October 24, 2009 The end is the beginning

The end is the beginning....
The beginning is the end....

I want to begin with the end of my last blog entry.... ..
within His vast, infinite creation...there is plenty of room to be included and not so infinite that we lose sight or immediate touch with each other.

and from two other blogs I received yesterday morning...

He does not change truth to fit our situation, but He does give the love, wisdom and grace to accept that truth. God"s direction is not always the easiest thing to do, but it always is the best in the long run. Today you do not have to handle life alone. Dr. Gerald Sadler

break free
Look Up
REACH OUT
Hold On Tight
Jim Spivey

It feels so good to not be alone. Yes it does as we experience this awesome and beautiful relationship with the Lord and each other. Breaking free, looking up, reaching out and holding on tight to Him and each other. All the lonely people in a new vision are completely living in Love in the middle of a difficult world because we hold on tight to each other as we hold on tight to Jesus. Our eyes are open to everyone around us, clearly seeing our purpose in this life. Being alone is no longer about who can be with me? but is transformed, with whom can I be?

Something else to ponder, just because we are all crowded together doesn't mean we are connected together. If we look to a person or groups of people to find answers to our despair and loneliness, we lose sight of God's Truth, our purpose or call. The only way to connect with each other is through Jesus where we see many hearts pounding.

This is not a political statement...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/1858568495_9c88019e78.jpg

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2809097600_a906a73d16.jpg

Here's a song, and to be honest it really is 'strange' how the message is in sync with what I'm sharing. But it's not strange since we know where the darkness comes from, the one who comes to kill, steal and destroy.

I am confident there is no End, we have a hope that the End is the Beginning into New Life.

The End is the Beginning is the End, by Smashing Pumpkins

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1571666/the_beginning_is_the_end_is_the_beginning/

This genre isn't my favorite but it clearly depicts the hate, destruction, despair and lonliness in the world and disconnection from God and each other. As I watch this, I feel really really small in this call and that is okay as long as I don't lose sight of my Source of strength. I know I can be a light in this world only as I am replenished and strengthened by His Light.

Lyrics:

Send a heartbeat to

The void that cries through you

Relive the pictures that have come to pass

For now we stand alone

The world is lost and blown

And we are flesh and blood disintegrate

With no more to hate
Is it bright where you are A

nd have the people changed

Does it make you happy you're so strange

And in your darkest hour

My old secrets laid

We can watch the world devoured in its pain
Delivered from the blast

The last of a line of lasts

The pale princess of a palace cracked

And now the kingdom comes

Crashing down undone

And I am a master of a nothing place

Of recoil and grace
Is it bright where you are

And have the people changed

Does it make you happy you're so strange

And in your darkest hour I hold secrets flame

We can watch the world devoured in its pain
Time has stopped before us

The sky cannot ignore us

No one can separate us

For we are all that is left

The echo bounces off me

The shadow lost beside me

There's no more need to pretend

Cause now I can begin again
Is it bright where you are

And have the people changed

Does it make you happy you're so strange

And in your darkest hour my old secrets laid

We can watch the world devoured in its hate

Strange

Strange

Strange

Nothing changes in this call...''Feed My sheep', 'Tend My sheep' ....

Jesus is the Α&Ω - The Beginning & The End

Teresa Parsons

hisheartmyheart@gmail.com

October 1, 2009 Infinite prayer

1 John 5:14-15 says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him."

We are always being asked to pray for someone or asking for prayer. But recently I began to ask myself, what exactly is prayer outside of the general definition? How can I really understand the magnitude of this connection we have with each other?

I wrote last year on this subject and little has changed in my understanding, as far as the words sent out in prayer, but my heart feels a much deeper connection, it is more than words. With the metaphor of 'words are like water', which is fluid and attempting to capture it in our open fingers 'seems' impossible. We desire to capture what is flowing, but the substance is fluid (what is hoped for) until it is captured or contained (the evidence of things unseen). We understand that prayer is fluid like the water going out and when it flows back to us, we desire to be saturated in it. It doesn't matter where someone is in the world, whether on the other side or sitting next to us on a sofa. There really doesn't need to be a physical connection for our heart's cry.

We are now awakened to effectual prayer and that it never needed our forced stream of words but now know the very thought of another person or giving thanks to God is prayer. His Love is enough to get us through every moment, every day, every situation, every need, and His will 'is' His desire for us to apply His perfect Love in our lives and our lives 'with' and 'for' each other.

This Love restores, replenishes, regains, reestablishes, reforms, rejuvenates. His Love Heals in every aspect of the word 'heal'. We know what we ask of God, He hears it all. And as we pray the one we are connecting to also hears within their heart and spirit, as it is all connected back to God Who hears all things. Here we have access to the Kingdom of God 'now'.

It is here that we understand it isn't anything we 'do' or 'don't do' that causes God to touch a life through prayer. We now understand it is our very thought, because of Love, that brings all we desire. It is our very breath and heartbeat, in these we have life and are connected permanently within His vast, infinite creation and there is plenty of room to be included and not so infinite that we lose sight or immediate touch with each other..

Whoo...this song touches my heart!!!

'I will carry you' Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSHkDyTFdwc&feature=related

October 13, 2009, Hatch in 21 Days

It takes 21 days to hatch a chicken egg.

It takes 21 days to break a bad habit and create a new habit.

I takes 21 days to burn fat and gain muscle.

Almost 25 years ago I was in a support group where we would meet and discuss this 21 day principle. We discussed our lives, our dreams, our thoughts, our struggles, our abuse, our addictions as we healed and pondered God's Word. We affirmed one another by speaking affirmations and Love into our own lives. At that time there were no churches within the Houston area that were open to support groups such as AA, NA, SAA and CODA. This group was the first to attempt support groups in churches and it was met with a brick wall as we were called 'new agers'.

I am thankful that today more churches are offering support groups of all kinds, as well as outreach programs in the community. I am hearing from others, for the most part, there is no longer shame based teaching or ostracizing of those seeking psychiatric or psychological help or counselors.

You ask what about the 21 days? One of the discussions of the group was how it took 21 days to redirect neurotransmitters connections to reestablish a new thought pattern. But I soon found that outside of marking off the days on the calendar and with continuous support. this discipline is almost impossible.

An addiction is any behavior that cannot be stopped, whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, TV, eating, work (away from home and in home), exercising, drugs, alcohol, shopping, money, sex, maintaining appearances or a person. Even being in church can be an addiction if being there is to numb us as opposed to seeking authentic connection to God and each other in the Body. Addiction is anything that numbs our ability to face our pain and life around us; anything that keeps us disconnected from God and each other; anything that keeps us from having abundant life.

If not careful there are all kinds of gimmicks and quackery to heal any addiction. Even counselors can be the addiction especially when the patient is not in need of medical intervention and the therapy goes on for years without any sign of progress. One example of this is when you see weight loss gimmicks that result in more weight gain later. When the source of the habit or addiction is not dealt with, old patterns will eventually come back in the absence of healing Love, Support with unconditional Love and a full invitation to express the deepest crevices of our hearts, thoughts, fears and emotions is healing.

I prayed for years asking God to show me what healing was. In these support groups I observed and experienced healing. Healing is emotional, spiritual and physical which comes from connection and inner work within the group. 'Getting Real' started by Dr. Charles and Connie Meisgeier and 'Love Machine' started by Jim Spivey both exemplify this invitation to heal. In these I started the work of my own life's pain I saw these as the open door that Jesus spoke of, His Love and His Truth will set you free. Surrendering, giving up control to God, allows His unconditional Love to flow through the group, surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows healing.

This book, lists various illnesses with probable causes for each illness as well as positive affirmation for healing.

'This little book does not 'heal' anyone...For us to become whole and healthy, we must balance body, mind and spirit. We need to take good care of our bodies. We need to have a positive mental attitude about ourselves. And we need to have a strong spiritual connection. When these three things are balanced, we rejoice in living. No doctor, no health practitioner can give us this unless we choose to take part in our healing process.... Remember, the word metaphysical means to go beyond the physical to the mental cause behind it.'

Heal Your Body, Louise L Hay

Here's an example from the book that is of immediate interest,
Influenza - Probable Causes: Response to mass negativity and beliefs. Fear. Belief in statistics. (wow, isn't that interesting especially when we are being bombarded by pharmaceutical companies and commercials reminding us to be fearful!) - Affirmation: I am beyond group beliefs or the calendar. I am free from all congestion and 'influence'.

It starts in our minds. Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

I have a dear friend, Ruth, who after being diagnosed more than 20 years ago with ovarian cancer and given 4 months to live, used health, prayer and scriptures as affirmations. The results of constantly seeking God for her healing was a testimony to many, including those in the medical field who ironically didn't believe in healing outside of conventional methods. She proved them wrong. And Ruth, I thank God for you, you are an amazing woman and I sure miss you girl!!! Anytime on the calendar to get together soon?

Here's one of my favorite affirmations.


Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

So together we are hatching eggs.




Teresa Parsons
hisheartmyheart@gmail.com

October 12, 2009 Servants in the Kingdom of God 'Now'

"The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the Kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21

I absolutely love sharing and singing about Heaven but focusing only on what's ahead keeps me from experiencing the Kingdom of God 'now'.

Yesterday I was really soaking in Romans 12. It is the outline as we live with each other 'now'. Yes, we are dying everyday to self so that we may live, because in living we are dying to self. We are connected in the Spirit and in Love - all of us.

Bridge Over Trouble Waters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzREBu8PwPo&feature=related

As I listen to this song, I remember like it was yesterday. I was driving down Old Galveston Rd to be with my Aunt Josephine in the hospital, feeling helpless and this song came on the radio. She was crippled for years with arthritis and spent the last years of her life bed ridden. I never once heard her complain about her pain. She told me once the pain in her body was so unbearable, she reached and touched the cloak of Jesus. She had experienced the Kingdom of God and her pain left in that moment. She was a servant through her pain as she lived in her pain. What a beautiful example of abundant life. Thank you Aunt Josephine, you were and still are a light in my life.

As Jesus sings this song to me, I sing it to each one in my life. This is my desire 'now'. My purpose is to be a servant and if necessary even go into troubled waters. As a servant His gifts are not mine to keep for myself.

For all of you who are radical servant lights in a world of darkness.

This is titled 'Like A Bridge'...


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Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NIV

October 10, 2009 Surrender

Crossing the threshold is an individual and personal step. We can be held, walked with, counseled, encouraged, coached, cheered on, but when it is time to cross the threshold, we must do it alone.

This is surrender.

If I focus on 'my way', I use up more of my energy if not all of it to find answers to each situation vs. 'God's Way' which uses none of my energy and brings peace that surpasses 'all' understanding, that is, goes beyond my mind. In God's Way we walk through the threshold with the Lord to this awesome place where everything about 'self' is diminishing and He is increasing.

This is surrender.

I really understand John the Baptist when he said,
'He must become greater; I must become less'. John 3:30 NIV

This is surrender.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IORMvbM_x8
Marc James 'Surrender'

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3153325780_fff50d1ce6.jpg

This is surrender

Teresa Parsons

hisheartmyheart@gmail.com

October 8, 2009 Reposted Living and peace in pain

I posted this blog also on FB the other day but accidently deleted it. FB didn't pick it up a second time so I'm trying again. Let's see if this works.... It is sharing my heart and in this particular one, it is one of the rare moments, of which I hope to see more often, where God opened the eyes of my heart, wide open!

Living and peace in pain

As I sat yesterday afternoon in a coffee shop, my eyes were opened for a short time and I saw everyone's pain. It was like God showed me all at once the inside of every heart around me. People I didn't know. He let me see what He sees. For a several minutes He let me feel His compassion. I held in my tears not wanting to cry uncontrollably. The pain was overwhelming, I watched one ready to give up, one had a very heavy burden and fear of failing and being inadequate; another lonely, another hurting. The day started with pain. and in my 'not paying attention' or blindness may be a better word, that thing I sometimes do, I took out a stuffed 'fabric' frog out of my purse that laughs when you push his belly. Those of you who know me, know which one I'm talking about. It was an inappropriately timed attempt to divert pain or bring a smile. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.

On many occasions God has allowed me to experience and heal not only my pain but have compassion-(suffer with) for other's in pain. I've been in a beautiful place between this life and the next as I experienced death and new life with my Dad; I stood by another lady near death and listened to her desires and last wishes and hopes. I cried with a dear friend in physical pain, sometimes laying near her and weeping. I've cried for another who could not cry; or for someone not even with or near me, or waking up in the middle of the night crying and praying for someone in trouble or pain. I've had some amazing experiences of holding some hurting women tightly until they could cry out their deep pain. And how could I possibly ever have known if I hadn't experienced it, the peace that surpasses all understanding within the embracing of pain. The abundant Life which 'does' come.

How often can we see Jesus in every face? If my heart is not attentive I miss Him. I listened to a man, to some would be called 'unlovely' or 'unwanted' overlooked or avoided. With pain evident on his face, I looked at him as he talked and smiled, I saw Jesus. There was another woman in my life, shamefully I avoided her for a time until the Lord said to me, 'I sent her into your life to remind you how much I Love you'. I had to hear that to open my eyes and see Jesus in her. He doesn't show up for me with the best dressed, the best smelling, the most successful, the most comfortable situations, He most often shows up hungry, thirsty, needing clothing, shoes, needing a bath, toothless, scarred, laying in the streets, under a bridge, in a dilapidated home or building, uneducated, giving up, hitting bottom, in the muck of life, addicts, alcoholics, stoned, naked, violated, vomit covered, bloody, crying, dying, in order that I may find Him in them and that 'we' may heal and Love Him, not alone, but together.

Whether a deeper than deep pain of unresolved shame, hurt, grieving, regret, fear for their family or themselves, whether openly expressed or unexpressed, there is this amazing Light of the Lord's Love and Truth that is illuminating the darkness, healing what is hidden, bringing comfort and healing through Love... to many. Through and by the way of an army that has been called up and drafted to serve and Love Jesus' with all their heart, mind and soul and Love others as they have found that beautiful healing place of loving themselves.

And yes Tiamae, we do look the least likely to be called His army, that's what makes it so amazing, it has to be God. But we sure are beautiful in our Love for each other arm in arm. Jumping or free falling together...and to think I use to be afraid of the very idea...


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/355852355_989292b4ee.jpg

Then I posted on Facebook this fractal art the other day...I called it Free Falling...

And in the evening I went to one of the night's revival at my church to get 'revived' first in the worship, then being reminded of this song that I don't need to only hear in church to be touched by it, and it does bring weeping when connecting with the heart of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7qiw1wXxM&feature=related

And in connecting with family and friends, a few more Michael W. Smith songs. Songs like these I wish there were more of them to remind us of what we so often miss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdavk-nprzM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCJAVlESEo

And even though I think I am going to stop talking so much. Mom, I think you have to laugh because you know it was born in me! :-)))), I am learning that in my talking, I am also listening and in my listening I am finding my life and in finding my life, it is much less about me and much much more about Jesus.

Teresa Parsons
hisheartmyheart@gmail.com

October 8, 2009 Reposting

I posted this blog also on FB the other day but accidently deleted it. FB didn't pick it up a second time so I'm trying again. Let's see if this works....
It is sharing my heart and in this particular one, it is one of the rare moments of which I hope to see more often, where God opened the eyes of my heart, wide open!

Living and peace in pain

As I sat yesterday afternoon in a coffee shop, my eyes were opened for a short time and I saw everyone's pain. It was like God showed me all at once the inside of every heart around me. People I didn't know. He let me see what He sees. For a several minutes He let me feel His compassion. I held in my tears not wanting to cry uncontrollably. The pain was overwhelming, I watched one ready to give up, one had a very heavy burden and fear of failing and being inadequate; another lonely, another hurting. The day started with pain. and in my 'not paying attention' or blindness may be a better word, that thing I sometimes do, I took out a stuffed 'fabric' frog out of my purse that laughs when you push his belly. Those of you who know me, know which one I'm talking about. It was an inappropriately timed attempt to divert pain or bring a smile. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.

On many occasion God has allowed me to experience and heal not only my pain but have compassion-(suffer with) for other's in pain. I've been in a beautiful place between this life and the next as I experienced death and new life with my Dad; I stood by another lady near death and listened to her desires and last wishes and hopes. I cried with a dear friend in physical pain, sometimes laying near her and weeping. I've cried for another who could not cry; or for someone not even with or near me, or waking up in the middle of the night crying and praying for someone in trouble or pain. I've had some amazing experiences of holding some hurting women tightly until they could cry out their deep pain. And how could I possibly ever have known if I hadn't experienced it, the peace that surpasses all understanding within the embracing of pain. The abundant Life which 'does' come.

How often can we see Jesus in every face? If my heart is not attentive I miss Him. I listened to a man, to some would be called 'unlovely' or 'unwanted' overlooked or avoided. With pain evident on his face, I looked at him as he talked and smiled, I saw Jesus. There was another woman in my life, shamefully I avoided her for a time until the Lord said to me, 'I sent her into your life to remind you how much I Love you'. I had to hear that to open my eyes and see Jesus in her. He doesn't show up for me with the best dressed, the best smelling, the most successful, the most comfortable situations, He most often shows up hungry, thirsty, needing clothing, shoes, needing a bath, toothless, scarred, laying in the streets, under a bridge, in a dilapidated home or building, uneducated, giving up, hitting bottom, in the muck of life, addicts, alcoholics, stoned, naked, violated, vomit covered, bloody, crying, dying, in order that I may find Him in them and that 'we' may heal and Love Him, not alone, but together.

Whether a deeper than deep pain of unresolved shame, hurt, grieving, regret, fear for their family or themselves, whether openly expressed or unexpressed, there is this amazing Light of the Lord's Love and Truth that is illuminating the darkness, healing what is hidden, bringing comfort and healing through Love... to many. Through and by the way of an army that has been called up and drafted to serve and Love Jesus' with all their heart, mind and soul and Love others as they have found that beautiful healing place of loving themselves.

And yes Tiamae, we do look the least likely to be called His army, that's what makes it so amazing, it has to be God. But we sure are beautiful in our Love for each other arm in arm.


Jumping or free falling together...and to think I use to be afraid of the very idea...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/355852355_989292b4ee.jpg



Then I posted on Facebook this fractal art the other day...I called it Free Falling...

And in the evening I went to one of the night's revival at my church to get 'revived' first in the worship, then being reminded of this song that I don't need to only hear in church to be touched by it, and it does bring weeping when connecting with the heart of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7qiw1wXxM&feature=related

And in connecting with family and friends, a few more Michael W. Smith songs. Songs like these I wish there were more of them to remind us of what we so often miss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdavk-nprzM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCJAVlESEo

And even though I think I am going to stop talking so much. Mom, I think you have to laugh because you know it was born in me! :-)))), I am learning that in my talking, I am also listening and in my listening I am finding my life and in finding my life, it is much less about me and much much more about Jesus.


Teresa Parsons
hisheartmyheart@gmail.com

October 1, 2009 Freedom from fear and peace that follows

His Love never ceases to set us free.

We continually seek to be set free from our external pursuits for self gratification whether drugs, alcohol, sex, money, food or any pain numbing avoidance or addiction, the world's illusions to avoid pain. Addictions numb our ability to 'experience' Love. Freedom and peace come when we recognize the lie and no longer exchange the Truth for a lie. It is Truth which sets us free. Being open and transparent about ourselves, opens our eyes to see we are all sinners-disconnected from God and each other. Life's journey invites us to hold on for dear 'life' to 'live' and heal with each other, 'together'. Together we experience His amazing healing....God gave us each other, not to avoid or isolate ourselves from each other but to embrace each other, not to judge or exalt ourselves above each other but to see we are the same, with the same pain and the same fears. We live transparent from the inside-out. We are reformed, rejuvenated and reborn.

1 John 4:18 There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgment - is one not yet fully formed in love. 19 We, though, are going to love - love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. (The Message)

"His Light shines will all else fades.

Never ending your Glory goes beyond all fame....my souls cries out"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f34F7e3d0_Y&feature=related

Together we are moving towards His amazing Light...

Teresa Parsons
hisheartmyheart@gmail.com