Month: August 2017

Stopping to Rewind

alliewayLeave a comment

IMG_1066

Overcoming Hurt

I need to push rewind again, Lord.  One of my first blog post was about how people hurt each other, and I wrote that if we could push rewind and hear what we had said, how would we feel about the words we spoke.  No matter how many times I pray for guidance with my tongue it is for naught when I open my mouth and speak without thinking about those who are impacted by my words.   Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” is beating through me right now.  I am eating the fruits of my tongue.  I did not stop before I allowed my tongue to bear it’s sour fruit, so now I must partake of the fruit.  Yet, even in this moment when I know that God is the only one who can control my tongue.  James 3:8, “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” These words are a reminder that I alone can not tame my tongue.

God’s Guidance and Healing

As I pray for God’s guidance for reconciliation for the words I have uttered, I find myself seeking God’s guidance from Proverbs.  Reading these words, I see that God is showing me both my wrongs and bringing peace to my heart.  I know that I can not heal the wounds that I have opened, but I pray that God will, as I learn from His words and seek his guidance.  My heart remembers God’s promise in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  This verse gives me hope that God will heal and bring good from my tongue.

Proverb’s Lessons

Proverbs is full of painful verses at this time for me, but lessons that I need at this time. God’s word is special that way in knowing just what you need to read or hear whether for comfort or to teach.  Here are my lessons:

Proverbs 12:18, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Proverbs 13:3, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

Proverbs 17:27, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 21:23, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

I pray God is speaking before you speak.

Closing Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:7, “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”

Challenge:  May God give you more wisdom when using your tongue so it brings knowledge and understanding instead of poison that stabs at those you love.

 

There is a God…

allieway5 Comments

Without Excuse

Having the opportunity to see different places in this great country, I know there is a God (The World Around Me).  How can anyone see majestic mountains and crashing waves and not know there is a creator.  Romans 1:20 reminds me, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”  I am without excuse to know his name!  God has left his Word for us in all that he has created here on Earth so that all would know His Name and His Glory.

Traveling North

My husband and I are once again moving our daughter.  As we traveled North to Syracuse, New York,  we spend the entire day with a view of majestic mountains and beautiful valleys.  Moving through CNY (Central New York), I was amazed at the continuous beauty and large farms across the countryside.  This is one of those moments when I think I know what to expect and it becomes apparent that I had no idea what to expect. Psalms 95:4-5 reads, “In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”  The rolling mountains are just breathtaking and were formed in his hands. Be sure to stop and linger in the awe of rising mountains each time the opportunity is given.

New Home

After moving her into her new home, the real adventure began when we explored the area.  The rolling hills of Syracuse, NY allow for beautiful views especially on campus.  Finding the unique little restaurants and shops in her neighborhood that are just a short walk from her house was for North Carolinians a real treat.  Meeting people with smiles on their faces who were more than happy to share about this city they love.  This college town is both large and small all wrapped into one.  Yes, the magnificence of the Carrier Dome is real!  You can’t miss it when you view the horizon of the city.  Exploring a new and beautiful area once again brings God’s creation to my thoughts.  “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”, Revelation 4:11.

IMG_3626

Water

Our final adventure was to one of the most beautiful waterfalls.  Although the tourism around it was more than I expected.  The beauty and power of Niagara Falls was stunning and breathtaking.  I stopped to try and view each detail.  The rocks below the American Falls, the openings in the mist around Niagara Falls.  The rock cliffs that linger over the falls on the American side.  I can not find the words to describe the breathtaking experience of watching the water fall. Even in the midst of the tourist and chaos, Niagara Falls radiates a peace as the water falls over the cliffs.  It is a creation of beauty from my Father. “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” Psalm 42:7.

Closing Verse: Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”

IMG_2887

Challenge:  Seek Gods’ Beauty all around us and know that this is a gift to know his name.  My prayer for everyone who reads this is to stand in the beauty of our Lord one day.  How majestic that will be!  I know because I see the world around me he has created.  Stop and look at God’s beauty today.

 

The World Around Me

allieway1 Comment

IMG_9602

Traveling NC

I have had a great opportunity to travel across the state of North Carolina over the last two weeks.  I have lived in just one area and worked in that same community, so I have forgotten how big just this state is and how beautiful.  Not just the natural beauty but the people.  Especially those teaching our students each and everyday.   What a life changing experience to see our state and engage with educators who care about the students they teach?  I wanted to pack so many in my suitcase and carry them back home to my students.  Learning with educators across the state reminds me of the verse in Isaiah 40:31, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."  As educators we are on the front line for our students.

Educators in NC

These past weeks gave me the opportunity to meet such strong passionate people and reminds me of how God is working in the lives of people around me each day, but also people across the state, the country and around the world.  His guidance is evident when you talk to so many who just care so much about children.  Jesus was an example to us all on how to love children.  In Mark 10:16, "And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.", we read how Jesus take the children and changes their lives.  I met educators who with whatever they have they strive to give their students the best they can and in turn they are a blessing to their students.  This experience has been a reminder to me of not just why I do what I do but why so many have chosen to love all our children just as Christ has chosen to love us.

Natural Beauty of NC

Finally, as I drove across the state, I was blessed with seeing so much of God's beautiful creations.  Sometimes the Sun was shining and the breeze was awesome. Then the storm clouds would open on the fields and pastures.  I watched the sun rise between the mountains of NC one morning as I drove through the valley.  I saw the flatlands of eastern NC humid and dry and then drenched and wet.  I drove back roads I would have never known without this adventure and all of it was full of God's beauty.  I watched the sunset each evening in a new location and praised God for his beauty.  I was reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."  No matter what the circumstance be sure to take the time to see the grace and beauty of God all around you.

God's world is full of beautiful people and beautiful places.  Sometimes I just can't get enough!  Makes me want to find another adventure.  Maybe I will head to Syracuse, New York….Stay Tuned.

Closing Verse: Psalm 145:5, "On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Challenge: Open your eyes to all the beauty God has given us.  Sometimes it is an unexpected blessing.

 

Growing Weary

alliewayLeave a comment

IMG_1478

Exhaustion

As this week comes to a close, I am feeling both physically and emotionally tired and can feel my body closing down with exhaustion.  My introvert needs are on the rise.  As I find rest on my pillow to replenish my body, I turn to scripture to rejuvenate my soul.  Proverbs reminds me that God knows my condition at all times and will attend to my needs, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,” Proverbs 27:23.  My body and soul will find rest in God’s arms.  Finding renewed strength from God is the only way for me to rejuvenate my body and soul and feel refreshed again in your life.  Each time I reach such exhaustion in my life I am reminded of my deeper need for scripture and that my biggest failure is not turning to him in the midst of my weariness.  Isaiah 40: 28 reads, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”  God is my strength.  He does not grow weary and I must seek him always first.

Rejuvenation

As scripture continues to rejuvenate my soul through his word I find myself thirsty for his strength.  God’s gift through his words brings such comfort and joy to my soul that my energy is renewed and I want to shout from the mountain top Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” I am rejuvenated when I seek to Praise the Lord!  This rejuvenation now also saddens me in that I allowed the exhaustion to win over my body and soul and failed to seek my relationship with God to find the rest that I needed.  Moving forward now in my life, I pray that I will seek God always first even in the midst of something as simple as exhaustion creeping both spiritually and physically into my life.  Matthew 11: 28-30 reads, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” This verse reminds me that it I turn my burdens over to the Lord, I will find my burdens much lighter.

Seeking God’s Wings 

As I replenish with scripture, rest in the midst of my family and friends and enjoy the  loving arms of my husband, I realize how blessed God has been in my life.  I give him the all the glory and am reminded that walking through each day in his name that I will feel less tired and more energized.  Thank Lord for this lesson.  You will find me now under his wings as in Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” As I wait under his wings for the Lord my strength is being renewed: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Closing Verse:  Jeremiah 31: 25, “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”

Challenge: Seek scripture when the challenges of life seem to be mounting.  Find refuge in God’s wings.