Thankful

Originally posted by Mindy Clark on January 30, 2009.

I am thankful that even when I think I've got things together in my life, God stretches me a little more, teaches me a little more, reminds me a little more... I am thankful that my life in this world will always be a work in progress. I'm never going to be "at" the perfect place in life, but this is my life, right now... and God's plan for me is perfect.

Today there is a lesson to learn, a person to love, problem to solve, a time to be tested, a moment to embrace, a picture to take, a friend to make, a song to sing.... I am thankful that even when I am looking forward to so many of the wonderful things God has for me in the future, that he reminds me of the beauty of today... and to cherish it.

Today I am thankful for every blessing, every burden, every challenge, every person, every moment... I am thankful to be alive today. I am thankful that God has given me a joy that does not have to be circumstantial, but through him, I have joy everyday. This is beautiful.

And all I can say is... Hallelujah.

"Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles". Psalm 105:2

Thoughts...

I am currently reading a book called, "The Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis & John Eldredge. I've only gotten into the 3rd chapter so far, but I am really enjoying it. Something that caught my attention as I was reading is this:

"In the end, it doesn't matter how well we have performed or what we have accomplished-- a life without heart is not worth living. For out of this wellspring of our soul flows all true caring and all meaningful work, all real worship and all sacrifice. Our faith, hope, and love issue from this fount, as well. Because it is in our heart that we first hear the voice of God and it is in the heart that we come to know him and learn to live in his love. "

"Starting very early, life has taught all of us to ignore and distrust the deepest yearnings of our heart. Life, for the most part, teaches us to suppress our longing and live only in the external world where efficiency and performance are everything. We have learned from parents and peers, at school, at work, and even from our spiritual mentors that something else is wanted from us other than our heart, which is to say, that which is most deeply us. Very seldom are we ever invited to live out our heart. If we are wanted, we are often wanted for what we can offer functionally. If rich, we are honored for our wealth. If beautiful, for our looks, if intelligent, for our brains. So we learn to offer only those parts of us that are approved, living out a carefully crafted performance to gain acceptance from those who represent life to us. We divorce ourselves from our heart and begin to live a double life."

"The heart does not respond to principles and programs; it seeks not efficiency, but passion. Art, poetry, beauty, mystery, ecstasy: These are what rouse the heart. Indeed they are a language that must be spoken if one wishes to communicate with the heart. It is why Jesus so often taught and related to people by telling stories and asking questions. His desire was not just to engage their intellects but to capture their hearts."

"God tells us in Proverbs 4:23, 'Above all else, guard your heart. For it is the wellspring of life.'

-Sadly, most of us watch the oil level in our cars more carefully than we watch over the life of our heart."

Some of my thoughts right now:

We have become so immune and somewhat numb to hurts and heartbreak, that we separate ourselves from our hearts, putting on a tough exterior and acting like we don't need anyone's help in life. If we work hard enough, make enough money, suppress our feelings, or convince ourselves we are just fine living in solitude, than we will have lived an impressive life. We have become so independent and self-minded that we begin to keep people & God at arm's length because we have somehow separated ourselves from the wellspring of life that is called our heart.

It is okay to hurt sometimes and express our feelings. It is okay to ask questions or ask for help. It is okay that we don't have the answers to all of life's questions. If I am living through my heart, that is when I am truly living for a purpose that God created... I don't want to float through life just existing in my earthly things.

So I ask myself this: Am I hiding the real me behind my bank account, my busyness, my hurts, my status, my religion? Or Am I living through love and cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ, who gives me a real and true purpose in this life? Surely there has to be more to this life than the American Dream...

I'm going to let this stir in my heart this week.

Thoughts?

Vulnerability.

vulnerable |ˈvəln(ə)rəbəl|adjective:susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.
I believe this is one of Satan's favorite places for us to be at in life. He loves to see us weak. Just when it seems like we are barely hanging on, that's when he will attack. He indulges himself with our insecurities, hurts, fears and is just waiting to use those things against us. When we are struggling, that is when he will attack all the things that are most important to us: our faith, our marriages, our families, our abilities, our confidence and our dreams. He will do whatever he can to steal our joy and throw us the lowest of blows in hopes that we will fall apart.
But the Word of God is bigger than this.
Scripture says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
We can have peace knowing that the Bible is full of God's promises to us. We just have to believe.
"For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." -Psalm 33:4
Satan may try to attack and steal our joy, but because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, even in the hardest of times, we can cling to hope through the Word of God.
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Good enough?

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Matthew 9:12-13. It reads:

"When Jesus Heard this, he said, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor- sick people do.' Then he added, 'Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matt 9:12-13

In my life, I have been surrounded with so many wonderful people who just feel like they are not good enough to attend church or pick up a Bible. My heart desires to convince these people that Jesus does not expect perfection from us. That was the law before Christ died on the Cross for us, but because of Christ's death, we have the freedom to serve Jesus despite our sin.

I remember before I began my relationship with Christ about 6 years ago, I struggled with guilt from my past. Silly that things from my past held me back from a relationship with my Savior, who just wanted me, sin and all, to come to him how I was. I thought I had to 'fix' myself and clean up my messy life before I could be in a relationship with Jesus.

I am so thankful that Jesus grabbed hold of my confused heart and told me to come how I was. It is up to Him to fix me. When a dear friend of mine passed away during this time in my life, I was quickly reminded of how fragile and short life is. I desired to be in relationship with Jesus, not because I was scared to die, but because I wanted to live the rest of my life with a purpose. I only have a short time on this Earth, and I want to spend that time introducing people I love to Jesus. I want us to spend eternity in Heaven together.

So my friend, if you are reading this and you have been holding Jesus at arms length because you are ashamed of a life you have lived so far, I am here to tell you to stop trying to fix yourself. Jesus did not come to save perfect people, but people like you and I who struggle with different forms of sin on a daily basis.

Don't waist anymore time wishing that you could be good enough for Jesus. He desires to change your heart and use you for a much bigger purpose than you or I realize. Let today be the day.

A Chance.

Originally written by Mindy Clark on December 27th, 2008.

Sometimes life is good...

Sometimes, not so much.

Sometimes we win...

Sometimes we fail.

Sometimes things are exciting...

Sometimes, things are pretty lame.

Sometimes we feel loved...

Sometimes we feel alone.

Things are always changing and nothing on earth is predictable. There are good days and there are bad days. Laughter and tears... But there is always hope in each new day. Circumstances change and people change, But the love of Christ remains the same. His promise is true and his love never ceasing.... He gives the hope of a new day.

With each new day, He gives new opportunity. Each new day is a fresh start. A chance to forgive. A chance to grow. A chance to encourage. A chance to renew. A chance to help someone. A chance to smile. A chance to make the most of it. A chance to go for it. A chance to learn. A chance to persevere. A chance to love. A chance to work it out. A chance to achieve. A chance to make a difference. A chance to create. A chance for laughter. A chance to decide. A chance to live for today. A chance to hope. A chance to embrace all that is good.

Sometimes we just need to believe He has a plan for us.... and take a chanceon Him.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” -Galatians 6:9

Does Prayer really change things?

Does Prayer Really Change Things?

I think this is a question that many people have probably asked themselves at some point in their lives. Whether you know Christ or not, I think it’s a legitimate question. It’s made clear in the bible that if we would just pray, and ask God for something, it surely will be given to us.

If God tells us that we can come to him and pray at any time, why is it so hard for us? When a friend asks us to pray for them, do we really? Or do we just say we will because it is what they will want to hear?

This topic of prayer is something my church and my small group have been discussing together and challenging one another in. I think many of us are skeptical at times about if prayer really does change things; if God really listens, or if it is even worth our time.

Just as it is hard at times to spend time in God’s word, I think it can be equally hard to spend time in prayer. Especially in our society where there are distractions everywhere we look. We are also very busy people, who need answers to everything right away.

I think now more than ever, God wants us to slow down. He wants to teach his children patience and discipline. We are spoiled with technology and how quickly we get things done now. Believe me, I totally take advantage of all the new technology and social networking and I think there are many great aspects and benefits to it. But I think we need to remember to balance it with a little old school bible reading, journaling, time in prayer, and laying hands on a friend and praying with them. As much as I love the communication through technology, I hope we don’t lose the sometimes uncomfortable face-to-face, physical touch and small gatherings of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do I believe prayer changes things? Yes, I do. I believe it gives me time with my Heavenly father; to praise Him, to thank Him, to give Him my burden, to ask for His guidance, to show gratitude for the people He has brought into my life, to let Him know I am lost without Him. It brings me a sense of humility and patience. But this is just from my own experience, I cannot answer the question for you.

To me, it is much more than just asking him for help. It is a beautiful act of Worship that brings me closer to my Heavenly Father who I so desperately need to guide me everyday. And I hope I will engage in this more.

Even though we study science, have college degrees, build fast computers and do just fine on our own; we still need Jesus.

Our small group has challenged each other to be intentionally praying for one another. I pray that we will let our guards down, as well as our skepticism and even hurt feelings from other people; And just let God move. I pray he will use this little group of people to cause a wave of prayer that will change things for the glory of God.

Thank you God, for your Son Jesus. So that we may have the opportunity to come straight to you with our problems, praises, and requests. You are so near to us. Help us to realize that this week.

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” -John 14:14

You never let go.

I will admit that I have felt a little distant from God lately. I know he is here with me, all around; yet I have not felt intimate with him in awhile. It's not uncommon for Christians to fall into a rut when it comes to our walk with God. Sometimes it's not even on purpose, but we just get so busy with life. I think this is the case for me right now.

This morning I put my worship playlist on shuffle, and the first song that came on was "You never let go" by The David Crowder Band, which also happens to be one of the songs on my blog. This song is so fitting right now. Even when I have become so busy with life, Jesus never let's go. He never stops tugging on my heart or reminding me of how much he loves me.

In November, our baby boy was born. It was seriously the most amazing experience in my life, alongside my wedding day. I love spending countless hours with my son; holding him, feeding him, changing him, playing with him, singing to him. He has brought an unspeakable joy into the hearts of Marcos and I. With this said however, I realize that I have put God on the back burner.

I have hardly picked up my bible or prayed as my soul longs to. I was reading today and this is a verse that stuck out to me.

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name." - Psalm 119:131-132

I don't know about you, but as a Christian I'm not okay being stagnant in my walk with God. I don't want to just be comfortable where I'm at in life. I want to be continuously seeking my King and learning how I can better serve him in the hopes of changing this world for HIS glory. Even if it is in the everyday, repetitive things like being a wife and mommy. Or for others, a student or co-worker. No matter the life-stage we are in, whether we are young or old, single or married, working or taking care of babies; God is at work in our lives and he is using us for a bigger purpose.

Sometimes in life, things are so good that we forget to make God a part of it. He should be the biggest part because it is he who made it happen. I think this has been the case for me lately. I am so comfortable in my life right now, but I pray that is no reason for me not to trust or lean on my sweet Jesus every single day. I don't want to just be intimate with my heavenly father when life is hard. I want that Divine Romance every day.

Today my prayer is this:

Lord, thank you for the amazing blessings you have poured into my life. I have such a grateful heart, yet I feel stagnant in my walk with you. Help me to prioritize my time so that I make time for you. Help me to spend more time in your word so that I can be the wife and mother you created me to be. Just as the best thing I can do for my son is to love my husband; I know the best thing I can do for both of them is to love my Jesus. I don't want to be a lazy christian. I want to seek more of you. Lord, draw me close. Use me.

p.s. Thank you for never letting go :)

Amen.