and it reads 'For Sale'. Well, not specifically those words, but the name of the realtor who is selling it, and the words 'coming soon' perched atop the sign. It's an odd sight for us, for we haven't had one that close in a long time. Yes, Ms. Amy's place is now up for sale. My assumption is that they are going to be painting the walls, and polishing the floors - I think all the rooms have wood floors, come to think about it. Personally, I like carpet in the bedrooms, but wish we had wood floors for the rest of the house. But, it was my/our decision and I went with carpeting. Anyway - I expect Ms. Amy's place to be shown within a week or less. I'm wondering how much they are asking for it - it should bring our little place up a bit higher since we are connected; we just are on the corner and have the fruit trees. And to that, I am grateful. Not to have fruit trees. There are enough around here that I have my choice of fruit. Grapefruit from Ms. Vicky's, oranges from Ms. Diane's, lemons from Jim's. I'm still using lemon juice that I juiced up two years ago!
After doing my workout last night, and hubby went with me to ride the bike, we grabbed something to eat and then headed over to church for prayer meeting. We hadn't been going for a few weeks, and then I went last week; hubby decided to go last night. I always enjoy going, even though some of the prayers are quite loud. It just isn't the way I was raised in church. Prayer was always done quietly. But, the culture of some is to speak loudly - cause they speak loudly - and then add in the microphone. LOL I am reminded of a time when I was in Bodyguards at a church we previously attended. I was praying for healing over someone, and I guess I must have raised my voice. I didn't notice, but one of the men told me afterwards that he had never heard me raise my voice before. I guess when one is passionate about healing, one will speak loudly. If I want to beat the doors of heaven down for healing for one of my children or grandchildren, you can bet I am going to raise my voice and pound on that door to open and give me what I am asking for!
Circumstances over the past years have crushed my passionate spirit somewhat, and although I don't want the trials and tribulations that can go with that passionate praying, I miss that intense focus on God and pounding on the door of heaven to get the answers. That is what I have been missing and what I am asking God for, and seeking Him for. One of the reasons why I want to get back in to teaching again - go back to my roots of teaching Discipleship, for that is where I learned to pray.
Sometimes, to get it right, we have to go back to our roots and start from the beginning again. Sort of like becoming a new Christian. Perhaps we accepted Christ at a young age, or as a teenager. But then things happened and it drew us away from our first love for Jesus. But I bet, that if we allowed ourselves to think back to that beginning, and the emotions and love and passion we felt at that time, we would find our heart longing for the peace that passeth all understanding. And you know what? We can have it again. But we have to want it bad enough to go after it. Even by taking baby steps to find our way, when we lean in to Jesus, He will direct our path and help us.
Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV): "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
The picture that Isaiah is giving is that our sins have colored us; our hands are red, as in blood. We are covered.... until we make the decision to follow God completely. And when we choose to obey God, to follow Jesus, that stain of that blood will be washed off of us and we shall be white as snow; white as wool. Oh that our burdens could be lifted off of us and in adoration we give thanks to the One who rescues and redeems us!
I started reading in Ezekiel this morning. I love the old prophets and reading how God used them. Did you know that Ezekiel was only 25 years old when God called him? Another thing that I've read is that all the prophets God used in the Old Testament, they were not treated well. Hadn't really thought of that. People were always against them. Things happened to them. Remember Jeremiah? He cried lots of tears; he was thrown into pits and left there because the king didn't like what he prophesied. Hosea was told to marry a prostitute - and she kept going back to her former life and he had to go back and get her. There were lots of things that happened to the prophets of old. Their stories are great stories and I encourage you to read them. And, by the way, Ezekiel got to see an entire army raised from dried bones. Wouldn't that turn in to a sight!
The Bible is full of stories of how God loves Israel - and how He loves us. Oh that we would take Him seriously and allow Him to lead us! We are lost and uncertain without His direction for our lives. We NEED Him more than He needs us, for sure!
What would it take for you to let God be number one? He's willing, and waiting, to gather you to His heart. Will you let Him?
Blessings!
