Finding Peace

Our world we live in is in constant upset isn't it? Someone is always angry, hurt, lying, depressed, stealing, or killing. Why? For what? What good is there in any of this? Nothing but destruction seems to be around us. This world seems to be going crazy. Things make less & less sense if we are focusing on the world as it works.

 

But every time I see such things I remember Jesus said DO NOT FEAR, many many times. This was one of the things He impressed upon His disciples. Take courage & do not have fear. He has overcome, period. Yes, it's hard to stay at peace sometimes. But we are called to stay focused, stay at peace & know that God is in control. By thinking of the noble, pure & honorable things we will be able to maintain a level of peace. 

Remember that God goes before you, that Jesus has already paid the payment in full & victory is won! Keep your heart & mind at peace, love yourself but love each other & share the good news!

~ Randa ~

There is no one like our God....

You're the God of this city, You're the King of these people, You're the Lord of this nation, You Are.

You're the Light of this darkness, You're the Hope to the hopeless, You're the Peace to the restless, You Are.

For there is no one like our God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come,
And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Greater things are yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here.

You're the Lord of Creation, The Creator of all things, You're the King above all Kings, You Are.

You're the Strength in our weakness, You're the Love to the broken, You're the Joy in the sadness You Are.

For there is no one like our God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come,
And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Where glory shines from hearts alive, With praise for you and love for you, in this city. Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done, in this city.
Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here.

There is no one like our God. There is no one like our God. Yes, there is no one like you, God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done, in this city.
Where glory shines from hearts alive, With praise for you and love for you, in this city.

Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Greater things are yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here. Still to be done here. Still to be done here.

Still to be done here.
~ God of this city by Bluetree ~
There truly is none like our God.... I have experienced so many amazing little blessings lately. You know what I mean? Those little aggravations that turn out sooo wonderful?? Sooo much more fantastic than you could have imagined & you KNOW that Divine Intervention is the ONLY explanation?? Yea, those! We are surrounded in a world that seriously needs a wake up call & to see God's hand in so many things still is just beautiful. Keep your eyes open to God's handiwork going on around you no matter how big or small. It often shows up where we least expect it, so don't let the heaviness & darkness of this world drag you down. Be Joyful always! And don't forget to SHINE!
<3 Randa

What If I Stumble....

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."  C.S. Lewis


Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord? Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains. Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame. Cause I see the trust in their eyes. Though the sky is falling, they need Your love in their lives.
Compromise is calling...
What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall? What if I stumble, what if I fall? You never turn in the heat of it all. What if I stumble, what if I fall?
Father, please forgive me for I can not compose, the fear that lives within me or the rate at which it grows. If struggle has a purpose on the narrow road you've carved, why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar? Do they see the fear in my eyes? Are they so revealing? This time I cannot disguise all the doubt I'm feeling.

What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall? What if I stumble? Everyone's got to crawl when you know that you're up against a wall, it's about to fall... everyone's got to crawl when you know that....
I hear You whispering my name [You say]
"My love for You will never change" [never change]
What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall? You never turn in the heat of it all. What if I stumble, what if I fall? You are my comfort, and my God.
Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?
~What If I Stumble by DC Talk~

Face it, folks... We are all going to make mistakes. You will not react right in every situation you are placed in. But one thing we need to remember in the midst of our mistakes is that God already knew what was going down. God forgives & God's love for us never changes. Never...
Because Romans 8:38-39 says: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Now this doesn't give you the "OK" to run around living the fleshly desires of the world. I believe this is telling us that once you have become a believer in Jesus as God's son, who was sent as our redemptive payment and your life has changed, that nothing can take that from you nor take you from God's family. We all fall short. We were told to LOVE each other. We were told to LIVE so that unbelievers wonder what it is that we have. Life is complex and difficult enough to muddle through, however we do have to live what we believe and what we profess. Believers, remember every mistake you make in this world will be viewed as hypocritical. Do NOT let it discourage you! You are a Child of the King! You know whose you are and in whose hands you are held! Do your best to SHINE! We have to not simply pay lip service to what we believe. It's time to walk the walk that was laid out before us as Jesus walked this earth so long ago. Serve your community, be love & see the mission field right in your backyard!
~ Randa ~

It's been awhile my friends...

My dear friend Cheryl & I have been sharing our walks with Jesus for a few years now. We often share books, music, websites, etc., anything that strikes a chord with us in what God is working on in our lives. Recently Cheryl brought me this book called "Choosing Joy" by Angela Thomas. Angela Thomas is such a great writer on women's emotions & struggles within themselves. This is the second book by Ms. Thomas that Cheryl has shared with me. I have had a trying year personally and Cheryl has been an incredible support in my family's life. Cheryl & I spoke over Christmas over some personal matters & Cheryl told me she felt like God was speaking JOY into my life. It seemed as though everywhere I looked prior to our conversation, I saw something about joy or the word joy. Just seemed odd, & then she brought the subject up to me & seriously caught my attention! You might find this as interesting as I do... My middle name is Joy! Hmmm...

The Holy Bible speaks much on the Joy of the Lord....

Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

John 16:22 - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

So back to this new book...
This book is a 52 week Devotional on Choosing Joy. You start on a Monday, any Monday. Let me share with you an excerpt from day one:
'For the Glory of God
Monday
The Pursuit of Joy

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalm 43:4 KJV


Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV

As we begin this year of intentionally choosing joy, I want us to begin with one purpose in mind. We must choose joy in our everyday lives because a joy-filled life brings glory to God. God shines brightly through the soul that is wholly devoted to Him. Trusting in Him. Delighting in Him. If the pursuit of joy has seemed too worldly to you, then I pray this year of Scripture-directed joy will change your heart. The pursuit of joy and the glory of God are not in conflict. In fact, just the opposite is true. To pursue joy with your whole life is to honor the One who has given you life....God desires that we find our joy, our happiness, our peace, and our purpose in Him. When we have done so He is glorified."

Therefore, as Philippians 4:4 says Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice! I will dance & sing before my God like King David...like there's no one around! I will seek that unspeakable joy that only God gives. So find your joy in God, in Jesus... be silly & happy...

I am choosing joy!

FYI: El SIMCHAH GIYL = God my Exceeding Joy (Ps. 43:4)... When I read "Your Secret Name" by Kary Oberbrunner this was my secret name for God. Interesting.... :)
~ Randa ~

Donation Report

The T-Shirt sale we had to benefit Heifer International has ended! As stated, I am posting a donation report. Sadly, I must report that we were unable to sell enough shirts to secure a donation. The plan I had was to hopefully sell a minimum of 50 t-shirts. This would have secured a good donation amount to give over to Heifer International to provide a sustainable gift to someone in need.

Unfortunately in this economy, we were not able to do this at this time. The cost to have the few shirts made that were sold would not have provided us with any money to donate. In reality, it would have cost more to have them made. I am extremely grateful for those willing and able to step out and give to someone in need, someone with substantially less than they do.

We will do another fundraiser down the road in hopes of helping again. Thank you so very much for your cheerful giving to this project. The donated funds have been returned, minus the paypal fee. God bless you my friends! Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season celebrating our Lord!

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

~ Randa ~

The time is now & I have something to say... If a man cannot be a Christian where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere. -- Henry Ward Beecher

Ya know I finally figured out what I wanna be when I grow up. I'm going to be a PLANET SHAKER! Wondering what that is yet?? Well, it's a Transformist; someone who makes a difference in the world. Tall order you say? Uh no actually it's not. You see the time is now people. Get it together & get it in gear! We were created for a specific purpose. We all have a special name on a white stone waiting for those who overcome. Many people are so numbed down by this world & the culture of sin that they either don't realize it's there or just don't care about salvation anymore much less their purpose. Well.... WAKE UP!!!

We have never been closer than we are right now to Jesus' return. Are you thinking to yourself: oh that's for all those religious types; I don't need that return of Jesus junk. Who really believes that stuff anyway? My response: read the book for yourself because you do need it. You can realize it now or when it's too late, bottom-line. And p.s. that book is a life guide as well! I've heard many times over the years "Oh, so & so doesn't go out partying anymore, they found RELIGION" as they laugh... Like salvation is a joke. It's not a joke. Again, read the book. Sitting in the garage doesn't make you a Cadillac so understand that simply sitting in church doesn't make you a follower of Jesus. It's a relationship, it's not about religion.

Evil actions & drunken revelry is not of God. Tell me when's the last time anyone prayed earnestly to God while doing flaming Dr. Peppers or Tequila shots or drank gallons of beer?? Seriously, you may not like what I'm saying & that's ok. There's more in the book I'm sure you'll be convicted of, which is why most people avoid it in the first place, but know this: ignorance is not bliss when you're standing in the fire. You are accountable in the end. Remember that everyone has been there at the crossroads too. Some people choose to wake up & some people hit the snooze button. Just make sure you don't hit it one too many times only to realize you're too late. So unfriend me, delete me, whatever makes you sleep better at night if the truth isn't appealing to you.

Believe what you want, hear what you want, live how you want. After all, the choice is yours. I'm gonna wave my Banner for God & I'll keep waving it. That's how I choose to live, because contrary to what some believe I'm not blind.

I'm wide awake to the Truth in Jesus. Not the "party all week but Christian when it suits me" type of belief that so many follow. God warns in Revelation about being lukewarm. The gospel is foolishness to those who don't believe. Now He knows we aren't perfect but Jesus also said "Go & sin no more". In others words, make a change & try to be better, not fake it & pay lip service. I pray that many see God's truth & redemption & come out of the darkness. I'm a PLANET SHAKER & I'm gonna stand. What are you gonna do?

Revelation 2:17
Matthew 25:14-30
Song of Solomon 2:4
Revelation 21
Romans 8:31
Psalm 118:6
Isaiah 41:10
Jeremiah 20:11
Jeremiah 29:11
1 John 4:4
Oh just read the whole thing, LOL LOL LOL!!!!

For the Christian, nothing less than the presence of the Spirit
is enough to explain the marvelous changes worked in human
lives. Call it grace; call it providence; call it the result of
Bible study ... just so we understand that in and behind any or
all the instruments is the presence and work of the Spirit who
seeks and finds and transforms .-- Jim McGuiggan

Jesus does his best work at such moments. Just when the truth
about life sinks in, his truth starts to surface. He takes us by
the hand and dares us not to sweep the facts under the rug but
to confront them with him at our side. -- Max Lucado

I have been tortured with longing to believe ... and the
yearning grows stronger the more cogent the intellectual
difficulties stand in the way. -- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Make the most of the present moment. No occasion is unworthy of
our best efforts. God often uses the humble occasions and little
things to shape the course of a man's life. -- James Garfield

~ In Christ, Randa ~

Fundraiser Project for Heifer International...

Hello all! I hope today finds you happy, healthy & in God's Peace. Here at Mustard Seed Moments, the last few days have been very interesting. It's been laid on our hearts to reach out, to help communities, to help not only with food but provide sustainability to those with a hopeless outlook. As such, we have decided to start a T shirt drive as a way to raise funds to purchase items in the Heifer International Project Catalog. Please look into Heifer Project! They have an incredible mission & we desire to be a part of that. Together we have the power to help sustain a family, a community, a village with an animal as a food source. Not just for a single moment in time but as a continuing source to sustain many people!

Can you help? Will you? If God has laid it upon your heart to help with this project, we are very grateful for your kindness & willingness to participate, Thank you so much!!!

So MANY MANY people are hungry out there...on our soil & abroad. The global economy has hit everyone hard. However, if you can find $22.00 to spend on a Christian design T shirt, I humbly ask you to purchase this one. I will be posting a donation report on here once we have gotten through the sale time of the shirts & I have purchased our gift to Heifer Project. I am SOOOO excited to be doing this, to be taking a stand & being obedient to the words laid on our hearts. Thank you again for your participation. Remember, the sale of the shirts will go on from 10/23/11 through 11/23/11. At that time, I will place a group order for all of your t shirts. Once they arrive, I will personally mail them to you so please allow adequate time for arrival to you! P.S. Be sure to include your shipping information & contact information!!! <3

Let's work together to break some chains!!! The link for purchase is on my blog on the right side of the page. May God bless you all abundantly & shine His face upon you in a very special way today & always!!!
~ Randa ~