Psalms 62: 5-8 reading

Psalms 62:5-8

"Find rest, o my soul, in God alone. my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, i will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Let's DIG deeper:

1. Refuge means, n.) That which shelters or protects from danger, or from distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy. (n.) An expedient to secure protection or defense; a device or contrivance. (v. t.) To shelter; to protect. (n.) Shelter or protection from danger or distress.
2. Rock means, a person or thing suggesting a rock, esp in being dependable, unchanging, or providing firm foundation
3. Salvation means, the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc.
   the state of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc., a source, cause, or means of being saved or protected from harm, risk, deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption.

Reflection: as I read this passage and reflect on speaking on this yesterday at our women's bible study... oooh what comfort this brings me and should bring you. To rest in God, gives me peace in Him, peace in my circumstances. To say the Lord is my Rock, He is dependable, unchanging and provides for me a solid foundation to which I stand on. To have salvation, is to be protected from harm of the world, gives me deliverance from this world into Heaven, abundantly rich life, which is not of this physical world. But of Heaven, which was created by God himself. Friends, wow I am truely enjoying diving into His word and soaking in it.

"Let Go, Let God"

* my favorite sayings, I probably say on a DAILY basis.

My prayer: is that you will to enjoy the passage and you to will soak in it this weekend.

Merry Christmas Friends.

~Anita Smithson

What an AWE- and then Some, God we Serve!

Today during women's bible study, there was some Good Word shared today. I wanted to share it with you all. I pray that it lifts You up and Gives You Hope, today...

Acts 16:31 Give youself up to God. He sees clearly and is ALL knowing- take yourself out of your own keeping, Intrust & Place yourself in His Keeping.

Just how Big is your God?

My God is SO BIG, BIGGER then anything that tries to bring me down or gets in our way- Our God is so "Awe- and then Some -Awesome, I am in Awe when He moves!!!"  * gives me comfort, when I speak this out and do this, my family (hubby and kids) too will be saved/protected in Him! Awe, friends to hear those words today Gave me such comfort, to know that my family (all of them) are protected under His umbrella, as I lift us ALL up to Him, each day- ask for our needs and be the Light for all of us together, to follow His path. Be that example, of Who HE is to our family. Awe so precious, so needed to hear that today.
Being able to just sit in His Presence today and hear the words flowing so beautifully out of the ladies mouths today... was so glorious and precious. Just listening to every word of each song that was sang today and sitting there, Thanking Him, for all He has just done in our lives, our living situation and financial needs just in today before the study. WOW, what an amazing God I serve.

I just had a thought come to mind, this is from a song we sang:
The Lord wants you to wait upon Him, to wait for His timing NOT yours. He knows your future, HE Has created your EVERYDAYS= so instead of Worrying or Trying to figure your days out, daily- just sing this, speak this out...

"Lord we wait, Lord we Wait, I learn how to wait on Jesus, Learn how to wait on God- Such an Awesome God He is... " He is Real, He will show He is Real- when you seek Him, when you ask of Him- Speak your needs to Him, He will cover them and more!!! It's in His Word, it His Promise to each of us! Get in the WORD friends, Find Him- Seek Him

(P.S. During this very special time, during Christmas time- He will come thru friends, just wait on Him and Trust in Him- Celebrate Jesus and celebrate what He has done and what He will do... He is so good. He is so Big, and He is All Ours!!!!)

Merry Christmas Friends and Family!!!! from our Family, the Smithson's to Yours

What an amazing God we have... that we get to call our Father!

Sorry for the delay in my post friends, as I have been moving this past weekend. I will resume in my daily and weekly posts on my blogs- next week!

I have honestly been resting in the "AUH" of our Mighty Lord and His amazing timing. He worked a miracle this past weekend, during our move!

It is so comforting knowing He is real and seeing Him work!

So if you would... Please take this time, to sit with me and just be in the moment, Rest in His Presence with me.. let's just thank Him for all He has done for us and will do for us in 2012. With Him all things are possible friends.

I encourage you to reach out to Him and speak out His name/s with me,

as you read them below, He is right there with you...

Merry Christmas, Friends.

Press In, Persevere, Press On ~ Part #2 continued (Spiritual Gifts & Using them)

Press In, Persevere, Press On

Part #2
(Finding out What your Spiritual Gifts Are & Putting them to Use)

As I reflect on this reading, I will do so in a overall of 3 posts this week. There are 3 verses that she shares with us and ask us to memorize them, cut them out and post them somewhere that we can reflect on over and over, and also re write them in our own words, so that we may understand them in relation to our personal lives. So I ask as I share these with you, that you do so.

During the holidays, so many of us have struggles, stress and difficulties. Which feel so overwhelming and frustrating at times. Don't they? It seems as if they Magnify especially right before Christmas, as though Satan tends to Lazor in on our "hot buttons or situations". But we need to remember friends, that we are not in control, Satan is not in control- yes we have the freedom to Choose to focus on the negative things in our lives, allow our lives to be brought down or feel overwhelmed <OR> we can trust and believe we will be okay, God has us and will get us out of the situation/ that He will provide ALL our needs, not some but ALL.

In the reading Joyce talks about taking a closer look at the difficulties or situations in our lives and How? We can press in, persevere and press on... I would suggest before we get started, get out a piece of paper and write down some things that are happening right now that are frustrating, overwhelmed situations, financial struggles, emmotional battles or relationships that might be straining. Write them down and leave spaces between each one. Some of us might only have a few things right now on that list but some may have more then 10 things written down~ thats okay. The purpose of writting them down is now they are written and infront of us... later I will explain what you can do with this list a bit later in the reading. Once you have the lsit completed. Continue to read on...

The second verse Joyce shares with us ~

Philippians 1:6

There has never been the slighest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you(me) would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

Now after reading the verse above, lets now reflect on the list we wrote. Take it and put it infront of you. Based on the truth above in the verse from the bible- God's promise to us (which can never be taken from you, you find this in your Secret Place with the Lord/ your Heart) Pray over the list and take each one of the things you wrote down and reflect- ask the Lord to release you of them, lift them up to the Lord and give them to him. Declare what you want to happen and Speak it out, ask it from the Lord. " {Take a stance and say, I will not allow these things to hold me back from accomplishing my goals the Lord has for me! I will not let them hold me back from having a wonderful life the Lord has already planned for me. I will not allow the negative things in my life, to bring me down or hurt me anymore. I rebuke Satan and all his ways." and so on.... }

Now let's reflect on this verse above, what is jumping out at you? How does this verse make you feel? Have you zeroed in on the Work the Lord has started in you? Have you found the Gifts the Lord has given you, what are your spiritual gifts? What do you find passion in doing? Those sometimes can help you figure out what your gifts are. You can also take the spiritual gift test

Here is a List of Spiritual Gifts that the Lord has placed in each of us: (You can have several of these, but a couple will Truely stand out more then others)
1. Administration 2. Apostle 3. Discerning of Spirits 4. Evangelism 5. Ekballism 6. Exhortation 7. Faith 8. Giving	9. Healing 10. Helps 11. Hospitality 12. Intercession 13. Interpretation of Tongues 14. Knowledge 15. Mercy 16. Leadership 17. Miracles	18. Missionary 19. Prophecy 20. Service 21. Shepherd 22. Teaching 23. Tongues 24. Voluntary Poverty 25. Wisdom

The following is a list of Bible passages that are the primary sources for understanding spiritual gifts in the life of the church: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, Ephesians 4:7-16, 1 Peter 4:7-11

My personal reflection on this verse, as I read it today: God started a great work in me and He is not finsihed yet, until the Lord comes back. I want to delight in the work He started in me, I want to do my BEST at the spiritual gifts the Lord has given me. The gifts are given to us, to use in our daily lives to help others and to do the Work of the Lord in the world= to stand out and be the Light for others, to Shine "bling" in the dark world. To give HOPE!!! I also get from the reading, to NOT give up, to know that God has a plan for me and my life, that "I do not need to worry or depend on what the world has to say"... that even though LIFE does not always make sense, things don't always go my way and sometimes I will struggle- that God will take care of me and has not finsihed His work in me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Jesus, Princess/Daughter of the High King above.

So after reading the scripture today Phil 1:6, what do you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to do? What is your reflection on the reading today? I encourage you to take the spiritual gift test this week- find out what your gifts are, once you do- the things you are passionate about might make more sense, you might be able to direct your actions and your future better. Once you have the gifts infront of you- it might be easier to Trust and Press On, through the hard times better.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this post tonight. I will share another verse from Joyce on Friday. Have a wonderful day! Please, if you would choose to FOLLOW my blog, by entering your email in the box on main page. And share this with your friends and family.

~Anita

Comment if you fee lead, would love to hear your reflection or comments.

Overflowing Cup~ Press In, Persevere, Press On Part#1

Reading today from Enjoying Everyday Life, by Joyce Meyer Ministry... My reflection:

Press In, Persevere, Press On

Part #1

As I reflect on this reading, I will do so in a overall of 3 posts this week. There are 3 verses that she shares with us and ask us to memorize them, cut them out and post them somewhere that we can reflect on over and over, and also re write them in our own words, so that we may understand them in relation to our personal lives. So I ask as I share these with you, that you do so.

During the holidays, so many of us have struggles, stress and difficulties. Which feel so overwhelming and frustrating at times. Don't they? It seems as if they Magnify especially right before Christmas, as though Satan tends to Lazor in on our "hot buttons or situations". But we need to remember friends, that we are not in control, Satan is not in control- yes we have the freedom to Choose to focus on the negative things in our lives, allow our lives to be brought down or feel overwhelmed <OR> we can trust and believe we will be okay, God has us and will get us out of the situation/ that He will provide ALL our needs, not some but ALL.

In the reading Joyce talks about taking a closer look at the difficulties or situations in our lives and How? We can press in, persevere and press on... I would suggest before we get started, get out a piece of paper and write down some things that are happening right now that are frustrating, overwhelmed situations, financial struggles, emmotional battles or relationships that might be straining. Write them down and leave spaces between each one. Some of us might only have a few things right now on that list but some may have more then 10 things written down~ thats okay. The purpose of writting them down is now they are written and infront of us... later I will explain what you can do with this list a bit later in the reading. Once you have the lsit completed. Continue to read on...

The first verse Joyce shares with us ~

Jeremiah 29:11

"I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Now after reading the verse above, lets now reflect on the list we wrote. Take it and put it infront of you. Based on the truth above in the verse from the bible- God's promise to us (which can never be taken from you, you find this in your Secret Place with the Lord/ your Heart) Pray over the list and take each one of the things you wrote down and reflect- ask the Lord to release you of them, lift them up to the Lord and give them to him. Declare what you want to happen and Speak it out, ask it from the Lord. " {Take a stance and say, I will not allow these things to hold me back from accomplishing my goals the Lord has for me! I will not let them hold me back from having a wonderful life the Lord has already planned for me. I will not allow the negative things in my life, to bring me down or hurt me anymore. I rebuke Satan and all his ways." and so on.... }

I ask you: What is holding you back from having a closer relationship with those you love? What is holding you back from having a closer relationship with the Lord? What is holding you back from accomplishing your goals or having a positive life?

GET RID OF IT, and Press In, Persevere and Press On!
Let Go, Let God... He is much Bigger then any issue or problem.

(My personal reflection of this reading) When I had took a look at my life a few years back. I realized there were things, people and situations holding me back, harming my family and the life we wanted to have for our children. As a couple, we decided to take a stance and Get rid of those things that were not positive or pleasing to the Lord. We chose to ONLY accept to have close to us, positive things and positive people. We chose to commit to a better life for our kids, to Press In to what we knew was Good- the church, friends that were positive and each other- building our family close.

Ask yourself: What decisions do you feel lead to make? What situations may you have to change around- in order to have a better one? In life, God has given us the Freedom of Choice? A choice to follow Him and live by His word or to live of the World.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this post tonight. I will share another verse from Joyce on Wednesday evening. Have a wonderful night! Please, if you would choose to FOLLOW my blog, by entering your email in the box on main page. And share this with your friends and family.

~Anita

Comment if you fee lead, would love to hear your reflection or comments.

Take me to that place...(no matter what emmotion you are feeling today, Read this)

Take me to that place... wow, what a special place this is Friends, do you know you already have this in your {heart}? If you didn't know, You just have to seek it friends and you will find it. Ask God to show it to you. He will, this is a special place that is ALL for you, no one can break it or steal it, its YOURS forever. So reassuring, that you are NOT alone. 

As I was going to sleep last night, tossing in turning because I just wanted to get back out of bed and begin writting this.. but I didn't (smile). I awoke this morning, I just felt lead and was so excited to share this with you all today.

Alot of us have at one time or are feeling.... maybe depleated, used/abused, lonely, anxious, sad, hurt, uncertain, unloved, just not right-something is off- basically ANY emmotion that you are feeling at this very moment. This song below is just so comforting
@ http://tinyurl.com/wrap-me-in-your-arms

Alot of people, especially this time of the year things get a little harder, maybe a little sad or feeling of loneliness sets in.. Did you know- Do you really know- " there is a God who Loves you" a God who has never left you, even when you might of not asked Him to be there for you. He created you and loves you even when you may not love him. Or maybe you walked away from Him, maybe you don't Completely Trust Him... He has NEVER left your side, He has NEVER stopped loving you.

God is such an amazing Lord, He is our provider, our friend, alpha and omega/ beginning and the end, He is our Savior, our Master, our King (did you know we have an Inheritance that is Glorious, we are Royalty)... this is Right "where I (YOU) belong, Lord. Take me to that place Lord, to that Secret Place Lord" * if you are NOT sure where this place is friend, I can help you discover it please reach out to me in a private message and I can help you, maybe you found it once and lost it- send me a message and lets talk", God is waiting He has never left you- He is Right There beside you, do you feel Him?

{Friends a little about my journey in Life... I was raised in a christian home with very loving parents who showed me "what God's love was all about- unconditional, never changing" and I have been to church all my life. I knew, what was right and what was wrong. But I do have little bit of a rebel side to me- and friends, even when I knew I was straying I did it anyways. I guess at that point in life, I wanted to prove something to everybody. I wasn't done sinning. Years went by, I became a single mother to a little boy (now 14) and because of my choices had a very rough life for many years. God is good friends, when I was ready to Trust Him for a bit, He was right there and forgave me. Some more years went by and had another little girl (now 9) still not married, was drinking and not focusing on my relationship with the Lord. The father of my daughter and I got married, had another little boy (now 7) shortly after and after 3 years later divorced, ending in a physical and emmotional abused relationship. * * DID YOU KNOW Friends, God still loved me and forgave me- He got me thru it, then got me up and out of it. Wow what an Amazing God. Well I was so weak and felt so alone, all I had was God- so I leaned on Him again, it got to a point in my life "that" I finally knew what it meant to be on bended knees and lifting it ALL up to Him. Making the Lord, my main Source. Lets bring it Current- through it all friends, the ups and downs of the decisions I made... I am still here, my kids are still here and God has blessed with an amazing NEW husband and 2 more little girls ( now 2 1/2 and 7 weeks old). } 

Friends, the Lord will NEVER leave you, no matter what you have done in life or will do in life- He will NEVER stop loving you and never will be mad at you. He will always Forgive. That brings me to my favorite part... "wrap me in your arms, wrap me in your arms"... ooh just writting this, I can feel His arms around me- do you feel them around you? such a comforting feeling this is, isn't it?

I hope you enjoyed this reading today, my prayer today is that EACH person who comes acrtas this blog today is Blessed beyond words.. that they truely feel the Lord/ His Holy Spirit today.

"there is a God who loves you... this is right where I belong... take me to that place Lord, to that secret place Lord... where I can be with you, make me like you.... wrap me in your arms, wrap me in your arms"

If you are not a Christian that's okay too... Find your Secret Place friend, in your heart Where you can feel exactly what the song says. Where you can feel assured, that things will be okay no matter what. That you are taken care of and your heart is right.

Thank you for taking time today to read my blog, I pray that you are blessed today and thru the week. Till next time friends. ~ Anita Smithson

* * * In Honor of Pastor Hood who passed away and with Big Hugs to His family today * * *

"the Overflowing Cup" blog is rooted and grounded in Him...

How the blog came about... as I begin to walk along my new journey, following along the path the Lord has placed me on this past month.
The NEW blog is inspired, rooted and grounded in Him alone.  He is my ALLTIME source to all I do from this point forward. What a honor and joy to have this opportunity. To share this with you.

I pray that YOU will find joy and peace in all that is shared thru this blog. Posts will come from myself, the Bible, other posts I find helpful and feel you will be blessed from, spiritual quotes and many other resources.

God is moving in me and using me, and that is where this BLOG came from... a secret place that only we (those who CHOOSE to follow my blog) share with the Lord.

So be blessed.....