Open Hands, Open Heart

One thing that my Pastor said that has always stuck with me, and plays in my head at random times is that “How can God give you anything, or take away anything if you don’t open up”.

And no he was not only talking about tithing, although tithing is very important. He’s talking about every aspect of our lives. We look for opportunity, we look for love, we look for everything but him, when he is the one that can GIVE and TAKE.

We know that God doesn’t only give the glittery stuff, sometimes he’s giving us trials—hardships, heartaches. This sounds unfair, or sadistic and its definitely not my favorite thing, but its no doubt molding us as people, as humans.

My friend boldly declared at our church group ‘”Give me more trials, c’mon I can handle ‘em” and everyone stared at her with mouth agape, including her husband who finally said “Only you, I don’t want any”.

I was thinking, wow she is that confident? ‘Cuz heck, I think I failed all my trials. While I don’t know if I’m failing or passing, I know that I am gaining understanding. And one thing that I understand time after time is that when my hand and my heart is open, Jesus is working. They are open for his blessings, for his presence, and as his vessel to be used for others. And most of all, they are open for change, good and bad.

I am scared, but I am willing. Take the heartaches and the hardships and move closer to Jesus, not further. Whatever he puts in your life, let his will be done, and his glory be seen.

“It’s Hard, but it’s worth it. Keep on”—by whoever.

Pass It ON: Strangely Dim

I have wanted to make a post about this song for a long while now, but for some reason I haven’t attempted until today. I heard this song many times on the radio and sung along with it, but it wasn’t until I was going to hang out, in order to shake this cooped up feeling that was hanging on me, that I really listened to this song. I was just singing along with the Christian radio when the lyrics made its way to my heart. That’s when I started crying, ruined make up and everything. But I felt so free, so absolutely blessed. Here I am, down on myself, running into trials here and there, wondering for the billionth time why God even wants to save me?

I sing this song when I can, just to remind myself that God loves me no matter what, even when he reprimands me. I am his, for he has declared it so, and I have taken the path of truth. I want tot share the lyrics because its so true. You focus on God, and everything grows strangely dim. We forget a lot of the time that God is mightier than our biggest troubles, he will deliver us. We just have to fix our eyes on all that he is.

I’ve got all these plans piled up sky high. A thousand dreams on hold and I don’t know why. I got a front row seat to the longest wait and I just can’t see past the things I pray today.
But when I fix my eyes on all that you are, then every doubt I feel deep in my heart grows strangely dim. All my worries fade and fall to the ground cause when I seek Your face and don’t look around
Any place I’m in grows strangely dim.
Sometimes where I stand on this narrow road is in a raging storm
Or a valley low but oh….
But when I fix my eyes on all that you are, then every doubt I feel deep in my heart grows strangely dim. All my worries fade and fall to the ground cause when I seek Your face and don’t look around
Any place I’m in grows strangely dim.
I don’t know, I don’t know what tomorrow may hold. But I know, but I know that You’re holding it all so no matter what may come
I’m gonna fix my eyes on all that You are ‘Til every doubt I feel deep in my heart grows strangely dim let all my worries fade and fall to the ground. I’m gonna seek your face and not look around ‘til the place I’m in grows strangely, strangely, strangely dim.
By Francesca Battistelli

I am going to fix my eyes on my Jesus. I wish you guys would fix your eyes on him, let him wrap you in his love. Its going to be hard, but its worth it. It’s difficult to let him lead for we get afraid of the physical, but I want to. He’s helping me to. Thank you Jesus.

Disclaimer: Picture is not mine, it is from http://www.layoutsparks.com/pictures/dim-0.