Musings

Rachael_M_Colby_Tattoo_it_on_your_heart_Musings Everyone’s into recycling, and that’s a good thing

But God wants to recycle you

You can give Him your mess

He wants to give you beauty for ashes

Make you a new creation

Everyone’s talking about saving the Earth

Jesus died and rose again to save humanity

To save us from our sin

To save us from ourselves

Many are into the environment

Some worship the creation instead of the creator

I know the one who made it-

The Creator

The all powerful, omnipotent God

Scooped up a handful of dust

Breathed into it, and made humanity

So we can know Him

The Bible says all creation praises The Lord and is a testament to Him

Man is the only one who is hard of hearing and blind to what is before him

Wake up! Open your eyes and see

Listen, He’s calling your name

He loves you

The Savior of the world wants to be your best friend

I know the one who rules the World

I know the one who flung the stars across the universe

The painter of the canvas of the sky

Every sunset is a call to lay ourselves, our burdens down

Every sunrise is an invitation of grace from The Creator of the universe

For a new beginning, another chance to see Him work His plan for our lives

Knock, Knock

Tattoo_it_On_Your_Heart_Rachael_M_Colby_Red_Door_Knock_Knock_ KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Jesus”

“Jesus who?”

That’s a problem if you said, “Jesus who?” It’s no joke. Jesus wants you to know Him. He wants a personal relationship with you.

I let Him in in 1987. It’s been quite a ride. I’m glad He’s driving. Life can be tough, whether you are a Christian or not. We can go through the muck and mire of life with or without Him. I chose with Him. We can rest assured when we rest in Him.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there”

“It’s Jesus. Let me in?”

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What an invitation! To dine with The King; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And I get to walk with Him in between. Sometimes He carries me.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:2-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Distraction, Fear, Doubt, Compromise, Selfishness, Willfulness, Love of Money, Greed, Lust, Pride, Anxiety, Anger, Unforgiveness…”

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Jesus.”

“Jesus? What are you doing out there? I already let you in.”

“You did. But I gradually got pushed out by all that other stuff you let in. Can I come in? I’d like to help you clean house.”

KNOCK, KNOCK…

(Let Him in)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Reasons Aren’t Excuses

DSC_0895-001 Reasons aren’t excuses. God is fully aware of all my circumstances, but He doesn’t believe in situational ethics. He wants me to keep my attitude and responses in alignment with His Word, regardless of who is right or wrong.

I hear Jesus say, “Do you want Me to defend you, or do you want to defend yourself?” He lets me choose. Why do I struggle with this? Why do I rush in and react, instead of waiting on God?

I know The Lord is my defender, and if I keep my heart right and stay out of the way, He will fight for me. In His time, He will right the wrong and truth shall prevail.

“But Lord,” I say, “this is hard, I just can’t seem to do this. I keep tripping over myself.”

Life is hard. It is bigger than I. I can’t bear it on my own. I’m nothing on my own, but His Word says,

My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Jesus knows me, with all my failings, and loves me anyway. He expects me to fall. That’s how I’ll learn to walk. When I call, He hears my cry. He picks me up and says, “Lean on me. Try again.”

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. ‭Psalms 141:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NKJV

The Measure of a Mom

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(Dedicated to my friends.)

Know this, Mom: You bring things to your family that they can’t hire out, buy out, or do without.

You can hire someone to clean, buy pre-made meals, and most of the toys and comforts you have you could do without. Yes, you have duties as a mom that you need to tend to well. But the love, listening ear, and wisdom you offer your children is irreplaceable. Your prayers, Godly testimony and teachings of Jesus Christ that you impart to your children are of eternal significance.

Rachael

For the Prodigal’s Mom

(Excerpts from an unfinished piece.)

Mama,
Don’t you know Jesus loves your children
Even more than you?

Pound the gates of Heaven, Mama
Pray without ceasing

Know the God of Heaven, inclines to your cry
He shares your passion for restoration of the prodigal child

So go ahead and cry Mama
But, make every tear a prayer
An offering of hope and heart

because your prayers are the rain
On the soil of your prodigal’s heart

Your prayers are the rain
On the soil of your prodigal’s heart

Your prayers are the rain
On the soil of your prodigal’s heart…

Sometimes it’s a God Thing

DSCF0515 I stood in the kitchen on one of those mornings, feeling suffocated by the pressure of making decisions, afraid of messing up. The weight of responsibility and the barrage of demands overwhelmed me. I felt so distressed because I just couldn’t seem to make all the magic things happen for my children.

God, I’m failing as mother. I feel so inept, Lord.

But then I shook myself, looked at my beloved child and said, “I’m sorry; but all your dreams aren’t going to come true. And that’s OK.”

Yes, I actually said that. I know; it’s not very Disney-ish. But it’s truth!

Let me elaborate. The Bible says, “Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This is not to be confused with the idea that God will give us everything we want. Jesus is not a genie in a bottle. We can’t just clap our hands in prayer, then snap our fingers, and expect Jesus to do our bidding. Our wish is not His command. This scripture is about allowing God to change our heart, so He can deposit the desire for Him and His will in us. God is a good father. He loves us, and gives us the best according to His plan. He is the Master Weaver and sees the big picture.

So, for all my children who weren’t there that morning, I will say it again. “Darling, Sweetheart, Honey; good morning. Hello, and wake up. I love you with all my heart. But all your dreams aren’t going to come true; and that’s OK. Sometimes it’s a God thing.”

And Lord, I will try to remember to rest in Your Word.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.   ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.   ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”   ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A Perfect Mothers Day Gift

Last week the leader of our women’s Bible study asked us to share something we had learned as a mom, or from our moms. I sat terrified as she went around the room, wondering what my teen daughter would say. What if she didn’t have anything to say at all? God, I fall so short!

Finally, her turn came and this is what she said. “My mom taught us to adapt and be resilient, even in situations where we weren’t comfortable. And she really leans on God. When she’s having a bad day, she doesn’t go to anyone else. God is her go-to.”

Wow. Grace, grace, grace. She’s been sick this week and hasn’t been out, so she thinks she hasn’t gotten me a Mothers Day gift. But she did; she was three days early with it. All I really want from my children is for them to see Jesus in me and to love and serve Him. I want them to choose wisdom and apprehend the destiny Jesus has for their lives.

On our way home I thanked her for her kind and gracious words, and apologized for not being a better mom. She looked at me and said, “Why are you apologizing to me?”

“Because I wish I was a better mom. I just want you to know that I love you and I love God… And I’m trying.”

“No one ever thinks you’re not trying mom!” She interrupted.

“Oh. Then we’re good.” 🙂

Waiting for Perfect

I was waiting for perfect, but it never showed up. So I decided I’d better start the journey without it. I thought I needed to be the perfect Christian, wife, mom, have the perfect family and coin the perfect phrases. Then I’d have something to say. Then God could use me. I mean, who am I?

But it’s not about who I am; it’s about who Jesus is. I am made for His glory. It’s Christ in me. I’m His work in progress, and His mercies are new every morning.

This doesn’t mean I can succumb to slackness, for I believe good enough is not good enough. My work needs to be well done. God doesn’t expect me to give what I don’t have, but when I obey His calling, He makes up for my lack. He equips me. The question is, am I willing to be honest about my shortcomings, and let Christ change me?

Sometimes, there is pain in the process, but there is joy in the journey, as I allow Him to change me from glory to glory. My God is a restorer. That’s why He likes to show up when things are broken. But we have to give ourselves to Him.

“So, here’s my mess, Lord.”

The Preacher said the power is in the going. The Bible says faith without

works is dead. And when God says

“Go,” we need to start walking.

Do you hear Him?

“Come. Walk with Me.”

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One Day in October

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I built an altar in the field that day and put myself on it. I don’t know if I understood how pivotal that moment would be when I turned aside from everything screaming for my attention. Jesus did though, and He was waiting for me. I didn’t ask Him for anything that day, except to keep me. I gave myself to Him. Again.

You can be new again.

I choose You Jesus when the way is clear… I choose You when the storm rages on… keep my mind stayed on You… I choose You… when the blessings flow…. when the obstacles loom and I’m not sure which way to go… when everyone walks away… Because at the end of the day, it’s all about You, Jesus.

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Scroll down for song: Breathe- Jonny Diaz or click here to open in new window.

The Conversation that Inspired the Name

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Dave is the worship leader at his church, a professional musician, writer, motivational speaker, my home schooled children’s music teacher, employer, mentor and friend. He’s only twenty-six. I’m old enough to be his mom. For me, he floats. Sometimes he’s like a son, or younger brother. He’s a fellow creative type. And sometimes he’s The Preacher. He’s always my brother in the Lord. He is also the person most responsible for pulling me out of hiding my writing.

I gave Dave the book Not a Fan, and, “Come and Die,” is his favorite quote from it. (Mine is, “God doesn’t do consulting. He does God.”) When Jesus said we must take our up our cross, He was saying we each have a calling, but there is a price. We will have to leave our comfort zone, be inconvenienced.

Jesus said,‭ “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew ‭16:25‬ NKJV. This means Jesus’ plans for our lives and the needs of others must take precedent over our own. We apprehend our calling and fulfillment as we serve Christ and pour our lives into others. We are created for Him, so we may know Him and bring others to Him. Jesus is asking us to exchange control of our temporal life, for an inheritance of eternal life with Him. He died for us, so He calls us to live, and even die for Him. The difference is, He is worthy of dying for; we are not. But he loves us anyway. He calls us to Him just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us to our own way.