~~ Romans 15:13 (NIV84) ~~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
by Carley Cooper
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There’s a married couple that I know that has a great story of how he led her to Christ. As they tell it, when they started dating he was already a Christian who was totally in love with Jesus. She saw a happiness and peace inside him, and decided almost right away “I want what he has”. I’ve often thought about that since I first heard them tell that story. It reminds me of days gone by in my own history. There was a time when I felt happy and at peace. I dated several guys during that time and they all told me the same thing; that they fell in love with me because I was “bubbly”. It fascinated me that each one used that same word, not knowing what the others had said. Over the years I’ve often wondered where that bubbly young spirit disappeared to? Somewhere along the line, the bubbles were popped.
What is it that you want others to see in you? Have you ever really thought about it? When it comes to other people, I think what I want most is for someone to see that bubbly nature, but I also want them to see the peace of the Holy Spirit. Since I have come to understand and feel that I have a relationship with Jesus, I have come to know that peace. I have a 2012 calendar on my wall and the page for March quotes John 14: 27 “My peace I give to you.” It also says “Inner Peace – Nothing can disturb the calm peace of my soul.” I know that feeling of peace, and I know that others have seen it in me. Last year, despite a few rough patches, was a great year for me in regards to feeling God’s peace within me. It was the first time in many years that I felt that calm. I knew God was telling me that my bubbly character was emerging because I had a couple of people mention it to me. Again, they used that word, bubbly, not knowing what others before them had said. Only this time it was even better because I’m ‘bubbly’ for the Lord. Another time, one of the pastors at church said to me one day that I had a certain peace about me that he liked. As I walked into church one Sunday morning, about to take my seat, a woman said to me “Wow, look at you. You’re radiant!” Now that’s an awesome word, 'radiant!' God was confirming to me that I am changing. My heart is being molded by Him slowly. My true nature is coming back.
In recent weeks I have been in the midst of a struggle. Of course we know that these struggles are vital if we are to get closer to God. Hopefully it is one that I am learning from; that is helping me get closer to Him. Part of me feels like my bubbles have burst again. That calm has been upset. It has left me, at times, with the most uncomfortable feeling of coldness. After knowing the warmth and peace of the Holy Spirit, to go through an emotional experience where God feels far away has left me with an overwhelming feeling of emptiness. I know, that God is not actually far away because He never leaves us. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV84) says “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” This struggle has taught me that if I’m feeling far from God it’s because I’m not letting Him in. In my quiet times with Him, He’s been telling me to “lay it at the cross”. I have a sun catcher that hangs in my window that says “Let God & Let God”. I have to do that. Without it, the peace is impossible.
Truthfully, I miss that bubbly spirit so very much. I often look in the mirror and long for her to look back at me again. There’s one big difference though between that bubbly young girl of my youth, and the woman I am now. That is, Jesus. I didn’t know Him then. I knew OF Him, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him. For that matter, I didn’t know I could. As much as I want to be that bubbly person again, I don’t want it if it means being without Jesus, like I was so long ago. The cold, empty feeling that I’ve had because of my tail spin is something I don’t like. It is the most painful feeling in the world to me now. It is worse than the rejection by others ever was or could be. Things are getting better on a daily basis. All through the month of March, every day I would look at my calendar and be reminded that I have God’s assurance of peace within me and no one can break it or take it away from me. It was an incredible comfort to me. I am learning from this experience, and I am growing. Some days that’s easier to see than other days, but God has given me a stubborn nature to never give up. In this case, it has been a blessing because it assures me that I will bounce back. I always do.
What do I want others to see in me? Bubbles and peace for certain, which can be summed up in one word; Jesus!
~~ Dear God ~~ The journey You take us on to get closer to You, and to become more like Jesus is filled with struggles. Thank You Lord, for these struggles. Without them I would not be growing stronger and closer to You each day. Without them I would not be learning the value in knowing Your peace in my life. Please help me to grow to be that bubbly personality filled with the peace of the Holy Spirit that allows people to say “I want what she has”. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Probably not. God knows your heart. He will lead you through it. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteI was just thinking yesterday of the first time someone saw the Light in me. I just became a Christian that week. I was in search of a Bible that would be just mine. I unknowingly went into a cute little store that I believed to be a Spiritual store. It was just a bunch of new Age crap. Anyway, I felt obligated to look around since I walked in. A lady who was also browsing around came up to me. She said," My! You are full of light! How is that? I want that! You seem so happy." The store owner appeared near us.. I answered,"It's the Holy Spirit. I received my salvation just this week." I was so happy! The owner was not! Her store being full of Antichrist stuff and all. The lady that asked me didn't respond right away. She was thinking. She finally said,"There must be something to it. I truly see it in you and know your happiness is real." That was a wonderful moment.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's an awesome story. Thank you for sharing. That's what I want more and more of too. Blessings to you. I hope people continue to see it in you. HUGS.
DeleteToo often I allow people to see me and not Jesus. I am too full of sin for them to see Him.. I do have peace, is it manufactured that people do not see a light, and comment on it?: You have great thinking and thoughts Carley. Jesus does shine through you. I see it every time I read your essays, blogs, and I have never met you face to face. Blessings. Ravyna
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ravyna. I really needed that encouragement today. Blessings. HUGS.
DeleteGood post!
ReplyDeleteI believe they see a serious person in me and one who is sold out to Christ.
Thank you so much for reading, the feedback and sharing. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteI certainly hope so.
ReplyDeleteJesus says ... Let your light shine so that I can draw all men unto me.
I pray daily that God will use me.
God Bless
Jenny, thank you so much for reading, the feedback and sharing. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteI understand what you are saying but you are a blessing here. Talking about the bubbles popping my DH has been divorced 2 times we have been married for 40 years in May but because i am married to a divorced man alot of the churches don't want me to take part of alot of things because of putting a MARK on the church ! Lots of places find out and don't want us to sing or me teach sunday school ect and we are left out on alot of activities ! The bubbles pop everyday but I HAVE PLENTY OF MERCY FROM OUR SAVIOR DAILY ! :-) tTHE WOMAN AT THE WELL WOULDN'T HAVE A CHANCE IN THE CHURCH WORLD TODAY ! :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support and encouragement.
DeleteThat's too bad about being judged so harshly by those around you. Maybe they need to understand that they are to forgive, and they are not to judge; or they will be judged! They should also know that whatever sin has been occurred in divorce God has forgiven for it through Jesus. Not only that but there are biblical grounds for divorce. I read a book on it once, and it was covered in a bible study I did recently. We just need to pray for those around us who are blinded in such ways and feel as though they have a right to judge.
Dear God: In regards to those around us who judge us for being divorced, I pray that you open their eyes to see the truth, their ears be open to hear it, and their hearts be open to receive it. In Jesus name, AMEN
I too am a bubbly person. I smile at pretty much everyone I see, I try to be upbeat because I want people to see the best me! I hope God is shining through me!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day everyone!
Thank you Ray. I can see it in you, and that's just here in online interaction! Thanks for being a bright spot. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteWe all go through times of struggle and pain.The way of the world with the help of the evil one puts trouble in our path.With Gods help prayer and love we in time make it trough this. Do not forget even though we do not see him he is there with use. Hug
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for the support and encouragement. I really appreciate it and it really does help. I will bounce back. I always do. I have survived much worse in my lifetime that is for certain. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteMay Gods love and peace be with you. Hug
DeleteThank you. Blessings to you and your family. HUGS
DeleteWhat do others see in you when they meet you?
ReplyDeleteThey probably see an overweight middle aged woman. People always look at the physical before they get to know you.
Do they see the peace of the Holy Spirit shining through?
I hope so. I know there are times when they don't and times when they do. I wish I could be transparent enough that it would always shine through.
Thank you Cyndi. I think for any true Christian that is always a struggle. Sometimes our broken side gets in the way and it blocks the light from shining through to others. Thank you for sharing, and for the feedback. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteI truly hope so..........
ReplyDeleteYea, me too!
DeleteBlessings to you. HUGS.
Unfortunately for me, they do NOT. And that really bothers me. I make no denials that I am a Christian and yet people tell me that I write like I am not! I don't have to worry about the bubble bursting - I never had a bubble. But I am who I am, and I truly believe that God is fully aware of that and that I speak for many people other than myself - especially in my blogs. Everyone is so afraid to write what they really think for fear of rejection. I don't much care if I am rejected, as long as people are honest enough to tell me and don't just un-friend me.
ReplyDeleteREACHING4HOME - Thanks so very much for sharing. I understand how frustrating it is when people just drop you without an explaination; whether it be online or in person. I never understood why they wouldn't just want to spit it out and tell me what the issues are. Why run away and hide? There's nothing to be gained by handling things like that. There's only feeding of fear. I have always had a problem with rejection though. Rejection and Loneliness are the common threads that go through my whole lifetime. They are the battles that I struggle with the most. I didn't realize just how much until I started writing a book about my life. But, I am also an over-comer!! I have seen that common thread too that I didn't know was there. I WILL overcome this. God is with me! Well, blessings to you. I hope you have a wonderful week. HUGS.
DeleteI have been praying about this for sometime now. I just pray that I can be a reflection of Him and that others see Him in me. I am certain I fail more than I succeed, and the then hard part is humbling myself and admitting to others that the ugliness they saw was me, not Jesus. He is with us and helps us when our bubbles pop!!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!
Thank you so much for the feedback and for sharing. The humbling process is difficult, but in the end it is so very much worth it.... popped bubbles & all! Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteI had a difficult time this past week keeping my patience with a family member. I was praying throughout the day about maintaining calmness and peace; however I continued to struggle and eventually blew up at them. We are all broken and make mistakes. I am so grateful that Jesus loves us anyway!!! I made a point of apologizing to my family member, and even explaining to them that I had been praying for more patience.
ReplyDeleteAh. Yes, the patience factor. It is something I can definitely relate to. Lack of patience has been one of those things I was famous for most of my life. God is changing me though. He is forgiving. Hopefully your family member forgives you. God does! Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteThank you Carley for your support. I know that God is working in me, and each day I grow a little more. I just have to keep my eyes on Him! God bless!
DeleteYou are so welcome. God has great plans for you. Blessings. HUGS
DeleteSome people have remarked that my weight loss changed me, not just physically but personality-wise as well... I think it's because I've lost some of that 'bubbliness'. I'll admit that changing my lifestyle has made me a little more serious. I figure that's because I'm more honest with myself and finally acknowledging my feelings. But that's no excuse to be rude or hurtful or impatient. I find that as I continue to develop my relationship with God, I am calmer, gentler and hopefully, people also see a more peaceful, radiant me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog!
I had some similar results and responses to my weight loss and life change too. Though others said just the opposite. I just know that I want to feel God's peace inside me, and I want others to be drawn closer to Him when they're around me. Thanks for for sharing and the support. Blessings to you. HUGS.
DeleteOh how joyful it would be to see that others want what we have because of our love for the Lord. While bubbly may often be equated to an emotion or feeling, I strive to build upon true Joy (fruit of the spirit) and pray that this joy also bubbles out or overflows in everything I and Christ through me, brings to the table.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have a message of hope. Sometimes it's that hope that reinforces our wa;l pf faith.
Thank you. I know that God has a plan for me. I am learning endurance and patience. I am getting stronger. Praise Him, for that journey that gives me these things and the hope. Many blessings to you. HUGS.
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