Our cup runneth over!
Quietly sitting 10 thousand feet above the ground, I ponder the perspective. With vast views and various shapes, what is individual on the ground harmoniously blends together as one from the air.
The Lord fills every perspective doesn’t he…large, vast, sum total, all in all…universal.
As I sit and write, I smile, knowing this: Jesus lives in my little heart, knows the number of hairs on my head and cares deeply about the daily minutiae of my life. God’s infinite perspective is beyond my finite comprehension. A sea of unknowns bridged by a Savior’s tender love and personal interest.
It’s only a bit after 8 o’clock and no one cares to be chatty, but my window seat offers boundless possibilities for conversations with my Creator. Slowly engulfed by the clouds below like giant cotton balls, I listen to the Holy Spirit within.
—————————
My view is even higher and broader, look out. My love is ever greater. You can let your imagination run like an untamed stallion, yet you will never truly understand the fullness of I AM. Repeat after me…my cup runneth over. My cup runneth over.
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.
Today, continually remember and repeat
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.
Like King David’s 23rd Psalm, when you begin to grasp the love of the Shepherd, light will illuminate green pastures and still waters along your path. You’ll turn and recognize my goodness and mercy following you. Every step you take, I have gone before you in preparation, even in the wilderness. Trusting my words bring security and following my voice creates lasting peace… for truly I am in your midst. The anointing on your life, a gift from your Shepherd, flowing like Holy oil on your head,are words you can trust.
—————————
I glance out the window and the landscape has changed, once again. But my cup runneth over. As the Spirit has with me, so I encourage you. Repeat these four words all day long.
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.
Repeat them until you believe them. For once you truly believe, you will take the excess you can’t possibly contain, the overflow, and bless others.
I know that wherever you are, my friend, and whatever you are doing, you are making a difference. YOUR CUP RUNNETH OVER…
OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER…
Have a wonder-filled weekend!
xo leah
Lakeside…
It’s early morning and TODAY’S brilliant orange sun it just peaking over the trees. I sit on the side of the bed and stare across the lake…perfectly still, quiet and peaceful. Knowing that soon, very soon, the traffic will begin flowing past. I pray that at least one head will turn to admire God’s perspective.
Lord, let my life “TODAY” be still and tranquil like the lake, even in the midst of the day’s activities.
I am studying the book of James with a precious group of women, and Beth Moore has challenged us to memorize the entire book. Memorization requires reading and rereading and rereading. I am up for this challenge, BUT there is just so much good proverbial wisdom in these 5 short chapters that I am having quite a difficult time moving through it without countless hours on 1 verse!
I had a head’s start because James opens with 8 verses that I memorized years ago. These verses helped me weather some fierce storms in my life. I use to tell myself continually…COUNT IT ALL JOY SISTER! So much so, that the first bookmark I designed was PURE JOY, which then states on the back
COUNT IT ALL JOY, my brothers (and sisters) when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. v. 2-4
Yes, TODAY let us COUNT IT ALL JOY!!
James goes on to encourage us to ask for God’s wisdom to see with an attitude of PURE JOY all the trials and tests of this life. He is asking us to truly believe God is working in everything to perfect us, mature our faith...TODAY’S translation- slow down and look over at the lake seeing God’s perspective.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. v. 5-8
At the end of TODAY, if you feel like a toy boat that has been ravaged and tossed by the sea…rolling up on the shore of believing God then caught up by a swell of disbelief in everything you know as truth, being swept out to deep water… somewhere along TODAY, you doubted God.
There was a time in my life that I daily limped pathetically between faith and doubt, causing great instability and double-mindedness. Walking in doubt caused great chaos! The Lord will not bless this wishy-washy tightrope dance.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the LORD… v.7
Think about it…do you want God to bless your limp toward faith or your limp toward doubt? We must choose one and stand firm. When you decide to choose faith, the Holy Spirit readily grants wisdom and help, without finding fault. Ask TODAY, and ask in faith.
When I decided to choose faith, the Lord began using me to be a blessing to others. That has always been my heart’s cry, but why on earth would you accept my invitation to join me on a chaotic high-seas adventure! TODAY, my invitation reads…join Jesus and I beside the still quiet waters. And at the end of TODAY, be refreshed, renewed…even restored. Faith makes the difference.
Choose faith TODAY and watch God make an amazing difference in your life. Then watch your life make an amazing difference in someone else’s life. For in the depths of every soul is this cry to be led beside the still waters that renew and heal our lives.
Please join me at the lake…TODAY.
Everyday Holiness…xo
leah
Going through it…
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill,
he stayed 2 days longer in the place he was.
John 11:5
So often it looks like what we are facing will end in death, but we must continually remind ourselves that God’s timing is perfect and His ways are far different than our own. Far too often the banner I unfurl reads- “Why Lord?” or “I don’t understand Jesus.” But the Holy Spirt reminds me of my Savior’s words…
This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified THROUGH IT. Jesus explained to his disciples his tarrying instead of rushing off to heal Lazarus this way…and I hear him whispering the same words today…so that I, Jesus, may be glorified THROUGH IT.
GOING THROUGH IT…the process…sanctification…yes, that is the hard part.
To purge my unbelief and build my trust, Jesus requires a letting go of my natural understanding. That thing that won’t let you sleep soundly and pinches the pit of your stomach, let it go. Lay it down, again. It will not lead to death.
You can’t, I can’t, carry our Savior’s cross if our hand are full.
Trust Jesus with that thing, for when you do, he will resurrect,
awaken
rekindle
stir up
life in new and amazing ways! Not my will, but THY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE.
Will you stop and pray that for your life, for those you love and for those you don’t know reading this message? In one unified voice we unfurl a new banner…I MAY NOT UNDERSTAND, BUT TODAY, I TRUST YOU JESUS AS I AM GOING THROUGH IT!
LORD, once again, I lay that thing down and stand steadfast in the center of your will for my life as I am GOING THROUGH IT. Unroot impatience, worry and doubt. Plant endurance and abilities beyond what I can manifest in the natural to GO THROUGH THIS THING! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMISE THAT I AM NEVER ALONE.
I am praying for you…Jesus bless this reader with wisdom and a steadfast heart to GO THROUGH IT…placing a mantle of confidence that it will not lead to death, but a new and better way of life.
have a wonder-filled weekend friend,
xo
leah
I must bring them also…
I lay down my life for the sheep.
And I have other sheep that are not in this fold.
I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.
So there will be one flock, one Shepherd.
John 10:14-16
I stepped out of Heaven, relinquished all, and willingly laid down my life for you. I did this out of my infinite love for all my sheep, especially you. Many have done exceptionally lovely things for you, but I chose the ultimate display of true love. I sacrificed my life that you might have real life…a beautiful abundant life, full of peace overflowing with joy. Don’t think for one minute that I don’t hear your cries in the night for those you love. Keep praying! I, too, love those you desire to enter the safety of our fold. I am the Creator who formed everyone in my image and likeness. And from the beginning, planted deep within the recesses of each soul is a knowing, a recognition of the Shepherd’s voice. Keep praying, for the yearnings of your heart are a precious and fragrant offering I never ignore. Will you trust me as I make room for grace? Will you trust me as I let my love flow through you pure and unhindered? You can trust me completely. I must bring the others in too… love Jesus.
I am the oldest. The care-taker, the one who wants to fix everything and everyone so pain and discomfort are avoided. But that’s not God’s way. If we never experienced deep sadness, how would we ever know the extreme joy that comes in the morning? Jesus willingly embraces all the ugliness left from the firey trials of life, and does what only the Savior can do, create amazing beauty from our ash heaps. But it’s so hard to watch those I love stumble and fall headlong into a pit because of poor and irrational decisions…then I remember I once was lost and alone too. It’s only through prayer and the empowering of the Holy Spirit that I can step back, and out of my old role, so Grace can step in. It’s only when I remember that God works everything in every life for good and ultimately His glory. Yes, Jesus is making room for grace in my family and I must trust him.
How about your family…is Jesus making room for grace? I pray, you pray we pray!
xoxo
leah
Birthday wishes!
To the one who spoke proverbial wisdom into my life…
beauty is as beauty does
Bloom where you are planted
To have friends you must be a friend
Put a smile on your face and keep going
Forgive and forget
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
If I gave you flowers…it would be a single Passion bloom for your
spirit is ardent with love!
Your creativity…a gift you generously share!
Or maybe a sunflower…
for it brightens every landscape!
Your name-sake on The Farm stands out from all the rest…
I can always spot you in the crowd!
vibrant and colorful
Joyful and fun
that’s you…our MOM!
So from your daughters
and ours
We love you!
We think you are wonderful, awesome, strong and courageous!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA TWITTY!
my birthday wish for you…
She will be like a tree planted by streams of living water
that yields its fruit in every season,
and its leaf does not wither or fade…
for the joy of the Lord will be her strength day by day.
with much much love,
xoxo
leah {Eva Anne, Lana and Lauren}
Content to be you…
Good morning friends! I read this yesterday in my devotional Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, and wanted to share its tender wisdom. I desire, like the Apostle Paul, to be able to state this verse as fact… but if I honestly examine myself, I have not attained this attitude in all the “whatevers” thrown my way.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
A story is told of a king who went to his garden one morning, only to find everything withered and dying. He asked the oak tree that stood near the gate what the trouble was. The oak said it was tired of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine tree. The pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine. The grapevine was determined to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and produce fruit as large as peaches. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac.
And so it went throughout the garden. Yet coming to a violet, the king found its face as bright and happy as ever and said, “Well, violet, I’m glad to find one brave little flower in the midst of this discouragement. You don’t seem to be the least disheartened.” The violet responded, “No, I’m not. I know I’m small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac, you would have planted one. Since I knew you wanted a violet, I’m determined to be the best little violet I can be.”
Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God’s family
Can do it as well as you.
What is your part? What has God placed in your life that you are willing to share or do without reservation? Lord we long for the garden of our heart to be fit for our King!
Remembering…
I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19
live blessed!
xo
leah
WEDNESDAY WHIM!!
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 13:3
image per reader Linda Rose
HAPPY 2012…an Ephesians 3:20 kind of year!
Hello sweet friends! I pray your Christmas was meaningful and joyful, full of the Prince of Peace.
2011 proved to be an amazing adventure for Jim and me. Yesterday I sat down and read through my journal, and like I said…2011 was an amazingly adventurous year! God’s steadfast love and faithfulness was the overriding theme. My heart truly overflows with thanksgiving! Another thing that popped out and continually amazes me is how Jesus is so steadfast in his love for me and His faithfulness to His Word, even when my love and faithfulness lack love and faithfulness! Grace…pure and simple.
I sent my good friend, Pastor Parris Bailey of Victory Fellowship Church in New Orleans, a note a few days ago with an Ephesians 3:20 blessing for 2012.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…
She wrote back saying that she and Pastor Frank were hearing the word, “over and above”, for 2012 and referred to Psalm 78:15.
He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
I read and pondered Psalm 78, which recounts God’s faithfulness to his people…even when they disbelieved. It is a Psalm that encourages us to tell the coming generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord and the wonders He has done in our lives. It encourages us TO BELIEVE…to believe in the miraculous.
God performed amazing miracles to free his people from Egypt’s bondage. Although not in the same way, I remember very personal miracles He performed to free me. But I can also relate, unfortunately, to the Israelite’s continuous whining, complaining and doubting that God COULD REALLY…
part the Red Sea
provide fresh streams of water from rocks
rain down manna daily like grain from Heaven
rain down winged birds like the sand of the seas
lead me safely in the wilderness like a shepherd, and
destroy every adversary.
Despite their disbelief…He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
God faithfully and miraculously meets the physical and spiritual needs of His people. Living water gushed and flowed in abundance! God will spread a table in any wilderness we are encountering, but we must,
we must,
we must believe He is God and there is not other. 2012 brings a new year…will we stop limiting what God can do in our lives? Stop putting limitations on His power to provide exceedingly abundantly above all we can even imagine…
They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. verse 35
And in His compassion, God remembers that we are but flesh. By the power of the Holy Spirit, 2012 can be a year of denying our flesh and living in the supernatural ways of the Lord. Drinking abundantly from the depths of God.
What may appear small in your life, with faith, grows into abundance. The harvest comes from the seed planted in good soil, nurtured and watered.
SMALLNESS..a place to begin, start…growing into provision for you and others.
That still small voice…to hearing the Trumpet of God sound one Day.
The tiniest mustard seed…grows into the largest tree in your garden.
That little sack lunch…fed multitudes.
The little crumbs and remnants from that little lunch…filled 12 baskets full.
A small seed of hope in Mary’s womb…birthed Jesus, savior for all mankind.
One young shepherd tending his flock…anointed King of Israel in the linage of the true King.
12 uneducated, simple fishermen…leave an international legacy as faithful disciples of Jesus.
To what or where is God calling you to begin in 2012? God has amazing plans! Plans that exceed our expectation! Provision, physically and spiritually, from the most unusual places…gushing, flowing like a river, filling every need. But don’t despise humble beginnings.
That first baby step into the water parts the sea, making a way where you saw no way. God is ready. He is waiting for that first small step of radical obedience to unfold His design for your unique journey in 2012.
STRIKE THE ROCK, FOR THAT ROCK IS CHRIST JESUS, WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY, OVER AND ABOVE, BY THE POWER OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT THAT WORKS WITHIN US.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Maybe that first step is to open your Bible…starting with Psalm 78, remembering God’s faithfulness in your life. I believe God. I believe He has an amazing year planned. I look forward to taking the Holy Spirit’s hand and praying for each of you that our Lord will act on your behalf in Ephesian 3:20 ways!
Jesus love you! me too!
xo leah
