FREEDOM IS JUST A "LET GO" AWAY

And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand?  (Exodus 4:2a)

It seems that in every Bible Study that I do the Lord reveals to me that I am way too focused and fretful over the "HOW'S", "WHAT'S", "WHERE'S", and "WHY'S"... when it is only the "WHO" that matters.  Life would be so much simpler and less stressful if I'd master this one concept.  Ah, but then, I find myself not wanting to do this because of fear and my desire to retain "some control."  Those are the times I must learn the same lesson over and over, again and again --- to trust God.  "Letting go" of my own agenda is a daily battle for me.

I'm reminded of an article I once read that talked about how hunters in the jungle would capture monkeys.  They would attach a rope to a coconut... drill a small hole in the other end of it and place a piece of candy inside.  The monkeys would squeeze their hands down into the coconut, clinch the candy in their fist and then could not pull their hand out without turning loose of the candy.  They would be captured due to the fact of what was in their hand --- no matter what, they would not let go of.

Once when I shared this with one of my "Bible Study Buddies" - she reminded me of the saying from the 90's... "Let Go & Let God" --- it is sad that you are holding onto control and knowing that freedom is just a "let go" away.

Each of us may be holding onto something totally different (control, a certain sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc.) but the result is the same.  We are captured - we live in bondage.  We must be willing to "let go" of whatever we have tightly clutched in our hands, so that our hands will be free to receive God's grace.

Nothing in my hand I bring.

Simply to Thy cross I cling:

    (Beginning of 3rd Verse of "Rock of Ages" by Augustus M. Toplady) 
 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free , and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."  (Galatians 5:1)

FREEDOM IS JUST A "LET GO" AWAY!

"I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW"

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (1 Peter 5:8)

We live in an "instant" society where the attitude of "I Want It and I Want It NOW" runs rampant.  This is the breeding grounds for the wiles of Satan.  Enter stage left:  TEMPTATION!  In our quest for immediate gratification, we lose God as our main focus and go in search of our own solutions to a need.  

I FIND THAT THE MAJOR TROUBLE WITH TEMPTATION IS... IT IS JUST SO TEMPTING! 
All of us are tempted - just in diverse ways.  Satan seems to identify our weakness and send the attraction and attack from that direction.  Thomas Moore wrote:  "Eve, with all the fruits of Eden blest, save only one, rather than leave that one unknown, lost all the rest."  What a sad eulogy.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  

(1 Corinthians 10:13)

"HANGING BY A THREAD"

Just the other day as I was doing laundry - clothes into the washer - then into the dryer - then placing the dress clothes on hangers.  When hanging up one of Steve's favorite shirts, I noticed a button "hanging by a thread."  The slightest pressure of buttoning would of disconnected it and the tiny button would of perhaps been lost.

Needle and thread in hand, I sat down to reattach the button.  While diligently working on my task, my mind began to reflect upon times in my own life that I've felt just like this tiny button.  Nerves frayed and emotions seemingly "hanging by a thread," with the slightest addition of pressure - I would of "lost it."

While stitching and pondering this notion... the phone rings.  My dear friend RoweAnn (who has the gift of encourager) called to say hello, see how I am, and how my week is going.  Upon hanging up the phone, returning to my task and meditation, I thought what a blessing the Lord has bestowed upon me with friendship.  When I am at the point of "hanging by a thread" He reminds me in His word that:

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)  "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." 

Dear Lord, you are so good, you are my strong hold in troubled days; 
you know me and I trust in you.  (Nahum 1:7)

IF EVER A WOMAN WAS LOVED BY A MAN

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

As I sat by the window this morning in my comfy recliner, listening to the patter of rain falling outside... my lap contained my Bible, my "Soul Shaping" Bible Study workbook, an ink pen, and notepad.  As I open the workbook, the words "YOU ARE HIS BELOVED" jump off the page.  My mind can't help but revisit one of my most precious memories that I have of my mom and dad.  A day that my mother illuminated for me one of the greatest gifts that a parent can give their child... even a "grown" one.  My dad battled lung cancer for over a year and on March 13, 2000... in the wee hours of the morning... his battle ceased.  As my mother, sister Goldie, and I sat by his bedside awaiting the arrival of the Hospice Care Nurse... Mom uttered these words:  "If ever a woman was loved by a man - I was."  A gift and a legacy beautifully packaged and presented to Goldie and I.  Daddy's adoration of her had always been evident as we were growing up.

I don't know of a woman (or a man) who doesn't yearn for and covet this type of love in their life.  Problem is, we so often go looking for it in all the wrong places and end up feeling cheated.  Today as I read "You are His beloved," my heart just wanted to shout and share it with all of you.  This love that we so desire and long for, this man of our dreams, our knight in shining armor, is standing at our hearts door knocking... Stop searching and OPEN THE DOOR... LOL!

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  (Revelation 3:20)

He offers love that is:  UNCONDITIONAL, EVERLASTING, GENUINE, UNFALTERING, SAFE, & SECURE. I am the wife of a wonderful man and I know that I am loved deeply... but I am also CHRIST'S BELOVED - loved with a love that surpasses human ability. 

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

(Romans 8:38-39)

I boldly and confidently proclaim to you today:

IF EVER A WOMAN WAS LOVED BY A MAN - I AM!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,  

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16)

HOME IS WHERE "FAMILY" RESIDES

Renter/Landlord, Lessee/Lessor, Buyer/Seller... all of these Real Estate terms are usually just words we use or hear nonchalantly.  But on Wednesday, August 25th two of them will take on a whole new meaning for our family.  The two words:  Buyer/Seller.  Steve's parents will participate in a "closing," executing the final papers to sell their residence of over 50 years.  Over 50 years of living in Daniels, West Virginia... Over 50 years of driving down 4-H Lake Road... Over 50 years of watching the deer drink from Kauff's pond... Over 50 years of wonderful friends and neighbors.

All three of the Wolfe boys moved from the area years ago only to return for the occasional visit.  Over 50 years of memories stored in what many think:  under a roof, enclosed in walls with windows.  I would of always defended that concept until the death of my daddy (2000) and momma (2008).  At that time I realized those memories are stored in hearts.  "HOME" ceases when family is not there.  When family moves out, that dwelling goes from being "home," to being the "house that I grew up in."  

Many special occasions have been celebrated in the neatly kept Brick Ranch on Winfield Circle, but when Monday, August 30th (Moving Day) arrives, "HOME" for the Wolfe Family will then move to Warner Robins, Georgia.  Because, you see... "HOME" will always be where Dad & Mom Wolfe are.  It has nothing to do with a structure.  "HOME" is where ever "FAMILY" resides.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."  (John 14:2-3)

The Lifter of my Head

(Psalm 42:11)  "Why art thou cast down , O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."  

(2 Corinthians 4:7-9)  "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" 

Have you ever sat in the center of a crowded mall, just observing people as they scurry on their way?  This is something that I just love to do... PEOPLE WATCH.  Body language resounds oft times louder than words themselves.  Facial expressions, the pace of the steps, position of the shoulders, and even the tilt of the head.... speak volumes.  

Today as I flipped through the pages of my prayer list... opened e-mails sent from friends... and read posts on my facebook page... my heart was saddened at all the wayward family members, church problems, serious health issues, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, crucial decisions, heartaches, difficulties, depression, discouragement, and despair, that I witnessed.  All of these can sure "take the wind out of your sails."  When problems arise and the cares of this world are attacking us from every direction - it is hard to look up.  Time and again under the weight of these burdens, our shoulders droop, and our head is downcast.  When our head is pointed downward, our vision is limited to only a few paces in front of us, no broader scope in view.  With our chins pressed to our chest, few words can proceed from our mouths, especially words of praise.  The more we stay focused on our burdens, it is like being stuck in a mire of mud, or in a pit of quick-sand.  Sinking deeper and deeper we waste time and energy trying to free ourselves from its debilitating grasp.    


Oh, if only we can remember this one thing:  God is in control.  When we have no strength of our own to elevate our weary heads... He reaches down His loving hand... places His fingers beneath our chin... and gently lifts.  After He has wiped away the tears and our vision is clear, with eyes fixed on Him, we can stand tall, throw back our shoulders, and hold our heads high.  Voices no longer stifled, a song will resonate from our heart.  

(Psalm 27:6)  "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing , yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." 

THAT SONG WILL BE............  PSALM 3:3    

"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."  

                                           

Thou Oh Lord

Scars, Scrapes, and Dents

Yesterday as my son and I sat chatting about this blog's inception, he pointed out to me that so many times we as Christians paint our world through "rose colored glasses."  Often this can be to the point of making others feel "less than" when their world is falling apart.  My desire is that through the writings here, that I will be open and transparent with each of you who take the time to drop in for a visit, take off your shoes, and linger with me for awhile.  I definitely don't have it all together, my world is not always "rosy," and if you get to know me well and get close enough to see... I'm full of scars, scrapes, and dents.  My prayer is that each of you will see the love of God shining through those cracks.  

This is a picture of a piece of pottery which sits on the piano in my home. It is a testimony of my life.  Created by Lufkin Pottery in Seagrove, NC., and called a "Witness Crock."
This crock is perfect on one side like I wish I was and carries the indent of a broken heart on the other, with scrapes, scars and dents that I carry within.  When you light the candle on the inside of the crock, the light shining through represents God's unconditional love for you and me.  


In the Bible Study that I am currently working through... "Soul Shaping" by Stephen W. Smith, he points out that there are 4 steps in the "Transformation Process."  
1) Form  2) Re-form  3) Transform  4) Conform  

I find myself located in this process... somewhere between "reforming" and "transforming".  Oh how I need to grasp the fact that "It depends upon God - and not ME!"  When I think that it depends on ME - THE PROCESS FAILS.  God uses people, places, events, circumstances, and encounters to shape us.  And HIS LOVE can shine through all our scars, scrapes, and dents.

Guess you can say.... these are the musings of a "Crackpot"!

Marred to New - Fit for the Potters Use

(Jeremiah 18:1-4 KJV)  "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it."

  "In our life journey, we reach places

where we crave transformation.

Not superficial change,

but deep, inner work that penetrates the heart.

That's when the Potter beckons us to visit his house."

                           ~Stephen W. Smith, "Soul Shaping"~

 

I can only imagine what Jeremiah felt as he entered the door of the Potter's House.  He probably wondered, "What in the world, the Lord could teach or show him in such an odd place."  As he opens the door to enter, he sees the Potter sitting at his Wheel, notices the dirty apron with stains of clay, sets his eyes upon the moist clay laying patiently on the Wheel awaiting the Potters touch, with tools for molding within arms reach, and catches a glimpse of the bright red glow of the fire.    

 

He smells the mustiness of the clay, the smoke from the burning wood in the fire, and maybe even a hint of odor from the sweat of the Potter diligent at his work.  Jeremiah would of heard the squeak of the Potter's Wheel, the popping and crackling of the fire, the clang of the Potter's tools, and somewhere amid this array of noise he listens for a "word from the Lord."  As he walks about the room his hands reach out to touch and feel the coolness of the clay, I imagine he may have even touched the Potter's hand while he created, wiped dried clay dust from the rickety chair, felt the hard packed dirt floor beneath his feet, sensed the swelling anticipation and excitement in his own heart and mind, and an overwhelming awareness of the Lord's presence.

 

Jeremiah can't take his eyes from the Potter's hands as he lovingly sculpts and fashions the clay.  In the process the vessel is marred in the hands of the Potter, so he dampens the clay to make it moldable and pliable to form it anew.  

 

(Isaiah 64:8 KJV) "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." 

                        (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)  "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

What a beautiful picture and example of God's work in our own lives, transforming us into His own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another.  

In my own life God is doing a work... molding me into His image, removing the imperfections, and at times I feel He even has me in the Refiner's Fire.  I must realize that the process may be painful at times... but necessary... to make me what He wants me to be... He is the Potter, I am the Clay, the Potter is making me fit for His special purpose... Fit for the Masters Use.

Today you will find me:

Sitting on the Wheel marred.... being made anew!

  

Bare Feet, Blessings, & Butterflies

After much coaxing, thought, and pray… I begin this journey into the “blog world.” Cautiously I must admit. In trying to decide the name, “Bare Feet, Blessings, & Butterflies” seemed to fit perfectly. Let me explain:

Bare Feet… for those who know me personally, this is how you will usually see me if I am in the heat of activity. Shoes seem to be a nuisance when you are in a hurry and needing to get things accomplished. Whether it be housework, church banquets, directing a wedding, etc… you will see me slip away for just a moment and rid myself of this burden. Also, this blog will be where I share with you my encounters with my Heavenly Father. "Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground." (Acts 7:33 KJV) We will take off our shoes together and stand in the presence of a Holy God. My feet will not only be bare… but I will also bare my heart to each of you who care to drop in from time to time.

Blessings… I read a story the other day about a group of students who were studying the “Seven Wonders of the World.” At the end of the study period, the students were asked to list what they considered to be these Seven Wonders. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes: 1. Egypt's Great Pyramids, 2. Taj Mahal, 3. Grand Canyon, 4. Panama Canal, 5. Empire State Building, 6. St. Peter's Basilica, 7. China's Great Wall.

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a shy quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the “Seven Wonders of the World” are: 1. to touch, 2. to taste, 3. to see, 4. to hear, She hesitated a little, and then, 5. to run, 6. to laugh, 7. and to love. Oh, how easy it is for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as “wonders” while we overlook all that God has done, regarding them merely as “ordinary.” I hope through this blog to remind myself and you of those things which are truly wondrous about the many blessings our Lord bestows upon us daily.

And now for the Butterflies… my mom loved butterflies. There is never a time that I see a butterfly that I don’t think of her and smile, so that is one reason the “butterfly” is in the title of this blog. The other is the symbol that it represents to me: A butterfly must go through 4 stages before it can experience the true quintessence of life. First stage, the egg that consists of an outer layer of shell called the chorion, this shell protects the egg from drying out before it's fully developed. Second stage, then the butterfly larvae creates a caterpillar. In this stage the caterpillar eats on leaves and tries to consume as much food as they can for growth. (Kind of like us in that, as babies, we need our mother’s milk to grow.) 1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" This stage usually lasts through young adulthood, until the caterpillar has reached maturity, called apolysis. This is when the caterpillar starts to go into its final stage, cocoon stage. The caterpillar stays in the cocoon to fully develop properly into a strong beautiful butterfly. Once the butterfly has received all of the proper nutrients and wisdom on how to survive the real world, it finally hatches from its shell and begins to flap its wings slowly, then faster and faster, and before you know it, the butterfly is soaring through the sky living life abundantly free.

So come along with me on this journey… we will take off our shoes and get comfortable together, stand in the presence of the Lord on "Holy Ground" hand in hand, count our numerous blessings and name them one by one, and then work through the stages of growth together, till we can soar like butterflies through our daily lives - living abundantly and free.