All I Ever Really Wanted Was.......

I now understand why it is so difficult for us to love in a true agape love.  I also understand a bit more deeply as to why we have such a struggle with living within the Zoe Life available to us.  Let me explain what I understand up to this point:

We cannot see clearly because our mind has false images loaded which are used to form our perceptions of reality. If we do not take the time to discern those images – each one of them – then we choose to have miss informed sight. When I asked God to help me understand where I was missing information, or needed correct information to replace false info this was the conversation we had. Bear with me this was many years ago and I had just realized I could hear Him. I am not taking anything out though, you discern for yourselves what is true or false – I pray that God lead you and talk with you in the ways that He knows you will understand.

As always – write about it and we will be talking about it in our next meeting. I am also loading a song to post, if are not able to hear the video I will also post the lyrics.

With love for you all,
Candace

Love is what you are and why you created us
Love needs nothing except, for someone to share itself with
Love is highest, above all else, it covers the widest expanse, until it comes back, it penetrates deeper and deeper never running out of ability to keep going higher, deeper, wider
When it comes across something to embrace, it engulfs it, supports it, nourishes it, helps it, without fail; not for any other reason, but because it is
Love needs nothing it just has to go to something because it is meaningless, if not shared
It is lonely without someone to care about, it needs no doors. It’s embracing, kind, it sees all good and helps to overcome
It protects with such power and strength that nothing stops it, it knows no fear
There are no possessions that mean more, than it’s need to love
No home is more important than the need to supply for others it loves
Time is of no importance, because love never ends-whether in the presence of the loved or not, it exists; it is and always will be
It does not speak against itself, it couldn’t possibly harm, because it is not capable- it only understands and gives all. It wishes to lavish, sooth, comfort, stimulate, to be all it can be......
It lifts, smells beautiful and soft, cool and gentle, yet when needed, it is bold and fierce to protect.
It will always stand before harm, but it does not need to own or hold back; it desires others to fulfill their choice.

Love can feel pain, it can be angry when love is betrayed and others are led away to be harmed
But love never turns its back; it will always listen to truth and embrace truth
Nothing can hold back love; nothing can outlast love, nothing can destroy “true love”
Nothing will exist eternally, except love

Love is the common denominator in all good; without love you have nothing immortal within you and nothing to exist beyond the physical moments
Only love is timeless, weightless, priceless, love simply is, because it is God

God said “tell them —I AM”
To me “I am” is the most powerful statement ever written, have you ever thought about it?

I AM ?
I AM !

We with our limitations try to understand
We, until God has matured us, search our sleepless lives to know the answer to this, to complete it
We are turned around going totally the wrong way when we ask, “ Who am I”?

It is simple math
Who = Am + I
Or
I Am = Who
We are in search of the solution
We are, that is the known, but What are we to equate?
We filll it with all sorts of hypothesis and wrong sums, but the true answer is
I Am = I am
We are not "a what"
We are

We are not objects
We create
WE are not things
We obtain and do

What we are – IS, HAS, WILL ALWAYS BE—
But what we are is not perishable
The objects of life will perish – part, separate from Who we are
Depart or Exist
Objects that are not part of I AM, depart from I AM
Because the object can never achieve what IS
The power source gives power and yet is recharged through contactSimple because it is the opposite of IS – IT IS NOT !!!
Direct opposites oppose that is why IT is pushed down the power of the negative forces repels IT away from the positive
Not by anger or hostility but just by presence
IT is not the desire but because IT is unless IS NOT loses the NOT – IT can not rise, have the forces to over come the energy force that IT repells

Anything of this world is made of this world and it stays with this world.

Dust is but dust, all will decay that is in this repelled arena
But when all returns to dust and the negative energy exists no more the positive will be surged to its completeing links
Now, the forces are here , we are connected but it is just too much material to make the better connection. Energy is week but it is not gone. I think as we remove those power drainers from our environment—self
We even here can get stronger connections
But when we feel the lose we have to find the source
Eradicate IT and stay on top of the repelling forces in our environment
I am because I AM
I will because HE IS ... Always
Today, if you hear
Do nto turn away
Let those who have ears understand
Let those who have eyes see
Do not harden your hearts like those in the past
But listen and follow, do as I say

It has all been laid out
Come to me
My Father sent me
that you might know him
By knowing me

I have gone to my Father now so that the spirit can come and give you heightened understanding
You hear , you see, you understand – so must follow
Speak what I say
Do what he says
Go where you are told
Lo, I am with you always
Even to the ends of the earth
Depart from this world
Pick up your cross and follow me

I Am etched in your heart
I Am the words you speak
I Am the only way
I Am life
I Am strength
I AM confidence
I Am charity
I Am love
I Am all you will ever need and all you were created to be
I Am never far from you
I did complete the task
I did win the war
But you my child were created to finish what I started
I began a new quest, the old past away
It is done, but a new beginning was ignited
That is the purose to finish what was started
That will be the end of the age

That was, IS the plan
All power has been granted
All words spoken
All time closed
All purposes drawn
Time does not exist
Only fulfillment
Listen to me, listen carefully....
Come – I am in the wind like a dance of free movement
Even when still, I still exist
Where does the wind begin
Where does it end
The wind carries all, even the things you can’s see
The wind can destroy or it can lift
The wind can force into the ground or it can rise all above
Object can block the wind but they can not stop it

The wind is not selective of what it carries, it carries the good with bad and chooses the destinations of each
The wind does not worry about an outcome, it just continues
The wind does not stop, day or night, season or year
The wind just exists with all its power and gentleness
The wind controls all, nothing controls the wind
Wind and Love are all that Just are, and all that can not be stopped.

SEE?

I cannot take the heat - this girls goin' home

standing on my own 2 feet - standing alone

I'm just a little weary of - all the talk and all the buzz

and all I ever wanted was - the feeling I had with us

I cannot take the heat - guess I'm letting go

I'm tired of stitching up my dreams - with this thread of hope

A silly believer of - twin hearts and timeless love

and all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with us

the road of life is rugged - any road you choose

when I find the other side - I'll look for you

I cannot take the heat - and so I'll say goodbye

A million things I never said - and didn't even try

cause words are cheap and sometimes cruel

and stuff we hear is seldom true

And all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with you

yeah all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with you

Who Am I?

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:6,7

Yesterday we were reflecting on the condition of our heart.  Today we are looking at it from the point of what pours out of it.  Our character which produces the quality of our life is seated in the beliefs of our heart.  So we must ask ourselves - Who am I?


How many times throughout our life do we pondered both ends of this question, both the shallow and the deepest depth?  Me personally - I can't count the times.  There are many forms it displays itself in:  What should I do?  What will people think? Why would I think that? Why would I do that?  Who am I kidding?  The list could go on endlessly I am sure.

We all have known individuals who we perceive to never question anything about themselves or their situations.  They appear to be unshakable don't they?  So what is the defining differences?  Generally it is confidence - sometimes it is merely a facade'.  Today let's just speak about the confidence side of the puzzle.

The core foundation is assurance that what we believe is solid.  What is our belief grounded in? Is it ego? Or is it something infallible?  This can also get complex because not everyone agrees on what is infallible; to some it is self and to others it is God.  Once again, even the bottom line is a slippery slope because not everyone agrees on self issues or who/what god is. 

This is where we step onto the road named "Deeply".  Who am I? is our journeys start. This may sound really easy to some of you - but if you are not "crystal clear"  why not step onto the highway with us and sojourn for a while.

Let's just relax and open the albums of our yesterdays.  Take a glance back through some photos.  Can you see a few different pictures where you were slowing down in momentum due to doubt.  let's pause at one of them, now flip a few pages back.  Look for the photo where you can still see the total committment to direction; you can tell you knew were you were going.  Now stop for a moment and see if you can remember any of the questions that started weighing you down.   

Generally what happens is due to our confidence and excitement we start talking to others along the way.  They start interjecting feed back that questions our success.  We keep trekking and climbing and pulling ourselves through.  Until there comes a point where the lack of resolve forms a pile of rubbish too large to hurdle.  So we stop.  We just have no more energy, the questions get too large to overcome.

 We all know the proverb "Hope deferred makes the heart sick".  We also know that our heart will not divide - God promises us that it will choose one or the other.  So today, I ask you to ponder what is your hope?  Can you remember?

The apostle Peter tells us to always be prepared to give the reason for our hope:

^{1 Peter 3:14-46 (GWT)} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threat; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

As we look through the pictures of our lives I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength just as Paul requested for us - in the powerful name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Kisses,
Candace

The Heart of the Matter

We all use this coined phrase.  There has even been songs written about it.  I believe  Don Henley recorded the one I am thinking of presently.  But is the term so overused that we do not really take in the depth of it's meaning.  Solomon being the wisest human ever however, did not just wax it over.  He recorded this nugget for us.

Proverbs 4:23 23Guard your heart more than anything else,because the source of your life flows from it


Our Deeply information is not to tell you what to think or even what you DO think, it is simply information for you and God to settle down into a comfortable place to look around your space - this space is the rooms in your heart where He lives.  How have we decorated His space???

Look at this verse in 1Timothy 1:5 My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to useless discussions.

These are daily thoughts we will linger on through out Deeply.  Exposing myths and ripping them out of our good ground is what this process is all about.  So today let's just run these scriptures through our heart and mind.  Listen to your thoughts, write them down - I hope you will share them with us all so that we can gleen from what the Lord is doing in your life. 


Proverbs 14:10  Each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can share it's joy.
Proverbs 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
Proverbs 27:19-20 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.  Death and destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

With the Love of our Christ I cover us all,
Candace

Make Sure in Your Planning You Remember God

Our Plans and God's Plans

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever heard of someone who spent years of preparation for one vocation only to end up doing something completely different? Perhaps this could be said of you. Quite often we have in our minds what we believe we want to do only to have a course correction. Often the course correction comes through a major crisis that forces us into an area that we would never have considered.

Such was the case for Samuel Morse. Born in 1791, Morse grew up desiring to be an artist, and he eventually became very talented and internationally known. However, it was difficult to make a living as an artist in America during that time. A series of crises further complicated his vocational desire when his wife died; then his mother and father also died soon after. He went to Europe to paint and reflect on his life. On his return trip aboard a ship, he was captivated by discussions at dinner about new experiments in electromagnetism. During that important occasion, Morse made the following comment, "If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity." In the face of many difficulties and disappointments, he determinedly perfected a new invention, and, in 1837, applied for a patent that became what we know today as the telegraph. He also created Morse code. It was only later, after many more setbacks and disappointments, that his projects received funding.
Samuel Morse later commented, "The only gleam of hope, and I cannot underrate it, is from confidence in God. When I look upward it calms any apprehension for the future, and I seem to hear a voice saying: 'If I clothe the lilies of the field, shall I not also clothe you?' Here is my strong confidence, and I will wait patiently for the direction of Providence." Morse went on to create several other inventions and can be recognized today as the father of faxes, modems, e-mail, the internet and other electronic communication. ["Glimpses," Issue #99 (Worcester, Pennsylvania: Christian History Institute, 1998).]

God's plans may not always seem to follow our natural inclination. Perhaps God has you taking a path that may not lead to His ultimate destination for you. Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all you do, and He shall direct your path (see Prov. 3:5-6).


Some of you may have read the poem Kaleidoscope Butterfly already. Even if you have take the time to read it again and reflect on what Os was speaking of today. My prayers and love rain down on each of you.
I thank each of you for your continued prayers for my restoration in all ways...
Candace



Kaleidoscope Butterfly

Nonsensical confidence of solid ground,
Amidst dissuading movement of all that abounds,
Without hesitation, reclined on this plane,
Seemingly anchored, as all life forms sway.
So subtle the wind, as it tousles the limbs,
Crisp wisps of foliage, giggling on end,
Now deeply planted as one with the earth,
All tension draining, giving rise to a breath like a birth.
Embraced by my nostrils, is this fragrant bouquet,
Engulfing my being like a gentle, rolling wave.
Not losing one moment, deeply merged, now entwined,
Is this peaceful pristine beauty-- so delicately floating by.
I capture each moment, gently cupped in my hands,
Like a kaleidoscope butterfly on a whimsical spring day,
Not desiring to tarnish her beauty or hesitate her fluttering flight,
Simply to pause her passage, embrace the vision, before she vanishes from sight.

Ambiguous perceptions, my reality shifts,
In slow motion, drawn backward, to the ground I drift.
Though I reach the same destination, it is as a child I now lay,
Overhead, in my innocence, I see life the clouds;
What form they take and how long they stay?
Mom look, it’s a dragon…. blowing fire… do you see?
Too late mom, it’s a pig now… see there… bouncing that ball?

Creating new memories, skillfully blending the past,
Aromatic spices comprised of rich seasons that pass.
My hunger now satisfied and its’ appetite well-fed,
While gathering stray belongings, my mind desires to reflect:

Plantings and seedlings and how they all fit;
A harvest though abundant, the choice is a producers’ pick;
Trust and faith are gold nuggets - material value cannot be obtained;
Never cling to today’s reality, for tomorrow it will change;
Even cold, callous winters are forgiven amidst soft summer rain;
And though flowers emit fragrance, wearing beauty as clothes,
Only God determines her season… and through His will she grows.

©Poem – Kaleidoscope Butterfly /
by Candace K. Huffmaster / Date April 2005

Ministry in Words

Seek Him – Part 1

寻求他 – 第一篇

Jeremiah 29:13

耶利米书29:13

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。

Introduction
前言

Through the prophet Jeremiah the Lord gave the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon this promise: that they will seek God and find Him when they search for Him with all their heart. I wonder why God didn’t say that they will seek God and find Him when they search for Him with all their eyes or ears, with all their observation and attention.  This is because our God is a spirit so He is not normally visibly or audibly observable.  Besides, we cannot find Him on our own. If not for Jesus the Son of Man who came to seek and save us who were lost, we would never be able to find Him. It takes our heart that is in touch with His heart to find Him. When we seek Him as a response to His seeking us, we find Him.
神通过先知耶利米给流放在巴比伦的以色列人这个应许：就是他们寻求神，若专心寻求神，就必寻见。我觉得奇怪为什麽神并未说他们寻求神，若用眼睛或耳朵，就是用观察力或注意力寻求神，就必寻见。这是因为我们的神是一个灵，所以他通常并不是在视觉或听觉上可以查觉到的。并且我们凭自己不能寻见他，若不是耶稣这位人子来寻找拯救我们这些失丧的人，我们就永不能寻见他。我们需要有一颗摸着他的心之心方能寻见他。当我们以寻求他来回应他寻找我们的时候，我们就寻见了。

Searching for Him with all our heart means searching for Him with a totally dedicated heart. Let’s consider what constitutes our search for Him with all our heart by looking at the account of the magi who searched for the baby Jesus.
专心寻求神的意思就是全心全意寻求他。让我们看博士寻找婴孩耶稣的故事来思想专心寻求神是什麽样子的。

1. Search with the right reason
一、 以正确的理由寻求

First, searching with all our heart is searching with the right reason, the right motive. Let’s look at two passages in the Gospel of Matthew.
首先，专心寻求就是以正确的理由或动机来寻求。让我们来看马太福音的两段经文。

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Mt 2: 1-2)
当希律王的时候，耶稣生在犹太的伯利恒。有几个博士从东方来到耶路撒冷，说： 那生下来作犹太人之王的在那里？我们在东方看见他的星，特来拜他。〔太2:1-2〕

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2: 10-11)
他们看见那星，就大大的欢喜；进了房子，看见小孩子和他母亲马利亚，就俯伏拜那小孩子，揭开宝盒，拿黄金、乳香、没药为礼物献给他。〔太2:10-11〕

In Matthew 2:1-2, the magi declared that the reason they searched for Jesus was to worship Him. What is recorded in Matthew 2:10-11 proves that worship was their true motive. Their deeds matched their words. When they found Jesus they prostrated themselves and worshiped Him.
在马太2:1-2博士声称他们寻求耶稣的理由是要拜他，而马太2:10-11的记载证明了他们真正的动机就是敬拜。他们的言行一致，当他们找到耶稣他们就俯伏拜他。

On the other hand, during Jesus’ life time there were many people who searched for Him for various reasons other than their dedication to Jesus:
另外一方面，在耶稣的一生中有许多人并非为了对耶稣献身而寻求他，而是为了各样不同的理由：

>King Herod searched for baby Jesus in order to kill Him due to his own insecurity.  Failed to find Him, he even ordered the slaughter of all boys age 2 and below to make sure that the new born king was eliminated.
>希律王因为他自己感到不安全因而寻找婴孩耶稣来杀害他。但他找不到，就下令屠杀所有两岁及以下的男孩，要肯定那新生王被灭绝了。

When we seek God but will not let Him rule in our life, we are, like Herod, wanting to be in control ourselves.
当我们寻求神但又不愿意让他掌管我们的生命，我们就像希律一样要自己掌握一切。


> After the crowd, numbering 5000 of men alone, were fed miraculously, they searched for Jesus in order to crown Him so that they might always have their fill.
>那群众中光是男人就有五千，他们神奇地得到喂饱後，就寻求耶稣来推他为王好让他们永远得饱足。

When we look to God only for our physical needs, we may miss the greater spiritual blessings. Jesus said that our physical needs are important, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to [us] as well.” (Mt 6:33)
当我们只为了我们肉体上的需要来仰望神，我们就有可能失去那更大的属灵福气。耶稣说我们肉体的需要是重要的，但「[我]们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给[我]们了。」〔太6:33〕

To be continued next week.
下周待续。

May we seek Him with all our heart so we may find Him.

愿我们专心寻求他，好让我们寻见他。

Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9

“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9

Eternal Flame

When I was reading the devotion from Ministry in Word yesterday I was reminded of an oil painting that God graced me with the ability to accomplish as a witness to His hearts intent.  I am loading the picture below as well as what God translated through the image and His written word. 

I am also reminded and thankful for the Ministries He has put in place to reach beyond the walls of His body.  Drawing to the Rock and Glimpse of His Glory are just two of such Ministries spilling the creativity of our God out from the hearts and minds of His people to meet unsuspecting individuals right where they are.  I know it is their and the artists hope that the individuals gazing upon these works that Christ will be seen, God will be heard and the Holy Spirit will be received.

It is not the skill of the artist that should be magnified, each work no matter how we deem the skill level is precious in His sight.  He looks at the hearts intent and uses it for His purposes, in His timing, for His will to be done.

Let us remember to encourage those doing the work for Him, not because they are perfect at it....but because they listen and obey for His Name Sake and Glory.

With the Love of our Christ I pray that today each of us take a risk, move out of our comfort zone and believe in the reality of the Lord God Almighty - otherwise the ones along our way might not see Him, turn to Him and be healed for eternity.

Kisses,
Candace

"Eternal Flame"

oil on canvas

2 Peter 3:10 (GWT)

The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed. The earth and everything that people have done on it will be exposed.

The cross is God's salvation plan for the lost.  Noone gets to the Father except through the Son.  It is through our belief in Him and acceptance of His gift that we have eternal life.  When I hear the firehouse alarms, I think about the day of the Lord and wonder if anyone else thinks about when it might be, or if they even know what we as Christians know.  I think about how God provides the perfect situations in our lives to communicate His love and His desire for us to have life in abundance.  We are called to listen, hear, and look deeper than this life and to share with the heart of our Savior. 
How tragic if all that transpires from such a calamity is the replacement of lost earthly possessions.  I pray that we all look deeper, move more swiftly and reach more passionately - all the while thanking Christ for His life.

By Candace Huffmaster ©2006 all rights reserved

Image Alone Never Becomes Likeness

Genesis 1:26 (NAS)
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

What God Made when He made man did not stop with the image. An image of something is a mere semblance it is empty except on the surface. This is what we are in our soul without the holy spirit. This is where we were when we departed from His presence. But thank God they did not stop there. He made us in their image but according to their His likeness which goes deeper than the surface it has to do with the being the same “kind”.

Let me explain it with the Law and Christ. We know that the Law is the “how to act” however on our own we cannot accomplish it for ever. Christ came to “fulfill” the law. Christ came so that the Image could be liberated by the Holy Spirit. Christ was the word of God AND the Spirit of God. He was the culmination of the two here among us. When He died He was released from the form that He took on. He was able to return to His home with our Father; at which point we were send our Helper – the Holy Spirit.

The final point that I want to clarify today is that God made us in their image according to their likeness to rule over the fish, birds, cattle and every “creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” No where did God tell us to “rule or Lord” over our fellow man….NO WHERE!

So today I am leaving us with the opening chapter of my favorite book of the bible Hebrews, remembering that God in all ways is faithful and true. I pray that you hear what the power of His word is relating and believe…then follow. His Ways are so good, and you will find rest for your soul (then your image will have his characteristics =D)

With Love,
Candace

Hebrews Chapter 1 (GWT)


In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many different times and in many different ways through the prophets. In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe. His Son is the reflection of God’s glory and the “exact likeness” of God’s being. He holds everything together through his powerful words. After he had cleansed people from their sins, he received the highest position, the one next to the Father in heaven.


The Son has become greater than the angels since he had been given a name that is superior to theirs. God never said to any of his angels, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” And God never said to any of his angels. “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” When God was about to send his firstborn Son into the world, he said, “All of God’s angels must worship him.” God said about the angels, “He makes his messengers winds. He makes his servants flames of fire.” But God said about his Son, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter in your kingdom is a scepter for justice. You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong. That is why God, your God, anointed you, rather than your companions, with the oil of joy.”


God also said, “Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth, with your own hands you made the heavens. They will come to an end, but you will live forever. They will all wear out like clothes. They will be taken off like a coat. You will change them like clothes. But you remain the same and your life will never end. But God never said to any of the angels. “Sit in the highest position in heaven until I make your enemies your footstool.”


What are all the angels? They are spirits sent to serve those who are going to receive salvation.

As I am typing this I realized something. Lucifer was an angel. He fell in love with His image. He did not desire to serve – he desires to be what He can never be. So He has come to an end, Christ made him his footstool. Remember all those angels denied their position….they are rebels misaligned with the cause….the cause is LOVE.

Here is a poem if you would like to think a bit more deeply on all this.

Imagine in His Image

Oh Father, as my body lies before you humbly, my spirit stands tall,
Facing your glory, reaching for your outstretched arms,
My soul is now free, no longer in bondage to my flesh,
I am but the wind, spreading your compassion and tenderness.
The gentle breeze that tousles the hair and kisses the cheek,
Spreading new breath of life, wooing us into your presence to partake of your grace,
No longer do we need this world... this world is in need of us.
Pour out your essence as a gentle rain, wash away the dirt of our lives.
Free our souls so that we may fly home on your wings,
Though our paths may be dark we need only your light,
We need not know the road for you are our path.
Release my mind, oh my flesh, your thoughts are in vain.
My father created you and needs this space,
Be the vessel you were created to be, holy, lovely and pure,
Capture the light and radiate His glory,
My face will shine, my breath will teach,
And together we will come home.
To our father be the glory and us the image... as He created us to be.

By Candace Huffmaster © final draft 2008

"Above All Else"

Today all we are going to look at is the Hebrew definitions of our translated words within Genesis 1:20. We will need to understand these as we move forward with our study. I utilize Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance for the Hebrew definitions.

Genesis 1:20 (NAS)



Then God said, "Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens."

1. Waters is Mahyim same as waters the first of Genesis - water, waters, water of the feet, urine. Of Danger, violence, transitory things, refreshment.

2. teem is Sharats – meaning (Qal) to teem, swarm, multiply. To swarm.

3. Swarms is a derivative of sharats – it is Sherets meaning teeming or swarming things, creepers, swarmers - of insects, animals, small reptiles, quadrupeds.

4. Living is Chay meaning living, alive (green/ of vegetation, flowing fresh / of water, lively, active (of man) reviving (of springtime) it means relatives. Life (abstract emphatic sustenance, maintenance. Living thing, animal: life, appetite, revival, renewal. It means community.

5. Creatures is Nephesh meaning soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion. That which breathes – the breathing substance or being. The inner being of man or the soul. The living being as in the life in the blood. The activity of the mind – seat of emotions, passions and activity of the will, activity of the character are all seated here. Dubious.

6. birds is owph meaning flying creatures, fowl, winged insects, birds

7. Fly is uwph meaning to fly, hover, fly about or fly away. It also means to cause to fly or light upon and it can mean to fly to and fro. It has a (Qal) meaning: to cover, be dark, gloom.

8. Above is al this preposition has quiet an amazing depth for such a small word: upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against. It means because of, for the sake of, with, for, in spit of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of. It show above, beyond and over in excess (example in abundance to the full till it overflows). It shows pre-eminence of elevation (example not to lean on our own understanding – his thoughts are “higher than our thoughts). It also show multiplicity of addition – in addition to, together with, upon, unto (examples of where God adds to our ordinary to complete us) which is a deeper meaning of being over as in an extension or suspension. It means by adjoining, around next to in proximity (of contiguity) It also is a verb of motion: down upon, on, from, up to, towards, against. (examples God is for us not against us. Who ever is not against God is for Him). It is also a conjunction (conjunction junction what’s your function) to (as a dative?) because, notwithstanding and although.

9. Earth is same as earlier verses (erets) look back for definition.
10. open is paniym meaning face or faces, presence, person, face of: seraphim or cherubim, animals, surface of ground. It is also used as an adverb to describe location examples are before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime as a preposition as well examples of each are: as Christ goes before all thing, God is omnipresent; we are to go before Christ, others before us. As a preposition it means in front, in the face of the enemy, Christ was with God from the beginning. Before there was, there was God.
11. Expanse is raqiya same definition as firmament – look back in notes.
12. Heavens is shawmayhim – interesting that it has the Hebrew work mayhim (we derive waters) as part of it. It is derived from an unused Hebrew word eym meaning lofty. Defined it means: heaven, heavens, sky or visible heavens, as an abode of the stars, as the visible universe or atmosphere, the abode of God.

Read the poem I sent last night. Think about these definitions as you are doing so. Take some time to write about what you are thinking for us to share together Friday.

I leave of with these two verse to ponder:

Proverbs 20:5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.


Proverbs 27:19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man.


Ecclesiasties 3:11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.


1 Peter 1:12 God revealed to the prophets that the things they had spoken were not for their own benefit but for yours. What the prophets had spoken, the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven, has now made known to you by those who spread the Good News among you. These are things that even the angels want to look into.

I pray that we understand this day what God means when He promised us that the spirit searches all things even the depths of God. I pray that we: look toward the heavens each moment giving praise, that we keep our face set as flint and our eyes set on the things of His Kingdom, that we think on things that are holy, lovely and pure with the a devotion toward all that He is. Remember that the Holy Spirit has made all things known to you so guard your heart above all else, because out of it flows the issues of life. Be well today, because you can be!

With Love to you all...in Christ;
Candace

Welcome...We are Very Glad to be With You.

Last night was amazing to me. God woos me along this journey in such mighty ways. I appreciate each of you. This morning I was starting my day as much like every other morning of what I have come to understand as “my life”, opening myself up to discuss yesterdays and seek God’s direction.

To My Fellow Sojourner,

As I sit here looking back at where I started, not so much the very beginning but the day I first looked at myself in that rear view mirror, trying so desperately to see my way clearly. I’ve walked across the miles: seen the smiles, the turned backs, the arms that would not embrace as well as the ones that opened wide telling me to trust them and give as they themselves were hiding behind a facade. I’ve felt and remembered the pain; pain I had never imagined and bondage no one can escape on their own.
I have read many travelers’ experiences and opinions on “how to” however the same thread runs through each of our tales. Today is only a point in time and all time has been closed. It is now about fulfillment of the days.

Everyone’s journey is as unique as they are. No one can tell you “how to” journey your path except the creator of your path. Many times we are looking to the creature, instead of the creator. The creature is to aid, not to answer. As I heard Him whisper one day, “the answer is the sojourning, the question an endless plight; be still and know that I am God and I love you, deeply, honestly, passionately so that you will know freedom and can love freely just as I would …..for me; always… in all ways.

These are precious moments I’ve lived, the good, the bad, and the ugly, (Clint Eastwood days), some turbulent times, some peaceful times and some exuberant times. I am not a writer as I have previously said; I am just another sojourner on a quest. I am putting all this out here, because He asks us to be real and to share. I know He will find the success He desires to reach whoever wants to know Him. If it is only one person, I am happy to know He has reached you, and that we share this experience together throughout eternity.

Whoever you are talk, sing, share and love… not because you’re perfect at it but because you can—for Him.

With love and kisses,
Candace

Today, I praise Him, I give Him thanks. There are just around 100 of us now. This does not include the wonderful people involved in the intercessory area, between 15 and 20. There are now individuals set to train as well as be trained for outreach. Some days it is very overwhelming for me to grasp the ways God has propelled and orchestrated his love for each of us to know He is Real.

This is what He wants us to understand:

My arm is what reaches through the chaos to show them the truly beautiful pathways to life. When they stand at the wayside and wait, I WILL be there, I AM always there, they simply lean on their own understanding (knowledge, sight, emotions and theories) to struggle their way along. I know not to lead them onto that path, the evil is waiting, crouching around every corner to head them back to his pit. I want them to be in peace so that they will change their mind and get away from what is waging war with fullness of life. I AM.. tell them that. I AM here, I AM an ever ready help in their time of trouble. All they have to do is believe it. I Will do the rest. I Will supply the vision, I Will supply the strength, I Will cover them with My Glory and They Will succeed.

I pray that the sacrifices that are made are glorifying to Him. This is what He has desired a relationship, a body to call His own. this is a fragrant aroma in His sight.
Look in the archives to go further. Topic: moments, journey, sight

Enjoy THIS day that the Lord "has made" - Just as He has Made YOU....and He calls you "beautiful".

What could be MORE beautiful than that?
Kisses,
C

At the Core of the Crowd

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Matthew 16:13

If Jesus were to walk into your town today, I wonder what kind of people He would attract. If you were like the rest of us, you’d probably expect all the well-put-together churchgoers to show up and occupy the front row seats. But you just might be surprised.

In Luke 15, it wasn’t the good folk who crowded around Jesus; it was the tax collectors and “sinners.” These were the ones who lived in blatant disregard for the law—the problem people in town! Which makes me wonder, what is it about Jesus that attracted them? And why were the “good folk” standing at the fringe of the crowd? Because they were ticked at sinners to begin with and mad at Jesus for hanging out with such unworthy people!

Thankfully, Jesus puts things into perspective for them—and for us—with a few lessons about why He hangs out with sinners, by telling the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

The point Jesus makes is that sinners have great value to God. Why else would the shepherd go after one lost sheep, or the woman conduct a diligent search for her coin? They had suffered significant loss—a loss like God suffered when sin took people, His prized possession, away from Him.

And, to make matters worse, sinners are hopelessly lost. Sheep can’t help themselves when lost, and obviously when a coin is lost, it remains lost until someone finds it. Which means there must be intentional intervention to rescue the lost. That’s why Jesus said that He came “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Obviously the grumblers on the fringe didn’t get it, but it was Jesus’ love and pursuit of sinners that drew their hearts to Him.

Got any “sinners” near you? Are you feeling a little standoffish and grumpy about them, or are you compelled to love them by launching a rescue operation of your own? After all, I bet you’re glad He went after you—as hopelessly lost and hell-bound as you were. So take a moment to remember what it was like to be lost, and do what you can to attract others to the joy of being found. You can’t go wrong when you’re at the core of the crowd. See you there!

Lord Jesus, I want to be at the core of the crowd. Forgive me for attitudes that counteract Your abundant mercy for the lost, and enable me to be Your hands and feet to reach out to those who desperately need to be found. Amen
by Joe Stowell