August 23, 2013

What Are You Certain Of?

In my opinion the overuse of the word certain is rather moronicle, in regard to any thinking person. Even our judicial system uses the coined term "reasonable doubt" to affix certainty to crime convictions or acquittals.

There are many reasons for this.  The definition will clarify several with out further discussion:

  1. fixed, settled ~ as in a percentage of profit
  2. of a specific but unspecified character, quantity or degree ~ home having a certain amount of charm
  3. dependable, reliable ~ a certain remedy for a disease
  4. inevitable ~ the certain advance of age
  5. incapable of failing: destined ~ used with a following infinitive ~ certain to do well
  6. assured in mind or action ~ certain they are right
  7. as a certainty: assuredly ~ the cause is not known for certain (this one I am certain is a good definition ;)
We have been speaking about God advising us NOT to lean on our own understanding.  We discussed that everyone has opinions, however that does not mean they have wisdom or understanding.  We mentioned the need for experiential knowledge; listening to those who have taken the step upon the morsel they are conjuring up as truth and it under girding the weight of reality.  Let's now go deeper, will it uphold them.....or will they have to keep it in place?  Stick that thought in your pocket for later.

The Greek word Bebalos means firm.  It is from baino meaning to go.  In addition to firm it means fixed, sure and certain.  Figuratively it defines an object, not a person upon which someone may  build, rely or trust.  This "object" we would have certainty that it would not fall, it would be immovable and we could rely on it. 

God tells us that there will be times when we will be scared, confused, pressed on all sides and not know where to turn.  He did not leave us confounded but assured us that we were never alone; he would always be with us to show us the way of real life.

In regard to the wise counsel:  God tells us those of you who are Spiritual to restore a brother or sister in gentleness; but watch yourself and don't fall prey to temptation.  We will study this later as well.

We all know others we believe to be much more mature in Christ or more "spiritual" than we are; but how can we be CERTAIN? Again, this is what we discussed last week.  2 Peter 1:10 is where we will pause to meditate, along with the surrounding scriptures the rest of this week:

Therefore, brethren, be all the MORE diligent to make certain about HIS "calling and choosing" you; for as long as you "practice" these things you will NEVER stumble. 

The importance of this "step" we are taking is to think about the things we say we believe to be certain and true.  The reason this is imperative is because these things are our non movables, our markers or battle line and ultimately the trip cord triggering propelling faith or fear.

Remember the reason for your hope ~ your Salvation through Christ and that if God be for us there is none whom we should fear.

In Him, Forever
Candace

August 15, 2013

Wise Counsel

Many times I need someone wiser than myself to communicate with about things. I am beyond the point in life where I am seeking the plethora of opinions; I want wisdom.  I want someone who has experiential knowledge - they have taken a step on that stone themselves and found it to be sturdy. 

All information is subject to change until it gets us through to the other side of something.  Which means, we must do a lot of discovery before taking that trusted "step" of faith.  It is in the "doing" where our best thoughts in action either debunk or qualify if it is knowledge or wisdom. 

Romans 10:3 speaks of people stacking ideas and forming concepts without realistic understanding:

They don't understand [how to receive] God's approval. So they try to set up their own way to get it, and they have not accepted God's way for receiving his approval.

The reason I am bringing these topics up is to be sure that we even know what we think about what we think.  Otherwise we will not be able to clearly discern what God's Righteous Warrior looks and acts like. We do not want to be as the person 2 Timothy speaks about:  always studying but never able to come to the knowledge of "truth".

Where is a wise man.....I do not know for sure.  Where can we find one......I cannot say for sure? One this I can say with all assurance, I trust when a person speaks from God's point of view and allows me the liberty to prayerfully take it to the Lord without becoming offended.  In my opinion, this is a wise person.  (Note to self - could this be what a Righteous Warrior acts like?)


I learned quiet a bit about my own opinions and lack of experiential knowledge, over the years, from wise people whom God entrusted to write for Him.  Isaiah was one such person.  He wrote:

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."

I pray that what we attempt to imagine is that the Lord wants us to know HIS thoughts.  And then that we take that brave step to debunk or confirm what we perceive to be of the Lord God Almighty.

Today, I wrote this which helped me write what was above.  Enjoy your day.....it's a wonderful gift!

Kisses,
Candace

A Praise in Prose


I thank you for your wise counsel
For I know not what I even do
You are my God, most holy
Your ways are always right and true
 

So many moments always passing
Like days they come and they go
My thoughts can become convoluted
My hope as if flying from view
 

Speak of your ways everlasting
Let me close my eyes; seek your face
Hear tales, from the mouth of the Master
The writer, the seer who propels 

In your stories all things come together
I drift off in peace as I hear
There is no force which is greater
No enemy you don't overtake
 

O please, keep whispering these treasures
They are too wondrous to bind from my ears
Fill the pages of my life lines
Continue to rise up what is past
 

Through life there is time everlasting
Through you there’s a memory of all
Through Christ I may come and Be with you
May that power be seen as you lead.

 

 

 

© Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

August 9, 2013

Porcelain Soldier, updated

Porcelain Soldier


With images shattered all around me
In my midst there's nothing real that I can see
What I believed to be there is no longer standing
Yet here I stand to reach and try to cling

Like a porcelain soldier in the open unprotected
The truth attacked, needing only one direct blow
Suddenly the beauty of my facade splintered
And a cold darkness unknown to me appeared
My mind, my heart and limbs now shaking
As each shard tempted my tender trusting soul

What is real?  I feel my senses spinning!
Who speaks without a solid form?
Alone, my face is the only image
But other voices creep in as beneath a door
Their words, while persuasive are unfamiliar
Not at all like the mighty soldier I trust and adore
Why has He vanished when I need Him?
How can I protect my fragile form?
He would remind me of His protection
He'd explain the real depths of my pain

Now all I hear mocks, casting images
What they say, is to see He doesn't care
I shut my eyes and believe He's in my presence
I have faith that He is able to meet my need
I remember that I am a broken soldier
With many shattered pieces in my midst
I believe He will not abandon my position
Thought I'm fractured, He is able to restore all things
Then these cold callous taunts will be forgotten
Beyond the tortured forms I'll find my peace

I hear Him cry out, His spirit grieving
When it rests, my soul breathes deep
His voice rolls in, upon it pleasure
"Love now more than they're able to receive"
"Show them things, which raise their interest"
Trust and move even when you can't see
Just stand still when you cannot see me
Always remember your heart is in me

No matter how strong the forces are feeling,
He promises He reckoned the wrath of all things
Why, I still can't fully fathom........
So I live, love and cry..... but not for me
These tear fall for the bound, blind and hurting
Who trust in the shadow of what they perceive
My prayer is they reach out beyond the shadows
To find within vapors theres nothing to cling
To embrace His breath rushing in toward them
To be forever propelled by His grace

We love because our soldier first loved us
But He came, He fought hard and went away
He is not gone, His form uphold us
He is not bound like earthen vessels of this world
His body is not fragile like a porcelain soldier
Thought He too was broken, He was fully restored
It is in His Spirit my soul finds respit
And upon His holy ground all victory's are won.

By Candace Huffmaster


What Does That Even LOOK Like?

Sometimes, the bible states, we HAVE NOT because we ASK NOT.  Have you ever thought about this?  What does that even mean? We ask and ask and ask and ask, but what we don't have in our hand is something to show for it.   I know I am not the only person who feels like they are an unacceptable witness to the reality of our mighty God. 

What about this one: We are presses on all side but not crushed? REALLY!  Don't we feel that metaphorical pressure at times and "FEEL Metaphorically CRUSHED"? I'm more like a porcelain soldier.  I was not built to fight some of the things coming my way!

 God is not metaphorically present, and yet we REALLY cannot see His face!  These are real issues, for real Christ followers.  In that one statement alone if we lean on our own understanding / knowledge of good and evil / we can be totally UNDONE!

So what now?!?!  Well......we keep going anyway.  But it very difficult when we feel like a fragile warrior.  If we ARE strong, why do most of us FEEL so weak?  And yes, we have been singing "we are weak, but He is strong" since childhood. So what in the world are we supposed to even look like!! Well.....we are going to let God Himself explain it.  We will study, not just with our eyes and filing system, but as if we are watching His very mouth tell us each precious word.  We are going to get  down and dirty digging: groveling, searching, meditating, requesting, experiencing and living out our our efforts to relate WITH Him.....till we get some real glimpses of Him passing by!  Don't think I didn't hear you just now...."Well what in the world does that look like?"  "I guess you will have to sojourn with us and find out ;)"

For right now, I want you to revisit this link: Omit, Admit, Submit  and add these thought pods to your brains research files.  If you did not have a chance to click through any of the past links in yesterdays post, take some time to add that to your brains resources as well.

Keep this portion of Revelation 2, from the English Standard Translation, as a post it note in the front of your brain:
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

My prayer for us all, His body unified, be that we realize our faith cannot fail, because our only faithful piece is Him alone -He is faithful TO US.  May we toward His faithfulness with all abandon!

In the might and power of Jesus Christ Himself ~ Amen

Kisses,
Candace

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc®
©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved


August 7, 2013

Is This As Good As It Gets?

“Fee Fi Fo Fum, ask not whence the thunder come. For between heaven and earth it’s a perilous place, home to a fearsome giant race. Who hunger to conquer the mortals below, waiting for the seeds of revenge to grow…”

The original usages of this rhythmic statement was by Shakespeare (not exact phrasing) and versions of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Maybe sometime we will get to the deeper applications, however today we are keeping our focus on this perilous place / earth, the mortals we are amidst and the seeds planted.   Let's look at how the giant was aware of a smelly foe in his house.  His character aside and the reason for searching out the intruder, upon catching a whiff of the displeasing odor, he was proactive about protecting his property. Questions:  Can we smell the stench and spot the fakes among us?  Would we run after them in confidence bellowing, "FEE, FI, FAUX-FRIEND!"

Knowing this might be a bit abstract, I'll explain further:   We know what a faux finish is, they have been used for over 5,000 years. As this creative expression evolved, over time, great recognition was awarded to artists who could actually trick viewers into believing their work was the real thing.  This is creative expression and not a bad thing.  God is not against things being improved or evolving to a higher form to reach their best; but He is angered by a con job:

Matthew 23:27.  Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs--beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity.

Not everyone desires relationships for healthy reasons. But have you noticed they never tell you this upfront?  They con us to lure us in.  We must also realize not all people understand that they are unhealthy and hurt people.  Some people keep trying, but will not accept wisdom, therefore they continually leave wreckage all around them.  Our focus here is not them however, it is being able to identify the faux-friends. 

Persons not desiring a mutual balanced relationship all have the same pattern.  As soon you allow them in  and they are feeling relatively confident of your faith in the scam, they will begin letting  a string or two of their suit unravel to see or test how you handle it.   One of their most subtle threads is when you speak they will slightly discount you; this will go on till they have successfully muted you. Don't be surprised.  The reason why is quiet obvious; they must always be in control of the string pulling and only expose what they think they can distort.  If you can still see clearly, they are at a disadvantage.

It will play out something like this: you see something and it doesn't agree with the storyline you have been told, so you speak up to clarify.  All healthy relationships are built on trust and awareness, it is how intimacy is built and protected.  They test the relationship, to qualify their skill and your buy in.  If they need to back you off because they are too exposed they will do something like:

  • Turn up their voice or cut yours off
  • Walk beyond the reach of your voice, if your voice won't stop walk out
  • Stick around to show you how much they do not care / disconnect their empathy for you
Once you are stabilized they will reenter as if nothing happened to toss you a few crumbs.  If you appear to have forgotten about it, then all is well.  Do not think they get scared of being exposed.  This is their goal.  To be totally exposed and you not react is their sweet spot.  We get discombobulated because we try to make it something mysterious and hidden, instead of plain as the nose on our face. This was the reason God did not want us to have knowledge of good and evil.  It kills relationships, which destroys our very life.  Proverbs 26:25 tells us a bit about their disguise:

They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.

As evil as their actions are, the real devastation is the harm inflicted upon your heart, mind and soul.  Will you allow their lack of loving kindness to damage you?   Will they change you? Will you loose who you are and become like them? May that NEVER be!

We all change, as we have been discussing, but we do not all change for the better.  We all grow up, but we do not all mature.  We know all things affect the great picture and if you do not believe this is true now, I pray to God that you realize it prior to horribly affecting tender soul. Yesterday we were discussing the reality of all conversations.  These immaterial things alter the universe forever.  We cannot be muted or erase, that is the good news.  

All relationships shift, so we must not hold on so to them.  Christ even said to the women at the tomb not to cling to Him because He had not received His resurrected body.  We are to allow Him to cling to us, receive our fulfillment from relating with Him.  But this doesn't let faux-friends off the hook. We are responsible for our actions and inactivity is still active.  It is just a negative action.

When our "someone" accepts our invitation of relationship, we are so excited that good things pour from us with out even realizing we are doing them; at least for some of us.  However, if  it is not mutual the imbalance will negatively affect your energy.  If the person who accepted the invite was not interested in a real relationship you will begin to feel unappreciated.   Since this was the only reason they wanted in, when your energy levels drop and your good tidings wain a bit, they will begin grumbling and complaining.

If you stick around, or do not find space from these types of individuals you may get worn down by the constantly bombarding of convoluted precepts and intentions.  If you still don't do something  your spirit begins to grieve and you soul sinks down.  Again, this where they want you; this is their payoff.  Now they have a space where they don't have to keep their uncomfortable suit on. Will you just lay down and give up your space? It is never too late to rise up and shout "Fee, FI, Faux-Friend!" 

Friday, we discussed the crumb tossers, and how they starve us to get us to chase after their crumbs.  We do not wait for a whole cracker to be presented.  Think about how Satan did this to Jesus in the desert, just before he offered him the worldly suit. Christ had to be starving, it had been 40 days and He had no food.  But He did not listen did he?  He said man will not live by bread alone, but by the very word which preceds from the mouth of God.  So let's not grovel for their crumbs.  Let's get our crackers from the Lord, okay?

Our last point today is this: Discern if those you are listening to, and preferring (like husbands and wives are supposed to prefer each other and the body of Christ is to prefer each other) are they encourager's or discourager's?  If no matter how hard you try to be something positive in their life and you get only crumbs in return.  Chances are they have no cracker they are "willing" to extend your way.  They would have already done it without you groveling for it. 

Do not stay close to someone who is disonnected to how their life affects others.  Also do not allow people in who can define a problem really well, but don't have a propensity to extend compassionate efforts to give you a better relationship just because they can.  Do not become any ones mute point. God created you to add dimension to this world, He is delighted with your beauty.  And whether anyone else EVER truly is a real friend to you or not, He will continue to do a good work with your life. 

In other words, only let people in your sweet spot who want to be around you because you make them want to be a better person.  These are the people to hand an invite to.  They will keep you energize because they enjoy being with you, sojourning.  And you know what, this will make YOU want to be a better person just because you know you can be, not because if you don't they won't throw you one of their disgusting crumbs!

Below is a clip from As Good As It Gets.  Even if you have see it before I encourage you to watch it.  Think about how we pull out our measuring tapes and size up who we invite in.  People even you and I hurt others, but we don't have to break them - that is a choice.  Lastly, if your sweet spot gets ransacked, don't get so desperate that you accept just any crumb.  Let them prove they are they are a worthy, equal suitor for the spot.  Use lots of healthy honest dialogue, I guarantee it you talk with them long enough their threads will unravel and they will have to run for cover. 



As Good As It Gets

I pray that you have many people surrounding you telling you that YOU make THEM want to be a better person.  I also pray that they love you so well that eve when they have a stray string, you cover them in case some fabric flies off. 

God love you, each and everyone!
Kisses,
Candace

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc®
©Candace Huffmaster 2013, All Copy Rights Reserved