A Tabernacle for the Sun

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

Approaching His destination brings a sigh of relief. Rest is near. The aroma drifting off the Sea of Galilee rejuvenates His soul. Peace and quiet call to Jesus, even if for a moment. His weary body feels the effects of the miles traveled. Looking down at His feet, He notices His swollen ankles. All of a sudden, He sees the source of the sharp pain in his feet. The bulging blisters seem to awaken every nerve in His body. He seeks a solitary resting spot. Finding a place for the night brings relief. Using a rock for a pillow, Jesus is lulled by the sound of the shoreline. He begins praying, Father, I need some time alone with you! Time to be refreshed. This throng of people is draining me...  physically, mentally and spiritually. I am tired and my spirit needs replenishing. Closing his eyes, Jesus experiences a sweet union with His Father.

Jesus awakes as a dim light peeks over the horizon. He craves quiet time with His Father. The Sea of Galilee brings Him comfort. Strolling along the shore, memories roll in like the waves of the sea. A smile appears as he recalls meeting His first disciples in this very place. Encouragement overwhelms Him.

The crisp breeze gently blows through His cloak. Jesus scans the beauty before Him. His mind lingers back to the days of creation. His eyes catch a glimpse of the sun casting its image on the surface of the water. Oh, a picturesque moment to behold. Immediately, He recalls His prayer from the night before. He knows His Father is reminding Him of their time together when they created the universe. God begins speaking,

Good Morning, My Son. I miss You. You will be with Me soon sitting at My right hand. You are doing a wonderful job. Keep it up! I can't wait for Your return home. But first You have work to accomplish. Continue listening to Me every minute and I will give You the words to speak. I love You!

With hands raised and tears flowing Jesus quotes Psalm 19:5-6... 

In the heavens He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 

Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; 

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

A hush comes over the sea. In that moment He experiences a tender touch. An answered prayer. A refreshment without words. United as one. 

Are you in need of replenishing your walk with the Lord? Are you tired, worn out and weary? Ask God for refreshment. Recognize the times throughout your day He is giving you a touch of encouragement. And remember... The heavens declare the glory of the Lord!

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RLM Newsflash...

• Newest Retreat Theme... "Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend" Leaving a Godly Legacy for the next generation. This retreat features my daughter, Carly Jo, and I as the featured speakers. This is a fun, inviting and encouraging retreat for all women! 

• Need a little parenting encouragement? Blessings flow when I think of all God has done and continues to do...

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal
www.reflectivelifeministries.org

The Parenting Trip: Journey through "Changes"

A special "re-post" for all the parents of children graduating from high school, going off to college, and facing difficult decisions. May God speak to you through this message. From One Parent to Another...

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth. 

3 John 4

Overcome with emotion. Nothing prepared me for the inevitable. It seems this Parenting Trip just started. I'm not ready to Journey through Changes. In the midst of contemplating this decision I notice a blockade ahead. A warning sign, "Entering the Danger Zone." Another sign stating, "You Must Exit NOW!" 

But, I'm not prepared to Journey through Changes. Isn't this road miles in front of me? At least it seems that way. 

Contemplating this decision I hear a familiar, gentle voice. His words stun my heart and mind...

"My Daughter, Changes is your only choice. If you continue down this Parenting Highway at the same speed you'll eventually crash into My roadblock. I put it there for a reason. I've allowed My children to ride with you on life's highway for the first part of their lives. Now each one drives with me - alone. I need you to exit. At first, this Journey through Changes is difficult. This path takes you on a variety of twist and turns. Oh, expect some rainy weather conditions. In the beginning the scenery is barren. Yes, like a desert. But, trust me to lead you through this next phase of The Parenting Trip. Once you Journey through Changes an oasis awaits your entrance. My plan was created before you or your children were born. Follow Me closely. Thank you for guiding and directing your children to Me for the past twenty-six years. Now, get ready for a new and fresh adventure!

By the way, this Parenting Trip is my road map design. Not for you to control, but me. I've allowed you to be a big part of the journey. But, with excitement your role is changing. I still need you to be in their lives, praying everyday for them to love me with all their hearts, souls and minds. For My purposes to be accomplished through each one to further My Kingdom. Thank you for deciding to Journey through Changes with me. I am proud of you. Wait until you see what's on the other side of this trek!" 

All of a sudden, without thinking I take the exit ramp to Changes. Tears flow as I leave  this part of The Parenting Trip. This highway is all I have known. My hearts cry is to follow God's road map. I don't want to divert off the path. But, my emotions run in all directions. With hands on the wheel and my heart lifted in praise, I cry out to God...

"I never expected the Journey Through Changes to be so difficult. Jesus, I need you more and more each day. Help me follow You with my everything. You are the author and finisher of our family. You love my children more than I do. I trust you completely. I know this part of The Parenting Trip is completed and you have a fresh adventure ahead. Help me not live in the past, but focus on Your road map of directions - Your Word. Thank you for allowing me to mother these four children and for the blessing of praying for them on rest of life's path. Also, help me not miss the scenery on this Journey to Changes. I praise You for the rest stops along the way called, Grace and Mercy. A place to refuel and refresh when needed. I praise you as I take this exit ramp in life"

In a moments notice my attitude takes a turn. A smile emerges. Excitement ignites. The Holy Spirit activates a yearning in my heart. Once again I am reminded, "Life is not about me, but all about Him!" Humbleness envelops my soul. My eyes rest on 3 John 4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth." I am ready. Ready to Journey through Changes! 

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This blog post represented my life a year ago. God allowed the Journey through Changes to be a sweet time of surrender and trust. I praise Him for all He taught me along the way. Entering the "Empty Nest" isn't easy, but necessary and a wonderful season. To all who have gone before me, thank you for the wisdom. For all those who journey behind me, may you be encouraged to not miss a moment with your children. Blessings on each part of The Parenting Highway!

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

www.reflectivelifeministries.org

A Divine Assignment

Disappointment emerged when I realized my assigned seat was 17A. Yes, the very last row in airplane. Thoughts flooded my mind  like, "I won't be able to recline my seat. I have to listen to the engine roar. I'll be the last one off the plane!" But, my spirit quickened as the Lord reminded me of my prayer that morning, "Lord, please give me a divine assigned seat on the airplane. Amen." Therefore, I couldn't complain and started anticipating my divine assignment. 

All of a sudden, right before the passengers started boarding the plane my husband was called to the front desk. Because of his airlines status they offered him a seat in First Class. After receiving it, he calmly turned and handed it to me saying, "I want you to have this seat." With a willing heart and a sigh of relief I said, "Oh, you are so sweet! YES, I'll take it!" Looking at the ticket, I noticed the seat assignment was now 1C. "Woohoo!" I thought to myself. 

On the plane, I secured my items and made myself comfortable. At the same time the lady next to me arranged her belongings. Now sitting side-by-side a conversation sparked. You know the surface talk... Do you live in Houston? Where do you work? How often do you travel out of town? After take off our conversation deepened. She asked what I do  for a living and I shared with her that I am the founder of Reflective Life Ministries and author of Reflecting Him and My Prayer Chair. Immediately, the Holy Spirit reminded me of my prayer again, "Lord, please give me a divine assigned seat." In a matter of minutes she shared her story with me. Before I knew it we were praying together! Looking into her eyes I shared how my assigned seat was originally on the very last row of the plane, but God shuffled the seats around to place me on the first row. With tears she grabbed my hand and began thanking God for His encouragement through our conversation and prayer. Even today through Facebook we stay in touch with each other and continue to pray for one another. She even purchased My Prayer Chair on her Kindle. God granted A Divine Assignment for His purposes to be accomplished. 

I love this from Our Daily Bread, Oct. 26, 2011...

God can use inconveniences in our lives if we look at them as divine appointments.

“Disappointment—His appointment,” Change one letter, then I see That the thwarting of my purpose Is God’s better choice for me. —Young

God can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Ask God for A Divine Assignment today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize it and follow through with all that God has planned. It is so much fun serving our Lord and Savior Jesus. What a blessing to be part of A Divine Assignment here on earth for His purposes to be accomplished. Again I am reminded, It's not about me, but All about Him! 

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RLM Newsflash...

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

Author of Reflecting Him and My Prayer Chair

Order Out of Chaos

Image: Thomas Boulvin

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light" and there was light. And God saw the light and it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 
-Gen 1:1-3

The earth was without form, and void...

Stare at the picture. How would you describe this image... formless, chaos, empty, utter confusion, disordered, disorganized, tumultuous, turbulent, uncontrolled? Do you see light hidden within the image? 

Darkness was on the face of the deep...

Skim the outside of the picture. Darkness seems to blanket the surface. Possibly this resembles Satan and his demons in the beginning as they encompassed the abyss. Almost like they emerged from within the depths of the deep to catch a glimpse of the this formless image. Like wolves pacing back and forth, their instinct was to protect the entrance of the pit of hell. 

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters...

Can you hear a crescendo echoing in the heavens? Imagine the Spirit of God hovering or suspended over the face of the waters. God views it all. He sees through the darkness. From the outer edges of the chaos, He see the depths of the deep. His plan is about to be released. When He speaks the words...

"Let the there be light" and there was light. And God saw the light and it was good. 

As God breathed out these words light came into existence. The Earth was without form, dark, empty, and void of beauty until God breathed light into existence. For out of the darkness light ignited. Remember at this point in the creation process the Sun had yet to be created. So, what was the light? 

The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. - Rev. 21:23 

Could it be that God's glory was the light illuminating the earth? Without a doubt, I shout, "Yes, and glory in the highest!"I truly believe the beginning of creation is symbolic of God's purpose for all human life. In a like manner, the human soul exists as a state of confusion, disorder, and spiritual darkness. But when a person believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, immediately, the light of Christ is breathed into his or her soul. Someone, who once could not understand the things of God, is now shining with Christ's light forevermore. Oh, how the vision of a soul newly marked with the Holy Spirit's seal must bring a smile to God's face! (Reflecting Him, Week 4, Day 1) 

Are you feeling out of order, in chaos, or out of control? God is still in the business of bringing ORDER OUT OF CHAOS! Give it to Jesus, remembering it is all about Him and not about you! Ask Him to bring your turbulence into the Light so you see things through His eyes. Ask others to pray for you! Prayer is one way God allows His children to participate in eternity here on earth. Then, watch what He does along the way and give Him glory before you see results!

Watch this amazing video from Apollo 8... 

~ Order Out of Chaos ~

In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

John 1:1

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

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Carla's Guest Post - Kathy Howard

Love the opportunity to share Guest Posts from other authors! Enjoy this post from my good friend Kathy Howard. Her newest book, Fed Up with Flat Faith, released in February and is making a hit with readers everywhere...

10 Reasons for Flat Faith

I told her things I had always been too afraid to tell anyone before. My faith felt dead. I doubted my salvation. God seemed so distant. I saw something in Susan’s life I longed to have in mine. Her faith was vibrant and real. Even the way she talked about God demonstrated a dynamic in her relationship with Him that I lacked. I had been a Christian since childhood and actively served in church, but my face never lit up when Jesus was the topic of conversation.

While our toddlers played on the floor together nearby, I tearfully shared with Susan the doubts that had plagued me for nearly two decades. She listened with compassion, but she also challenged me to not be content with my condition.

Desperation gave way to vulnerability that day. Fed up and tired of trying to ignite my faith through my own works and activity, I humbly admitted I could not do it. Honesty with myself, Susan, and ultimately God opened the way for His activity. I could not make myself into what God wanted me to be. I could not find the abundant life Jesus promised. But God could do it all.

The encounter with Susan jump-started my journey toward a fiery faith. Along the way, God shifted a few of my attitudes and changed some of my actions to fire up my faith. God can use these same attitudes and actions to start a flame in your life.

What is Faith Flat?

The word flat can be defined as “without vitality or animation; lifeless; dull.” Many Christians with flat faith love Jesus and continue to serve Him, but they often feel as though they’re simply going through the motions of Christianity. Their love for Christ is short on passion. They serve largely out of a sense of duty or because that’s what they’ve always done. The routine of the Christian life may even feel superficial and directionless.

Although not an exhaustive list, here ten signs that may indicate your faith needs some pumping up:

1. Relationship with Christ is not deepening and growing.
2. Religious activities overshadow your relationship with Christ.
3. Life of faith feels boring, tired, or overwhelming.
4. Feeling of disconnect from God; no real sense of His presence or voice.
5. Little excitement over or awareness of God’s activity.
6. Little or no anticipation that God will work.
7. Praise and worship feels dry and forced.
8. Nagging sense you should be experiencing more.
9. Notice fiery faith in others’ lives that you desire.
10. Efforts and activity produce few results of eternal value.

Countless Christians experience flat faith. Some have never experienced a vibrant faith characterized by real intimacy with Christ. Flat faith is all they’ve known. Others have lost the passion for Christ they once had and desperately long to find it again.

Are You Fed Up? Let God Pump You Up!

What about you? Do you see yourself in the description above? Are you fed up? Pumped up, fiery faith is not only possible, God wants it to be yours. God never intended for our life of faith to be boring and cold. You can connect with God in real ways. You can experience His activity in and around you. Your life can bear fruit that lasts.

     

While we cannot grow our own faith, God expects our cooperation. He calls for our active and obedient participation in His work in our lives (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 1 Timothy 4:7; Philippians 3:12–14). We can learn to position ourselves before God so He can accomplish in our lives the things that only He can accomplish.

The Bible is not silent about flat faith. Life examples and practical help for spiritual dryness pack the pages of Scripture. When you apply these truths to your life, you can follow God out of flat faith to a place where He can set your faith on fire!

My book, Fed Up with Flat Faith, highlights ten key attitudes and actions found in Scripture that help God’s people position themselves for Him to work in their lives. These ten practical, biblical steps of faith will shift your attitude and change your behavior to put you in the center of God’s activity.

Are you ready to let God pump up your flat faith? You don’t have to give up or pretend. You don’t have to settle. Instead, get fed up with flat faith and embrace the full life of faith Jesus offers.

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This article is excerpted from the first chapter of Fed Up with Flat Faith: 10 Attitudes and Actions to Pump Up Your Faith by Kathy Howard.  Find out more about the book at http://www.kathyhoward.org/fed-up-with-flat-faith/  Fed Up with Flat Faith is available from your local Christian bookstore and all online stores.  Find out more about Kathy, her ministry, and her other books at www.kathyhoward.org

PRAY 911

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

Psalm 91:1

Turmoil surged. Tears poured. Confusion erupted. Like a war zone, negative thoughts bombarded my mind. Plunging to the floor I cried out for God's strength and protection from this oppression... 

God, there is no way I can speak at the women's retreat this weekend! I am too weak. How can you use me if I feel this way. I just want to crawl into a hole. 

All of a sudden, Psalm 91:1 pops into my head, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Opening my 
Bible I decided to read the whole chapter. In seconds, I found myself praising God for allowing me to go through this inward chaos and utter confusion. It caused a fresh experience with Jesus in the midst of my weakness. Thtat evening as I walked onto the stage Jesus strengthened me from head to toe under the shadow of the Almighty! He gets all the glory!

After sharing my experience with one of my close friends she said, "Next time call me so I can pray for you!" I told her I didn't even realize what was happening to me, but I will try to remember to contact her when it happens again. 

That conversation lingered in the back of my mind. Later that evening I read Psalm 91 again. I zeroed in on "Psalm 91:1" and to my surprise this is what I saw... "911." My heart leaped with excitement! This thought plunged in, "Next time I experience one of these spiritual warfare attacks I need to text - PRAY 911 - to my prayer team!" I jumped up and started praising God for how He works in and through our situations. 

So, I challenge each of us to use this same method. Ask God to rise up an emergency prayer team so that in the midst of a tough situation, circumstance or spiritual attack you can text - PRAY 911. They don't have to know the details, God knows it all. He gives us the opportunity to participate in eternity here on earth through prayer. Standing in the gap for one another is a two way blessing. Share this with others so you can also be on their emergency prayer team! I can't wait to hear your testimonies. 

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

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Joy Comes in the Morning

Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. 
Psalm 33:5

Laughter is an instant vacation. 
                         Laughter is the body's best medicine.

                                                        Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

I remember growing up hearing these statements. I'm not sure how true they are, but each lead us to believe a sense of humor brings positive results. Learning to laugh is a skill... or is it? 

Dictionary.com defines laughter as the action or sound of laughing. Going a step further we see laughing means that which laughs or is given to laughter. So, what is the actual meaning of the word laugh? Laugh is defined as a vocal expulsion of air from the lungs that can range from a loud burst of sound to a series of quiet chuckles and is usually accompanied by characteristic facial and bodily movements. 

Why am I sharing this information? Well, for some odd reason, incidents happen in my life that bring others to the point of laughter. In fact, one of my closest life-long friends said she thinks the Lord has allowed all these hysterical moments, so I can use them as teaching points in my speaking engagements. Well, if you have heard me speak at an event you know I have plenty of "teaching points!" Let me share one that still humbles me to my knees.

My heart raced with excitement. It was my first day to teach Reflecting Him at Woodsedge Community Women's Bible Study Group in The Woodlands, TX. Before my feet hit the floor I began praying over the women; asking God to connect our hearts. I meditated on the "Focus Verse" for Reflecting Him, 

"And we, with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness from ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor 3:18.

Finally, I climbed out from under the warm covers. Stumbled into the bathroom. With my vision still blurred, I glanced into the mirror. Something caught my attention. Closing in for a better look, my mouth dropped to the ground. Two days before I had my second  complimentary "chemical peel" treatment, but this time my friend added an extra "booster" to the process. All I can say is it worked! For a brief moment, my mind spun out of control with thoughts like, "The women probably won't even notice. I could play sick. I  can walk in at the last minute and leave after the prayer. Their eyes will be closed and won't even see me." 

But, reality stopped the spinning wheel as God reminded me of the purpose of Reflecting Him... to recognize the spiritual life lessons God gives us everyday. God has confirmed to  me over and over how important it is to be real and authentic at all speaking engagements. Needless to say, I was the "living" example that morning of the focus verse... with Unveiled faces. I am not kidding, my face was unmasking before their eyes. The whole class of about 100 women experienced the true meaning of laughter. The room filled with vocal expulsion of air from the lungs ranging from loud burst of sounds to a series of quiet chuckles. An answered prayer... I connected with the ladies. I must smile thinking about the creative ways God works things to His glory! 

Challenge for the Week... Ask the Lord to bring some laughter into your life. Of course, I am not talking about laughing at people. I am encouraging true, pure humor that causes you to experience the "joy of the Lord." I know God has a sense of humor and we are created in His image. Think about it... in Numbers 22:28 He allowed a donkey to talk! Look for opportunities to laugh and smile. I can't wait to hear some of your experiences!

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Looking for a small group study? My Prayer Chair is a perfect fit for a summer study, neighborhood group, or even for teens. I am developing a free downloadable My Prayer Chair Leader's Guide available on the Reflective Life Ministries website. Details coming soon!

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal