“Forgiveness is not saying it’s okay; It’s stating there’s a better way”~CH

We have been looking Honestly at many of the Lures which entice our soul - their purpose, or perceived gain in order that we, the creature, might be comforted instead of “conditioned”.  We talked about how Gods love is unconditional; however relationship is conditional~ based on our willingness to BE conditioned ergo ABLE to relate intimately with our creator.

Let’s look a couple of segments from Philippians Chapter 2:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests(selfish ambition), but also for the interests of others.

⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

This attitude was not manifested from man's worldly wisdom – it is PURELY by way of the Holy Spirit enabling God’s wisdom to be revealed unto us:  Willing our Soul to give the right of way to  God. 

  Now, let's pause for a moment and make sure we do not simply read the following words, then apply our shallow meanings and say we see.  I desire for us to Look and Understand what HE was actually imploring us to grab hold of ,cling to simply because He loves us:

⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality(he did not take the advantage) with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

I am sure that this understanding is not new information for most of you.  We all have heard that Christ came here in the form of a man to save us from our sins through dying once for everyone, then be raised by the power of God to live eternally cleansed and reign as the Lord of all eternally. 

 But have you REALLY paused to think what this looks like, acts like and exemplifies?  Christ could have regarded His equality and taken advantage of His power while among us; however it was His hearts desire to show us what it looks and acts like to believe that we could empty our self and take on the likeness of Him.

We already discussed how we do not have to die on a cross for others – we simply have to die to self. 

God knows we need an example to follow – we are consumed with taking others thoughts, positions, possessions, some even go for the whole identity.  Christ comes to us with this preposterous theory of giving good thoughts, positions, possession, even dares to go for giving a whole new identity to people for no other reason than the Love of God.

In Matthew 11:7-19 Christ was talking to a group of people who had come to see John the Baptist.  He said that people wanted to SEE something different than what they had in their cities. The kings and leaders who dressed in the “right clothes” even touting the “right words”.  They wanted more something that had depth, truth, stability and an outcome which aligned with what they paraded in the sight of the public. 

Look at the questions He asked them:

·         What did you go out into the wilderness to LOOK AT?

o   A reed shaken by the wind?

·         But what did you go out to SEE?

o   A man dressed in soft clothing – behold those are in Kings Palaces.

·         But WHY did you go out?

o   To see a prophet – yes I say to you and one who is MORE than a prophet.

Christ is asking them to pause and check their soul.  What was their soul lured by?  Did they come to LOOK or to SEE?  To BEHOLD the real deal or to LOOK AT a masquerade?

This is the same question He asks us every day – every moment – through every encounter we have.  He says “Check your self, go slow; pause if you need to.  Be sure your motives are PURE.

Matthew 12:33-37 talks to those who desire to “pause and see” saying: If you want more than a king in a palace, in soft clothes, empty on the inside – you have to LOOK by way of what they are producing.  They may appear tall, strong and bountiful with much to offer; however SEE what the outcome of their words manifest – that is their “intent”.  Look at how they speak, is it careless when it leaves their lips – not showing up as they projected?  This is not the manifestation of His fruit.  What we will SEE is that their own words condemn the goodness they touted.

What we actually SEE is that they robbed the Holy Spirit of His identity, purpose and rightful glory – all so that THEIR soul could be built up.  Christ gave up what was rightfully His so that the Holy Spirit of God could have freedom, liberty and full ability to flow unhindered.  All we have to do is decide if WE want to help Him relieve the grieving of the Holy Spirit.

I end with this thought for us all:

God is Love.  The Holy Spirit searches the depths of all things even the depths of God / Love.  Christ left this harmonious relationship for the sake of unifying ALL things in this Love.  The Holy Spirit, for the sake of Unity will fulfill the will of Christ which is to plunder any opposing “strong man”; in order that ALL may have liberty in the home of GOD – and God’s house WILL NOT DIVIDE!

So..Today I ask you to pause and request wisdom, discernment having gratitude for His mercy and grace.  Take an honest account of the words you have spoken, the manner in which you have spoken them as well as any ways that you have comforted your soul through justifying your carelessness toward anyone.  THEN ask to be forgiven for grieving the Holy Spirit.  Ask God to transform your heart in order that He may produce “God Fruit” which is good to enliven others for HIS glory and Name Sake.

For the cause of Love – always in all ways:

Kisses

Candace

©Edited 2011, Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Why Am I Not Enough For You?

Today I want us to take a deep, introspective pause; a pause within our active pause here on planet earth. 
If you remember, we use a yield sign to reflect.  We discussed our reason for this is to yield right of way to any higher thoughts that might desire to cross our path.  I have to laugh when I see our imaginary road way - us in our car pausing to a pedestrian.  Who would this wise pedestrian be in your imagination?  Would it be an author; a parent; a teacher; a preacher; a public figure; the Holy Spirit; Jesus Christ or maybe God himself?

Think about if it were God himself and He walked in front of your car purposefully.  He knew what time you'd be driving down memory lane and knew right when to hop off the curb to get you to slow down.  What if He walked right over to your car knocked on the window and said this to you:

I know you, but you don't know me.  I am your dad and I have tried to get your attention but you don't remember me.  I don't mean to frighten you but if you could simply pause for a moment I would like to tell you a few things you probably don't even know that you know deep inside.

I have constantly searched wherever you have been, whatever you are doing and I understand your every thought even though you do not know I am with you I have been intimate with all you do.  I do this so that you have freedom and safety to grow as you desire. 

I know these are overwhelming thought for you and a bit strange, but I hear you seeking answers to these deep longings - so I think it is time for you to know.  All those times you were scared, I tried to reach you, but you couldn't see me.  All those times you were happy and didn't have anyone whom you felt could reach those heights with you - you were not alone, you simply could not feel my presence. 

I created every cell of your body and then put them together piece by piece - I started with an Adam from which I took Eve.  I assembled a womb within your mother to hold each precious piece.  Their feet stood within a garden the womb of my everlasting peace, from them came the generations of the work my hands laid out.  All for one pure purpose....the purpose of your life.

I wrote all words of your story, your name is etched for all time.  Each moment that you have traveled was protected to not end abrupt.  All enemies of your lineage have been bound for your success.  Today, I wanted to remind you that I am the love of your life. There IS no need for another, yet I desire you to love and to lead.  It is good for you to embrace others, for our love is a beautiful thing.

My peace I leave with you as you travel. My hope is for your rest to be sweet.  My blessing of prosperity flow out from you, so travel with laughter on your lips.  Don't worry that you do not yet remember, catch a glimpse of me from time to time.  I will truly never be without you - and in your image all things will be seen.

I love you.....remember that,
Kisses,
C

Below is from our Deeply Series - Tomorrow we will take a few more "honest" steps. ______________________________________________________________________________

If today you are lonely, whose face do you seek?

Whose face are you after?

Whose hope do you chase?

The  struggles, the memories, the impressions bearing  down…..

Each moment keep standing, press forward and lean

A tear from your soul sounds; its will is to flee

The voice of seduction whispers “Don’t falter a step”

“While freedom rings lovely, unbound you will fall”

If today you are lonely, whose face do you seek?

Whose face are you after?

Whose hope do you chase?

The images, the faces, the voices I pass……

The masks they’re all wearing, my tangled heart gasps!

In my mind are the echo which chase as I flee…...

If today you are lonely, whom do you seek?

Whose face are you after?

Whose hope do you chase?

I stop and I listen, I sit and I cry…..

I think, I remember, I ponder in time….

A gentle voice speaks till all echo’s are still

Where once I was scared, I now sit still to hear…….

So, today are you  lonely, may I ask who you seek?

This face, which you are after, do you know of its dreams?

The lips on this face, do call out your name?

When they gaze upon your form does this face show delight?

If  you call  out to this face would they die to know you?

If not let me ask  “Why not turn to face me”?

My eyes have been searching, watching all of your days……,

I died to know you, and for you to know me.

By Candace Huffmaster

Candace Huffmaster©2008 All Rights Reserved

"No Need A-Pointin', Now"

Firstly, I want to thank each of you for hanging tough with me as I multi-tasked to new heights this past quarter.  As I have always stated, those we care for, whether individual, group or leadership always give as much to the giver as the receiver. I do not know if it is age catching up with me, or if I am just getting wiser, but I realize now more than every my need to pause and methodically articulate all I am researching, studying, teaching, learning and applying.  Writing helps me pause to ask God questions, research His Truth and listen for His wise counsel. 

All that to say....I sure have missed this!  AND hope to be able to keep the rhythm now.

Today, as I was studying, the verse selected with material was Hebrews 9:

 "It is appointed for men to die once and then the judgement..." 

The word appointed .......men die.......judgement...... really raised up in my head with the voice of Pearl.  You know, Melanie's mom; from the movie Sweet Home Alabama.  I could hear her attempting to de-escalate a potential crisis saying " Now wait just a minute Missy, there is no need for name callin'" "She said her piece and that is all there is to it."  Well if you saw the movie.....that was not that!

Another southernism on topic, from a bygone era is, "there's no need a-pointin' ".  This is really the same thing Jesus says, just not in southernease, when He tells us " not to worry about the speck of saw dust when we have a bit of a log problem" in Matthew 7:5 But that is what we do........if we were fancy pants psychotherapist we would have the proper psychoanalytical name for it Projective Identification.  But God simply says it is an opportunity for growth :) I thank God....don't you?

There are many other snazzy methods of coping with this potential personality problem, such as: the pop psych or self help understanding of "owning" and "projecting".  While both of these are accurate the whole "stop it" methodology is useless; our bootstraps just are not that long or strong! Some day WE will get to the end of US.  If you, like me, have ever pulled so hard on your bootstrap that it snapped, pause right here with me and think about this.  If you have not.....maybe you know
someone ;)

To help us see reality clearly we have to adjust the quality of the information we are supporting our moments with.  If we desire to experience a growth through opportunity and not problematic conflicts then we must realize the things which attempt to pepper us with shame.  (God favors salt ;)
When the pepper heads our way we are rather repulsed by it's flavor.  We turn up our nose and push it toward someone else hoping they will gobble it up.  If we knew in advance what was going to be served we would avoid the dining room all together, don't you think? 

We have spoken, many times, about accepting other peoples puzzle pieces, then attempting to assemble the pieces to make our picture.  We realize it causes difficulty and yet we still attempt to pass off our pieces which we perceive as less aesthetically pleasing.  It is the same with the pieces of shame we perceive deminish our attractiveness.  We only want the pretty pieces, because we desire everyone to Ooh and Aha over us , right? At the least, not hide us away as hideous!  So when we find a hideous, shameful piece we freak out!  We desire others to be take the hand off and if they do not we tend to point at others, speak highly of their flaws......deflect, project, run down, over...climb on top and say......"WHAT???" "Why are you all pointing at me????"

Sometimes we are more subtle, we just poke others in their tender places till they make a spectacle of them self.  Then, we turn around and point and look at them with that "disdain of pepper" scowl.  As we back off we test our snares, who will buy in, who can be deceived???? Do we mean to???? Only you and God know for sure......sometimes we are not aware, it is subconsciously that we are protecting our self.  But we begin to build our cover and appoint our jury positions all the while thinking we know which Judge will be hearing our case.  However, there is only one judge appointed to hear these cases, and He has already been seated, heard the witnesses, passed the judgement and made sure the sentence was carried out. 

He will not take the stand again for these crimes - that would be Double Jeopardy. There will be another court date, but it will be for other crimes: those not yet brought before the honor of His Court. Till then,  I pray that every time you receive a subpoena from the accuser asking you to witness for him, that you not even be talked into showing up as a hostile witness.  Just do what Melanie did, stand up and speak your peace!  I guarantee better than Mrs Smooter, Christ will appear in front of you to say:  "Now, she spoke her piece and that's all there is to it!" 

Let us try to remember, there is no shame in learning, growing, trying or failing when we attempt.  Heck, there should not be any shame in totally making a debacle of things either!  It is just a journey, and as long as our angle is to love......then we are covered "literally" ;)

Be aware, you are blessed.....love like you know it!

Kisses,
Candace
Wow, I am rusty.....beware of the goohlish type-O monster!

©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copyrights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

My Goody Bag Stinks!

I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:25 NLT

As a child we are taught what to do and how to do it.  It is our parents, or those with whom we are placed helplessly, which form the mesh of moral fiber upholding the weigh of every thought we conceive. It is out from this generational goody bag where we must begin to discern: What goodies do I want from this gift bag or is really a goody bag at all.  The truth is most of the stuff we have in our pretty cellophane  is nothing more than a mess of broken feelings, opinions and knowledge which have little to do with God's truth. They are memories formed out from good intentions, and possibly, usually, good intentions gone wrong.  The fact is, usually when we rely on a goody bag without holding it accountable to God's good ways, it is more of a trash bag in need of being separated into waste and recyclables.

At some point the child becomes the next generation and they are accountable for the gift bags they extend.  This maturity / wisdom begins with a grown up perspective: Just because "something" brings me happiness does not mean my feelings are aligned with God's will: if a person, place or thing is really good for me and trust worthy. Neither does it mean that our feelings of unhappiness are accurate in whether something is truly good for us or not.  The point is, just like a child, instinctively we do what we believe will make us happy.  And what makes all of us happy is to have people around us who enjoy us, see how special we are and won't ask too many questions which make us squirm, or shake us up.

This is where we left off:

Without being shook, we will never realize we can be shaken.  If we do not know we have a need, we can not ask for help.  When we do not need help, we never look up for God.  And with out God we are mere mortals......and mere mortals come to an end in this life. 

Let's merge these two tracks: When we are doing what we believe to be good, even expected and we are not receiving the appropriate outcome, it creates confusion. It is as if someone is holding out a "goody bag" but there does not seem to be any good thing within it.  Or maybe we feel that the bag is being withheld and given to others, when it rightfully is our turn to have a grab.  When our happiness gets interrupted our happy train comes to a halt; because a train cannot run on two tracks. It is at this intersection we must pause and ask: what is the truth here, which way should I pursue. This verse from Jeremiah is a KB cornerstone:

This is what the Lord says: 'stand at the cross road and look,  ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls'.  But you said,  'we will not walk in it'. Jer 6:16

Usually we do not pause, we go full steam ahead till something causes a major road block.  God calls it a stumbling block, the narrow path which we and all our goodies cannot pass through.  He lovingly warns us that our words and actions must equal, or we are not being honest with Him, others or our self.

What happens when a persons words and actions do not equal?  Well......it hurts others.....and it hurts the relationship.  It changes everything: them, you and the good that God had planned for you; because you are not asking what the good is and generously giving it.  We hide these things even from our own heart, we allow our heart to become deceived; we harden our hearts to our unrighteousness, paint it pretty, talk it up and point it out with a bit of flair.

If we continue down this path, it will soon become hauntingly ugly.  Our efforts must become dedicated toward: deflection, manipulation, creating a distance between the sweet relationships and activities God has blessed us with.....if we want to continue to believe we are doing what He considers good, that is.  As long as we are doing something good and can give honor to God is it really manipulation, are we really withholding or stealing their goodies? Is it really something another person should speak up about?  What about those who might be benefiting from our motives and who do not really question why they are receiving a goody bag, should it be given elsewhere?  Is it their place to question a gift?

We will pause here for the day, I pray for wisdom and discernment in each of our lives.  May the grace of God and His Righteousness bear witness to each of us this day.

In Christ, Kisses,
Candace

© Candace Huffmaster 2015, All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

God Takes Care of Those Who......

As we read throughout the old testement we constantly see where the followers of God were "waiting" on the Lord to tell them what to say, do or where to go, flinging a fleece, following a star and much more. We know that we are filled with God's holy spirit which is not something prior to Christ was available to God people.  What a gift! 

Let me ask this question, fill it in with what you believe to be accurate:

God help those who _________________.

a. help themselves

b. trust He desire to help them

c. receives His help

d. needs some help

f. breath



For some reason, we think that God only helps those that help themselves. I don't know about you, but as a child and young adult that statement was taught, preached and held up as wise words to live by.  Just in case you were also, I want you to know it is not anywhere in the bible. There are things in the bible that tell us we must work as if we are working unto the Lord. But that does not imply that we are to run ahead of Him. 

We are told that we are to pick up our cross and  follow Christ.  This implies we are to take the same journey, yoked to Christ.  Everywhere we look we should see a place, a perfect situation or space where we can jump right into whatever He is already doing.  It is our pride which wants to figure it out apart from him and be see as able "all by ourself", as the toddler would toute.  God tells us we CAN do all things through him.  He made all things which have been made and without him nothing that has been would exist. 

Then there is the topic of knowledge.  The simple example above is perfect for understanding the importance of NOT leaning on our own understanding. Proverb: 3:5  is where that comes from:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  Matthew 4:4 tells us : Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.  Which helps us understand that we must trust the Lord to care for and keep our very life.  He gives us His word to sustain us AND keep us.  His words tell us things such as: before you run out into that traffic, pause for wisdom, wisdom which is truth and will care for you down to the depths of your soul.  Where does this come from? The words which proceed out of God's very mouth.  The verse I am refering to is from Jeremiah 6:16 Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
Look at the actions God was pleading for us to follow: stand (at the crossroads) look, ask (someone wise), ask (for truth), walk, find (rest for your soul).  But even back in the day pride wanted to "do it all by myself".  Tomorrow we will speak more on knowledge. 

As for today, just pause and breath.  After all God takes care of those who breath :) Is that the correct answer?  What is your final answer?

Kisses,
Candace

For some reason my links are not adding if you would like further thoughts on these topice copy or cut and past the following links:

http://kaleidoscopebutterfly.blogspot.com/2011/11/just-breath.html

http://kaleidoscopebutterfly.blogspot.com/2011/12/doesnt-matter-what-gods-heart-is-set-on.html

©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copyrights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

A Hot Mess



Oil Painting: Candace Huffmaster
Title:  A HOT MESS



Since everything that has been made was made by God, came through His power and nothing returns to Him void, how do we ever cross over to the point where we have an attitude of entitlement instead of gratitude?  Often I pause to think about these things.  Sometimes I imagine everything having a power cord, so to speak, which actually comes up from within God as if plugged into Him.  This power cord is like an extension cord which every other thing has the ability to plug into which will generate its light, movement etc.  The cords are also retractable but God just hasn’t pushed the button yet to reel it into Himself. 

Other times I think about what would happen if the “God Generator” were to cut off the current, or not be grounded as to blow all the circuits during an electrical storm.  This leads me to think about the verses which speak of being grounded in His firm foundation and how we live in the protection of His presence through Christ.  2 Peter 3:10 states:

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

 When I think of this verse in light of those other thought, I think about how the challenges and refinement we go through in life almost short circuit us at time.  I think about His promise that nothing shall in anyway harm us; we are protected from destruction.  It is like His blanket of love is covering us which makes me so humbly grateful for His mercy and grace.  Sometimes it grieves me deeply as I look around.  I know that many of those we interact with and care for might choose not to believe God is real or that His son died, rose and came back to Him in order that we might receive the fullness of His holy spirit.

Those of us who DO believe know God will in creating us was for us to care for and subdue the world around us. Everywhere we turn there are angry, hateful, bitter, deceptive, broken, lonely, hurting, deceived people. Have we spoken truthfully seeking to help them? Have we reached out to cover them with His love? Have we sprinkled our environments as a witness of His presence? Have we paused to have compassion and fervently pray? 

Pause and think: carbon dioxide, salt and blankets put out fire. If there is nothing left but the combustible elements because the blanket of love, salt of the earth and God’s truth being spoken are no longer active, what is left to hold back wrath, judgment and justice? All the works of evil will simply fulfill their desire which is to kill, steal and destroy everything God created!  While the fire is bad news, good news follows bringing fresh new life and liberty.

So today, let’s pray …….let’s step out fully plugged into our source……THE source which gives all His power to save the universe from destruction!

With the Love of our Christ,

Kisses,

Candace

Just Turn Around, It's No Big Deal....Yet!

But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of him who passes by and returns; and no oppressor will pass over them anymore.....For now I have seen "with My eyes".  Zechariah 9:8

I took a pause from moving forward with our study, recently so that I could really study the old and new testament and take pause as I explore.  To recap, the verse below has been our focus:


The anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart; in the last days you will clearly understand it.  Jeremiah 23: 20, 21 

God's truth is not vague; He tells us all have turned from His ways.  Even the disciples who were most intimate with Christ and literally walking with Him serving / witnessing fell away, just as Christ told them they would.  God himself is at the helm of all things, in control of all powers, and making allowances as He so chooses.  Obviously, having all the data of what is going on around us, then scrutinizing all movements and knowledge prior to moving, is not what should be our motive for security in going, is it?  When I read the words "For now I have seen with My eyes" my heart leaps and I feel safe.  My God knows everything and will show me the way if I will be willing to wait, listen and follow.  

I know if I pass Him by, it really is no big deal; He knows my limitations and where He is still working on correcting what I misunderstand.  Man....that really allows me to relax a bit.  "After all, He is the one who formed me, teaches me and guides me." And He will not turn back until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart.....and in the perfect time.....I will clearly understand it!"

Please take a moment to read Selah,  Seen With My Own Eyes, today and prepare for the next leg of our journey.(click on the blue underscored words to open the link or visit http://hischildbelieves.blogspot.com )

With Love, in Christ Jesus Himself,

Kisses,

Candace

© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

Doesn't Matter What God's Heart is Set on; He Gave YOU Free Will

You Know You are Maturing When You Can  “Wait With Perseverance”.The world trains us to push HARD to get ahead.  But God says if you need to push something that hard make sure it’s a pause button!

We are on our last leg with Unconditional Love; Conditional Relationships.  We are continuing to focus our eye sight and perceptions as we discern truth, wisdom, thoughts, memories and knowledge.  We will be thinking about pain and how we perceive things for the next few days.

When we think about pain, those of us who truly believe God’s word must believe the following: God did not create Eden with pain, suffering or sorrow.  In heaven we will no longer have any pain, suffering or sorrow.  The tree of life offers no fruit of pain, suffering or sorrow.  The fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the free will of Satan and the free will of man was / is the cause of pain, suffering and sorrow.

We know that our nature wants to rebel against the Law – Don’t you realize there was only 1 commandment / Law in Eden:

 “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die”

Sometimes our thoughts have us pointing the finger of blame at God because he spoke about “the curse” which was our pain, suffering and sorrow.  Let’s look a bit closer at what really happened:  Eden was God’s Kingdom which rightfully was built upon His constitution.  Under His established authority He appointed Adam to be in charge.  God delegated the power of His command unto Adam.  God communicated what actions were allowed and disallowed as well as the expectation of accountability which He verbalized to His subordinate. 

God knows his commands are unique; they require an inner commitment not a mere external, superficial obedience.  God also knows what deep, holy love is – doing what is BEST for someone.  So He took variables out of the equation.  God set’s the law and the law stands, He cannot go back on His word.  Therefore you can ALWAYS count on Him, even for pain, suffering, sorrow and death – if that is what YOU have YOUR heart SET ON!

When Adam made the choice and took the action of abandoning his post, it was no different than him taking the door handle, turning it, releasing the latch while pulling the gate open allowing all that had been bound away from them roar right in.  The Knowledge of Good and Evil hurled into their Shalom crashing, smashing and binding them in pain, suffering and sorrow.

 All God did was some creative chaos containment so that all was not lost forever.  He graciously paused everything with His words.  The curse was merciful; His creation wouldn’t forever die however they would have pain, toil, labor, separation, sorrow and grace.  He and His creation suffered the death of His glory, pure joy, peace and harmonious relations with God the Father, His Son and His Holy Spirit.

The pain of the curse is anguish, the gnashing of teeth, an embittered soul.  As Romans 8:22 states:

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 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 ones does not hope for what he sees.

But if we HOPE for what we DO NOT SEE, with perseverance we WAIT EAGERLY for IT!

So today I ask and pray that you hope for what you believe; that you perceive an image then imagine what it WILL look and act like.  Here is the where I ask that you not labor in vain, please persistently storm heaven as you persevere eagerly awaiting it to show up. Just keep following His directions and you will find it; when you seek it with your heart, your mind, your soul and a prospering Holy Spirit.  This is not a vain perseverance or a lesser win compared to hollow images which are touted all around us.  Please take a second glance, push pause…..Together we will push play…..and MAN that is going to be an awesome day!!

Kisses,
Candace

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc ®

Permission to Reprint by:

©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copy Rights Reserved

 Contact kaleidoscopebutterfly@hotmail.com for right of use

“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:
Your soul will get weary / weak waiting for God to show up at times
You will go back to the word in hope of His promises resuscitating your soul
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:
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.
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.
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?“
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……
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)

You start looking at what others have or are experiencing then comparing yourself to them.
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?)
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

Which is Your Favorite Label?

A Penny saved is a penny earned - With debt being what it is due to greed and lack of delaying gratification, this saying has more meaning than ever.  We need to pray about how we spend our pennies – it matters, they do not come easily. But they sure do GO quickly.  But this is not our direct topic today; however, it does have relevance. 

We have been speaking about being proven trust worthy. Let’s say: Trust Kept is Trust Earned.  We can only earn trust if an opportunity is given.  When the invitation is in our hand, we then have an opportunity to give them proof of our faithfulness.  If no one accepts our invitation, then no one will become our trusted friend.  This is why God first loved us, then offered something which could be trusted, His dear son’s very life.  Christ is out here begging for an opportunity to be proven faithful 24/7 and God asks us to test him on His faithfulness to His promises.

So many people demand our trust, before they have given us anything real to validate that it is a “wise investment”.  Without a product to sell, it is a scam.  Rather like the good old “Brooklyn Bridge Scam”   But it does not stop the con artist from ripping us off does it.  They look good; they have their portfolios all backed and swear on their good character or name.  If we do not take the leap of faith, they also have tales to attempt to shame us for being cautious as they dangle the what might-have been's before us.  In the end, we have to accept the truth that, we the person, are of no interest to them.  That is the REAL bottom line.  They will be moving on to someone else who will give them what they want – it’s not personal!

But this is not right, that is why it hurts.  If anything, life is supposed to be personal.  That is ALL it is about, people and relationships.   What has happened to humanity, so many of us are unconscionable? People have no ears to hear themselves, how they interact, the words they hurl toward others, how disconnected they are.  They do not feel well at all, but if they were sick or hurt they sure would notice that they do not feel well at all – did you catch the difference?  There is a large one.

None of us have room to be offended, because we ARE the offender.  Maybe not all the time to each other, but we ALL are all the time to God’s son; end of story!  He has already let us off the hook.  He is not offended; He gladly paid the price for all our offenses.  He does get hurt when we reject His gift and keep on hurting others though.  He gets jealous when we worship other God’s and thumb our nose at Him.  But HE never stops loving us, reaching out to us and attempting to show us what is real.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 5 we are given a beautiful picture of Christ giving his life so that we can be tailored with a new suit of favor.  It states that he does not hold our past sins against us.  I can see him fitting us, stretching out his tape measure and holding up the material.  Our new label reads Gods Favor, but there are people selling other suits claiming that they are “tailor made” for us.  These knock offs are hard to distinguish at first glance. As we stated, con’s are good at their trade.   Satan tried to con Jesus into choosing his knock off over God’s tailor made suit of honor in Matthew 4:8 we are told.  The devil showed Christ his best stuff and said I will fit you in my best suit of glory if you will just bow down and worship me.  You can have it all…..why continue suffering when you have this right at your fingertips.  I am sure this one rolled out “Don’t you deserve it Jesus, really now…..think about it….after all you’d been through and done? Think about yourself for a minute!  

These con’s and distortions are being touted amidst us and even coming out of our very own mouths much of the time.  If we are willing to be honest, we will acknowledge it, if not….we’ll move on.

For the next few days I want you to pause and think about all the conversations going on around you, because they do not stop. They are not only around us, they are within us, in our hearts and mind.  We have discussed this topic often. How will you view them?  How will you approach them? What will you say when it is your time to speak up? Each conversation is real, even if you are having it alone.  If it is a memory, we project others into them; we speak for them and give them our own perspective.  We project and set future events and God says this actually puts future events into motion.  IF they were not real, they would not change us or the happenings in our life.   

Second point we want to think about is this:  Any conversation which you keep, even if to ponder if you are going to keep it or toss it out, you agree there is some validity to it, or you would have already tossed it.  If we make room for the things we “hold against “our self or others in our closet, we will be pulling them out and sporting them, or dressing someone else in them.  Sometimes we don't like what is in our closet and we want to find someone else to throw it off on - after all, isn't that the nice thing to do.  Sometimes, we just think our stuff is really great and believe everyone would look better if they just dressed like us.  

But what about when we take it a step further and begin to tailor them in our own creations?  We pull out our measuring tape and size them up.  We hold up our fabrications and drape them well.  What a prideful, arrogant thing to do.  Now think about how offended we become when someone likes what their own clothes better.  What do we do when people do not want to change just because we said so?    

The reason we need to be trust worthy before someone considers our opinions is because we are supposed to be helping them with discerning their look, confronting them with objective feedback and telling them when they have pulled out a suit with the wrong label.  But we are to do this in love, not rip their garments off and mock their choices.  Proverbs 19:11 states that “sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Let's not treat others as though they are misfits.  Remember, they have a personal designer who knew exactly how He wanted to dress them.  He knew how each design would be fashioned to show off His creative genius. Before we choose to cast our opinions out there, I pray we pause and withdraw our critical eye, stop reforming them into our own image and then look again.  I pray we see them.....really see them and become overtaken by His glorious finished work.

Today, I pray that we look around in appreciation of the ministry of reconciliation and thank God that we all are well suited in favor and being worn by Christ himself.

Hallelujah!

Kisses,

Candace 

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc®

©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved



Left Destitute

Yesterday we thought about being left destitute. We discussed the icky, sticky, goo sandwiching people together intimately. If you did not get a chance to look at that click here before continuing on, please.

Most of you reading this are married. Did you marry a Ladies Man, a Man's Man, or the man of your dreams? Hopefully, you married the man and while it is good to discern character and integrity, do you have him trapped in your dreamworld man. But what about the men? (Yes they do this also) Did he marry his "dream girl" and now she has to be some imaginary "every man's dream". As we stated yesterday, love is kind, not manipulative. We are in relationships to help guide each other in reality, not fairy tales. We can set some pretty unrealistic expectations of what real life can actually be verses what we perceive is the real life everyone else is whimsy-ing around in.

Here is another look at how we can be unrealistic or unsafe with those loving us:

When someone is a perfectionist, they can't let you off the hook. They cannot allow you to set a hook either. They will do anything even hook you deeper to escape any pain. While we must be able to express how relationships affect us, this is only to communicate the icky, sticky, goo. After the mess has been defined, it is time for everyone to pitch in and just do clean up on isle 9. That's all! So this pain, they are fantasizing about doesn't exist except in their mind. They create much more pain for themselves and other, than the real world would ever toss their way.

Our relationships are lived in. Do you live in a home which must be museum ready at all times. Or can you be at home in life? I pray that you think about what we said yesterday, in regard to being able to hold up your commitment to allow God to be at home in your space.

Add the thought below to all this, and tomorrow we will dive deeper:

John 17:20, 21 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me

We know God is a jealous God. We know that Satan is a deceiver trying to take our affections away from God. We have spoken about this being the reason we are on PAUSE. God is taking back what is rightfully His. Christ stated this over, and over, and over as He went walkabout for thirty something years.

Christ came for One cause; YOU.

to relate intimately WITH you

In Genesis 2:24 it is written: Because she was taken out of Man: For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become ONE flesh.

Christ was in heaven, but he left heaven so that He could fill all things with love. We needed more than mercy; we needed grace in order to be ONE. But dare I say in our own futility we strive to survive with mercy alone. We do not want all that comes with Grace because we have to make choices. We walk in the futility of our own minds which excludes us from the fullness of life God designed us to have.

Why do we beg for the grace of God upon ourselves, but with those around us we demand God to be impatient with their process? We all know that answer, selfishness. Which brings us to our topic for today:

partial re-post from November 2011

Women, A Woman, A Wife:

A christian woman should not be a "man's woman" she is to be HER man's woman. A christian man is not to be a "lady's man", he is to be His lady's man! Yet men want to attract the eye of ALL women (or at least the one's that catch his eye). and Visa - Vera. God did not want man to be left alone with nothing but animals which would have fed animalistic behaviours. He wanted man for a higher purpose; relationship and to create higher relationships.

Have your desires wandered? Are you not grateful for the blessings God has given "YOU"? Don't be so quick to answer.....think about it. Have you spent thought time and energy giving goodness into what God has graced you with? Or have you been belittling and abusing the relationship?

When you do any of those things you are telling God you are unhappy with what He graciously gave you. You are feeding your animalistic selfish nature and digressing. God loved you before you loved him. You already have been filled because Christ came and filled you. So why do we "feel" we need to steal from someone elses wealth? Greed's an ugly thing my friends.

Let's choose this day who we will follow as for me and my house we will follow the Lord. Because only from heaven flows every good and perfect gift.

Let's all be wives who are holy, lovely and pure to our husbands; let's be a woman with One Cause - to be women witnessing that God's love for Christ is real; Christ is real..God is REAL!

Kisses,

Candace

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc®

©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved

Feigned Sanctification

As we have been thinking about the lures which capture our focus or thoughts, I started thinking about sanctimonious behaviors - false humility. Sanctimonious is defined as: Feigning piety or righteousness.

 God desires to sanctify us or set us apart for sacred use; He consecrates us.  When we are self righteous we are being sanctimonious.  He desires us to be righteous in Him, to allow our self to die so that His "self" righteousness may develop us within Him. 

Think about this:  God is a real God desiring real relationships.  If He didn't want relate-able relationships He would have created things differently, but He didn't. We know that the process of sanctification can only be done through the Holy Spirit, therein lies the lure to our soul telling us that no one will be able to tell the difference.  Will they be able to discern if we are truly sanctified or simply sanctimonious?  Do I really need a saviour or can I pull off saving myself?

So I looked up the definition of Savior in the etymology dictionary and found out that the word savior actually was borrowed from Old French and Latin words meaning saver, preserver, to save. 

There is a difference from being set apart FOR God and set apart FROM God.  Theology and sanctimonious BEHAVIOR without the spirit of God's liberty exposing the depths of our souls intent to unify the spirit with the soul is the reason for Gods sanctions or commandments.  We have to be ABLE to see for ourselves what He sees or we will not believe we CAN be lured away!

Today relax in God's will knowing He loves you and calls you His delight.  He knows sanctification has to be done by this so he sent us a "life" preserver - a savior Christ Jesus.  Being a creation of God, this life preserver operates higher than a preserver created by the hand and ideals of man.  What God sent to save us can't be deflated and though it was punctured it is still able to save.  Our preserver raises to tread on mighty waves and hoists us into heights if we trust and give in to His abilities.

So again, today - especially if your flotation devise has your head bobbing in the water - PAUSE - think on these things and choose a REAL life preserver - a Savior.  Just think about it.....

I am praying for us all,
Kisses,
Candace

©Candace Huffmaster 2011 All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Thanks Giving

For the first time in many years I gave my attention to my husband, children, mom, dad, sister and brother-in-law without doing any work. 

I actually slept in and got some much needed rest, listened to the laughter, complaining, sarcasm, laughter and silence that was poured into our midst.  Even though the words listed above could be construed as offensive that was not the intent of anyone around me.  The laughter was rich the complaints were from burdens of life, the sarcasm was because we know each others idiosyncrasies and the laughter which followed was because it was true.  The silence was when we were comfortable within our family and basking in the community of others.

The moments that I am most thankful for were the multiple times we pulled each other in clasped hands, took pause of what we were able to experience and enjoy so that we could pour our heart, mind and voice out in unity for the family that was unable to be with us, for those fighting for our security and peace, for differences to no longer be a hindrance, for healing in lives and families.  We thanked God for his provision, for the nourishment of our lives.  We asked God to be with those less fortunate because we believe that He is the giver of our life.

I looked through old albums, we discussed some times, people and places from moments throughout our blessed life.  There are many elements which have affected who we are as a family. Whether we ever visit those places or people again each is still visible and their voices still are heard.  So I would like to take this moment to Give Thanks to anyone and everyone that has ever crossed our paths.  Even if the crossing was more of a collision at an intersection "it's  all good!"  I wish you the best, because there is nothing that has ever happened to me or us that has not made us more faithful people.  If we were the cause of any hurts I ask that you forgive; and that not for us but for  I choose to believe that people do not intend to cause others pain and that we have all grown and matured ....and I thank God that he is not finished with any of us yet.

Today my friends, live your life knowing that today is the gift....not tomorrow or yesterday. 
My love to all of you, in Christ,
Candace