No More A Secret

This is the same October Glory tree from the previous article 10/29/2009 referred to as ‘an amazing demonstration of fall beauty’ … ‘an explosion of colors.’ I captured this photo today - stripped, yet standing tall. Bare - yet strong. Poised - awaiting the next season of change … the arrival of winter ... the draping of blistering winds and brilliant white snow. Whatever changes life brings our way, we too can stand tall and  strong amid the blistering winds of change. “Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.” 1 1, Nathan Tate, Nicholas Brady

           The Greatest Offer: “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” This is God’s message: “If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.” 1 “I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” 2 I accepted the offer, and never for one moment have I ever regretted it … no ... never for one moment! 1. Isaiah 1:18 (MSG); 2. Jeremiah 31:34b (MSG)

I see them everywhere. falling leaves - some seem to be running … some seem reluctant ...some seem ready … some seem almost resistant. All headed toward the expectant earth. I see this collection from my patio door, drained of their rich green color. The purpose of providing oxygen is over. Next purpose? To replenish and enrich the soil. Change - it's inevitable - It must come - Nothing can stop it! “ To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Recently, I received this single red rose, and placed it next to the lamp in the eastern corner of my living room. For three days, each time I entered the room, it greeted me with glowing red warmth. I wished I could have preserved it for many more days. Even after adding flower food, you guessed it, it faded. Somehow, I am reminded of today. No matter how much I would like to preserve it, undoubtedly, it will soon become yesterday. Today … a passing beauty … I must enjoy it before it quickly fades away! The flower fades, but the word of Our God stands forever – Isaiah 40:8 (MSG)

Ingredients: 2 hands 2 knees 2 willing lips 1 quiet place Soft music (optional) 1 Verse(s) of Scripture 10-15 minute commitment 1 index card Directions: Make a commitment to withdraw to a quiet place. Begin by blending soft music (optional).  Raise hands in thanksgiving for the gift of a brand new day. Add a few minutes of adoration and worship to our Heavenly Father.  In response, we will begin to feel the simmering of His presence filling our heart. Kneeling may be folded in. During the last few minutes spread in prayer for others(e.g. family members, co-workers, friends, pastors, government). Uncover Verse(s) of Scripture. Paste on index card. This can be used to pour over thoughts liberally throughout the day. Note: This commitment is a sure way to relieve daily stress. It has worked for myself, many others, and remains a favorite when tried. Caution: Minutes may vary  however, the taste is guaranteed to linger … and linger … and linger!  

One of the definitions of the word secret given by Webster's Dictionary, is-'information kept hidden from others.' Some of the sins of my past, I would have loved to have 'kept hidden' from others for the rest of my life, especially my abortion. When I chose a relationship with Jesus Christ, I felt that I should have kept them hidden from Him also. Then, I discovered through the pages of Holy Scripture, that He knows "the secrets of every heart 1 " anyway, and in spite of my sin, He offered me the gift of love, 2 forgiveness, 3 and a brand new start. 4 Now, that's good news .... that's information I refuse to keep hidden from others ... that's information worth sharing the secrets of my heart for! What do you think? 1. Psalms 44:21b; 2. Jeremiah 31:3b; 3. Hebrews 10:17; 4. Isaiah 1:18   No-More-A-Secret

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound- That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see. Somehow, singing or humming a song can change one's mood and turn a day or a situation around. The words of this hymn written in 1776 by John Newton, is one that I love to sing. These words lift me from a bed of tears and regret about the past, and the sweet sounds spark my heart and my feet to dance ... and dance ... and dance! Are you experiencing sadness, doubt, or discouragement today? Why not sing a favorite song. It could turn the next 24 hours, and your future around, and cause your heart and your feet to dance ... and dance ... and dance! Father, "I will sing to You all my life; I will sing praise to You as long as I live." 1 1. Psalms 104:33 (NIV)

T he greatest symbol of love the world will ever see ! 1 The greatest demonstration of love the world will ever need ! 2 The greatest commitment of love you or I will ever make ! 3 Father, thank you for the cross, its love changing, love giving, and love sustaining power, In Jesus name, Amen. 1. John 15:13; 2. Romans 5:8; 3. 11 Corinthians 5:1 7

Our subconscious mind "has the ability to record and remember every incident that it experiences." 1 This may be one of the reasons why sometimes we have difficulty forgetting our sin. Whatever the past sin is that we are trying to forget, somehow, the memory not only ling ers, but hinders our relationship with God. However, we do have a hope ... precious promises from the pages of Scripture: "For I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever ... I will never again remember your sin." 2 Those words have inbuilt thought changing power to help us move, and to live beyond guilt. I dared to believe them. Will you ? 1. studentstepstosuccess.com/index.php; 2. Jeremiah 3:12b/Hebrews 8:12b Italics - Mine

In John 10:10 ( NKJV ), Jesus said "the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Looking back over the years, I reflect on how pride had separated me from living this promised 'more abundant' life. Pride, feeling that because of my past sin, God could never forgive me. Or, what what others think if they knew what I had done? Or, would my family still love me if they knew? Somehow, I became so desperate to live a life free from depression, free from shame, free from guilt, that I fell helpless, at the Masters feet. Overwhelmed, I surrendered. That is where the topic of this site and the title of my poem "No More A Secret" was birthed. I will never regret that moment, that still defines the 'more abundant' life I now live daily ... family and friends that love me ... a life saturated with His love, His joy, His peace, and His forgiveness. What a...

T oday was a banner day! CD No More A Secret was released, and made available on CDBaby.com. Also, spoke and shared my testimony at a Ladies In  Christ Prayer Brunch. I shared how God’s love and forgiveness has given me peace and hope, beyond the pain of after abortion trauma.I give praise to the Almighty God that He alone can transform a negative past into a positive future. My prayer is that lives will be changed because of this life changing testimony. “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” ~                             Jesus! www.cdbaby/.com/cd/merlemmills No-More-A-Secret

Today as the world celebrates Father's Day, I am grateful for my earthly father, who is now in Heaven with my Heavenly Father. What a privilege to have experienced a Father's love. I also think of my Heavenly Father, caring for my child ... the child that I aborted ... who is also in Heaven. He is safe in the arms of Jesus and when we meet, that is going to be joy ... everlasting joy ... forever! No-More-A-Secret