Author: beauty4ashes2005

Rejoice in the Lord…

Rejoice in the Lord

I love to know what words mean. Rejoice means, “feel or show great joy or delight.” “To feel gladness and to be full of joy.”

The bible states in Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

How does one rejoice in the Lord, when life has thrown curve balls, devastation or disharmony? I believe in what God’s word states in Psalm 86:15 “But you, O lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” This verse describes some of God’s character traits. I choose to “rejoice in the Lord.” Why because He is greater than I and His character is proven to be true.

When life has setbacks and disappointments etc. I still choose to rejoice in the Lord because of who He is and not because of what is happening. I’m almost sixty and I have never been forsaken by God. People yes why unfortunately people hurt one another in unspeakable ways, that’s not God’s fault. Sin came into the world and birthed evil.

Since this post is about rejoicing in the Lord maybe you’ve been hurt by people and are blaming God for it. Truth is the blame is on the wrong cause. God doesn’t do evil.

Even though it feels like God let you down He didn’t. Miracles do happen but when they don’t, we start to question why God? That only leads us to thoughts of disappointments, hurt and despondency.

I wanted a miracle not another surgery. But I didn’t get a miraculous healing. Instead I went through the ankle replacement surgery. Now even though I didn’t get what I wanted (notice the I) I still got a healing it’s just taking time. In this time of healing my friends and family have been God’s hands and feet. They have shown us compassion and love in practical ways. To me this is God moving and showing His unfailing love, compassion and mercy.

I do rejoice in the Lord today and always. I feel great joy and delight in God who is Almighty and who sent his Son Jesus Christ who is my Savior and Redeemer…   So, today if you’re hurting and can’t rejoice, cry out to Jesus for help. He will answer you in practical ways.

Jesus said in, Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

So, I encourage you today to call upon Jesus and go to Him and you will find rest for your soul.

One day your testimony will be “I rejoice in the Lord.”

Trust…

What is trust? According to the Dictionary it means: “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.” The Hebrew word for trust means: “trust, pin one’s faith on to, confide 2) rely, trust, depend, count on, recline, bank on 3) believe, place trust in, confide, trust, rely.”

Trust is the most important foundation in relationships. Trust should be built upon reliability, confidence, integrity and honesty. There are all types of relationships such as marital, working, family and friends etc.

To have a healthy relationship there must be a trust foundation. When the foundation cracks from a lack of trust unless it’s rebuilt it will crumble. Restoring trust takes work and time. One must be willing to do the work to restore trust.

Trusting God is the best foundation to build on. God is reliable. He is also honest. Your confidence in God comes from the Word of God.

Proverbs 3: 1-6 “My Son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep my commands; 2) For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. 3) Let not mercy and truth forsake you: Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4) And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man 5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

As I learn and grow in my walk with the Lord trusting Him becomes easier. Not because life is easier but because He has proven to be reliable. They say, “God works in mysterious ways.” Truth is God works in all kinds of ways. We think its mysterious because we don’t expect him to do the little or unexpected things.

God provides for and looks out for us. When I scheduled this surgery, being my eighth joint replacement, I wasn’t scared. Why? Because God has brought me through lots of big and little situations, surgeries and life. I didn’t realize He would supply a need of food after surgery even though I’m married. It was such a blessing for my husband and I to receive food from friends. This I contribute to God moving on their hearts to bless us.

Maybe your battling trust issues today? Surrender those trust issues and things to God. Find a scripture on how great God is and mediate on it. Thinking on the word and asking God to show you His trustworthiness because He will. Begin to let Him love you.

If your trust battle is with another person remember trust is sacred and must be earned. Relational trust is restored through small steps of honesty, reliably and confidence.  If the issues are big seek wise counsel from quality counselors who are not biased.

 And lastly, surrendering the issue to God means letting Him help you through it.

Recovery From…

I’m recovering from surgery. You may be recovering from a loss of something or someone. There are all different kinds of recovery from surgeries, addictions, losses, illness, abuse and much more.

The word recovery means: 1) a return to a normal state of health, mind or strength. Similar words: recuperation, convalescent, rehabilitation, healing, improvement… 2) the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost. Similar: retrieval, regaining, reclamation, recouping, repossession, redemption Webster’s Dictionary for recovery 1) act, process, or an instance of recovering 2) the process of combating a disorder such as alcoholism or a real or perceived problem

If you’re in recovery having a support system is essential to healing. God is the ultimate healer and he uses us to support one another through personal and organized recovery systems.

When in recovery finding a support system that works with you is beneficial. Depending on the recovery will determine the type of support system needed. Whether it’s a faith-based group or a 12-step program, medical help, and or counseling, family and friends etc. If you can be honest and accountable it will be a beneficial support for you.   There are excellent support systems and healthcare facilities available for all different problems it’s important to be open to getting help.

Jeremiah 30:17 states, “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds.” Whatever your wounds are God has a healing for you.  Be open to getting help. And willing to do the work involved in healing.

Cast Removal Day

Yay! The cast has been removed and onto the grey boot. It’s been four weeks since surgery with no weight bearing. Only two more weeks with no with bearing then on to PT and 25% weight bearing for one week, 50% for another week and back to the Dr. I go in four weeks from today.

So thankful for all the help, food, cards, visits, flowers etc. we have great friends and family.

Journeys come in all kind and from short too long. I think God’s Grace is the number one thing to depend upon when going through life’s journeys. “His Grace is sufficient” and empowering to do all he has called us to do. Right now, my journey is healing and recovering from a total ankle replacement and fracture surgery.

I know God has been and will continue to be with me. He is the healer. I also know and believe my attitude is essential to my healing. When your trust is in God and your attitude is gratitude it produces healthy thoughts, feeling and growth. Have I had rough days and tears yes but deep down I’m thankful that Gods has a plan do I know all the details no I don’t? Do I need to know? No, would I like to know, sure.  But either way it’s still His Grace that’s sufficient and relying on His Grace is the best way. 

Love…

Love is a universal word that has multiple meanings. You can love pizza, animals and humans etc.. Only that love would mean something different. I love pizza to me means I really like its taste and enjoy eating it. I love my dog ‘Cubby’ a toy poodle. When I say I love my dog I mean I enjoy caring for his needs, I cuddle him with affection and enjoy playing with him and his rope. My dog is a great companion.

I love my husband has even a deeper meaning to mean. My husband is my best friend, lover and companion. Our love is based on a commitment to each other and our marriage.

The bible talks about God’s love for us. That He loved us so much he sent His one and only son to die for us. Jesus loved us enough to die for us even though we didn’t know him or even exist yet. That’s a powerful love, His love is eternal love. His love is real and reliable.

If you’ve never experienced His love you can.  How can you know this kind of love?  By asking Jesus Christ to come into your life, repent for your sins and receive his forgiveness.

Yes, it’s that simple. The reason it’s simple for us is because He paid the price for our forgiveness. Love will embrace you and you will experience a deeper love that only God through Christ can give.

Good time and hard time friends

Friendships are a blessing from God. I have some lifelong friends who I don’t see every day or often because we live in different states. But they have been both good and hard time friends. I also have friends I’ve meet through the years who I’ve known for 20 plus years. I have close friends and not so close friends, but all these friends are beautiful friendships in their own way.

Knowing the difference helps to avoid the hurt. Usually good time friends are there when life is good and fun. But if they’re just good time friends, don’t expect them to be there in the hard times.

I have found hard time friends are there for all the seasons of life. The good, hard and mundane times. They’re the individuals you can depend on for support. These are the people you’ll depend on and they depend on you.

Cherish all types of friendships. But it’s wisdom to know your types of friends so that you can lower your expectations and avoid the hurt and disappointments.

Our expectations are the things we expect someone to say or do in situations. But they’re unaware of our expectations or our expectations may be unrealistic.

 So often our expectations of others set us up for hurt, frustration and resentments. By lowering your expectations, you will avoid hurt and will be able to enjoy the friends you have.

When Compassion is compassion

Compassion is compassion when it is done in love. The word compassion means: “sympathetic, pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.” I have been blessed to have people in my life who have been compassionate and giving of time, food, cleaning and even money when needed. Many times, as I recovered from surgeries, faced a hard situation when my granddaughter was born with severe cleft lip and palette and all the surgeries she’s endured, the loss of my mother, sister etc…

I’m writing to encourage all of us to think of practical ways to walk in compassion to our fellow man. Matthew 25: 34 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35)For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36)I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Verse 40) …” Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’

Friends made food, cleaned my home and even set up a schedule to care for me when I was unable to do so after both total shoulder replacement surgeries. I thank God for those church friends who met those needs years past.

It is Sept 12, 2019 as I started this post and in the last three weeks five women have cooked meals and visited. Since I started writing this blog more friends have visited and brought meals. All these individuals are showing love in a practical way and I’m thankful to God for it. I believe as you read this blog you can be encouraged to reach out to the hurting in practical ways. To me, this blog shows one way that compassion is compassion in action.  

Ups & Downs

Life has ups and downs. Life owes no one anything. Why? Because life is what you make it. Whether you’ve had bad or good things happen to you in life, what you do with what you have makes life good or bad.

Unfortunately bad things do happen to good people. I’ve experienced both. They don’t define who I am, but how I perceived them will make life harder or easier.

I chose to forgive injustices done to me an chose to let go… I asked God to heal the hurts and wounds etc.

God will heal the broken hearted when we ask him. But we have to be willing to let go.

When tormenting thoughts come at us of hurts, pains and injustices speak the truth to those thoughts. Think… I forgave its God’s problem. That is truth according to the word of God. Forgiveness releases us from the pain…

In life forgiveness is a healthy key.

Hello world!

Hi there! I’m Annette Melton. I am new to blogging. I am excited to share my thoughts an insights on relationships, life and love.

I have been ordained since 93′ and have been doing what I call pastoral care & counsel for over 20 years. I’m not an expert but I have learned helpful insights an tools for relationships, life & love. That I believe will encourage and empower individuals an couples.

Let’s learn together…