just because we are; Strong, Resilient and Able, doesn't mean we should, CHANGE 178

Are you navigating a period of change? Perhaps the prospect of change feels overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to start, or maybe it has taken you by surprise, and you're struggling to regain your footing, as life has flipped you upside down.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” 
—John Maxwell

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 Key Points to propel change and transformation
• Asking for help: a breathtaking moment from Jesus
• Tuning into your body language: Stress, Self Care
• Mary of Bethany - John 12 The Alabaster Box

Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” said Jesus

PREVIOUSLY...

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Welcome, welcome to the show, dear friend! Here we are, another week has passed. I'm always astonished by how much can change from one week to the next. With the Lord guiding my words, I'm excited about what we have to explore and learn together—amen!
I truly need your support, your prayers, and a bit of patience as I try a new approach to enhance my impromptu speaking skills. This means I'm not fully scripting the episode; instead, I'm speaking more spontaneously, as if we were sitting across from each other, enjoying a lovely glass of Bordeaux. My goal is to develop my life skills and become a better communicator with you.
God, help us to delve into the nuggets of wisdom and strength you have provided us right here and now in our listening. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being present in our hearts, thoughts, cars as we drive to work, offices, and during our walks. We give you praise in Jesus' name, and your support truly helps us.
​Each of us experiences seasons of change, some of which can be quite challenging. You may be navigating through a time of constraints that has completely transformed your life. Other seasons may propel us forward, yet it's our faith that opens the door, allowing us to move into and through these phases. In doing so, we find ourselves stepping into the answers we've been praying for.
I feel truly honored that you’re taking the time to listen. It's a privilege to share this conversation with you, and I am amazed by your commitment to seek encouragement through this podcast. You're doing something meaningful, and I commend you for listening to content that can uplift you and lead you deeper into the abundance that Jesus always offers. Well done!

If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” —Roy T. Bennett

Let me share a story from the past week. My son and daughter-in-law asked if I could look after my granddaughter one to two days each week. It's such an honor, and their generosity truly touched me. However, it made me reflect on my busy schedule and how I would manage this. Remembering my days as a young parent, I recall having four sons, and much of that time feels like a blur. I wonder what I can bring into their home, knowing that the experiences will be a two-way exchange between my granddaughter and me. With a full day ahead, I find myself seeking guidance on how to get organized and create more time this morning.

A close friend of mine recently texted me, mentioning that her neck had been stiff for about four days and that she felt it was necessary to see a doctor. As I read her text-message, I reflected on our gathering last Monday, where we shared various aspects of our lives, including changes, challenges, family matters, children, and marriage. Hearing her story made me connect the dots between her neck stiffness and the transformations happening within her family. I want to pose a question for you to consider during this season of change: What is your body trying to communicate? Are you paying attention? Are you truly listening to your body?

I invite you to focus on the graphic as we attune ourselves to our bodies and listen to the Holy Spirit communicating with us. The visual I prepared represents what Jesus is stirring in my heart regarding the word "change," which is intricately hidden within it. I will do my best to describe it for those of you who may be driving. The word "change" is depicted using mirrored graphics, allowing for images to be placed within each letter. The letters in "CHANGE" showcase different characteristics based on the portraits I inserted. One of these portraits features a woman sitting on a staircase leading to heaven. This scene resonates with me, as I’ve had a cherished experience on a staircase I refer to as the DNA of God. I found myself perched on one of the steps, which jutted out slightly, making it feel as if I was hanging onto the railing. This spot has become a special place for meditation. In this moment, I dangle my feet, feeling as if God’s gaze is intimately focused on me, much like a little girl swinging her feet at the edge of a dock. I can see the whites of His eyes as I express my need for His presence and encouragement, as His love often brings comfort. On this staircase, I often envision a beautiful purse, adorned with pearls and diamonds, resembling an evening handbag. Over time, the Lord has filled this purse with treasures just for me. It’s a stunning scene to imagine yourself sitting on a step of God’s DNA in heaven. I've captured these moments in pictures, which I hope to share with you in the show notes, as they are truly breathtaking.
In addition to the letters that spell "CHANGE," there is a square image resembling a diamond, featuring an Asian woman carrying an enormous load wrapped in mesh. The weight is so substantial that her head is obscured, symbolizing the burdens of her work and harvest as she walks down the road. I can feel this change resting heavily on our shoulders, and I resonate with the overwhelming sensation it brings.
This image of strength and resilience reminds me that while God has equipped us to carry significant loads, we must ask ourselves if we are shouldering too much. Are we carrying excess weight? It’s essential to check in with our bodies: Are there areas of discomfort or tension? Holy Spirit, what does this signify? Are you sensing issues in your feet, knees, shoulders, neck, or head? Let’s listen closely.
As we navigate this season of change, we share our stories and find common ground among friends and family. We all aspire to improve and grow, and this is the message Jesus has shared with me.

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Scripture Treasury

John 12  Mary Anoints Jesus
1Six days before the Passover began, Jesus went back to Bethany, the town where he raised Lazarus from the dead. 2They had prepared a supper for Jesus.  Martha served, and Lazarus and Mary were among those at the table. 3Mary picked up an alabaster  jar filled with nearly a liter  of extremely rare and costly perfume—the purest extract of nard,  and she anointed Jesus’ feet. Then she wiped them dry with her long hair. And the fragrance of the costly oil filled the house.  
4But Judas the locksmith,  Simon’s son, the betrayer, spoke up and said, 5“What a waste! We could have sold this perfume for a fortune  and given the money to the poor!”
6(In fact, Judas had no heart for the poor. He only said this because he was a thief and in charge of the money case. He would steal money whenever he wanted from the funds given to support Jesus’ ministry.)
7Jesus said to Judas, “Leave her alone! She has saved it for the time of my burial.  8You’ll always have the poor with you;  but you won’t always have me.” Passion Translation

Jesus Anointed at Bethany
(Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8)6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,a 7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? 9This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”10Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. 11The poor you will always have with you,b but you will not always have Me. 12By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. 13Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Berean Translation

The Mary mentioned in John 12 is Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus:

• Anointing of Jesus
  • In John 12:1–8, Mary of Bethany pours costly perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair, an event known as the anointing of Jesus.
• Identification
  • John 11:1–2 confirms that Mary is the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
• Other Appearances
  • Mary of Bethany is also found in the New Testament when she guides the Jerusalem Jews to Jesus and sits at his feet to absorb his teachings.
• Name
  • The name "Mary" translates to "one who cries bitter tears," reflecting her parents' despair as they envisioned her future in a society where the poor often had to surrender their daughters to Roman soldiers.

You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy.”
​—C. JoyBell C.

Are you ready? Are you ready? Holy Spirit, help me convey this message. I was brought to the book of John. Let’s talk about Mary of Bethany and the precious perfume in the alabaster box. She opened it and anointed Jesus's feet, then wiped them with her hair. Let me share the passage from John in the Passion Translation:
Looking at the different gospels, each presents a unique perspective. Jesus was aware of everything happening around Him and asked, 'Why are you troubling this woman? She has performed a beautiful act for me. The poor you will always have, but you will not always have me. By pouring this perfume on me, she has prepared my body for burial. Truly, I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be remembered in her honor.'
When I read this passage this morning, it struck me deeply and I felt the anointing wash over me. Mary prepared Jesus for His death, burial, and resurrection. Can you feel that? You and I are included in this story. I sensed the anointing oil and understood what Mary knew in her heart. She was preparing herself and all of us for future restoration and resurrection.
In this season of change, remember that in just one week, Jesus will carry the cross, endure mockery and pain, and then declare, 'It is finished.' He will breathe His last and spend three mystical days in the tomb, reclaiming the keys of the kingdom. Then God will raise Him, and He will pass those keys to us.
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was an expression of worship, a sacrificial offering that filled the room with fragrance. Wherever you feel overwhelmed or find yourself in difficult circumstances, remember that we are wrapped in the preparation of Jesus and His offering. Where the gospel is preached, she will be remembered, and we step into that remembrance. Mary’s offering is where change meets us, inviting us into her legacy.

BINGE LISTEN

INTERVIEWING JESUS

Essentially You!

INTERVIEWING JESUS

Unlock the magic of Now

INTERVIEWING JESUS

Why is the Train Stopped

I chose this YouTube because it has much better sound than Julie's live recording of the same song. 

Julie Meyer YouTube Channel

Our Life Application

Visualize her pouring that luxurious perfume onto your feet, preparing you to remember that this, too, shall pass. The spirit that resurrected Jesus Christ is alive within you, and we can allow our spirit, bodies, and souls to embrace this truth. Just like the woman depicted in my graphic, take a moment to set down that heavy burden and have an honest conversation with Jesus. Ask Him what you should carry, what you should let go of, and how you can become your best self. I know you are strong, resilient, and capable, but it’s essential to reflect on whether you need to bear this weight alone. Perhaps He can carry it for you.
Listen to your body, take a step back, and nurture yourself. In the show notes, I've included all the images referenced in today's episode—it's incredible what AI tools can create! Now, picture yourself seated on the staircase of heaven, where the essence of God flows through you. Imagine sitting face-to-face with God, surrounded by beauty, feeling the light flicker in the depths of His eyes, and experiencing His undivided attention.
We can transform, we can walk in resilience and strength. In the show notes, I've highlighted one of my favorite songs about the alabaster box. Your assignment is to sit, listen, and envision Mary breaking open that box. Dive into the wealth, love, affection, and preparation it represents. Allow yourself to immerse in the song and what God has prepared for you.
Thank you for spending this time with me today. I encourage you to share this message with someone who may be struggling during a time of change. They may need this encouragement and to partake in Mary’s offering. Make sure to pass it along. I love you, and I look forward to seeing you in the show notes. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the designated area. Thank you once more; I bless you, and I’ll talk to you again soon.

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." —James Baldwin

Love my coffee first thing in the morning, and in a pink pottery cup, the cats Pajama's. 

MEET THE BLOGGER >>>

Have you been following along my Quest to answer all 70 of the most asked questions by famous podcasters and interviewers? Last week...
​This weeks question: What would you do if you won the lottery? Do you want the entire vision? and yes I have it drawn and penned out! 
I'll keep it simple: We lost our beloved farm house with 12 acres and our auto repair business almost twenty years ago. I have seen and encountered that restoration. So you could say, God has a Royal "house" with my name on it and our businesses have been restored, RabbitrailSupply.com different but they are ours, Bless it Father! 
Yes, I have already started that book. OMG!

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future." —John F. Kennedy 

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist. —Pablo Picasso

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