SCARLET TOAD
  • Home
  • Written Word
  • Visual Portfolio
  • Connect

Reflections of a Toad

The Struggle is Real

12/29/2018

0 Comments

 
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these… 
​Colossians 3:7-8a (NIV)
I know it’s been a while since I wrote one of these message. It’s been even longer since I focused on Colossians. Tonight felt like a good night to dive back in. This scripture speaks to me. Last time I wrote about this particular scripture I wrote about my past, but I think it’s time to look at my present and how my past is encroaching on my present. 

Writing these messages started out as a favor for a friend, but overtime it has become something much more. I came to realize that God had a plan in this, a plan for me and my life. I have learned so much this year writing about Him. The research. The prayer. The time spent just thinking about the writing and the message. It’s been great! On top of that I have had the opportunity to share my heart and give glimpses into the inner workings of Melody. I’ve also been able to share the greatest message of all: GOD LOVES YOU!! 

So what happened. Why for the past month or so have I stopped writing. There are a few answers to that question, but the one to look at tonight is revealed by the scripture: old bad habits. For the past month or so I have found myself slowly by surely walling myself away. My hermit like nature sprung up and took over and I let it. I don’t fully understand all the reasons why, but I do know that fear played a part in it. Like I said, this writing has opened me up in ways I wasn’t expecting and when I started to see it I got scared. I’m back to living “the life [I] once lived.” Not good! I don’t want to shy away from my future. I don’t want to shy away from God’s plans for me. I don’t want to shy away from the people in my life. I don’t want to shy away from myself. So, as the scripture says, I must rid myself “of all such things as these.” For me, that’s my fear and isolation. It’s my worry about the future. It’s my walls that need to be obliterated. This is not easy. Change is never easy. 

Hallelujah, I have Jesus! He knows the plans He has for me. He knows what is inside of me. I just have to let Him do His thing. I have to stop fighting. There is a plan for this. I’m going to start reading my study books again. I’ve signed up for a class being taught by a friend. I’m also going to sign up for a class at NNU that I think will be good as well that will be a week long in mid-January. These are not my plans. These are God’s plans and He has been showing me very clearly that I need to get focused on Him again. I write about it enough, right! Heck, it’s pretty much the message I write to you every time I write one of these…focus on God…give Him time…turn to Jesus! Okay, it’s about time I took my own advice. 

What have you been struggling with lately? Are there things in your life that you need to be rid of, things that cause you to sin, cause distance in your relationships, especially with God? Talk to Him about it. Know that you can’t change without Him. Know that He wants to help you be the best you. Know that He loves you immensely. I’m always here if you want to message me, but make sure to give time over to God. Talk to Him and let Him fill you with His presence and let Him inspire and change and bring about amazing growth within you. 
0 Comments

Anger Hurts, Forgiveness Heals

12/15/2018

0 Comments

 
"If today were your last, would you do what you’re doing? Or would you love more, give more, forgive more? Then do so! Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. Love like there’s no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again." 
--Max Lucado ​
I’ve been angry for awhile now. I’m really struggling—and I mean really struggling. Most of my anger has been directed towards my family, but not all of it. I find myself getting angry at a whole lot of things and a whole lotta people and it just keeps building. When I’m this angry I’m blinded and overly focused on the source(s) of my anger. That’s why the above quote stands out to me today, it stands as a reminder of the person I want to be, the person that God has made me to be…a person of compassion, hope, joy, love and forgiveness. Whatever wrongs I feel that others have done against me, my anger and my frustration hurts me more than others. Forgiveness is healing and right now I know I need a lot of personal healing. 
 
There is a lot to take from the quote above. I want you to take a moment and close your eyes and breathe in deep.
Do it again.
One more time.
Now read the quote above out-loud to yourself twice. What word or grouping of words in that quote stood out to you? Take your time and really reflect on what resonated or shimmered for you in that quote. Now, take those words to God. Ask Him help you learn from those words. Maybe you need to work on forgiveness or simply be reminded that love is the most important thing. Remember, life is fleeting and needs to be lived fully. Most importantly, find time to talk to God and let His message teach you today.
 
0 Comments

    Author:
    Melody A. K. Paris
    The Scarlet Toad

    I'm a lover of stories. I want to read them and write them. Through these posts, I wish to share my story while also sharing deeper truths and the joyful message of the Great I Am.

    Archives

    May 2020
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018

    Categories

    All
    1 Corinthians
    1 Peter
    1 Thessalonians
    Anger
    Colossians
    Community
    Depression
    Ecclesiastes
    Ecumenical Journey
    Ephesians
    Faith
    Family
    Flawless
    Forgiveness
    Frustrations
    Hebrews
    Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Joy
    Love
    Luke
    Mark
    Matthew
    Mother
    Philippians
    Proverbs
    Sharon
    Song Of Solomon
    Stress
    Talent
    Time
    Treasures
    Truth
    Women

    RSS Feed

208-989-2713
Let's Chat
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Written Word
  • Visual Portfolio
  • Connect