Simply Gathering Grace - Page 3 of 4 -

SPRINGTIME BLOSSOM TO LEAVES OF AUTUMN

October 20, 2015 By Mikki Jo 20 Comments

If a maple tree and a rabbit could talk…..

“Why are you crying?” asked Brown Bunny. The Maple tree sighed. “My leaves have turned and will soon fall away,” she said. “Of course Miss Maple. Just like they do every year,” said Brown Bunny as he nibbled on long blades of crunchy grass.

“Well, I wish for once, that I would stay forever green, like Mr. Pine,” said Miss Maple sadly. “Oh but why on earth would you desire to stay forever green?” asked Brown Bunny. “I would be beautiful all year round then Brown Bunny! But instead, I change from green to red. Every. Single. Year. And then, I stand bare all winter long.”

This was the conversation I had with Brown Bunny many years ago, and my life changed forever. This is what I learned.

Every spring I burst forth with newness of life, just like my risen Savior Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We celebrate His resurrection every springtime.

My leaves grow larger until they completely cover my bare branches. Like the grace of God covers man’s sin.

Now with my thick full leaves, you can rest in my shade when the heat of the day gets to be too much. As you also rest in the shadow of the almighty when this world makes your heart heavy.

Then Autumn comes, and God paints my leaves a brilliant red. His glory shines through us.

As my leaves begin to fall and I let all the dead things go, only then can I live again. Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I now stand bare, all of my weakness and scars can be seen. Then winter time comes and covers them with glistening snow, they sparkle like diamonds. I stand strong in Him, because I allowed my weakness and scars to be seen. He covered me with His grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Springtime is soon on it’s way, and my branches burst with new life. New green leaves cover my branches, the wind blows and I bow and clap my hands in praise. Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Seasons of life bring exciting, crazy and sometimes difficult changes but the Lord is a constant strength through it all. He is unchanging. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

ME AND DADDY AND JESUS

October 14, 2015 By Mikki Jo 2 Comments

53 years ago the Cuban Missile Crisis was the biggest threat ever known to our nation. Me and my family lived at Camp LeJeune while my Dad was stationed there. My Dad had tried to send us all home to keep us safer but my Mom refused to leave him. I’d say it was the longest 13 days in our nation’s history. You will find a link to Kennedy’s speech, highlighted with his name.

For supper Mom was frying
Daddy’s quarry of squirrel
While Kennedy Krushchev and Castro
spoke of nuclear war

I chewed on Daddy’s dog tags
as I sat upon his lap
While my brother stacked lincoln logs
and donned his coon-skin cap

Daddy said a silent prayer
his eyes gently closed
While I giggled softly
and kissed the end of his nose

The men at Camp LeJeune
waited for their orders
As they looked toward the sky
and the threat so near our borders

It’s many years later
and I hear the experts say
The world was very close
to ending on that day

Krushchev and Castro
dangerously entwined
But me and Daddy stood strong
behind the enemy lines

Krushchev’s spirit wavered
so an agreement was declared
But they didn’t know that God
had heard my Daddy’s prayer

Yes things would be much different
had the missiles launched that night
I’m thankful Daddy knew Jesus
the night he held me tight

DO YOU SHARE YOUR AHA MOMENTS?

October 11, 2015 By Mikki Jo 4 Comments

I have been reminded that not everyone is going to like me. Not everyone is going to like what I have to say. And you know what, that’s okay. It’s really okay. Sometimes it seems easier to just quit and then I remember it’s not about me. I’ve been called to serve others.

We can jump in head first, or we can walk out slow and deliberately, ankle deep, and keep walking until we’re fully immersed in God’s will. Whoever God blesses through us will be exactly who He intended it to be. Nothing we do for Him is wasted.

And then again, maybe we’re well liked but they just don’t care to hear what we have to say. And that’s okay too. Because as I said, if we are faithful to do what God is leading us to do then you can bet somewhere along the way someone, and the word He sent you with, will beautifully collide. And God’s purpose will have been met. That’s the beauty of following the Holy Spirit’s leading.

One of those someone’s is ALWAYS me. When God is dealing with me about something or I have an “aha” moment, I really get excited and I love to share it with all of y’all!

The most important thing is to not give up, keep doing what we know the Lord is leading us to do. Be faithful. This was our message in church this morning, “Faithfulness is love hanging on. Just like Christ was faithful and hung on the cross for you and me.”~~Brother Larry J. DeWitt

Larry’s message really spoke to my heart this morning. I’m thankful that God is faithful.

Whatever God has called you to do, do it. Be faithful, you are making a difference. As a writer I need to want to see people’s names written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life, MORE than I want them to see my name written on a blog, or the cover of a book. Maybe you don’t write, maybe you’re a nurse or a teacher or a stay at home Momma. Whatever we do, do it in the name of Jesus. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters Be faithful in what He has called you to do. Show up and say Here I am God, and let Him do the rest.

Writing is one way I walk with Jesus, how I worship Him and how I serve Him. Tonight I praise Him for what He is doing in my life and yours. He is faithful.

Psalm 117:1-2 O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

GUARD MY FINGERS TOO LORD

October 9, 2015 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

The wind is blowing and the waves crash, I have no control. I’m being tossed back and forth. I almost lose my balance, and then I hear Jesus speak. “Peace. Be still.” Mark 4:39 There’s my escape.

I quickly step back. A flaming storm of gossip was at my fingertips, attempting to take over my keyboard. Okay, I was a tad dramatic here. But gossip is gossip whether the tongue speaks it, or the fingers type it.

It always starts off innocent enough. You start private messaging your girlfriends and all of a sudden you find yourself in the middle of a story-line straight off of daytime television. Then we’ll say to our self, “Self, it’s okay to repeat. Because you know for a fact it’s TRUE.” Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Lord help me to guard my words and lead the conversation away from anything that would separate me or my friends from you.

I spoke yesterday about WORDS. How words can bring encouragement, and how words can injure the soul.

It can be so easy to fall into the trap of gossip. It’s like quicksand, the more you talk the deeper you sink. Psalm 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

If we stay constantly aware and ask the Lord to stand guard at the door of our mouth that door won’t be so easily swung open. The Holy Spirit will nudge you even before you open the door.

Remain watchful, aware, and on guard. The Lord’s commandments are pure, enlightening the eyes of our heart. His law converts our soul and turns us back from where we once were. The testimony of the Lord blesses us with wisdom.

BE RESTORED, BE WISE, BE JOYFUL, BE ENLIGHTENED. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in the sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

AUTISM: WHEN WORDS AREN’T ENOUGH

October 8, 2015 By Mikki Jo 22 Comments

He reaches for my hand and leads me to the kitchen. He pushes my hand toward the cabinet where I keep the peanut butter. He loves peanut butter. I make him a sandwich, he takes it and runs off. My grandson Aiden, oh how I love him.

Words.

My thoughts drift back here where I spend a lot of time with words. I pray for God to share His words with me so I can share His heart with you. I want to grow in Christ. I want us to walk so close with Him we can hear His heartbeat.

I’ve read so many blogs the past few days about writing, about the importance of words.

Words speak to the heart, words connect people.

Words.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. This is my daily personal prayer. Every. Single. Day. I pray this scripture over the words of my mouth.

Words are powerful. They can bring encouragement, or they can injure someone’s soul.

I pray daily for myself, to be able to write words. Words that will bring glory to God and words that will inspire us all to desire a closer walk with Jesus.

I pray daily for my grandson Aiden, to be able to speak words. Words that will tell us what he needs and words that will tell us what he’s thinking. He has nonverbal autism.

My words weave stories of my life. Aiden’s inability to speak words weaves a quietness in my heart. I’ve always said, Aiden speaks with his heart. Just because he doesn’t talk does not mean he has nothing to say.

I still question God sometimes and ask Him to show me what His purpose is. When I seek God for Aiden, at times I just feel stuck and I don’t know how to pray. I struggle in my heart with this. I give it all to Him and know He is faithful. Do you feel stuck friend, do you struggle with the “how” of your prayer? We can seek God to show us His purpose, to align our will with His, and rest in His promise that ALL things work together for good.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

God is bigger than our circumstances. When our status changes from good to bad or bad to worse, He remains our rock. He remains unchanging. He is still our deliverer, our healer, our savior. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Today Aiden is happy and healthy. He looks at me out of the corner of his eye and giggles. He puts his arms around me and kisses me, I am blessed. There are times when even words can’t express what we want to say, so my sweet Aiden speaks with his heart.

HE SPEAKS WITH HIS HEART

He stops to smell the flowers

he’s never seen a gloomy day

He celebrates a cloudy sky

and dances in the rain

He doesn’t see your faults

or laugh at your mistakes

He speaks with his heart

and listens just the same

He keeps no account of wrongs

or forces his opinion

He sees us through eyes

with the purest of vision

What a beautiful soul

we could all possess

If we would learn from him

and simply seek to bless

I think he speaks to Jesus

and dances at His feet

He hears Him when He says

come and dance for me

4 WAYS TO KEEP satan OUT OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT

October 5, 2015 By Mikki Jo 8 Comments

A random thought flashes through our mind and reminds us of a not so good time in our past. That thought drags us down the back-roads of a lonely and desolate place. That one event plays over and over like a song on repeat, and takes over our entire day. Our attitude is worse than negative Nancy’s and we snap at everyone in our path. Dinner time comes and we’re more than hateful with our family.

Okay, it’s time to put the devil in his place.

Find a place of prayer and send the devil packing. Jesus has already given him his one way ticket.

Or, will we continue to listen to his lies and have a sleepless slumber party tonight and let him drive us around all day tomorrow too? When we remind ourselves who we are in Christ, we’ll stop believing satan’s lies.

Satan is like a drunk driver, ride with Jesus instead! Satan brings lies and destruction. Don’t give him a seat in your mind, your heart or your life. 1Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1. KNOW THAT HE HAS NO POWER OVER US

If we are in Christ Jesus, KNOW that we have power over the enemy of our soul. We are protected.

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

2. RESIST THE DEVIL

Remain in prayer and daily give yourself to the Lord. Pray God’s word over your life. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

3. JESUS HAS THE KEYS

Jesus rose from the dead and is ALIVE! Have confidence that Jesus goes before us and behind us. He has control over our lives and He will be satan’s demise. Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

4. WE ARE FORGIVEN IN CHRIST

We are free from our past. When satan tries to remind you of your past, begin to praise the Lord for bringing you out of the bondage of sin. Be assured it will silence the ugly lies of the enemy. Let the peace of God wash over you. John 8:36 If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Be free in Christ.

Be free in Christ and be who He created you to be.

Be free in Christ and be who He created you to be …and you’ll be a blessing to others.

Be free in Christ.

THINGS I NEVER HAD

October 4, 2015 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

I never had a tire swing

But I had a doll named Mindy-lou

And played football with my brother

With a worn out leather shoe

I had a lemonade stand

For half a day one summer

Gave one cup to my friend

And drank the rest at supper

I never had a princess room

But I had purple butterflies

And a hope chest full of cups and dreams

Of being a gentleman’s wife

I never had silly pictures

Of ballerinas and fluffy stuff

I hung posters of the Jackson Five

While Donnie Osmond sang puppy love

I never had an electric car

But I had a pretty pony

He was golden like the sun

So I named him Goldie

I never had a swimming pool

But I had a little creek

I’d find tadpoles and crawdads

And shiny rocks to keep

I never had a ferret

But I had a turtle in a bowl

Momma said to let it go

So it could go back home

I watched Batman and Robin

And the Bonanza show

But my hard-working Daddy

Was always my hero

Simplicity is gracious

My life has been so sweet

For all that I didn’t have

I never missed a thing

WHO WILL YOU BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

October 2, 2015 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

Have you met the lady in your mirror yet? If you haven’t, introduce yourself to her. Get to know her. I think you’ll really like her.

My Grandma had an old mirror with beveled edges and intricate white etching that ran along the bottom, she kept it hanging behind her bedroom door. When I was about four years old, Grandma would hold me up and I would look into the mirror. There was always the cutest little brown-eyed girl with golden hair smiling back at me.

Today my grandmother’s mirror hangs behind my own bedroom door. This morning I looked into the old mirror, and the little brown-eyed girl was gone. I could almost see… (continue reading)

Today I am a guest writer at (in) courage.me. Please stop in for a visit! I’m super excited! Sign up here to receive free daily encouragement from the writers of (in)courage, right in your inbox!

OVERCOMING THE PAST OF ADDICTION’S AFTERMATH

October 1, 2015 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

I sit and stare at a blank screen, my cursor blinking at me. Nothing…. simply nothing. I go to the kitchen to fix another cup of coffee and just like the cursor on my computer screen, my eyes begin to blink at the kitchen sink. A stack of dirty dishes and I’m worried about writing.

My coffee maker gurgled and sputtered, I grabbed my cup of instant inspiration (I wish) and headed back to the keyboard. I could feel something churning in my spirit, but no words were forming.

I kept thinking about the dirty dishes, I hoped nobody wanted to eat soon. Dirty spoons and forks and plates and bowls, dirty everything. Maybe we’ll eat finger foods out of coffee mugs!

I spoke to God and asked Him to share with my heart His message for today. The peace of God soothed my boggled mind.

I was reminded of the times the Lord spoke peace into my life and calmed my storms.

There was once a time of guilt that ate away at my heart like a cancer. My loved one was struggling with addiction. I blamed myself for many years because he watched me struggle with my own addiction. I even told myself I deserved the pain of watching him suffer, and being unable to help. God was paying me back. I was a failure. All lies from the enemy.

I’m not a master at forgiving myself and the past will still surface sometimes. But because I accepted Jesus Christ and confessed my sins to Him, He forgave me of my failures, my addiction, my sin. He forgave me of my past. If I were to ask Him, “Jesus remember when I…” He would not remember, He would not remind me of it nor would He ever judge me for it. Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

If you have an addict in your life, encourage them and pray for them. If you are an addict call on Jesus to set you free and seek help in a safe place. If you were once an addict, don’t let the lies of satan hold you captive with guilt.

I know the guilt we can have, it’s a heavy burden to carry. I know the pain and fear of staying awake nights and not knowing where they are, not hearing from them for weeks on end. But when we release them to the Lord and claim His protection over them we can have peace of mind. Trust that He has a plan.

Guilt cannot thrive where God’s peace abides!

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus.

Numbers 6:24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

P.S. Now, I’m going for another cup of coffee and I’m going to fill up that dishwasher with all those dirty dishes! God bless and keep you my friends!