Looking to the Future

I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be,* but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Philippians 3:12b-14 NLT (© 2003, Ilumina Software, Tyndale House Publishers)

Lately I've done way too much ruminating on things past.

Things I should have done differently

but chose not to for one reason or another.

Words said

that shouldn't have been said.

Deeds left undone

and those that should never have been done.

Some reflection is good--

for God calls His children to lead holy lives-

lives of mercy, grace and kindness to others;

lives that are Christ-like,

and lives that witness to the fact that we love Him.

But I don't always act very Christ-like

and sometimes,

after I've asked God to forgive me

and tried--if possible--to make amends to the ones I've wronged,

well sometimes ...

I just don't seem to be able to let go of that FORGIVEN sin;

or should I say my feelings of guilt and remorse over that FORGIVEN sin?

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I read this verse recently --

it makes SO much sense and was written by one (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) who needed to let go of his past--

in order to have the energy to do the things God was asking of him.

Because holding onto the guilt over past sins.

which God has totally forgiven us of,

robs us of the energy we need to do His will today.

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I can't change the past...

but I know the ONE who controls my future and can give me the grace I need to live a more Christ-like life each day.

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Blessings,

Aimee

--

“Come now, let us argue this out,” says the Lord. “No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."

Isaiah 1:18 NLT (© 2003, Ilumina Software, Tyndale House Publishers)

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Photos

winter garden views

Blessings from above

Last year, I had a prayer request;

something very important...

and so I prayed.

And God answered my prayer totally and completely...

but He also gave me a desire of my heart before He did that.

A small desire---not earthshattering or anything monumental--but still something He knew would make His daughter's heart sing with happiness for a moment...or two.

And as I watched the blessing He gave me that day unfold, for a moment my problems seemed to melt away...

as I took delight in His gift--a most beautiful gift.

A special present only He could send.

And my heart was filled with joy

and my problems did seem lessened

at this perfect present from God;

not just because of the gift itself,

but because I knew God loves me-

and that is the greatest gift of all!

--
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think...unto Him be glory" Ephesians 3:20a, 21b KJV

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Blessings,

Aimee

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Photos:

rhododendron-cream crest

apple-liberty

barberry

pieris

viburnum-spinrg bouquet?

Happy New Year's Day!!

Happy 2010

May this new year be filled with the beauty of God's creation,

found blessings when you need them the most

and lots of time spent with good friends and family.

Blessings always, Aimee

Photos: Scenes from about a year ago.