Are You Robbing Yourself of Joy?

This idea of robbing ourselves of joy struck me today after I cancelled lunch plans with a group of wonderful ladies from church. Of course, the weather was bitterly cold and snow had recently fallen and I was tired and feeling very unmotivated, all of these things were absolutely the truth but when I finally got up and was preparing to go to work there was a sadness that was covering me…I could pretend to blame all of the above circumstances but the truth is I alone decided to rob myself of the joys of fellowship and community by not going to lunch. I can say the same thing for each time I decide to sleep in on Sunday mornings or miss a bible study and especially my daily devotions. The result of these kinds of decisions impact us all in different ways. I have been feeling very overwhelmed and I ask myself why? The answer is I have lost sight of God and His Will and defaulted to trying to do and handle things according to my will…duh, no wonder I’m tired and overwhelmed. I recently watch the mini-series “The Bible” and a study of “Jonah” I am reminded that God’s way is always the best way but we (humans) tend to be rebellious and want to do things “our’ way and things rapidly degrade from that moment on. Once we recognize the error of our ways, the best thing to do is to return to God, quickly…but again, we (humans) at least some of us put way too much thought into it. We tend to think of what we can do to make things right with God but the answer is nothing…except go to God, He is waiting with open arms and filled with joy that we have returned to Him. His love and grace are sufficient for ALL!

~Blessings & Peace~

The Christmas I Almost Missed

As my Christmas Day is nearing an end, I am reflecting on the day that might not have been. I had planned to work in order to escape the feelings of the day. God had other plans, I went to my dads and to my brothers, knowing there would be an emptiness of my mother’s presence. She was physically missed but her spirit was present. Sadness is not what she would want, the loss of her has left a yearning in my heart. Because I listened to God’s will, I was able to experience the gift of receiving and some long needed relaxation. An added surprise I was able to watch several hours of “The Bible” presented by the History Channel, what a blessing! I watched intently for over 7 hours. Seeing the Books and stories of the Bible was indescribable! I am proud to be a Christian and seeing all the stories play out in front of me, I am awe-struck and know that as much as I want to be strong, I am weak in so many ways. What a rich heritage I am a part of with the prophets, kings, judges, apostles, missionaries, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the One True God! I want to remember this day and the special gift I received from God…family! I am seeking a renewed spirit and commitment in the new year, I want to grow in God’s love and wisdom, sharing His love with all I encounter. I invite you to accept The Lord as your Savior today if you do not know Him, your life with be changed in amazing ways!

John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

~Blessings and Peace~

Lost: 1 Spirit of Humanity and 1 Shadow of Confidence

  • Last seen helping others between the hours of Sunrise to Sun-up; going in the direction of West meets East where North joins South.
  • If seen immediately pray, approach with sincerity, calmness and above all else arm open wide with acceptance and love.

The Father is planning an elaborate celebration upon the return.  No expense will be spared and all are welcome to attend!

 “…there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 “The Parable of the Lost Sheep”

 “…there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 “The Parable of the Lost Coin”

 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:11-32 “The Parable of the List Son”

~Blessings and Peace~

My Hearts Desire

The Lord is my shepherd
Whom shall I fear
The road ahead is narrow
All that’s required, believe in the One True God
This body is the vessel for travel
My help is in the Lord
Dressed with the…Full Armor of God
…the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
…the breastplate of righteousness,
…my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace,
…the shield of faith that extinguishes flaming arrows of the evil one,
…the helmet of salvation,
…the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
~Ephesians 6:14-17
~C.A.Robinson
December 21, 2013
3:53pm

We All Are Somewhere

I am sitting here watching a candle flicker, it appears to be struggling.  What might this struggle be about?  The gentle movements in the air, the tiny particles of space and time, proving the fact that time stands still for no one or anything.  Perhaps the wick is being taken over by the hot wax bubbling at the surface, it continues although it’s light seems to be at a whisper, stay with me till morning light.
Where I’m at…
It’s difficult to express where I am in life right now, it’s kind of like being lost in a familiar place and the joy and relief you feel when you arrive at the destination you have been searching for, home!?!
~C.A.Robinson
   12:57pm
    December 17, 2013
The funny thing about being lost is, we often arrive without notice or fanfare.  I’m  not talking about the cliché of not stopping to get directions!  Life is a journey sometimes we know exactly where we are going and other times we know the destination but get sidetracked by construction, real and perceived.  Depending upon your upbringing and/or beliefs, everything that happens to us could be based upon predestination, the result of fortunate and possible mis-fortunate events or that every thing works together for a purpose and a reason.  We are born, we live and we die.   Whatever your thoughts are about all this is entirely yours, I am not here to judge you or your values, merely sharing mine.  As I mentioned, I am feeling lost, but somehow getting a sense of familiarity.  Being a Christian, my destination is Heaven!  My journey is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, I try doing this in all areas of my life but I too often express just the opposite, I serve a loving and forgiving God, a God whose grace and mercy are greater than my sins.  What is it that causes me to fail or to become weak, the simple and easy answer is my humanness, but all too often this answer is used when it’s convenient.  While these are truths, being a Christian was never promoted as an easy life filled with the best this world has to offer, quite different indeed, God’s Kingdom is filled with riches beyond our understanding and imagination but real all the same.  Being a Christian is something we (I) do daily, it is talking with God, praying to God, sharing God, reading His word, studying the scriptures being an active member in the family of God.  God has never given up on me, He will never give up on you.  Trust Him today!  I am on a journey and although I stumble and fall, I can still see my destination clearly…Heaven Bound!
~Blessings and Peace~

Breathe

Finding it difficult to breathe
The air is heavy, almost crushing
My body aches from the weight
My concentration is elusive
Darkness is all around me
Nothing seems familiar
Strangeness and fear surround me
Visions of brokenness haunting me
If I could only rest, find safety
Loneliness is dark and empty
I am not the answer
I wanted to be the answer
No longer is this my wish
Take it back, I’m not worthy
I can’t do this anymore, alone
My voice is too weak
My attitude calloused
Pride ugly and torn
Weak, defeat, tired and shame
Who am I, self-appointed ….
One way leading to a dead-end
Crawling, begging for mercy
Laughing and sport
My scars run deep
All tucked away from sight
I’m not fooling anyone, but me
Why do I…why did I…why now
Breathe, exhale, breathe, exhale
Repeat…

~C.A.Robinson
12/15/2013
2:33am

God’s Message Loud & Clear

I read a devotional today that gave me clarity and I felt the need to share it.

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. John 15:10 (NLT)

Being obedient can be difficult to do without the right attitude. There is something deep down inside us that fights against submission and obedience. But in a loving relationship with God, our will become aligned with His will because He has our best in mind. Our heavenly Father takes joy in knowing we happily obey His requests of us. What is your attitude towards obedience?

Obedience, that sure covers a lot.  I want to be obedient and to honor God, my family and friends. I feel like the only thing in my way is me.  My journey continues and so does yours, God has plans for all of us.   Hang in there and trust God, seek His understanding.  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

~Blessings and Peace~

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My Forgiveness is Greater than my sin…Praise Be To God

Sorry for the typos in the blog…I hope it’s insightful or helpful to someone.

charlotteannrobinson.com's avatarDISCOVER

Today, my day started like most days do for me the daily making coffee, showering, dressing and doing my devotional.  I completed these tasks with the same vigor I normally do, taking steps to not be disturbed during my devotional time, I turn all my alarms to silence on my phone and today waiting for the wash cycle to end to add fabric softener to the washer.  I sat in my chair and read Luke Chapter 16, The Parable of the Shrewd Manager.  I thought I understood what Jesus was teaching and I sincerely prayed about all the blessing I have and praying for friends and family.  My day progressed as any other normal day, start my drive to work, called my dad as I do daily and also spoke with my brother.  I arrived at work, securing a primo parking spot, front row and near the sidewalk…things are going…

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