The road of life is difficult.

Do you ever wonder if you’ll make it?

 

He won't let me go! You either! | Joy Day! :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Then, if that’s not enough…we’re called to live holy lives.  Really.

I know, in this day and age, who talks about being holy?

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”   1 Peter 1:13-16 from The Message

I love how Peter describes the life shaped by God’s life….”energetic and blazing with holiness.”

What does that look like?

I get the energy part.  I have often been thought to be pretty energetic.  But, can you imagine someone seeing you as blazing with holiness?

 

If you’re like me, you probably feel like you plod through life trying to live a life that’s pleasing to God and a blessing to others.  There isn’t anything blazing about it.

Right now I live in the in between.   My physical life is in storage in another state.  My virtual life here is challenging to say the least.  In this in between, I am really trying to live with purpose, to bless and inspire others, and glorify God with my hands and my words.   I haven’t given much thought to being holy.   I’m just trying to plod ahead, trying to be faithful to listen to God, and be obedient to watch and see what He will do.

Right now we are trying really hard to lean in and listen.

Sometimes God seems so silent.  Sometimes he whispers so quietly.  Sometimes we have too much noise in our heads…or talk to much.

I impatiently watch to see what he will do.

Is there anything about this that could be considered to be a life “blazing with holiness?”  I don’t think so.

I think I am finally at that place where I want what he wants for me, more than what I want for me.   I think.   If you are there…let me know how you got there and how you stay there.

It isn’t that I think I’m smarter or wiser than God.  No way!  It’s that I can’t see very far ahead and he wants me to trust him.

Yeah.  I thought I had this trust thing down.  I guess that’s when he sets the bar a little higher.  There’s no coasting in God’s world.  Sure, he’ll give us times of rest and restoration.  But, once we catch our breath, we’re off running the race towards the prize. 

 

Charging ahead to get everything Jesus has in store for me - nothing will stand in my way :: Philippians 3:13 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I want the following words to be mine….

I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.  Philippians 3:12 from The Voice

Yes…I’m a bit shaky.  I can’t say that “I am charging on.”  That sort of seems like “energetic and blazing with holiness.”  But, I am putting one foot in front of the other and standing between footsteps.

You know….I think that is actually enough.

God takes our small bits of trust…maybe he’d like more….but the small bits are good.

How do I know it’s enough?

and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.

I don’t know about you…but I really like knowing that nothing will stand in my way.  Sure…the road may have hills and valleys….but nothing is in my way when it comes to gaining everything Jesus has in store for me.

Don’t you just love the last part of the verse…

and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.

He has grabbed me and won’t let me go. 

I am his and he is mine.

It’s the ultimate trust.

I don’t have to test him to see if he is worthy of my trust.

He is.

He won’t let me go!

He won’t let YOU go!!

 

I don’t know what you are facing…what seems larger than life….the thing that keeps you awake at night.

If you really want to gain anything and everything Jesus has in store for you….nothing will stand in your way….nothing….because the God of the universe has grabbed hold of you and he. will. not. let. you. go!! 

 

I don’t know what that does for you….

But me?  My heart is dancing.  It’s a kind of good, scary, exciting, feeling.

Does it mean I have this trust thing all sewed up.

I wish I could say I do.

But….I’m not going to worry about that.

Instead….I’m going to hold onto the thought that….

He will not let me go!!

 

 

Joy Day!:: Snowscape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s Joy Day!

 

The day when we look back over our past week and count.

Count the good and the not so good.   Just seven.

And we give thanks for it.  All of it.

I’ll start…

I’m grateful God for…

  • a warm house when it’s way below zero.
  • not having to travel far when the roads were so bad.
  • knowing you, God, have a plan and purpose for us.
  • this blog and the opportunity to connect with people because of it.
  • your word that is alive and applicable to my everyday life.
  • being my hope and giving me hope.
  • a husband who enjoys cooking breakfast.

Now it’s your turn!

Scroll down to the “Share your Extraordinary Thoughts” box below and tap in your ‘seven.’

When you do, you’ll find the corners of your mouth turn up and the joy meter in your spirit rise.

It’s a good thing.

If you want even more joy….you’ll want to take the Joy Dare here.

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

Joyfully,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Joy Day – I am grateful to God for:

    1. My daughter who turns 11 today!
    2. Days that get above freezing.
    3. Nights that stay above freezing.
    4. Shelter from the elements.
    5. Good blogs to read.
    6. Good books to read.
    7. The Good Book.

  2. I’m thankful to god for many things:
    1) I’m thankful to God for “bringing” me through the most difficult like medically last year!
    2) For my husband
    3) for our 1929 charmer home
    4) for the lovely snow that’s been falling
    5) for our Little One cat
    6) for being able to retire and live comfortably
    7) for having met you
    I loved this post! You write so elegantly and beautifully.
    I’ll see you for your party Monday, would you join in on my today?

  3. Debbi Saunders says

    I am grateful to God for:
    l.Sunshine!! the first time in 5 days!
    2.using me to give others Hope & Encouragement
    3.for the growth of the ministry he has given me for intercessory healing prayer for others in this last few years.
    4.for answered prayer for a young woman who tried to take her life yesterday.
    5. his Grace and Mercy when I doubt!
    6.that I am finally able to be content where I am in my life right now.
    7.for leading me to the blogs of so many Godly,Christian Women….

  4. Oh, Diane, that leaning in, that listening. That’s the blazing holiness the world needs to see. It has nothing to do with ease or certainty in anything except that there is a rock to lean on and a whisper to hear. Blaze, girl! Blaze on! <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly

  5. Kim says

    1. My family.
    2. God’s love, unconditional.
    3. Faithful friends.
    4. Christian women to keep me in line. 😉
    5. My church – God’s family of fellow believers.
    6. My little tiny blog that allows for expression.
    7. Ministries where God has called me to join Him. (Do I really have to stop at seven?)
    Diane, in my opinion, I see you blazing! I love your boldness for Christ. It encourages me so when you and others are public about your faith. I know that during what has to be a very hard time for you and your husband, God is holding you true. And you, dear friend, are faithful! You’re blazing, chick!
    <3 Kim

  6. ann pauley says

    dear diane,
    i am thankful for the gift of religious expression, for the gift of having my son,
    who passed over into eternal life 21/2 years ago, and still gives me signs of his love, my husband and my older son, matt, and my friends, and the gift of reading all these great blogs….
    ann

  7. Carolyn says

    Dear Diane,
    Got back “home” yesterday so I’m a couple days behind. All the same, it’s not hard to find my 7 things!
    1. Our little lake home with the big fireplace…
    2. Lots of fire wood.
    3. Reliable vehicles w/functioning heaters!
    4. A fellow Christian who is reminding several of us to pray for the homeless in our area.
    5. My wonderful husband who let me watch “The Pioneer Woman” on Saturday while he made biscuits (successfully!) for the very first time!
    6. Christian television channels.
    7. The snow…again…!

    Thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult part of your journey. Your meditations on this day were right on target, Diane. You are such a blessing as you share with transparency your thoughts, inspirations & faith. Blessings! –Carolyn.

    • Diane says

      I rejoice with you in your ‘seven’ Carolyn. God richly blesses us.
      Yay for your sweet husband attempting biscuits and meeting with success!!
      May God be glorified here.
      Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and prayers.
      I’ve missed you popping by…glad you’re back “home.”

  8. Mel says

    Late…Life sometimes pulls at me from all sides, but I know where to find my rest, me peace, and my replenishing. And He chased me pretty hard for a very long time. I’m clear if anyone ‘moves’ in the relationship, it’s me.
    Your sharing here was intense for me. I think it was good to miss this until today. How I received it was changed because of the lapse. It stirred up stuff I need to step back to look at.
    I have much gratitude:
    –for snow…againandagain….
    –for getting to a meeting (and reconnecting with people I’ve not seen for a year).
    –for the absence of eagles that drove my thinking into going to the meeting.
    –for the sign on the door that told me the meeting was moved.
    –for STILL getting to the meeting with 7 minutes to spare…cuz I wasn’t gonna enter late, dontcha know.
    –for the fella who’d relapsed sitting next to me at that meeting.
    –for G-d being the master of it all…..He’s a clever one. 😉

    • Diane says

      [sigh]….I’m sorry….I want so much for these posts to be joyful….but sometimes as I write…I get taken in other directions. I guess HE knows what we need. Well….that should be HE KNOWS…it’s the following for me that’s hard.
      Yay for God’s goodness…he has truly blessed you in so many ways. I love how God used the eagles to direct your thoughts and he is Master of ALL.
      Thanks for blessing me with your counting.
      May your week be filled with extraordinary joy moments, Mel!

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