Ok, everyone, I have a confession to make. As you have probably noticed, I have not been meeting my goal of maintaining my xanga blog & this one. I AM going to keep this blog and post here when I can (infrequent though that may be) but since I am using my xanga primarily (for personal updates) that one will be updated first.
So come visit http://www.xanga.com/jenfairlady & thanks for understanding!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Meditation Verses
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?."
Jeremiah 32:27
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me....for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10b
"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?."
Jeremiah 32:27
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me....for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10b
"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Grace
Well, my friends, I know you have been praying as the trials in my life have gone down to a simmer (as opposed to the boil they were at last week:).
My Abba Father never ceases to amaze me. So many times this last month (and in the past - I'm a slow learner), He has reminded me that all the grace I need to make it through this minute is already mine. But not the grace for the next minute, the next hour, the next day. He will give me that grace when I need it. His grace is sufficient for now.
Often I have found myself panicking and worrying about things that are going to happen. Will such and such work out? What will happen if so and so does this or that? How will I make time for this or that? And in these minutes of panic, I so often hear my Father faithfully reminding me, "Jenny, are you trying to borrow grace for something that will happen in the future? Remember, My grace is sufficient for NOW. You can't expect My grace to be here now for something that is in the future. Just trust Me and keep doing the next thing, taking the next step, walking down the path I have for you. The grace you need will be there the minute you need it. Don't be afraid. The spirit of fear doesn't come from Me."
And when I heed His advice, it is as if the winds and the waves of my worry immediately cease - just as the winds and the waves of the storm stopped as soon as He told them to be still. The trials are still there, but they no longer threaten to drag me under. And like Peter in the storm, I can "walk on water" if I keep my eyes on Him and take the next step.
My friends, how often do you attempt to borrow grace?
My Abba Father never ceases to amaze me. So many times this last month (and in the past - I'm a slow learner), He has reminded me that all the grace I need to make it through this minute is already mine. But not the grace for the next minute, the next hour, the next day. He will give me that grace when I need it. His grace is sufficient for now.
Often I have found myself panicking and worrying about things that are going to happen. Will such and such work out? What will happen if so and so does this or that? How will I make time for this or that? And in these minutes of panic, I so often hear my Father faithfully reminding me, "Jenny, are you trying to borrow grace for something that will happen in the future? Remember, My grace is sufficient for NOW. You can't expect My grace to be here now for something that is in the future. Just trust Me and keep doing the next thing, taking the next step, walking down the path I have for you. The grace you need will be there the minute you need it. Don't be afraid. The spirit of fear doesn't come from Me."
And when I heed His advice, it is as if the winds and the waves of my worry immediately cease - just as the winds and the waves of the storm stopped as soon as He told them to be still. The trials are still there, but they no longer threaten to drag me under. And like Peter in the storm, I can "walk on water" if I keep my eyes on Him and take the next step.
My friends, how often do you attempt to borrow grace?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Prayers
I am facing challenges in multiple parts of my life right now. I would covet your prayers for wisdom, endurance, and strength. I know my Abba Father is using these things to "burn away the dross" in my life and make me shine more brilliantly for Him.
I read a book once with such a striking title that although I have forgotten most of the book, the title is still with me. The book was called Gold Fears no Fire and chronicled the persecution of Chinese Christians. The title meant that people who have been purified so much they are "pure gold" do not fear being put in the fire.
But I have much still to undergo in the purifying process and I do fear the fire of trials! The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much and so I would covet yours!
I read a book once with such a striking title that although I have forgotten most of the book, the title is still with me. The book was called Gold Fears no Fire and chronicled the persecution of Chinese Christians. The title meant that people who have been purified so much they are "pure gold" do not fear being put in the fire.
But I have much still to undergo in the purifying process and I do fear the fire of trials! The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much and so I would covet yours!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Wait
This poem has spoken to my heart many times. I ran across it tucked away in my Bible and wanted to share it with you.
I used to think I would reach a time in my life when I was not waiting on anything. I now know there will always be things in life I am waiting on. And although God calls us to actively wait, waiting is hard, nonetheless.
I used to think I would reach a time in my life when I was not waiting on anything. I now know there will always be things in life I am waiting on. And although God calls us to actively wait, waiting is hard, nonetheless.
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperate and helpless and longing I cried.
Patiently, lovingly, my Lord replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate and the Master
so gently said, "Child, you must wait."
"Wait? You said, Wait?" my indignant reply, "Lord, I
need answers. I need to know why.
Is Your hand shortened or have You not heard?
By faith I have asked and am claiming Your
Word. My future and all to which I can relate
hangs in the balance and You tell me to wait?
I am needing a yes, a go ahead sign, or even a no,
to which I can resign. Lord you
promised that if we believe, we need but ask,
and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking and this is my cry,
I'm weary of asking, I need a reply."
And quietly, softly, I learned of my fate as my
Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel and His eyes wept with mine and He
tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair.
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
when darkness and silence were all you could see.
You'd never experience that fullness of love
as the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove.
You'd know that I give and I save for a start,
but you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart,
the glow of My comfort late in the night, the
faith that i give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what
you asked of an infinite God who makes what you have last.
And you'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dreams for that loved one overnight might
come true, but oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.
So, be silent my child in time you will see that the greatest of gifts
is to get to know Me.
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still wait.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
7 Random Facts
Although I refuse to tag anyone, since I have been tagged by Mr. Gabe, here are my 7 facts:
1. Many years ago I got stuck in an elevator for a short time and ever since then I take the stairs whenever I can. When it is not practical to take the stairs, I endure the ride and pray fervently that I will reach wherever I am going without incident. Of course, I DID get locked in a stairwell in Taiwan once, but for some reason that wasn’t as traumatic.
2. I got my first gray hair at sixteen and they have been multiplying ever since – fortunately not in great numbers. The last time I got my hair cut, my stylist asked me what I had been doing as my hair had more gray in it than usual. I just said it was the stress of being paralegal liaison – just kidding – I love that job! Hopefully, no one notices my gray hair, except me.:)
3. When I was five years old, I leaned too far over a wall at the zoo to see the prairie dogs and fell in with them. The zoo keeper (who was not amused) had to come and get me out.
4. There is a song named Jenny Rebecca. Although it bears my name it was not written for me – in fact I think it was written before I was born. However, it is a lovely song and I like having a song with my name as the title!
5. Don’t ask me why (I have no good reason) but for many years I thought the male population was fine as long as I could avoid interacting with it. And marriage was great for other people but don’t ask me to consider it. The Lord has changed my heart on both issues – much to the shock of my family and friends!:) I now believe men make life fun and enjoy my male friends. I would also consider marriage, if the opportunity ever presented itself.:)
6. When I was younger, I wanted to be an opera singer when I grew up. Although I no longer want to do that, I still love to sing!!
7. I have never lost the little girl delight of “dressing up.” My favorite attire is heels and business professional. I’m so happy my current job requires me to wear it!
1. Many years ago I got stuck in an elevator for a short time and ever since then I take the stairs whenever I can. When it is not practical to take the stairs, I endure the ride and pray fervently that I will reach wherever I am going without incident. Of course, I DID get locked in a stairwell in Taiwan once, but for some reason that wasn’t as traumatic.
2. I got my first gray hair at sixteen and they have been multiplying ever since – fortunately not in great numbers. The last time I got my hair cut, my stylist asked me what I had been doing as my hair had more gray in it than usual. I just said it was the stress of being paralegal liaison – just kidding – I love that job! Hopefully, no one notices my gray hair, except me.:)
3. When I was five years old, I leaned too far over a wall at the zoo to see the prairie dogs and fell in with them. The zoo keeper (who was not amused) had to come and get me out.
4. There is a song named Jenny Rebecca. Although it bears my name it was not written for me – in fact I think it was written before I was born. However, it is a lovely song and I like having a song with my name as the title!
5. Don’t ask me why (I have no good reason) but for many years I thought the male population was fine as long as I could avoid interacting with it. And marriage was great for other people but don’t ask me to consider it. The Lord has changed my heart on both issues – much to the shock of my family and friends!:) I now believe men make life fun and enjoy my male friends. I would also consider marriage, if the opportunity ever presented itself.:)
6. When I was younger, I wanted to be an opera singer when I grew up. Although I no longer want to do that, I still love to sing!!
7. I have never lost the little girl delight of “dressing up.” My favorite attire is heels and business professional. I’m so happy my current job requires me to wear it!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Habakkuk 3: 17-19
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the alive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places...”
(Habakkuk 3: 17-19)
I ran across these verses today tucked away at the end of Habakkuk. Beneath them I had written, “He NEVER fails you!” and a date 2 years ago. I knew immediately by the smudged ink and worn page that my own tears had mixed with Habakkuk’s words. And the memory of where I had been 2 years before came flooding back.
My most precious times with God have often been when I have walked through the valley of the shadow. I do not know why. But I think it is because when life is going well I often move away from my Shepherd. Not that I don’t walk with Him, I just tend to let go of His hand and start leading or lagging behind. But when I’m suffering, that is when I cling to Him with all my strength. I wish this was not true, but until I get to Heaven, I will fight this battle of clinging to Him as tightly in the good times as I do in the bad.
Two years ago I had the biggest “valley of the shadow” experience I can remember. It was of such a long duration and accompanied by such intense pain, for a long time I couldn’t even imagine that I would ever come back into a “green pasture” -- I could only stumble ahead one step at a time and pray that my Abba Father would give me light for the next step.
I will never forget those months. Many things that I do daily without thinking required great effort to accomplish. I remember vividly sitting in the garden with my Bible and spending an hour reading one page because I had to put the Bible down and rest after reading each verse. I remember coming to the end of Habakkuk and reading verse 17 of chapter 3. I thought, “Yes, I completely understand what you were feeling, heavens, can I relate!” But I wasn’t prepared for verse 18. Even in that dark dark time, Habakkuk clung to the knowledge that His God would never fail him. He had hope when anyone else would have been hopeless.
And it was as if I could hear my Lord saying, “Jenny, I will never fail you. I know it is hard to believe or understand, but you will come out on the other side of this trial. Yes, you will have scars, but you will have a new perspective of Me and My purpose for you. Never forget the lessons you have learned. Give to others the hope that I have given you. And never ever doubt how much I love you.”
That was the turning point for me. Instead of focusing on all the “thorns’ I was experiencing, I began to see the blessings. Those months will always be very very precious to me. My walk with the Lord deepened in a way I could never have imagined. There are aspects of His character I will never doubt again. And when He led me out of the valley into a green pasture, I found I had more to give than I had when I entered the valley all those months before. He loves to fill broken vessels!
Oh, my friends, I don’t know what path you are walking down or what classroom God has you in. I don’t doubt that some of the Master Gardener’s pruning in your lives is very painful. Even now, sitting here thinking on where I was 2 years ago makes me cry. I have had to stop typing several times and go find the Kleenex box. They were not unhappy tears, just a reminder of the scars that suffering left. I think some things will always be painful to a certain degree – at least until He wipes away all tears from our eyes. But rest assured, our Savior loves you with an everlasting love. He will never fail you. His plans for you are truly perfect. I know this sounds a bit bald on a blog page, but I mean it with all my heart!!
My purpose in sharing all of the above with you is to encourage you to keep walking down the hard road the Master has you on. And if you are on an easy road, tuck this away for the time when you will need it.
And finally, to those of you who were my encouragers 2 years ago (you know who you are), thank you. You were used by God tremendously to help me survive that time of trial. I couldn’t have made it without you. I am truly blessed to have precious friends like you. And I will always need your faithful input in my life.
Have a wonderful weekend and Sabbath! And remember: He will NEVER fail you!!
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places...”
(Habakkuk 3: 17-19)
I ran across these verses today tucked away at the end of Habakkuk. Beneath them I had written, “He NEVER fails you!” and a date 2 years ago. I knew immediately by the smudged ink and worn page that my own tears had mixed with Habakkuk’s words. And the memory of where I had been 2 years before came flooding back.
My most precious times with God have often been when I have walked through the valley of the shadow. I do not know why. But I think it is because when life is going well I often move away from my Shepherd. Not that I don’t walk with Him, I just tend to let go of His hand and start leading or lagging behind. But when I’m suffering, that is when I cling to Him with all my strength. I wish this was not true, but until I get to Heaven, I will fight this battle of clinging to Him as tightly in the good times as I do in the bad.
Two years ago I had the biggest “valley of the shadow” experience I can remember. It was of such a long duration and accompanied by such intense pain, for a long time I couldn’t even imagine that I would ever come back into a “green pasture” -- I could only stumble ahead one step at a time and pray that my Abba Father would give me light for the next step.
I will never forget those months. Many things that I do daily without thinking required great effort to accomplish. I remember vividly sitting in the garden with my Bible and spending an hour reading one page because I had to put the Bible down and rest after reading each verse. I remember coming to the end of Habakkuk and reading verse 17 of chapter 3. I thought, “Yes, I completely understand what you were feeling, heavens, can I relate!” But I wasn’t prepared for verse 18. Even in that dark dark time, Habakkuk clung to the knowledge that His God would never fail him. He had hope when anyone else would have been hopeless.
And it was as if I could hear my Lord saying, “Jenny, I will never fail you. I know it is hard to believe or understand, but you will come out on the other side of this trial. Yes, you will have scars, but you will have a new perspective of Me and My purpose for you. Never forget the lessons you have learned. Give to others the hope that I have given you. And never ever doubt how much I love you.”
That was the turning point for me. Instead of focusing on all the “thorns’ I was experiencing, I began to see the blessings. Those months will always be very very precious to me. My walk with the Lord deepened in a way I could never have imagined. There are aspects of His character I will never doubt again. And when He led me out of the valley into a green pasture, I found I had more to give than I had when I entered the valley all those months before. He loves to fill broken vessels!
Oh, my friends, I don’t know what path you are walking down or what classroom God has you in. I don’t doubt that some of the Master Gardener’s pruning in your lives is very painful. Even now, sitting here thinking on where I was 2 years ago makes me cry. I have had to stop typing several times and go find the Kleenex box. They were not unhappy tears, just a reminder of the scars that suffering left. I think some things will always be painful to a certain degree – at least until He wipes away all tears from our eyes. But rest assured, our Savior loves you with an everlasting love. He will never fail you. His plans for you are truly perfect. I know this sounds a bit bald on a blog page, but I mean it with all my heart!!
My purpose in sharing all of the above with you is to encourage you to keep walking down the hard road the Master has you on. And if you are on an easy road, tuck this away for the time when you will need it.
And finally, to those of you who were my encouragers 2 years ago (you know who you are), thank you. You were used by God tremendously to help me survive that time of trial. I couldn’t have made it without you. I am truly blessed to have precious friends like you. And I will always need your faithful input in my life.
Have a wonderful weekend and Sabbath! And remember: He will NEVER fail you!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Welcome!
Hello dear Friends!
Well, as you can see, I have started a second blog. For those of you who know my long aversion to blogs (and all technological things I don’t understand) you may well be surprised at my branching out to this extent.:) Just illustrates one of the many ways I have changed my opinion drastically on a subject and amazed all of you. hehe My goal is to keep you guessing, in case you were still wondering.:)
In all seriousness, I truly stand amazed at the wonders of cyberspace and the ability to communicate with so many of you with the click of a mouse. I am thoroughly enjoying my xanga site and am so happy a certain person exhorted me to start using it.:) I launched this blog today on a whim (yes, I admit it) and am already having fun thinking about the things I’ll write here.
I am still contemplating exactly what I will use this blog for, but am thinking along the lines of utilizing it for miscellaneous scribblings / musings that will be completely different from what I post on xanga.
As its name implies, I want this blog to be a shady spot to come rest and be refreshed. I want you to be more encouraged when you “click off” than you were when you “clicked on.” As the Biblical passage says, there are those people who give you a “drink of cool water” when you are with them. In as much as it can, I want this blog to give you a cool cyber drink.:)
My goal is to post once a week (the same as my xanga). So, please come and visit often! And leave your comments – I want to know what you think!!
Well, as you can see, I have started a second blog. For those of you who know my long aversion to blogs (and all technological things I don’t understand) you may well be surprised at my branching out to this extent.:) Just illustrates one of the many ways I have changed my opinion drastically on a subject and amazed all of you. hehe My goal is to keep you guessing, in case you were still wondering.:)
In all seriousness, I truly stand amazed at the wonders of cyberspace and the ability to communicate with so many of you with the click of a mouse. I am thoroughly enjoying my xanga site and am so happy a certain person exhorted me to start using it.:) I launched this blog today on a whim (yes, I admit it) and am already having fun thinking about the things I’ll write here.
I am still contemplating exactly what I will use this blog for, but am thinking along the lines of utilizing it for miscellaneous scribblings / musings that will be completely different from what I post on xanga.
As its name implies, I want this blog to be a shady spot to come rest and be refreshed. I want you to be more encouraged when you “click off” than you were when you “clicked on.” As the Biblical passage says, there are those people who give you a “drink of cool water” when you are with them. In as much as it can, I want this blog to give you a cool cyber drink.:)
My goal is to post once a week (the same as my xanga). So, please come and visit often! And leave your comments – I want to know what you think!!
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