Bring out the Gold: Shine for Jesus

Before I dive into my post, I'd like to share the amazing art of Delores Develde. 

I will be showcasing her work with my posts as her art perfectly reveals God's love for us: His daughters; His brides; His princess warriors; His beloved; His children; His creations...

I highly encourage you to visit her page at Fine Art America. Just click on her name above, and you will be transported to her incredible world of God-honoring creations. She shares the scripture references and thoughts behind most of her designs, which can be purchased on pillows, tote bags, mugs, wall hangings...and more. I am going to look into a T-shirt! How cool would that be? 

In case you can't read the print on this post's featured painting, it says: 

Dear God, enlighten what is dark in me.

Strengthen what is weak in me.

Bind what is bruised in me.

Heal what is sick in me.

Bring out the gold in me.

So I can shine for you.

Amen

Delores has penned some powerful words to accompany her art work. Both the words and image, hit my heart, reminding me that I am to shine brightly, like gold, so those around me will be drawn out of the darkness and into His everlasting light. 

In order for our gold to shine the way it is intended to shine, it must be polished and clean, brilliant to look at, different from the dirty and fake metals that can be found scattered around our world, tempting us to settle for less than the best quality gold. 

Less than real. 

I remember the care my mom took with her 'special' sterling silverware. For her generation, owning a fine silverware set was a must. It was eventually passed down, becoming a treasured family heirloom, used only for the most noteworthy occasions.  

When that velvet-lined box came out of the china cabinet, I knew at a young age good times were coming! Something out of the ordinary was about to happen. A holiday. Wedding. Birthday. Family members visiting. A Graduation. Occasions such as these warranted, perhaps even demanded, the use of her precious silver. 

But she never tossed it on the table 'as is.' Oh no! She would spread out the individual pieces, and one by one, she'd use some (magical to me) cleaning product to polish away any imperfections caused by tarnishing. Once she was satisfied that the standard for shininess had been met, then, and only then, would I be allowed to help her set the table. 

I know. I'm talking about silver not gold, but the point I'm making works either way. Had she simply dumped the tarnished pieces on the table, they would have been no more special than what we used everyday. The guests of honor might not have felt honored at all, thus assuming the meal was like any other, nothing unique, nothing different from other meals they'd attended. 

I suspect you know where I'm headed with this. 

Once Christ's blood has washed up (shined us up with His glory) we stand out. We're brighter. Our light can pierce the darkest corners. Yet even after that first salvation experience, where Christ cleanses us with his grace, we still have to reach out and up to Him in order for that gold to flow in a way that differentiates us from the other lesser lights around us. 

Yes, we're saved. Eternity is secured. We are blood bought and forgiven. However, we are still in the midst of a battle. Our enemy who thrives in the darkest shadows will do anything he can to make us feel dirty again. He wants us to believe we are tarnished and unworthy to be on 'the table.' 

Not only does the devil work hard to keep us believing we are obscured by the shadows, we sometimes fall short; we sin. We mess up. We get stuck, pining over our past or fearing our future. We may even find ourselves imprisoned by a stronghold. Some of us have gone right out into a pig pen like the Prodigal Son and rolled around in the mud. Our godly gold becomes dimmer, and we begin to look more and more like that fake gold and filthy silver. 

But just as my mom so lovingly polished and brightened her precious silverware, there is hope that we too have someone who will help us shine again. 

Our Lord does something far greater than my mom ever could, he renews our minds and turns our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. When we cry out to Him, using words similar to the prayer above, He takes us lovingly into his care, cleaning and renewing us all over again. 

His mercies are new every morning. He can bring out the best in us, making our gold so bright those around us wonder why we shine the way we do. That gold (God's power and love in us) has the ability to push the enemy back where he belongs--into the darkness. 

So sisters, what do you say? Is it time to ask God for a good polishing? Are you feeling tarnished? Has your God-light grown dim? If so, do not despair. God is but a prayer away, waiting to brighten you so you in turn will bless others. 

Don't wait another second. He's waiting!

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Mathew 5:16 ESV 

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...Philippians 2:15 ESV  

Good Medicine from God

Blessings Precious Princess Warriors! Before I continue, I want to give credit for this photo, but can't as I found it on an image search for "laughing princess." I loved it. This lovely princess is literally bent over with laughter. It can't get any better than that. Too often, we're stopped over in pain and heartache. A good laugh can bring some major physical blessings and a sore tummy (good sore tummy, though).

When is the last time you laughed so hard your belly ached? If you can't remember, it's been too long!

I spend a great deal of time on this BLOG talking about the challenges that face us in a fallen world. Today, I'm going to suggest we take some time out to fully experience the "joy of the Lord." He's given us the capacity for great joy, laughter, and fun times. I believe we face so many difficult situations in life that we can forget to have fun. We fail to laugh, and forget to smile. Well, let's put a stop to that, right now, shall we?

We are God's girls and we have reason to celebrate.

Recently, I was asked to prepare a presentation on the benefits of laughter. This was a work project and listing scriptures on the subject wasn't an option. However, I was able to find some very interesting information on the topic. This article made a compelling case for the many unique benefits of laughter. Take a peek and hurry back!

http://helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

God gave us an all-natural "medicine" to boost our emotional, physical, and social health -- laughter. I've been on a quest lately to add huge doses of laughter to my life whenever possible.

So, go on; read the following CHURCH NOTICES. If you've seen them before, no problem, they're still funny! And remember these sentences actually appeared in printed church bulletins or were announced in church services. Ready, set, laugh!

1. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Berth Belch all the way from Africa.

2. Announcement in the church bulletin for a national PRAYER & FASTING Conference. "The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals."

Are you chuckling yet? I am.

3. The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

4. "Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

5. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.

6. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.

7. Don't let worry kill you off -- let the Church help.

8. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. (the misplacement of one coma ...)

9. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

10. Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.

11. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. (uh oh!)

12. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

13. Please put your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

14. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. (Okay; I'm laughing.)

15. Low Self-Esteem Group will meet Thursday at 7:00 PM. Please use the backdoor.

Last but not least: This evening at 7:00 PM there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. (Gotta love it!)

I hope you had as much fun reading those as I did. What a hoot.

Here's the challenge Princess Warriors: Today, let's show the world just how much fun it is being daughters of the King. Let's smile. Laugh. And share joy whenever and wherever we can. We truly can make someones day better and brighter, while experiencing new levels of joy in the process.

Please feel free to make comments on this post, including any clean, funny, jokes you might have. I'd love to share them. God bless you!

"Heaven Hunger"

Greetings to all God's girls! I have an exciting and challenging message to share with you. I hope you are as touched as I was when God revealed this simple phrase to me in a parking lot outside The Mall. Yes, the shopping mall that I was visiting in Vancouver, Washington, this weekend with my daughter. The phrase is: Heaven Hunger.

First, a little background. I am always drawn to what we now refer to as "bling." Yes, bling-bling, anything shiny, glittery, gleaming, colorful, vibrant, breathtaking, both natural and not.

A beautiful landscape and a pair of rhinestone earrings both have the capacity to dazzle me. I also have to admit that I have a soft spot for STUFF. Yes, stuff. Things. Items. Pretties. Bobbles. STUFF. Too much of the time the stuff that I'm drawn to costs money. Not necessarily a lot, but money that I don't really need to be spending.

Okay, you say, that makes sense, Carol, you're a woman. We like to shop. Most of us anyway. Pretty things catch our attention. Nothing strange with that, right? Well, I guess it depends how you look at it. And why you want the stuff to begin with.

First, let me be very open. I won't go into details, but I have not always been wise with my finances. In fact, I'm working to get out of debt. I like to buy things for you, me, and everybody. This is not a good habit when it conflicts with God's goals for your life, not to mention, puts a major dent in your pocketbook. I think there is something deeper than a shopping addition going on, not that overspending can't be a serious enough issue in itself.

But, consider this: God created us with our senses. Sight. Smell. Hearing. Touch. Taste.

Stay with me! I promise this will be more than a summary of our senses.

For starters, this weekend I spent money on the following things/activities/stuff. Money that could have been used to pay bills and help others. But I was on a quest. Here's my list:

1. Purchased deliciously fragrant lotion, bodywash, and spray from the place where I can't comfortably fit into their underwear anymore. Did you figure it out? Victoria's Secret. I didn't care about the lacy undergarments anyway. I was lost in the tantalizing fragrances and succumbed to my desire to have those yummy smells with me at home and on my body. Fed my sense of smell.

2. Me and my daughter (both with weight challenges) shared a huge peppermint marshmallow creamy sundae thingy at Boppin Bobs. The taste and textures were so enticing and enjoyable that I continued to indulge far after my actual body hunger had past. Fed my sense of taste.

3. At another retailer, I was bombarded by glittery, rhinestone, costume jewelry. I'm talking some major bling. I couldn't seem to resist a giant ring full of shiny glittery stones. In fact, even while driving home, I couldn't stop staring at my ring finger. Of course, I cut the tag right off and wore my purchase home so I could enjoy the shimmery sensations. Fed my sense of sight.

4. Went, like half of America, to see Alice in Wonderland 3D (Good movie by the way). Fed my desire for incredible sights and images and sounds.

I'm not going to list everything I did, but are you getting the picture here? There were also plenty of things that I was drawn to and ignored. I did say NO! a lot, but, obviously, not to everything. It seemed as if I was hungry for for certain things. I was ravenous for these beautifully created items, tasty treats, exciting images... are you with me, ladies?

I've spoken a lot about how we all have hungry hearts that hunger and thirst for the One Thing that will sustain them -- Jesus Christ. I also realized as I was driving away from the mall, we have another hunger that is built into us, tied into the One Thing.

Feeling a little guilty about what I did purchase, I was talking to God, and the two words I heard were: Heaven Hunger.

I explained to my daughter what I was thinking. How we are drawn to beauty, both those things in nature and that are created. Things that sparkle, shine, and smell good. Flowers, a baby's cheeks, a flashy handbag, a colorful painting, a lovely throw rug, pristine sandy beaches, white snow-covered mountains, puppies and baby kitty cats. And that's just the eye candy stuff, I didn't even highlight the sound of crashing waves, cry of a seagull, strings in a symphony, or, the wonderful feeling of a rabbit's fur, a puppy's tongue licking your cheek, a hug from a loved one. I could go on and on and on.

Why? Well, I believe that God was reminding me that this isn't my home. Not my permanent one anyway. I have a strong "heaven hunger" that desires the incredible, supernatural, awesomeness of Heaven.

Think about it.

The Bible talks about streets of gold, and beautifully blinding jewels that we've never laid eyes on. A new Heaven and a New Earth. As if sunsets and diamonds aren't already glorious enough.

What will make this heavenly home so beautiful is God Himself. His glory will be beyond our now limited imaginings. Our senses will be flooded with His glory and highly inventive creations. I believe we long for this place of ultimate beauty. For there, we will finally find the fulfilment that we never quite experienced here on this fallen and imperfect planet.

Even as Christians, who taste God's goodness now, we will be absolutely stunned by the avalanche of His greatness featured in everything we see, smell, touch, taste, and hear.

Get this! According to His Word, we will feast on fine foods (without gaining weight) have rooms in our very own mansions, and walk down streets of gold so pure it's like walking on glass! They'll even be gates of pearls. I can't wait to see this jasper stone that John mentions in the Book of Revelation. My point: I'm hungry for heaven. God loves to create and surround Himself with beauty. We, princess warriors, are royalty created in His image. Why wouldn't we want the same?

Now, before you think I'm giving approval for us to race off on a quest to gather all the beautiful STUFF we can, let's think again.

I need to tell you something huge. Something you have more than likely experienced yourselves. After my day of seeing, smelling, tasting, feeling, and hearing of this world, I was left even more hungry for His home. That's right. No matter how shiny the ring, how cute the baby, how lovely the seashore, how tasty the Thanksgiving turkey or hot fudge sundae, NONE OF IT IS LASTING or ETERNAL. It is but a substitute of what awaits us in our future heavenly home.

We're back again to the "real deal" stuff. Reigning real as princess warriors, we must understand that everything here, right now, is but a dim substitute of what is yet to come.

If we expect an old black and white film to have the same degree of technical definition as Avatar in 3D, we will be sorely disappointed. So it is with this temporary place we call home.

Once again, I'm brought back to the fact that nothing or no one will every satisfy me here and now except my Heavenly King. My yearnings for Heaven are real and expected, but I am wasting my time and money if I think I can buy a piece of that heavenly real-estate now.

So, what are we to do? Continue to keep our eyes focused on the Author and Perfector of our Faith -- Jesus Christ. Spend our time collecting the heavenly rewards that we can enjoy forever in Heaven.

Just like when we're far from home, we yearn for it. I suspect that we will continue to long for Heaven until that moment in time when Jesus takes us in His arms and says, "Welcome home, good and faithful servant. Enter your reward."

Please, don't you dare stop enjoying sunsets, sundaes, and sapphires, just remember there is far more to come. This is but a taste of the true treasure. Stay focused on the real prize, princesses. With our eyes on Jesus we are surely headed the right direction.

God bless you all.

For some great reading about our heavenly home, consider:

Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Heaven by Joni Earechson Toda
The best option: The Bible by God

As the Revelation of John describes Heaven:

It shown with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. Revelation 21:11 NIV

This woman, Diane, has taken time on her site to list a ton of scriptures related to Heaven and the afterlife. You may want to visit.

http://dianedew.com/heaven.htm

Until next time ...