One Step At A Time

Good Morning Everyone,

As I read the article below this morning about
uncluttered faith, it blessed me so much.

How many of you are good housekeepers?
I would venture to guess there are a few of you
out there, who maintain a rather messy,
cluttered living area. I guess we all do from time
to time, but some more than others.

Once that clutter builds up, it can seem overwhelming.
You don't know where to start to make sense of
it or put it in order.

I learned a few years back, you start simply.
You pick one place, organize it, and if you can do more
with another small area that day. Or just take one
drawer each day, and clean it, and organize it.
Just start!

This is the way we should be about our lives. Most
of us carry a lot of baggage, emotional turmoil,
inner pain, hurts from the past, unforgiveness,
and sometimes feelings of abandonment and rejection.

Wow ... that's a lot isn't it? If you could view that
baggage in literal piles of luggage it might fill your
whole house! It would seem overwhelming to deal
with wouldn't it?

Well, as a whole it might be. But taken in small pieces
it is manageable and changeable. The desire has to
start in your heart to let go of all that is clinging to you
that is unnecessary and heavy. Then you have to
take positive steps to do it. One small step at a time.
If need be, get professional counseling, it can make
all the difference in the world. It sure did for me!

I still deal with issues, but now I know how to deal with
them, not ignore them and let them pile up or overwhelm
me or be hidden and uncontrolled, or darkening my path.

I do not want a cluttered spirit, or a cluttered emotional life.
So Daily, I go to the Lord in prayer about it.

Father God,
there are many people reading this today
who feel overwhelmed with their circumstances,
relationships or lack of relationships.

Father you see our hearts, you see our pain. This
morning we lift it to you, as a token of our faith in
your ability to show us how to change, and to release
these burdens that are to heavy for us.

I ask you Father to show us how to change. One
thing at a time, so we can be free of the past,
free of constant internal pain and struggle, and
make each day uncluttered and filled with faith.

Father you are able to do exceedingly abundantly
above that which we ask or think. Show us then
how to live. Lead us in paths of righteousness.
Show us our needs and show us your path and plan.

We lay our hands in yours Father, guide us.

We lay our burdens at your feet Lord, release us.

We lay our unforgiveness down and let go of it and
forgive everyone, even if they never ask us to.

We realize pain is not our friend and we give it to you
asking you to fill us instead with your joy and purpose.

We walk in faith Father, not in fear. Because you
are here leading us, one step at a time.

We release these burdens, the past and our pain
to you today and ask you to help us get a new
attitude, a new life in you, fresh new hope every
morning, and a purpose driven life that is pleasing
to you and clutter free for us.

One step at a time, lead us, and we will follow.
In Jesus Precious and Holy Name,
amen


Love always
millie


UNCLUTTERED FAITH -------
by Max Lucado

Bedtime is a bad time for kids. No child understands the logic of going
to bed while there is energy left in the body or hours left in the day.

My children were no exception. One night years ago, after many
objections and countless groans, the girls were finally in their gowns,
in their beds, and on their pillows. I slipped into the room to give
them a final kiss. Andrea, the five-year-old was still awake, just
barely, but awake. After I kissed her, she lifted her eyelids one final
time and said, "I can't wait until I wake up."

Oh, for the attitude of a five-year-old! That simple uncluttered
passion for living that can't wait for tomorrow. A philosophy of life
that reads, "Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your
father." A bottomless well of optimism flooded by a perpetual spring of
faith. Is it any wonder Jesus said we must have the heart of a child
before we can enter the kingdom of heaven?

I like the way J. B. Phillips renders Jesus' call to childlikeness:
"Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the
middle of them all. 'Believe me,' he said, 'unless you change your
whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the
kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 18:2-3)
_________________________________
From "And the Angels Were Silent"
Copyright 1992, Max Lucado
http://maxlucado.com/shop/detail.php?pid=B108H