People, Circumstances, Logic and Peace

When we truly believe and have faith in the promise of our eternity being clutched in the strong, righteous, loving, just and faithful Lord God Almighty will we really live in peace, no matter what is imploring us to release it? 

 Obviously, we would like there to be an easy yes or no answer.  However, there is a tremendous journey, across treacherous terrine, to discover our individual final answer. Do you think the answer is more fluid than constant?  We desire our peace to be this steady, however peace is only as stable as whatever secures it.  If we have peace of this world, it is dependent upon us, and all various people and circumstances. If it is the peace of God, He secures us.  Our ability to trust and stand firm is secured to what we know, believe and trust. And yet we're told to live by faith not by sight. If all I have securing my peace is what I see, hear, feel around me, I would be overwhelmed when feeling pressures, difficulties, hardships, or pain. In these same type moments, when I begin with God's truth and my faith, my viewpoint begins with hope and connectivity.  

 What about when things are begging you to let go of peace and God feels as though He's left the building, or planet?  That feeling of having no space, yet too much space between me and God. n times such as these, I think about how long ago in the distant past God created life. And from where I am, in that moment, eternity with Him seems like a fairy tale.  Yet here I am!  And I know He is real, as real as what I am feeling in the present. Then I picture a bridge coming up to me from creation and one out from me leading toward tomorrow. It is here where I feel so small and God feels so BIG! 

 If I think about the words of Christ, He promised that His kingdom was at hand.  God's word tells us Christ left the world in order that we could have His eternal Spirit present within us, right here.  2 Corinthians 5:5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose gave to us the Spirit as a pledge".  So, we believe He is not far away out there somewhere. For the beliefs, we have to become faith, we need to have experiences. And when we experience that His truth is real it becomes trust. It is this trust we’re building that bridges us to Him and other believers. 

 Maybe rather than seeking black and white answers, we view these matters as our preparation. It is my hope that we enter each experience believing the Spirit is within us as God pledged and trust in His purposes for whatever is happening. 

 Another creative thought I have, which probably isn't theological, which gives me peace, is thinking of God outside of linear time. Then picturing Him gazing upon all our fluid pieces as if watching the shifting shapes within a kaleidoscope. I instantly become more relaxed and less focused on the troubles. When He is in my thoughts, His peace is allowed to secure me.  

Moving With the Spirit within us takes His power, not ours.  And knowing, or believing, that truth is not the same as abiding in the Spirit.  Yet, God see's us, understands our struggles and loves us in all the same.  

 I am so grateful for His mercy and grace to continue homeward.

 Read 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5. Share your thoughts with us all, please.

In Christ,

Candace 

Discipline and Button Pushers

It had been my opinion that some people have been gifted to write, and the rest of us are gifted to read and enjoy their gifts. There are also those who have ideas with desire to write and just keep honing their skills.   However, as gifted as some may be, without discipline, writing usually will not not get done. It is my opinion that I fall into the later category and I have allowed the discipline for developing this skill to be replaced by other priorities. Thank you for your grace as I attempt to get going again.

As I pondered these thoughts regarding the written word, thoughts expanded into the words we speak.  We do not have to be gifted speakers to talk; however, to do it well takes effort. To speaking the truth in love might be the hardest discipline for most of us.

An individual could be the wisest, most knowledgeable person around. However, if they are attempting to connect with others they must develop some relational skills to accompany knowledge.  The bible calls this discipline “speaking the truth in love”.  This means we must exercise discernment, empathy, humility, kindness and be peaceable in the character of the Lord God who IS Love.

Of course this can only apply to the children of God, because apart from God, though He loves us, His love is not within us.  Also, without God we do not have His peace, nor the help of His Spirit within us to depend upon.  It is no wonder there are such relational problems and devastation going on around us.  And this is what led me to thinking about how we speak / relate to each other and it being the hardest discipline – in my opinion.

Think about the difference between worldly self-control (controlling ourselves and others to get our desired outcome) and the fruit of the Spirit self-control (controlling ourselves, being obedient to His Ways, through dependency on God and faith in His will for us all). If we join in the work the Father is doing within us, through His Spirit, instead of grieving the Spirit, everyone around us is touched by His power.  No doubt, this is the reason we are constantly being challenged in this area; as well as being the challenger at times. How often are we tempted to do the fleshly / emotional thing, throwing love and, dare I say, even total truth out the window.

We know that God does not spin out of control, nor is He caught off guard.  Instead He uses what is “intended” for evil, for good. God uses opportunities such as these to test us, grow us and if we persevere, as James says, we will be more mature. The end result will be the growth of the fruit of the Spirit to the Glory of God – these thoughts fills me with great joy; how about you?

All this being said, it is not easy to pause when being emotionally challenged; becoming passive is not the goal either. We should aspire to be active in prayer – asking God to work in the silence, the space between and within us and others.  When we do speak, that it is beneficial (truth without drama), and it is His character which carries the truth into the presence of others.  

Beyond these moments we must keep our peace and leave matters between others and their m/Master. Trust that God is so much larger and present than the temporary afflictions we face.  While some problems are truly enormous that we are going through, most of the problems pressing our buttons are the small things; the things we choose not to navigate with an attitude of forgiveness – even if we cannot be in a fruitful relationship with the person (we will dive into this on another day). God is not allowing others to be in control of His will; we should not either.  We can be a child of God with the character of God, no matter who is pushing our buttons.

So today, it is my prayer for us all, that when pressed - we will allow their pressure to be a release button and begin to live liberated in Christ Jesus, our Lord – To Him be all the Glory now and forevermore.

Kisses,

Candace

Scriptures to meditate on – please share any others and your thoughts, experiences etc.

·         Book of James - specific verses of note: 1: 2-4, 12- 14,  4:8,  6: 18-21

·         1 John  - 3:7, 4:8

·         1 Corinthians – 9:23-27, chapter 13

·         2 Corinthians – 3:17,18, chapter 4

 

 

I Told You It Is Not Real

3D Artwork by Edgar Mueller
visit metanamorph.com to see more

Studying our key verses for this summer, and not hyper focusing on each person or community surrounding each, has been a challenge.  The reason it is challenging is as obvious as the nose on my face: we all have things which cause us to be shaken and react to those perceived things.  Which means that every topic when whittled down reveals one thing: we will fear; what we will fear is the question.

Isaiah 51:13 That you have forgotten the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, as he makes ready to destroy? But where is the fury of the oppressor?

As I was reading through Exodus, humbly, I pondered their demise.   With gratitude, I have searched for lessons we can graciously walk into without having to undergo the fears which snared His people.

A common thread for them and us is: which thought will we grab hold of, deciding to project it before us, and say "this is real and I will believe it"?  The picture I inserted is of a 3D image cleverly created by a sidewalk artist.  What is really there is a road, everything else is an illusion. You can surely see it, but it is simply an image and can do you no harm at all if you travel over or near it.

 God is like the road, He is there even though we cannot see Him.  He does not go away even when something has come between our sights, obstructing our view.  What would we do if we did not have the history of His truth, even though we had another human being telling us what God was saying, while encouraging us to continue to trust? Would we stop short, park to be safe, turn around or move forward in faith that the road WAS there, trusting we just could not see it at the moment?

We know, God did give them more than a man to see and follow; He gave them wondrous signs and surrounded them with visuals to experience.  And while a 3D artwork is spectacular it does not compare to their experience:

Exodus 13:21, 22 and the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.  He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

I had to ask myself, " if God did not take away the cloud or the fire, then why, when the Pharaohs men drew near and the sons of Israel looked, did they behold the Egyptians marching after them and become frightened, crying out to God; instead of seeing them coming and beholding the Lord God, remembering His promises and what He had already done"?  When they cried out it was not to save them, it was to whine, murmur and blame Moses.  They screamed out Why.....Why....Why....and it would have been better for us to serve them than die here.  And there it was.....they were ready to go back and serve something that hated them, used them and disrespected them, with no remorse, than to move into God's provision within His way.

Moses, cried out "Do Not Fear!" Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord, promising they would never see them again, forever, because the Lord was going to fight for them while they kept silent.  But God responded to Moses saying "Why are YOU crying out to ME?  Tell the sons of Israel to go forward - and you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea, divide it and go! (paraphrase).

We act as though God cannot see through the clouds which He created, sends and removes.  We fear as though He does not care about the calamity going on in our midst.  We get moved by the unconscionable ways others treat us and react in reproachable ways to protect our self. All the while, we should see what is real:

And it came about at the morning watch, that the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion.  And He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, let us flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians."

How is it, that sometimes, the true reality of Jehovah is more plain to our enemies, as plain as the nose on their face; yet to us He is more like abstract art which confuzzles our senses?

Think about it, pray about it....ask Him about it and please let's all try to stop whining about things that are not even real.  Let's attempt to focus on Christ and His word and less on the distorted chaos consuming our moments....for Goodness Sake.

I pray for His will to be done here on earth, today, even as it is being done in the His Kingdom.
Kisses,
Candace

© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

Please Do Not Give Me Another Opinion

How many opinions have we all listened to, not to mention given, throughout our lives. Not everyone opens up to get in the conversation of life, but we all have added our view points if, we breath, from time to time. Even if we cannot, or chose not to, speak our very presence speaks volumes. As we mature a shift happens. We gain enough experience that we can discern an opinion or theory, which may be based on very real information, from something deeper and richer. When we hear these words it is the difference between listening to Ercle verses Indiana Jones. The zeal of someone having traveled the very words they are speaking, having utilized what they believed and standing there in front of you is vastly different from the one who listens, reads, thinks and talks. 

Proverbs 15:23 States: To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Everything I have been studying this month subconsciously keeps aligning me with verses from Ecclesiastes. There is a purpose for everything under the sun, a time for all things, somethings are vain, enjoy life it is only for the living - and much more. Today as I was studying, I cross referenced with the verse from proverbs, typed above. I remembered Solomons desire for wisdom to ensure he was just in caring for everyone and how God blessed him with more wisdom than any man before or after. But Solomon was still just a man with opinions, if he was not speaking the words of God.

I had to look up the word apt to be sure I knew exactly what it meant. Two applications perfectly aligned with my studies this morning and made me stop and write this to share with you all : usually fitted or qualified; ready (as a tool in the hands of the conspirators). having a tendency; likely : ordinarily disposed; inclined (plausible as true) : suited to a purpose; especially (being to the point, an apt quotation).

What I was going to write this morning was about how everyone wants to make it to the top. There is so much talk about "our purpose" since The Purpose Driven Life. If life is for the living then of course we want to participate and not miss out. Today we are only taking a few steps into this deep topic for now.

Over simplifying to save much time, a leader has all things before him. He must decide each path and the way steps are made. He must go first on the very long journey, then return with the experience, full knowledge of what was successful verses what would fail. Servants have been told where to stand, what to do and what to see / or be on the watch for. They have nothing but time to notice and be about their current space. They have much more down time ........if they chose to have it.

Too many of us call our self leaders and then drag others down our path, our experience. We selfishly use them for our comfort and gain. This is not a leader, not a good leader anyway; these are the mannerisms of a servant who serves in vain. Think about all the biblical history we have about people wanting to get to the top. Now think about Christ. Since the beginning he was serving God, creating alongside Him and walking with Him. It was God who decided it was time for Christ to take a journey out from Him. Christ was pleased to take it and did not despise the road God chose, the purpose of his life or the fact that he had to wait till it was God's time and way.

Even when among us, Christ was serving all people, all the time as God would. It makes me think that it was not only a way for us to see God, but for Christ to remember every detail of Him. Divinely, honor was brought to God and God was blended into each current moment with Jesus, and those in his presence. Christ was very clear that every word He ever spoke was not his but His Fathers. He said if they saw him they could be assured they had seen His Father; therefore his mannerisms and directives were stimulated by the same things as well.

Jesus trusted God in every way, he went where he was told, did what was asked but more importantly he relied on his relationship and not just instructions. God allowed Christ to completely finish, withholding no experience, entrusting the fullness of the journey was a glorious thing. Ecclesiastes 7:8 states: Better is the end of a thing than the beginning; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Let us make no mistake, there is but One Leader, One Creator, One I Am. So, never run ahead, taking His position, proudly reaching the pinnacle and echoing out into the nothingness "Here I Am!!" Be pleased that you have purpose, right where He met you; not above it all, but while you were still in your mess. Your purpose was to be with Him, even in Him for ever - starting then!

There was only One time that He called you and you turned to hear Him and noticed exactly what He said. And from the middle of your chaos you lifted up your face, opened your mouth and from the depths of your heart said "Here I am!!" This was your moment and the start of "YOUR" journey - but your journey is not alone; it is His journey as well - that is why it is Yours!

There will be times when you are with others, there will be times when you are separated from others for a time. God has a reason for all things, but these things are not necessary for you or I to understand. Remember in all things what He tells you. Remember what He taught you and value them enough to bring them up. These are the mysterious moments when they see Him, as we see them, but also the Greatest Love above all men!

Today do not look for your life's purpose - that would be like saying God alone is simply not enough. Just sit down as Mary, grateful that He is with you; let all other anxieties wash away. Christ served, He sojourned and sat down. He led us right up to the Father and said please come on in.

I know this world is a noisy place and "in my opinion" it will not be quieting down. Shouldn't we do our part to help them hear His voice? What if we all spoke nothing but His words...the very same words that He said were Our Dad's? Hmmm.......but then again, we already do; even if we do not know it - because Christ said we do. I guess what I should ask then is this:

Who's child am I? Who's child are you? We may not see the resemblance, but everyone else knows the truth - it is as plain as the nose on our face!

Be still in His presence and bring Him to remembrance today.....or several day....or forever ;)

For the Love of God, in Jesus we are alive forever ~ kisses,
Candace

Copyrights Reserved ©Candace Huffmaster 2014

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc.®

But God Calls Me A........

You do not have to be a parent to relate to a hurt child running tearfully bellowing "they called me a _____.!" We have all been there and yes even done that!  But why can' t we just pause and think "but God calls me a delight, not because I'm all that, but because He is all that!"  And when we are the naysayer, why do we not straighten up and say, " Gee, I'm so sorry about that, God is tremendously delighted in you!"

Well, it is a dream I have ;)

As we read The Wind and a Stone, we realized the journey within the tale. We found our own characters and recognized some of our very real fears.

There often are times when I am not only aware of the ebb and flow of God’s word, but I feel am being pulled into it; even drenched by it.  His words implore us to dive deeply into these holy waters and trust in His ability to help us reach through to the other side. It always amazes me when I find that God shares some little nugget and if we store it away, nourish it and wait with excitement for Him to bring it to its fullness, we will get to understand a bit more about our Dad.

Before I ever began the first women’s group, I journaled these lines as I prayed. I just thought it was a tender poem:

Walk across the scripture
 Reach his hand on the other side
Journey with him and the others
Merge in now with your life
 Repair your broken mirror
To reflect his perfect peace
Bring transparency and your color
 Into the picture of eternity

God created a space, we've discussed, where He could enter with power.  He could be born as man, our Christ and suffer just one time for all suffering.  What He did was secure Zoe life for us, but we must recognize how we “Give up the Ghost” as the old saying goes.  But it is true:

When we sin we shatter our oneness with God, which is Shalom.  While we are sitting amidst our broken pieces too exhausted to move is actually the perfect time to pick up the one thing in our life that cannot be shattered… God’s word.  Don’t worry about the shattered pieces around you, just sit with Him and read. Let Him take you on a journey, His journey, Your journey, Our journey…it’s all the same.

Like I always say…..we’re nothing but a bunch of characters anyway.  So, lighten up, God’s got your storyline covered – literally! You are bound between the pages of His cover front to back your story has been entwined within His.

 To prep for another leg of our journey:

 Reflect again on Peter sinking. Think about the storm that was shrouding you and how turbulent the moments felt. Now picture Christ imploring you to stand up, confident, not in your ability to get up, but in HIS love For YOU.

 I pray that you be empowered to set your eyes on His face and dive deeply into His strong, always victorious presence,

 Kisses,
Candace

Read Psalms 31; Luke 24

Update 2013©Candace Huffmaster 2006, All Copy Rights Reserved

 Kaleidoscope Butterfly Inc ® 

Forget-Me-Not

My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. ~ Proverbs 3:1-2 

As I was reading this scripture today, I saw something different: God doesn’t want us to forget his laws, they are good.  But he implores us to allow our heart to guide us in keeping them.  It is only by His spirit residing in us that we are able to abide in His righteousness.  He does not desire for us to strive in vain, wearing our silly selves ragged.  He knows it is ridiculous for us to try.  We cannot even love each other well much less the hundreds of others below the ONE which upholds them all. 

For the length of our days…..the years of our life…..peace all flow up from our heart and fill the spaces leading up to our today and those relationships around us…..or not around us.  Our muscles are ignited by passion which stems from love or fear.  As I read this and turned it over in my mind, I saw all the things which have been added to me since I was a child.  For today, I am simply laying this one piece before us to think about:

 

 How many of us (I’m sure this will only apply to girls) have pulled the daisy petals as you state, “He loves me……He loves me not…..He loves me…..He loves me not….) only to have the silly flower have one too few petals and you end up on the NOT!  Silly as it is when that happens we almost get superstitious with the child’s play as if it is a little clue.

 

Why is it always an either or scenario?  What about the ridiculous saying “When the cats away the mice will play”.  What sort of mind set does the statement form in us as we are to grow toward trusting individuals?  We have spoken many times in regard to the harmless fairy tales we lavish on the impressionable minds entrusted to us.  Personally I love fairy tales; I appreciate the underdog winning and the super inflated evil tyrant being served his just reward.   But do we keep stories in perspective of teachable moments or leave these precious formative minds flailing between creativity and real life application?

Each of us was created with fascination by the only mind smart enough, powerful enough and able to complete us.  We speak often of the verse:  Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God Psalm 40:17

I have been silent for several weeks for many reasons – God is bringing me through another layer of discovery and it is so very exciting!  Whether I knew if or not I am not sure, but He has been allowing me to make plans, knowing they are good plan with intent to do His will and see that not all good things are His best for how He has uniquely made me to relate to Him and others.

As for this season and I know not how long it will be:

I will have no agenda except that which the Lord places before me.  I will find the work which He alone has for my hands to do and I will keep in my heart the knowledge that He will prosper it all for His glory and name sake.

Do I know exactly what that means? Absolutely not!  Does it concern me?  Not in the least!  As for me, I will worry about today and all that is before me to accomplish.  I will find His provision only in His rest and I simply cannot allow my soul to exit; for my soul needs its true mate….the spirit who forgets me not.

I pray that if you pick a beautiful daisy you not say any longer, “ He loves me…..He love me not”  but say and teach to your children “He love me….He forgets me not!”

Remembering each of you with tender love,

Candace

 

©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc ®

12 12 12 - What Does It Mean?

Today is 12/12/12.  I find that interesting….but then again, I find most things interesting if I look at them long enough.  Sometimes I look at something and decide what I see must not over take priority.  It doesn’t fall off the list, but my list is really, really long now.

Which brings me back to today:

I woke up this morning realizing it was December 12, 2012.  I thought to myself – What a day! There must be such divine rejoicing going on.  Do I know why? No. Do I care? Well, I would have to say I am very curious because I know God uses numbers and sequence; for example: The Strong Exhaustive Concordance states that 12 is symbolic of God’s purpose and of course the Trinity.  But curiously enough, there are three other symbolic correlations in regard to the number three (coincidence – I think NOT!)  1) completion 2) testing and 3) resurrection.  Then of course, there are 12 months, 12 hours in a day and what started all these thoughts was - it is 12/12/12.   

Yet these are just pieces, if there is more I will have to wait for understanding.  I believe it is good to acknowledge things then listen, watch and allow them to unfold. If you think about it, that is what Mary did when Gabriel told her that she was going to give birth to Christ.  The bible says that she tucked it away in her heart, so to speak.  What do we do with these things which are tucked away?   As for me, I journal them all; I seek them out.  I place them in spaces like seeds, and I wait expectantly to see what will grow out of the ground.

Currently all the seeds around me are in regard to authenticity of the soul, spirit and our journey.  I have been reading and reflecting on the people comprising the ways of the Old Testament, Christ and the transformation of relationship with God.

One thing I am certain of at this point is the passage of the soul through each day: moments where choices are encountered; where limits are placed or released.   The soul, I believe is always progressing.  It seeks a guide to show it the way.  It reasons, it weighs, it determines; it evolves from the choices it compiles.  But does it mature?  Does it become wise? 

Today is 12/12/12 what does that mean – I don’t know.  Does it mean anything? Of course it does.  Each day is important.  Each second is valuable. Each word is written eternally.  Today, in only one hour, our mind has had about 3600 thoughts; whether you acknowledge them or not is up to you.  By the end of the day the approximate number of thoughts we are said to have are between 63,000 and 70,000. Meaning that by the end of this year alone most of us will have conceived 22,995,000 thoughts, on the low end of the spectrum.

No wonder I can’t get to the end of my discovery list!  Hmmm, I bet God made eternity just for people like me.  You know….. those who must get to the end of the list and won’t give up till we do.

I also think this is why God tells us things in advance, so that we will be looking out for them – for HIM.  Let’s keep our eyes peeled for things.  I pray that you and I will have a heightened awareness, an insatiable curiosity to find all His treasures, each and every second.  As Rosie O’Donnell said in Sleepless in Seattle “It’s like a little clue”. 

Kisses,

Candace

 

 

©Candace Huffmaster, 2012 All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc®

 

 

What's Your Story?

If you have been involved in our conversations for any time at all, you know we lean on the story lines to learn.  Not too long ago we discussed that each of us are telling a story constantly.  This is what conversation and relationship is....storytelling.  We tell the moments of our days over and over and over again.  What tales are you spinning for the world to glean from?  Whether you expect it or not, someone IS leaning on your storyline.  Will it hold them up, or drop them flat on their face?  We know that only when our words align with God's will they truly be" an ever ready help in someones time of need". Let's not be telling an erroneous story line.  Know the story being told - we are accountable for each and every word which comes from our mouth, the thoughts of our mind and the intent of our heart.  That is the truth no matter what we tell ourselves or others.   It is so.....and so it is!

In Chapter 4 of Mark we see that Jesus is again teaching by the Sea of Galilee:

A very large crow gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat in it.  The boat was in the water while the entire crowd lined the shore.  He used stories as illustrations to teach them many things.

While he was teaching them, he said, "LISTEN!" 

He added, "Let the person who has ears listen!"

When he was alone with his followers and the twelve apostles they asked him about the stories.  Jesus replied to them.  " The mystery about the kingdom of God has been given directly to you. To those on the outside, it is given in stories:

They see clearly but don't perceive.

They hear clearly but don't understand. 

They never return to me and are never forgiven."

Jesus asked them, "Don't you understand this story?"  How, then, will you understand ANY of the stories I use as illustrations?

Can you imagine His concern?  There is a difference between seeing clearly but not perceiving and not seeing clearly therefore you cannot perceive.

There is a difference between hearing clearly but not caring enough to think on the complexity beyond the obvious and listening with intent to wait until you understand the fullness of the one speaking to you.

There is a difference between never returning to God so that you are forgiven and not knowing God of that you need His forgiveness.

Do you understand?

God is the creator of ALL things, and He has planted His truth within all creation.  Some people who hear the word do not hear it clearly and Satan comes to be sure there is distortion.  The person does not understand the truth and therefore plants the distortion which leads them astray....

There is another person who received the truth but they do not understand.  Their heart is hardened.  They apply the word based on their understanding not on God's truth.  Then what they believe in, when put to the test fails them and they blame God.

Then another person hears the word, but there is static.  They believe they hear correctly, but when they have such success in the world and they listen tuned in to the channel of static and annoyance, they hear something contrary to their own mind set.  They decide that they didn't hear correctly because what they are doing is working, so they force the truth down. 

The last person hears clearly, understand what they hear because they patiently tune to the correct station.  They have no preconceived storyline, they are tuning their ears to every clear word spoken before surmising one detail.  They freely give into Gods will and the truth of God prospers at HIS will!

Why would we think that God would put truth in His creation and not raise it up to BE light?  He must have pure, incorruptible, iridescence though.  Otherwise it will not lead them or others the "correct way".  But, at the right time, which is when each person returns to Him and is forgiven, they will begin to grow: 30, 60 and then 100 fold as HE prospers them.  He grows them from glory to glory to glory because knowing and forgiveness increases understanding of His mysteries.

When you understand He will give you more.  But for those who don't return to Him after they know, He takes all that He gave away from them.  He transfers what is produced into the ground of His faithful fields. The glorious thing is that the person who was faithful with the 30, working Gods way, gleans understanding which prospers another 60 percent.  And when continuing to be faithful with this 60 percent, they rest in peace and awaken to see God's display of the 100 fold; which is a combination of their efforts plus the abundance of all else that God desires to grace them with for His good works. 

There are several key scriptures commonly employed on the subject of planting, harvest, faithfulness and stewardship to God.  In Malachi, He asks a nation to test Him on giving away their material gain.  The catch was it had to be giving a gift to God, not purchasing a gift FROM God.  He desired them to see that there was "in deed" a difference.  Matthew 19:29 states:

And everyone who gave up homes, brothers or sister, father or mother, children or fields because of My name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 

Matthew 6:33 states:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well.

We are not going to get into the scriptures on the faithless today, that is for later in Mark.

This is a great day for the Kingdom of God because the faithful insignificant servant (in the worlds eyes), the least of  the blessed (in their opinion), will grow up taller than all the rest.  They will provide shelter and shade which reaches a great span, height providing for others in a mighty way.  All because of God's love, purpose, provision, goodness, faithfulness, power and sovereignty.  Remember that this Good Friday and crawl up under His blanket of love.

Christ has covered a multitude of sins, once and for all - Let's give Him praise and were His glory with pride!

With Love, know He calls you His delight and believe!

Kisses,

Candace



©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copyrights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Old Things Renewed

Old Things Renewed ~ Watercolor by Candace Huffmaster



So we are always confident. We know that as long as we are living in these bodies, we are living away from the Lord. Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight. We are confident and prefer to live away from this body and to live with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 GW




We know that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  And yet we still have to live within the limitations of our mortal bodies.  This at times causes us to lean on our own understanding which hinders our ability to live the transformed life we believe is available.  Think about the limited form of the caterpillar, how it crawls along and consumes.  Don’t you think if it had the ability to choose to live as a butterfly from the beginning it would do so?

God created us with the ability to reason, acknowledge and discern in order to live a higher transformed Zoe life.  What are you waiting for?  Have faith, spread your wings and reach heights for His name sake and glory.

For today, simply think about this.  Later I will be posting a deeper thought on this which will tie together being on pause and moments in between.

My prayer is for our Spirit to prosper even as our soul does right now.

With Love,

Candace 

©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copyrights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly™

Love is Unconditional, Relationships are Conditional

Good Morning - I want to take a moment to wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving.  It is possible I will not post anything in preparation of an early meal (YIPPEE!!) 

Many of the e-mails bounced back from this post - no surprise since I was sending it from my BB device.  In order for you to understand the full meaning of today's post you need this part - If you already read this simply skip down below the second dotted line for today's information.

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Saturday November 19, 2011

Still pressed for time and have not been able to get these things proofed and loaded.  I have to pick back up and just send them as they are. These all lead into each other - and usually I take them "from private conversations and reorganize them into generic conversations"  However, there is no time for that.

Today I will start with Oct 18th - I pray these give you whatever answers or thoughts you are requesting:

Dad,

I do love you with all of my heart - The heart that you gave me planted deep in my flesh - which enlivens my soul to think all these thoughts

Without a spirit our mortal life ends - of this no one questions - the just do not know where to begin.  You tell us the beginning you tell us our earthly end.

You speak of the spirit realm to guide all our days: to prepare us for eternal life; to choose our self you say.

I think I see something of this space in between.  It is where the path crosses - our collisions of space - the time you will not cut short- the moments of our days.

If you had not paused us on the planet of earth, given us the space to think our broken thoughts, all of us who enter here would have been separated from you - and you could not allow that so you planted, you planned the perfect place called Eden to house the broken thoughts of man.

You planted him in the east corner - you protected the gates back in - you set flaming swords at the cross road, your truth and your right hand. 

You have the Highest of Angels covering all your truth, charging any invader back from whense he came.  Of destruction there will be nothing - You've ensured that victory will last.  From beginning through all ages all is held and place by the only I AM!

Lead us as you search us - the Holy Spirit is embracing all.  Through Christ were held together - His body will never be torn - The separation was done on the cross, to this day all things are shaking - as He kicks the dust from His feet.  Each day He fights this good fight and we pass through the shifting sands of time - to Be sifted, shaken and polished for His glorious head to shine.

The crown He wears is not ashes - no longer thorns ground from this found.  We are now brilliant gem stones and He displays us all with eternal pride.

Think about this and I will send the last part when I get back to my computer today.

With love and a holy kiss,

Candace

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East of Eden I planted man; my heart I riped to give him; My choice - by my very hand

If not for my deep pleasure of a birth, even I knew pain,these things we would not be mentioning; My all would have been into Me.

In that I found no good thing; for I had love too large to hold. It became useless and so heavy when it weighed upon me.

I created man to share it  - to carry it throughout their days; to teach them of its good pleasures of the liberty without the weight ~ but they must see past their own love or they will be buried by the pounds..... The pulse of every rivet as it presses them into the ground.

Water will surely save them - for it washes away the earth ~ Just as the family of Noah who I also gave a second birth. 

Then there too was Jonah who's life had a whale sized love - It sank Him straight to the bottom; it bound him to take his last breath; but through the waves I released him to take a second chance.

Though you walk at times through deep valleys and at times the desert seems hot ~ believe me when I tell you there are things you do not WANT to know.  While knowledge seems inviting ~ to understand evil seems sound ~ the only Tree worth its value is the Tree that brings you life.

The tree of choice bore all burdens ~ His blood cleansed the choice that was made.  You now have the chance to choose Eden ~ the home of the (7?) streams.  Walk in; between the cherubim ~ for their arrows will not touch your head ~ inside are my children and great pleasure ~ your family, your friends, your TRUE life.

Be Well - because all is Right.

Kisses C~

Duet 28:7  The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way and shall flee before you 7 ways.

“Could You Please Simply Sit Still?”

Lead them in Peace,

Walk them in Light,

               Listen through Love,

                                          We'll find Him in our sights….

 

Could You Please Just Sit Still?

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

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

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

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

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

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

This we know, there will be times when:

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

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

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

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

Don’t Panic! Be Still! Forget about the trap, focus on fully remembering what you have been taught – don’t fall for the second part of their trap: The fear of Him not rescuing you!
When your nights are sleepless, don’t waste the time “wake up Oh sleeper!" as God says and give thanks to Him for His righteous written word which regulates ALL things.
Remember that even where you are bound up there are others within ear reach or sight that fears the Lord; who follow His guiding principles. As you seek to remember, find them, be there for them and allow them to be there for you – His mercy fills the earth!
Lastly, ask God to teach you more as you are paused in your “moments in between” from where you came from to where you are going. Reflect on His grace, be grateful that He will never leave you nor forsake you – Know that All Things are ALL Right!

• Even in your misery you found a friend or comfort – praise God that He heard your request for kindness and showed up with His faithful promise in your time of need.
• Request that He teach you to use Good Judgment and knowledge because you believe in His principles and guidance.
• Talk to Him about how you used to wander off before He allowed you to suffer.
• Bring to His remembrance and yours how you have grown beyond that – now you cling to His word, you keep it set before you desiring to not turn away from it.
• Speak of His goodness and how He does good things as you request to be taught His governing laws of life.
• Speak to Him about what you’ve seen and the value of His authority over all things
  1. Arrogant people smear me with lies
  2. Their hearts are cold and insensitive
  3. It is Good to suffer for awhile in order to learn the truth
  4. His ways are higher than our vanity and our riches are worthless in comparison to His wisdom
  5. Give praise to Him in honor and glory for creating you as you are – what you are and ask that He help you understand so that you may learn His commandment of loving-kindness
  6. Tell Him you desire all this, so that those who fear Him will see you and rejoice because your hope is grounded in the base of His truth, His word, His promise and His faithfulness
  7. Speak of how fair, righteous and just He is to allow you to learn in through protected experiences
  8. Ask for His mercy to comfort you as He promised
  9. Request His compassion to reach you right in these moments so that you may live and thrive by His instruction, energy and successful break through
  10. Ask that He show up as your mighty deliverance even as you reflect His image in all ways to: humble their arrogance,  speak truth covering their lies, change their vision, soften their heart so that they may fear the Lord and turn back toward you in hopes of seeing the way to Him
  11. Ask that your heart be filled with integrity in regard to His guiding principles so that you are above reproach

Do not turn away from God to face them; remember you must be heading them away from where they are! Show them the way, as YOU were shown, right from the beginning.

My Aunt Bonnie took the time to write down these quotes for me to share with you all, she thought they might bring you encouragement at some point (thank God for inherited family =D):

If you are going through Hell, keep going. – Winston Churchill

Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt

I know this was a lot of information, but it is not a onetime read. Neither is the bible, by the way (wow that was a bit snarky – anyone have a spare “snark princess” tiara? I pray you forgive me….) Honestly, that was as much a reminder to myself as anyone else; but you already knew that, right =D)

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

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

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

With Love, desiring to stimulate you toward Goodness….for Goodness Sake =D
Kisses,
Candace

©2011Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

"The Truth of Gods' UnderStanding"

Since we have been discussing “not leaning on our own understanding” We are going to take three steps today. 

• Our first steps is to make sure we are standing on a solid definition of the word understanding:

 UNDERSTANDING is a mental grasp: comprehension. It is the power or capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars – the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories.  It is a friendly or harmonious relationship: in agreement of opinion or feeling meaning those in relationship make adjustment of differences when they are not on the same page. It is a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side. Understanding is an explanation, interpretation and relationally shows sympathy.

• Second step - to ensure both feet are grounded surely underneath us we are under-girding our definition with Gods’ wise words on the subject: Matthew 13:10-17 (GWT):

The disciples asked him, “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?” Jesus answered, “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don’t understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they’re blind. They hear, but they don’t listen. They don’t even try to understand. So they make Isaiah’s prophecy come true:  ‘You will hear clearly but never understand. You will see clearly but never comprehend. These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never return to me for healing!’  “Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. I can guarantee this truth: Many prophets and many of God’s people longed to see what you see but didn't see it, to hear what you hear but didn't hear it.

• Third step - to simply relax in His presence and read what is below – I pray wisdom lay wide open before you,  wooing you to turn the pages till you are filled with His peace, strength, courage and joy.

Have a lovely day!

Kisses,

Candace

The Truth of Gods’ UnderStanding

What are you standing under?

What do you not understand?

Take hold of the thoughts which under gird you,

These things keep you standing upright.

What of your "self" will not crumble?

What of mere man can withstand?

Look around at the mightiest of structures,

What will not be shaken by my hand?

Think of the surest of your steps,

Of them, what came to be?

What of your skills claim the successes?

The mightiest of your mere man made feats.

How sure of your “self” are you really?

Will you dare stand up to my face and brag?

If not for my unending love for you……..

If not for my desiring your success……….

If not for the blood of your Savior……

The moments of your life would not exist!

I tell you this not to Lord over you…..

I tell you this not to bring shame………

I am telling you that I adore you!

I desire you to see what is real…..

I know you cannot really see me,

But I believe you can feel as you read.

I trust that you hear My Spirit speaking.

I have faith in the power of My Truth.

I hope that today you spot a glimmer.....

And its brilliance will cause you to turn.....

To see the light in My eyes search you....

To hear My voice whisper your name.......

To feel the My warmth longing to embrace you....

To blanket your fears and set you free.....

To allow My Love to release you…….

From the gravity this world lords overhead.

There is a spiritual battle ensuing…..

The flesh and the soul are pressed between.

The burden of fear is to keep you.....

The liberty of Love voids all law........

The heavens above will not weight you.....

Do not lie in the earth of its open grave.....

Today, think with all your understanding.....

Apply the least of that which you know.......

What of these concepts are so complex……

Simply relate them to what you don’t know.

I Love You,  Dad

Kisses,

C

©2011 Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

™ Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc