"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

7.26.2010

Abiding Monday




I can be so selfish and unloving - unlovely sometimes. Now, those around me would say, "No you're not"! (well maybe not all) :) But most only see the outside, the surface.  Not what was going on on the inside.  What is interesting to me is that I have discovered that in reality I am worse than I thought, but I am more okay with myself than before.

What changed?  I am getting to really know God, and his heart towards me.  I am finally getting the magnitude of his love for me - for all of us.  Really getting to know deep down, how much we mean to him.  He gave everything to make available what was lost.  Charles Ringma says, "God's love seeks to bring about a full mending, healing and restoration."

When we take hold of the gift that God offers to all, that gift of new life, the gift of an awakened life, the gift of a new heart, our journey begins.  Sometimes we get stuck there, we don't know how to live out of that new heart.

Sometimes it is hard to trust. Sometimes our hearts have been so wounded even trusting someone that is trustworthy is hard.  I believe God understands this.  He is patient with us on our journey of transformation.

I am learning that my new heart needs training.  I need to take in truth, and throw out the false.  One truth that I have come to believe with all my heart is this.  I cannot do anything to make God love me less.  So when I recognize that I have been selfish, or unloving, I don't have to hide.  I am safe.  I can take it to my Abba and ask for help.

What freedom.  To stop hiding.  To say I have issues.  To say I don't have it all together.  To say I am so far from perfect.  To say I have so far to go.  To say I am totally loved in my mess.  To say God will not leave me in my mess.  To say he is for my good (even when it doesn't look like it)  To say I trust.  Not perfectly, but better.

God offers, offered everything to make that love, and freedom available.  It's yours for the taking.

Blessings!

21 comments:

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

You my friend, bless me! You are a wonderful writer and can put your thoughts and feelings so well into words which speaks truth so well. Do you know what a wonderful gift you've been given in this Mary? You are touching so many lives and God is honored.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

It's the best place in the world to be, smack dab in the middle of his abounding love for us. It liberates you from the lies and half truths and frees you to see his Spirit do what He's always wanted to do, make us aware of his heart beating within us. Beautifully expressed as always Mar.

kelvin s.m. said...

Dear Mary,

You are very right with what you write in here... it's really suited for my lonely eve... , after readin' this, i can now sleep peacefully and at ease...!!!(^^)

Sweet night!!!:)

Blessings!!!:)

>kelvin

Just Be Real said...

Your posts are wonderful Mary. You are where you are to be. You are an encouragement. Blessings.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the beautiful reminder as we all travel this journey in Love together.

S. Etole said...

A love we find hard to comprehend ...

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Thank you, Mary. God Bless you. It is nice to know that we are so loved...especially on those days when we feel unlovable.

DJ said...

"I cannot do anything to make God love me less. So when I recognize that I have been selfish, or unloving, I don't have to hide. I am safe. I can take it to my Abba and ask for help."
That passage is all I need to get me through this rough day I'm having...
Thanks, friend.

Hindsfeet said...

Oh Mary.....You will never know how perfectly timed this post was.....I have tears streaming down my face and I'm completely choked up....

I needed every word of this, Mary....So incredibly nourishing, so liberating......like chains falling off.....

thank you with all my heart....

Denise said...

Such a powerful reminder.

Nancy said...

What a blessing to have a friend who lifts up the Father and shares from the depth of their being.
You are so precious and God is blessing you and us abundantly because you do seek the truth...Thanks for being obedient....

Hugs for my dear friend,

Anonymous said...

Mary love your transparency!

http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/ is Julie Balzer's blog site. very inspirational, she posts each day!

Nancy said...

Thanks Mar, to tell you the truth, I don't even know where that site came from...I must have been transposing and put it in from an old list...

This post really blows me away.....

Martha Lever said...

I love what you said, Mary---especially about loving us in our mess, but not leaving us in our mess. That is so wonderful---He is so wonderful!!!!

And yes, I do have Stream Adirondack spray and I love it!!!!! There is not much I don't have---but that is an issue between God and me...if you know what I mean!

Buffy said...

Oh Mary,this was a perfect post at a perfect time. I really needed to hear this. Thank you!

Jen said...

Thank you for this. and for writing what's on your heart for the rest of us to share. I loved reading this and have a friend that I know would love this too. So I'll send her a link. I really love your art too. (I think I say that every comment-LOL)

Susan said...

What a lovely piece. I read this yesterday and had to come back today to read it again. Thank you.

Hindsfeet said...

Came back and read this today, Mary.....like a dimmer switch being turned up beyond even my first reading of your words.....

...thanks for the light, friend....a very healing post...

lori vliegen said...

count me amongst the people who say "no you're not selfish and unloving, mary"!!! how could you possibly be, when you're always sharing your heart with us?! i just love it when God speaks through you.....and He does it all the time, sweet friend! thank you! xoxox, :))

Unknown said...

My dearest sister you wear your heart on your sleeve sorta speak for you share all the "mess" (when we really don't see) with us to make us look at our mess. Do you realize what you've been doing to help so many of us that stumble trying to travel down the same pathway you are on??? Don't you doubt for a minute the most awesome gift of all God has give you...the ability to talk with words, all the art you create in your journals and canvas work...it all has a message for us...God has truly blessed us with you...I love you so!!!

laurel said...

Sigh, such a wonderful message.