Removal - Heart of Stone

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; 

I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." 

~~Ezekiel 36:26

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dear Readers,

I hope that this day brings sunshine and love to your heart.  I woke up to four little tiny paws standing on my chest.  I opened my eyes to a 4+ pound rascal needing to head outside.  How could I not smile??

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:  On Mother's Day, we adopted another rescue ~~ a Maltese by the name of Zeke.  I think we're probably at the limit for dogs within the city limits so let's just say our family is complete.  Zeke (there are times when I call him Ezekiel!) is a bundle of joy who can leap tall buildings and run with the speed of lightning.  (More about that in another blog!)

There was a time in my life when the hurt that was in me consumed me.  My anger spewed out and I found myself lashing out at others.  I flip flopped from being that kind, loving woman to a force to be reckoned with.  Oh, I justified my anger saying that ___________ hurt me.  I called it righteous anger.  What I needed to realize was that I was choosing people that weren't good for me emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  Until I could say that it wasn't "them," it was "me," I couldn't move forward.  I needed to find the root and, by the Grace of God, and some pretty amazing people, I dug deep into the bowels of my mind and heart.

                                            

One of my favorite books in the Bible is Ezekiel and one of my favorite Bible verses is Ezekiel 36:26 (see above).  I prayed this verse over and over believing that God would give me a new heart and put a spirit of gentleness, love, and forgiveness inside me.  Today, I can say, "Yes, what I experienced was evil and hurt me deeply; however, God took that and used it as a building block to an abundant life in Christ Jesus."  Without my past, I wouldn't know what true joy is.

Speaking of JOY!! Psalm 30 promises us that weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.  Each morning brings a new day, new adventures, new life, a new slate, a chance to start over.   Jesus tells us that we are to be ready to give an account for our joy, our transformation.  Just sayin'.  When you get rid of that heart of stone and get some JOY, pass it on!!

I was praying this morning and God told me that someone out there needed to hear this message today.  I am merely the messenger ... a woman that was so broken and battered that my soul was black and blue ... a woman who laid at the feet of the living God only to be raised to a newness of life.  Was it easy?  The decision was, yes.  Then came the tough part.  The road to wellness took time, prayer, and dedication to learning new ways of dealing with pain.  Is my life perfect?  Heck no.  I still struggle and have to stay grounded in my faith or I fall back into old habits.  The good news is that I recognize that pit and realize that I can't go there.

As for you, my Readers.  I continue to pray for you and for your trials and triumphs.  God knows and, just like He heard my cries, He hears yours.

Miss Dottie

PS  "I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." ~~ Galations 2:20