October 31, 2011

How Can I Hold Something I Can't See?

John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you.  Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful.
Matthew 10:11-14 When you go into a city or village, look for people who will listen to you there.  Stay with them until you leave.  When you go into a house, greet the family.  If it is a family that listens to you, allow your greeting to stand.  But if it is not receptive, take back your greeting.  If anyone doesn't welcome you or listen to what you say - leave that house or city and shake it's dust off your feet.
Our "Honestly" topics have been: keeping the peace, being pressed on all sides, integrity, staying on the correct path and being aware of our journey amongst others.  While we have many kitchy analogies Christ has the answer; peace.  And He is clear that there is more than one peace.  He lovingly tells us to listen to His advice, His wisdom, His warning.......

Christ did not want us to be afraid of this world and the antics of others.  He told us He was not going to abandon us like everyone else does.  He also doesn't commit himself unto us as the world does.  Christ left us more than empty words, an empty gift box if you will.  He is the Good Sheppard; His parting memento for us to "cling to" until He returns for us was His Peace.   

Think about this:  Christ used this peace to get Him through everything He experienced.  It wasn't like some hand-me down because He wasn't going to need it any longer. It was something HE clutched which empowered Him, silenced the raging storms, allowed Him to not get offended, comforted Him when everyone else ridiculed Him, left Him, abused Him.......  It was precious to him!  We also know that there is more than one peace.  Think about all the "things" we hold on to claiming momentary peace.  But those are not what He was talking about.  His ONE and ONLY precious peace He could leave us and did not withhold from us.  Christ was going home.  He was one within God and God is LOVE.  There is no fear in LOVE.  So there is never a disturbed moment in eternity. Where He is Liberty and that IS peace. 

We may have been told this, even claim the knowledge of it; but do we really believe it?  IF we do believe it, why do we not "hold on to it"?  Do we set it down?  Do we throw it at someone?  Do we open the box and perceive nothing is there?  WHAT does it look like?  Would we know it if we WERE holding it????????

In my opinion these points are the reason for our delima, it's an enigma to us.  We cannot understand what it "Looks Like" we only perceive if we have or do not have it based on our feelings. Yet, we are told not to be driven by our emotions.  Sounds crazy doesn't it?  But God isn't trying to feed us with frenzy.  He is desiring us to think, to be still, to listen and learn. 

So...let's pick up where we left off.  We had just aligned ourselves with the accuser.  We all know we would never do that purposefully.  But remember, we were pressed and feeling like dust.  WHAT Happened???
Trusting the word of God, I'd have to say we did not heed the discerning words of Christ from Matthew 10. (oops!) 

Remember from the Deeply Series, we discussed "extending peace"  We reflected on our peace not being received, or sometimes it was taken but not shared.  When we extend peace, but the peace is not returned we are supposed to leave "with our peace". We are not called to be bound again as if we were never liberated.  We are not to stick around and get pummelled!  Even in marriage we are told if the one we are bound to decides they do not want to believe the truth, we are to allow them to go.  We are not "under" obligation or bondage in such a case; but to remember God has called us to be peaceable people. 

Sometimes I think we kick dust from our feet after we have given away our peace.  When I think about this I see us acting a bit like Herman Munster throwing a temper tantrum. I am embedding the YouTube link to an episode of The Munsters where Herman starts out teaching Edie their family values on being peaceable people.  However, when Herman's own rubber hit the road his vehicle  did not quiet stay on his well intended path.  I don't know if the ONLY reason Christ had to leave His perfect environment in the heavenlies was to show us "what it looks like when the rubber hits the road and stays on track to the finish line" or not, but I do know we really should be grateful that He did. 

We get our biblical definition of "hold peace" from the Greek word SIGAO - which means to keep silent, keep close (secret, silence), hold peace. Sigao is from the primary Greek word SIGE meaning to hiss, silence.  This reminded me of when Christ was being pummelled by the crowds, we are told He kept silent:  He held his words, He did not enter into their battle.  He was undoubtedly being provoked......But he "held his peace" anyway. 

Lastly, I want us to be aware that holding our peace is not our weapon.  The gift was "The Peace" itself. The Greek word EIRENE (which phonetically sounds like irony :0) it is defined as peace, rest - denoting an absence or end to strife.  It is a state of untroubledness! Can you imagine what it would be like to abide in undisturbed well being?  Here is a further description from Lexical Aids: 
Such a state of peace is the object of divine and saving promise and is brought about by God's mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin.  Peace as a Messianic blessing is that state brought about by the grace and loving mind of God wherein the derangement and distress of life caused by sin are removed.  hence, the message of salvation is called the Gospel of peace.  It can only be the result only of accomplished reconciliation, referring to the new relationship between man and God brought about by the atonement.

I pray that today, firstly you enjoy the relationships around you.  Be out there among people as salt and light.  Don't be some heavy legalistic non relate-able martyr that a worldly person is offended by you.  Remember, you are in their world - they are not in yours.  You are supposed to be leading them into another dimension.  You cannot do that if they are running the other way from you.  Give them something which resembles peace, be something brilliant that makes them take a second glance!  Allow Christ to walk among them and meet them right where they are - hopefully if you and I will stand in the moment silently pressed between the heavens and what is below, His spirit will flood their realm and they will be amazed by His truth flowing up from within us.  Enjoy this episode -
Have a Holy Halloween - BE a Holy Spirit today!
Kisses,
Candace


October 26, 2011

“Trip; Flail, Fall, Fly”

Flail: N.- a hand threshing implement consisting of a wooden handle at the end of which a stouter and shorter stick is so hung as to swing freely  V.- to strike with or as if with a flail / arms flailing the water /to thresh (grain)

One common theme we use for the purpose of imagery throughout our sojourn is “Trip, Fall, Fly”. After working through these segments with groups for so many years, the most accurate analogy would be this: We are taking a trip through out which we “Fall, Flail, Fly”. But when we fall, we get back up again. The Toby Mac song “Get Back Up” is all about pressure, perseverance, patience and the process. If you are able click on the link and be encouraged, be moved forward and up by the energetic spirit he pours out for your taking.


Toby Mac, Get Back Up Again - All Rights Reserved forefrontrecords
As we discussed yesterday, it is one thing to have knowledge of what something is supposed to look like on paper. However, it is quite different when we pick that knowledge up and start to utilize it. All of a sudden our emotions, our struggles, our past, our faith, our memories attack the sound words we chose as truth. This would the “orange” we are selecting to put in our apple basket.

Let’s say at this point you might suffer from a bit of buyers remorse. You simply want to put it back and grab another apple. You know how to make things with your apples…..but every thing you have tried with your new orange has been disgusting! So do you throw your orange out? Or do you try again? Or do you simply try to acquire the taste for something because you know it is good for you, and just put up with it because to try and improve your ability is too overwhelming?

Most of the time we do a little of all the above – Trip, Fall, Flail……but if we keep up this cycle long enough we will gain new skills, new understanding and one day when we attempt it….We’ll Fly.
But therein lies the dilemma, we do not have what it takes to keep up this agonizing process without hope. We just don’t! Today, we are going to talk about what this process looks like based on Galatians:

Know in Advance:
clip_image001[2] Your soul will get weary / weak waiting for God to show up at times
clip_image001[3] You will go back to the word in hope of His promises resuscitating your soul
clip_image001[4] You will read endlessly, dig deep seeking relief, energy, breakthrough; possibly to the point that your eyes become strained.

Be aware that this pause is placed on your journey to make you stronger. If you cannot make it past this point in faith which grants you Good Eye Sight, the faulty vision of fear will offer you some glasses to “help you out a bit”. When you grab those goggles you flail; if you do not steady yourself you will fall off into the gutter.

 Here are some bumper pads for protection:
clip_image001[5] Try to see where you first noticed that you were in control
· FYI, usually it will be a place of familiarity, where you were comfortable. There usually is a space where all of a sudden you unconsciously tell yourself “and God” – Thanks, but I got it now, I’ll let you know when I need something.
clip_image001[6] God allow you to go exactly where you are taking yourself – off course.
Yet just as the gutter beside the lane, it is right there and the ball is protected, but there will be absolutely no productivity and it is a bit embarrassing. Think of it as continually throwing the ball down the lane and it continues to go straight into the gutter over and over and over. Think about each of the following as when your ball comes up from the return. You pick it up, walk to the line, take your best stance and throw.
clip_image001[7] Your emotions start wailing, which is a reaction to the flailing. And we cry out, “What happened, everything was find and now I am struggling again?“
clip_image001[8] All your conversations with yourself and others seem to talking about how warn out you are, how hard you’ve worked, how you know what God promises but what if……
clip_image001[9] You start conversing with God reminding Him that you gave up _________ and you are all in, so what’s going on?
o Are we trying to convince God, manipulate Him or humbly ask Him to sit with us?
o You remind Him of all the bad that has been done to you
o You remind Him that you did not take matters into your own hands
o You remind Him that you followed what you thought was right
o You remind Him of all the “Laws” you have followed (not so much those you didn’t)
clip_image001[10] You start looking at what others have or are experiencing then comparing yourself to them.
clip_image001[11] You remind God that when others had more or a better life you were gracious with your “little”. (but were you really, or were you tolerating it thinking any day you’d have yours and then they would be envious of you?)
clip_image001[12] You begin to make request that God make good on His promise:
o Justice brought upon those who harmed you
      • As you remind Him of their every perceived intent, arrogance, and defiance toward Him
      • As you remind Him of your great LOVE for Him
~ You have now aligned with the accuser!

We will pause here today for you to take a good look at your continence. I leave you with this:
Genesis 4:6,7 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."
I pray that if your countenance has fallen, that you “Get Back UP again”. I pray that your faith not fail, and I pray that you not be lead into temptation, but as you go through trial that you allow the Spirit of the Lord to grow you up into the Master of it. Now “that” is Brilliance!

Kisses,
Candace


©2011 Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved
™ Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc

October 25, 2011

“Could You Please Simply Sit Still?”


Lead them in Peace,
Walk them in Light,
               Listen through Love,
                                          We'll find Him in our sights….

 

Could You Please Just Sit Still?

We are thinking honestly about how to be a person of integrity. In considering the book of Galatians we have found some guiding principles to keep us on the right path. We have discussed how we usually know the right thing to do and I will even venture to say desire, to some degree, to actually follow through. If I believe that I am squeezed between a rock and a hard place. (Rather like "the space between what is above and below" we have been using as an analogy, right?) So what happens in this point of pressure? If you are anything like me, you want to run out from between the pressure points!

God’s word tells us we are pressed on all sides but not crushed. That does not sound like someone running around flailing as if they are dodging bullets to me. It sounds as if the person is grounded in one place; enduring the constant pressure and discomfort from all sides even if the forces bring them to the point of pain. Hence the encouraging scripture written for our remembrance - when you have done all to stand, stand! Not Run.........Stand!

Take a moment to pause, reflect on this before we get back into our letter of encouraging wisdom from Galatians:

We don’t have to move to find God...... He is already here. Our emotions want us to feel as if we "have to" go to someone, some place or some thing; when all we have to do is acknowledge, “in the moment”, His presence. Where in the world are we going when we say we have to go “find” God? To who on earth can we flee to, who can save us? As Peter said when Christ asked “are you going to leave me too?”,  “Lord, to who else would we go; you have the words to eternal life?”

When the rubber of your tire hits the road, where do you choose to go – toward the land of life, or back onto the road leading you through the moments into death?

We are such emotionally driven beings. Remember back in the “Deeply” series when we talked about how our emotions are directional tool for navigation, not the gasoline that makes us go? Today we are going to look at “What your life will look like or feel like when you and the Holy Ghost are in the groove moving along the heavenly highway.

This we know, there will be times when:

clip_image001[50] We believe God’s blessings are on the way; they simply have not reached us yet.
clip_image001[51] We will feel the need to be rescued perhaps -even feel it is necessary to remind Him of His promises.
clip_image001[52] We will feel insecure when others insult us for what we believe. This discomfort will stimulate a desire to shut them up or force “proof” that our trust is not foolish, which in our impatience we exemplify the foolishness of what we profess.
clip_image001[53] We will know we cannot do this in our own power and be afraid that we might not be able to hold on; well we cannot in our own strength; which means we must remember all His truth, speak it with the same conviction even if we are being emotionally / sometime physically pummeled.
clip_image001[54] This is when God says – AH I am starting to see something brilliant, their sparkle is showing. Our hope is what He sees – it alone radiates as the true witness to others as we keep choosing the steps of His principles which are before us, guiding us.
clip_image001[55] We will choose to speak about His word no matter the presumed power of those we are facing.
clip_image001[56] We will lift our hands to unite in love - as we pray to God who delivers all by His hand, in love.
clip_image001[57] We will remember and believe that our hope will push us through; hoist us up to a higher vantage point which will comfort us when we are enduring miserable, sorry conditions.
clip_image001[58] We will see that this is the journey from plight to flight. We will acknowledge that He has been moving us away from crawling along inch by inch into the ability to cover miles by simply the flap of a wing.

So bring all this to remembrance when arrogant people mock you or foolish people are cruel. Be on alert that evil is crouching, desiring to have its way with you. Instead of swaying from Peters resolve take his same path; use the protectors which kept him going straight:

clip_image001[59] Look away from their face and look into the face of God.
clip_image001[60] Do not listen to their lies, remember His truth.
clip_image001[61] Quickly remember how difficult, frustrating it was for you as you grew to the point where you are.
clip_image001[62] Quickly reflect on the joy you felt when you passed beyond the pressure, confusion and into the clarity, peace and joy on the other side.
clip_image001[63] When your anger burns because of wicked people who abandon His principles of love, remember that because of His mercy and instruction you are now above reproach. Remember that this is no longer your home; it is their home.
clip_image001[64] Be quick to pray for them, for their soul is overwhelmed with an endless longing for His regulations and they do not even understand that.
clip_image001[65] Remember that now our inheritance has nothing to do with this world. Our inheritance is the Lord God Almighty Himself! So we have nothing to fight over with them – they can have it all!
clip_image001[66] Choose to fight the good fight, seek to win Gods favor – request the kindness He promises to ease your pain and suffering.
clip_image001[67] Thank God for His mercy and loving-kindness to direct your feet back to His perfect will when you desire to enter into this unjust battle field.
clip_image001[68] Reflect on your life and your ways unto Him
clip_image001[69] Without hesitation run back to His principles – do not forget that they have set a snare which ties quickly around you.

I can hear some of you ask, “What should I do if I was confused, did not run fast enough or was deceived and became ensnared?” Good question and God has the answer:

clip_image001[70] Don’t Panic! Be Still! Forget about the trap, focus on fully remembering what you have been taught – don’t fall for the second part of their trap: The fear of Him not rescuing you!
clip_image001[71] When your nights are sleepless, don’t waste the time “wake up Oh sleeper!" as God says and give thanks to Him for His righteous written word which regulates ALL things.
clip_image001[72] Remember that even where you are bound up there are others within ear reach or sight that fears the Lord; who follow His guiding principles. As you seek to remember, find them, be there for them and allow them to be there for you – His mercy fills the earth!
clip_image001[73] Lastly, ask God to teach you more as you are paused in your “moments in between” from where you came from to where you are going. Reflect on His grace, be grateful that He will never leave you nor forsake you – Know that All Things are ALL Right!
  • Even in your misery you found a friend or comfort – praise God that He heard your request for kindness and showed up with His faithful promise in your time of need.
  • Request that He teach you to use Good Judgment and knowledge because you believe in His principles and guidance.
  • Talk to Him about how you used to wander off before He allowed you to suffer.
  • Bring to His remembrance and yours how you have grown beyond that – now you cling to His word, you keep it set before you desiring to not turn away from it.
  • Speak of His goodness and how He does good things as you request to be taught His governing laws of life.
  • Speak to Him about what you’ve seen and the value of His authority over all things
    1. Arrogant people smear me with lies
    2. Their hearts are cold and insensitive
    3. It is Good to suffer for awhile in order to learn the truth
    4. His ways are higher than our vanity and our riches are worthless in comparison to His wisdom
    5. Give praise to Him in honor and glory for creating you as you are – what you are and ask that He help you understand so that you may learn His commandment of loving-kindness
    6. Tell Him you desire all this, so that those who fear Him will see you and rejoice because your hope is grounded in the base of His truth, His word, His promise and His faithfulness
    7. Speak of how fair, righteous and just He is to allow you to learn in through protected experiences
    8. Ask for His mercy to comfort you as He promised
    9. Request His compassion to reach you right in these moments so that you may live and thrive by His instruction, energy and successful break through
    10. Ask that He show up as your mighty deliverance even as you reflect His image in all ways to: humble their arrogance,  speak truth covering their lies, change their vision, soften their heart so that they may fear the Lord and turn back toward you in hopes of seeing the way to Him
    11. Ask that your heart be filled with integrity in regard to His guiding principles so that you are above reproach
Do not turn away from God to face them; remember you must be heading them away from where they are! Show them the way, as YOU were shown, right from the beginning.

My Aunt Bonnie took the time to write down these quotes for me to share with you all, she thought they might bring you encouragement at some point (thank God for inherited family =D):
If you are going through Hell, keep going. – Winston Churchill
Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt
I know this was a lot of information, but it is not a onetime read. Neither is the bible, by the way (wow that was a bit snarky – anyone have a spare “snark princess” tiara? I pray you forgive me….) Honestly, that was as much a reminder to myself as anyone else; but you already knew that, right =D)

Today I pray that your faith not fail. I ask you to pray fervently; Satan at times demands to sift us like wheat. I ask you to not fall asleep in your sorrow, but to be alert – aware that evil is crouching at your door waiting for that moment!

Tomorrow we will look at the bumpers which keep us on His lane when our faith happens to flail. Till then “Keep the peace!” No one will be lost on Christ’ watch, we know that in advance.

I pray that we Lead them in Peace, Walk them in Light, Listen through Love – because this is Good in His sight….

With Love, desiring to stimulate you toward Goodness….for Goodness Sake =D
Kisses,
Candace
©2011Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

October 21, 2011

Strength of a Mighty Warrior Doesn’t Just “Happen”

 

We stopped yesterday just before the ensuing battle. Some of you might have asked, “Why will it start a battle when I am simply trying to live my life in the right way?” God even answered these type questions in this book. We will continue on with our letter formatted from Galatians.

Your new life will become a threat to arrogant people who wander away from these guiding principles. People will have contempt for you, insult you, influential people will plot against you. But reflect on what you now know; it will be your Best Friend! It will give you new life as it helps you and teaches you to understand.

You will cry many tears of grief and frustration but you will gain strength believing in His promise.

· Cling tightly to His written word

· Set the principles in front of you to guide you

· Choose life each step and be faithful

o Do not be put to shame!

o Each step up you gain knowledge based upon the understanding of the steps you have climbed – because of this your field of view increases

o The higher up you go- the stronger and more liberated you feel, now you are living to obey and push forward

o He controls each day to give you more clarity, understanding so that you may follow Him without struggling so much

o Now you are able to guard your heart above all else

o Now your heart can direct you by way of the guiding principles engraved upon your heart so that you have richness in life without underhanded schemes

o You no longer see beauty in the things of no value

o This is His faithful promise of new life and why we are implored to understand a righteous fear of His eternal dominion.

Tomorrow we will take a deeper look at all this,

Prayers For Sweet Dreams,

Candace

October 20, 2011

"I Know, But I Don't Know How.."

Knowledge is a fickle find; in Wisdom you find treasure!

Today we are putting some practical steps and understanding out here.  We know quite a bit about what is right wrong, emotions, needs verses wants etc.  What we have the most trouble with is falling offside of the lane we are in before we reach the destination of the 12 pins on the other end. 
This analogy in mind let’s use today’s thoughts as gutter guards if you will.  We might not knock down all the pins right at first throw but with some guidance we will at least reach the goal.  Remember, you get to bowl again and will get better and more skilled the more often you give it a GO!
We know that we are extended peace and we are to keep it.  We know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  We know that we are to not lose hope because Christ overcame the world.  We know we could compile an exhaustive list…..but I’m not gonna go there =D.
The information below is formed from the book of Galatians.  It is our letter of encouragement and we will be utilizing it quiet often throughout the rest of our Honestly conversations:
Be armed with the name of the Lord for He alone is victor over all things.  In times of trouble do not fear them – if you fear the Lord, He alone will set you free from all of them who are against you.  If the Lord be for you, none can stand against you.
It is better to have the Lord on your side than to trust a mortal or influential person.  They may surround you, swarm you even push hard to make you fall but remember the Lord is on your side!  Sing of the strength of your savior, how He will display His hand high, mighty and strong. 
v  You will live to tell what the Lord has done for you:
Ø  How He opened the gates of righteousness for you to enter
Ø  How you stand firm because you did not reject the cornerstone of God’s Kingdom. 
§  Give thanks to God, who gave you success when you called on His name to rescue you.
§  Give thanks to the Lord because He is good, because His mercy endures forever.
We know that integrity is important because we are blessed by a life lived this way.  What we have difficulty with or get overwhelmed with is how to become a person of integrity.  Of course we KNOW how – we simply follow the teachings of the Lord.  But there is nothing simple about that in this God made, man transformed world.  That is why God had to set the boundaries or laws for us to see that what we have done is not His best, now He desires us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that He may undo what we redid – Stick with me here!
v  So we as: “But how can we possibly do NOTHING wrong and be above reproach”?
Ø  Answer:
§  By wholeheartedly searching for Him
§  By following his directions
§  By carefully following his guiding principles
The Lords command is for us to allow him to guide us so that we may become firmly established.  He gave us the principles to study, to learn and to use as our pathway so that we will never be ashamed.  When we obey them we are seen in His righteousness – this is our saving grace!  We must give thanks that He never abandons us.
v  “But the world is so unforgiving”, I hear you say.  “How do we protect the purity of our hearts, He commands US to protect our hearts above all else?”
Ø  By holding onto Gods Word
Ø  When we whole heartily search for Him, His hedge of protection keeps us from falling into the gutter – away from his principles and ways
Ø  If His word is the treasure we are digging for then our hearts intent will be pure.  In this He will find no fault and we are found to be above reproach – Hence, a person of Integrity!
v  “But I do not know his ways yet that well; how will I know if I am being guided by God or a wise inposter?”
Ø  The principles or regulations you are taught and treasure in your heart.  Your lips will repeat them and they become your protection or shield as the angels hearken to come fight the battles which you might not even be aware of.
Ø  You will find joy, display peace as you choose His ways of life over every king of riches.
Ø  As you study and grow in walking this way you will reflect the image of Christ
Ø  You will be happy and desire to not slip away from His words of truth
§  His kindness will be shown toward you to encourage you to keep going
§  He has to do this because you are now transformed into a new creation who can no longer operate in this world because your old skills are now gone and you have to start as from birth learning your new form.
§  He must open up the mysteries of His commandments for your protection
§  Your soul will have an endless yearning to understand so that it does not perish.
And this is where ensuing coliseum battle gets underway……..
We will start a new frame tomorrow –today, think about these things.  Pray about your changing form.  I ask that your faith not fail, your spirit is prospering and the store house of His wisdom be etched in the soterior of your soul for all eternity.
In Unity with the vision of Christ,
Kisses,
Candace

©2011 Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc

October 17, 2011

"The Truth of Gods' UnderStanding"


Since we have been discussing “not leaning on our own understanding” We are going to take three steps today. 
  • Our first steps is to make sure we are standing on a solid definition of the word understanding:
 UNDERSTANDING is a mental grasp: comprehension. It is the power or capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars – the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories.  It is a friendly or harmonious relationship: in agreement of opinion or feeling meaning those in relationship make adjustment of differences when they are not on the same page. It is a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side. Understanding is an explanation, interpretation and relationally shows sympathy.
  • Second step - to ensure both feet are grounded surely underneath us we are under-girding our definition with Gods’ wise words on the subject: Matthew 13:10-17 (GWT):
The disciples asked him, “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?” Jesus answered, “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don’t understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they’re blind. They hear, but they don’t listen. They don’t even try to understand. So they make Isaiah’s prophecy come true:  ‘You will hear clearly but never understand. You will see clearly but never comprehend. These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never return to me for healing!’  “Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. I can guarantee this truth: Many prophets and many of God’s people longed to see what you see but didn't see it, to hear what you hear but didn't hear it.
  • Third step - to simply relax in His presence and read what is below – I pray wisdom lay wide open before you,  wooing you to turn the pages till you are filled with His peace, strength, courage and joy.
Have a lovely day!
Kisses,
Candace
The Truth of Gods’ UnderStanding
What are you standing under?
What do you not understand?
Take hold of the thoughts which under gird you,
These things keep you standing upright.
What of your "self" will not crumble?
What of mere man can withstand?
Look around at the mightiest of structures,
What will not be shaken by my hand?
Think of the surest of your steps,
Of them, what came to be?
What of your skills claim the successes?
The mightiest of your mere man made feats.
How sure of your “self” are you really?
Will you dare stand up to my face and brag?
If not for my unending love for you……..
If not for my desiring your success……….
If not for the blood of your Savior……
The moments of your life would not exist!
I tell you this not to Lord over you…..
I tell you this not to bring shame………
I am telling you that I adore you!
I desire you to see what is real…..
I know you cannot really see me,
But I believe you can feel as you read.
I trust that you hear My Spirit speaking.
I have faith in the power of My Truth.
I hope that today you spot a glimmer.....
And its brilliance will cause you to turn.....
To see the light in My eyes search you....
To hear My voice whisper your name.......
To feel the My warmth longing to embrace you....
To blanket your fears and set you free.....
To allow My Love to release you…….
From the gravity this world lords overhead.
There is a spiritual battle ensuing…..
The flesh and the soul are pressed between.
The burden of fear is to keep you.....
The liberty of Love voids all law........
The heavens above will not weight you.....
Do not lie in the earth of its open grave.....
Today, think with all your understanding.....
Apply the least of that which you know.......
What of these concepts are so complex……
Simply relate them to what you don’t know.
I Love You,  Dad
Kisses,
C
©2011 Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved
™ Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc

Protect Your Heart and Theirs Wtih A Blanket of Love

Dear Father,

Please forgive us of our many sins.. daily. Strengthen us, Father, so that we might not....will not stumble. Keep our eyes so tightly locked on you that all else fades from view. Show us our shortcomings so that we allow you to be even more present in this place. Allow our life to be totally consumed by your will, so that your will is increased to the point that it radiates your kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.

Thank you for our provision, our abundance in the overflow of health, finances, relationships and peace. Let us, above all else to exhibit your joy, so that others see your face in a very real way - no matter what we are facing.

In Jesus Name, I pray this for myself and for everyone else lifting their voice in harmony as a blanket to cover all your creation Father; Amen.

Candace
ABLE To Love
" Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41



There is something we need to understand - it took me a very long time to realize this, and even though I now understand, it is sometime a struggle to exhibit true patience when living this out. With that being said; We must truly understand that being able to love another person does not mean that the other person is "able" to love us. Not that they do not desire to, or even believe that they do and possibly even think they are doing it well.

In one of my journals I was talking to God about this trying desperately to understand my pain, this is what I wrote:

I just don't know how to protect my heart Lord.......show me.
I only seem to desire to reach out and allow myself to be available...to get hurt.
Help me Father, to reach out to you instead, but help me understand all this.
I remembered when God was showing me back through a time when I was crying out to Him over a situation. He related to me that in actuality ...I was hurting myself because the person was not desiring to reach toward me....yet I kept reaching toward the person. Metaphorically the person kept slapping my hands away, to keep away from me . As I continued journaling these memories to God, I realized " This person wants to stand in my presence and fight me off watching me get frustrated and hurt, not because they wanted me to leave - it was only about power.  But they were not capable of caring about me, because it was all about them; they took up too much of their own field of vision."

God reminded me, " That is what Satan does he comes to destroy, just remember that is not of you....you did not cause that to happen."

My reply was this " So, help me God, because his words are deceptive." "You told us to guard ourselves against Satan's schemes....so lead me, instruct me, grow me in your wisdom and peace. I know you overcame more than what I am dealing with. Give me your full armor and show me how to be a mighty warrior through all that YOU are. I am not one that will shrink back to the destruction of my soul. I am a child of the Most High God!

Our Father created us and all is His. He needs us to take our place in His lineage to show others what all this means. He needs us to show others why it is so important to choose Life, to obey and follow.  They need to know how to rest in His peace; allowing Him to bring all to pass and His completion to be brought in."

After journaling I prayed: " I adore you Father and I will obey, I will follow. You have said it is so and I claim your precious words. Let it be as you have said "I AM".

Gods still, peaceful voice resounded in me casting all confusion away, " Fall on your knees, bow before Me". " and when you have done all to stand.....Then STAND in my strength"

From all this what I realized was that Satan was utilizing my and the other persons thoughts / actions to  stand in our presence and cause chaos. What God desires is for us to allow Him to utilize our mind and actions enabling Him to stand in our presence ushering in peace. He promises that His truth brings light into darkness and that all opposing forces must flee when He is in power.

Let us bring this to remembrance whenever the spiritual battle lines are drawn. God is not the defeated foe.....it is Satan. We are children of the Most High God and He said ALL victory is HIS...that means we win all battles. Don't look for your personal win, Look for God's win. They look very different. Allow God to train you up so that you will always recognize the enemy in your midst. 

Tomorrow we will go deeper into what the foe looks like, acts like and how to utilize your God given power to defend yourself.

 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.Galatians 5:1

With Love,
Candace

October 15, 2011

"A Romans 8 Kind of Week"


This weekend I am sending a couple of lighter hearted things as a review of things from much earlier topics.  Likewise, this is how we are supposed to use our memories of past choices, experiences etc.  They are for reflection and discernment - not dogmatic as to what will be happening again in this moment.  It is all about choices.....
  ______________________________________________________________________
  
 "This is a Romans 8 Kind of Week.....and it is only Wednesday!" 
  
It is weeks like this when I see God's sense of humor and hear him encouraging me to take a deep breath, and remember...He knows what is going on in / around us.

So at this moment when my computer "seems" to be crashing, relationships "appear" to be disconnected, and my flesh "feels" like it is flailing - I pull close to God and curl up with Romans 8 and take a REALLY deep breath.  I will not grab the carrots that my mind is enticing me with.  I will believe God and persevere.

In line with what God has told us in the beginning of His Story to us, I ask you to meditate on the scriptures below today.   I thank God that all is well.  I thank him with a humble heart for the mercy and grace to get to the other side of Today with wholeness, peace ...and yes, even joy!
 

Romans 8:20- (NAS)


For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
With Love ~ Sending Peace,
Kisses,
Candace

October 13, 2011

“The Tear”

Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. Ecclesiastes 4:1

I have been studying for our Honestly series all week. Even though I already have enough material for several months, my inquisitive mind is never satisfy to stand on the surface of an underlying message. You would think after 49 years I would have hit bottom on at least one topic. But as soon as I have clarity on that level it’s like a Fun Land slide gliding me, swirly, twirly around to land upon yet another adventure to dig for buried treasure.

In Ecclesiastes 4:1, for a moment I heard the grieving of the Holy Spirit through Solomon’s words. So I went back to study the Hebrew text. In the fullness of those words I understood the reason He wanted me to find this jewel!

Then I looked again………..

This is not a flippant second glance. It is when you have turned but there was a shadow, blur or bright light that caught your attention and haunting you till you turn back to give it your full vision; searching to find what you overlooked.

This is what Solomon did. He stopped and turned because of a small translucent glistening sparkle caught his eye and connected his heart and mind when he saw “The Tear”. That tear must have opened the flood gates because the words Solomon uses explains this:

Every single time someone exercised authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner, troubled a person mentally or physically, threatened, caused adverse conditions caused anxiety OR obtained something by force / coercion whether it was information, money etc. using any unacceptable method, Solomon saw it in their tears.

But I believe what truly grieved him was the injustice. The oppressor had so much power over the poor soul, and they would not stop it – they would not repent! Worse yet there was no one there to grieve with the person, to say they were sorry and give them some relief or comfort from what they were experiencing. It was so terribly inhumane!!

I believe what Solomon saw was what Christ bore for us. Maybe Solomon was seeing the past, present and future who knows but God.

Start thinking about what it would be like to see from a transformed mind; to see for the first time, in clear reality. Can you imagine? Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing? I think about all the distortion of our minds eye and how the perversion of truth / memory distorts the moments of our day that I am moved to frustration and yes maybe even at times anger because it is not how God intended us to live life.

If it were, why would He tell us all things in advance?

It if were, why would He have to send His most precious Son to show us reality and The Way?

If it were, why would He continually tell us to cast down false imagination?

If it were, why would He tell us to be on guard for the enemy is crouching waiting to devour us?

If it were, why would He tell us to be aware of the wolves I sheep’s clothing?

Obviously, I have not even made a dent in this list. Yet we, being so smart and all, act as though it is perfectly acceptable to live in this state as though we don’t need clarity we simply need to trust God.

While I do agree with the statement that God’s ways are not our ways, He makes it clear that the reason we are to be aware is so that we will not close our mind, heart and eyes inward to our own thoughts which will lead us back into confusion.

We do not know what is up ahead, but God does.

We don’t always know what to do, but when we listen, discern and have accurate information in our heart and mind encompassed by trust and faith in Our Father and salvation through Christ we can have confidence that He will be there showing us every step of the way. We will also know that there are Angels standing guard over us. So again, there should not be distortion, confusion, anxiety or perplexity.

It is NO wonder that He told us not to worry about tomorrow --He knew we were going to have enough worries simply wrapping our worldly minds around clarity for today. He isn’t going to cut our time short – so we shouldn’t do it by worrying about our time being cut short.

Just live, laugh, love, and trust in His faithfulness – today! And I bet you’ll get to do it all over again tomorrow – I believe those are pretty good odds =D

With Love and a prayer of Thanksgiving –

Kisses,

Candace

 

©2011Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

October 10, 2011

Call For The Wailing Women

Forgive Us Father

Medium:  Oil on Canvas

Artist: Candace Huffmaster

 

wailing women, oil

 

Jeremiah 9:17, 20

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them.

Now, O women, hear the word of Lord; open your ears to the words of his mouth.  Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament.

In these passages I could see these women passionately pleading to and for the dead in spirit.  They knew the heartbreak of our father and were using their weeping and wailing as both a siren of warning and an outcry for mercy. 

There are periods in my life when I treat my relationship with the Lord so casually, not to mention my responsibilities as a follower of Christ.  There is a lost, weak world he is trying desperately to awaken and bring home.  Can you imagine if he decided not to be merciful and patient?  Until that final day comes, my prayer is that he will continue to strengthen his spirit in us all so that we will have the heart to hear his words, to cry out for the lost and his guidance in leading us all home.

©2005, Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

 

 

Conversation With My Dad

Journal Entry: Monday October 10, 2011

Good Morning Daddy,

I Love you so very much and I praise your holy, lovely and pure nature ~ You ARE my Dad, I have your DNA now, all of me!  I ask to be renewed into the exact representation of your image.

Because of Christ your son, who asked to marry me so that we could be united – I ask for you to Father me as your daughter.  I ask that the Spirit teach me, mold me, make me into the perfectly submissive wife that would bring Him honor and glory as well as bring you pleasure.

I know I am not a widow or an orphan – I am a bride and a daughter and your holy presence will never leave me nor forsake me.

It seems very hard to do this without you here in the flesh, yet a blessing that you are here within flesh.  I hear others speak of the ease of navigating through this life and I wonder… about many things.  You never said it would be easy, you did say we would have sweat less victory and that I know and obtain in abundance – but ease, without tribulation, without grieving for what others do not have – there is nothing of lightness in my midst where that is concerned.  I know your spirit is grieving and I care, I pray, I go, I speak all for the sake of your spirit to be allowed easement.

I had someone tell me they heard lamenting in my voice while we were conversing.  We were speaking because I was seeking clarity and discernment before entering into conversation in regard to a grievous situation in which there is wisdom and discernment that needs to be given a voice.  My perception of her tone and timing was as though she did not understand that we are to be warning, giving wisdom and indeed lamenting when the spirit is being  held out of its place of counsel.

You request for us to call for the wailing women – to teach our daughters to cry out, to knock on their doors in warning, to extend the gift of wisdom then to woe or lament over the dust that will cover them when we must walk away announcing your Kingdom is at hand.

God I pray for those you Love and the ones that Christ came to save not losing one of them.   I request that as I read this aloud, the angels take charge to fight the spirits headed in to sabotage all the good you have in store for them. And I request that the winds of your truth rip the veils so that they may see a glimpse of you this day, to hear you and not harden their hearts as they did in the past, to turn from the path that they are on – to have restoration with you and finally…This Day have rest for their souls.

These are the thoughts of my mind, the outpour of my heart and the desire of your heart.  In a mighty visible miraculous display Come Lord Jesus Come -

And your bride says Amen,

Kisses ~C

Today, write to them my story; it’s the story of a king

He Loved the people of His nation; those He held under wing

They grew from their experience, they wandered from His care

They followed those who would hurt them

Then they hid from the love the love that I share

They sit behind walls of anger boasting to drown out my call

I send many to find them, but the advocate of evil tells them lies

Too afraid to walk into vision, too weak to take the first step

They sit and take what is offered, they lye down never having sweet rest

They see the search light continue, day after hopeless day

After the darkness a new one rises, by mid morning their will to leave flails

Tell them to stop all the anger

Tell them to drop to their knees

Tell them to remember their father

Tell them to BELIEVE in their King

Tell them I’m forever faithful, whether their attempt succeeds or daily fails

Tell them I desire each of them, to be broken from the chains of defeat

Tell them I will never stop coming, no matter how many messengers they ignore

Tell them I will never have them save them, Christ alone bore their burden and shame

They are not going to harm them, but I will also not allow others to be destroyed

They must sit long enough to be humbled;they must feel helpless and need to receive love

Not the feelings that build ego, but the truth which will force the lie out

Then they will never return there, because that peace will be bound out of love

Tell them to rise up and call me

Tell them to stand till I come

Tell them to set their eyes on THIS vision

Tell them to not replace this view:

If they fill their minds with other pictures – the ones they have already seen

They will not recognize my presence; like an abstract which must come into view

I have already painted the picture; their mind simply is yet to perceive

All things have been place on the canvas

All the chapters have been written word for word

Their story already has an ending

The illustrations of their days alongside

My Spirit narrates to the listeners

The binding and the spine is Jesus Christ

I am the author and the owner

The deceiver has no copy right

Do not add to the image….

Do not withhold any word…

I reserve the Rights to My Story

As you know the whole story will be told!

 

I know this is my part and my portion; I will be faithful to your hearts desire

I am the bride of my master; a bond servant desiring to stay

Because of my true love toward Him, forever in Him and He in me

There is no where for me to now travel, I am Home where I will eternally BE!

October 6, 2011

The True Grit is InteGRITy

Integrity

Who of you thought I was simply going to ask the question:  Why is integrity important? Then follow up with:  Because we are blessed by a life lived with integrity. ??
I would feel as if I left you stranded on the side of the road if that was all the fuel I gave you.  (If you did not know my favorite reads are things like the exhaustive concordance of the bible, dictionary of etymology and when I have some down time Wikipedia, which I use like a game show challenge.  These always are second to whatever translation of the bible I am currently studying – comparing)
Let’s start with Encarta Dictionary’s definition of integrity:
1.       Possession of firm principles
a.       The quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards
2.       Completeness
a.       The state of being complete or undivided
                                                               i.      The territorial integrity of the nation
3.       Wholeness
a.       The state of being sound or undamaged
                                                               i.      Public confidence in the integrity of the voting process
Knowing that everything is governed by leadership from top to bottom life, we must think about Kingdoms, governing rules, regulations.  The constitution or integrity of something is what holds it up, brings it together or breaks it apart.  It is where we get the saying “fabric of society”.  
Integrity itself is used in science for comparison, observation, expansion of thoughts.  You must have a highest possible integer to align your thoughts with.  (We are simply talking apples and oranges here).
Let’s say you have a basket of apples and you think your apples are pretty amazing, but something starts to bother you about your apples and you don’t have any other knowledge than what you already know, all you are left with is an uneasy, unexplainable, make you squirm when you should have peace feeling messing up your road trip.  Meaning: your steadfast, high moral principle or best professional opinion isn’t steadfast any longer.  You are divided from that complete love of your apples so that sound peace is damaged.  But then you see an orange on a road sign and you wonder……..so you take a turn, stop at a stand, open the door, walk over to the orange stand, view their bright orange color, feel that they are a bit softer than your shiny red apples, lift it to your nose as you press it and smell the difference.  So you decide to take it with you and see how it relates to your apples.
Let’s tie a pretty bow around our fruit basket now:
Integrity is important because it is the core, the plumb line, the undergirding upholding all else.  Like a constitution it is the core or “what shall stand or die trying”.  This is why God had to have the commandments – His law, His integrity….His constitution written.  Without it we would have no roadway set in stone.  Everyone else’s self made road of integrity would run smack into our roadways.  We would be fighting about who had the right-of-way with no way to come to an amicable resolve.
Remember our topics on how He gave us emotions as road signs to tell us when to stop, turn etc. Our feelings are to feed us information which will keep us safe AND to bring us to an ability to empathize, celebrate, worship, thing and create. 
But mostly in order (His Kingdom is one of order) to LOVE.  God first loved us, He met all our needs.  He planned for our future and He got excited about it.  He also God was angered by deception.  He grieved when His son suffered for our sake but don’t turn before you see the joy He experienced when His son claimed the final victory due to integrity to His constitution.
Hebrews 13:8 states: Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Matthew 5:17 states: Do not think that I came to abolish “the law” or “the prophets” I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
Hebrews 1:3 states: And He IS the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds ALL things by the word of His power.
And the final fluff of our pretty purple bow is this:
God always tells us things then confirms His truth.  He does things in  pairs:  Adam ALONG WITH Eve,   sending us out two by two,  a stand of two is not easily broke and (drum roll please for today’s big finish) All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments
If your integrity, your constitution, what holds you up is your love for the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  Then your character, your image, your actions will be His love through you upon all other people. 
Abraham started this journey and knew when God said the integrity of the land was compromised – therefore it could no longer undergird the weight upon it and God directed Him to put it in drive, He did not hesitate; because of his personal constitution (faith, belief). 
God said allow Lot to choose first.  A worldly person would think, “What?? You are not even going to fight me for it – Sucker”  Not that they would dare speak it for fear you might catch on.  But God and those of us in His mindset understand that whatever they leave with or drive to is the end of their best.  As for you, it is the lowest of what God is pouring into and onto you.
So….Don’t worry; Be Happy! Woo...oo...oo...o.o.o.o.o.o.o.  Get in your car, strap yourself safely in, put the pedal to the metal and DRIVE BABY!
With Love and Kisses Candace
© 2011, Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved