Simple Joys!

Hello!

It's been a while!  Hope you are doing well and are blessed!


This week, I took the time to step back from my crazy schedule just a bit.  Now, obviously, I have to go to work as usual, but I found myself enjoying the simple joys each day brought.  And!  I realized how often I take for granted each of God's little gifts given to me throughout the hours and days of a week.  Therefore, I started taking note of the blessings I experienced. 

Game Night! 

My family and friends got together for a marathon night of gaming-and I don't mean computerized.  I mean, good, old-fashioned board and card games.  21 of us, laughed, joked, and competed for nearly 8 hours.  We had the chance to catch up, and lift up one another.  It was so neat hearing the symphony of voices that filled the house and seeing four generations gathered together under one roof. Without a doubt, this will become the next annual tradition-and I for one am glad!  The blessing of family is one I do not take for granted.  Having been an orphan, I know what it is like to desire love, laughter, and hugs that come with the treasure of a family unit.  These memories will be held close to my heart for the rest of my life!       

Sounds of Spring!  

After a long, brutal winter, nothing is more uplifting and refreshing than seeing and hearing the first sounds of Spring!  Now granted, I know Spring is still a few weeks away, but I still love the days that give just a taste of what is to come.  Early in the morning, I am blessed to be greeted with the songs of various birds.  When outside, my hair is gently combed by a mischievous wind floating through the trees.  Furthermore, I am reminded of how Spring is the season of re-birth and life.  Much like Spring, Christ also blesses us with re-birth and new life through His death and resurrection.  After seasons of death, tragedy, and essentially winter in our lives, we are also given times of life and joy.  It brings me to two of my favorite passages of scripture.  

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

"There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for everything under heaven.  A time to give birth and a time to die.  A time to plant and a time to uproot what has been planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal.  A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh.  A time to mourn and a time to dance.  A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones.  A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost.   A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together.  A time to be silent and a time to speak.  A time to love and a time to hate.  A time for war and a time for peace." 

Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  

     

Girl's Night!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by Sisters in Christ with whom I can talk, laugh, and cry.  This week I had the opportunity to gather with four amazing ladies.  We talked about every subject possible, ate a ton of food, and laughed until we cried.  Most importantly, however, we prayed for one another before going our separate ways.  We spoke frankly about individual struggles, fears, failures, and hopes for the future.  There was no room for shame or embarrassment.  The Love of Christ shone through each of my sisters, and I know we all left feeling encouraged and refreshed.  Christ talks a lot about fellowship and the importance of seeking out brothers and sisters who can offer sound advice, firm but gentle truth, and unconditional love.    

Matthew 18:20 

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."    

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore, encourage one another, and build one another up, just as you are doing."     

   

Proverbs 27:17

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

1 Peter 3:8

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

Now!  I challenge and encourage you to take a few moments each day to recognize and give thanks for the gifts/blessings, big or small, that you encounter.  I know that some days are simply unbearable and seem hopeless.  But!  I promise you, without a doubt, that somewhere in the midst of the despair, you have been given a treasure of joy!  

I pray for many blessings as you enter into the weekend!  God Bless! 

Until next time...<3    

     

Be Careful What You Pray for....

Hello everyone!

Pray you are doing well and braving this cold weather!  Cannot wait for warmer temperatures-and I LOVE Winter...so that's saying something!

Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe you've received it, it will be yours." 

These words offer the comforting truth of God's promise of faithfulness, but they also hold great responsibility for those who pray.  God answers our prayers with a Yes, No, or Not Now.  

Last year, not long after my accident, I made the "mistake" of praying for PATIENCE.  Not that Patience is a bad thing, because believe me, it is VERY GOOD.  It is, after all, one of the Fruits of the Spirit.  Sadly for me, it is not one of my ripest fruits! I was not prepared for the numerous ways the Lord stretched, molded, and challenged me in regards to my grotesque lack of PATIENCE.  You want to talk about spiritual growing pains?  Ouch!  

As many of you know, I started 2013 with a severe car accident that left me out of work for nearly two months.  

Patience Test #1. 

While I was out of work, I had to go to Physical Therapy three times a week for a month.  It was not only physically exhausting, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  It was tough waiting for my body to heal and frustration was my mindset most days.  I didn't think I would ever recover enough to get back to my life both career wise and personally.  Nevertheless, God taught me to be Patient with myself, my body, and my doctors.  He also taught me that physical strength is not enough-and I learned to lean on the promise that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Holding onto that promise on the days I wanted to cry and give up, kept me going and pushing forward.  Even a year later, I am not back 100%.  BUT!  I pray for God to be my strength each day, and He is!  

Patience Test #2

I had recently graduated from college, and was disheartened by the lack of jobs available in my field, which is Education, in case you didn't know.  I was heartbroken to discover several years later that I no longer desired to teach.  I felt I had wasted four and a half precious years of time and money on an education I would not be able to use.  I waited two long years, after graduation, for God to give me clarity and direction, and all I received during my prayers were "Trust in the Lord with all your Heart; lean not on your own understanding," and "Be still and know that I am God."  I must admit, I was not feeling very trusting and was VERY impatient for direction.  I often complained to God, asking why He was making me wait, and I received this back.  "You asked for Patience; I am going to show you how to be Patient."  In those two years of waiting, and not very well mind you, I was blessed with a managerial position at a college Barnes and Noble.  It's not exactly my dream job, but I work with amazing people, many who are Believers, and I do get to use a lot of my skills learned in college.  Where I go from here, only God knows. 

I am reminded how God changed the directions of many of His people.  Two people in particular stick out in my mind. 

1. Moses was living the posh life as Pharaoh's son, and God called him to fight against the man he once called Father, in order to free God's people from slavery. 

2.  Saul was an avid hater of Christians, because he believed so strongly in the traditional Jewish Laws.  However, God changed his life one day, and he did a complete 180*.  He became Paul, which means Humble, and was used by God to share the gospel to many  nations throughout the remainder of his lifetime.    

Patience Test #3 

My greatest test of patience during this past year has been waiting for my graduate school letter of either acceptance or denial.  I applied to a school in Florida last May for the Speech and Language Pathology Masters Program.  What should have been only a four month wait, at the most mind you, has spanned nearly NINE months.  Now, for those of you who know me, understand how difficult this has been.  I am TERRIBLE at waiting.  Even as a child, I always wanted to be first to complete presentations and as a performer, I hate going last.  Over these past nine months, I have experienced a paralyzing sense of fear of not getting accepted and feeling like a failure.  I have begged God to speed up the process, but alas,He didn't answer my prayer for a speedy result.  Instead, He remained faithful to my prayer for PATIENCE. 

Update on grad school.  I had my interview about two weeks ago, and it went really well.  I should know the final result by the end of February. 

When I am tempted to complain to God about hardships, trials, and struggles of this life, I delve into His Word to remind myself of His promises.       

I am also reminded of many people God challenged with the test of Patience. 

1. Abraham and Sarah waited 90 years for the birth of their son Isaac.  90 years!!  

2. Moses waited 40 years in the desert to reach the Promised Land.  40 years!! 

3.  Joseph spend 13 years in prison before he was released and made second in command of Egypt.  13 years!!

4. Noah spent nearly 80 years building the Ark.  80 years!!

5.  Paul spend nearly 6 years in prison during his ministry.  6 years!!

In all honestly, I joke when I say be careful for what you pray.  God longs for us to come to Him with our fears, hurts, anger, and greatest desires.  Don't ever stop seeking out the Lord with your desires, needs, fears, etc.  

 God is a God of Faithfulness, Love, Mercy, Grace, and Truth.  I will never stop coming to Him in prayer and have no doubt I will probably pray for PATIENCE several more times in this life.  Whatever God uses to teach me life's lessons, I will give thanks with a grateful heart! 

Pray you are blessed in this upcoming week.  Seek the Lord in all things! <3 

     

                  

And I Declare.....

Hello My Dear Friends!

May you truly be blessed in all things!  

You know what would be a blessing right now?  Warmer weather!  I don't know about you, but I have had just about enough of waking up to 5* temps.  Looking forward to the days that reach the 60's!  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A year ago today, a night much like this one, my life changed forever.  A couple of friends and I were in a bad car accident that left my friend's car completely totaled and me with physical injures with which I am still battling.  In addition to the physical aliments, I was left emotionally and mentally exhausted.  I suffered from nightmares months afterwards and was skittish when behind the wheel.  Thankfully, I can say that most of those symptoms have abated.  Some days are worse than others, but overall, I am back to myself! 

The greatest change, however, was spiritually.  I am fully aware I could have died that night.  No more than ten minutes prior to the accident, I considered not buckling my seat-belt, because I was having difficultly getting it to latch.  I figured, "what the heck, we're only five minutes away."  Truly I tell you, God spoke to me that night.  I heard Him tell me "Buckle the belt; tonight you're going to need it."  Thankfully I listened.  

I faced Death that night, but God said "NOT YET!"  

In the weeks following the accident, I was home recovering and feeling rather sorry for myself.  I was bitter and often questioned God with the famous "WHY?"  While reading my bible one night, I came across the verse in Jeremiah 29:11-13, which reads "For I know that plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."  

Ha!  I thought.  This is part of your plan God?  What good does this do?  I'm practically an invalid! 

As I continued searching for verses, I came across Romans 8:28, which reads, "And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them." 

Wait!  What?!?  You honestly expect me to believe this is for my good?  Lord!  Really?  What purpose does this serve?

And as I railed against God in my selfishness, I got to thinking.  What if God did have a greater purpose that I could not initially see?  What if I, as His creation, served a purpose for Him brought forth through the events of the accident and the recovery period?  What if I had a chance to glorify God with how I reacted? And!  What about my testimony?

I then came across several verses that put it all into a different perspective and drastically altered my attitude.   

Psalm 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.       

 When I take time to be still and enjoy the glorious creation around me, I am in complete awe of God's handiwork.  Everywhere I look, I see His signature; His hand-print.  To the vast colors of each season, to the intoxicating floral scents; the buzzing of bees, the chirping of crickets; the whistling wind-everything declares His work! 

Revelation 4:11, "Worthy are you our Lord and God, to receive glory, and honor, and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

This verse in particular convicted me of several things.  God created the earth and everything in it and on it to bring Him glory and joy.  So!  Being His most precious creation [humanity], I too am to bring God glory and joy.  Consequently, my actions, my words, my thoughts are all part of that equation.  But!  Sadly I know I do not always declare the glory of the Lord.  And!  If I am aware that my testimony is not always God glorifying...what does it glorify?  

When people see me or hear me, what do they think?  Do they see Jesus in my words or see His love in my actions?  Or do they see a hypocrite who says one thing and does another.  Or claims to love like Jesus, but gossips about co-workers and customers? 

As I continued to read more verses, I broke down into tears of shame.  How often do I send mixed messages to those around me?  How often do I dishonor the name of Christ?  As a Believer, we are called to be Jesus to the world of Believers and Non-Believers alike.  How often do I truly do that? 

As I have said before in quite a few posts, being a Christian does NOT guarantee a life of sunshine and butterflies.  If anything, it guarantees challenges and heartbreaks.  Life in Christ means I DIE to myself EVERYDAY so that I can LIVE in Christ.  Life in Christ means facing persecution and ridicule from family, friends, and strangers alike.  Life in Christ means giving of yourself and sometimes receiving absolutely nothing in return.  Life in Christ means biting back words of hate but speaking the TRUTH in LOVE.  Life in Christ means to take up the CROSS EVERYDAY.  Life in Christ means DECLARING THE GLORY OF THE LORD!

Life in Christ isn't about me anymore.  Without Him, TRUE LIFE doesn't exist.

Therefore, as His creation we are called to display/live out various characteristics.  Let's revisit one of the topics I discussed in last week's blog.  Christ spoke many times about the spiritual responsibilities of Believers.  Thus, I am re-posting what I wrote last week, because I believe so strongly in this TRUTH! 

He [Christ] commands us to bear "good fruit" in our spiritual lives.  That means actively working on Patience when society says "hurry up!"  Gentleness when society says, "it doesn't matter who gets hurt!"  Self-control when society says, "if it feels right, do it,"  Love when society says, "hate your enemies!"  Peace when society says, "this world is a war!"  Kindness when society says, "think only of yourself!"  Faithfulness when society says, "fidelity is dead!"  Joyfulness when society says, "without this, you can't be happy!" 

How often does my life testify to the work of the Spirit and declare the Glory of the Lord?

Now!  I am not writing this to point an accusing finger, because believe me, I fail at this EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I am, however, asking you to take a reflective moment to examine what your life represents; what does you life declare?  When people see you, do they see someone who is "all about me?"  Do they see someone who "practices what they preach?"  Do they see unconditional compassion and love?  

What do you want them to see? 

As you begin this week, fresh from the weekend, I pray you'll take time each day to reflect on what your life declares.  It's not an automatic change and most days you'll probably find it a struggle to love those who hate you, call out the gossipers when you agree with what's being said, and display peace when your schedule is insanely hectic.  But!  Remember, you don't do this Life alone, and your strength is not your own.  

The Darkness of this world cannot overcome the Light of Christ in your life!  Shine Brightly!!! 

Until next time; God Bless! <3           

  

  

She Walks in Beauty!

Hello again!!  Prayers for many blessings!!

Can't get over this crazy weather, but so thankful to be home safe and sound!!  Hope you are all in your comfy clothes enjoying the snow from the inside of your home! 

 

How many of you look in the mirror everyday and hate what you see?  Let's be honest here...we ALL have done it, and some of us do it a LOT!  Women-we look at ourselves and wish we had longer legs, smaller hips, a bigger chest...the list goes on and on.  Men-you may look at yourself and wish you had larger biceps, tighter abs, larger pecs-so on and so forth.  And while society may say "it's normal to want to change things about yourself," is it "normal "to HATE yourself, your body, your life?"

I recently started the journey of seriously getting  healthy and fit.  I am 26 years old.  Yes!  I did in fact just drop my age, and there are days I feel like I am 56.  Aside from battling the effects of a bad car accident that leave me sore and stiff most mornings, I am quick to find other parts of my body I, shall I say it, "HATE!"  And, I often find myself comparing my body to other women who seem to have it all together concerning fitness, eating healthy, and overall physical appeal.  Needless to say, neither one of these approaches to my body and wellness are helpful.  In fact, they are crippling emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I would have continued on this vicious cycle if it weren't for a wonderful friend and Sister in Christ who opened my eyes to the destructive path on which I was walking.  

I was talking to her one night, feeling rather sorry for myself, and I mentioned how I hate my arms.  And!  I laughed it off like it was no big deal, because truth be told, I am very insecure and self-conscious about these issues.  And being brutally honest and loving at the same time, she didn't let me get away with that for very long.  
She immediately responded with, "don't ever HATE any part of your body and then laugh it off.  You are beautiful-God made you perfect from the start.  We can't hate anything He made...if you want better arms, get em!"

I have to admit, I wasn't shocked by her response, but it did procure a feeling of conviction, and I found myself crying.  And I started thinking about God creating me and what true beauty looks like to Him.  I went through the bible to find verses that discussed these topics, and not surprisingly, I found quite a few.  Take a walk with me through the scriptures as I show you what I found! 

Genesis 1:27 says, "God created man in his own image."

Wait!  Read that again!  "God created me in HIS own image."  Wow!  How then can I HATE my body if I am created in God's image.  It's as if I am hating God himself...is it not?  I read this over and over and although I've heard this verse before, it takes on an entirely new meaning.  All those times I've complained about how I look or my weight or parts of myself, I am complaining to God and about God.  As a Believer, one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, how can I hate any part...how...how?

Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Again!  Conviction.  No way around this one.  God created every part of my being; from the obvious features seen by the naked eye, to the most finite details man has still yet to discover.  He took the care of an artist creating a beloved masterpiece and put it together part by part.  Everything about who I am is intentional and most certainly not a mistake.  Furthermore, I am to PRAISE God for his work in my life, and instead I complain and insult Him.  Never really thought of it that way either.  Yikes!  I can't imagine how it pains Him to hear the words I say aloud or the silent thoughts in my heart.  This is something my soul has to work on...one step at a time.  

  
 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you?"  

I have heard this verse a million times; and somehow, it means so much more this time around.  Funny how God uses the most seemingly unlikely moments to reveal His TRUTH!  But then again, nothing He does is accidental.  Once again, I am learning to see my body as more than just flesh and bones.  More than just MINE.  This body is a tool of the Most High God.  It's His temple, His dwelling place.  How can I hate that?  How can I look at it in disgust?  Instead, I need to learn to love it and care for it.  And it needs to be done for much more than just cosmetic reasons.  

The transformation is from the inside out!  

And!  Aside from His beautiful work on the outside, God is also actively working on creating beauty on the inside-on the spiritual level-deep within my soul.  Clearly, my heart needs some serious adjustments! 

I then looked up a set of verses I know very well-and I am positive you've heard these several times too! 

Galatians 5:22-23 says, "the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

So wait!  Let's break this down.  While God wants us to care for our outer bodies, His temple; He also commands us to bear "good fruit" in our spiritual lives.  That means actively working on Patience when society says "hurry up!"  Gentleness when society says, "it doesn't matter who gets hurt!"  Self-control when society says, "if it feels right, do it."  Love when society says, "hate your enemies!"  Peace when society says, "this world is at war!"  Kindness when society says, "think only of yourself!"  Faithfulness when society says, "fidelity is dead!"  Joyfulness when society says, "without this, you can't be happy!" 

       

This is a stark reminder that true beauty is much deeper than skin and bones.  It's much more complex than a fit body, designer clothes, and perfect hair.  It's a beauty that shines from the inside the out!  

You can be the most physically attractive person, but if your heart is ugly, your beauty is superficial!   

    

I re-learned something really important that night talking to my friend and reading God's word.  This body is perfect, just the way it is.  God created it piece by piece without any mistakes.  To HATE any part is to look directly into the face of my Creator and say "You are a terrible artist-your work stinks!"  But!  It is my job to care for this temple, for it is the home of the Holy Spirit!  Leaving the temple in ruins both on the outside and inside is also an insult to God!  People see what is in your heart and that affects how they see you as a whole!  Let your Light shine before Men, so that God may be glorified!     

So!  I am going to make a conscious and intentional effort to 1. Thank God for fearfully and wonderfully making me 2. Take care of this temple to the best of my abilities and 3. Nurture the fruits of my spirit through prayer and the Word! 

With that said, I encourage all of you ladies and gentlemen to reevaluate how you look at yourself!  Look at yourself as a work of art; masterfully pieced together by the Great Sculptor.  Give thanks!  If you want to improve your health and get into shape-go for it!  Do it in a way that is healthy and God honoring.  I am more than certain you'll be pleasantly surprised with the end result.  And! It shouldn't be a "quick fix," but rather a lifestyle; a conscious effort. 

Prayers for blessings for all your endeavors!  Until next time!  God Bless! <3          

   

        

Even though I Walk through the Valley!

Hello my Dear Friends!!

I pray your week went well and the weekend was restful.  I am preparing for a week that spans over 60+hours.  Oh the joys of working at a college bookstore the week classes start!  Not complaining..truly!  I am beyond grateful for the gift my managerial position has been for the last year.  God is indeed Faithful! 

I recently attended the funeral of my cousins' paternal grandmother.  It was a beautiful service and a celebration of her life.  Needless to say, it was also a time of mourning and sadness.  Death is never easy, even when the deceased is a Believer. 

 Even though we know she's in Heaven with our Father, the pain of losing her is still just as palpable.    

  

Death is a part of everyday life.  It is the final third in nature's cycle-Birth, Life, Death.  We see the birth of creation every Spring and Summer, and watch is slowly wither away in Fall and Winter.  

It's as if Creation breathes through each season.

However, what touched me most was the heartfelt message shared by the pastor officiating the service.  A man of abundant energy and passion, he brought forth a contagious joy regarding life, death, and faith.  I fell particularly in love with his message regarding the 23 Psalm.  

You know..the one that starts..."The Lord is My Shepherd..." 

In my times of desperation, uncertainty, and weakness, I have prayed this psalm as an incantation to my Heavenly Father-seeking His help, wisdom, and comfort.  Although I have recited this psalm from memory many times over, I never truly stopped to unpack its complex meaning.  Do you find yourself doing the same thing?  How often do we read scripture and take for granted that we simply "know" its content.  What if we took time to actually "KNOW" it-inside out?  How much more would God reveal Himself to us if we took the time to fall deeply in love with His Love Letter to us?  What would it be like if God only took time to "basically know His creation," instead of "knitting us in our mother's womb?"  

Scary thought isn't it?!        

For the last four days, I have not stopped brooding over message on the 23 Psalm.  It struck a cord deep within my heart.  

I have savored its beauty and thirsted after its truth like a dying man in the desert. 

If you'll take this journey with me, I would like to share what I learned that day, in the funeral home.  How God revealed Himself to me in an entirely refreshing way.  It goes without saying that God uses ALL things for the good of those who LOVE Him.  

 23 Psalm

1. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. 

The job of the shepherd is to guard, protect, care, and love his sheep.  To make sure they have enough food to eat, a warm place to sleep, and are safe from all harm.  He sacrifices his safety, well-being, and sometimes his life for his flock.  Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His sheep.  He sacrificed His life on the Cross so that we may have eternal life with Him in Heaven.  All of our needs are taken care of because of His love!  

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Sheep aren't the smartest of animals.  Without the shepherd to guide them towards new fields on which to graze, they would die.  Furthermore, sheep are very skittish.  They will not go towards any moving water to drink.  The shepherd must lead his flock to water that is silent in order for them to partake.  Like sheep, we're pretty dumb on our own.  We make mistakes, because we don't think through to the consequences.  Jesus leads us out of the dead pastures in our lives, where we would remain and die, and leads us to fields that offer abundant life.  In addition, we don't like any ripples or upsets.  The minute we sense trouble, conflict, or difficulty, we run the other direction.  Jesus leads us through the rough waters and guides us towards a peace that passes our human understanding. 

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake.

Like I said before, sheep cannot survive on their own.  However, there is one thing sheep know how to do and that is follow.  They know the shepherd's voice and will follow that voice wherever it calls them.  Jesus calls us to obedience as Christians.  Without Him, we will go our own way-a way that leads to Death.  However, if we listen, we will  hear His voice leading us along the path that leads to Life.  He desires for us to live full and abundant lives in Him.  That doesn't mean life will be without hardships, but it does mean we don't have to do it alone. 

4.  Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.  

The shepherd has the taxing job of protecting His sheep from not only dying of starvation and thirst, but wild animals that prey on unsuspecting animals and rocks and thorns that ensnare. The rod is used to clear away any briers, clear away any rocks, and scare away snakes that attack sheep.  The staff, the big stick that looks like an upside down J, is used to pull a sheep up and away from danger.  The hooked part of the staff is placed under the sheep's belly and holds it in place until the shepherd can lift it away from impending danger.  We, as Believers, find comfort in the knowledge that Christ goes before us to protect us from danger both physically and spiritually. It shows that He will never leave us nor forsake us-especially in our darkest hour and greatest need.   

5. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.     

For us, as Christians, we are going to have many enemies; people who don't share our faith, dislike our openness, and don't want anything to do with Jesus.  Despite that, God still prepares a table or a feast for us in our lives.  He still provides for our needs and blesses us despite our persecution.  And!  If we are obedient to His will, others will see God's faithfulness.  The anointing of the head is symbolic for prosperity and rejoicing.  No matter what the world says or does, we as Believers are under the fold of Christ.  Our lives must reflect this truth and God will be glorified through us-and our cups will runneth over with His TRUTH! 

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

Despite the struggles, hardships, and failures we experience in this earthly life, God's Grace and Mercy are everlasting.  Even as Christians, we mess up and disappoint God.  We disobey and go our own way.  We're human, made of sinful flesh!  However, Christ's sacrifice on the Cross makes it possible to die to that flesh everyday and find LIFE everlasting through SALVATION.  If we are faithful to confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to FORGIVE.  The reward-eternity with Him in His Heavenly Home!!  

I found myself crying as the pastor unwrapped this precious gem.  How appropriate for the life celebration of a loved one!!!  What a comfort it was to be reminded of Christ's faithfulness in the darkest of valleys and the highest peaks.  

I felt refreshed, rejuvenated, renewed!!!

It doesn't, however, mean that I won't still make mistakes EVERY day.  But, I was reminded of something.  No matter how many times I disobey and wander away from the protection of my Shepherd, He will always come find me and bring me back into the safety of His arms!!  And!  It makes me less desirous to go my own way.  Why choose my own selfish paths when all they lead to is disappointments and hurts?  God's path may not always seem the most fun, and it may seem downright difficult; but, the end result is a blessing beyond anything I can ever imagine. 

With all this said, I encourage you to fall back in LOVE with the Word of the Lord.  It may seem to some as old, antiquated, and irrelevant.  But!!  It is full of very REAL life truths and promises that transcend time.  Don't just read the Bible to READ.  Read the Bible to LIVE!! 

May you be blessed in the coming week.  If you are in a valley, take heart!  Your shepherd goes before you to lead you out!  If you are on a mountain peak, rejoice and give thanks!!  Either way, you are NOT alone! 

<3 

I'm linking today with All Things Bright and Beautiful at the Writer's Reverie @