I’m trying to figure out what my “One Word” should be. The 3 words I have used over and over again during the past year (2013) have been (clarity, fear and scared). Clarity in life, clarity for me as a person and clarity of God’s Will for my life. Fear and scared have been somewhat interchangeable as well as unique to certain circumstances.  I am fearful/afraid of many things and depending upon the situation this is manifested by physical expressions.  I seldom like trying new things because I do not want to be made “fun” of or belittled in front of others, friends or strangers. I can admit I would rather fail in front of strangers because I have experienced the cruelty of people close to me turning against me rather quickly.  Theory, they weren’t really friends. I’m not much of a risk taker, I like order and structure, although in life we rarely get those two details.  I believe I have answered my own question, clarity will bring about insights to me regarding fear and scared emotions. Foundational for me is, I believe in One True God, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Clarity is bringing into focus how I can live fully into the person God created me to be, clarity of my responsibilities as a child of God, and clarity of being a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

I dialed 911 today, I have only used the service a few times in my life and I am thankful to the men and women on the other end of the call.  I was scared to call and scared not to call, I had come home early from work due to be ill, so what I reported could easily be a nightly thing.  Regardless, the issue was shouting, yelling, loud noises and general nuisance at 1230am.  I do not even know my neighbors names but I am fairly certain children are in the home, so I took a deep breath and made the call.  Almost immediately, all the noises ceased.  So after waiting for 20 minutes I contacted 911 again to report the incident was no longer an issue and thanked them for their service, oh and a small but worthy notation which I am not proud of, I gave them the wrong apartment number for myself…that single digit makes a huge difference.  The 911 operator was very understanding and I learned a value lesson, emergencies “stay calm and confident.”  Just as we have 911 available almost everywhere at anytime, we have God 24/7/365 and we should not feel any hesitations to reach out to Him.  But just as I was scared, anxious and even fearful to call 911, when we have unresolved sins in our lives those feelings can keep us from a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior.  Our pride gets out of control and blocks us from the truth, God loves each of us and wants to share everything with us, if you are caught up in pride and selfishness like I currently am, please pray this prayer with me and run back to the loving arms of God.  Dear God, I recognize and ask forgiveness for putting my pride before you. You are my creator, I was created to share your “Good News,” I am your child, help me to follow your commands. You bless me with  your…Hope, Peace and Love. Amen.

Today is a new day, we are made new by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ… Today, tomorrow and forevermore!

~Blessing and Peace~

Dear friends,

I am going to share a few things that have been on my mind and that I shared with a friend. As with most of us, I am in a journey there is a “something” I am pursuing, I seek meaning in nearly everything I encounter. Life is more than eating, sleeping, working and playing. The answers I seek are often obscure and difficult for me to articulate, which frustrates me and the people I feel brave enough to share with. I received some advice today that probably should have clarified some things for me but instead, left me uncertain. It was posed to me that “Perhaps what I seek is what I openly and freely share with others.” Could it be that simple? Maybe even the “Golden Rule?” Would I welcome and receive goodness and joy that I give away to friends and even strangers?   These are the words that were on my heart yesterday…I am filled with agitation and pressure of promises made that are encapsulating me and I am feeling claustrophobic. Joy eludes me and I know why, at least partially. I am guilty of not sharing all of myself with God, my devotional time has slowed and the desire inside me has a shadow over it, this is my fault I know, I took my eyes off of Jesus and placed them upon myself…how very foolish. With all the wisdom of the writers of the Bible, I dare to think I can do better…I am nothing without God. I should be joyful that in spite of myself God wants and awaits my return. Why is this so difficult? Pride? Yes, there can be no other explanation…I am not worthy but I very much want forgiveness and love, not the love I have experience, I’m not sure that is even the correct word, I wish I were able to put the feeling I desire into a word that explains what I need…love only attempts to explain it. It’s more than physical, more than appearance, more than a feeling…it is a state of spiritual enlightenment perhaps not even possible to attain while enslaved in this vessel of humanness. God please rescue me from myself. Take my mind and give me your will. This is my prayer.   So, that’s how my day started…through my stubbornness and pride, God triumphed by sending a message through an email from a site I use for encouragement called, “a little birdie told me” (thank you Margaret). Here’s what it said,

Dear Weary Girl,

You are tired today, aren’t you? You are tired of holding up the whole wide world, tired of being so darn tough, tired of being tested in every which way, tired of passing the tests only to be given another one.

It’s okay for you to have days like this. IT REALLY IS OKAY. YOU ARE OKAY. LIFE IS OKAY. And everything is going to turn out okay.

Everything is going to be okay, dear girl. It really is. You are going to make it. Please get some rest, take care of yourself, and keep your spirits up. Keep your eyes on the end goal and try your hardest to be patient with life’s lessons. You are so wise. Remember that good people have bad days sometimes. Smart people do dumb things sometimes. Bad things happen to good people sometimes. And still, everything is going to be okay.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Take a hot bath. Listen to your favorite music. And TRUST. And then keep trusting.

It’s gonna work out. You are going to be okay.

You are sooooooo loved.

xoxo

It was as if God was speaking directly to me!  My friends, may we all find the joys we seek.

~Blessings and Peace~

Bravegirlsclub.com

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~

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~

• 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~

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

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