Simply Gathering Grace -

DO YOU KNOW WHY?

July 9, 2020 By Mikki Jo 8 Comments

I sat in the shade of the old oak tree and smiled. I weeded the garden, repotted some houseplants, and picked some cucumbers and tomatoes. Yes, I was proud of myself.

ME: Good for you! You repotted that plant deep enough this time!
JESUS: Do you know why you haven’t been planting deep enough?
(At this point I basically jerked my head to hear what He had to say)

All summer I did the same thing. I didn’t plant my garden seed deep enough and had to replant some. I had to repot a few plants because…you guessed it, I didn’t plant them deep enough. And here Jesus comes, interrupting a quiet conversation with myself while I was giving myself high fives and a well deserved (eye roll) pat on the back. What the heck?

Continued: Me and Jesus

ME: Good for you! You repotted that plant deep enough this time!

JESUS: Do you know why you haven’t been planting deep enough?

ME: Uhmmm…You’re not talking about plants or garden seed are you Jesus?

JESUS: You’re afraid of commitment. When you don’t plant yourself deep enough, storms come and you’re too weak to remain rooted in me. Your roots aren’t deep enough to hold you and you get swept away. Why are you afraid of committing yourself fully to me?

ME: I have some work to do, thanks Jesus.

JESUS: I’m here, I’ll help you

ME: Thanks so much!

Me and Jesus

So, I’ve been learning to trust Him more. Working on commitment. Listening to His voice.
Praying and reading scripture.

Believe it or not, I am a perfectionist. If it can’t be done right, I do nothing at all. I’m learning that I don’t have to have everything in line to continue my journey. I don’t have to have all the ingredients, I mean…ain’t nobody gonna miss the garlic cloves in my homemade pickles. So just make the pickles anyway.

I will journey on and Jesus will add what I need along the way, if I stay committed. My walk with Him can be just as sweet even if I don’t read the entire Bible in a year, or even if I’m not as perfect as the virtuous woman, and even when I have trouble staying focused when I pray coz ADD will have me all over the place before I finish my quiet time with Him.

When Jesus first asked me if I wanted to know why I wasn’t planting deep enough, my little ears perked up. I immediately thought, this will make a great blog post and may even help someone. Ain’t that funny? Yep, this was all me. It was MY help. I’m thankful He speaks to me and just sort of inserts himself into my quiet moments. He knows He’s always welcome to sit me down and teach me a thing or two.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

HOW TO FIGHT FAIR

February 6, 2019 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

Today a 20 foot cross washed up on a Florida beach. How’s that for a sign from God! Forgiveness and mercy and grace, that’s what the cross brought us…and so much more.

We always have a choice in how we react in a situation. Sometimes we tend to hang onto hurt feelings or verbally slam someone because we’re having a hard day. Here’s how it may play out….my husband forgot to tell me good morning. Mhmmm… 5 hours later he scored another point, he didn’t even mention how nice I looked in my new shirt. Well well well, looky here. He forgot to take out the trash, he just scored point 3 and the sun ain’t even went down yet. He tells me he’s going fishing instead of going out to dinner, I don’t care that he’d rather go fishing but I use this to light that little fuse on my big stick of dynamite. Then every exaggerated offense I roll neatly into one huge fight.

We let things build up and then insert them into an argument where they don’t even belong. We can actually fight fair, yes I said fight fair, if we choose words that don’t insult or offend. Choose to be understanding instead of stubborn. Choose to react the way Jesus did on the cross. Forgiving, extending mercy and grace, putting Himself and His feelings above all others.

During Bible Study this morning I learned that we can glorify God in our actions (and I strive to do that) but we should also glorify God in our reactions. That really settled into my spirit and spoke to my heart this morning. Glorify God in my reactions. Wow!

There’s an old saying “You may be the only Bible they read.” This is so true. Some woman in the checkout line may be flipping her wig because we held her up in line for ten minutes all because we wanted to use a bunch of awesome coupons. Being all “saving” as my Grandma would say, and trying to be that “Proverbs 31” woman we’ve been studying about in the Bible, right? We’re just trying to be all full of virtue and stuff. And then we turn around and give her a piece of our mind. Oops. Here was the perfect scenario to have a Jesus moment, a moment of gentleness and self control. Well, tomorrow is a new day to try and work on being a Proverbs 31 woman. Right?

When someone gives us the ugly treatment we can choose to react with the bad eye and some harsh words or with gentleness and self control. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Reacting without snapping someone’s head off really is a choice. Maybe they’ve not gave us a reason to be nice we think, and then in walks grace. Grace is simply unearned favor. Just give ‘em some grace, favor, a little understanding. We never know what someone is going through. Even if nobody is watching, God is. Choose to share a little grace.

JUST A BEAUTY MARK

January 25, 2019 By Mikki Jo 2 Comments

Whooooaaa Nellie…put this thing in reverse! I went the wrong way!

I could have sworn this was the right way, I followed the directions and turned right at the STOP sign…crossed over that bridge even though it fell apart halfway through…kept going down that winding road till the boulder rolled in front of me and I came to a dead stop.

The signs were all there and I kept going anyway. My bad.

One dark night, without wearing my glasses, I turned onto a highway going the wrong way and drove right into oncoming traffic! Gaaaahhh!!! I was frantic and as quickly as I could I turned around. Because I was such a hot mess I ran the red light. Going the wrong way will indeed make you frantic! You’ll have an uneasy feeling in your spirit. Listen to that voice. It’s God saying “You’re going the wrong way chick!” Going the wrong way can cause a domino effect of problems and total chaos. Thankfully the police officer was understanding.

When we use God’s map instead of our own we’re on the right track. Getting there may not be a cakewalk. We’ll still have mountains to climb and valleys to blunder through.

I’m not the best at staying the course. I’ve taken the long way around more than once, okay, several times. Sometimes I allow myself to get sidetracked easily. I don’t like that about myself. There is a desire we have to be a part of something greater than ourselves, a desire to make a difference and to leave our mark in the world. Those are natural desires.

This sounds kinda super preachy but I’m saying it anyway. We need to seek God and ask Him, “Where do you want me? What do you want me to do.” And then watch and listen for His answer. He will answer you.

We will grow no matter where He plants us and no matter what is in our past. We can have that messy stuff in our lives, the messy stuff that leaves behind trauma and deep scars. But God turns all of our scars into beauty marks. He heals them and covers them with beauty and strength.

Sometimes I look in the mirror and I see a glimpse of those scars and Jesus reminds me of Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. I look at myself and I whisper, “Hey girl, it’s just a beauty mark.”

WHEN COFFEE AIN’T ENOUGH

January 23, 2019 By Mikki Jo 6 Comments

There ain’t enough morning coffee to fix my “get up and go.” Yep…it’s broke.

I was up and down, like a piece of wheat bread in a toaster. Laying awake late at night, worrying over things beyond my control. That’s how most of us Momma’s roll. Worry is our blanket, fear is our pillow.

It don’t have to be this way. We can do what our precious prayer warrior Grandma’s taught us to do and “Let Go and Let God.”

Is it that easy? Yep, it really is! Now we’ll have those times when we worry because we are Momma’s! But go right back and LET GO AND LET GOD! Let it go so He can handle it and bring you peace.

Sometimes I have to do this several times a day, because I obsess over certain issues in my life or a loved ones life. Then I’m like duhhh I haven’t even give it to God today.

We can trust Him. He cares about our troubles and chaos more than we do! That’s awesome!

Wisdom and understanding…the kind that God gifts us with, He tells us to “keep” it. I think that means to “use, put into action” the wisdom that we receive from Him. You can read this in Proverbs 4:21.

And then this, Proverbs 4:22 So shall they (wisdom and understanding) be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

God has an answer for every question, grace for every shortcoming, new mercies for each day, and forgiveness for each sin.

Coffee ain’t enough friend, so lets just give it all to Him. He’ll make our sleep sweet and it will be so darn sweet we won’t even be needing that coffee in the morning!

We’ll just have a heart full of Jesus and a cup full of mercy and grace and sweet sweet sleep.

Living with depression…A LESSON IN WILDFLOWERS AND GRACE

May 15, 2017 By Mikki Jo 4 Comments

I saw a small clump of lavender and pink in a ditch line. A rusted barbed wire fence was their backdrop. They were framed by a drive-by beer can and a faded McDonald’s cup. That scene taught me something that day.

WILDFLOWERS AND GRACE, oh my.

Those wildflowers held so much beauty. So much so, that the ugly around them kind of slinked into the background and the wildflowers were all I saw. Brilliant colors that only God could paint, and intricate blooms that only God could create. They had burst out of the ground and bloomed even with all the yuck they were surrounded by.

Depression, it’s real. It can be a lonely place. That’s why we have to seek out the beauty. It’s those things that bring us peace. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy– meditate on these things. (NKJV)

Depression no longer defines me but I do believe it’s the thorn in my side. Paul talks about the thorn in his side in 2 Corinthians. He’d asked three times for the Lord to take it from him. And Paul tells us what He said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NKJV)

I’ve learned that when I open my heart to Jesus and His grace I can easily coexist with the ugly stuff. He shows me the simple things that I used to take for granted. His grace leads me to a place of peace and He points out all the good stuff along the way. I can see a leaf floating down from the sky and my heart writes a poem before it reaches the ground. (rolling my eyes, because I can’t believe I just admitted that) Yes, I’m mushy like that. I love having coffee with Jesus and just listening to Him.

Go for a walk and enjoy a sunset. Learn a new hobbie. Help others in need. Seek out things of beauty in nature, God really does bring us peace through His creation.

Seek God in the midst of the heaviness. Some days are harder than others, but He gives us strength. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Always remember we have hope! Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
It won’t last forever! Psalms 30:5b Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Always praise Him. Psalm 86:12-13 I will praise You, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. 13 For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.

Depression. It keeps me leaning on Jesus. And His grace is sufficient.

I want to be like a wildflower and keep growing even among the ugly, so I’ll glory in my infirmities, in my depression, my craziness, and my quirkiness. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Because His GRACE is sufficient.

HE DOES MORE THAN SIT ON A THRONE

November 28, 2016 By Mikki Jo 1 Comment

Life can change in the blink of an eye. People leave, hearts break, but time goes on. And we learn. We learn from life altering circumstances that change who we are. Circumstances that not only rearrange our lives, but also our hearts and the way we view life as a whole.

We see things from a different perspective. I now live where my Grandparents lived, and my parents after them. A place I played and washed my toy dishes and picked dandelions and daisies. It’s where I picked apples and strawberries and ran from bumble bees. It’s where I learned to tie a string on a June bug’s leg and let it fly as I guided him. It’s where I learned to ride a horse and fill my bucket with water from the well box, and wash clothes with a scrub board. We went barefoot, and ate salted watermelon on the front porch. This old farm was heaven to me, or what heaven would be like one day.

I first learned about Jesus right here one lazy summer afternoon as I sat eating strawberries and cream on the steps of the old wash-house. Grandma sang “The Old Rugged Cross”, while her hands kept near perfect rhythm as she washed clothes on a wooden scrub board. I asked her about the old rugged cross and who the man was she spoke of. She shared with me her Jesus and that day He became mine too as she taught me how to ask Him into my heart. She taught me to pray and we would sing old hymns at the end of the day under the shade of an old oak tree. The old wash-house is weathered and worn, but it holds precious memories for me.

Back in those days, I saw this old farm through the eyes of an innocent child, beautiful with never ending days, forever carefree. Now, I see it through the eyes of my Grandparent’s. It’s still beautiful, there’s never enough time in the never-ending days. Did I say forever carefree, well these days I cast my cares on Jesus.

This has been a hard year for my family. But I have learned a lot.

I’ve learned what the “peace that passes all understanding” means in the Bible. One of my favorite scriptures.

I’ve learned by watching the sinking sun, that it casts light completely opposite of itself, on the darkest part of the sky, coloring the clouds with it’s hue. Jesus does this for us too. In our darkest hour, His light is guiding us, encouraging us. Giving us hope for the days to come.

I’ve learned that prayer is the most important part of my day, and to rise while it is yet night as Proverbs teaches me to. I’m far from the Proverbs 31 woman, but she has some amazing qualities.

I’ve learned to love deeply and accept loss, because it’s all a part of living.

We don’t have to go through any of it alone, because Jesus is always with us. Is He always on the throne? Yes. But He don’t just sit there. He was the one who walked through the raging waters with us, how do you think we made it to the other side? It was Jesus after all, the whole time, It was Jesus.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

P.S. I’m still learning a lot here on this old farm.

3 STEPS TO GUARANTEE SUCCESS ON YOUR JOURNEY

March 11, 2016 By Mikki Jo 7 Comments

I drive down the road and I see remnants of past holiday seasons scattered among the homes I pass. A Christmas wreath with a faded tattered bow, a wilted snowman that has lost all his air, a valentine heart hanging on a door. Easter is soon coming regardless of what season someone still has hanging out in their yard.

Easter is coming and no matter what season our lives are in Jesus is coming too!

While reading my First5 app I was reminded of the great sacrifice Jesus made.

In the Old Testament animals were sacrificed to cover sin. Over and over and over again. It was not possible for this sacrifice to take away sin. But God had a plan, a perfect plan. Hebrews 10:4 NIV It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice and take away our sin. Once, for all! John 1:29 NIV The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Today it’s a nasty rainy day, or I could say…the rain is gently falling and the cool air feels so refreshing. I’ll choose the second option. If I had to go out and hunt for a ram or goat to sacrifice for my sin today I’d grab my muckboots and rain jacket and say “It’s a nasty rainy day! I need to reach God today so I have to go slaughter “Beatrice” my goat because I need a blood sacrifice!” I’d be all grumpy and hateful having to tromp around in the rain and I’d be all broke down because I would have made friends with Beatrice coz that’s how I roll. Poor Beatrice. Ohhhh myyyy, can you imagine!? I’m so thankful for Jesus! He sacrificed Himself for me and He took away my sin. He died once, for my sin and your sin! Thank you Jesus! Thank you!

My dear friend and sister in Christ, Pam Jones, mentioned in class the other day how we are on a journey. Oh how true! During my devotional time with the Lord, I came across that word about seven times this week. Yes, we are on a journey. Where are we headed? Our ultimate goal should be to make heaven our home. What do we need to get there? We need Jesus. Who should we take with us? Everyone!

3 steps that will guarantee your success on the journey ahead of you.

CONFESS 1 John 1:9 NIV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

COMMIT Proverbs 16:3 NIV Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

CONTINUE Colossians 2:6 NIV So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him.

Where are you headed on your journey? I’ve had many detours in my life and I’m thankful Jesus helps me find my way back. If the journey you are on doesn’t include Jesus, step out in faith today and welcome Him along. You’ll never regret it. He loves us so much.

WHAT DOES KNITTING HAVE TO DO WITH JESUS?

February 23, 2016 By Mikki Jo 14 Comments

I am super excited about the new heel pattern I found for my hand knit socks! It’s much easier and quicker.

It involves using a shadow stitch and knitting them together as one. Without the shadow stitch being knit together with the original stitch there will be a gaping hole left in the heel. I found that out the hard way. The shadow stitch became the foundation and gave a secure join…no HOLES left behind. The shadow stitch with the original stitch makes one strong NEW stitch and one stitch without the other would not produce a sock heel. Both together, strengthened the other, and completed the original design. Genius pattern!

This scenario gave me a “Ohhhh….Hmmmm” moment. Yes, I do this on occasion. I think it’s pretty awesome how God speaks to us through the simplest of things.

The Holy Spirit dropped these scriptures into my heart.

Hebrews 10:1 (NIV) The law is only the shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves.

Colossians 2:17 (NIV) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

John 1:17 (NIV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

I think sometimes we neglect the teachings of the Old Testament and toss them out as obsolete, old fashioned, or not needed because we have the New Testament now. Oh how wrong we are.

The Old Testament is a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:24 (KJV) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The Old Testament is a sure foundation that the New Testament was built upon. It tells of the coming of the Messiah, and of His death on the cross. Jesus taught using scriptures from the Old Testament. One without the other is incomplete. But both of them together, the Old with the New, is the greatest love story ever told. (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Jesus came to fulfill the scriptures. He is our new covenant.

Below is a photo my brother took. His and his brides wedding rings with one placed inside the other rest in the center of the Bible. Both together make a heart-shaped shadow. Very symbolic. With the word of God being their foundation their lives are joined together and make one heart.

I have an old valentine candy box full of love letters that my Grandparents wrote each other. A shadow of the love that was yet to come. A beautiful love story of good times but hard times that would be passed to many more generations. I am thankful.

I’m reminded of my Grandma and one of our conversations. She was telling me the best way to do something and I said, “Grandma you’re just old-fashioned.” She smiled and said, “Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.” I’m sure I rolled my young eyes at the time but not where she could see me of course, but I hear the wisdom in that simple statement today.

After all, if it weren’t for the old the new would never exist.

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation.

WHEN TWO HANDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

January 29, 2016 By Mikki Jo 5 Comments

I glanced over at my son and my niece during Sunday morning worship and what they were doing made my heart skip a beat.

After a horrific car crash my niece escaped with her life and a broken arm, a very significant break, but it could have been so much worse. God indeed had angels encamped round about her. We are so thankful she is going to be okay.

During worship as everyone began clapping hands, my niece Hannah only had one hand with her other in a cast. I glanced over and they each held one hand out and together they clapped their hands in worship. It reminded me of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Oh how many times I’ve fallen and needed help getting up. And no, I don’t wear a medic alert necklace although that may be a good idea.

My family is very close. We’ll feed each other, help wash the other’s hair as in my niece’s case right now, make each other laugh, and pray for each other. But mostly we’re just there for each other. Even if we sit and don’t speak, we’re there, present, helping each other up when we fall down.

Sometimes we give space, sometimes we invade space, according to our need at the time. Above all, we love one another. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Even as much as we love someone we can still fail them at times. But God will never fail us. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

We have a burden bearer and His name is Jesus. When we are overwhelmed we can go to the one who is greater than our circumstances. We need only to call on Him and He will meet us right where we are. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation, thank you for bearing our burdens!

Psalm 68:19 (NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

HOW TO OUTWIT OUR GOOD INTENT

January 20, 2016 By Mikki Jo 8 Comments

“One last box and I’ll be done, and my New Year resolution will transform this spare room into a wonderful exercise room! I’m on my way to a healthier and skinnier me!” That’s what I’d said to myself last year. And here I stand in the middle of a once again cluttered room with boxes and bags all around me.

The treadmill was decorated with an old coat, an afghan, a pair of “too small” jeans, and a wooden back-scratcher. (I wondered where that back-scratcher had ran off to.) The weight lifting bench held a pair of boots, a wore out pair of Nikes and a pair of blinged out sandals I couldn’t live without.

Once again, the room was filled with even more clutter AND exercise equipment. And I was still unhealthy, overweight and disappointed in myself. How did I allow this to happen?

I had good intentions but I was never committed.

Good intentions.

There’s more than one sad song about people with good intentions.

Sometimes our spiritual life can get cluttered. The Holy Spirit comes and cleans us out and we fill ourselves right back up with junk. Instead of reading the word of God, we binge watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Instead of meeting the Lord in prayer we ease our conscience with a “now I lay me down to sleep” poem. Instead of going to church and being part of a local body of Christ, we watch TBN. And we wonder why we feel so undone and so empty inside.

How do we make a real commitment and a real change?

We need a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

When we make no real commitment to Christ after we accept Him, we are in danger of being filled right back up with things of the world instead of a Christ-like attitude. Luke 11:24 (NIV) “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” These are some pretty scary words Jesus spoke in this chapter about our spiritual condition.Some people feel they don’t need to commit to a local church body, but God’s word says otherwise. Just like physical exercise strengthens our physical body, spiritual exercise strenghtens our spiritual body. The body of Christ are the church members, and we need each other. We have a responsibility to each other. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Let us become committed to Jesus Christ and our local church body. We can’t allow ourselves to be cluttered up with junk after we’ve been cleaned out! Be committed! Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.