Tag Archives: Christian

Spiritual Walking Steps – Day 4 – what’s inside?

Because of yesterday’s PAIN, today, I had an MRI on my left ankle.

On the outside, the doctor could see the funny lumps that had grown up.  With an x-ray, he could see the goofy bone issues.  The doctor could not see what is going on inside the soft tissues of my foot with just an x-ray. Therefore, he ordered an MRI.

MRI’s are really neat inventions.   With an MRI, he can see MORE than I’d like him to see, but at least, he can see this specific problem, and decide how to treat it.  As I laid in the machine, meditating, and trying to keep my foot still for 30 minutes, I thought about what is inside me.

On the outside – you can see that I’m 5’2″, 240 pounds, female, caucasion, brown hair with silver streaks, and glasses.  You might get the idea that I’m a ‘goody’ type of person – since I’m not wearing revealing clothes.  This would sort of fit with the scripture 1 Tim 2:9

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Of course, different brands of Christianity, or faiths in general, have differing definitions of modesty. But modesty in dress  is on the outside.  One can dress modestly, but have a lustful heart.

From the outside, we can judge a little of the inside, because of the fruit that surrounds us.

Matt 7:16- 17 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

X-rays are for seeing what is inside a person.  Well, not really all of the story, but x-rays can see the structure.  What is holding up all the other stuff?  This is the foundation of the body.

1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

X-rays can also see how we are building up that foundation, by the strength of the building around it.

1 Cor 3:12-13 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

We cannot know, totally, what is on the inside of a person, but that is what we are commanded to work on!  We need the Fruit of the Spirit, to imitate the character of God, to build with gold, silver, precious stone, and even clothe ourselves with a meek and quiet spirit:

1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

We can judge some about others, but the most important judging is of ourselves.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Matt 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Righteous judgement, in my opinion, is judging as Jesus did…by their fruit.  The other key is that, we will be judged by the same measure…so make sure the beam is out of our own eye FIRST!

That brings me to, how can I know what’s inside me? What’s inside MY heart?

Jer 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

It’s hopeless, right? Of course not…

Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

With God, all things ARE possible, even the searching, and judging of our own hearts…and HE will lead me in the way EVERLASTING! But WHAT is inside?

1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

When Jesus was resurrected, all the gang wanted Him to stay around, and He said:

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

The Comforter is the third person of the GodHead, the Holy Spirit that indwells the saints. YOU can do the searching for the doctrines about how the Holy Spirit comes into a person! I’m just saying, we NEED the Holy Spirit abiding in this temple!  Jesus promised SO MANY GIFTS from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!

John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

We ARE the temple of the Holy Ghost…HOLY Spirit…and the whole reason for the indwelling is for our comfort, teaching and remembrance! EDIFICATION!!!

Folks can put on all sorts of stuff on the outside, and folks can act all kinds of holy, but without the Holy Spirit within, when we go for our Eternal MRI, God will see nothing…because the Holy Spirit within is the spiritual evidence of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

These steps are not necessarily going to be in order of priority, but rather, in order that God gives them to me to write about.

    • Step 1 – Know your need for a Savior – Jesus Christ
    • Step 2 – Recognize that all good things are a gift from God
    • Step 3 – Cry out to God when you need help
    • Step 3.5 – HE will bring people into your fellowship
    • Step 4 – Know that YOU ARE the temple of the Holy Spirit – and make sure that HE dwells within!

    Today, in my spiritual walk, I’m checking to make sure that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within this temple…and I think I may have some house cleaning to do!

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

     


     

    1. Weight Watchers – day 4
    2. 100 Spiritual Steps- blog – day 4
    3. Chronological Bible reading…
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- gotta start!

    Spiritual Walking – Day 3 – PAIN!

    After my walk yesterday, and some working around the apartment and such, I had a HUGE PAIN in my left foot.

    I was limping…badly.

    My WALK  was affected – in many ways!

    1. I was having trouble remembering that my mouth is not connected to my foot! Nor do I want my foot in my mouth!
    2. I was having trouble moving from point A to point B. I wanted to just sit, lay, stop and stay – but I wasn’t really wanting to pray.
    3. God’s grace comes to those who ASK – and as we sat with friends, I WAS ASKING so as not to harm anyone with my mouth.
    4. sometimes, God wants you to sit, stay and pray – and we don’t listen so good!
    5. We can’t do this alone…not even Me & Jesus…we are in a fellowship – fellows in a ship!  And I needed some ‘fellas’ to help me out in many ways…and in this blog, I am going to give several shout outs to the fellas(and sistas) that have helped me out today!

    This morning, I awoke, and I still could not put weight on this foot…and I was having an inner argument with God.

    “I do not need this now, Lord!”

    SILENCE

    “I know You know what is best for me Lord – I mean, I do not WANT this now, Lord!”

    SILENCE

    “I am afraid of going through another round of foot surgeries, Lord, and I don’t think I can handle it on top of everything else that is going on”

    SHOUT OUT TO MY HUSBAND, JIM!

    My husband was praying – and he said “I pray that you will go back to bed for a nap, and wake up, and the pain will be gone, and the bump will be gone or much smaller.”

    I had just confessed to him that I was trying to keep my tongue from evil…

    Ps 34:13 Keep MY tongue from evil, and MY lips from speaking guile.

    Ps 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

    I didn’t believe…but I confessed that I would trust in the Lord.  I apologized each time I snapped…and I reminded myself, just because I’ve confessed I’m having trouble with my tongue, doesn’t mean I need to abuse his grace by letting my tongue fly!

    Then, verses came up on Face book:

    SHOUT OUTS TO MY ONLINE ENCOURAGERS!

    From Jim Wildman’s FB page:

    Gods standards have not changed. If we want to abide, we must walk His way.
    Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. http://bible.us/Ps15.1.KJV

    From Larry T Crafter’s FB page:

    No one enjoys having to wait..but as a friend of mine loves to remind me; ” Be Still and know that I Am God!” Waiting teaches us patience and allows us to see God’s plan unfold. As we wait, we learn acceptance, steadfastness and faith that God is in control! When the cloud tarried… then the children of Israel… journeyed not” (Num. 9:19). I will stand still until God’s will is clear!
    Blessings

    And this prayer ring from Cheryl Miller’s FB page:

    Family I need God to do something for me, and I’m pretty sure many of you need him to do something for you as well. So just for today, how about you pray for my breakthrough and I will pray for yours…family lets move heaven today with our prayers. The word of God clearly states, where 2 or 3 come together in my name I am there, (Matthew 18:20) so come on family lets get down on our knees and move heaven today.

    Then, this appreciation note from AntoinitaViolette on FB:

    Today is your appreciation day, not the only one…but, just wanted to tell you that you have been an encouragement to me. Thank God for you, and thank you for saying, Yes! to the Lord…daughter of The Most High and Royal King, making you of the houselHold!Amen!

    How was I supposed to continue in this funk, if the Lord is putting words like these together on Facebook, just to hit me in the eyes, and in the heart, and remember HIS WORD?

    And I got an email in one of my groups…where a dear lady reminded me that we are all in the same boat:

    Well, girlfriends, it sounds like we can all relate!!! Is there something crazy in the air? phases of the moon? unrelenting demands? rogue hormones? Let’s band together in “fellowship”–fellows, or rather females, all in the same boat–and encourage one another! Keep your heads up, eyes on the Prize, resting fully in His promises as we just “do the next *right* thing”!!! ~MT

    Another friend sent email – and she really ‘got it’.

    Christi – I know you did not need this. I am praying that this would heal quickly or just disappear. ~ Love, CB

    This friend, Cathie, even went so far as to ask me, in chat, if I had cried out to God! The honest answer was I’d yelled out, I’d begged out, but did I cry out?  I don’t know if my heart was in a right place,  but yes..before my nap(per my husband’s instructions) I told the Lord, cried out to the Lord – “I don’t think I can handle this! Please, take it away, or give me the strength to bear it!”

    What have I learned?

    1. The Lord can put a watch over my mouth
    2. I have to MOVE toward’s God – because HE didn’t move away from me
    3. I have to CRY OUT to God for HIS help; I have to ASK for help.
    4. I need to wait until I know God’s will, Be Still
    5. I can’t do this by myself.  I am in a ship – a fellowship

    I don’t know if this is 1 step or 5…but the key is that I did beg out to God…and HE put the words in several people’s mouths and hearts – to encourage me in my walk today!

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

     

    1. Weight Watchers – day 3
    2. 100 Spiritual Steps- blog – day 3
    3. Chronological Bible reading…
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- gotta start!

     

    Spiritual Walking – Day 2 – Who Done It????

    When I walk, I pray.
    When I walk, I listen to music.
    Today, I was listening to Butterfly Kisses, and thinking of my girls, and how I’m so proud of them.
    But one line,

    “Oh with all that I’ve done wrong
    I must have done something right
    To deserve a hug every mornin’
    And butterfly kisses at night”(1)

    My mom used to say to me, “I don’t know what I did right to deserve a daughter like you, but I must’ve done something right.”

    The truth?
    I did absolutely NOTHING to deserve these wonderful children – well, except for obeying the command to multiply!
    I did absolutely nothing to deserve the miscarriages, the children that I never held in my arms.
    My five children are gifts from God – totally undeserved, unearned. Just like the sunshine and the rain that God blesses even the wicked with every day. Gifts, undeserved and unearned.

    Then, I thought about myself, a child of God Almighty, saved by the gift of sacrifice, by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and sustained by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
    Gifts – I did not deserve them, and I did not earn them, and NOTHING I do can change the fact that I can do NOTHING to change my daughterhood.

    I used to tell my children, there is nothing you can do that is so bad that I will stop loving you. It’s true.
    Some have tried to test that out…but even with estranged times,

    I love them forever,
    I like them for always,
    as long as I’m living,
    my babies they’ll be! (2)

    God says the same thing to us…John 10:27-29

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
    And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
    My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s hand.

    We didn’t do anything to deserve this gift …as Paul explains in Eph 2: 8-9

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    The first step was to know that I needed a Savior, the second step is – HE SAVED ME not the other way around. The very faith it took to ask Him into my life was a gift from Him, because, without Him, I could not have done it.
    And I know that:

    He will love me forever,
    He’ll like me for always,
    as long as He’s living(eternally)
    My Daddy, He’ll be!

    Jesus loves me, this I know,
    For the Bible tells me so,
    Little ones to Him belong,
    They are weak, but He is strong!

    (1) BUTTERFLY KISSES LYRICS
    (2)Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

     


     

    1. Weight Watchers – day 2
    2. 100 Spiritual Steps- blog – day 2
    3. Chronological Bible reading…
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- gotta start!

    Spiritual Walking Steps – Start Over – Day 1

    I started a blog a while ago about 100 Spiritual Walking Steps.
    I apologized in a blog, for not making sure that I kept that blog going as I traveled.
    Well – I hope to start over…

    Walking – a spiritual walk.
    Why does walking have such a deep meaning to me?

    Well – while in the Navy, I fell and was paralyzed from the waist down for several months – because of inflammation around five discs that were slipped. While I am very good with a wheelchair…I really appreciate the ability to walk.

    After many surgeries on various parts of my legs, last summer culminated in three surgeries on my right ankle. After each surgery, I had weeks that I could not walk – wheelchair bound, and beholden to others to help me get around, and do things. I was very good with the wheelchair, but I wanted to walk on my own two feet.

    Last December, when my daughter was going to give birth to our second grandchild, I was not permitted to travel, because of the recovery of my ankle. Needing a wheelchair would be a burden to them, as well as not being able to walk up and down the stairs in their house, or walk my own dog. This was very devastating to me.

    Therefore – physically, I want to walk! But, while I have not been able to walk, I have thought about my Spiritual Walk.

    The Psalm that comforts me the most, whenever I am in a trial, is Psalm 23.

    The LORD is MY shepherd; I shall not want.
    He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters.
    He restores MY soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name’s sake.
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: I will fear no evil: for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me.
    YOU prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

    For me, the main points in this psalm are about walking, following, and yielding to the shepherd.
    The FIRST step, is making sure that the LORD Jesus Christ IS YOUR Shepherd!
    I did that in August of 1969.
    The Plan of Salvation is simple.

    The thing is – just like exercise, every day, I have to wake up, and say “Jesus, I choose YOU, and YOUR path, TODAY.”

    The other TRUTH is, there are times during the day that I have to say “oops, I have walked off the path. Jesus, I’m sorry, I choose to walk on YOUR path again.”  It seems that the first step seems to often need to be repeated.

    ***I am not speaking about salvation needing to be repeated – I’m talking about needing to notice where one is walking, and making adjustments when needed to get back in focus with Jesus Christ.***

    So – Step 1 for a Spiritual Walk is choosing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and choosing to walk in His paths daily.  Maybe that’s steps 1 & 2…but they are the ONLY steps that are important when it all boils down to it.

    For Today, I choose Jesus.  My plan is to choose HIS paths every second of every day – but I know that I will fall.  And just like walking, when you fall, you need to get back up…but I’ll talk about that later.

    My verse for today:

    Josh 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.


    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

     

    1. Weight Watchers – day 1
    2. 100 Spiritual Steps- blog – day 1
    3. Chronological Bible reading…
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- starting NOW

    WildBerry Workout – Day 1

    Today, I am going to start Weight Watchers.

    Today, I am going to start doing T-Tapp once a day.

    Today, I am going to start creating the new physical me to reflect the new spiritual and mental me that emerged while I was walking, climbing, and meditating in Germany.

    2Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

    This fat has OLD issues written ALL over it.  I desire to WALK in the NEW creature that God has made available to me.

    Several of my health issues are directly related to this FAT. Diabetes, heart strain, breathing, cholesterol.  That means several of the medicines that I take daily, or keep on hand are directly affected  by this FAT.

    This is part of the Walk that God has me on…and I will share it here.

    Phil4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

    1. Weight Watchers – starting May 24, 2011(today!)
    2. 100 days challenge- blog – start again, June 1
    3. Chronological Bible reading…starting in NT
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- starting NOW

    Walking in the Spirit – sometimes it’s just messy

    In the last few months, I’ve been focusing on walking in the spirit – the SPIRIT of God, that is.

    One month in Germany started with walking through the whole security issues with an assistance dog, and abuse issues if we needed the pat down screening.

    Hohenekan Castle Stairs

    Some of the stairs in the Hohenekan Castle

    Then, walking up hill EVERYWHERE in Germany! Stairs to my room, UP to go to the bathroom. UP to take Gabe to the bathroom. UP to any castle.

    Then, the walk back to the airport, with folks that don’t speak English all the time. We got through security, and wheeled to the plane just before it flew off…PERFECT!  God was with us!

    Now, the walk of moving out of an apartment – into the RV for the next phase of our lives committed to God’s work.

    The Burnt Wires

    The wires burnt right under the brown spot on the cover

     

    Burnt Electrical Box

    See the brown spot, where the heat was starting to come through?

    But, we had a fire in an electrical box, which endangered our lives, and the RV, and everything we had moved into it.

    Now, we are walking around an apartment with little to no furniture – because it’s all gone!

     

    Why did I go to Germany? To bless our daughter and son-in-law, and to be blessed by them.
    Was there a struggle? Yes…
    Was it worth it? Yes…
    Would I do it again? Yes…
    But some steps were VERY hard! But that was last week….

    NEXT….. today’s walk….

    Why did we give away our stuff? To bless others that they might bless others in return.
    Was there a struggle? Not until now, when we’re sitting in the empty apartment…until repairs are done.
    Was it worth it? We are in the middle of this valley – we cannot see the ‘worth’, though we can trust that God is faithful to HIS promise.
    We can count the blessings:

    1. I was watching a movie, Jim was working later than usual on the computers…therefore: We didn’t go to bed at the usual time, and put on our CPAP’s and miss the burning electrical smell.
    2. Jim is an electrical computer guy…he was not about to quit looking for it…he tore off some plywood to find the burning box.
    3. Jim smelled the burning…many times, he doesn’t smell the smells I smell…but this time, he smelled it, and reacted.
    4. we are under warranty…and so is the RV!
    5. we have two more weeks of an apartment…before we have to be OUT!
    6. we have the mattress out of the RV to sleep on…on the floor…just like when we first got married!

    Was this worth it? Well..I think I’m too close to it, right in the middle of it right now…but I KNOW that God’s work in our lives is ALWAYS worth it…because it brings us closer and closer to HIM. And, this has caused a lot of prayer time and personal reflection in Jim’s and my life in the last 18 hours.

    Would we do this again? – where I’m at right now…NO WAY! This was a valley of the shadow of death! IF, IF, IF…if we’d gone to bed at the normal time, in the normal way…we would be a story on the front page.

    These steps are VERY HARD! I’d rather climb to the top of the Heidelberg Castle twice, maybe three times…maybe up and down all day…to not have to have this feeling that we could have been burned to death.(confirmed by the service manager that looked at the thing).

    BUT – GOD!
    That’s the story.
    BUT GOD – had me decide to watch a movie that kept us up longer than usual.
    BUT GOD – had Jim working with the computers, and notice the smell.
    BUT GOD – the thing didn’t burst into flames when we opened the container to spray it.
    BUT GOD – we are alive – we did not die – we are here to declare the glory of God.

    This morning, as I walked with God, I asked “What happened to Psalm 91..no evil shall befall your dwelling?”
    “Did your dwelling burn?”
    “Well, no…But…”
    “But what? Why didn’t it burn?”
    “Because YOU had your hand on it, and us, and YOU prevented ANY evil from coming near our dwelling.”

    …insert humble pie, and grateful heart…..

    We could have been out on our trip to Ohio…and have to spend the time in a hotel.
    We could have been in it…as I’ve said.

    Ps 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

    Personally, I think ‘at thy side” and “at thy right hand” is pretty “nigh” me…but, the point is…it isn’t ME!

    Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

    Walking “through the valley of the shadow of death” seems to be surrounded by evil…the key is “I will fear no evil”. The evil can surround me…but I am dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High…and in His shadow, I am safe!!!

    Walking this one out means to face a fear I have dreamt about  all of my life…dying in a fire.

    • will this get fixed so that it won’t happen again?
    • is there something else that could happen?
    • how can we make sure that we don’t burn in this RV?
    • Is this safe?

    Where is my trust?  In what/Whom is my faith?  Was this something that we did wrong?  Or was this an attack to test us?  Or was this just something that happened..that we have to learn from, and walk on?

    The main issue here is in Whom do I place my trust? And, I have to admit, I have placed my trust in safety measures…rather than in Jesus Christ.  I’m NOT saying to practice unsafe things, to tempt fate, or test God, but make sure that once having done the practical measures…the trust is in Jesus.

    This thing should not have even been working…it was to connect to a generator THAT WE DO NOT HAVE!!! And yet, power went through it and burned up the wires, and started to burn the box that held it. All the safety features FAILED! In fact, there were NO fuses, we did not trip ANY of the safety features!

    BUT GOD DID NOT FAIL!!!

    Here are my confessions of faith…to walk on through this valley:

    Matt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:(OR FIRES DESTROY-author)
    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
    For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    John 15: 1-14
    verses 4&5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

    Ps 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

    Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

    Ps 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

    Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

    I’m walking…I’m moving forward…and God just isn’t finished with me yet.  I’m rechecking my spiritual armor, checking on my spiritual focus, and my spiritual roadmap…and keeping in close contact with my Spirit Guide…not the wierd one, The Holy Spirit( John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26), given to me, by Christ Jesus to teach, comfort, and guide me along this path of life.  Maybe, there is something special to this walk!

    Eph 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

    Doing a search for walk and Spirit starts up a whole ‘nother discussion…So, I’m thinking that when I get through this valley, God will have done some more boot camp work on my Spirit walk, and I will look back and say it was worth it.  I don’t know if I’d say I’d do it over again…but then again, the repeat parts are walking with the Lord through the valley of death…and on the other end, there is that table set for us in the presence of our enemies, anointing with oil, and cup overflowing.

    As I walked to the top of each of the castle mounds…I actually thought, I want to do this ONCE…and not do it again.  And yet, I did it again, for the next castle, and the next.

    I choose to walk with the Lord, on the mountain tops AND IN THE VALLEYS, over and over and over, until HE is through with me, and takes me home.

    After Jesus told the disciples about the coming comforter, He said this:

    John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

    I remember the Mandie  book series – and whenever they got into a rough spot, she would quote this verse:

    Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

    As I sat down to write out my thoughts…I was focused on Ps 91 and 23…but, through this writing, as I’ve confessed my fears, and confirmed my trust in Jesus Christ, God has led me to John 14, to talk about being led by the Holy Spirit.  Interestingly enough, as I am walking through the testing of the possible loss of my dwelling…here is the beginning of John 14:

    John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
    John 14:2 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.
    John 14:3 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.

    Isn’t that just like God?  I’m worrying about my little RV, while He’s reminding me that HE has a mansion for me…and He’s preparing it for me…and what’s more….

    John 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

    He has shown me the way…and if I forget, or am confused…The Comforter – John 14:26…shall teach me and bring back all things to my memory.

    Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

    Not the things of this world…but being led on the path that takes me to that mansion prepared just for me.  Now, for that, I’ll walk up a mountain again!

    Zugspitze

    The highest peak in Germany - Zugspize

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.


    1. 100 days of moving challenge – starting June 1
    2. 100 days challenge- blog – start again, June 1
    3. Chronological Bible reading…
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD- starting NOW

    100 days of walking in the spirit….what day is it?

    Some ideas are great…but the implementation of them falls short. That is what has happened with this great idea of 100 days of walking in the Spirit.

    On the other hand, the theme of these past days (this is day 127, thanks to this little calculator), has been walking.

    I’m in Germany.
    I have been here since April 19th.
    That was the 109th day.
    I had to WALK through my fears of the TSA pat down issues to get on the plane.
    At my daughter’s house, there are stairs to WALK from the main living area to my living area…12, I think.
    To WALK my dog, there is an uphill path, into the woods that goes uphill. Yes, it does come back downhill to get back home. I’m not going to play the uphill both ways card…though, this little village does seem to go uphill more than down!

    Shortly after arriving, I was stuck with a huge boil on my right toe…gross, nasty and painful. No medical options, and my visit here was just beginning. God said to walk out my healing by faith.
    Oddly enough, this trip has been full of walking, and I am always by my daughter, FAITH! But, seriously, it’s been a walk of faith for me…since I was not permitted to travel here in December because of how unstable my ankle was…not to mention my knees and hips(sorry, I just mentioned them!)

    I have WALKED up to Hohenekan Castle.
    I have WALKED all around Innsbruck.
    I have WALKED Garmisch.I took the cable car to the top of the highest peak in Germany.
    I WALKED the lowest gorge in the Garmisch area.
    I WALKED the palace Linderhoff grounds.
    I have WALKED Munich.
    Yesterday, I not only WALKED around Castle Altdahn, I climbed a set of ladders up into the tallest tower.
    Today, I will WALK Heidelburg.

    But, this morning, I walked in the woods, as I have almost every morning I’ve been here.

    Ps 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

    this is a cool verse…with promises that if you fall, you will not be cast down…but how are the steps of a good man ordered by the Lord?

    Prov 3:5 – 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

    I’ve been learning to trust in the Lord…not MY understanding.  As I climbed the ladder in the Altdahn Castle, each step was a prayer to my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus to conquer the lifelong fear of heights.  My own understanding, and that of my daughter Faith, was that I was not able to climb that ladder.  No one would have imagined I could have climbed that ladder, switched over to the second one, and then, at the top of the tower…walked to the edges and looked down!

    I’m taking steps, I’m learning to walk in the Spirit, and to trust totally in the Lord…not MY understanding!  After 41 years, something should start sinking in, right?  And then, as I was praying these verses as I walked back to the house, the Lord reminded me of this verse:

    Ps 100:1-3 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

    But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

    I’m learning to walk in the Spirit…and one of the things I realize was that writing a 100 days set was NOT in the works for me while I’m traveling. But, I am still learning more and more about walking!

    Thanks for joining me…and keep taking steps in your walk…just one foot in front of the other!

    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi

    The First 100 Days – Day 100 – what have I done?

    Day 100

    What were my goals?

    1. 100 days of moving challenge
    2. 100 days blog challenge
    3. 90 days Bible Reading
    4. multiple T-Tapp challenges
    5. 40 days of Fasting For Food

    What have I done?

    • I did complete the Fasting for Food – though I raised very little money for Compassion through that project.
    • I did not complete any T-Tapp challenges, because of vertigo issues – though this did separate the vertigo issues from everything else.
    • I did not complete the 90 days Bible Reading – though I read parts of my Bible I had never really ‘read’ before, and I did read more in the first 100 days because of this challenge.
    • As obvious by the lack of blog posts, I did not complete the 100 blog challenge, though the eye problems from the vertigo were clarified because of my difficulty at the computer screen.
    • I did not complete the 100 days of moving challenge – though because of it, I am now able to walk more than a 5k (3.2 miles) in a little over an hour, and I am able to start handling stairs. This has prepared me for my trip to Germany.

    While the goal of a challenge is to complete it, I’m not sure that is what God’s requirement is. Yes, we are to be like Paul:

    Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

    I just don’t think that God means that we are to arrive there in our lifetime. I’m not sure it’s possible.
    What kept me from completing my challenges? Trials, to be sure, but more honestly, temptations to do otherwise.

    James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

    • I did not choose to move when I could…and, honestly, if I could move to go to the bathroom or put something in my mouth, I could have moved for 10 minutes!
    • I did not choose to read the Bible or to listen to the Bible being read when I was too dizzy to focus… and honestly, I watched a lot of stupid TV while I sat trying to stay upright.
    • I did not choose to write short blogs, to share my experiences (which would have caused me to do some Bible study as well)…but I did keep up with email.

    See, I can make excuses for not completing my challenges.

    I know that God does not grant me salvation based on how good I do in challenges(THANK YOU JESUS!).
    But I KNOW that I did not give my all to these challenges.
    I KNOW that I treated my flesh before honoring God’s Spirit.

    James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

    So, for me, there has been sin.
    Thankfully, for me, Jesus takes care of that for me when I confess my sins. He is faithful to forgive me of my sins(Thank you LORD!) (1 John 2:1-2 with 1 John 1:9)
    Thankfully, there is no condemnation!

    Rom 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

    And the last two qualifiers are what lead me to my next goal…
    walk NOT after the flesh, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT!

    When Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, he said: “Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

    I will be setting new goals for the next 100 days, and I will be trying to walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25).

    AND, I will continue to confess my sins, I owe that to my Savior.

    James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

    And, through James, I have a promise:

    James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

     

    I will be working on a new signature set of challenges…but until then,
    Thank you for joining me in this journey!

    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi

    The First 100 Days – day 87 – Locked OUT!

    This past weekend, I removed my house key, and my garage door key fob from my usual huge collection of keys.
    It was sitting on the table next to me last night.
    This morning, I went out for a walk with my husband and dog, with my cell phone documenting the walk for me! Jim had the keys.

    Because Jim took the walk with me, I wanted to give him a lift over to the park and ride to catch the bus. I grabbed my keys, my purse, and the dog and walked out to the truck. Jim locked the house behind us. I prayed with him at the bus station, and headed home. First clue something was wrong…I didn’t have the key fob to let me back into the community!!! So, I ignored the rules and drove in the open out gate after someone left. I drove up to my parking space, parked, grabbed everything, and told Gabe to get out…and then, it hit me…my house keys are on the same ring as the community AND garage door opener key fob! I was LOCKED OUT!

    Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
    :2 And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.
    :3 They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
    :4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

    Every one of them were virgins…all setting themselves apart, keeping themselves pure for the bridegroom.
    Every one of them had a lamp.
    Every one of them had access to oil. It doesn’t say they were poor and couldn’t get any oil, it says they were foolish and didn’t take any oil.

    Matt 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
    :6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

    I was so distracted by my conversation with Jim(my bridegroom), that I did not pick up the key ring that was RIGHT BY MY PURSE!!!  I left so fast, I didn’t even pick up my phone! No wonder this little purse is so light! I was NOT prepared!

    A few friends have had stories about locking themselves out recently. Each one had some resource that enabled them to protect themselves from danger.

    One got frostbite being barefoot in freezing weather, but she was able to get into her car to stay warm, and drive for help. She remembered a hidden key!
    Another thought she was locked out, in her night clothes. She borrowed clothes from the scarecrow, and later, found out that a door that was always locked, was open, leading straight into her kitchen. She wandered around, looking to break in, when the door was already open.
    Who would have thought that being locked out could be a life or death matter?
    Being locked out of heaven is a LIFE or DEATH matter!

    Matt 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

    As the virgins awoke and trimmed their lamps – some found that they were without oil.  They had run out.

    As I came up to the gate, I found that I was without keys, or clicker.  The windows were all locked.  My options had run out!

    Matt 25: 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
    :9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

    The one friend was blessed. She was able to drive the car to WalMart, call her mom, and with various people involved, got help to get back into her new apartment.
    The other friend was blessed.  A door that was normally locked, was open, and she was free to walk right into her kitchen.
    This morning, I was blessed. I have a wonderful neighbor that I could wake up at 7:30am, and she let me in, gave me water to drink, and we had a great hour and a half of visiting.

    Not so much for the virgins that were not prepared.

    Matt 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
    ;10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

    The door was shut.
    Locked out.
    Intense desire to get IN.
    No way to do it alone.

    The one friend – with phone calls, and a friend’s Dad, she got a key that was able to get her back into her apartment.
    The other friend – someone left a door unlocked, and she was able to get right in.
    I was able to go to the Office, and one of the ladies gave me a copy of my key, and I was able get back in.

    The five ill prepared virgins couldn’t get in. They needed the key!

    Matt 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
    :12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

    The friend that needed to get back into her office had her ID verified in a casual way, by meeting her friend’s dad for help.
    The other friend owned the house…she knew who she was.
    When I went to the office, I have to give them my ID, to hold until I brought the copies back. They wanted proof of who I am!

    The virgins that did not MEET the Bridegroom BEFORE the entrance to the wedding feast WERE NOT KNOWN, and therefore they WERE NOT PERMITTED IN. Only this time, it’s not just a party, it’s eternal.

    THEY WERE LOCKED OUT! They didn’t have the key.

    What was the key? Knowing the Bridegroom.
    Simply:

    John 3:16 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.
    :17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

    It wasn’t the Bridegroom’s fault that the five virgins were left outside. They did not prepare, and were not ready, they did not endure to the end.

    If we do not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, it’s not because we have not been given everything needed to do so, it’s because we have been lazy, not preparing, and not choosing that which leads us to the narrow gate.

    John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Today, I got so distracted, I didn’t stop to think, and I had to avail upon the help of others to get into my home.

    Someday, I will walk to the gate of heaven, and again, I will have to avail upon the help of another to get into my eternal home. The blood of Jesus Christ redeemed me from my sin, IF I apply it. The KEY to entering into the wedding feast of the Lamb of God is to be WASHED by His blood, CLOTHED in the wedding garment of white, and KNOWN by HIM.
    I do not want to allow the distractions of this world to cause me to run out of oil in those final moments.
    By faith, I continue to choose this path, and I look forward to the day that He comes, and then, in the celebration of His reign, I will enter in with HIM, as His bride.

    Everyone can enter in. Everyone has John 3:16. No one has to be left outside. Choose ye, this day, whom ye shall serve.

    Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

    Thanks for joining me in this journey,
    In His hands and under His wings,
    ~Christi
    Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or ‘like’ me! Or follow me with the RSS feed.

    1. 100 days of moving challenge – day 87 – walked the dog!
    2. 100 days challenge- blog – check
    3. 90 days Bible Reading – Luke
    4. 50 days T-Tapp – AL, OIP, HD

    The First 100 days- Day 85 – Like the Waves

    Galveston, Tx
    The Gulf of Mexico.
    March 26, 2011

    Waves of water
    ebb and flow
    with the ocean’s
    push and pull.

    Coming in,
    lay down fresh sand
    water washing
    onto the land.

    Flowing out,
    and taking trash,
    but digging ruts
    with splish and splash

    Ridges roll
    bumps fall down
    circles swirl
    is that a crown?

    Trials flow
    in and out
    cutting down
    the trash of doubt

    Holy Spirit
    washes o’r
    and the sins
    are never more.

    Slowly scraping
    sin and flesh
    and molding me
    into holiness.

    Things that fight
    the flow of God
    rip and tear
    break down and fall

    Flowing with
    the waves of God
    is peaceful, joyful,
    life unfraught

    Waves of God
    please overflow
    wash away
    sin’s tight hold

    Take out the flesh
    that over rides
    my spirit hopes,
    and heart’s desires

    Swirl around
    my heart and soul
    mold me, make me
    white as snow.

    As I yield to
    Your ocean’s flow
    renew my mind
    so that I know

    I know that you
    are King of Kings
    and you are Lord
    of everything

    When I’m allowed
    to fall down,
    it’s only to
    design my crown

    Your hands are always
    holding me
    just like the beach
    holds the sea

    The ocean waves
    they ebb and flow
    illustrate
    God’s power to know

    None can count
    the ocean sand
    But out of trillions
    God holds my hand

    I can ride
    the waves of life
    with peace from God,
    and not with strife.

    He has a plan
    that’s just for me
    If I will just
    abide with HE.

    Wash me with
    Your water, Lord,
    Help me live
    life by Your word.

    Thank you, Lord.