Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Reflecting.......

It is amazing to me that yet another year has rolled to an end, with a new one beginning! I love new beginnings! I have much to be thankful for and I am very blessed. Jesus has taught me so much this year, and he has been so patient and so loving. Coming to a revelation of grace and it's purity is one thing, living in it is another. I guess the initial revelation seems like, yeah I finally got this, yet there is ongoing revelation as the old thinking is shed off and the new takes it's place. This past year was a dramatic one for me as I had to continue to shed off the strongholds I once clung to, and began to truly learn to rest in HIM and HIS FINISHED WORK. Learning to live as though it is HIM living through me and not me trying to live right has taken some time to get used to. I know I will continue to learn how to get out the way and let Him live, and just abide in the vine. Living the let go life, as some may call it. Like a little child I am learning to trust my Daddy is in control and has my best interests in mind. How refreshing!!
There have been so many things I have wrestled with over this past year, not regarding others according to the flesh has been a big one. I am slowly getting the idea though, did I mention, SLOWLY........!! Yet, it has been a revelation that has made a huge impact on how I relate with others. When we look at people the way God does, instead of how the law does, relationships mend, trust forms and people feel safe.  Jesus continues to show me just how compassionate He really is and I am in awe over and over again at just how tenderly loving He really is! Words just cannot express it!

Life has become more filled with joy, peace and contentment. I am truly content. I get tickled over the silliest things anymore and no longer feel like something is missing in my life. Isn't that how it should be? The shalom of God has come to me, nothing missing, nothing broken. Even though to an onlooker my life may not look whole or complete, God declares it so and I am grateful to live on HIS authority and not the world's perspective. Isn't that so freeing, to know what others think about your life doesn't truly matter. Just believing God at His word and resting in the finality of it, the truth of it. Whether you can see it in the natural or not.

I could say I have a long way to go, but that would miss the point. That would be me, regarding me after the flesh. I am not who I used to be. His love changed all of that. He gave me new life in Him so that we could be in right, pure relationship together. His life flowing in my veins. YES!! Imagine that, the very Life of Christ alive inside little ole me! I still revel in this awesome truth!!
I pray those who stop by would be greatly blessed as they celebrate the New Year rolling in. I pray that you would not ponder the past with any regret,  He is always doing a NEW THING, always providing hope for a great future in HIM..........!!! May this year be a year of greater and deeper revelation of His Lavish Love for you!! 

11 comments:

Alan Hiu said...

Hi Lydia,

Happy New Year!

Thank you for sharing your heart... very encouraging and heart warming!

This is the consequence of the power of the Gospel! Every time we see His Grace, we see a new beginning and I wonder how this new beginning is going to stop!

Ephesians 1:7 ~ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace!

Grace, grace, grace

Jamie said...

Joyful Lydia,
You are beautiful to behold; my heart is full...

I'm so glad to be dancing in His Grace and Love with you. :)

lydia said...

Hello Alan,

And a very Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family! I am glad you were encouraged, as I always am when I stop by your place!

Let the New Beginnings never cease, they are new every morning, and God is forever and forever is a mighty long time!! We shall be enjoying His mercies always! How wonderful!!

I love that, "the consequence" of the Gospel, I will take all of those consequences please!!

Indeed it is a profound mystery, His Grace is!!

lydia said...

RJW,

....deep sigh.........He loves me, he loves me, ah, he declares all things beautiful that He has made, and you are breathtaking as well dear one!!

I am dancing beside you like the most graceful and beautiful ballerina, sometimes he has to scoop me up off the floor when I trip though..........I am so glad he is always right beside me, keeping my feet firm in His grace, aren't you!!!

Leonard said...

"celebrate the New Year rolling in"

"He is always doing a NEW THING"

Lets roll, Check these nutty guy's

"Rock Watter" could be snow ***

Best to you and yours Lydia Joy.
Leonard the nut case.

Leonard said...

ps. Water not Watter, its what I get for not spell checking.

lydia said...

Leonard ( the lover of life :)

Thanks for the New Year Greetings! Those nutty guys look like they are having a lot of fun!! Here's to great amounts of fun in '09!!

PS - I try not to notice the mistakes, there is too much life and joy in you and everyone for the messes ups to matter so much.....

Leonard said...

Hugs.

Aida said...

Lydia, all I can say is, "Wow! What an awesome post!" I'm going to have to print this one so I can look at it often.

"I . . . no longer feel like something is missing in my life."

What a wonderful place to be. I'm not quite there yet. Most of the time I am but I have to be really careful to not let my thoughts drift down certain paths or else it's a major pity party.

Lydia, you have just blessed and encouraged me tremendously. I'm ready and excited about 2009 and I'm looking forward to being involved in the adventures that Daddy has planned.

Happy New Year, dear sister.

lydia said...

Aida,

I have missed you!! I am so glad this post blessed you!! Here's to living in the shelter of HIS mighty wings......It's going to be a fabulous year!!

Happy New Year to you to!

With much love

Aida said...

Thanks, Lydia. I have been a bit scarce lately but I do try to catch up when I get a chance and I always enjoy reading what you have to share.

I agree. 2008 was great but I believe 2009 will be even better.