Today Shine Bright & Let People See The Real You!

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He Speaks What is True

As I watch the news and listen to the conversations around me I’m convinced we’re living in a time where everyone needs to be “right”. So much self righteousness. Too inward focused vs. having love for others, and for the sanctity of life. So much confusion over “image” and purpose.

In a need to be seen, heard and loved I would like to remind those still searching or dissatisfied with life that God sees you – He hears you – He loves you right where you are.

Yes, Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides. The provider of all Truth. The truth we hope to discover about meaning and purpose in life.

We will find this Truth in God’s Word. It will guide us through the issues of ” life” helping us discover the answers the world cannot provide. It will spark love and truth in a way the world cannot. It will provide meaning and purpose many still search for as they ponder in their hearts what is true.

Nobody knows us like God knows us. He holds the truth our hearts long for and desires to speak truth into our heart and lives so we can walk out his plans and purposes for such a time as this.

I pray you won’t miss it! It’s my prayer you will read how God speaks of you, your heart, your purpose and his love for you in His Word – the Bible.

Go in Truth – Onward, Lorna

GRACE

The wise, kind spirit that sees all and understands all.  It believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves.  It embraces our journey and has the highest hopes for us.  It shares our sufferings and inspires us to endure to the end, arise and move forward.  It is humble, patient and gentle.  It rejoices in Truth and the lessons of life; It speaks on our behalf.  It is the heavenly spirit that celebrates growth.  The Father of the Prodigal Son was full of grace.  (Luke 15:11-32)

Shortly after my move to Newport in 2014 I decided to make my way over to Balboa Island which soon became a favorite place of mine.  Surrounded by cozy beach homes with roof top views of beautiful sunsets, and the smell of the fresh ocean air. As I made my way over to the S Bay Front anxious to see the boats coming in after a day out at sea I came across a little store with cards.  The picture of the heart drew me to the post cards and the quote above referencing the book of Luke.  I must’ve read this post card 10 times before purchasing it, and I’m not sure how many times I’ve read this Scripture.  I just know it’s too many to count.  But this particular day it tugged at my heartstrings and I knew I had to have it.  I had to have it on my desk to read every day.  Another reminder of the grace lavished upon us by our Heavenly Father.

Interesting how I’ve always thought of this Scripture being solely about the ungrateful son that took his dad’s wealth, acted foolishly and denied the father’s love and his heritage for the things the world could temporarily offer him.  And, I’d think to myself, “Oh, those kids when will they learn!”

Of course being a parent I could relate to the experience with the son in Luke.  I too had experienced the rebellion of kids who I love dearly and sacrificed for.

But this day it was different.  As I stood reading the post card synopsis of Luke 15: 11-32 I heard God’s soft voice whisper, “I do this for you.”

The gentle whisper of God reminding me of who I am in him and how much he loves me.  My heart was touched as I stood there realizing how Jesus’ words written by Luke were for me.  They were reminders of my own rebellion toward my Heavenly Father.  A reminder of the times I too insisted on my own way, choosing not to wait on God.

It was his grace covering my sin.

Suddenly I became overwhelmed with gratitude over the thought of God celebrating our growth!  Just as we celebrate the growth of our children, He too celebrates ours!  He rejoices in Truth and the lessons of life we so gingerly learn!  Without them, how would we know of his deep love for us. He believes in us even when we don’t!  He desires us to arise and move forward!  He say’s to us, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ah, how wonderful it is to be called a daughter of the Most High King!

Onward,
Lorna

Post Card/Picture created by: Larry Martin

LOVE

 

God has been speaking to me about LOVE.  How do I know?  Well, when God has something He wants me to pay attention to he will put it right in front of me…everywhere I go.

It began with a walk on the beach with a friend when I came across a rock shaped like a heart buried in the sand…a broken heart.

Hmm…shortly after my pastor asked us to volunteer for the Houston project helping families after the floods.  So many people in need of help to gut homes, rebuild and clean up neighborhoods.  Many were left with no home. My heart was broken as I struggled with going and facing the devastation of so many families.

Once there we attended a church service at Ecclesia. As I sat down I looked across the row from me and there was a woman wearing a shoe with LOVE stamped across it. Clearly I had to snap a pic of it as it screamed L O V E.

  I thought to myself, “Who wears a shoe like that?”

Before the trip ended God brought me face-to-face with not only people in need of love, help and support but a few more reminders of how I was to “LOVE”.  That evening we shared dinner with some others who had flown into Houston to help those in need.  As some of the men piled into the chow hall 5 of them came in wearing red t-shirts that spelled out LOVE.  They were so kind, they even gave me one!

Ok, God I get it…You want me to love better!

Throughout my time in Houston God continued to put in front of me hints of love. Gently reminding me, not only do I want to be loved but I am called to love others.  Even when it’s uncomfortable and it takes hard work!  Especially in the times I feel helpless and incapable of loving well God promises to help me love better.

Before departing Houston I had an opportunity to walk some of the neighborhoods, as I passed through I saw homes that were unaffected by the flood. Beautiful homes all in tact.  As I looked at these homes and thought about the families living inside of them, God gently whispered, “Sometimes the devastation is on the inside and we don’t see it but make no mistake, My Love is for everyone”.

I Corinthians 13:1-13 reminds us of God’s perfect love and how we’re to put it on and share it with others:

vs.3 “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing…vs. 13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”.

Love Is the Greatest

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or clanging cymbal…

Love is patient and kind,

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…

Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-

and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

God bless you and your day.

 

Table For One?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”

After a 21 year marriage I thought I’d never get used to flying solo. But I did. In the beginning it was not so easy nor comfortable and then there came a day it felt OK. Over the years I’ve learned to embrace it and enjoy it for many different reasons. However, there are days it can be challenging, like when I would like someone to take out the garbage or fill my gas tank! 

Now, with all kidding aside the best part of my singleness has been having the time to learn more about myself and grow my faith in God. 

Before moving to So Cal a little over 2 years ago the family dynamics were such that I spent more time caring for others than myself. This was not all bad until I began to lose myself along with the dreams tucked away in the secret places of my heart. But then something amazing happened, in spite of the circumstances surrounding me God orchestrated things in my life I never could have on my own and I landed in Newport! Such a beautiful location and one I would’ve not chosen for myself for all of the obvious reasons….mainly feeling unworthy of such beautiful surroundings.

My move to So Cal is one of many blessings and ways God has shown love and care for me. Throughout my successes and failures God remains faithful and I can always count on him to work in my life in spite of my ability to get in his way! 

Yes, I get in his way. Lately I’ve been asking myself this question, “Lorna, What blessings have you blocked or put on hold due to your lack of faith and trust in the God you say you love?”  

If I’m honest with myself, I can think of plenty of times I’ve blown it and lost out on something good. These past couple of months I’ve felt out of synch in a few different areas of life and most importantly with God. Of course I recognized this by my lack of patience and more so when irritability became my new best friend. 

In many of our relationships we find there will be days we have less patience, become weary or irritable. This doesn’t mean we don’t care but it does mean we need to stop and check ourselves because whenever we invest time and energy into anything in life that doesn’t produce the end result we’d hoped for it can leave us out of synch. (Meaning , hurt, frustrated, disallusioned etc.)

So after some much needed R&R I ventured over to Sedona Arizona a place where hearts can heal and our spiritual side is awakened. It is here and alone with God I’ve been able to realign my heart and find rest.
It doesn’t matter how much of life or relationship that gets in the way of what’s important we can always count on, God! His love never changes. No matter how many times we get in his way He always has more blessing waiting for us! More healing! And more life to experience with him!   

The last 5 days could not have been planned more perfectly or in a more divine location for what my heart and soul needed at this time. 

Have you heard the saying, love will happen when you least expect it. Well I say, God always shows up when you least expect it! 

There is so much more to share but I need to go catch my flight home! But for now here is a small example of how God whispers gentle reminders of how he sees and knows our heart and wants to splash us with hope!

My Red Rock Balloon ride offered two balloons and I thought I would be in the one with those who picked me up at 5:30am for this big adventure! Interestingly enough when we got to the site I met a woman who was vacationing on her own as well. We hit it off and we assumed we were on the same balloon ride. However, they called me over and put me in a balloon with none of those who rode over in my van. I was bummed because this group was looking fun! But as we launched into the morning sun with a mild wind brushing against our face I quickly forgot I was alone.  There  amazing views from 1050 feet up in the air looking over a 12 man basket! As I was quietly thanking God for this trip I heard the young man in front of me ask, “Will you marry me?”

No, he wasn’t asking me! Lol! I mean he was in front of me and exactly an arms length away with his sweet soon to be fiancée.  They both serve in the Navy! I looked down and in his hand he held a little white box with a diamond ring that would steal the breath away from any woman. It was exquisite!  

Of course she was crying and then I began to cry as I watched them embrace. As I looked out over the Red Rock to give them their moment I was gently reminded of God’s beauty and majestic ways he reminds us of how he hears and he sees us. 

When we feel out of synch with life we can always count on God to pull us in close to remind us that all good things come to those who wait.  

Until next time!

Only a Journal Away!

A story is only a journal away.

Well it’s time! I’ve been praying and contemplating on how to get going with the completion of my writing project. You see there have been days it’s been painful and I’ve had to stop. But through it all God has brought healing and encouragement. Today I’m looking at the progress, growth and answered prayers with a thankful heart for the many trials God has brought me through.  I am especially grateful for the tenderness he has uncovered through His mighty Spirit which He has placed so carefully within the walls of my heart.

These are just a few of my journals which boldly remind me of all God has done,  is doing and what is yet to come! I pray the pages can form a story that empowers, encourages and reveals more of God’s love and faithfulness for those who belong to him.  Let us never give up hope because with God all things are possible! Mark 10:27

The best is yet to come…

 

Piece by Piece – Father’s Matter

As mentioned in previous Blogs I was a young girl when my mom moved me to California. To this day I am thankful she found a good man to help raise me and that I could call daddy. As children we can conjure up all kinds of “ideas” and “reason” as to why our families are no longer living together, happy and loving one another. Truth may be we are no longer capable of living together but we can still “parent” together.  And most importantly, we can still love our children together even though we’re apart.

Yes, some parents leave.  Sometimes never to return. By “abandoning” they leave deep wounds.

And many parents stay.  They work hard to give their children what they need to grow and become their best self.  They give them family, love and a place to belong. God bless these parents, and I know He will.

My oldest son and his wife have a blended family.  Both families work well together and parent with love. I am proud of them for the work they’ve done and happy to say my granddaughter is thriving.  I’ve watched her grow into a confident, talented and happy young lady. I am not saying they don’t have challenges.  There are challenges in every home. But the difference they’ve made is all parents are working together to create a loving home for their child!

Not all families have a happy ending. In fact, the family I worked hard to create did not have a happy ending. There were years of challenges with heartache. My divorce ended ugly and my ex refused to cooperate with me for the good of our youngest son. It was a heart  wrenching journey from fear to faith as I worked through the consequences of divorce.

My hope is for us to leave our children free to love and be loved by their parents.  And if one parent walks away from their responsibility then the remaining parent will work to assure their child knows it is not any fault of theirs. Today I share this song by Kelly Clarkson, Piece by Piece and as we go from fear to faith we help our children to the other side. (Matthew 7:12)

Matters of The Heart

 

 

What has taken up residence in your heart?

So many things fill our heart leaving parts of us unrecognizable as we navigate life.  Scripture tells us in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  Basically, our heart drives us whether it be good, bad or indifferent.

At times there can be a myriad of emotion from love to hate and everything in between.  All of which impact who we are and how we love.

As I’ve spent time reflecting on my early childhood I discovered one of my heart matters to be about “trust”.   At the age of 4 years old I was driving with my mom and soon to be new dad to sign adoption papers.  I was in the backseat of the car when my mom turned around to tell me something very important.  At 4 years old I knew it was important because we were all dressed up and I felt anxious.  Not sure if I was picking up on my mom’s anxiousness or if my heart knew something was about to change.

It was through my blue eyes I saw my mom’s brown eyes and big brown hair (Bee hive dew) as she leaned over the seat and said, “Now we’re going to go talk to a nice man and he is going to ask if you want him to be your daddy, as she looked across the seat toward the man I would soon know as my daddy. Now remember to say yes when he asks if you want him to be your daddy, and when we’re done we will go get an ice cream.”  Point being I was a little girl who loved ice cream and so I eagerly agreed.

We drove the rest of the way in what felt like silence.

Growing up I knew very little about my biological father outside of a few things I had heard from others.  All of which were not good.  This made me come up with a few reasons of my own for him not being around.  These too were not good.

It’s with a grateful heart I can say, the decision my mom made to marry her new man and make him my dad was a good one.  He has always been a man of integrity, and takes his commitments seriously.  What I am most thankful for is he never left and he always made us feel loved.

Unfortunately, the rejection experienced during this time left scars that would eventually cause trouble for me in future relationships with men.  Interestingly enough it was after my 21 year marriage came to an end when I began to experience these effects of betrayal.  During my time of loss and sorrow I would lay awake at night thinking about what could have been or should have been.  It was after a short time of this I realized I needed to move on and let go of what should or could have been. After all, the last thing I wanted was a hardened heart.  Before long one of my daily prayers was for God to help me so I would not become an angry bitter woman afraid to love.  It was in this determination I had the strength to move forward.  I began to trust God in a new way.  There were times it wasn’t easy navigating the broken pieces of my heart but I was fearful of what could become of me.  I pictured myself driving down the street with a scowl on my face, laying on the horn for no apparent reason outside of the fact that I was just plain angry at life. And I reminded myself of how this would not be pretty!

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I never had pity parties! As ugly as they are I’ve thrown a few that have left me hung over from life.  But thank the good Lord for the remedy of friends!  Because in the midst of my heart matters I’ve had the love of family and good friends help rescue me.  It has been their support and unconditional love that helped pry open my eyes to the many promises of God. How we need God, family and friends!  I can see clearly how God used them to help resuscitate and push me through to the other side. I pray you let him do it for you too!

May these Scriptures bring encouragement and healing to your heart matters as you learn to trust God for more.

Q: Is there a heart matter you need let go so you can push through to the other side?

Today’s Scripture:

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong”

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 138:3 “In the day I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.”

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

 

 

In Honor of Valentine’s Day

In life we can find ourselves in a hurry to experience everything we feel inspired to be and do. The urgency comes from not knowing how much time we have on this earth and not wanting to miss out on what the world tells us we must have and experience.  For each one of us this can mean a multitude of things but this we can be sure of, we all desire to love and be loved.

For years I have envisioned myself traveling to Italy however, when my friend and her husband returned from their Italy vacation and she shared their wonderful experience I made the decision to wait and share this trip with someone I loved!  Too much beauty and romance to experience it alone or with a BFF! Not that I don’t love my BFF’s!

I quickly began to consider other options for vacation when one day while sitting in church they announced an Israel tour!  Immediately I knew this was my trip for 2015! In no time at all I had my heart and luggage filled up with everything needed to embark on this journey and BAM I was on a plane headed for Tel Aviv.

I heard from many how this trip would make the Bible come alive but what I didn’t realize was how it would resonate in my heart the great love and compassion God has for us.  The divine ways he works on our behalf to show loving kindness and provide understanding into His meaning of love.

I recently learned of a Rolling Stone magazine article on the two most frequently used words in music and the first is love with the second being baby (not defined as an infant).  To my surprise Google’s two most searched words are God and sex. Now if this doesn’t confirm how people everywhere are looking for love then help me understand why so many are searching the web for it!  After hearing of these statistics I felt an even greater urgency to share more about God’s love and the importance of not confusing the experience of sex with experiencing love. Yes, sex is a beautiful way of expressing love for another but it in no way defines the deep meaning of sacrificial love. God is love and he created sex so we know they’re both good and they’re both needed to keep our world and lives functioning as he planned.

In a few days we will celebrate the infamous Valentine’s in our own unique way with someone special.

And, in all of this “love” talk I am reminded of how the greatest love of all cannot be bought nor can we work for it because it is free!  It’s a sacrificial love that leaves us guilt free, shame free, joyful, and at our best. And most importantly God has made it available to us every day of every year!

Truth be told, I have some of my own love stories as well as those others have shared with me.  It’s through these stories and my life experiences I have seen the reflection of God’s love. In spite of everything the world say’s love is, there is one love we can always depend on and will never change, and that is God’s love.

No matter what your heart longs for this Valentine’s Day it’s my prayer that the miracle of His love will show up and sweep you off your feet.

Love is: 1 John 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13 4&5; John 3:16