The NorMel House

Oh how heavy my heart My eyes are dry as there's no tears left to cry What are we doing? What lies are we spreading? Like cancer they grow Like a river slowly pushing its way down a mountain Carving small pathways in the rock Each lie, each falsehood creating tiny cracks in our faith They push their way down, slowly eating their way through what once was strong We let our selfishness dictate the path we choose and call it new understanding  We let our own desires change our beliefs because what we feel can't possibly be wrong We call it worshipping God though we ignore what He's asked of us The world is slipping in through the cracks We're so bombarded by sin that we don't see how far we're falling Satan is laughing and delighting in the lies that have found their way in. He whispers and tempts and tells us our selfish desires can't possibly be wrong Oh how like Adam and Eve we are Choosing to believe we now know better

 "...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."  I recently had a conversation about moments (in truth I have this conversation alot) and this just solidifies my thinking. We only have moments. Some people get years worth of moments, others get only a few. We ought to appreciate the moments we have, in humility, because we do not know how many moments we will have. We're here for "a little time" it seems to me that James 4 is telling us how to live those moments, not in fighting or coveting, but in yearning for the Spirit and submitting ourselves humbly to God. How often don't we waste the moments we're given on selfish things or with sinful attitudes. I'm reminded once again that each moment is a precious gift from God and should be used wisely.

It's easy to believe God can heal the sick when you're healthy. It's easy to believe He can fix broken relationships when yours are good, but when you're confronted by the reality of death and the harshness of this world it can be a lot harder to believe that God can fix it. Jesus said trust me now! Trust that if you believe you will see God's glory. Believing is seeing! Pray for eyes that see! Believe that He is the Saviour sent by God. Believe in Christ for salvation is only in Him; only He has the power to save and to overcome sin and death. The enemy seems strong but when you look away from this broken world to the reality that is found in Christ's resurrection you will see the glory and wisdom of God. As you go through the week pray for eyes that see, and believe. 

What do we do when everything seems to fall apart? Where do we turn when the world around us seems to be crumbling and we feel like we just can't take anymore? We often wonder how all these bad things can happen; why do they happen? There is a reason for all things, and the bible tells us that as Christians there is a definite purpose. As a result of our sin the world is no longer perfect, and bad things happen. But is that all? Is that the only purpose??? I don't believe so. One of the things the bible talks about is being refined. We are being refined by our trials, being molded into something better! Zechariah 13:9 "...and refine them as one refines silver and test them as gold is tested..." Isaiah 48:10 "Behold I have refined you, but not as silver' I have tried you in the furnace of affliction" Psalm 66: 10-12 "For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upo...

"You have searched me, Lord , and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord , know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”  even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you...

There are things in life that take us by complete surprise. Life’s pathway will bring struggles; we each have our own particular heart ache. Yet, we can be confident, we serve a God who knows the beginning and the end! He has given us a light for our path and we must trust our sovereign God; that He knows what He’s doing. When wrestling with assurance we can see that the devil is strong. He will do anything to separate us from God’s love so we must pray for perseverance! We must also pray that we will see God’s presence in our lives and that God will keep His eyes on us. By faith, through grace, we are united with Christ and therefore perfect in God’s sight. When we know in faith, that this is true for ourselves, then we may know that no matter thick or thin, no matter what trial or trouble, we are well protected, for He will hide us in the shadow of His wings. What a blessed comfort it is to us, to enter day by day, knowing that the Father sees His children through the lens of His Son...

Oh how well I know this. When I look at my life and myself I am amazed that God could love a wretch like me. That He sees me better than I even see myself and yet He still calls me His own. I've done nothing to deserve this love; in fact I've done all kinds of things to push Him away, and to deserve the opposite. I am a sinner, I dont deserve His grace, I dont deserve His mercy. How thankful I am that He gives it anyways.  #byGracealone #savedbyGodsGrace #undeservedgrace #thankful #notbymymight #amazinggrace #Godslove #extraordinaryGrace #inChristalone #ChildofGod 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord .  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8‭-‬9 ESV So great and powerful is our God. It's truly a blessing that we dont always get what we want. God knows all things and what He wants for us is far better than anything we could possibly think of. Trust In God #TIG #trustinGod #greatisHislove #Godsways #ChildofGod #TheNorMelHouse 

God amazes me. While walking and playing with the 'daytime kiddos' I've once again been blessed with seeing God's incredible creative power at work. Beautiful tulips, lilacs and more have once again pushed their way through the hardened earth to reach for the sun. Stunning and vibrant colors, soft and pastel colors; an amazing variety of beauty that only God can form. If you've read my previous posts you may remember my ability to garden is prevented by my body's aversion to plants, pollen, trees, grass, etc. Funny how my mind's eye is in awe and wonder at all these things, but my body reacts negatively. Satan tries to hamper our relationship with God in any way he can. I've always found my faith is renewed and my sense of God's presence is strongest when I'm surrounded by His amazing work in creation. The fact that these lovely flowers faithfully return every year reminds me that God is constant and faithful. His love never fails. I've stood...

Forgiveness is something that many of us often struggle with. We may have a hard time forgiving someone for hurting us or we may struggle with wondering if we are truly forgiven by God. The Bible tells us “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34). If we come to God in faith and repentance God will forgive us.  We owe God more than we can ever give; we enjoy God’s mercy, grace and incredible riches at Christ’s expense. Whatever anyone may have done to offend us pales in comparison to what we have done to offend God. Who are we, who have been forgiven so much by God, to withhold forgiveness from others who owe us so little?

"God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything" (1 John 3:20b) Wow. This is such a huge comfort for the believer! In His omniscience, God knows all things, at all times, effortlessly and intimately. Have you ever tried to count the stars?  "He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names" (Psalm 147:4) We can't even begin to count them, yet He determined each one, gave them their places, gave them their names! What about the hairs on your head, not as many as the stars in the sky but "even the hairs of your head are all numbered" (Luke 12:7). Does that not fill you with awe and amazement? His knowledge is far beyond our comprehension. He knows all things that are possible, all things that have happened and all things that will happen. We often think we're quite smart yet our knowledge is but a drop in the ocean, just a spec of what God knows. As Christians we ought to be humbled and comforted by all this. We are...

Today I'm thankful for sunshine. Seems the flowers agree as they're slowly reaching up for it...  I love this time of year.  It's my faithful reminder of God's love and power.  Of mercies new every day and that even amidst the ugly, beauty can be found.  "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 ESV "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Fat...

In these uncertain times it's hard to imagine that there is any comfort or hope. It's easy to fall prey to the devil's attempts to pull us away from God. He fills us with doubt, fear, worry, and unbelief. If you suffer from depression or mental illness you probably find the devils voice can be quite loud. I admit (and have shared) many of the times the devil's temptations of despair have overwhelmed me. With all the social distancing and self-quarentine happening we miss out on something most of us NEED. As Christians especially we're used to gathering together as God's family every week, and while we've taken advantage of Livestream technology it is just not the same. Despite all the sad and scary things going on in the world we need to remember God's goodness. God is our gracious and heavenly Father; the Bible, His Holy Word, is filled with assurances of His help and comfort. Open your Bible and find comfort in Him. Find your peace and strength in the ...

My thoughts are filled with sadness And my mind can't find a way It all just feels so heavy, Lord I don't know how to face the day. You've created us so intricate An amazing, complex design But my body is so broken Lord The pain has filled my mind I'm overwhelmed and weary I don't know what to do With heavy heart yet hopeful Lord, I can only turn to You. Mel in The NorMel House, feeling the struggle today

Read Jeremiah 29 (see bottom of entry) I can't imagine living as a slave in a foreign country. Could you? I can't. I can't even begin to understand what that would be like. I've been blessed to live in a country that values freedom.  (Almost to the point where it's a fault.) I don't know what it's like to be whipped or forced to do hard labor or go without food. The Israelites did. They lived in Babylon under the harsh rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. I imagine the oppression would be depressing. You might even grasp for words of hope from any source, even false prophets. Jeremiah 29 tells us of the hope God gives amidst some very difficult and rough times for the Israelites. Despite being in a foreign land, despite being captives and slaves, God sends them hope and direction through the prophet Jeremiah, "...seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile..." (Jer. 29:7a) Can you imagine being told that God brought...

June 15, 2004 A Psalm O Lord, my God and King Hasten to my aid I am weary with my crying May Satan's hand be stayed Rescue me from evil From temptations fierce and strong I am dragged down by my own sin For Your strength Oh Lord, I long Within me is a constant war I cannot fight alone O God of Glory, hear me! I pray don't leave me on my own For without Your mighty Hand O Lord, I'd surely die Save me from myself, O God Please hear my constant cry You alone can save me All my trust is in Your Name For You alone are powerful From age to age the same O God, You are ever merciful I know You hear my plea I trust that in Your Will and time You will answer me

How could you feel anything but peace reading this? It repeats in my mind as I drift off and I know my Redeemer lives. I know that angels surround me, ready to do God's bidding, and He will watch over me through the night. How comforting! The bedtime prayer my mother taught me so often seems the right way to end my conversations with my Heavenly Father; Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep Guard me through the starry night And wake me with the morning light. Thank You God for all Your love Thank You for Your Son above Thank You for Your precious gifts Thank You God for everything!

The NorMel House instagram so much beauty... So much beauty. So incredibly delicate yet tough. So much more than a simple flower. It reminds me of hope. It reminds me of God's consistency in creation. It reminds me of mercy new every morning. It reminds me of who is really in control of life and to stop and appreciate it. It reminds me that beauty can exist in the middle of this marred and broken world. It reminds me that the great Giver indeed does give us our daily needs. I'm not a plant person, I don't remember to water the plants inside my house and I do absolutely nothing for the ones outside. Still these reflections of work by the Great Artist come back ever year to remind me that even though we may have a bleak and cold season beauty and warmth will return. #Godissogreat #NoartistlikeTheArtist #Godrenews #Godgivesusallweneed #HopeinHim #Bestill #ChildofGod

My heart feels heavy when I see the pain of my #infertilitywarriors . When someone is struggling through a hard time I wish I had the right words of wisdom to help them through, but I don't. I only know that even in our darkest hours we are not alone. God is bigger than any hurt we feel; Jesus suffered more than anything we'll ever go through, and the Spirit groans on our behalf before the Father. When I feel like there's nothing left in me to give, like I've no idea or clue what my purpose is or why I continue to go through the trenches I hold on to one thing. Though this world is full of the devastating results of sin God has a plan, though we endure hardships God will turn all things to the good of those who love Him. (Read Romans 8, the Bible does promise this!) God doesn't promise us an easy life, but He gave us directions to a new one. He guides us and protects us in the journey towards that new life. "Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow ...

I've held back from writing for some time now. To be honest I'm afraid to start. When I think of the matters closest to heart and mind I melt into a pile of tears and sniffles. I want to be strong. I want the world to believe that my strength of faith gets me through everything. The truth is hard to put out there. The truth is I'm not strong. The truth is I am broken. The truth is I have nothing left to give. It's not by my own strength that I've made it through so much. I'm not the one who kept it together when I lost my children. I'm not the one who pulls me out of bed when the pain is so bad it's overwhelming. I'm not the one. I feel like I'm not getting through this time but the truth is it was never me. God has been the one to guide me, He has lifted me out of darkness and carried me when I've been weak. He gives me what I need. I just need to let go. Let it all go. Leave it all in my Heavenly Father's Hands. He will bring peace agai...