Renewal

Does it ever feel like there are times in your walk with Christ where you take 2 steps forward and then 1 step back?  Even as Christ followers we are human and fall back into old habits.  Satan is lurking and celebrating when we do.  I feel like when this happens the separation from the Lord seems pretty dramatic. I remember reading about this in the bible study I did this summer but didn't put much thought into at the time.  I have been living and breathing my life for Christ and make one slip up to find my self "alone".

We know that we never are abandoned by the Lord but with sin comes separation from him.  Our actions will put up a road block that keeps us from that connection.  This leaves you with an empty feeling.  I don't know about you but I really dislike feeling alone! I found myself on my knees before the Lord today begging for his presence in my life.  I was so intimately involved with Him that I took that for granted and stop seeking it.   When we stop seeking the Lord we will fall back into old patterns.  I found myself coveting earthly possessions & gossiping.  When we take these steps back we have to humble ourselves before the Lord and beg for his forgiveness! Yes BEG, even if he gives it graciously!  Lets take a look at the Word.

"'Even now', declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.'  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

                                            Joel 2:12-13

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."               1 John 1:9

"Repent and be baptized , every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

                                           Acts 2:38

We must repent each and every day.  This is not just a one time deal.  The Lord knows your heart and your sins, confess to him and let him take that burden for you.  He has already paid the price and does not want us as his children to suffer.  As we pray for forgiveness and kick old habits to the curb it leaves and opening for the Lord to connect with you again.  

If you have never had an intimate relationship with the Lord I pray that you seek him out and start this journey with Him! He craves a relationship with you just as you do with him.  

My Prayer Today:  Most Precious Father, I am so grateful that welcome me with open arms even if I screw up and take a step back from you.  I miss our day to day interaction and desperately want that 

back.  Please continue to show me your desires for my life so that I may live according to your will.  Father I pray that you will stir the hearts of anyone that does not have a relationship with you.  I pray that they will run into your arms and bask in your presence.  I love you and am so grateful for everything that you have provided me in my life.  Please help me to be content in what I have so that I will not stumble and covet these earthly possessions that bring no glory to you.

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

                                           Psalm 143:10

Which Are You?

Jesus was known to speak in parables.  Even now when I read some of them I have to go back and try to understand what he is trying to tell us.  The Parable of the Sower is one that he explains clearly to us.

The Parable of the Sower  -  Luke 8:5-8

"A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.  Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up and yielded crop, a hundred times more that was sown."

Jesus gives us the meaning - Luke 8:11-15

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.  Those along the path are the ones that hear, and the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.  Those on the rock ar the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root.  They believe for a while, but in time and testing they fall away.  The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

Where do you stand?  Do you hear and know how to act but choose not to?  Do you hear and accept the word as truth but forget what you have learned along the way?  Is your life controlled by the world so that you can't mature into the Christ Follower that the Lord desires?  Have you lost that burning desire to live your life for the Lord?

We all know people who "know" of the Lord but don't really "know" Him.  There are people in my life in this category.  I pray for them everyday! Pray that the Lord will remove the blindfold that satan has put on them.  These people are delicate because one wrong move and they will shut you out so fast.  They don't want to hear it.... because their hearts are hardened!   Continually pray for them.  Also pray for yourself! Pray that you will mature in your relationship with the Lord.   We need to stand firm in the Lord so that we can resist temptations and set a good example for non believers around us.

My Prayer Today:  Most Gracious Father help me to keep true to your word.  I want to live my life according to your will Father.  Continue to use me as your light in this dark world.  Father, I pray that you would soften those hearts that satan has turned hard.  I pray that you will use us to reach your lost children.  I pray that you would draw us close to you and give us direction in our lives.  Please open our eyes and hearts to anything in our life that is not pleasing to you. Set our hearts on fire for you Lord!  I love you and forever grateful for your grace, mercy, & Love!

Praise Him!

Often times we forget to praise the Lord in our prayers.  I wanted to do my blog on Righteousness today but I got so caught up is trying figure out what righteousness really means that I wanted to just give up! I was getting frustrated that God wasn't "helping me out".  I took a step back and went into the Word, besides that is where we are to go for answers.  Clearly Google was not helping me out!   To clear my mind I went to Psalms.  I like to start here first during my alone time with God.  I read Psalm 145 and was overcome.  This praise from David is so beautiful.  

When we spend time with God we are so busy begging him to meet our needs that we forget to just praise and worship Him.  Today is a day for Praise!  You might want to grab some tissue.  Well I had to make a mad dash for tissue after I read through and really thought about the words.  Mascara does burn you know! 

Psalm 145 - A psalm of praise.  Of David.

"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy fo praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is Good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your     mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and you dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

American Dream

It is so easy to get caught up in the "American Dream".  Make as much money as possible and acquire as much stuff as possible.  I know that I am so guilty of this! I have to make a conscious effort to not be envious & jealous of others.  I have always struggled with not being satisfied with what I have been blessed with.  We need to stop and think about what the rest of the world has.  Some families only eat rice & beans one time a day if they are lucky! And we complain that our filet is not cooked perfectly.  Some children only have the clothes on their back, yet we spend $250 on one pair of jeans.

 I'm not saying you can't splurge every once in a while on that special occasion.  But is it really necessary to only buy designer?  At one time I would have thought... um yes! If I don't have that LV purse what will people think.  If the soles of my shoe are red they will really notice all the nice things I have! Who cares... let me rephrase that...it shouldn't matter what people think.  It should only matter what the Lord thinks!  I went through my closet and was pretty upset as I looked at my special shoes that have that fancy red sole.  I  thought about what that 1300 would have paid for.  I could have fed a child for a whole year if I would have donated that to the food pantry.  I have had to take a step back and really look at my life and what I treasure.  When I get to heaven and the Lord asks me what good I have done.  Wasting money on myself for things that don't last will not be at the top of my list.   Lets take a look at the Word.

"Do not store up yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
                                               Matthew 6:19-21

"No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money."
                                              Matthew 6:24

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
                                               Hebrews 13:5

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
                                             Colossians 3:1-3

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
                                             Colossians 3:23-24

It is pretty clear that the Lord does not value treasures of this world.  I am not saying that money is bad.  Money is good it is what feeds & clothes us.  But when everything in your life is centered around money, status, and stuff it becomes sin.  And sin keeps us from walking closely with the Lord. For many people earthly treasures have become idols that they put before that Lord!  I encourage you to take a step back and really look at your life and what you spend your money on.  Then look at what that extra money could really be used for that would bring the Lord joy! We are called to glorify the Lord in all that we do.  Are you?

My Prayer Today:  Most gracious Father.. I pray that you will open peoples eyes to those in need around us.  We are so "Me, Me, Me" centered that often cast your desires to the side Lord.  Help us to be more conscious of our choices and to treasure what is most important Father, YOU! Help us to let go of greed & envy so that we can cherish the things that really matter in life.  Help us to be a light in the dark world so we can glorify you in all that we do!  Thank you for loving me with my flaws and all  & for your most gracious mercy.
     

Compassion

When I try and picture the Lord and what I think he will be like the first things that come to mind are kind, gentle, loving & compassionate.  You always hear that you are supposed to compassionate.  But what does that really mean or look like? Basically compassion is a desire to free others from their suffering.   We are supposed to feel this for everyone.  Yes, even that person you think is "getting what they deserve" in life.  It's hard to let go sometimes and not want someone who has hurt us in some way to hurt too.  What is it people always talk about...KARMA.  News flash... we weren't put in this world to judge others or decide how they should be punished for something they did.  We are called to love them and have compassion for them.  

As I was reading through Matthew I kept coming across the words "he was filled with compassion".  Speaking of Jesus whom we are supposed to mirror in our lives.  I am so grateful that he was filled with compassion for us or we might have the "get out of hell free" card that he has given us.  If we can't stop thinking about ourselves for one minute how are we going to think about how we can help others? If the Lord had so much compassion for me that he was willing to die for me the least I can do is want the best for others, take a risk for others, or share His grace with others.  Lets take a look at the Word.

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

                                                 Matthew 9:35-36

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."

                                                Matthew 14:14

"Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him."

                                                Matthew 20:34

"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees. 'If you are willing, you can make me clean'.  Filled with compassion,  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing' he said. 'Be clean!'  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured."

                                                Mark 1:40-42

Time and time again Jesus was filled with compassion and he acted.  His compassion always led to an action.  How amazing would it be if we had his compassion for the world around us and acted on it?  I think the world change! I challenge you to be filled with compassion as our Lord & I challenge you to do something about it! You would be surprised how much your compassion will rub off on those around you.  

"Finally all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."                          1 Peter 3:8

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father I pray that you will open everyones hearts and eyes to those who are lost & hurting around us.  I pray that you will use us to change the way people view the world.  Let us be your light shining so brightly in this dark world. Let us feel the compassion that you are so familiar with Father.  I am so grateful that you had compassion on us and have given us another chance at life ... a life to live for you Father! 

Don't Give Up!

We all have times in our lives where it seems like nothing is going our way.  It usually isn't just one thing, it it is a ton of things all at once.  You know what they say: "When it rains it pours".  It is easy to get discouraged during these difficult times & it is much easier to throw in the towel and have a pity party.  We often wonder why me? Why now? What did I ever do to deserve this?  I don't have any of the answers to these questions but I do know where you can go to get peace about them  Lets take a look at the Word.

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
                                               Joshua 1:9

"Do not be afraid, Just believe."  Mark 5:36b

"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to preserver so that when you have done the will of God, you will received what he has promised."
                                               Hebrews 10:35-36

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
                                               Isaiah 40:31

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. "
                                              Romans 5:3-4

I know sometimes it seems impossible to remove yourself from a situation long enough to take a look at what is really going on.  Remove the emotions & just see the details.  You know how it is easy to look at somebody else's issues and see what needs to be done.  That's because you don't have all the other factors that they do surrounding the issue.  It's easy to say you WILL get through this or The Lord doesn't give you more than you can handle.

We need to work on less reacting and more seeking.  We choose how we react to a situation.  It can blow up and get out of hand or we can hand it over to God and let him work things out.  There is a reason that we must go through rough patches in our lives but we might not know the answers till me meet with the Lord one day.  

I can't think of a single hardship that I have overcome in my life that I didn't learn something! Can you?  It's just part of life! Sure some of us get it easier that others.  Stop complaining about it and seek the answers from the Lord.  It all comes back to: Let Go & Let God!   Get on your hands and knees and spend some quality time with the Lord.  He is the only one who will get you through. PERIOD.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, I have so many questions for you and wish that I had all the answers right now.  I know that I will have hardships in my life but I also know that you will be right there with me Father.  Help me to remember you during these times.  Help me to stay strong so that I will continue to praise You even when it feels like my life is falling apart. I Love You and am so grateful of your unconditional love for me Father.

Need Some Wisdom?

When I think of gaining wisdom the first picture that comes to mind is talking with an elderly person about things they have learned throughout life.  We often look back on our lives and think: Man I would have made different choices in my life if I knew then what I know now!  I think at any age you have some wisdom built up from your life experiences that you can share with others. I know I have had my share.  If anyone was going to learn the hard way it was going to be me.  Wouldn't it be nice if you could learn from other's mistakes? I mentored a girl once and tried to use my mistakes to guide her in life.  Epic Fail! Sometimes we have to fall flat on our faces to get the point.  Sadly I can't think of may times in my old life that I went to Lord for wisdom.  I thought I could handle it all on my own...also, epic fail! The Lord and the Word are there waiting for us to tap into the wisdom we all need for our lives.  Let's take a look at  some examples in the Word.

"For the Lord Gives skillful and Godly wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
                                                  Proverbs 2:6

"Get skillful and Godly wisdom, get understanding; do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth."                           Proverbs 4:5

"He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident on his own mind and heart is a fool, but he who seeks in skillful and Godly wisdom shall be delivered."
                                                  Proverbs 23:4

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens."
                                                  Daniel 12:3

"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given."
                                                  James 1:5

We are all lacking wisdom in out lives. Everyday we have to make choices, some basic and some life altering.  Don't you want the confidence that you are making the right choice...God's choice?  All you have to do is ask.  He wants us to ask and he is more than willing to give you the answers.  Just to be clear he won't just tell you what you want to hear! The direction you receive might just make more questions.  But are you willing to accept His wisdom and follow His direction for your life?  I promise that if you do it will change your life & hopefully other lives around you!

I like to journal the old fashion kind... I keep it by my bed and a selection of pens to choose from. I am a pen addict! For some reason when I write down my prayer requests and questions to the Lord I can think more clearly and it opens my heart more.  After I spill my heart onto the pages I go to the Word and look for answers.  First I pray that the Lord will open my mind and heart to receive his message.  Then I dive in! I hope that you will try and seek out wisdom from the Lord for your life.

My Prayer Today:  Father you are all-knowing, everlasting, and full of wisdom.  I am so grateful that you have given us all another chance at the life you desire for us to have! Please fill me with your wisdom as I make choices in my life Father.  I want to be in your likeness and to that I must make choices that mirror you.  I pray that others will desire to live through your wisdom.  I can only imagine what the world would be like if we all were to seek out your advice before we made a move.  I love you and hope to glorify you in all that I do.  Use me to fulfill your will!

Walk the Walk!

Looking back over the course of my walk with the Lord it was more like me walking in front of him instead of following or walking with him. Sadly there have been times where the Lord is nowhere in my lift, not by his choice but by my actions. We tend to take control and only depend on God when it is convenient to us or is there is no other option. The Lord wants us to live for Him at all times.  He wants us to have fellowship & worship with other Christ followers (not just on holidays!) and to spend time alone with Him and His Word.  He basically wants us to **** or get off the pot! Sorry... but that was the best way to make my point :)

We can't go around doing one thing with a certain group of people (pray & worship) & then turn around and (get drunk, curse & gossip) with the next! I know you don't want to hear this especially if you fall into this category.  I used to live like this and know a ton of people who still do.  I pray for them every single day! I am not writing this to shove it down your throat... but to open your eyes! If you really love the Lord and want to dance in his Kingdom one day you can't live like that.  Let's take a look at the Word.

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
                                                    Revelation 3:15-16

"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters."
                                                    Matthew 12:30

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be."
                                                    James 3:9-10

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."
                                                  1 John 3:10

The world we live in is full of temptations, full of sin, & full of lost souls.  If we as Christ followers aren't truly following Him... how can we possibly lead by example?  How can we save others with the Lords grace of we aren't even really living our life for the Lord and his glory?  I urge you to make the changes needed in your life. To give yourself wholly to the Lord.  He has made it clear enough that he would rather you be all against Him than be lukewarm.  Hand Him your addictions... hand Him your fears..... hand Him your secrets.  If you think you are hiding all of this from Him you are so wrong! He knows every fiber of our being.  Let Go & Let GOD change you!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father... I am so grateful that you give us unconditional love, grace, & mercy! Father I pray that your lost children will seek you out and reconnect with you so they can live there lives according to you will.  Father I also pray that you will put me in peoples lives that do not know you or have a relationship with you &  I pray that I will be able to share your limitless love Father!  Continue to guide me in your path of righteousness Father, keep sin away from me and continue to give me the strength to abstain from any temptations.  I love you.... oh & you rock!

Stepping Out!

There have been many times in my life where I have heard crazy stories at church about people stepping out in faith to be obedient to God.  One man gave a car away, another family gave their savings to the church.  You hear these stories and are wowed by them.  If it was you feeling the stirrings of your heart to do something huge what would you do? We all hope that we would take that step and obey the Lord.  I am going through this right now and let me tell you it is basically scary as you know what.  But at the same time you know it is the Lord working in your life to do something really really big.  I'm not sure which part is more frightening: taking the step or the fear of what people will say.

I am so grateful that my husband is with me on this because otherwise it would be even more difficult. I will say that he was taken back but had no doubts about following God's will for our life! We are taking this giant step of faith and are just going with it! I know non believers will think I am crazy but just maybe it will open their  eyes & hearts.  The Lord has been telling me that I need to sell my engagement ring to give some to our church & use some of the money to start a ministry to deliver dinners to underprivileged  people.  I will say that this did not just happen over night... the Lord has been shouting it for a few weeks now.  I was like ... Lord surely not! My most valuable possession!  I have argued, cried, & tried bargaining with the Lord.  But it all came down to this... it's just a ring, a thing. And actually something that at a time in my life I cherished above the Lord.   I started thinking about the number of lives I can change with that money.  The number of souls I could save.  Can you put a price on that? NO! So here I am freaking out a little... but at peace with my decision.  Let's take a look and see what the Word has to say about being obedient to the Lord.

"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
                                                    Luke 11:28

"If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment."                              Job 36:11

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted."
                                                  Romans 6:17

Being obedient to God is not a walk in the park and is usually doesn't make any sense.  But this is how he takes an impossible situation and make it into a "God Situation".  He wants to use us to make the most amazing things happen.  I dare you to take that step out... follow God's will for your life.  It doen't have to be as extreme but if it is something that He has put on your heart to do... DO IT! I know it's scary.  I am scared to death at times.  You wouldn't know it but I am really shy around people I don't know and have a hard time starting up conversations with new people.  And I am about to head up a ministry that involves going to strangers homes to deliver food and hopefully share the Lords love with them.  The one thing I am certain of is that the Lord will be right there with me holding my hand and putting me in the places I need to be at just the right times.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
                                                Philippians 4:13

My Prayer Today:  Father please give me the courage and strength to carry out your will & desires for my life.  Stepping out in faith for you is so scary Lord... please bring me peace as I live my life according to your will.  Lord I pray that you give everyone else courage to follow your will and to choose you over what is easy or comfortable.  I know if each day we listen to your guidance and live a life to glorify you we can impact the world.  I love you so much and am excited to see what you have planned for my life.

Toxic Thoughts

I don't know about you but I struggle with worrying... I worry about protecting Jax, I worry about money, I worry about basically everything.  If I start worry too much it leads to me having anxiety about my future.  It's a crazy downward spiral of sin for me.  Satan loves to plant these little seeds of doubt & fear in my mind.  I am getting better at catching these thoughts when they first start now... otherwise I stress myself out for no reason.  It's like I have to train my brain to reject these thoughts.  I call them "toxic thoughts".

If you allow your self to take a ride on the "toxic thought" downward spiral you are not trusting in the Lord to see you through.  This means you do not have faith in Him and without faith in our Heavenly Father what are we left with?  That's a scary thought! So what are we supposed to do with our worries?  Let's take a look at the Word to see.

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present you requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."        Philippines 4:6-8

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail."
                                                           Psalm 55:22

"Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous hand."
                                                           Isaiah 41:10

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you."
                                                           1 Peter 5:7

Our heavenly Father is well aware of what we worry about and need.  We wants us to lay our worries & anxiety at his feet.  Aren't you tired of carrying all of them around will you all day long? I keep a prayer journal and in it I write down any worries, fears, or doubts I might be having.  I hand it over to our Father and let Him deal with it all.  Alone we are just us... we can't handle it all.  But with His help and Peace we can overcome them.  I pray that you will do the same.  Just try it... give it to the Lord, he won't fail you!

My Prayer today:  Most Gracious Father... thank you for taking my load.  I give it all to you so that I can live my life by faith and trust in you.  Father I lift everyone up to you... I pray that they will hand it all over to as well so you can show them the peace you will bring to their lives! Thank you for washing away all my sins and giving me life.  Help me to glorify your name in all that I do.  I love you so much Father!

Under Attack!

People always tell you that when you are walking & talking closely with the Lord that satan will try anything and everything to hinder that relationship.  I have had this in the back of my mind lately and tried to stay alert.  Let me tell you that it won't be just one little thing... he is going to come guns blazing!

The past few days have been like this for me.  Situations that any non believer would think of as just "stuff" that happens in life, but I know it is much more than that!  Satan knows I struggle with jealously so he set up a perfect little trap for me.  People at my husband's company thought it would be funny to make a calendar of sexy men with my husbands head on each one.  I'll admit that's kinda funny.  But when they gave that calendar to another woman as a gift.... not so much.  I got jealous, angry, & let it fester.....point for satan!  Everyday we are at war with Satan... if you aren't then you aren't a Christ Follower! He knows every weakness or dark desire and will use them against you to remove you from God's grace.  Let's take a look at the Word to see what it has to say about this.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
                                                         Philippians 6:12

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resisting him, standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
                                                         1 Peter 5:8-9

"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members."
                                                          Romans 7:21-23

It's crazy to think that Satan used the same "sneaky snake trickery" on people in the Bible.  He never rests... his goal is to make us stumble, PERIOD.  You have to be alert and aware or you won't stand a chance against his schemes.  If we do stumble we pick ourselves backup ask the Heavenly Father to forgive us and keep going.  The good news is:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus or Lord."  
                                                        Romans 8:38-39

Thats pretty comforting don't you think?  Basically it says that NOTHING can keep us from God's love! How amazing is that.  Satan will keep pulling his stunts but God's love so much bigger than that.

My Prayer Today:  Gracious Father please keep me alert to satans attacks on my life.  You are just as aware of the same weaknesses as satan use these to create strengths in me so that I can overcome his schemes.  Please draw near to me and work through me in all that I do so that it will Glorify You.

Get Over It!

I can remember when the phrase "build a bridge and get over it" was popular.  Usually that is easier said then done! When looking at a situation from the outside it is easy to think why can't they just forgive them and move on?  Some things seem impossible to get over.  We have all been hurt in our lives some of us in more traumatic ways than others... these can leave deep scars that change your life forever.  Have you ever gotten your ear pierced and if you let it close up you can still feel the knots of scar tissue under the skin?  Those will always be there, thats the kind of scar I am talking about.  I've got a few of those...but when I think of them it is just in passing.  I have forgiven those who have hurt me and I know that God is going to use these scars for his Glory.

 You know you haven't forgiven them if you get angry or cry as soon as they come to mind.  I remember feeling so miserable when I was caught in the web of hate, resentment, & contempt.  I was letting my past control my future! How crazy is it that we continue to let something destroy our lives?  The verses I am about to share with you might scare the poo out of you because it is a pill thats hard to swallow!

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
                                                                      Matthew 6: 14-15

"And when you stand praying; if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins."                     Mark 11:25

Are you feeling a little worried?  Not only is that hate and resentment controlling your life it is keeping you from Gods grace! A wise lady once told me that forgiveness is an action not just a feeling.  I know it seems impossible right now... maybe the cut is to deep or too fresh.  But you have to do it! The good news is you don't have to do it alone!! The heavenly Father can do ANYTHING! If he can create the world he can help heal your wounds.  If I can overcome all my wounds I know you can.  If you want to break free & get over it you have to get on board with God and use his strength.  We wants you to... he joyfully gives to those who ask.  All you have to do is ask!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father.... I pray for those who are broken & battered.  I pray that you fill them with your Spirit and strength so that they can forgive and move on.  You are the great I AM and You can do Anything! Bring them back the peace and joy that only You can bring.  Just love on them Father because we all need it! Thank you for your unconditional love, grace & mercy.

Embrace It!

You know that feeling you get deep down when someone shares with you an amazing story about how God is working in there life?  There is also the feeling you get right after you do or say something you regret and you wish wish you could take back.  These feelings are not just reactions...these are the Spirt of the Lord!


  I have noticed lately when He is urging me to do something or just gracing me with His presence I first get goosebumps then.... well is is so hard to explain but I am almost in awe because I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Holy Spirit is trying to get my attention.  I used to ignore these feelings or just acknowledge them, stuff the emotion back in, and move on.  Especially in church.. I would be ashamed to show any emotion...what if the Lady next to me noticed my tears? Now I EMBRACE it! It is a gift from our Heavenly Father and anything from Him is basically amazing.  If God is  tapping you on the shoulder you better turn around because he has something important to tell you! So now I stop and listen.  I am wait for what He has in store for me.    Let's take a look at the Word to see what it has to say about the Holy Spirit:


"That is the Spirt of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold him or know him, but you know him because he abides in you, and will be in you."                                  John 14:17


"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."
                                                John 14:26


"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God."    1 Corinthians 2:10


It's pretty amazing to think about the fact that the very essence of the Lord resides within us.  All we have to do is tap into it or answer it's call.  I challenge you to tap into the Spirit.... to EMBRACE it! Now I will give you a WARNING: it won't just tell you want you want to hear.  You might be pretty surprised by what God's will for you is but I promise if you follow His will you will be blessed!


I want to leave you today with a prayer from Paul : 




¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.


                                             Ephesians 3: 16-19

Maxed Out!

How many times do we say "If only I had an extra hour each day I could everything done."? Everyones lives seem to be maxed out.  We would love to take that trip or go spend time with some friends but we can't seem to squeeze it in our schedule.  We go a hundred miles an hour to try and check things off our to do.  I am a mom ( a more than full-time job), wife, daughter & sister.  All of these relationships take time. I also work from home for my husbands company which can be tricky with a toddler running around.   I know that I sometimes feel like I can't handle one more thing on my plate.

We need to stop and remember that we don't have to do it alone.  We also have to rest & recharge so we can keep it together! I've tried the whole running around like a chicken with my head cut off and that didn't work out too well.  I usually end up sick, tired, & cranky.  Which stinks since you can't call in sick when you stay home with a toddler.  Lets look at the Word and see what it has to say about rest & recharging.

"Come to me, all 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 humle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
                                                           Matthew 11:28-30

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
                                                            Mark 6:31b

"Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from him."
                                                            Psalm 62:1

I can't express enough how important it is to set time aside each day to be loved on by the Lord.  At least thats how I view it.  As soon as I put Jax down for his nap each day I come straight to my room and lock myself in to bask in his Glory! I look forward to this time to recharge.  I know there is other work to be done, projects that have deadlines but I put that all aside and get into the Word.  Somehow it always works out.  The Lord will see that what must be done gets done.

 I challenge you to sharpie in (notice I didn't say pencil! Hopefully this will be permanent) AT LEAST 20 min of  GOD time on your calendar. Sundays too!  He doesn't care what you are doing at the time as long as you are giving him 100% of your attention.  You can be sitting on the pot for all I care! Just make the time! You will be pleasantly surprised to see the outcome of your days ahead.  You will continue to get more done than you expect & wait for it..... you will not feel maxed out all the time!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father please continue to recharge my soul.  I want to slow down in life and enjoy it more.  I know that I will need your hand involved to help me get everything done that is expected of me. I know I can overcome anything with you by my side!   Thank you for for every blessing, for your grace, and unconditional love!

He Said....She Said

Have you ever "heard" that people have been saying hurtful things about you?  I'm sure we all have been on both sides.  I am so guilty of the gossip.  This is something that satan knows he can try and suck me in with.  But lately it seem I have been on the receiving end.  I expected as much with my dramatic changes in my life.   It is pretty easy to let other peoples hurtful words to creep under your skin and put doubts in your head or just get angry.  That's what I do... you know that burning feeling you get in your gut as you think why in the world would they say that! I actually have to stop and take a few deep breaths to clear my mind and remember that it isn't my place to get angry.

 I am finally getting to a point in my relationship with LORD where I seem to have a constant dialog in my head with him.  I dont' know how to explain it but we seem to communicate all day long.  This helps me so much when I am tempted to harp on someone who has wronged me or gripe about something that happened to me.  When you first think about gossip you think of the juicy story that you heard about "Jane".  But in reality gossip is so much more! It can be sharing "a concern" about a  friend to another friend or griping about work.  It is safe to say if you are not willing to repeat the words to the person they are about you are gossiping. Lets take a look and see what the Word says about gossip.

"The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens his lips comes to ruin."
                                                           Proverbs 13:3

"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip."
                                                           Proverbs 20:19

"He who guards his mouth and tongue, guards his soul from troubles."
                                                            Proverbs 21:23

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all the malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also forgiven you."
                                                              Matthew 12:36-37

How are you feeling about now?  A little convicted? Hopefully the LORD is working on you right now! We need to stop and think before we speak.  I am literally having to train myself to stop and think and not just react.  I know its hard but it is what we are called to do.  The LORD clearly has more important things for us to be talking about.  I challenge you to be the better person the person that the LORD craves you to be.  The next time you are around people spreading the "dirty" step in and change the subject or even better be bold enough to correct them.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father....fill me with your spirit so that I may make the right decisions and say the right things.  Guard my tongue so that I will not spread any negativity or hurtful words about others to those around me.  I am so grateful for your unfailing Love! I Love You!!