"Beauty from Ashes"

My verse is: Isaiah 61:3
 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a    planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.




This was the a center point of what the speaker at the Mother Daughter Banquet (that I was so blessed to attend.) talked about. Beauty out of ashes, ashes being our hardships in life. I have had a lot of "ashes" in my life. I carry a lot of bitterness and disappointment with some of those ashes. Today the speaker said something key that really talked to me. God gave me those ashes for a reason, and often as humans we don't let God do with us what he intends. So instead of letting God take those ashes and turn them into something good, I think about how I got those ashes and how I hurt because of it. She said to let go of those ashes, lather yourself in the joy that came from those ashes, let Him wrap you in that garment of praise instead of holding onto the hurt. I needed to hear this more than anything today. I'm tired of holding onto old hurt and sorrow, its now way to live and truly be happy.

I was reading in Proverbs again one of my favorit books and read this verse. I really need to live by this. Sometime I wonder if why things do not work out the way I dreamed or thought about how they should work is because that is all I have done. I haven't prayed enough, I havent got off my butt and worked towards a goal and I haven't given up the things I need to to put the time and energy into them to accomplish or make it work.
Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit
But mere talk only leads to poverty.
What do the rest of you think about this verse? Am I on the right track in my thinking on this?
Love you all
Dad

We study All About Joy in our home study last night and this is one of the scripture we read.

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing perpared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

This verse makes me feel joy to make meals to people who needs help and when you feel grieve always know you have joy through Jesus Christ.

April Verse

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1: 24-25

This is the verse with which Pastor Josh ends every Sunday. You would think that after hearing it every Sunday for a couple of years I would have it memorized. Sadly I mess it up every week. Hopefully, I get it soon.

proverbs 4:4-7

Rejoice in the lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

April Verse

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my fortress, I will never be shaken.

-Psalm 62:1-2

This is another favorite because I need to be reminded that God is the only way to find rest and peace! There is a song that we sing often in church that is based on this verse and it is always so encouaging to me. Here are the lyrics:

When troubles come the Lord is near.
My cries resound within His ear.
His proven word has brought me light
and steadfast love, my pure delight.

He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken.
He is the hope of my eternal salvation.
No power can stand against the people that God defends.
I love You, O Lord, My Strength!

When sin attempts to overcome.
In weakness, Christ has made me strong.
Through blood my ransomed heart He sees,
And rescues me from enemies.

He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken.
He is the hope of my eternal salvation.
No power can stand against the people that God defends.
I love You, O Lord, My Strength!

You surround me and sustain me.
You draw me near and embrace me.
You’re before me and behind me.
You invite me in and delight me.
You prepare me and protect me.
You correct my heart and perfect me.
You befriend me, You defend me.
You are my Strength, I will fear no more.

He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken.
He is the hope of my eternal salvation
No power can stand against His love…

You are my Fortress, I will not be shaken.
You are the hope of my eternal salvation.
No power can stand against the people that God defends.
I love You, O Lord, My Strength!