Encouraging Word-Staying Sure in His Faithfulness!

Hello again!

It's been a while and so much as happened since I've last written.  I pray you are well and blessed!

I have wonderfully joyful and exciting news!!  I was accepted into grad school for the Masters of Science of Speech and Language Pathology at a university in Florida.  I will begin my official studies in May of this year! 


And while I am overwhelmed with joy, the journey getting to this point was a difficult and long one.  The time between the initial application process and the acceptance notification was 10 months. TEN MONTHS!  And!  I hit several hurdles that I had to overcome.  I can say there were moments I wanted to throw up my hands, walk away, and quit.  And I am not certain if it was pride or determination or perhaps a mixture of both that kept me going.  Sadly, I have to admit, it wasn't my faith that God had me here for a reason.  It was in those moments that I doubted what His plan was for my life.  If you had heard my prayers, you probably would have shaken you head in disappointment.  I was definitely working on my adult temper tantrum skills.  You all know to what I am referring, because we've all had them at least once in our life times.   

However, despite those moments of doubt, I was reminded of several verses that brought me comfort, even if I had difficulty believing them ALL the time.

2 Timothy 2:13

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Hebrews 11:1

I can truly say that throughout this entire process, I learned two things.  I am terrible at waiting and patience is definitely not one of my greatest virtues.  Clearly God is working on that part of my life, and as painful as it felt at the time; as I look back-it really wasn't THAT bad or THAT long after all.  I am so beyond thankful for the Lord's faithfulness-even when I wasn't so faithful.  And even though I don't always understand His timing-it is indeed ALWAYS perfect.  

So, whatever you're going through in your life right now- rest in the knowledge and promise that God is with you ALWAYS!  It may feel as if He's left you alone to battle these struggles, but I promise you are far from alone AND His  timing is perfect. 

God Bless! <3 

Until Next Time!!   

Encouraging Word-Over the Hump!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

By now, you are almost to the middle of the week..also known as Hump Day.  Smile and take a deep breath!  Yes, I do think of the Geico commercial with the obnoxious camel.  If you haven't seen this commercial-YouTube it. It will indeed put a smile on your face.  

Anyway! As you're now well established into your routine for the week, I ask you to sit back and give thanks for the blessings you've been given so far.  For example, this evening, I had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of a wonderful friend, fellow co-worker, and Sister in Christ.  Surrounded by ten other friends and Sisters, we went out to dinner and celebrated with great food and conversation.  We didn't do anything fancy or crazy.  We simply joined together in honor of her precious life.  

You never know what tomorrow brings, or if it will even be yours to have.  Each day is a precious gift that holds immense opportunities yet to be discovered or experienced.  Much like precious stones buried deep beneath hard layers of earth, God chips away at the surfaces of our lives to reveal gems found in joy, sorrows, failures, triumphs, tears, and laughter.  How you are blessed depends on how you choose to see or live each moment.  Don't get so caught up in the "everyday" life that you miss the beauty that LIFE provides. You don't want to look back twenty years later and wonder "what did I do?"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I absolutely love Mandisa and her joy inspiring music.  She always has such a positive and joyful message to her songs.  As someone who has overcome numerous battles in her life, it is so refreshing to see her enjoy each gift she is given.  This is a song I listen to almost EVERYDAY-no joke!  It gets me going for the day with an extra bounce in my step.  Hope you enjoy it too!

I pray your eyes are opened this week and you learn to SEE life in a fresh, new perspective.  

Until Next Time! <3 

        

Encouraging Word of the Day-Always Be My Home!

Hello again!  

By now, you've finished what's usually the hardest day of the week-Monday.  With it, has come new triumphs, failures, stresses, and worries.  For some of you, it continues the struggles and fears of the previous week, and for others, it introduces a new set of challenges.  

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I can say with certainty, that I understand how you feel.  Maybe not specifically the struggles you are experiencing, but the general ups and downs each day brings.  No one says it's going to be easy, but each day is a GIFT!  Please know that you are PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord.  Struggles are not an indication that God doesn't care for you.  In fact, struggles are often tools of refinement that God uses to stretch and mold you.  Don't let your fears keep you from reaching out to Him in prayer.  He longs to hear from you every day, all day.  

I found this song by Rachel Lampa, titled Always Be My Home that spoke so deeply to me.  In fact, I was in tears the first time I listened to it.  I pray you are touched by her beautiful singing and the uplifting message she shares through her music.  Enjoy! 

               

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Thought of the Day!

Hello to you all! 

Praying this week and weekend brought joy and many blessings.  And if they unfortunately brought sorrow, know that you are being prayed for even though I may know you not.  

I got to thinking this week about how I approach each day-from the time I rise to the time I lay my head on the pillow to rest.  I decided, that in between my longer, more substantial posts, I want to get into the habit of writing shorter blurbs that offer encouragement, while still getting our minds and hearts focused on the Lord! I pray you'll take this journey with me as we begin learning the discipline of giving thanks, reflecting daily, and actively praying.

"A woman's or [man's] heart should be so lost in God, that a man or [woman] must seek Him in order to find her or [him]."

                                                                          personal annotation of original quote

As a single woman, I am often reminded of my relationship status, and sometimes it is extremely discouraging.  It's easy to complain and grumble about how it's not fair that ALL of my friends are getting engaged and married, while I am still waiting for at least ONE guy to ask me out on a simple date.  And then I begin to wonder; what do they have that I don't?  What are they doing right that I am clearly doing wrong? Is there something wrong with me?  God! What is it that I am missing?  

As a single Christian, you and I both know the dating world can be a bit on the intimidating side- if not entirely terrifying.  We find ourselves holding back and waiting for that "right" someone, checking off our laundry list of "must haves" in personality, faith, and numerous other items. But!  Where does God fit into this equation?  How are we seeking to glorify Him?

I came across this quote several years ago, without my annotations, and it struck a chord deep within me.  It may not always be easy to wait and watch, but it is well worth waiting for God to lead, direct, and guide! 

As you start this week, take time to reflect on where you heart is centered.  As a Christian, is it focused on the Lord?  Are you seeking Him daily?  Are you actively engaged in prayer?  Or are you taking matters into your own hands? 

Are you deeply lost in your relationship with God? 

Prayers for a great start to your week! 

Until next time! <3    

                   

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!  

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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