There You Are

 

There comes a time when you just have to trust that you know what God is telling you. It’s a huge leap of faith sometimes but worth it every time. I recently jumped in with both feet to a almost unknown territory. It was an unexpected opportunity and I wasn’t sure if I could do what was expected.

Things I’m seeing with fresh eyes:

1-God is faithful to work even in the toughest of situations.

2-God is a life changer.

3-God can do through me what I never could do on my own.

4-God says I am enough when I feel inadequate.

5-God gives energy and strength when I think I can’t go any longer.

6-God still wants me to experience His love and see Him at work.

I have witnessed amazing life change in myself and others. The blessings I have received from being obedient far exceed the tough moments. And even in those moments He gives me what I need to take the next step. Thank You Father for opening my eyes to the harsh reality that life is not fair but in the midst of it all there You are and there You will always be.

Woman Without A Name

And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.  Luke 7:37-38

She came to Him without shame or reservation.  This nameless woman walked right in to the house of a Pharisee and stood behind Jesus as He reclined at the table.  It took confidence and courage for her, a woman and a known sinner, to do such a thing.  Women were not valued in those times or in that place.  You have to think, too, she was probably the subject of gossip and the object of rejection and ridicule.

I believe her courage came from a prior interaction with Jesus.  Theologians think she had encountered Him before, maybe in a crowd while He was teaching.  It could have been anywhere.  Speculate with me for a minute…  Suppose she was coming out of the door of her home where she did “business” and Jesus was waiting for her there.  She would have been drawn to Him immediately as He did not project criticism, rejection, or condemnation but love, grace and forgiveness.  He held her hands in His and a warm peaceful contentment entered her heart.  In this moment this nameless woman was given a name.  Beloved.  Forgiven.  Snow White.  Redeemed…

The day Jesus came to dinner at the home of a Pharisee she heard the news.  Beloved was so thankful she could not contain her praise any longer.  Perhaps she thought she would never see Him again, but now here He was so close!  Though uninvited, Forgiven entered the house and knelt at Jesus’ feet weeping.  The tears flowed so heavily that His feet were wet.  Without a second thought Snow White bent down and wiped His dusty feet with her own hair.  This was the one man who loved her for who she was, right where she was in life.  Redeemed knelt to kiss His feet, then took the ointment from her alabaster flask and anointed them.  A pure act of worship.

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven ~ for she loved much.  But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47

He gave her a new name. He gave me a new name too.  A name engraved on His hands.

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.  Isaiah 49:16

Not just one hand, but both hands!  Engraved, not written with marker or ink, engraved forever.  Even when I feel nameless or behave nameless, I know my actions do not determine my relationship to the Savior.  My relationship is forever!

Then turning toward the woman He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?  I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Luke 7:44

Notice Jesus was looking at the woman as He spoke to Simon.  I imagine He was looking deep into her eyes, straight to her heart. He validated her gesture of love right there in that room full of men.  It meant something to Him! He validates me  too.  He gives my life meaning.  He sees me.  He knows my name.  He notices what I do in praise and thankfulness.  I am not a nameless woman here on this earth among billions of people.  I am unique and loved and so are you.

Be The Squirrel

I caught this thieving squirrel in the act. As I sat on my front porch hoping to get a few good shots of birds eating from the feeder it aggravated me that this squirrel kept coming back for more.  Even after shewing him away he would sneak back over, climb the pole and take as much as he could […]

Come On Over

Join me today over at Christian Women Online Network http://christianwomenonline.net/2013/06/09/a-grace-full-woman/.  My article is on the front page and gives you a peek into my Christian life. Some of its not so pretty but God has redeemed me through His Son Jesus Christ. Hope you’ll go on over and support me by reading and “liking” the […]

He’s Already There…

  My friend’s parents have both been diagnosed with cancer.  The diagnosis of her mother came first then that of her father and just weeks apart.  My heart breaks because I know the pain of hearing words such as “terminal”, “cancer”, and “chemo therapy”. I remember how scared and angry I felt. I talked to […]

He’s Got This Too!

I’m in a different season of life right now than I’ve ever been in before. I’m getting close to 50 and my husband and I are experiencing health issues. My grown children have their problems and of course I want to fix everything for them. I recently had surgery and I am having a hard time […]

Can We Really Be Wonder Women?

This is a post I wrote over a year ago but I think it bears printing again. Enjoy. Wonder Woman! I remember watching her as a child and I always wanted a pair of those bracelets she wore. With those bracelets she could defeat any bad guy that came up against her. Wonder Woman was […]

So Life Didn’t Turn Out The Way You Wanted (2 Min. Devo)

(2 minute devo) What do you do when things don’t turn out like you thought they would?  You’ve been praying and seeking God and you were expecting the best but right now it doesn’t seem like the best. I’m struggling with this now. I thought this situation would be different and better by now. After all, I really […]

Just Jesus… Is He Enough?

His love is not a human love it is a God-sized love that has no conditions or boundaries. In fact He crosses human boundaries to get to me every day. There was a time in my life when I walked away like the prodigal, thinking I knew how best to live my life. He waited […]

Thankful His Faithfulness Does Not Depend On Me

This week I will face a challenge different from any I’ve ever faced. I’m so thankful that God is my strength in every way. He gives enough grace for each day. He gives enough of everything for every situation. Some days I need more physical strength than others and He provides. Some days I need mental and emotional […]

Prayer In Times Of Trouble

2 Chronicles 20: 5-9 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so […]

How God Speaks

God speaks. In those quiet moments through His word. In the voices of family and friends, pastors and teachers. In a song on the radio. In the clanging of the windchimes. In the brilliant sunlight on this beautiful autumn day. Through email, Facebook, e-books, blog posts, the telephone and snail mail. In the calamity and […]

Women Need Women

Welcome to your home away from home. Come here with a good cup of coffee and sit a spell. You’ll find refreshing devotionals, Bible study lessons, posts from some of my favorite teachers, leaders and friends. And…. there’s inspiration, encouragement and lots of love and support. You’ll get news about church and religious culture and ideas […]

2 Min. Devo: Captured by Julie

I’ve been captured by You. Thank God You caught me when You did. I was on my way down for the last time, but You swooped in and saved me from destruction. The enemy had me imprisoned, chained to the wall and You stormed the cell doors and broke those chains forever. I followed the […]

Captured by Love

Today’s 2 minute devo is the featured article Captured over at Christian Women’s Online Network. It will actually take closer to 4 minutes to read. Sorry. But you probably won’t regret it. When I began to write I wasn’t really sure what was going to come out of it. But as I wrote it poured onto the page. I will never […]

2 Min. Devo: Regrets And Missed Memories by Julie

I fell behind on the 31 Days Of 2 Min. Devos. Surprised are you? Not if you know me. I procrastinate. Sad to say but true. I know I have things to do but I often wait to the last minute to do them. It’s hard to keep up with life’s demands sometimes isn’t it? […]

31 days of 2 min. devos: What Forgiveness Is and Is Not by Julie

1-     Forgiveness has nothing to do with whether or not the person DESERVES forgiveness. 2-     Forgiveness is not saying what the person did or did not do is right. 3-     Forgiveness is taking the person off our hook and putting them on God’s hook. 4-     We are cutting them loose from our backs and giving […]

31 days of 2 min. devos: Letting Go

       Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13   As […]

31 Days of 2 Minute Devos: Just Because

Matthew26:39 And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” I’ve read this verse many times but today I felt a lump in my throat as I meditated on this […]

31 Days of 2 Minute Devos: His Intimate Love by Julie Moore

And we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking. Oh He loves us, oh how He loves us… I love this song. This truth changed my life about six years ago. I had been a daughter […]

Christ In Everything by Heather Tyson

Do I see Christ in every single thing? I ask myself that question a whole lot lately. I’ll say that if you sit and over analyze it, it seems almost weird. For example, upon emptying the dishwasher (which I hate with a passion by the way) or brushing my hair (ahem, not always on the top of […]

A Journey Through High Places

Welcome back to my sweet friend Rhea Riddles. I so love to read her writings. There is something peaceful about her words. Enjoy and visit Rhea  http://rbriddle-blog.blogspot.com. You won’t be sorry.     This autumn day we have been on the road for four hours or so now and soon we will exit this death-deifying roadway. […]

The Nameless Given A Name

I’m so glad you stopped by today. What an honor that you would read our posts. I hope you won’t mind checking out my article over at Christian Women’s Online Network today Jesus is the One Who Names the Nameless. The woman who wept at Jesus’ feet has so much to teach us.

Don’t Just Talk About It. Do It. By Heather Tyson

  How much do we talk and how much do we actually “DO”? I mean, let’s face it – it’s a legitimate question. From our jobs, to house work, to grocery shopping, to fitness, to adventures we dream about taking. The easy part of all of those is SAYING we are going to do it. […]

How To Love Your Husband

I’m linking up with Audra at Rediscovering Domesticity.   “I just don’t know who I am anymore, especially separate from him.” I knew how she felt because I had been in that place myself. There was a time I needed my husband so much that nothing else mattered. My whole world revolved around him and his […]

Can We Really Hear God Speak? by Heather Bryant Tyson

God speaks. All the time. You know, for much of my life – during trials and hardship – I’ve posed the question I think every believer has at one point in their life – “why is He so quiet? When am I going to hear from Him?” What we are looking for is an answer, […]

Why Disciple Others? by Heather Bryant Tyson

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 Are you in a discipleship relationship?  Over the past few years, I have learned so much about discipleship – what it means, what it does and why it […]

Just For Me, Two Minute Devo by Julie

Just For Me In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two […]

Engraved On His Hands! by Heather Tyson

  One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 49:16. “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me.” I love this scripture – it gives me comfort and it gives me joy and it keeps me focused on HOPE. In the past few years I have grown […]

Worry and Anxiety- How These Emotions Can Mess Up Life

As I sit here wondering what the outcome of this situation will be I am comforted by the words of Jesus, “Let not your heart be troubled… John 14:1 I’ll admit not being troubled is hard sometimes but knowing that He is “already there”, beautiful song by Casting Crowns, gives me security. Now looking back […]

My Merrin By Heather Tyson

Today is my sweet little girl Merrin’s birthday. She’s four as of today. And she acts every bit of 12. From talking about boys (already) to having a sassy little attitude that I would imagine rivals that of any 15 year old, she has the sweetest spirit and the greatest smile. As I reflect back […]

Why Are You Jealous? by Heather Tyson

Yeah ya’ll Heather got married! And she’s back with a word that hits where it hurts. But opens our eyes to the truth.   Have you ever been jealous of someone else? Ever sat and wondered why someone else is so much more blessed than you?  Felt sorry for yourself or like you can’t do […]

Want A Great Site For Christian Women? Check It Out.

Okay I’m over at Christian Women’s Online again today with my latest article Got Anxiety? Got Worry? Get The Answer. What happens when uncertainties hit us square in the head? Often we become worried and focus on the “what ifs”. Go to this link and find the answer to your questions. And check out all the […]

My Love Story In A Nutshell

1981  In the year 1979 a young 15-year-old girl went on a blind double date with a good looking, long-haired, popular guy from school. She really didn’t know how to act as this was her first date. They went to a drive-in movie where they saw Meatballs starring Bill Murray. After this date the two […]

Who Is God?

When we know who God is to us it enables us to trust and love Him. How can we trust someone we don’t know? It’s imperative that we realize who our Father is and just how much He loves us. So today I’m declaring who my God is to me…. and you. Gen. 15:1 He is our […]

The Words That Spoke Strong

I sat in my oversized chair in my newly painted office. Feeling a lack of peace and uncertainty I needed to know God was in control of my circumstances. I wanted to know it was going to be okay. I was desperate to know He was true to His Word and that His love was strong. When I opened […]

Being Intentional EVERY DAY by Heather Bryant Freeman

      Today I am just thankful. Thankful for life. Thankful for grace and mercy. Thankful I know Jesus. Do you ever wonder how anyone makes it through every day life without Jesus? Think about the worst storm in your life – the most horrid of circumstances you can imagine. What got you through […]

Real Life, Attitudes, And Jesus by Heather Bryant Freeman

  The past week has been a tough one for me. I’m going to be honest, I’ve just plain struggled – with everything. Struggled with stress, with work, with being nice to my friends, with respecting and loving my soon to be husband, with being pleasant with my kids, with desiring to teach my women’s group, with […]

Posting Over At CWO… Hurrry check it out.

Yep I’m over at Christian Women’s Online Network today. Check out this post and be sure and look around while you’re there. http://christianwomenonline.net/2012/07/10/body-soul-and-spirit/

The Truth About The Holy Spirit- Stuff You Might Not Know

One of my most popular posts is Does The Holy Spirit Convict Of Sin Or Not? Not too many comment on it but it is read ALOT. Although readers are not talking to me about it I often wonder what they (you) really think about it. I mean after all it’s not a teaching we hear from the pulpit too […]

My Independence Day

    Today, July 4, 2012, we celebrate our great country and independence and freedom. What a tremendous opportunity we have in the United States of America – to live totally free. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 marks when we were set free as a nation – independent  from the Kingdom of […]

My Week Of Relaxing, Renewing, and Romancing by Julie

“Father, Let this be the best vacation we have ever had. Let us make memories we’ll have for a lifetime.” This was my prayer the morning we packed up and left on the 6 hour drive to Myrtle Beach. After being on hiatus for a few days it’s a little difficult getting back into the swing of […]

Grace in Obedience and otherwise

I’ve heard it said “obedience is all that matters.” I can agree with this statement and then part of me disagrees with this statement. Let me explain why. Obedience to the calling of Christ in every single moment of every single day – allowing Him to do what He wants to accomplish through you – IS […]

Friends, Forgiveness and God’s Amazing Grace

  I am so incredibly thankful for the people in my life. I can’t even put into words how humbled and amazed I am that God would bless me (first and foremost) with His love and His grace, but secondly with the love and grace of my family and friends. I haven’t always been the […]

Remembering the Good Things About Daddy, by Julie Moore

1- He loved to sit on the porch and listen to the rain. 2- Storms never frightened him. He even went outside when a tornado was close to see if he could get a glimpse. Mama had me and my brother huddled in the stairway of the basement. I was always afraid a tornado would take […]

A Tribute To My Dad- by Heather Freeman Bryant

We are all in the process of leaving a legacy here on earth. What kind of legacy are we building for our families? To all the dads reading, are you modeling the love of Christ in your homes? As we approach Father’s Day, my prayer is that fathers are making a huge impact for the […]

A Letter From My Mama… by Julie Moore

I share this with you because I know many of you can relate. I share this as a tribute to my mother. I share this to allow you to see me as I am. I found a letter stuffed in the back of a drawer yesterday. It was the letter my mama wrote to me […]

Miracle of Mercy My McKenna…. by Heather Freeman Bryant

Mercy seems like such a simple word. It goes with Grace, right? Grace and Mercy! Well, I didn’t always really understand what that meant. I mean, I get the definitions. Traditionally, Grace is getting something that we do not deserve (for example, blessings). Mercy is not getting something negative that we do deserve (for example, […]

When Life Sucks The Life Out of You/ by Julie

Mary followed Jesus everywhere. She was a disciple and believed His words. She loved her Savior deeply for more reasons than one but the miracle He did in her was a life changer. Mary was possessed by 7 evil spirits. Her life was chaos and turmoil. She was tormented mentally, physically and emotionally for years. I’ve […]

He Already Knows/ by Heather Freeman Bryant

 I have not felt it today – just NOT feeling it at all. I don’t know what to write about. All of my experiences seems kinda “ehhh” or “whatever” and then I feel like it’s not anything impactful and how can that be used and so on and so on into the pit we go, […]