The Abiding Presence

God has been sending me to John 15 rather frequently lately, the Vine chapter. I read from there again this morning. As I read the verses, I could hear Him gently whispering, "rest Bethany, you need to rest in Me."
With summer coming, my schedule has eased, my kids will be with me, and I will be resting. But I have a sneaky feeling that is not what God is talking about. "Rest, what exactly are we looking at here?"
"Abide in Me and I will equip you for the road ahead, I am Your Companion the entire way." He said to me.
I remember a few years back when I realized it was God speaking to me about  the need to pray or read my bible,  so I made the commitment to Him that whenever I had the thought to pray or read my bible I would stop whatever I was doing and I would spend time with Him. We were just going into summer that year too, and my schedule was clearing, and now that I look back I picture God with a smirk on His face and little chuckle in His voice. That summer I spent hours a day praying and reading my bible, because He constantly brought it to my mind, and I kept my promise to Him. It was an amazing summer with God. It was restful.
He is calling me back to that much rest, at least for now. As I continue to walk the road He has laid out before me, His abiding Presence will be the best road map I could ever have. It's a peaceful and safe one. And, I will continue to enter there with my family and with friends in fellowship.
Jesus, Say That Again, You are the Vine and in Your Presence You equip me with all that I need today.

The Big Man and the Little Swing

My son wanted to push my husband on the tire swing, so my husband jumped in for the ride. I think my son enjoyed pushing him, more than being pushed. My husband was pretty sure the entire swing set was going to fall down!
It made my sons day though and they created a memory together that will last. They created friendship. My husband is very good at that.
I'm thankful today for the blessing of family, for the ability to create good memories, and for the love God has given me with them.
Jesus, You continually show me Your love in so many ways and shower me with blessings! Say That Again, today!

The Love of God

"So, What do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If  God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us--who was raised to life for us!--is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing--nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable--absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."
Romans 8:37-39

Say That Again, Loving Father, Nothing, Nothing, Nothing, will ever come between You and me. Your love endures forever!

The Mysterious God

I read a quote today: "Prayer is not logical, it is a mysterious moral working of the Holy Spirit."
It's true too, He comes upon me, and He takes my very thoughts, He moves within me, then He tells my Father exactly what I need. It is a mystery. The more I pray, the closer I am to the heart of my Savior, the fuller I become, and the more power I have, the lesser I am , the bigger HE is. He shields me, He heals me, He comforts me, He provides for me all that I need deep within my soul. It is a mystery, it is the Spirit of God.
We all have journeys, and many of us have no idea the journey of another. It is a mystery.  But God knows. He walks beside me, and He walks in faith and blessing. And, I pray in Spirit and truth, knowing that He will continue to touch my soul and keep it exactly where it needs to be today.
Say That Again, Lord Jesus, You are not logical to me, You are a mystery sometimes, but Your Spirit breathes depth and life within me and I will praise Your name!

The Crown Video

Crowned By The King worked on a video and this is what they came up with, I'm thanking Jesus that He has crowned all His daughters with Crowns, and we are loved. I'm resting in Him today, because He is wrapping me in His glory.

Say That Again, Jesus. Your Glory is wrapped around me, and Your Crown is placed upon me. I am chosen and complete in You.

The Investigation

Last evening we met with our group for dinner and some discussion time. One of the questions asked was: "Would your life change if you prayed Psalms 139: 23 everyday?"  My thought inside was "It will turn upside down!" This is Psalms 139: 23 in the Message:

"Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've  done anything wrong-
then guide me on the road to eternal life."

I've been praying Psalms 139:23 for several months now, and I am here to say it works. I have felt investigated, cross-examined, tested, and guided!  My journey of God searching my heart has been a faith walk for me, a true learning experience.
 He has shown me how at times when I think my motives are in the right place, they are actually selfish and need some adjusting. He has continually assured me that He is with me, never to forsake me, abandon me, or allow harm to come to my soul. He has daily reminded me of the value of focusing on Him and truth. He has brought people into my life to speak truth and to gently bring me to places of trust and love, while at the same time examining with me the processes of my own journey. He has reassured me with lasting relationships here on earth, even when I am difficult to be with. His walk, His example to me, through this life journey, this investigation, is something I think is worth the ride.
Jesus, Thank you for loving me so much that You are investigating me. Thank you for guiding me on the road to eternal life. Say That Again to me today and every day!

The Good Advice

A couple weeks ago I was at the lake with a friend and we were sharing with each other. I shared my sense of urgency to just move on, my need to be done with where I am now and get on to the next stage. I was feeling uncomfortable with the place God had me in and I really was done!
She simply suggested that I not concern myself with time. She reminded me that I am not a citizen of this world, but of heaven, and time here means nothing. I have eternity! FOREVER! Today is nothing to God, to Him my time on earth is but a puff of smoke, and if I can think in the same manner and live for eternity, it changes everything.  It was a welcome reminder, and I'm thinking about it again today. Living in Jesus today, for eternity.
He has already set me in the heavenly realm, right? He has transferred me right there beside His throne to be with Him forever, so why do I fret over time? I have eternity.
I do not have to accomplish everything or anything, only what He puts upon my heart today. Time with Him.
Jesus, Say That Again, I need You, I seek You, I have eternity with You. Thank You.