The Importance of Praise

When I went to church last Sunday, I didn't have the unconscious thought,
this is what I do on Sundays like I often do. I had forced myself to dress and set out. Not because I would see friends or people I liked though only see on Sundays, not even because I knew I would hear a good sermon or great music. I went for only one reason, to see Jesus; to touch Him and His love for me.

I had spent a week trying to set up new programs on my computer. I have only a little computer knowledge and I have no idea how to get past error messages or roadblocks, so my mood gets darker the longer I try. By Sunday it was so black I just wanted to lock my door, curl up into a ball and lick my wounds! But since I've felt like that before I knew that would only prolong my agony. It's not like I think the only place I can meet God is at church, but it is the easiest place to encounter Him. If I missed that opportunity I knew this next week would only be more miserable.

I didn't pretend when I got there. One of my son-in-laws, Deke, asked when he greeted me, "How are you doin'?"

"Not great," I replied. "I came looking for something from the Lord today."

"Maybe you'll find it in the sermon," he answered. "I'm preaching and I have a great one!"

Isn't it strange that you can tell someone else how to fix their problem but never diagnose yourself? I didn't know what I needed from God; I just knew I needed help. So, I thought yeah, maybe I'll hear something in the sermon that will snap me out of this short-temper.

At my church we have approximately forty-five minutes of singing praises to God before the preaching, offering time or anything else. I love that because it gives me time to connect with God even if I'm not looking for a special touch. The amazing thing was, (and this is the reason I'm even writing about this) with the first line of the first song Jesus seemed to come to me and let me know He understood what I needed and could fill my need.

"Jesus, I felt your rivers when I was desperate to hear something from you," we sang. And I knew I was desperate to hear from Him, I needed His help to get back on track. I was caught up immediately in His power to heal me to let me know I was safe and all would be alright. I had nothing to fear. I was singing with heartfelt sincerity by the time we sang, "If I could write my story You'd be the
 hero." ("Time Stands Still", Frontline, http://www.companyofworshipers.com/)

The very next song was a Kari Jobe song, "The More I Seek You". (http://www.karijobe.com/) Over and over we sang the chorus, "I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand, lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heartbeat." That was my prayer in that moment.

Such a simple thing to experience again. Why didn't I remember? When I'm out of sorts, feeling limited, helpless, or angry, praise and worship connects me with Jesus and He floods me with love. The kind that fills me up and makes me strong.

Want to read my book, Available Grace? See my website: http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell

Starting a New Blog

Hmmm! I guess I ought to state right upfront the reason I'm writing this blog. It's because I'm hoping to encourage somebody! Goodness knows I've struggled more to escape discouragement, or even out-right depression in my life than anything else. I really hate those 'down' to 'black' days that seemed to lock me in a cell and throw away the key, and I'd like to help anyone who is still susceptable to them to become victorious as I am!

The first time I started a blog I was acting under strong suggestions from my publishing team. It was important, I was assured, since I had a book coming out. Well, now the book is out. (Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living) Everytime I look at it I'm amazed all over again at the extraordinary, miraculous power of God. Am I the only one who thinks its nothing short of a miracle that a 70+ year old with no publishing connections and no following to-speak-of has a new book published? I just can't quit saying, "Amazing!"

Anyway, now that the book's out, I needed a new purpose in order to start this new blog. After a week of deep thinking, I arrived at this platform for the umpteenth time. "The only reason compelling enough for me to spend time writing is that someone be encouraged, comforted, enlightened or inspired by the wisdom I've garnered in the last 49 years. It certainly isn't important that anyone follow my life's journey, but the lessons I learned along the way are universal to everyone who wants a life filled with peace, victorious living, and joy rather than drama, upset and defeat!

If that's you, I hope you'll join me!

All Things Become New

II Cor. 5:17 (NLT) " This means that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!"

It seems we spend a lot of time discussing change in our lives. Looking for it, resisting it, even despairing of it, whatever state we're in we don't seem to be content. I'm in one of those states. I just completed a three week fast and thought it was one of those times that whatever spiritual power I had garnered was laid up for me to use at a later time. In other words, I couldn't tell anything had changed in my life.

Oh, boy! What a difference a week makes! It seems everywhere I look God is saying, "Change this! I have a better idea." And for me every change involves learning and more learning because everything on the computer is new to me. My inclination is to resist; to moan and groan and lament my fate, but I've learned that when I do that I do it alone. When I jump in and start to learn the new thing Jesus jumps in with me.  So, here I am starting a new blog even though my aim is still the same:  to celebrate the high adventure of walking daily with Jesus. I hope these notes inspire you to dream bigger and encourage you to take the next step in your own adventure.

Metaphorically, I feel like I've packed my bags, locked the front door behind me and I'm on my way to the airport. All systems are go! Will you fly with me?