Sunday, January 20, 2013

My GODfident Confident Heart

It's far too easy to believe the negative things we hear.  Why?

Is it because, deep inside, we believe the negative things we hear?

Is it because, we must admit, we ourselves, are the ones speaking the negative things we hear?

Is it because, we have somehow allowed the negative things we hear - all the doubt, guilt, condemnation, hurt, and pain - to plant themselves in the tender fertile soil that is our heart? 

Friends, it's time to do some tilling. It's time to disrupt the soil.  It's time to replant.  It's time to grab on to some new seeds - seeds of confidence, redemption, righteousness, mercy, love, and grace - and get those babies planted in that fertile soil.  And it's time to water and fertilize.

My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. ~1 Corinthians 3:6-8

I had the awesome privilege this weekend to attend the Compel Women's Conference in Sioux City, Iowa. I, along with hundreds of women, were blessed to hear Renee Swope speak the right words.  His words.  Words that we could not only HEAR, but words that we could PLANT in that fertile heart soil.  Words that form promises - His promises - Promises, that when planted, watered, and fertilized, bear some pretty incredible fruit.  You see, God can't lie. It's not how He rolls.  He speaks truth.  He whispers truth into that tender heart soil. And as we spend time buried in His Presence, resting in His Promises, the roots of these promises, well.........take root.
And then..........AND THEN................just as the sprouts peek through the ground soil....Positive words, words of affirmation, words of not "self" confidence, but GODfidence burst forth:  

 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. ~ Psalm 121:2

I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. ~Psalm 139:14

I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. ~Phillippians 4:13

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”  ~Hebrews 13:6

This post was birthed as a result of an early encounter this morning - an encounter with my sweet 4yr old, Jack Henry.  As I drank my cup o' joe and read His words, complete with messy bedhead and coffee-stained pjs, I heard the sound of small precious feet toddle down the stairs and make their way to me.  My sweet boy quietly crawled over the arm of my chair and planted himself into my arms.  He reached out his tiny hand, wrapped it around my neck, and whispered............"Mama, you're just 'lovely'. You're just the best mama I ever had."

Beautiful friends, when our eyes and ears are fully open, we have the blessed keen ability to see and hear what HE says about us...............and it may just be heard through the voices of His smallest disciples

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you. ~Hebrews 10:35

                                       
Be Blessed,
Tera

Thursday, January 10, 2013

My One Word .....Let's Do This.

Something happened when I reached 41 1/2.  Yes, 41 1/2.  Age 40 came and went.   41, no problem..........but then, BUT. THEN... somewhere between 41 and 42.....this Mama......FORGOT.  STUFF.  I'm not kidding.  I used to pride myself on my good memory.  But then.... 41 1/2.      
Goodbye Memory. Hello Post-It Notes. My new BFF.

This realization did not stand alone...........with it came the following:

* Pottys.  When planning a shopping trip to the mall, I now like to map out where each of the women's restrooms are prior to hitting the stores.

* Hand lotion.  I remember thinking........."Why in the world do gals carry hand lotion in their purse?  Who wants greasy hands all day?"............then came 41 1/2. Dryness. Lots of it.

* Couch-Dozing.  I can't recall the last time I saw the 10pm news.  Snoozin' on the sofa AND memory loss?  Ouch.

Friends, this list could go on.........but let's get to My One Word, shall we?  Before I forget?

Have you Guessed it?
(Hold on, I'll grab my sticky pad)

MY. ONE. WORD. for 2013 is...................

You see, I don't want to forget.  I don't want to forget all that He has done for me.  All that He continues to do for me.  Who He is.  Who He sent.  Why He sent Him.....Himself. 

I have often compared myself to the Israelites....Primarily because I wandered the wilderness for nearly 40years.....(with some complaining and grumbling along the way)  So when I came across this verse, this incredible verse found in the book of Exodus...... I knew my search.....my search for My One Word had ended.
                                                        
I am excited to see where God & My One Word will take me this year.  
                        So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~ John 8:36
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I am excited to embrace it and apply it to all areas of my life....my spiritual formation, my marriage, my family, my friends, my passions.    

 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ~ Deuteronomy 11:18
   
 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. ~ Proverbs 7:3
                   
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I am excited to not only ingest scripture, but digest scripture.       

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. ~ Hebrews 8:10
     
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I am excited to share this journey with all of you. 
               I thank my God every time I remember you. ~ Philippians 1:3

My One Word......Let's Do This.                  
Sweet Blessings,
Tera 

Got a few extra minutes?  I love this song. I wanted to share it with you. 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=16YYBoQ3YMI