Don’t Forget to Take Caution When Stepping Passionately

Together, we have stopped to go Deeply into our lives. We have looked Honestly through the pieces which amassed our moments traveled. And now, we are going to Passionately search the truest view points and directives for emerging into a beautiful new life beyond chaotic mind sets which hinder our freedom.
Think about these things:
When we only look deeply at life, we become consumed with the depths and weight of life. Life can become heavy and constricted without balance.
When our eyes roam constantly for honesty, our view point can become critical toward our self and others. We must look deeply at our motives before we hold another up to our understanding.
When we are presumptuous and immature we may passionately do many things, however our immaturity or lack of understanding can get in the way of God’s best for our self and others in need.
When we speak the truth, if we are not grounded in God’s love, leaning on His understanding they will not know the essence of life which His liberty brings.
I am passionately looking forward to all we will be studying for the next few months.
With Love,
Candace

©Candace Huffmaster, 2007 All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Who Are You Laying Down For?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, ant those who lose their life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?  Or what will they give in return for their life? Matthew 16:24-27

Most of us do want to believe we really do follow Christ – at least o the important stuff. But a true relationship with the Lord, begins with a cry for help – the realization that we have nothing to save us from ourselves, the world etc.  Unless we allow Christ to step in and teach us how to do life leaning on Him to complete us, we will be limited to what we are able to make out this life.  Through Him we learn courage and mastery of fear.  Only then can we be true God raised apostles to the Christ who goes before us.

So let me ask these questions for us to think about:

Are you laying your life down?

If so, for who’s sake?

You can lay your life down for many things, people even yourself.  If it isn’t for Christ’s sake you will still lose your life but have nothing gained.  At least selfish people will have had selfish gain by not laying down their life for anyone or Christ.  But all those things are fleeting and end in dust.

Peter did not understand Christ laying his “self” down for selfless reasons.  Christ used some of the harshest words recorded when He calls Peter “Satan” because He was tempting Him to take the easy way out and rise to glory.  Our soul is lured to deflect us from the path God has set before us.  It says “come on – take the easy way out”, “give in to selfish desires for security and glory”.  Know this dying to self is an ignoble death and only through Christ himself empowered by the Holy Spirit can we also tell Satan to get behind us as a witness to the Lord God Almighty’s rightful position as Victor over all.

I ask that each of you pray for insight, wisdom and discernment in all these areas.  I pray that the Holy Spirit enliven you to see as you hear Christ Himself teach you as His very own disciple.

In the name of Christ, within His very heart – I believe

Kisses

Candace

©Candace Huffmaster, 2011 All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

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™

“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™

Ever Hooked Yourself When Fishing?

However, I'm afraid that as the snake deceived Eve by its tricks, so your minds may somehow be lured away from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

I must apologize for the long pause.  But I guess it took 7 days for me to grasp the depths of the topic we are Honestly venturing into.  We last discussed how our soul lures us away and yet we must not allow ourselves the luxury of choosing to be naïve.  Knowing that guilt and condemnation have no place in our relationship with God through Christ, we have the advantage of holding our soul accountable while casting down it’s false, vain perceptions.  There is such a vast array of wisdom written for us on the topic of self deception, vain wisdom, and lethargic learning.  It is my opinion that learning through others flailing, falling or flying is what makes it real – not theology.  Not that we don’t need both; otherwise we would simply be foolish leaders luring others into harm’s way. 

Today we are going to glean understanding as we compare some pieces of Peter and Isaiah’s journeys.  Both of these men LOVE, LOVE, LOVED God – but Peter had the wonderful experience of actually being able to walk alongside Jesus Christ.  WOW….my heart leaps when I ponder what those experiences must have been like; but also, how devastating it must have been to Peter when he followed the lures his mind casted at times.  Talk about an abrupt HIGH / low experience!

To review:  Perceive means to be aware or discern while Deceived means cheated or mislead.  The common denominators are these two are: information, decision and right of free will.  Holding this variable equation together is our one and only ultimate constant; God’s purpose and personality are at the helm of the universe, not randomness. 

We stopped last with Peter wanting to go “right now” with Christ.  Can you imagine the fear that must have been luring him as he thought about Christ leaving him to go it alone?  Not to mention that Christ validates Peters fear by telling him (my paraphrase) Hey Pete, I know you THINK you would do anything, but I will let you SEE how unrealistic you are about the depth of your devotion to me.  I won’t even be far out of your view and you won’t be able to stand the pressure, much less let me REALLY be gone.  I thank God that we have these true tales to walk through, or else I would feel like an utter failure at times.

Now let’s look at a few moments in the life of Isaiah: chapter 6: 8-13  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and whom will go for Us?  Then I said “HERE I AM…send ME!”  and He said Go and tell this people: keep listening but do not perceive, keep on looking, but do not understand, render the hearts of this people insensitive their ears dull and their eyes dim; lest they see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and return and be healed.  Then I said “How Long?” and HE answered.

Do you hear any insecurity or second guessing in Isaiah?  I heard passion for supporting THEIR cause and a perseverance to WAIT on God’s direction. 

Today I want you to think about the contrast of each individual’s purpose, personality and continence. Consider these thoughts:

Could it have been a hindrance to Peter’s faith maturing because Christ was in His presence?

Could Isaiah have been at an advantage to step up because he had not been walking alongside Christ therefore alleviating self defeating thoughts of comparison?

It is my prayer for us today that in all ways we receive the good which God extends to each of us as we strive to bring honor to Him, glory to His son and unite in His spirit to testify the might of His ways.  I pray we are faithful and that we will not shrink back, but lean in and be girded up to be one with His patience.  May we be strength to those whose faith is not as strong, may we lay ourselves aside and be concerned with our neighbors and the good things that will build their faith.  May we be like Christ who did not think only of himself but allowed the insults of others to fall into the hands of God’s mercy and grace.  May we learn from those that witnessed before us so that we could perceive their endurance and find encouragement to continue to stand.  And lastly, I pray that it is God’s good pleasure to give us all this same endurance and encouragement so that we may live in harmony with each other as we unite to live out the fulfillment of all things to the maturity of Christ.

With Love,

Candace 

©Candace Huffmaster, 2011 All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly Inc™

But I want to go NOW!

Simon Peter said to Him "Lord where are you going?  Jesus answered "Where I go you cannot follow me Now; but you shall follow me later.  Peter said to Him " Lord why can I not follow you right now?"  "I will lay down my life for you."  John 13:36 -38

I assume, due to the large amount of errors in my posting, that everyone knows much of what I load here is like a puzzle.  We go forward and backward while adding precious new pieces each week.  Much like Peter we "think" we've got the bull by the horns, but then we realize we are merely hanging on for dear life :).

Today we are starting off with my perplexity as I was attempting to converse with God today.  He tied so many things together very nicely for me - He's so good like that! 

The opening of my journal was much like other days: December 6, 2011 under which I wrote Hi Dad. It was at that moment that all these thoughts came storming at me and I had no clarity what so ever.  I said to myself, don't you take him seriously?  He is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and you think you can just say "HI Dad?". 

I immediately tried to blow it off and wrote: I AM.  there is a dash and I wrote through Christ, in unity I come - but then I just laid my pen down and stopped.  I picked it back up out of frustration and wrote "that sounds so "theological" DAD.  We are one just as you and Christ were before creation - now so are we.  We are spread as a covering knit together with your Holy Spirit.  Sanctified so that I may participate in your body, you are constantly refining my mind, abilities and skill.  You draw me in from the outer banks, set me upon your river to cast the deepest of your ways out from my body - from the riches you have placed within me, to lure those in need into your protection, wisdom and guidance.

You desire me to release the past in order to participate in "the moment".  I See - deception is trying to lure me to drop my participation by diverting my attention upon those things.  We cannot save souls if we are easily distracted - wait, that is disjointed, we do not save souls.  We participate in YOUR rescue mission.

If we are off center our lure will be moving them toward what WE are moving toward and they will be following us into a mighty snare.  GOT IT!

Today driving home I was thinking about how we strive to know with a desire to understand which stems from our intent to know YOU better.  But somehow you get left out except to "pick" your brain.

Are we truly THAT selfish Dad?  I desire to "want" to abide with you, in you and you in me in all ways.  You went on to tell me that we do not need to know beyond the abiding we are simply to move as you move - listen in all ways to what you are thinking so you perceive their thoughts and ways.  Looking ahead for the most omnipresent purposeful directive for their good.  You see through it God we must see it through in order to SEE what you saw!  Which made me remember what you taught me about experiential knowledge being valued far beyond a well laid plan. 

You went on to explain how we hear you then we want to understand so we seek answers, wisdom, you word.  We pray for wisdom and discernment because you instruct us to do so.  We love you and we desire to please you, but even in this we must check the lure of our soul.

So I asked myself, "Oh soul, WHY do you strive to please God?"  "What do you INTEND to gain?"  Scary thing is I could feel my soul sink in shame as it licked it's lips thinking about knowing things so it could find liberty from vulnerable moments of helplessness.  But quickly my spirit said come on over and let's do this together.  Don't run away, I know your thoughts, fears, pain and deep sorrows.  Trust me it's so much better if you relax and enjoy just where you are, doing and learning as you perceive what the Lord has in store for this day:

         No more darkness, No more pain, No more sorrow to fill this space. For now we are on this battlefield, but this day will not forever stand.  We charge against the enemies by seeing through their lies.  Our eyes do not perceive all ways, so we must lay down to His.  We cannot walk up to the mountain top and stand to fight here today.  So trust His loving guidance. He will not withhold one vital thing - but He will avert the wise. 

Take a deep breath; let's lock our hands; together we'll form a band.  Encircled we're bound, the victory for them; for He is so mighty and strong.  Stay in the light for here there is hope nothing shall be lost by His hand.  Although the winds blow - His word calms the storm so open your mouth send His voice. 

Today they will hear - Today they will perceive and give glory for the sight they receive.

This is my prayer for us all today to pause and check our soul's intent and for the spirit of God to search the depths of all things in all ways here on earth today.  Find comfort in this, peace and joy because He offers it.

In Christ - Forever Bound,
Kisses,
C

Tomorrows topic Peter, Preserves and Isaiah - till then!

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 ®

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©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copy Rights Reserved

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Quitters Do Not Get the Best....the One Behind Them Does

.....once you have overcome ALL obstacles, you will be ABLE to stand YOUR ground.  So then, TAKE YOUR STAND!  /Ephesians 6: b13, 14

We must honestly look at WHY we do not receive the best thing.  Not that what we choose to take is unacceptable; it is simply a lesser thing.  The ONLY reason is we chose to give up or gave it over to something / someone else.  This is what Ephesians 6 is speaking of:

This is not a wresting match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern the world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.  For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies.  Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days.  Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.  So then take your stand!  Fasten truth around your waist like a belt.  Put on God's approval as your breastplate.  Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace.  In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield.  With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies.

People are given choices and free will can change the course of their and others lives.  Usually an impulsive blurted out decision has no wisdom involved only emotions.  Usually selfish, impulsive, hurt angry emotions.  Life is not always fun.  Life is not always easy.  But God IS always merciful, gracious and just. 

God does not want His children to be immature spoiled selfish brats any more than we human parents do.  So having us face the painful consequences of our growth process is something He allows us, as well as those our impulsivity affects, to suffer through.  His hope is that if we keep going and alienating others we will have no where to turn to except His loving arms.  So let me ask, do you stop people from feeling healthy pain.  If so please try to refrain from stopping God's child from developing at the rate He desires.  Then maybe.....just maybe they will get a belly full and make some healthy choices. 

There is also the problem for the quitter, who in frustration backs their self into a corner with an empty threat.  What then?  If they cannot provoke the response they are prodding for, their pride forces them to BE a quitter.  If the person has any maturity about them what-so-ever, they will do the difficult thing - drop their ugly pride and NOT fulfill their mistaken decision.  However, if the other parties are respecters of free will, no matter what they feel they will not take that persons choice from them.  Which means the other person is forced to abandon pride replacing it with humility in order to restore the relationship.  This is what God desires.  God is a respecter of Free Will which is why we must come to Him.  He already said He loves us unconditionally and the relationship is available even desired. Out of a deep committed love and respect He conditions us. God NEVER wants us to quit just because it's tough. 

Quiting seems like the easy road in the heat of the moment.  However all the road signs are constantly in our face: coward, self loathing, jealousy, coulda- shoulda- woulda till you hit the dead end. This is why God tests us before He places the "precious" into our hands.  Will He find us faithful?

Before you totally trash something you've invested thought effort, time and your heart into......pause..
That is what God did He promises not to trash you, me or anyone else.  He said He will not cut out time short and He will continue to be faithful to us as we Trip, Flail, Fall and Fly.

So Today, give it another shot - all's not lost! Don't be a quitter - be one that when you've done all to stand...STAND and fight the good fight - In Jesus Christ.

Kisses
Candace

Women, A Woman, A Wife, One

I hope that this finds each of you well rested from the throw downs.  Who won you or the turkeys?  It wasn't much of a contest for me; the turkey was obviously the better athlete =D

This week we are pulling any loose strings hanging around our Deeply and Honestly series.  Look back through these and scan them for a review if needed.  You may also go the archives and type in any topic for all articles:

Could You Please Simply Sit Still?
How Can I Hold Something I Can't See?
Image Alone Never Becomes Likeness
Honor; What's that Really Look Like?
Why Am I Not Enough For You?

Women, A Woman, A Wife......One

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; unity. 

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:

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 give "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 else's 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

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Honor, What's That REALLY Look Like?

John 19:11
Jesus said, "You haven't a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That's why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault."

During all the Honestly Series we are looking at our own agenda, commitments, countenance and honor. 

These links will refresh your memory on a few topics if needed.  If you have not been with us for everything then by reading the information in the links this will be kept in the correct context.

Could You Please Just Sit Still

The Tear

As I was studying further on these topics I started thinking about "honoring our commitments".  This lead me to think about being betrothed - which is promised.  Betray or betrayal is breaking faith with the one you have made a promise.  We spoke last week about validity of covenants / commitments. 

Today I would like to add the following thoughts to all this:

God is faithful, that is never a question.  We however, betray Him.  Just as Judas betrayed Christ, however we also have a promise from Him that He will not renegue on His faithfulness - NO MATTER HOW WE ACT!  You see it isn't about feelings - people being NICE to us.  It's about HONOR, INTEGRITY, Countenance.  As God stated to Cain, "Why is your countenance down?"  He had been dishonest, betrayed God (not to mention Abel!) so he couldn't stand upright. 

We spoke about marriage, commitment: till death do you part.  A commitments isn't honored if you don't keep it to the end of your life.  Even if you keep it for 30 years!  If you live 40 you still failed to keep your word.  Don't let me offend you here - after all I have a divorce under my belt too - stick with me here.

A man (or woman) is only as good as their word.  That is why we are supposed to count the cost before we enter in to a commitment or covenant (business, friend, marriage).  If you give your word - honor it.  Feelings are a mute point.  Feelings change, your word is not supposed to!  That is part of the problem with our society (in my opinion).  However, God tells us in the bible that if the unbelieving person we make agreement with wants to break faith - then we are to allow them to go. But that doesn't mean you can stick around and provoke them to leave either.  Work hard to be a loyal, faithful person.  The only reason they are supposed to break a commitment is due to you being unfit or they do not desire to live a holy, lovely, pure life style.  So be ABOVE reproach - always.  Do not try to spot them, be glad that the you learned a lesson and pray for their soul, because God is grieving their choice - it hurts Christ more than it hurts us.  After all we didn't die for them did we?  If allowed we are supposed to be showing them how to be different from this world and leading them toward Christ.

 If we, being covenant people, can't honor our commitments then there is no longer any hope left.  So SERIOUSLY, let's all stop being so short sited and selfish..  We need to mature and get on with it already!

Just thought that today with all the family and friends around we might need a stern reality check.  Our skin gets a bit thin around family.  Our buttons get easily pushed and we forget to laugh, love and lift our voices in gratitude that we HAVE family around us.

With love and a kiss,
Candace

Just Breath.....

We have been discussing many deep, honest thoughts.  This is an exerpt from Beautiful Mystery.  Just sit with it and breath today.  Just Breath.........and breath.......just breath.......

With Love,
Candace

Beautiful Mystery

Depth is like water: mysteries unknown,
Except to our Father whom created ebb and flow
Beauty is a mystery; it dwells in the mind;
And you all were created, within His divine
Seeing is mere sight: pleasures of the flesh;
A touch ignites feelings; the heat could consume
When emotions are pure the heart etches love
That my dear is beauty, so let us unfold

Waves are like thoughts; they rise from the deep,
The heart of the pull gives essence a seat
Layer upon layer, they wash and return,
Ambivalent emotions will crash all upon the shore
Positive - negative all lie within,
Power unyielding increases till released,
Gaining momentum which give rise to the wake
Lifting or hurling, only the depth knows,
We get the experience, when we let it all go
Smell is induction, which grabs at your mind,
Flowers and sweetness, purity and just
Or shameful and putrid, smelling foul to the nose,
Flaring the nostrils to expel such a stench,
Destroying all beauty and causes its descent.

God is so gracious, so eloquent in all;
His sounds transcend logic, compos lyrics at will,
Each one a memory that captures you….still

Still is where He needs us, so we may hear all
His essence, His sound waves; their explosion into space
Our minds are inadequate to originate such depth,
When listening we gain knowledge;
His thoughts move our world.......
Without Him we're inanimate; or did you not know?
Mere lifeless particles without His flow.
Think of the deep, the wave and the wake……
Think of creation: motion and form…….
The death, the resurrection: new life - same space...

Air is in everything; God breath to form,
When His breath is depleted, it surges back home
Who then has the right, to take breath away?
To suffocate the living; the making of Gods hand
If water can kill you, take your breath away….
Remove yourself from turbulence, before it overtakes

Remember your creation, the miracle of life:
Breath taken, life given: The breath of true lifeHow mighty that miracle: the very first breath;
Starting your journey of all ebb and flow,
Your time and tide written..... so very long ago.

To my Father, my Creator, I lift up my wind,
To flutter His knowledge; give depth to His breath
In all ways relinquishing might,  so that I might gain strength,
To rise within His waves of True Beauty through His grace.

~Candace Huffmaster

©2011 Edited, Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved
© 2007 Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc

Extending, Taking, Receiving or Theft

Our conversations were wonderful yesterday - I thank each of you for freely speaking from your hearts.  It is always amazing to converse with each of you; collectively or one on one.  When KB was still a thought in progress I knew our purpose was this (from original scribble mind you):

We go through life and hardly even consider our purpose or the reasoning behind why a God so powerful would have even desired to create us.   He has things to tell us, teach us, reasons for us to survive and thrive. He desires for us to grow, share, experience, love, laugh, cry and realize we are but a community to help, love, encourage and teach, not condemn and judge setting our own expectations, accountability, guilt, shame and burden.  This is why I and my fellow sojourners are striving to achieve a beautiful community with higher levels of thinking, supporting each other with higher understanding of what it looks like to care beyond yourself and be part of something bigger than your "self".

 

That, my dear friends is what we consider……true beauty. We believe this is something for us all to feel truly passionate about.

We have spoken about receiving the peace God offers us through Christ, receiving salvation, extending peace and giving into the lives of others.  We have also spoken about how others give with ulterior motives, and satan comes to kill steal and destroy.  We have also examined what God states about "asking".  Now we are entering into some conversations and studies on "Taking".  What are we supposed to take? 

For today, read the information below.  The art was a piece for an exhibit last Thanksgiving.  The prose I pray will help your heart, mind, soul and spirit prepare for some of the topics we will discuss Honestly.

My prayers are for your peace, wisdom, discernment and walk to witness for His name sake and glory.

With Love,

Candace

 

Perfected in Unity

   Mixed Media

Candace Huffmaster

 

When thinking about “the gift” it was extremely difficult for me to perfectly exemplify the topic.  There are so many things both real and intangible that drew my focus.  But over the course of a month while studying scriptures there became only one thing that was “the perfect gift” in my opinion and that is the perfect love of God.

Christ died for this love, we are received back because of this love and 1 John 4:12 states that if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us.  When I think of every good and perfect gift, I have to know that it begins and ends with the hand of God; or as James 1:17 states “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

I pray we all receive His love, His gift and be all that He desired us to be.

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Take up your Cross

Here sitting, I’m uneasy; but where on earth do I go?

Looking in, to look out; beyond myself I must see

Don’t dare stop, or give up pace; step by step, you must move 

Search my will, by taking risks; discern, the word is with you.

Crossing over, takes strength; from above, you will succeed

 Moving mountains, is not your chore; simply ask, and then receive.

 

When your muscles, feel rest is needed, downhill, I give you speed

Trust, in my ability; let go, move like the wind

Without effort, buildings tumble, and ruble is blown from view

Yet in that wind, flowers are tickled; their sweet laughter, a song in the breeze.

 

Through obedience, my love rises

Lifting my children, through every hard time. 

I love you all, so dearly; please share of my grace

Then mountains become ocean, of pleasure not pain

What is life, if not sharing; and breath, if not blown

With love, go ye gently; help me rescue, their weary soul

I teach all, who will listen; to partake, of my grace

So that when all is over, together we will claim

 “My God, you are amazing!” not “How, did I not see?”

All sin, can be forgotten; in peace, we must all be

My Jesus, sweet Jesus, I thank you for all

Cross carried, pain taken; so we would not fall

 “Walk swiftly”, you beseech me; oh please, let me run

Toward you, till I reach you, no burden is too strong

This world will not weight me, if I give all away

Riches, to the earthly; so they, might see gain 

My troubles, I gladly, lay at your feet

Replaced with, your abundance, so all may be fed

Please show me, where the need is, so all may have life

Not of things, which will perish, but of walls without bounds

Not separation, but protection; to loved ones in need

Encouragement and mercy, a hand up to breath

You saved me; I see that, and the road which lies ahead

Your face, is so lovely; I see you so clear 

Your eyes are like rivers, flowing waters, with no end

You rest now; I will paddle and accomplish your work

Your job now, is finished; in agreement I am

Spreading the mission, to others, just as you said

Not my voice, but yours, in the ear of the world

Your sweet words, just melts them; I stand in awe

Pride in your accomplishment, no matter the job

You knew how you would use me, which still makes me laugh,

 all that kicking and fighting, like I knew what’s best.

All days are so peaceful, when I rest in your will,

how fulfilling is my purpose, serving you does not fail.

How far, was the question, must I go on this road?

 How long will it take me, quickest route I must know?

Now realizing the journey is about travel; not speed

and the stranded you are passing, or the hiker in need.

Moving in your provision, even here as I sit

 through this world I travel, with all my needs met.

©2007 Candace Huffmaster

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

With gratitude for our editor’s  excellent efforts, Jimmy Crain.

As His Child, I Believe

We’ll guys, here you have it: This is the official name of the book as well as what the archive will be titled for these segments. Below is a simple excerpt from one of the pages ( the final edits are not back yet so bear with me).

As His Child, I Believe

Good morning Dad………………

I love you so very much ~

Even this is hard to explain ~

In each pixel I exist to give thanks.....

Lead me through those things you foresaw;

Show me your everlasting view;

 The ancient of days is my choice;
My desire is to follow and see ~

To know, understand and to do ~

Not hear simple words then perceive.

Above, my heart searches the heights,

My mind searched the depths here below;

Without you these two worlds cannot merge,

For their connection is secured by your hand.

Please find my name; remember me ~

Through Christ I AM Holy and Pure;

May your search find me just as I AM ~

His Righteousness, His feet, at your side.

I ask for the sake of my life,

Also those who might follow by sight,

Not to perish in what I understand.

Through Christ, through the Spirit – Speak,

To my body, mind, soul very weak,

Till your kingdom, in fullness, I reach;

Be Lovely - because that you are;

Be Holy for them to perceive;

Be Righteous in the formation you create,

Living out the remainder of our days.

Teach me, as your child,  to grow;

Protect me – you do that I know!

Release me, yet never let me go ~

One moment, one step on my own.

Belief, trust and faith hold me tight;

My desire for you wakes my soul ~

Your Beauty encompasses my way ~

Every moment, every thought, every day.

Oh, for the joy my heart leaps ~

The memories of what my mind sees:

The future as real the past ~

In pictures - like family photographs ~

We’re all there and some I don’t know ~

But my face they recall as their own ~

Deep comfort, honest pleasure, passionate peace ~

to BE where I fit; in my place!

So today, though I know not how long,

I will cherish all your memories and thoughts;

For in you I have a hope that is real,

Beyond illusions so grand and tall.

Thank you my Lord and my King ~

My mighty strong tower where I see ~

The horizon on which you will come ~

To receive us: your most precious things.

“Selah”

Kisses ~ C

©2007, Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly™