A Messy Masterpiece

At almost 50 years young, I can look back and see where I have failed to let God be part of my choices, my decisions. I’m working, at least trying, to remember that even though I didn’t ask God to be a part of the choice, and it didn’t turn out the way I wanted, it was not a mistake. 
I feel as if they were, or can be used, to glorify God and be used as a learning experience, a stepping stone. Bad decisions DO NOT equal mistakes – in this I’m learning grace …for myself (the one person I rarely shower in grace).
 
While I’m made up partly of the choices I’ve made, more importantly, I am His masterpiece. I am whole, I am cherished, divinely created, unconditionally loved. Like an piece of art, with every brushstroke (hardship, prayer, blessing, mountain, valley), I am a masterpiece, HIS masterpiece. A messy one, but still, and always, a work of art.
 
Thank you Lord for the grace you shower each and every day. I am humbled to be able to share these words with y’all and earlier this year and made myself this ring. I felt it needed a matching tee. May you feel his love pouring over you today.
 
Big Love,
Red
You can purchase a Messy Masterpiece ring or tee at Flying SR Custom Works.
PS. I forgot to mention that after I wrote this in my journal, I turned to our Scripture challenge with Rachel Mellard and lo and behold, God’s reassuring words were waiting in Psalm 86:15 and Romans 5:7-8.
(c) Michelle A. Farley

Holy Cow!

Well, today is day one, fully immersed in the “real world” and whoa what a day it has been already! Nothing beats spending some time in the morning on the phone w/ my SFAM (sister from another mister) Jen as she makes her annual trek back to the mountains of Montana. Oh how I wish I was loaded up and heading with her.

Okay, so I’m not quiet, but…

this morning I was hit with a HUGE …or as Pastor Duane would say, HUPER, revelation. T7f1e52a44de81f8ee8d41933396f247ais past weekend, there was a lot of revelation based around the difference between knowing and believing and this morning was another sign of the transformation that took place. As I was sitting there praying for my family, I realized that we often pray and ask God to give us (or those we are praying for) “stuff”: joy, peace, etc. Now, before you go getting all “churchy” on me, hear me out. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with praying peace or love or comfort over or for people. What I’m saying though is….we never stop to ask God to open our hearts and minds to the “stuff” he’s already given us! Seriously….he is not holding back waiting to grace our lives with love and peace and joy – it is OURS already!  We already have ALL of the gifts, tools, skills, talents, people, blessings, and support to be successful! But instead, we place the burden on HIM, and we don’t do any work ourselves. So if our day is CRAP, it’s His fault. If I’m in a bad mood, it’s His fault.

This hit me hard. Like a brick. I don’t know how many times I have cried out to God begging Him to grant me something and then felt abandoned or ignored because I didn’t get it….all the while, what I should have been doing was asking Him to open my heart, quiet my spirit, close my mouth, and prepare me to receive what it was He already had for me! So, when I FINISHED praying for my family this morning, I prayed that our hearts were open to the peace, joy, strength, and courage God had for us today. Prepare yourself and open your heart and your mind and have a beautiful day!

PS. Uhm…talk about not letting me sit in my comfort zone. I opened my email today to find my name on the agenda to speak at the New Mexico CowBelle’s Mid-Year Meeting held in June in conjunction with the New Mexico Wool Grower’s Annual Convention / New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association Mid Year meeting.  Did I mention I haven’t even submitted a proposal yet?

Live BIG!

Love,
RED

Jaded Hearts

Often times, images speak more to me than words do, but this morning’s devotional cut right through my heart: “Our attitudes are an outward display of what’s taking place in our hearts.” Normally, we tend to regard our attitudes as an outward reflection of what is going on in our lives, but very rarely do we stop and consider that our attitudes, actions, AND words are a reflection of what’s going on in our hearts. There is so much hurt in this world – no matter who is at fault or to blame – but I am here to tell you that the healing and joy available to you far outweighs the hurt! James 1:2 says, “dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great 33017joy.” It may not feel like it right now, but there is joy to be found. There is light in the darkness. There is healing in the hurt. I’m here to tell you, this is a challenge for me as well. While it is a struggle some days to rejoice IN all things, it is so important to guard our hearts and our words. Hurt people hurt people. Don’t let your attitudes and actions leave a permanent mark of a temporary place you are in. Let love, peace, and joy take root in your heart so that the flowers of your soul blossom.

 

Live Big!
Love,
RED

What a year it’s been!

What a year it has been! People ask where I get my enthusiasm and positive outlook. It comes from waking up each morning knowing God has a bigger purpose for me than I can ever imagine. It comes from knowing that in the darkest times, He’s always been there. You only get so many second chances to truly live your life … so do/be/live/love what makes you happy / sets your soul on fire / makes you feel alive. Live a life full of adventure, stories, love, and laughter! It’s all about choices my friends!

From March 25, 2016:

Other than the day my beautiful girl came into this world, I don’t think I’ve ever cried so many tears of joy. I’ve spent the last two weeks being off FB, which isn’t a bad thing, and it has been time well spent with family and in a state of “RE” – REst, REcuperation, REjuvination, REpurpose.

I received the best news ever this morning. My results from Monday’s procedure came back benign. This is the first time EVERYTHING removed came back benign and the first time in 6 years that there was NO signs of cancer in the polyps.

There are no words to express the love and gratitude for all the love, support, prayers, texts, messages, hand holding (and hair holding as I puked my brains out Sunday and Monday), FB posts (I have the best little sister in the world), and words of comfort. I am truly the most blessed person in the world. God is great!

Have a wonderful Easter!

Live Big!
Love,
RED