Heart Uplifted

Author: admin

  • Fire

    “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, the flame will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God,” Isaiah 43:1
    My Mom called me late last night distraught, there are fires in Collier County in Florida where she lives.  My heart was breaking because fear had overtaken any rationality and her emotional exhaustion over all that we have had to endure was an expression of how most feel, “I have had enough.” Another threatening situation. I spent some time with her on the phone and tried to encourage her. Basic advise was do not fall prey to worse case scenario, try to deal with what is front of you. After I hung up the phone sleep was far away. Fire. Imagine facing fire.   Lord, please send the rain was all I could say. I thought of this verse, because it speaks of all sorts of dangers.  But more importantly to think about this in the outpouring of love that is so evident…”you are mine.” Does that not bring your being your heart to a blaze receiving love. We all have our internal fire so to speak, it is after all at the core of the earth. I want to burn with His Love, I want to be fired up moving in His Will.  I do not want to be in halfway but in total surrender. The greatest difficulty, is this it? Unfortunately, it is not likely to be. We need to belief in God’s favor and His abundance of comfort no matter what befalls us. Move away from anxiety and be encouraged, be an encourager who can ease away anxieties. So this is a call of sorts to let your fire be ignited with more kindness, more mercy, more graciousness…no matter your emotions, no matter your circumstances let Truth speak louder and propel you forward. Are we supposed to be emotionally exhausted so we give in and give up, NO! It is time to fight all the more and get together. Let the passions of your heart be seen.  I pray for your blessing sweet reader, and that you rise from the ashes with a fresh fire with Love that surpasses all. The Comforter is here.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE.

  • Lift Your Head Up

    “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
    This a great verse but what about when you are in a moment where you can not receive the cheering on. “In all things” takes us to stretch. It is so easy for each of us to have an answer or quote a scripture in the face of someone else’s pain, sorrow and grief. Honestly we can never really understand our own heartbreak. And there are days when a memory can be a blessing that brings a wistful sense of joy but in other moments a storm of sorrow can consume you, only to pull you down. What of the time when you are just worn out? and your thoughts wrestle with fair versus unfair in our world that manipulates the scale with deception.  God will make perfect sense of it all, I truly believe it to be so…but we need constant reminders of who we are in Him. It is like we get amnesia or at least that is how I have seen it play out at times.  We need to really and truly grab hold of these truths.  There can never be enough reminding. Knowing Jesus is our source of Freedom.  We are not to be bound to pain or injustice. We are not to be tangled in a web of negative shards that scrape our wounds or keep us in a cloud of confusion. We are not to be in the quick sand of comparing our path to someone next to us at work, in our neighborhood, at church or even a mere passerby. We must know that God loves us, and He is our Great Advocate. He does not make mistakes, and you are not a mistake. There is a difference in that we do make mistakes. But we are not the sum of mistakes. We can receive forgiveness, when we ask and are willing to follow Him. 
    Remind yourself as I am doing today that He comes alive through all of our heartache and for our life, whether ordinary or extraordinary.  Speak truth over yourself, say affirming words aloud, do not just keep faith tucked away only out for a rally call here and there but exercise that faith muscle as much as you can.  Let it get ever so strong that no discontent, no pang can rock you. In spite of all you may be faced with or are enduring in this day lift your head up!  There is only One who is the beginning and the end. And Yes! He is in all things. And Yes! He is Good, (in biblical terms good sometimes means beautiful), and Yes! He is for you. Say Yes! There is so much that is beautiful and that includes you.
    So while the surrounding atmosphere may be trying to stomp on your dreams or keep you down making you feel less than, nothing is too great for God.  Keep walking toward what your heart is calling you to today. So wipe away those tears. The New Living Translation of Psalm 58:3 says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all of my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one of them in your book.” The photo of the Lady’s Mantle shows collection of the rain. Lovely little beads of water collect on each leaf.  Those droplets of water gravitate to the edge and eventually water it’s roots. While the storm may be an eventual happening, the watering is life sustaining. When hope seems out of reach faith has the ability to lift you.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE,
    One of our designs at www.heartuplifted.com

  • Precious Shine

    “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:4
    Precious defined as of great value, not to be wasted or treated carelessly. And that refers to you sweet reader. You are precious!  Take hold of that thought today. (by the way not the way Gollum/Smeagall said it in Lord of the Rings, Ha!) In today’s world your view of precious may be altered. So many things get replaced because the cost to make repairs may be more than purchasing something new.  We can get far too accustomed to that attitude. Not the case in the Kingdom. You are irreplaceable. Recently, I received this old copper bowl thick with tarnish. It could have easily been placed in the trash and forgotten. I applied some cleaning compound to it and worked a soft sponge to wipe away the dirt to bring it back to full shine. I could see my reflection. It was awesome. Now it can be used and seen for it’s original value. We have to take the time as believers, we should be restorers. Pointing to the One who brings light to the darkness. Like this gladiola in the garden last year in the sunlight the colors were magnificent. The only one of it’s kind and the photo could not capture the radiance, it had a sparkle. We had not planted this one. It survived the winter and reclaimed it’s place in the garden. There was light in each petal it truly had a special glimmer. I could see the expressed detail as a masterpiece in and of itself. That is you, too! You shine more than copper. You are a masterpiece blooming. Christ paid it all for you. His love is the source. Sure, it may be easy to see a newborn and call them precious, but that same awe that envelopes the description of a baby applies to you no matter your stage of life. And with His love it makes your shine reflective. So much of what we see in attitudes is a throw away, walk away practice.  Broken can imply, no longer having appeal. But with the Lord we surely must change our view to know our value and in effect be able to see the value of others.  We need to enjoy our progress and our breakthroughs. Express patience in setbacks. His will for your life is a connection that reveals such treasure. Even though it may seem that things are given up for destruction. His Grace does not change. So I come before Him today with a heart of thanksgiving.  Realizing that in spite of my brokenness, His love does not dismiss, throw away, walk away or find me unappealing. God is for me and His promises are forever.  
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, wanting to shine today for His Glory!

  • Become a God-Finder

    “We may ignore, but we cannot evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” CS Lewis

    Beautiful day! Perfect weather for a walk in the woods. So off we went. A little collecting and brainstorming about some projects. I snapped some photos and stopped to listen to the birds. Someday maybe I can work on identifying them by their songs. There were common ferns that held green all winter just laid over by snow cover, silver blue leaves in full scatter on the trail and forest luxury “homes” that brought your imagination to wonder who takes up residence there. The cedars leaning over the water, root systems exposed with rich red tones and emerging green in varying stages of new growth, invigorating. We stopped for a minute or two, a question about heaven, what colors will we see there and a hope that while “new” is awesome would we be experiencing seasonality, the same rhythm of nature we have here? As we encounter spring we see winter’s stunning remains. No matter it is all a Wonder!  I think of “presence” in Hebrew in the Bible  meaning is sometimes face to face, intimacy. And so when we have that thought of heaven we are forward looking to that intimacy. But God is omnipresent. And I so I love this quote above to keep my heart stayed, thinking of God incognito. Observing us, interested in us, only to have us recognize Him! I need to stay in the wonder of that very thought. Awesome.

    So this morning after breakfast I cleaned up and reset the table. And I was reminded of how I love to do this…creating a tablescape is so fun to me. I mix and mingle the dishes, use some whimsy, causal with some elegance and, voila! As my husband leaves for the day He asks, “what are you doing?” as I iron the checkered napkins, setting the table special! Oh, for? he responds. I just want a visual of a face to face meeting I explain.  With the fight for returning to normal, being aware of His presence is increasingly more and more important to me and I am thankful for this day.  My simple hope is my Guest is welcomed and honored Today because I know I found Him.

    “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows” Psalm 23:5

    So much wonder surrounds us, and my sweet reader, you are a wonder made by God. Walk with Him today, set the table for Him, He has for you. See like you have never seen before. You are invited here and now, His interest in you is for always, recognize Him.

    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, becoming a God-finder!

  • Absolutely Boundless

    “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear it’s sound but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
    The wind is immense outside my window this morning. It has called me awake. And I think, is that you Lord, are you sweeping the earth to ready us for what’s next? Recently our work has been a spring clean up of sorts. We are preparing for a transition, cleaning out corners, discovering forgotten things, letting go of what has been hidden and kept for years, mostly things that have fallen through the cracks. Allowing change requires that we do some self assessment. Very often we fight things and do not even realize we are fighting ourselves. It is a letting go not only in the physical sense but the spiritual, within the depths there often is something that has prevented us from moving forward. It is always is a good feeling with a clean fresh start. We all can use a fresh start. I can not pretend that change is easy for me but since I was young I have had to conquer myself in many changes. We moved around a great deal during my childhood, up and down the eastern seaboard, too many schools to recall. While I adapted it was a struggle, you see I have been led to become bold and somewhat outgoing. My true nature is quieter and more introspect. But in my transitioning from place to place I had to step out and try new things all of which required faith that when I did let go of my fear, my insecurity, my doubt it would in some way be okay. The Lord has indeed molded adaptability into me as He stretched me. Let me see if I can explain by way of a story. The hallways of a school I attended in Florida were pathways with only roof coverings that led to each classroom building and one day while walking from one room to the next I caught a glimpse of my brother in the distance. He was sitting alone. I believe it had only been merely a week since we started school there. My heart immediately broke to see him by himself but there was this wind that day. It was pushing us along. I quickly detoured my route to get to him and encouraged him to go play, simply by reminding him that I am here and it will be OK. He smiled a sheepish smile and took off among his new peers. I felt a bit lighter at the sight of him among the others. I see that picture in my memory clearly other things about that day and surrounding days are gone from memory. But one other piece of the scene is profound. I also can recall the wind blasting me as I left, it took my breath away or so I thought. As I look back I think it is only vivid because it shook my own fear to the surface. It is the same force I hear outside reminding me of that feeling when you are so fulled with air it feels as if you have none. It isn’t tangible yet you are saturated by the overwhelming wave. We are propelled by God’s breath, “Ruach” in Hebrew. Power that is so full it would take your breath away at the wonder. It is nothing to fear. God is far beyond human comprehension. But come to a certainty of His absolutely boundless sovereignty. Unlimited power like the wind. Think of your own breath now, how can you adjust your focus to more of the wonders of God? In the wind He may be just reminding us that He is there and it will be OK. Increase your knowledge and wonder of the Lord. “In whose hand is the breath of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10 Let the impact of that thought propel your life.

    Just two girls in the woods for ONE!

  • A Stolen Moment

    “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
    Luke 12:6-7

    This moment is kind of weird.  I was just outside milling around a bit, 50 degrees. Sunny. Blue Sky. So Nice! I finished some things I needed to take care of today. Now, I am sitting in my most comfortable chair, window is open I can hear the sweet sound of my chimes. I have an hour before my husband will be back from work. I do not need to rush as I often do. I decided to just sit and listen. The chimes faintly competing with some far off work sounds.  And I just got pummeled with this thought of how easy it is to be forgotten. where did that come from…. Inattentive, failed to be mentioned, left behind unintentionally. Yikes! My heart rate increased. Who have I forgotten? Or am I forgotten? OK I needed a minute. And actually that is all it takes an instant to feel that way. Oh my goodness, I want to cry right now. It can erase so much good we hold. For whomever needs to read this you are not forgotten. I am cheering you on. I am praying for this time to end. And that the changes that we each need to be aware of as individuals have been found in our quiet time. It may feel like too much, fear creeps in just like that and literally steals our peace. Stand firm. Be brave. Know your value.

    God is so very close. He does not leave us like the world may. Please, please do not forget this essential truth. Do you know that feeling when you turn your face to the sun on a cool day with your eyes closed, your cheeks and nose in need, the brightness fills you and you can not help but feel warmth…..well forever turn to the Son. All radiance, all filling warmth in your heart. His Love is purest, truest and enduring of all. Jesus, Prince of Peace. What more can be said. You are fully known, seen and heard. He loves you! Receive this message. Let Grace ring out, in and through you with His lasting peace, no stolen moments.

    Just Two girls in the woods for ONE, not wanting you to feel forgotten!

  • Shared Space

    “He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3

    Raindrops and snowflakes, bees and butterflies oh yes, those birds hitching a ride on an elephant. You have seen the images before. You think, well I think, it’s how it should be. You get the picture. In particular when I snapped this picture from the garden, I love how they are each doing their thing. One buzzing, the other fluttering so much variation in the approach and manner of resting on this beautiful bloom. Debbie means “bee” hmmmmmm?! I guess my mom was on to something because I am busy (and dizzy with too many thoughts). Ha! Seriously, be joyful. Even in the face of a failed relationship, business dwindling or a major course change that you did not expect. What does any of it matter.  You are enough! and the joy in the journey is greater than the sum of all the “things” that life throws our way. I have failed at relationships, been completely heartbroken, walked away from jobs that were sucking the life out of me and changed course. Completely living 1 Corinthians 10:12 “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall.” Many might view the walking away as giving up but truly decisions that are taken with the Lord’s leading can at times be difficult to understand. Off on a bit of a tangent….(refocusing)  What I am getting at is the butterfly does not seem at all bothered by the bee. Did you know in the Victorian error that Dahlia’s were given as a symbol of a commitment of a bond that last forever. But more importantly and what struck me about this photo is also significant the dahlia itself is symbolic of staying graceful under pressure. Wow! I guess so, nothing more graceful than the dance of a butterfly and the mere presence of a bee is “pressure.” But that is my view it really isn’t exhibited here.

    I am getting at the fact that if you make a habit of going to God, you will find that He restores your soul. Truly the best commitment you can make. And whether you are a “bee or a butterfly”, well shared space will be quite different going forward. Something to think about during this reset. And the way I see it a bird hitching a ride on an elephant is priceless! Feeling weary, exhausted or sad…God is right there. Just saying…… by the way I think you are awesome. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts.

    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, refreshed by the presence of the Lord!

  • Babies?

    “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is as sure as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3

    We just left the post office, when Louisa called me, “come here.” It had that hurry and see enthusiasm behind it. I grabbed my phone, photo op for sure and immediately thought it was going to be “babies”. I was expecting to approach quietly still thinking something was nesting nearby. There among the brown and mucky waters, with beige hues of grass mounds laid down from the winter snow was a scattering of twiggy bushes with tiny soft white pods,  just beckoning.  The tiniest of pussy willows.  It was sheer delight to see. Spring for us is later than most areas. 3-4 weeks behind downstate.  Emerging ever so slowly. I imagine the new life does not want to peek out only to be blasted by a cold front that can still descend upon us. But these little buds are an indicator of soon. A joyous sign for sure. Babies!

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds with Christ Jesus.” To me Paul’s exhortation from Philippians 4 is like handing someone a bunch of pussy willows. In some areas of Europe they would use them instead of palms on Palm Sunday. Offering calming peace, that recognition of joy made visible, look here spring is coming. Isn’t that what God says to us “look here,” He is coming. All I know is I want to see more and more clearly. I want a continual gentle awakening to press on. The verse cited from Hosea above says, “let us” press on to know the Lord. Is it an “if” statement?  If we know Him, if we see Him, if we Hear from Him…. All of this makes me want to know more of Him. It gives you such certainty and clarity when you see His Hand in things. God our creator! Surely you will find Him in your day today.

    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, making discoveries of His love and favor in the signs of spring.

  • Decidedly Different

    “So teach us to number our days, That we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

    I have been caught up in that scenario of not being able to say “no” but it is alright to express it. And learning to take a position to truly cultivate wisely, especially on a time expenditure may find you in an unpopular position in the world we live.  If you are not automatically agreeable, well I am sure you can understand. There will be noise. Weathering that static takes maturity. We need not be moved by others, going to God first and foremost is paramount before we decide and or “do” anything.  Oh, yes prayer starts a lot of courses.  But cultivating prayer as the most important part of the course, sorry I do not see it.  We are random. We make a start but fall off.  Then we treat it so routinely. I am just as guilty of this as the next. Prayer is the special reason. But this moment, What about it? We should make the most of every opportunity.  Isn’t that what no is, our next opportunity. I can not just ask for wisdom. I have to dig for it, work for it. Make mistakes and learn from them. Every moment to honor God, without Him my yes or no amounts to nothing. As reports come forward daily on the number of lives lost from the virus, surely we have thought about the brevity of life. But why focus on only the negative, what about the recoveries! Which brings me to this point, to cultivate. Be decidedly different and encourage others with what matters. You mean something and the person you see before you is important. Each encounter has a special reason. Do not miss this opportunity, this moment. The use of our time is the greatest part of wisdom. Today, this moment can be a new beginning. Be prayerful you will become more positive.

    Just two girls in the woods for ONE decidedly different.

  • Immeasurable ONE

    “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and grounded in love may have power, together with all of the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the Love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV

    This Easter will be different in isolation no doubt. I pray this verse for us.   I pray that the LOVE of Jesus speaks in higher volumes, fuller tones and a repeating chorus in our hearts sweet ones. Coming before Him in surrender of myself I receive all that fuels me to move forward. And so do you. No matter who has seen me as a “problem”, who has spoken against me or what circumstance leaves me alone.  I know the ONE, I want to live through the ONE who is immeasurable LOVE. May there be a healing balm on your wounds, a vanishing of your insecurities and pain no more that immobilizes. All of my mistakes, wrongdoing and sin. It is left at the cross. He took it all, forgiveness.

    You are a beautiful masterpiece accepted, adored and precious in His sight. Chosen for today, live boldly and free. He calls you His beloved child.

    Happy Easter! Just two girls in the woods, with hearts uplifted to the King of Glory.
    www.heartuplifted.com