Blog

poetry

If I Were To Count My Blessings

listeningwithlaurette

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His holy name.

img_6793

With praise I have found the key
Gratitude fans into flame
Because when we are grateful
We bring honor to Your name

1541787998638

 

If I were to count my blessings
Name them one by one
Where would I begin
And number the vast sum

 

When my heart was broken
Hurting and in despair
It was then He was the closest
I felt His tender loving care

Looking back at all those times
How foolish I had been
His tender conviction toward me
Was lovingly ushering me in

When I was most ignorant
Blindly going my own way
You never once condemned
Patiently waiting as if to say

Don’t you see your error
These ways lead only to death
When you have had enough
Stop and take a breath

Use your words for praise
That’s how genuine gratitude grows
It is how it works in My kingdom
It is how My grace does flow

I love a cheerful giver
I delight in a merry heart
Tell Me again you know My Grace
Gave you a brand new start

Your goodness oh God, immeasurable
How can we be so blind
To think You’re not helping
What will it take for us to find

Open our eyes to see
Give us ears that hear
Your goodness I shall tell
To all that will come near

I am so grateful for Your love
I am thankful for Your care
But most of all I thank You
Because You were always there

I’m thankful for your mercy
When I deserved the worst
Forever changed and protected
Blessed now totally immersed

The doors that You have opened
Instructed only to knock
What I thought was withheld
Simply needed to be unlocked

With praise I have found the key
Gratitude fans into flame
Because when we are grateful
We bring honor to Your name

I thank You Lord my Savior
From the bottom of my heart
May my gratitude never be silenced
From beginning of new days start

And as my day progresses
Should life begin to unravel
Remind me again of Your love
As along life’s road we travel

If not for Your untold goodness
And love for all lost sinners
We wouldn’t have had a chance
Because we once were all beginners

Remind us to be examples
With our unending Gratitude
Because You Father look on the heart
And it is made evident by our attitude

© laurette laster 2018

 

I’m sure each of us has that “___________” event or situation where we know that God in His goodness saved us from ourselves and from death. Many of us, I for sure, have situations where I know God saved my life.

This Thanksgiving I am very grateful for so many things. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am even thankful for enemies who cause me to press into God and check myself and my motives periodically. I am grateful and thankful that I have a roof over my head, food for my table, food to share with others, running water, a vehicle, and the ability to serve The Lord openly. The list could go on and on. Like in the stanza above, who could list the vast sum of blessings we have?

No, I do not have everything I want, because what I want the most isn’t a physical or a material need. I have every material blessing I need. That doesn’t mean I have no wants or that I will not get more, it just means I am not ’in need’ of any material thing.

My greatest desires involve others. My deepest desire is for my family and loved ones to be healed and whole, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, mind, body, and soul. I pray they know and trust and serve The Lord with gladness and with their whole hearts. I desire like minded friends. Not friends who are like me, but friends who love The Lord, and want His will to be done in their lives and the lives of others. I am thankful and I am blessed. Who in their right mind wouldn’t love and serve The Lord?

Years ago, during a very difficult time emotionally in my life, The Lord notified me of something I had not thought of.  It’s not like I didn’t know what He told me. And yes it was very true; I had just never put it in proper perspective. Isn’t it funny how God wants to keep our perspectives straight? Returning home from work one evening while pulling into my secure garage, complete with a new garage door opener I had professionally installed, He spoke these words in my spirit; you park your car in a better place than many people live. Wow. That will make you reconsider your gratitude list. Yes I am thankful, even for a garage to park my car in? You bet I am.

In my life I have worried about whether a loved one would continue to fight to live. I have worried about addiction (mine and others) ruining lives and families. I have worried if there would be enough money to pay the bills, because someone else didn’t share my same value system. I have faced real issues. When I left my dysfunctional marriage where most of my fears were rooted, I found hope. I put my trust completely in The Lord and stepped out on faith to believe He; God could and would restore my life. I met a very real, kind, loving, compassionate, forgiving, jealous God. I met a God who wanted to be my Father. He is a Father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow, kind of God. I came face to face with a tenderhearted God who forgives all our inequities. All? Yes All! Today I have faith and trust in my loving heavenly Father, He hears my prayers. He cares about me.  Jesus talking; therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Can any one of you by worrying add one single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25, 27 NIV)

In Philippians we are told; Rejoice in the Lord always, I will it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)

 

Shout for joy to The LORD, all the earth. Worship The LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs, knowing that The LORD God, It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to Him and praise His Holy Name. (Psalm 100:1-4 NIV)

 

I say let’s Rejoice and I say again; Rejoice. Come into His courts with thanksgiving and praise. For God is faithful and worthy to be praised. In all situations, not for all situations, I shall praise Him and lift my hands.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Lauette

poetry

May I Be Found Thankful

listeningwithlaurette

May I Be Found Thankful

I’m going to be grateful for the rest of the year.

So I have a challenge

To all who are reading

What if we become thankful

Instead of pleading

1541788161888

May I be found thankful

While I am praising You

Even when I don’t feel

Like it’s what I want to do

Today I choose to be grateful

I am so amazed

Because without Your grace

I couldn’t be saved

So while I do wait

Promises yet afar off

I will give thanks to You

And never ever scoff

I am eternally thankful

Yes I am without excuse

Lord Jesus so wonderful

Loving kindness we can deduce

This season of Thanksgiving

I am going to sit and trace

The love You freely show

From Your amazing grace

So much to say

So much to share

Gratitude is the key

My soul I’ll bare

Oh God in Heaven

The Faithful and True

How can I extol

A heartfelt Thank You

I am more than grateful

I am totally enraptured

I’m encircled with grace

I am caught and captured

Your love so infectious

Your love so resounding

I lack intelligible words

To share how astounding

What was I thinking

Who could count or trace

Your Goodness and Love

It is unending never effaced

So I have a challenge

To all who are reading

What if we become thankful

Instead of pleading

We could count our blessings

I’m sure we would all agree

That our blessings reach higher

Than the tallest redwood tree

O let us become more thankful

Make your list if you can

Because being more thankful

Is The heart of Fathers Plan

For when we are grateful

We share The Good news

It is Fathers good pleasure

In His Kingdom to put us to use

The ministry of hope

Is needed so much today

So begin by being thankful

First when you pray.

An attitude of gratitude

So contagious I hear

How about we just be thankful

For the rest of the year

© laurette laster 2018 November

There are times when it seems like being thankful is hard work. Or like gratitude eludes us and it is out there somewhere yet we can’t seem to reach it and tap into it. Isn’t this strange? Why is that? If we have received and accepted the gift of salvation our Lord offers to us so freely, we have more to be thankful for than we could think or imagine. Salvation alone is enough to be thankful for into eternity and to last an entire lifetime, wouldn’t you agree? So why is it then that there are times when being thankful is a chore? How can weather, sickness, circumstances, or situations cause us to be less thankful?

Could it be because we have attached feel good emotions and feelings to things. We believe we must feel a certain way or have an emotional tinge or charge before it is real gratitude. I am so thankful that I love all the seasons, but I do know there are those who do not like the cold winter days. I have a family member who says to me often, “You know I am solar powered.”

Isn’t it true, that it is quite the opposite? When we purpose in our hearts it is done according to scripture. We make a decision or decisions prior to having emotional feelings, and then we are to speak to our souls, just as king David taught us. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my savior and my God.” (Psalm 43:5 NIV)

And again in this verse, “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God – soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He is my God.” (Psalm 42:11 MSG)

Being thankful l is the key to health and happiness. We do not need to be thankful for every situation, but we do need to be thankful in every situation, just as we are instructed. “ Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

On cold dreary days like today I am reminded that the late fall and winter time is indeed root season. We cannot expect to have a harvest of new growth without root time.  This is the time for us to press into the things of God and nourish our roots with His word.

Dear Heavenly Father, in these changing turbulent times I pray we purpose to keep our minds and our souls set on the things of You, and be found by You, to be thankful grateful believers. Help us Lord God of our souls, to keep our minds focused on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- that we think on such things. Thank you Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd and overseer of our souls. Amen.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. laurette

Blog, photo, poetry

Farewell Warm Weather Friends

listeningwithlaurette

1541787998638

Farewell Warm Weather Friends

 

As leaves are falling one by one

For now their seasons work is done.

I wonder if they could speak or feel

What is the message they might reveal.

 

I finished my race and worked very hard

While vibrant and alive I shaded the yard.

I kept harsh sunlight and heat at bay

While temperatures did rise on summers day

1541787566115

But now as winter is fast approaching

You’ll require more of suns warmth encroaching.

So while I’ll be whisked or raked away

This was my due season of many a day.

1541788104739

I am not sad that my time is at end

It was a good season and this yard I did tend.

I fulfilled my purpose and did it with joy

It is what I was designed and created for.

 

I’m pouring out my supply to fuel this trees roots

Next season many will grow from tender new shoots

They’ll grow and replenish and offer shade again

But for now it is farewell my warm weather friends

 

©laurette laster November 2017

Many years ago, If my memory serves me correctly, I believe it was the fall of 2011, during my commute I was admiring the spectacular fall foliage and rich robust colors. I commuted about forty five miles one way, to and from work. I crossed over the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma, during my drive to and from work. I have seen some beautiful, almost breath taking sunrises and sunsets during that time. I have seen full moons and super moons that lit up the nights sky making me feel as if heaven were ushering me home late at night or seeing me safely to work in the wee hours of the morning. I have seen beautiful snow covered fields with ice laden trees. I have driven over the icy roads and bridges that made me grip the steering wheel so tight that my hands hurt. I have had a front row seat and witnessed new life emerge during springtime, after the long bleak barren winter resting cycle.

On this particular fall afternoon I was telling The Lord as I was driving, how beautiful the sight was and thanking Him for the view. I love the fall colors. The bright robust burgundy’s, bright orange, the deep amber and gold’s, the reds that are cranberry colored and, the depth of the yellows are all so different this time of the year. These colors against the back drop of the greens and the browns are some of the most stunning colors I have ever seen. They are deep and vibrant in nature. There is something so tranquil and almost peaceful about the scenes of autumn. Yet there is also something so alluring and inviting about the season of fall. There is a depth that I still cannot put into words to adequately describe the feeling this scene ignites in my soul. I cannot explain with mere words how it makes me and many untold others feel. It makes me think of the scripture,

“That we may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is breadth and length and depth and height” (Ephesians 3:18 KJV)
With this scripture in mind, to me there is a dimension to the images of fall that can only be felt and lacks human understanding on this side of time. I love all the seasons, but there is something about fall that is multidimensional to me.

As I was driving and praising God for this view, He spoke to me. I heard His words in my spirit; “They are dead!” Wow talk about a jolt back into reality. However, I realized this was the absolute truth about these leaves. These same leaves of beautiful burgundy, gold, amber, yellow, orange, and other vibrant colors, they are really dead and on their way to complete dying and falling off. I had never thought about it quite like this before. I asked, “God how can something dead be so beautiful?” My question made me think about this entire imagery with its fabulous scenery in an entirely different light.

My prayer for several days was Lord; teach me how something dead can be so beautiful? Why do we see these colors, and travel hundreds of miles to view the cascading hills and country sides laden with fall foliage? How is it that as these leaves are dying they are becoming more beautiful to our eyes? What does this look like to You?

And He did indeed teach me. He taught me lessons, many valuable lessons that I hold near and dear to my heart today.  I now understand why I am unable to put into words the feelings the autumn season invokes in my soul.

He taught me that this is what repentance looks like to heaven. He showed me that when a soul repents of dead works, the imagery in heaven is of beautiful foliage with a change of colors. The Lord showed me that indeed letting go of dead works, and lessons learned are so beautiful to Him. He showed me that as we go into root season and grow deeper in the things of God all of heaven rejoices, read Luke 15:7. He showed me that some things are for a season, and some things are for a reason, and reasons and seasons are how we mature and grow. He taught me that a crop of leaves is to shade the fruit we are growing and the lessons we are learning. He showed me that when we learn the lessons of life that those leaves must wither and die and nourish our roots. How as His people we are a lot like trees. The lessons we are learning supply wisdom, strength, and courage to our core, (inner man). We must have truth in our inner being before He can add more depth and height to our trunks.

“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom.”  (Psalm 51:6 KJV)

So I share a few photos of some beautiful fall foliage I captured this week. Aren’t these colors and leaves beautiful? Guess what? They are dying. The trees have stopped supplying these leaves with nourishment, and in all actuality the tree is pulling nourishment from the leaves to help it stay alive and survive during the cold barren winter root season.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all stop right now and repent over just one thing? What is one thing, that you now realize God, is dealing with you about? We can show our Father in heaven some beautiful scenery today if we repent of one thing and cast off our dead works.

What are dead works? You know the cares of the world that choke the life of His word out, that Jesus speaks of in the parable of the Sower. If we are not growing and multiplying something is choking His word out. Dead works can be noble and they can be good but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are God ordained works. The works that are not of Him and do not point to His perfect love and benefit His kingdom must be shed to make room for deeper roots and new life come spring.

Here is to happy repentance of dead works. I have so much to be thankful for that it is my pleasure to repent of anything that is not pleasing to my Father. Show us Father anything that is hindering Your work in our lives. Give us the courage to face it and erase it by repenting completely before You. Help me see the enemy – ‘in a me’

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

 

poetry

We The People! Responsibility Calls This November Fall.

listeningwithlaurette

Responsibility Calls This November Fall.

We The People!

img_5285-1

November has arrived as we look around

Yes the leaves are changing, falling to the ground

It’s finally autumn’s color, this beautiful crisp morn

I know I am very thankful, yet our Nation is torn

 

One day they will see and be grateful for this time

We The People! The Called, voted to keep things in line

We cannot grow weary nor become weak and feeble

No, we are One Nation under God, and yes we are His People

 

Praying for the newness of this November time

While waiting on the answers, I know are in due time

I know His thoughts toward us, they are only good

And all The Lord has planned, we see has withstood

 

The test of time and eons only go to prove

That our God is sovereign and we are on the move

The plans He has prepared long ago were in advance

His ways much higher than ours, just stop and take a glance

 

So as we welcome the 2018 midterm elections this November

We The People have a responsibility, and yes we must remember

I pray if you haven’t already, make yourself a note

And realize your freedom, many died so you can Vote!!

 

Lift your ballot high and show that we have heard

We understood the urgency, listened to The Word!

So Vote For life and liberty, make it known to one and All

We are One Nation on God’s side, Hello November’s call

 

© laurette laster November 1 2018

 

 

Blog, poetry

Winds of Change

listeningwithlaurette

Winds of change blow through I’m going to stand

And humble myself under God’s mighty hand.

1519147049099

Letting go is not simple or easy to do,

Just watch the leaves as winds blow through.

Looks like chaos as first rearranged

Then I am reminded; oh here comes change!

 

God’s sweet reminder to me, seek and you shall find

It isn’t so difficult it’s all in the mind.

How I imagine and fear it could be,

Remembering, His plans are only good toward me.

What can I learn from watching His creation?

About these changes and the duration;

His ways are fashioned and mimic trees,

What is the lesson to learn from these?

 

It is the end of this season, change is in the air.

Something’s I can tell something’s I can share.

We are the branches-He is the Vine;

Seasons must change, He is redeeming the time.

The winds of change are bringing home,

The lesson learned, now let go and move on.

Not at all frightening if I can grasp

God is Creator, I’m designed for the task.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The inner drive compelling and calling me,

A longing for much more than eyes can see.

It’s a longing and groaning from deep within,

Oh the winds of change must be blowing again.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

It is time for promises to come forth and bloom,

So it is necessary to let go, create needed room.

Open my mind and nourish it with Your word;

Eye has not seen, nor ear has not heard…..

All You have planned for those whose mind can conceive,

Just let go of the old and the new receive.

Teach me Lord as I sense it is in view,

Deep in my spirit I know this is You.

 

Help me to not fear or become apprehensive

This change is from You, deep and extensive.

For money can’t buy and not humanly possible,

Revealed by Your Spirit, throughout Your gospel.

Such precious promises if I can believe,

Being rooted and grounded like a tree.

Winds of change blow through I’m going to stand

And humble myself under God’s mighty hand.

 

©laurette laster October 2017

photo’s captured by laurette laster 2017

If you feel the shaking do not be alarmed, it is only the shaking off of dead works to prepare us for what is ahead. Watch how nature causes leaves to let go and be removed. There are some huge lessons we can learn if we observe the works of God’s creation.

For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and you will find Me when you seek for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

The above verse is well know and quoted often by Christians. This verse was an absolute game changer for me and changed my life in the year 2000. This verse got my attention and made me wonder if indeed there was a plan for my life and I hadn’t known about it.  What you may not know is this. This verse is God talking to people in captivity, drawing them out and to Him. The chapter heading is “A letter to the exiles.” Can we be an exile and God’s children. Yes, when we make the decision to search for Him with all your heart.

Yesterday I out walking in the yard when I noticed the leaves have changed colors. It was as if it happened overnight. I had to ask myself, when did this happen? Was it gradual and I didn’t notice? Or did it happen suddenly?

Today it is blustery and windy and this wind is blowing the leaves from the trees and they are falling and floating about. When I watched this I was reminded of this poem. I am so thankful for seasons of growth but also thankful for the ability to learn what is good and useful and what I must let go of.

During seasons of change in my own life, times when I find myself feeling bare and again feel the winds of change blowing, I can get a little shaky. I am certain I’m not alone in feeling a little frightened or apprehensive when I sense change. Even though I am praying for growth and change it can still be, well you know, quite overwhelming when it begins. During these seasons of growth I am comforted to know that God, who is rich in mercy, has made a way for us to repent and by casting off our dead works we can continue to grow stronger. God makes seasons for His people to learn and grow. I am a learner and therefore I am a grower.

I produced some great fruit this year but guess what? I have also, at the same time produced some bitter fruit. Fruit and leaves that I don’t exactly want to show off , some works that I am not proud of nor do I want to keep them around for ever. Oh, we are so grateful to our heavenly Father for sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, that we can be forgiven? I am eternally grateful and wowed beyond human description with mere words, for His gift of grace that led me to repentance.

I am so grateful for the gift of repentance, the gift to change, and the gift of do over’s. Yet isn’t it amazing that at each stage we are required to stop and repeat a process?  We must have another root season. Why is this necessary? Why isn’t one root season enough? Why can’t a mighty Oak tree grow to 65 plus feet high with just one root season? Because the roots of the tree must have time to grow deeper in order to support the massive weight and height of the tree and the branches it will produce. If we don’t grow deeper in The Lord our branches will not grow and mature, and we cannot and will not be able to stand up under the weight of the ‘much’ fruit that He has planned for us to bear this coming season. We not only get growth we receive a new crop of leaves to shade the fruit that will be grown, this is what repentance brings forth.

As I repent and cast off my dead works and yes the spent works, in order to prepare for my root season I am reminded of these things.  I have plans and purposes for next years season of growth. I have visions and I have dreams not only for myself but for friends and loved ones, I have desires and goals, I have prayers yet to be answered and purposes that I’ve not yet fulfilled. And most of all I have hope in the upcoming season, because I know, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)

This blessed hope in Jesus Christ brings me joy, joy that will carry me through this root season. I want the body of Christ to have ripe and delicious fruit. We have a starving world out there counting on us.

So I pray this prayer for us;

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness  that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV)

God who is rich in mercy…………………………….

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Blog, poetry

Grace Is a Blueprint

listeningwithlaurette
Maybe a door or just a hinge
 Maybe a switch or window
 Whatever you are just know
 You are part of  Father’s MAJOR crescendo

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We are part of God’s design and plan. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

I have come to realize

The blueprint we call grace

One I now recognize

We must live out to fully embrace

I have come to realize now

Grace is an unfolding roadmap

What I thought was a wrong turn

Was inherently for the gap

I have come to realize now

That grace, His Perfect design

Is in order for us to learn

Understand The Redeemer of time

I now see the road behind

And the one that lies before

Holds so much information

Than I could even explore

Destination then unknown

Things I considered a waste

Were actually leading me toward

With speed and forward haste

I didn’t understand the plans

I couldn’t read those prints

With etchings and funny pictures

That didn’t show hard evidence

But now as I see the building

The coming together of all

I certainly do realize

Redemption of mankind’s fall

Maybe a door or just a hinge

Maybe a switch or window

Whatever you are just know

You are part of  Father’s MAJOR crescendo

Nothing is too small to overlook

The design much more than potential

And whether believed or not

Each minute detail is essential

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Coming together according to plan

Blueprints roadmaps supplier

It is because The Architect

Is The Builder and The Buyer

©laurette laster 2018 October

© photo’s by laurette

As a young man marries a young woman so will your Builder marry you: as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

This morning I was reading John 14:26 in the amplified

This is the 7 Spirits and administration of the Holy Spirit. The scripture says, Jesus speaking,

But The Helper, The Holy Spirit,

Amp The Helper, [Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener and Standby], will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all things I have said to you……..

I couldn’t help but fall more in love with Jesus and the perfection displayed by the order of Holy Spirits Ministry. Of course it would be just what was needed. Certainly it is perfect. I never doubted that, however when we see His design lining up with our need, it simply becomes more intimate and personal. We see His uniqueness for our needs, each personal and more than enough to equip us for every good work.

We are His own workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works we will require some help. Help like coaching, training, equipping, growing, convicting, and more than anything generous portions of His Love.

When I was coming out of my dysfunctional lifestyle I had made so many poor choices and my sins were great. I was ashamed that what I thought would work had failed, and failed miserably. I was left with a mess to clean up. I had violated my own conscience and was broken beyond human repair…but God!

Helper– to help and ready to show me how

Comforter– encouraged and encourages me still to keep going

Advocate– fighting for me, my very own protector, supplier, body guard, teaching me when I didn’t know how.

Intercessor– praying me through, to The Father

Counselor– there is not a safer place on earth to tell all your feelings and never be judged. Maybe corrected, always convicted of wrongdoing, but always in love.

Strengthener– when I wanted to quit, hearing the words, will you do it for Me? Who could quit? Quit? Never!

Standby-The One who comes along side so we are never alone.

No matter the mess, no matter what sins you may have committed, Our Father not only forgives us He sends us Help! Our very own personal Helper in our time of need.

John 14:14-18 He will give you another Comforter.

When I was out taking pictures of the Oak trees and the Acorns I remembered a poster I saw a few years back. Perhaps you’ve seen it also and heard this quote;

A mighty Oak is just a nut that stood it’s ground. So today if you have done all to stand, Stand therefore!!!!

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Blog, photo, poetry

Seasons of Change

listeningwithlaurette

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

to provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

That they might be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of The LORD for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

Maybe I don’t need to hold on so tight. Because I am caught and captured in the arms of Jesus.

Could it be that God has us right where we need to be? And that all this holding on is just a figment of our own thinking and perception of how we believe things are. In reality He has us safe in His grip and will never let us go. We must let go of the old to grasp the new, and be willing to be moved by the winds of grace.

 crescent moon and leaves 017

When it’s time to let it go

Teach me Lord that I may know

 

What it is that be Your will

Help me Lord, to just be still

 crescent moon and leaves 014

When I see I’m caught and captured

By Your love and fully enraptured

 

Held in place by steel strong Arms

Safe and secure from all life’s harms

 

You do show and make it known

Oh Yes You are, God alone

 

©laurette laster

photos taken by laurette laster

Earlier today as I was studying scriptures I found myself thinking, I wonder if I wrote a poem on this date last year. So as I came to see and to answer my own question and I find this poem, the one posted above.

Isn’t it ironic that I find myself at the same place today as I was last year, yet in completely different circumstances? Yet the lesson is,  be still and know that He indeed is God and that He is taking me through and into new places, is still what is being worked out. I love the adventure and I love the fact that we must have faith in order to go. No faith, no adventure. Growth is by faith in the spiritual just as growth is by seasons in the natural. The mighty oak stands still yet grows and matures season by season, come what may. Can you picture seeing trees with nap sacks packed up and moving? When ask what are you doing they would answer; I don’t like the weather so I’m relocating. That is absurd isn’t it? Without each season the tree wouldn’t mature and grow and be productive.  Yet we with free will must be taught to stand still, to occupy, to grow, to mature, to bear fruit, remain steadfast, pray, take up the full armor of God, give, sow, reap, to name just a few and if that’s not enough we need to keep these all in balance. It can become overwhelming if we allow ourselves to believe we are doing it all. When we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus we become trees of righteousness, the planting of The LORD. He plants us just where He wants us to be.

Last year as I snapped these pictures I remember seeing this leaf captured in the fence. It appeared to me that the leaf was holding on for dear life and not seeing that it was caught in the grip of the fence. This really spoke to me because I was going through changes that I knew were of God but yet felt a little lost during the adjustment phase I was going through. It was then I was prompted to think about the promises in the bible of how we are safe and secure in the hands of God. Underneath are the Everlasting Arms. A word in due season He gave me in August 2013 when He said let go. Then I was reminded that God is our deliverer and He sings songs of deliverance over us. He is singing when I feel like I am in danger of being blown away. Did you take notice that the life of the leaf is over? This leafs season is past. The Lord began to teach me how the trees teach us to let go. We have seasons to learn followed by seasons to apply just what we have learned. If we cannot practically apply what we have learned during this growing season, oh don’t you worry we will get to go through the same trials again. Yes again and again, and over and over until we get it. The trials will look different but yet they are teaching the same principles and kingdom values.

Perhaps you can relate to this. If so I share this to comfort and exhort us both. We are able to do more than we can think or imagine. Not because we are so great or awesome but simply because God has us right where He wants us to be. We are called mighty oaks, the planting of The LORD.  Growing and maturing and advancing the kingdom is hard work and the struggle indeed is real, but the growth is God ordained. We will always be called mighty oaks, the plantings of The Lord and we will produce a crop of leaves each season. Each year brings with it different trials, each one to mature us and to equip us for advanced kingdom work.  Now we pray, Lord of the harvest, send us out as laborers. May we take what we have learned this season and be blown by the winds of grace, Speaking the truth in love, that we may grow up into the Head which is Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus, I pray Your body, Christians followers and doers of Your word and believer’s of Your finished work on the Cross embrace growth through change, maturity through seasons, and indeed be a display for Your splendor.  Amen

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette