Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Full to overflowing


Ephesians 1:15-19 (The Message)

15-19That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

I wonder if Paul knew when he prayed these things,the great family of God that would follow? Did he know that he was praying for me?

And, how cool is it to know that your brother Paul, prayed for you?

In the last few weeks there has been so much filling my heart that I have really had a hard time putting in down here. There has been an overflowing love for my girls here and the ones who are praying for me and loving me that don't visit here. I have been truly blessed. I have also been amazed at the unveiling of the purpose that God has for us here.... the secret picture that He is showing us is tantalizing. The IMMENSITY of it just fills my heart.

He is creating a life for us here. He has a glorious plan for our time here.I find a love growing in my heart for this place and its people.

I have found such encouragement attending the Sunday School class at our church. The woman who teaches is a lot like me I think. I love her zeal for the Lord and how she does not restrain the passion of her words. I think she is someone that I would love to sit and talk with.

Our music group that gets together on Monday nights has filled a creative hole in my life. I probably enjoy listening to the music more than playing...but I am learning. It gives me time to spend with my brother and I think that time has meant as much to him as it has to me. Most of the individuals who have joined this group are retirees. They have lived a life and their characters have such depth. Even here I see an opportunity to be fed spiritually and to feed. There is a couple in our group who sparks something in me. They are so well put together and talented and yet they are missing the ONE who gave them the abilities they have. I look at them and I pray, Is this part of the plan? I would love to share with them the reason I am the way I am. I pray that God opens a door for relationship. They have already been presented with the truth......I would love to walk with them through the door.

So I sit this morning and I thank God for the plans He has for us. My heart is full. In a little while I will go to the post office and pick up my paper work for my first GAL case. I am a little nervous but so excited for this new opportunity to reach out to someone in need.

Can you even imagine the scope of the lives that can be touched by His love? A love that crushes my heart at times. Isn't it amazing how when our hearts are squeezed it can bring tears to our eyes? It truly touches our whole being.

Allow His love to squeeze your heart today.

Allow "the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers" to guide your footprints today.

I love you guys....but then I think you already know that. ;)

passage today provided by....Biblegateway.com
The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

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13 comments:

Holly said...

Amen. That speaks to me so much, I'm writing it down to look at throughout the day.

Love and prayers for you, friend! Also? Thank you for the wonderful Christmas card!
Holly

pam said...

AMEN indeed. Squeeze on God!

Halfmoon Girl said...

Gosh, you allow God to use you to inspire others- this was a great post, and I will remember to allow God to squeeze my heart today. I look forward to perhaps hearing more about this couple that you are thinking about and your GAL case. You are looking to be used by God and He will bless that. ((hugs))

Anonymous said...

I have never read this scripture in the Message bible before. It is beautiful. Thank you for the Christmas card and kind note inside. You brought a jump of joy into my heart! God is so wonderful and His plan is so beautiful. He is.

luvmy4sons said...

Thanks sweet sister for this post. Your love pours out of it. Thanks too for the Christmas card...I am blessed by you. Wow. Paul paryed for me! Amazing!

Mary said...

Sharon,

I'm sure God will help you find a way to touch the lives of the people in your music group. You teach on your blog everytime you post. Who would have thought that a lady in Louisianna who moved to North Carolina could teach me so much? Just think, a few years ago we would never have met. How cool is that?

Love you, Sis,

Blessings,
Mary

Sharon said...

Great Post my friend, We had a revival just on this very thing this past saturday and the teens have gone crazy, We also preached on the Love God has for them, and they have not stopped talking about it, infact they have called up asking for certain scriptures because they are out spreading whay they learned, Just so Awesome.

I am having a hard time writing on my blog, because of the death of my brother. I am so worried about my Mom. Thank you for all those kind words, they mean alot!!
Blessings,
Sharon

Denise said...

Amen, squeeze me Lord. I am so happy for you dear sis, and I love you.

Anonymous said...

You really have an amazing way with words, and I feel totally blessed everytime I stop by here. You have a gift sis. GBU! BIG HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, just wanted to thank you for your advice back at my blog, it's a great idea and has made it clearer in my head... (RYC), so simple, why didn't I think of it! *smile* :D

Sandi said...

I can just sit in awe at the fact my brother Paul prayed for me. I sit in awe that people I never met face to face would pray for me. I am thankful you have people to support and pray for you.

MJ said...

Wonderful post! BTW...I have not been reading either. I NEED to.

Blessing to you! I love you blog so much.

MelanieJoy said...

Great post and reminder! I love "hanging out" with you...front porch or not ;)
Love you too and so glad He wants to squeeze me tight.