Are we Listening?

 Watch this video before you read my post. This humorous YouTube video will serve as an illustration for the topic of this post   Both, parent and child are claiming the other is not listening.   My work, teaches me to actively listen to my clients: using rephrasing and restating.  It helps both me and the client to process responses.  Sometimes we ask or wonder if God is listening to us, when the better question is: Are we listening to God?   People speak in terms we are often familiar with, however we may not be as in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit.  I am learning a few concepts about listening for God's promptings.     

1. God desires and allows us to know and discover his voice...    “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:" John 10:27.  The sheep represent God’s children.  This verse also states that the sheep know and hear God’s voice,   they are known by God and Christ.  I believe wholeheartedly God is able to speak audibly if He chooses to.  Let’s just be honest I’ve never heard God speak audibly to me.  While I can’t speak for others, I think it would be hard to say others have either, unless of course they lived during the of Jesus’ ministry.  Though not hearing God’s voice does not mean God isn’t speaking, and t we should not listen.  

2. It is impossible to listen to God without spending some form of time in His presence. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:12-13. One reason I changed the name of my blog to: From Head to Heart, is because I know it is possible to know God’s word in my mind, but not n allow those words to affect my life and heart.  Unless I allow God’s words to make the way from head to heart, I’m living purely from a legalistic knowledge, and not intimacy with God. The Bible says God rewards those who seek, listen to, and place their trust in him. Hebrews 11:6

3.  One of the primary ways God speaks is through his promises.  “I shall delight^[in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word. Psalm 119:15:16.  Sometimes, in my own life, because of doubt, or just simply because I’d like another answer, I fail to listen to the truth God has given clearly in a given situation.  If God has already provided the answer in the Bible, the phrase do what has already been stated applies.

4.  God also speaks through our own past and present experiences.  This might be through an answer to our prayer, or a challenge we face.  We may choose to waste our trials, but God never intended that.  I watch on a weekly basis as God redeems the agony of cancer into ministry.  It is often difficult for me to listen and look for ways to use my life experiences, but when I do listen and respond, God speaks and reveals himself. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in ]any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor.1:3-4.   I wonder sometimes if we are not like the child in the video saying Lord you are not listening to us.  I envision the Lord responding graciously yet firmly. No, child You are not listening to me!  God often repeats his message to affirm it to us.  Are we listening? 

Why Laugh?

Dedicated to Margaret Long and Madeline Ellis

If you are around my family much there is one element that is present at any family gathering.  Well if you count food as one, there are actually two elements present.  The one I want to focus on here, as we have entered into 2014 is laughter. There is rarely ever a shortage of laughter when my family is together.  There is no doubt there is much to be serious about in this life, but the abundant life Christ promised us isn't’ one that is void of laughter.    Do you ever wonder if Jesus laughed?  I have really no doubt that He did, because the Bible says He Christ made himself like us in every way.  When Jesus allowed Children to come to him, I believe that He allowed them to come as who they were, laughter and all.  There are some who would say that laughing with God is irrelevant, but I disagree….     Laughter makes life richer….  My mom and I laughed last night when she mistakenly gave a Hobby Lobby card to the cashier at Starbucks.  We laughed when my aunt bought groceries from Kroger and upon pushing the cart to the van the toilet paper rolled into the street.  We were not the only ones laughing then.    As a result of my being a deep thinker people often miss or overlook my fun side.  Laughter makes the hard times lighter and more manageable.  Laughter is a gift from God.  “There is a time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.” Ecc. 3:4 

A life without laughter is a life lacking something.  I’m glad I have a family that knows how to laugh.  I remember when my cousin Bill, my uncle Ron, and another family member, all ran around the pool like mad men chasing my little cousin Jack, before he dove in the pool with his nice clothes on.  If memory serves me correctly they did not catch him before dove in, and we burst into laughter.  I think we were all so amused that I don’t recall his getting into trouble for his big jump.   

Sometimes it is good to laugh at yourself.  Like the time I introduced a classmate by the wrong name to someone, as I drove away, his girlfriend asked why I called him by another first AND yes last name too. 

 Like any other gift in life if we use laughter poorly or in the wrong way at the wrong time, we can hurt ourselves and others.  No one uses laughter perfectly, all the time, but laughter is healthy for body and soul.  I want to tell you about two sisters who laugh together and have fun wherever they go and whatever they face….  One has chemo brain sometimes, and the other is sometimes suspected of possibly having slight conversational ADD.  I think this verse describes both these sisters. “

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

    and she laughs without fear of the future Prov.”31:25

    One of these women is my Aunt, and the other is my mom.  They spread the gift of laughter wherever they are, and many uplifted by their fun and optimism.  I’m blessed to have their genes.  Does someone in your life make you laugh?  I’d love to hear about them!

Change is here...

Over the last year and a half there have been some small changes happening mostly on the inside of me.  I've embraced unconditional love from God,  I am becoming more secure in him.  His love and acceptance have begun to make it's way from my head to my heart, which is why I have chosen to celebrate the change as reminder of how far God has brought me from where I've been.  I believe our lives are not just a journey of our own, but are meant to inspire and encourage others.  When I began this blog years ago, the tagline was "my place in this blogging world", it was meant to be a reflection of finding my place in this world. My focus has now changed, and it is my desire to reflect that here.  So the tagline is now from Head to Heart.  So I hope you embrace the seemingly mild changes here friends, because one thing I'm learning is that change is going to happen whether we embrace it or not .    It has been good and busy birthday month that has now come to a close.
        Are you in a season of change or stillness?

Whatever season it is our lives, God wants us to invite his presence into it!  

                                                                            

She Speaks Recap and dipping my toe in the water

 Photo 1

Hotel Lobby  Image 3

                                                   

Lysa TerKeurst Author/Speakerhttp://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lysaterkeurst.com%2F&h=ZAQG1WPMn  

Author/ Speaker

Sharon Glasgow

                                            My Speaking Eval.Leader

                                                It looks pretty but so not a fan of mayo...

                                                              This was my Manna from above!

Rich, Rich Rich!

Author/ Speaker Liz Curtis Higgs by far the funniest most comedic down to earth woman I've ever met! 

         Let me began by saying that while it may appear that all I did @ She Speaks was meet big time authors and speakers this is very far from true.  Many of you are probably expecting to make some big announcement about writing a book or speaking to people.   I learned a TON about the ins and out of writing and speaking.  I met lots of people from nearly every cultural background one could imagine!   Yes I said culture not state The life lessons I learned were just as apparent as all the meat and Potato ones.    I learned that I am a writer, and I love it!  I am a writer now, not later when I'm published but now.  I learned I like to speak, but I love to write!     God has given me a message that is uniquely mine, though I am still discovering what that looks like.  I found out that I'm very introspective, and though I love people, contrary to popular opinion I don't enjoy being the center of attention, and that's okay.    It was like a crash course in college, but you only have to learn subjects that interest you.  Jenn and I had a great traveling together!  It was such a gift she gave me in Our Lord.    I enjoyed all of it, but the first night I had a "freak out, after one of the speakers talked about all the physical things a speaker should do while delivering a message, like breathe properly move around on stage, and I panicked.  It took me almost the rest of the night to get over my feelings of inadequacy, but once I did I was able to fully embrace the rest of the weekend and lot go of my fear.  Thanks for your prayers!  I'm excited about what is waiting for me.  Here are few things I am learning....

• I am a gifted communicator- I say that with both shock and excitement!   
• I need to use my gifts.
• I don't have to be someone else to be effective.
• Perspective Matters
• I am a picky eater, and I'm okay with that
• Prayer and writing are never a waste of time for me, if it is time directed by the Lord!  
• I love to laugh!  
• I can take risks when it counts. 

The trip is a gift I will cherish!  Special thanks to Jenn Hand and all who helped make the trip possible!    i RECEIVED wonderful constructive feedback!  There was much laughter!
Tell me what you are in the process of learning about right now?    

              

Choose Joy Friday!

     It has been awhile since you have seen a Choose Joy post from me.  I use the word Joy instead of happiness on purpose, but I'll tell you more about that another time. Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you? by Sprinkles @ http://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/  Link up with her blog if you want to join in!

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list on your own blog.  Thanks!)

• I am joyful because I was given an amazing hot stone massage as a gift!  It was beyond words an amazing experience...
• I have discovered the book Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and while I'm only over half way through, it has still rocked my world.
• My mom is doing great Living with cancer
• I'm going to She speaks conferenceInfo here!! 
• I love Summer!  

1 John 4:16

"JOY is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things."Kay Warren Choose Joy)

A week of celebration and Reflecting... Part 1

Wow what a busy 2 weeks it has been!  We have three family birthdays in April including my own. Last Sunday I turned 29....   My aunt decorated in my favorite colors, and the family had a steak/shrimp dinner for me!  My cousin Kim made an amazing birthday cake!   A friend from church hand painted a bucket with my name, and a butterfly on it, and it had my favorite candy bar inside!  Best friend day at Local Chattanooga Mall   We were crazy!  I have more exciting things to share, but I must close for now..  How was your week?

Post trip reflections and photos!

This would be me watching football AKA THE VOLS GET CREAMED!

My brother entering the cousins while the 13 of us ate @ amazing restaurant called Bullfish  in Pigeon  Forge TN.

We are all playing my favorite game Apples to Apples, it took a minute but everyone learned and got into it!

Cousin Jocelyn was glad to have  this pic taken...

She just lost a couple teeth, but she is still smiling!

View from our condo!  We stayed @ River-stone resort and Spa!  Wanted to visit the spa, but never made it there, plus the spa is pricey...  

Love Brady's smile here!

GOOD PICTURE OF MUMZIE

A PICTURE of me, that I'm okay with

I'm really glad we got t
his one!

   So I can't describe everything, but hope these pictures provide a snapshot....  I relearned some things  on this trip....  

1.   When you let go of expectations you most often find greater fulfillment unexpectedly.
2.   You value your life more when you "leave" it for a short time.
3. I really do love my family for who they are!
4.   I eat even more when I'm away from home.
5.   There are a few things I like about the fall season!
6. I do love worshiping our amazing amazing Creator, and His Creation makes me smile!
7. God really cares about me!  

What do you love about  your Vacations/What lessons has getting away from your everyday stuff taught you?  

1.       

Spring and Summer Joys!

Spring pictures in the front yard

Mom and daughter!

Summer Day at local park

To let you know I'm still around!

watch THE EAGLE HATCHING

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/3064708

Kutless - Sea Of Faces prerequisite to my future post!

Ice Breaker- Half Full Friday

image found here 

http://mattdm.orgWell, because I've been so on and off with my blog postings in recent weeks, I decided I would do well to post an ice breaker kind of post.  In other words, a simple post with no strings.  No long-term promises- just something comfortable.  So here I am with half full Friday:

• I am joyful that mom's health is improving.
• I am joyful because of the beauty of God's creation!
• I am Joyful because of sweet memories made.
• I am joyful because of personal growth.  
• I am Joyful because of newly found freedom!
• I am joyful because of blessings, which I refuse to take for granted.

I joyful because Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

What makes you joyful this week?

Macy's 2011 Winter Photo session!

Sorry this is way to close for comfort, I had to call for back up!

                    

Thank you all so much for your honest feedback on Blog topics.  I appreciate it so much!  Before I begin posting on more serious topics, which I hope will possibly be tomorrow.  I wanted to post some very special pictures of someone very important to me!     Macy's 2011 Winter photo session!
Do you have a special pet that you treat more like a human?  Today in my house, I decided it is Pet Appreciation Day!  Thankful for God's perfect, gifts, or in Macy's case almost perfect gifts!

Blogging topics Feedback Please!

Hello Blogging Friends:

       My biggest blogging obstacle right now is narrowing down a single topic for each post, because there are multiple topics I'd like to cover.  I know the important thing is to focus on one topic at a time.  So for this reason, I may be posting a bit more frequently than usual, at least that is the plan, but it could change.  I usually try to give everyone a chance to express their thoughts, before moving ahead to another, topic. Here are a list of topics I hope to cover unless the Lord says no, or it just doesn't fit"

• What is Sanctity of Human Life, and How it changed my life 
• Believing when it is hard.  Romans 4  
• In Reverse Romans 4
• Respecting the President,/ I will not promote a political agenda that is NOT the purpose of this blog, there are plenty of political bashing or debate blogs out there, but you won't find one here.
• How Do I tell them?  Sharing Christ- 
• Christian themed movies, can they cut it?  
• Praying for others matters
• Parenting concerns from a non-parent

         These are topics on this blogger's mind, most of which I hope I can cover at some point.  Do you ever find yourself thinking about topics you hope to cover on your blog?  If so, do you have a list?  If so what are some of yours?  Please don't let these potential blog topics scare you away, these are tentative topics. Let me know your thoughts..  Which ones interest you and which ones don't, or make you cringe?

A Sweet Moment in 2011!

I woke at 4:30 AM, and the snow already here!

These are pics mom took, I don't go out in snow like this, but I love looking at it.  This is a lot for Chattanooga, but not even close to our blizzard of 93'.

Macy loves playing in the snow!

I MEAN SHE REALLY LOVES IT!

We got 7 inches, but some friends in North Chattanooga got 10! 

In the north, or Midwest I know they laugh at Chattanooga TN, and other southern states, because when it snows "life"shuts down, and for a moment how ever brief it is, adults become kids again, and pause to remember a glimpse of what really matters-  faith, love, simplicity, laughter, safety, memories just to name a few.  I'm not  really a winter girl, I love spring and summer!      People act "nuts" when it snows here. We don't have the ability or means to adapt to such conditions.  The best and I guess depending on who you ask, the worst thing about snow here is that for most of us, time stands still.   The time standing still is the part I love!  Today I'm thankful for the seasons God blesses us with, and like our lives there are pleasant and not so fun aspects of EVERY season our lives, but we serve a Saviour who is constant and never changing!  Hebrews 13:8 Emphasis Added!  Yet though He"s unchanging, God provides us with sweet changing seasons to give us fresh awareness of His beauty and glory!  Pretty neat huh?  What is your favorite season, and what makes it your favorite?