DANCE OF FIRE

I wrote the content on this blog with sincere and holy intentions with the knowledge that I had at the time... We live, learn and amend...as errors are exposed and more truths are revealed...

Only GOD is perfect. It's vital that you seek the Lord to expose any errors that you've embraced. Please ask Him to expose any areas of darkness to you and for what is necessary to do to dispossess what's NOT of truth.

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POETRY: DANCE OF FIRE

Flames of fire dance joyfully as dreams of fervor conjure up images of red hot passion for the gusto of life.

Sizzle, spark, explode -

Fireballs light up the sky. Wow! a thunder flash with a clap -

The flames are vivid with the awesome glow of orange colors blended with yellow highlights that accent the blaze.

This display is the bomb torched with a rocket plan. Such rapture has lit our fire. We are dynamite on this journey.

Come on fire, fall on us. Pour your liquid potency. Ignite our souls that we may be engulfed with magnified intensity.

Blow up our hearts. Dance with us....

Sandra

Copyright 2010

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Saturday, April 16, 2011

BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP


Greetings -

This post is primarily for more mature audiences; however, young bloods are welcome to partake.

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Joshua 14:10-13

And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day;...   

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb...for an inheritance.

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

A few days ago, I grew concerned as I viewed, on me, new signs of physical aging.  Quickly, our Lord dissolved my doubts when I went on someone's blog and read these words, "You are beautiful just as you are."  That particular blog is one that I don't recall ever visiting.  That made it all the more special that our Lord sent me to that post.  Update: Karen commented under this post that it was her blog that I visited http://www.hopefaithlife.blogspot.com/.  

About mid-week, the doubts crept in again.  Our Lord told me to search in His Scriptures for the word beautiful, and to write some of those subject citations.

Here are the ones that our Lord led me to write:

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy...

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...

Song of Solomon 6:4
Thou art beautiful, O my love,...comely as Jerusalem,...

Isaiah 4:2
In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely...

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

The Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which happened unto him.

Later that day, I went to Lidj's blog and our Lord led me to one of her older posts.  Guess what it is titled? - "Beautiful."  Tears welled in my eyes as I marveled at how our Lord so dearly met me where I was.  

A bit later, I went out and walked.  I had on earphones as I listened to a gospel selection.  Our Lord so moved upon me that, right there in public, I got demonstratively happy in the Holy Spirit.  Tears flowed down my cheeks in glorious gratitude to our Lord.  At one point, I was so filled that I stopped walking and lifted my arms in holy adoration.  I'm not ashamed to praise our Lord in public places.  For those who are inclined, here is a link to a post that I did called,

"PUBLIC PRAISE" 
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html

As I continued to walk and cry in love to our Father, repeatedly I sang these words, "We're beautiful."  I was overcome in the Spirit in a wondrous way.  Glory to GOD'S amazing name! 

American society, for the most part, does not promote love, respect and appreciation for those who are mature in age.  They label "old" as unappealing and unattractive.  That is NOT what GOD believes nor should we, HIS children.  Hey people, GOD'S Word says:

Psalm 74:12
For God is my King of old,...

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Luke 2:36,38
And there was one Anna, a prophetess,...she was of great age...

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Yes, when we get older, things do "go south," but hey folks, Florida is in the south.  It is called the "Sunshine state."  We older ones are in SONSHINE STATES.  We must purpose not to let the younger folks dismiss us.  We must refuse to believe that we are less attractive because of physical aging factors.  And we should not be obsessed with outward beauty.  That is worldly conduct.  Of course, we should do our best to look attractive and appealing but obsession is sin.  1 Samuel 16:7 says, "...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."   

About four years ago, I stopped coloring my hair.  Yes, I would look younger if I colored it.  I reached a point when I said, "It is what it is."  One of my then coworkers approached me about my gray hair.  She expressed concern that it wasn't attractive.  I kindly informed her that "It is what it is" and that I wasn't going to color it anymore.  I'm confidently satisfied that it's attractive to the Lord, as well as to me. 

Also, our Lord led me to streamline my possessions and to, overall, simplify my life.  He revealed that my time investments were too much focused on stuff.  I testify here that streamlining and simplifying has allowed me to put more emphasis on the more meaningful things in life - most especially - time with our Lord.   My gratitude is immense that our Lord shared that with me.  The benefits are priceless!

Each age category has benefits.  We are to be thankful to our Lord, regardless.  Since the focus of this post is primarily about the more mature in age, here I will share some benefits to remind us of our value.  The more mature oak trees provide shade.  The seeds and saplings haven't progressed to that level yet.  We more mature agers have wisdom chests - accumulated over years.  The saplings gain from our wisdom.  We, those who love and serve GOD, know more about who we are - for the most part, we have found ourselves.  We have loved and lost - been there done that - and are wiser for the experiences.  We are more apt to recognize and discern those who are up to no good.  We are typically not inclined to feel entitled - rather we are appreciative of the gifts from GOD.       


Below is a report that made me chuckle: 

This a.m. I saw a headline on http://www.cnn.com/ that said, "Man 81, 'went to work' on intruder - tough senior fights off intruder."  The man, Bobby Smith, a stroke victim, was interviewed on video.  He fought the attempted robber with a pan in which he was cooking potatoes when the intruder came into his kitchen.  Smith said, "I hit him upside the face...  He sank to his knees...I hit him with a #2 frying skillet and it was red hot..."  Smith then got a pitchfork.  He said, "...then I went to work on him."  Smith finished by saying, "Nobody is gonna scare me..."  

Here next I will share about outward image pressures.     

Particularly, in the entertainment industry there is a focus on outward beauty.  Entertainers, and celebrities are pressured to look good.  They do Botox, peels, and surgery in desperation to retain outward beauty.  It is such bondage to be obsessed with physical appearances.  I feel, particularly, for those in the entertainment industry because they are "forced" to engage in the outward beauty chase to continue to make their livings - at least, that is what they believe.  When JESUS is not Lord in lives, deception is a major presence.  

This made me smile:

I saw a woman with a t-shirt on that stated, "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy."  

The other day when I was out and about and walking, our Lord had me to approach people and address them as beautiful and handsome.  One question I asked some folks was "How long have you been beautiful?"  I approached men, some with numerous missing teeth, and said, "Hi handsome."  So many people smiled.  It was such a pleasure to express to them about their beauty.  

At one point, I came upon a man who was heavily drunk.  He was sitting on a step drooling, and he looked barely conscious.  There were a bunch of people yards away.  I walked up to the drunken man and said, "Hi handsome.  How long have you been handsome?"  He seemed to quicken a bit.  One thing that I know is that our Lord told me to say those words to that man.  I believe that the spirit in him heard what I spoke.  

As I walked away, two women looked at at me incredulously because of what I spoke to that drunken disheveled man.  I kindly said to them something like, "We can see his dysfunction but some of us are jacked up on the inside where it isn't outwardly visible."  Later our Lord shared with me that that man is somebody's son, somebody's father, somebody's loved one.  We don't know, he could be a future minister.  GOD called him handsome for a reason.  Romans 4:17 says, "...before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

1 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

We, as children of GOD'S kingdom, should not focus on the things of the world.  Our holy roles are not to subscribe to the world's standards.  Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."   

Colossians 3:1,2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Love, Sandra
your mature aged sister who is immensely glad to serve GOD, our "King of old" - Psalm 74:12.

GOD calls us beautiful.  His witness surpasses all others. 


1 John 5:9
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:...

Sandra

Written Saturday April 16, 2011

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21 comments:

  1. Great post Sandra!
    I am 50+ years in age and there is no way I would want to go back to say 20 and do it all over again. I like to keep my eyes looking up and moving forward in life until the day He call my name. I look at it this way, each day I live, is one more day to serve the King of Kings here on earth and one day closer to the day I get to see His face. So I try not to let myself get destracted on my aging body.

    Blessings,
    Ken

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are beautiful! Thank you for sharing Sandra. It was my blog- I said a prayer for you. Our true beauty is within- our outward appearance is God's handiwork. God bless you, my sister. I am 51.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and commenting.

    @Ken
    I agree..."there is no way I would want to go back..."

    Your comments inspired me, Ken.

    @Karen
    Wow! It was your blog! Thank you so much. Your comments there so lifted me, Karen. And then to have you here on my blog so VERY SOON after I posted this topic today! Only GOD...Glory to His awesome name!!!

    Thank you for your prayers.

    I'll be 55 this month on the 30th. Gratitude to our Lord for every one of the years.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Though in my early 40's, after my neck injury and working for 20 something years doing nights, I feel like I'm "90" at times :). Despite the sagging parts, despite the neck pain, despite the lack of strength at times to accomplish a chore or two, those won't stop me from knowing that we are the "apple of His eyes."

    Your faith blesses mine. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are beautiful! Your inner beauty is shining through here. I love the message you shared here and with those you spoke too. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sandra, you are beautiful. I know it even though we have not personally met. Thanks for what you shared here. So personal so honest so gentle... I have decided to add you to my blog sidebar under "Such Sweet Inspiration."

    I'm in the process of doing my blog entry for today - where I will feature your last post. Thanks for allowing me to do that.

    Happy Passover week, dear friend.

    Love
    Lidj

    ReplyDelete
  7. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and commenting.

    @rcubes
    I love this that you expressed, "...won't stop me from knowing that we are the "apple of His eyes."

    God bless you too, rcubes.

    @Mari
    Thank you so much for your kind words.

    And you are certainly welcome.

    @Lidj
    Oh! Lidj - how considerate of you! Thank you so much, lady of GOD.

    I appreciate your compliments.

    You are certainly welcome.

    Happy Passover week to you, as well, Lidj. I wish it to all....

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  8. I just said "there is no way I'd want to go back" to someone regarding my testimony post - we'd have to give up all we have learned - we earned the smile lines, and puffiness around our eyes the hard way - wait till heaven when we will be "younger" again - not to worry! GRIN (and I can say that because I have a few on you, Sister!)

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  9. Hi Sandra,
    Just to let you know... I just published the post entitled God Shut the Door (Guest Post) on my blog today, dated April 17.

    Thanks again!

    Love
    Lidj

    ReplyDelete
  10. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and commenting.

    @Marijo
    You are funny, lady.

    @Crown of Beauty
    Thank you, Lidj. Your gesture is deeply appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Sandra,
    Thanks for dropping by. Your visits are always an encouragement to me.

    I copied and pasted your entire God Shut The Door Post... I noticed that April 1 date that you placed at the end... but I didn't want to change anything.

    With your go signal, I will now go ahead and change the date. If I do that it will not match the date on your original post... unless you change that too.

    Thanks again, Sandra. It is a privilege for me to partner with you in declaring His truth that all the world may know and believe.

    Love
    Lidj

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  12. Beauty is within--Women should not be overly concerned with outward beauty that is not godly but worldly. As we discussed earlier this week regarding what makes a women attractive, is that of having the quality of being winsome-- as Esther was in the bible. Women need to cultivate a meek humble spirit.

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  13. Greetings -

    @Lidj
    You are right. Please forgive me about the date matter. I corrected it on my original post.

    @PMQ
    Yes, indeed beauty is within...

    I love your Esther example, PMQ.

    Males or females should not be overly concerned with outward beauty. What makes anyone PURELY attractive is love that flows from the inside out...

    Men also need to cultivate a humble spirit.

    That is an admonishment for us all.

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  14. Hey Beautiful...

    I loved how you wove this together. My favorite part was the drunk - that you ministered to. Awesome. makes me want to take a stroll out into the public square just to see who the Lord Himself wants to encourage.

    Maybe I'll stop coloring my hair too. My daughter is a beautician - she did it for free when she was here in AR but they have moved to a new pastorate - I really don't want to pay the price in dollars - to keep up the facade. :) I liked your response "it is what it is"


    Happy Palm Sunday
    Patrina <")>><

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  15. Sandra,
    I have seen some of what the worlds says are the prettiest people, who are so ugly inside that no one wanted anything to do with them. Some of the ugliest people in the worlds judgment, who were the most beautiful, I had ever met. Beauty is not really skin deep but heart deep.
    I remember sitting on my granny's lap as she rocked me, she had one tooth left, and her face was wrinkled and gray, and she was the most beautiful woman in the world to me. Thank you for the post. Praise God for the wisdom of age, and the eyes of children.

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  16. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and commenting.

    @Patrina
    I pray that drunks will become saved, delivered and drunk in the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

    You are beautiful, Patrina, with or without hair coloring. I vote, though - let the gray come... I'm a witness that there is freedom in the choice. Others agree... Of course, the decision is between you and our Lord.

    @Susie
    Oh! Susie, what you expressed about your granny gave me heart flutters. And it so put things in perspective! Thank you, dear lady of GOD for sharing that.

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  17. How I enjoyed this beautiful post! Yes, I'm still coloring my hair - but I know the truth. I'm gray - through and through!!

    Love also these verses:

    "I have carried you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." (Isaiah 46:3-4)

    "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised." (Proverbs 31:30)

    The older I get, the more I learn about God. And the more I learn about God, the more I focus on eternal things.

    If older means wiser, it means at least this - that we grow into trees firmly planted in the soil of the Word, we turn our eyes to the Sonshine, and we bear fruit that will never perish.

    GOD BLESS you Sandra - on this most blessed Palm Sunday!

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  18. Hi Sharon -

    Glad you enjoyed the post.

    Thank you for sharing those scriptures. They warmed my soul - indeed.

    I love what you expressed, Sharon - especially,
    "And the more I learn about God, the more I focus on eternal things."

    A hearty Amen to that!!!

    God bless you too, Sharon...

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  19. You are definitely beautiful!!! You are brave to not cover your gray! :) I am turning 40 in July and I am not brave enough to not cover my gray. I have a LOT, and I'm not ready to look older than I am already, lol! Apart from the gray hair, though, I look younger than I am...when my hair is colored, :), people often guess me to be in my mid 20s. At the fair when I play those "guess your age" games, I always win because they never guess accurately...although once I was guessed to be a LOT older...because of the gray! NOT cool. But I still won, so it was ok. :D

    Anyway, it is the Light of the Holy Spirit that shines through us that allows us to radiate Life, which is beautiful and attractive. The anointing on your life makes you shine! You are indeed beautiful in Him!!!!

    Blessings, dear sister, an early Happy Birthday to you!

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  20. Blessings, my beautiful Sister.

    I could not believe it when I stumbled on your post….no, in fact, I do believe it, because God knew exactly what I needed and I know He hooked me up to this post at this precise time.

    He and He alone, knows my thoughts on the image, I see when I look into the mirror each morning.

    Sandra, I loved this honest and bold post, you have really cheered me up on this topic. You and the other commenter’s have given me such encouragement, with the many scriptures and promises in God’s Word. Praise the Lord!

    I am now going to add these scriptures to my own growing list of ‘mature’ scriptures. Thank God that there is a spiritual solution to every problem we face. :)

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Greetings -

Thank you for visiting and commenting. It is my pleasure to read from your heart places. We are all students and teachers and I so enjoy, precious people, the beneficial engagements with you.