentle and tender, but also full of strength, power, and authority. Express to Him your desire to have burned or pressed out of you all that is not of Him. Hear Him say: “…Lo, this has touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven” (Isaiah 6:7 AMP)

     Thank Him for the reality of the experience when it pleases Him to bring it forth. Patiently wait for His timing! 

Lord, you have my heart!

I was thinking about hearts this last week...our heart. Where do you find your heart? What is it seeking after? What is it longing for? I know it's different from day to day, but what do you find it goes after....what do you go after? Maybe it's money, love, peace, joy, or so many other things. Sometimes when life gets so busy, we don't take the time to sit down, and read the Bible. I know I do that. So when we say, "Lord, you have my heart"...do we really mean it? Are we in control, or is God? When we say, "Take my life", and "I surrender", what do we mean by that? I would encourage you, to look at your heart, and examine where it is, better yet, ask God, where your heart is...

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
~Psalm 139: 23-24~

Surrendering

What does it mean to Surrender?

sur·ren·der

1. To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.

2. To give up in favor of another.

3. To give up or abandon: surrender all.

4. To give over or resign (oneself) to something, as to an emotion: surrendered himself to grief.

There was a time in my life when I couldn't take it anymore. That's when I finally came to a complete stop and asked God to take it all. I surrendered to Him.
God wants all of our burdens, worries, and cares.
Let's imagine this...you tell God, "Please take the worries off of my mind. I surrender," then God answers you back and says, "I don't want just your worries, I want ALL of your stress, worries, fears, and cares. Can you give that to me?"
"But God, I want to keep control over that part of my life."
"Then why are you surrendering, if you don't really mean it?"
"I do mean it, but I want that part of my life."
So you want me to be in control of only 5% of your life?"
"Well when you put it that way, it sounds bad."
"But, that's what your telling me."
"What do you want from me?"
"I want you to surrender to me. Give everything to me."
Then, there's a long pause of silence between you two. After the pause you sigh and say, "Okay God...you can have all of me. I surrender to you, who loves me more than life."
And then, you break down and cry, because you know that he is now in control of your life.
He now cradles you in His hand, and you feel peace.
Surrender to Him, and you will be blessed!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~Matthew 11:28-30