Hi Friends. As some of you know, I have been doing the Fast-5 eating plan. Though this plan isn’t founded on spiritual principles — denying my flesh and “fasting” (though not a private fast) is showing me something I don’t like in myself.
Though it isn’t blaring to me (ha, though it might be to you), I see a tinge of bitterness like an undercurrent (a deep undercurrent) in my life. I don’t know where the root is located. Maybe bitterness isn’t the right term, but I sense some negativity that seems to hide (but I am seeing it now) deep within. I don’t know, but it is something I am praying about.
(A side note, the lady I’m leaning on is Angie at Laughter Does the Heart Good. If you haven’t met Angie, go visit her. She is a sweetie.)
Anyway, as I have looked back over 2009, I have seen some progress in some areas … and not enough progress in others. And for those who have been following my life for the past couple of years you’ll remember the time we experienced a church split. When I was at our old church, I truly wore too many “ministry” hats, but my heart was in the prayer ministry and the music ministry. Since I stepped out of those roles, I have been in a cave (or at least that is how it has felt). God has had me in this place. I have been asked over and over to participate in these ministries in our new church, but I haven’t been released. It is a very strange place to be actually. Not to mention how guilt wants to creep in because I’m just taking and taking each week — not giving (do you know what I mean?).
I have no doubt that this season has been needed so that my husband and I could actually go to church TOGETHER (with our daughter of course) for the FIRST TIME in our marriage. Before, I would arrive at church around 6:30am to set up the prayer room and pray over the pastor. Trust me, it has been AWESOME going as a family.
I could go on and on about this, but I shared that to say that today’s “prophetic word” by Marsha Burns really spoke to me. If this speaks to you, grab it for yourself. See below:
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — January 4, 2010:
Your level of obedience to My Word and your faith in My promises will be tested. Disobedience and unbelief will be revealed in the fires of testing, and you will have opportunities to make corrections as necessary. Do not be afraid, for this is part of the cleansing process that will produce the power of My presence. Without the fires of purification, you will not realize the power.
This is a time of renovation and restoration and of coming into complete order in every area of your life. Order will be the result of allowing divine wisdom to direct your steps on every level and in every situation and circumstance. Seek Me continually, and trust Me perpetually.
You have experienced an upheaval and a shaking, and your foundation has been laid bare. Now, you can begin to be established and settled on a new level of understanding and stability. Stay in the flow of My Spirit, and you will regain confidence that I am doing a good work in you and will bring it to perfection. The worst is over, but it’s not over.
The enemy has tried to isolate you and instill a sense of lonely desolation, but he is a liar. I am going to override this attack against you and give you a sense of connection. You will again know innately that you are a vital part of the whole. And, your fear of living without purpose will be a thing of the past. I am your purpose!
That feeling of being stagnant is going to be displaced as you yield to a subtle stirring in your innermost being. This stirring will make you feel unsettled and will create a desire to move, to progress, that cannot be denied. You can no longer live with feeling stifled, stale, and bored. It is My will that you break forth out of deadness; let Me lead you in newness of life and restore to you a sense of kingdom adventure.
Watch as I open doors of opportunity for you to shine in dark places. You don’t like the darkness, but it still exists and grows more and more desolate. You are My light, and this darkness will not overtake you, but will be revealed for what it is by the light that is in you. Keep the lamp of the Spirit burning brightly within, and let your light shine!
The things that you have been required to lay aside for a season will begin to re-emerge, and even though they appear to be exactly the same, you will soon realize that this emergence is actually the manifestation of new growth. What you laid down had to go through a spiritual metamorphosis, and will come forth as born from above – changed in substance and nature. This is a resurrection of sorts, a seed sown in the flesh, dead, buried, and resurrected in the power of the Spirit. Rejoice!
The days ahead are pregnant with the hope of My glory and are ready to bring forth, says the Lord.
If you would like to receive these bulletins from Marsha Burns, please click HERE.
I am excited about 2010. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow.
Ok, on a totally different note — I want to give you a giggle. Here is a quick video of me working out last night (but that IS NOT what I want you to see). I want you to watch the end. Ha ha. You’ll see why. (It is only a little over 2 minutes.) Have a super blessed day my friends!
Wonderful Post Beth! Thanks for sharing Angie blog! I love the end of your video that made me giggle! Thanks for the LOL! May God bless ya! Praying for you.
Isn't it amazing how GOD takes those things in our lives that we deem painful and turns them into blessings? HE IS AWESOME! I, too look forward to all HE will do in and through each of our lives this year.
Blessings and hugs, andrea
Ha ha ha is that another game we can play?! How funny!
(you need to see my post to understand what I'm referring to)
I'm glad you worked out..it's really got me missing my treadmill that my bil borrowed. :0/
And the post well I can see a lot of simularities between how your life has been and how the spirit is working there..neat!
Bless you! This is definately something I am finding, not only in my own life, our own church, but it seems the entire Christian community is seeking out the FREEDOM that comes through Christ. Not the freedom we take for granted, but the freedom he originally intended!
For those who want to receive these bulletins from Marsha Burns (free): GO HERE: http://ft111.com/subscribe.htm
Hey – thanks for sharing my blog and calling me a "sweetie". Because you did, I will forgive you for posting that picture of me!
You remain very inspiring with your exercise, and thanks for the encouragement.
I understand why you haven't gotten involved in ministry yet, you needed time to heal and it was a different season. Just as long as it isn't because you feel insecure in anyway, you're fine. I do know however, that you are ministering in ways you aren't even aware, for being such a blessing to your friends (like me) for one thing.
I don't even know what to say about that video at the end…too funny!
Love ya!
Hilarious! My boys NEVER look at the computer when I'm blogging….but you got my youngest over and enjoying the spectacle with your MIL….Blessings and happy 2010! I praise God for you!
that poor woman!! lol
good for you for gettin that workout in girl!
I've been wondering what that nasty resentment is that I feel every time I set out to change something in my life and you hit the nail on the head…it's bitterness (and my flesh of course). I'm very bitter about having to change things. I'm not sure why either, but I'm asking the Lord to show me as well.
Thanks for clarifying that your friend in the pic was Angie. I thought she looked familiar, but was't sure. I just commented on her blog before I started reading yours…too funny!
Going to church as a family is wonderful, and I am sure your husband is blessed by this.It sounds like you have a "servants" heart, be assured God will guide you and give you peace in your decisions. Be encouraged and when it is time, you will know it.
The Lord loves you and He will not let you down. Have a Wonderful Day!
LOL! 🙂
I love the video…too funny!
Thanks for a great post, too. I'm trying to get back into the blogging world again, and wanted to definitely see what you had posted. Your blog is always a blessing to me!
When will you be back in VA?
I thought I recognized Angie. How cool.
Ready for that resurrection. Good for you getting a workout in. I totally need to follow your lead. Ugh.
Funny video too. LOL
Oh, Beth…I miss stopping by here. I have to do so more often!! I am going to subscribe to Marsha's bulletins. Isn't it amazing how the Lord speaks to us and says exactly what our heart needs to hear??
Oh….and your video just shamed me in to starting my exercise program tomorrow FOR SURE!! Thank you for that~~
xoxox
Carol
Just came over to tell you that storage is a major problem in this house, therefore, I have clutter. My last 2 homes weren't like this, but we downsized, and it hurts to lose a walk-in attic & another garage bay. Especially since I can't totally stop shopping! LOL!
That video of BL is a hoot! Does she know you put it on your blog. If she did…. LOL! I think you're way too hard on yourself. We all have "issues", but at least you're dealing with them. ;O) Keep that Boaz straight, and kiss the little princess for me! Hope your parents are doing ok. I hear through my "sources" about them sometimes.
Awesome post as always Beth, I am so glad that someone will stick to their commitment. I was doing so well until the Holidays,but am having a hard time getting back on track, and i use the cold weather as one of my excuses.
Thank you for motivating me! I really enjoyed the video too. Oh! y the way….You look Marvelous Darling!!
Blessings,
Sue
You have a great blog here. I have a blog myself which I hope will provide inspiration and guidance to people all around the world. Life is hard enough. I'd like us to exchange links to help spread some traffic around, and let other people know about our sites.
Please let me know if this is possible.
Jason
TheWISDOMWALL.com
Ummm…yeah…You probably knew I would be :0) How could I ever leave the intimacy that comes from sharing my journey and reading posts like yours. I have to post my journey and though YouTube is fun…it's not the same. This was an awesome post and it saddens me to think I could have missed it. (((Hugs)))
That is too funny. She looks like a gem to be around.
I need a treadmill. sigh. I need someone to dare me to exersise. sigh. I need my clothes to fit again. sigh. & what in the world is your mil doing!! LOL!
that too spoke to my heart greatly when I received it in my inbox..the renovation spoke volumes to me also Beth..it was really a WOW moment..
The word bitterness REALLY leaped out to my spirit also….Me thinkin there is some need for prayer to our Father about this in my own life …something hidden like you said…