His Yoke Is Easy (by Carolyn Marshall)

“A man was carrying a heavy basket. His son asked to help him. The father cut a stick and placed it through the handle of the basket so that the end toward himself was very short, while the end toward the boy was three or four times as long. Each took hold of his end of the stock, and the basket was lifted and easily carried. The son was bearing the burden with the father, but he found his work easy and light because his father assumed the heavy end of the stock. Just so it is when we bear the yoke with Christ; He sees to it that the burden laid on us is light; He carries the heavy end.” (John T. Faris)



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

 There isn’t a man, woman or even a child living who doesn’t have “issues” that need to be dealt with every minute of every day. Those of us who have surrendered our lives to Christ do not get a “magic pass” to escape all of our burdens as some people may think, either. We struggle the same as everyone else, and sometimes more. Because now, as children of God, the adversary (Satan) has to work even harder to try to pluck us out of God’s hands. “Try” is the operative word here, because once we surrender our lives to God, we are forever His. Praise God! But it doesn’t stop him from trying.

You don’t have to be up to date with current events in the newspapers, on the radio, television, or Internet to know that we all deal with our burdens in different ways, either. Just open your eyes to the people around you - depression, alcoholism, suicide, divorce, bankruptcy, abortion, murder are on the increase at an alarming rate. As human beings, we tend to want to take control and deal with problems in our lives in our own way. In the beginning, we think we are strong enough to handle whatever life may toss our way because we are “tough”. Some may be able to hold on longer than others but, eventually, they will reach the end of the rope of “their own strength”. They will have to make a decision to keep struggling with their problem or let go and give it all to God.

So many times, we suffer needlessly because we don’t give our burdens to the Master problem solver, our heavenly Father. We read in Matthew 11:28-30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

And, oh, what peace we find when we do surrender! We can come before God as His “child” and sit in His lap. Picture yourself laying your head on God’s shoulder, looking up into those beautiful all-loving eyes. Feel His arms wrapped around you. I can’t think of a better place to be. Can you?

Let's Dance! (by Carolyn Marshall)

We all get a lot of email forwards in our mailbox, I know I do. A lot of it isn’t of any use so it gets put in the trash pretty quickly. But, occasionally, a message comes through that really makes you think; one that blesses your heart and makes you smile and say “thank you, Lord!” The following was one of those messages that I received. I would love to give credit to the writer, but there wasn’t a name attached to it. So, if you’re reading this and know who wrote it, please leave a comment for me so that proper credit can be given. In the meantime, I hope this gives you a smile in your heart and causes you to lift your eyes to Jesus with Joy!



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

“Guidance . . . When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i."  "God, "u" and "i" dance – God, you, and I dance!" This statement is what guidance means to me. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. Prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive, so let’s continue to pray for one another. I hope you dance!”

Someone's "Angel" (by Carolyn Marshall)



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time to do something you would remember for the rest of your life?  I have, many times.  But there is one time that happened more than 20 years ago that still holds its place in my memory.  I believe God gives us opportunities through our lives to be someone else’s “Angel” - to be His hands on this earth. We don’t always meet the task, though, as it was for me that day so many years ago. But, hopefully, each experience helps us to better learn how to listen to the voice of God as He moves through us.

It started out as a normal day.  There were the usual chores on my “To-Do” list.  One of those things was to get groceries for the next week.  I made the trip to my regular store, got my cart, and began filling it.  God had been good to me.  I was able to shop without worrying about how much money was in my purse.

After being in the store only five minutes, I noticed an older couple.  They appeared to be in their 80s, very thin, and dressed in an unkempt manner.  This, in itself, was not what caught my attention.  They were walking very close to one another, whispering as if they had a secret to keep from the rest of the world.  “Mrs.” pushed the cart, and “Mr.” walked beside her with a shopping list in his hands.

Because of their secretiveness, I stayed a little behind them.  Curiosity got the best of me.  And, something was tugging at my heart.  It was not quite clear to me at that time what I was concerned about.

Mr. and Mrs. moved slowly past the refrigerated section, stopping every few feet or so.  They quietly discussed whether or not they would get each item they put in their cart.  They would pick something up, and then put it back down.  My heart strings were being pulled.  I wondered if they had enough money to pay for the groceries and were being selective about the things they would purchase.

Then, Mrs. did something that gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach.  She picked up a bottle of milk, studied it very carefully and placed it in her cart.  Apparently, she had to decide which was more important, butter or milk, because the butter she had picked up earlier was placed back on the shelf.

Deep within, I was beginning to feel that my earlier suspicions about this couple not having enough money for food were true.  It appeared they had to make choices on what they could and could not buy.  Choices as to what food was most important to them.  Because they were so thin, I began wondering whether they had enough to eat.  Thoughts of how I would feel if my own mother were in her 80s and having to ration like that began racing through my mind.

How could I help these people?  These could be people I knew and loved.  Should I go up to them and offer them money?  I didn’t want to offend them, and I didn’t know what to do.  So, I did nothing.  I thought of all kinds of scenarios that would allow me to help them.  But, I did nothing.

Did I fail at an opportunity to be Mr. and Mrs.’ Angel?  Maybe.  They may not have needed my help.  But, I will never know the answer to that question, because I didn’t follow my heart and reach out to them.  Vivid details of how this couple looked, walked, and discussed their choices with each other play in my mind to this day.  I know I will never forget that day.

The moral to this story is “listen to your heart”.  Once you’ve missed the beat of the moment, you can never go back.  God has sent many angels to me throughout my life.  Without Him, I would never have been able to make it.  Take advantage of each opportunity you get to be one of God’s “Angels”.  You never know when someone else will be in the right place at the right time when you need an Angel of your own.

In The Center Of His Will (by Margaret Duran)

“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth. There is nothing false about him.” John 7:17-18 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Now, I would say that doing God's will and being in the center of His will is most important if we want to be successful in our walk with Jesus. If we are not in the center of His will, we miss His plan for our lives completely. Many times, our will fights against His will because we are not totally surrendered. This takes time. As we grow in His grace, little by little, and as we place our dependence on Him, we relinquish our will over to Jesus. Then we experience freedom, joy and peace and the knowledge that whatever happens will definitely be for our good.

If you have made a mess of your life, as did I, you would be happy to give your will over to Him. As a matter of fact, I begged Him to take it from me. All authority is His, and I allow Him total control. Many have said, “Well, God gave you a brain to use, so use it.” Yes, thank God, He gave us a brain to know where all wisdom lies, but will we recognize that? I have found that when I am in the center of His will, I am the happiest.