Thoughts and quotes from Jesus Calling over the last few days and weeks...

As it continues to happen, when I read the devotions from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, often the words strike and penetrate to the core of where I happen to be at that particular time in my life.  Sometimes, what I read might be more for someone else and I find that I have the opportunity to share it later.

I thought I'd go back today and jot down some of the things that stood out to me over the past days and weeks.  There might be something here that speaks to you.
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"Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you.  The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal." (November 11, page 330)

"Approach problems with a light touch.  When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me.  [....] When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me." (November 15, page 334)

"As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through that maze.  Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your right hand. [...] As you look again at the path ahead, you notice that a peaceful fog has settled over it, obscuring your view.  You can see only a few steps in front of you, so you turn your attention more fully to Me and begin to enjoy My Presence.  The fog is a protection for you, calling you back into the present moment." (November 16, page 335)

Peaceful fog in my front yard-- 11/22/11

"Not many Christians know how to live in this radical freedom, which is their birthright.  I died to set you free; live freely in Me!  To walk along the path of freedom, you must keep your mind firmly fixed on Me. [...] Be content to be a simple sheep, listening for My voice and following Me." (November 17, page 336)

"Instead of trying to figure things out yourself, you can relax in the Presence of the One who knows everything. [...] Stay in touch with Me, even during your busiest moments." (November 18, page 337)

"Leave outcomes up to Me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out.  Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. [...] Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.  You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven.  So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me." (November 19, page 338)

"You don't have to perform well in order to receive My Love.  In fact, a performance focus will pull you away from Me, toward some sort of Pharisaism.  This can be a subtle form of idolatry: worshiping your own good works.  It can also be a source of deep discouragement when your works don't measure up to your expectations." (November 20, page 339)

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. [...] You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances).  This is a spiritual act of obedience--at times, blind obedience. [...] Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts." (November 24, page 343)

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I don't know what in these quotes (if anything) might speak to you as you read them.  What have these things said to me?  Mostly they have reminded me to continue to trust and follow, to take life one day at a time, to live each moment to the fullest, to be thankful, to live into the freedom I've been given, to relax, to enjoy....

Blessings on your journey. 

~Debra

You are more... I am more... This song is a good reminder!

Have you heard this song by Tenth Avenue North?  "You Are More"  It's one of the songs I've heard the past couple of weeks on the radio.  One of the songs that struck me as powerful and deep a few weeks back.  I've heard it since.  I wanted to share it.

Though the song uses "she", I'm sure there are lots of males that can relate as well.  We all make and/or have made poor choices.  And, there is hope for each of us as well.

I would guess that most every single person reading this could relate to the song, whether you're thinking about very distant past mistakes, problems, and choices or recent ones.  The pain is real.  So is the healing.  I've got my stories too.  Past, present, and future. (We don't stop messing up just because we're following Christ.  In fact, I've probably messed up more on my faith journey than prior.)

So, check out this song. 

May it bring you encouragement on your journey.

~Debra

Here is a YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GOtpwITPQ&feature=related

Here are the lyrics:

"You Are More", Tenth Avenue North. (from The Light Meets The Dark album)

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You've been remade
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.