Thirsty and Dry Land

My readings over the last week or so has been based on Grace.  Today's scripture reference was in Isaiah 43:18 & 19.  It reads,

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

When I read those scriptures, my heart was immediately comforted; and as if that wasn't enough of a touch from Heaven, I caught the highlights and scribble on the next page in Isaiah 44, verses 3 & 4, "For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, And My blessing on your descendants; And they will spring up among the grass Like poplars (trees) by streams of water."

I hate to admit it, but, I HAVE BEEN THE DRY, THIRSY, DEAD LAND YA'LL!  I haven't been able to (or wanted to), or tried to forget those former things; some things I was responsible for, and some things I was not responsible for.  I have continued to justify my hurt, my anger, an made every excuse there is to not let go and forgive.  REGARDLESS, I have to choose forgiveness and let, let go of the anger, the hurt, the guilt, . . all of it.  And once I let go of the "former things," He can do something new in my life  . . . . it is so sweet (the new thing) . . . that He is already asking me, "DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT Stacey?!"  Even as I relish in those words, an excitement I haven't known in years fills my heart ;)

He is indeed doing a new thing in my heart.  He has paved a way . . through the wilderness and streams, and thirsty, dry land, His path is made for me. 

So I have a choice, do I stay on the path He has made, or do I make my own?  I hope and pray my words and actions show you the choice I have made.

Continuing to trust in Him,

Stacey

The Simple, Soul Satisfying Truth . . . that God is Enough.

I am thankful when I learn something new, but usually embarrassed at how it came about.  The same is true today. 

Today I learned a little more about Grace.  Amazing Grace.

I'm not sure if I am the only one out there that does this, and I didn't really realize I was doing it until yesterday, and then today it was put together.

The question presented in my devotional was:

"When, if ever, have you experienced for yourself the simple and soul-satisfying truth that God is enough?  Why don't we believers experience that more regularly?" 

My answer, which after reading really didn't completely answer the question was:

"Shamefully, I forget.  Doubt comes in because I know I have not done what I should do, or be.  Then I don't think I should even ask for help, guidance, counsel . . . because I have no right to."

THEN, in the middle of writing that statement, as if the Lord was speaking directly to me, He asked:

"So does that mean you have a right to ask "IF" you do good enough, or do everything right?"

My obvious answer, "No," as that would take away from grace.  So why do I allow myself to fall into the lies from satan? 

All I know is the Bible tells me my righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) so I can do nothing to stay in His good graces.  He also keeps telling me "I am faithful when you are faithless," II Timothy 2:13.

So, today, I begin walking in the Grace and forgiveness He so graciously died for . . .the simple and soul-satisfying truth that God is enough.

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AVON's Magix Illumintor

The Winner for the Magix Illuminator in the LIGHT shade is Cindy Segreto!!!  Congratulations Cindy!  Noone else entered for the darker shades, so I'll give those shades away another time.

Thanks for entering everybody!



I am giving away THREE of the Magix Illuminators, ONE IN EACH SHADE!

To enter, leave your name, with the shade selection you need (light, medium, dark) in the comment section, along with an email address to contact you.

IF you have ordered one in c-4 orders, you can enter too and possibly get yours free!

You can enter on my facebook page (Stacey Bruntlett Paden) or here on my blog.

I'll announce the winner Friday after 3:00 P.M. Central Time.

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This product is being introduced at a price of $7.99 and will be $10.00.  If you would like to order this product, you may do so by visiting my web site at www.youravon.com/spaden or by contacting me directly at thepadens@cox.net. 

Evidence of Christ

My personal, one on one time with the Lord has been non-existent for four months now. 

A book arrived at my house yesterday out of the blue.  It is Good Morning, Lord by Sheila Walsh.  For some reason it intrigued me.  Maybe the answer of my prayer that the Lord would make me want to spend time with him?  Hmm.  Maybe. 

While drinking my coffee this morning, I opened this book, just to see.  The Forward alone brought a sense of interest, so I went to the first page.

I found this book to not be a deep theologian type book, but a book of gentle wooing.  It was sweet and simple and the first page met me right where I am.

Today's time was titled, "Today I will look for evidence that you are in everything I encounter."  (For anyone that knows me, you know I have felt abandoned by God for the last five or six months.  While I am working my way through those "feelings" to bring victory to the facts, I also have to admit I have not been trying as hard as I should.)  The first sentence was a quote by Charles Finney:  "A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart."  From there, you're encouraged to find the Lord in EVERYTHING that occurs during your day.  Everything!

Within seconds, Kaitlyn spilled her bowl of cereal, not once, but twice!  I yelled, "Kaitlyn!" Instantly the Lord said, "STACEY! I am in everything. Find me." 

So today, my goal is to pause before reacting/responding and find Him, . . . . .  in everything.