Beauty From Ashes

So…..I experienced one of those horrible days where I was overcome by lies and totally ignoring the truth. Let me tell you, it was an agonizing day. You know the kind of day where you wish there really was an “Easy” button or a “Do Over” rule for life.  After some sleep, prayer on my part and the part of many friends, I feel like a new woman today.  Of course, this gloom and doom overtook me on the day I burned all of our lies. I think Father wanted me to go through that to know just how debilitating lies can be. I felt like a completely different person. I was not walking in the freedom He has promised me. I was allowing those lofty things to overtake the real truth, His Truth!

To the right, I have the “before” picture of the lies. I loved that someone actually titled it lies. As I told you at SHE, I did not read any of these. I knew if I did, I would fill my own brain with lies.

Burning the lies brought me so much joy. I wish all of you could have seen the flames in person.

Maybe these pictures will give you a   glimpse ino the experience.  As they burned, all the letters and words disappeared, so that means whatever you believed is gone. It is wiped away. Now replace it with His truth. Here the lies were flying off and becoming ashes.  That brought my mind to this scripture:    

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Isaiah 61:1-3 (The Message)

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid (sluggish) spirit.

He wants to share the Good News of his grace and love with you and all those He brings across your path.
     Will you let Him do that through you?

He wants to heal your broken heart.
     Are you willing to let Him do that? (Even if it is painful)

He wants to free you from the lies that seek to bind up your heart and keep you captive.
    Will you continue to walk in the truth that you are a new creation and that He is continuing to do a good work in you?

He wants to comfort you.
    Will you let Him?

He wants to turn your ashes into something beautiful and glorious.
     Will you let Him transform you and your mind?

He wants to give you messages of joy even in the hardest times.
     Will you listen to those words above all the other voices?

He wants to give you a heart of praise instead of a sluggish, lethargic spirit.
     Will you shout out  praises even in the midst of tears?

He wants to invigorate your life with His life. He does not want to give you the strength to keep doing things your way.    He wants to do it His way through you!
     Are you willing to let Him do that??

I ask myself these own questions as I am typing this. I love you all, and I have been praying for you. It is such a joy to see all of you at church, school, and in the community. Remember, you are loved and you are precious.

I love you!

Suzanne

Next time I will share a little more of the prayer letter I read a portion of at SHE. Until next time, keep walking in the TRUTH!