Tranquility....Hearing God's Voice in the Stillness!

Hello again my dear friends!  

It has been over a month and a half since I have last written.  Since my May 11th post, I began my official grad school courses, and I must admit-I have been overwhelmed.  I have missed blogging, and while on vacation-hope to get in a few posts!  

I pray you are blessed, and healthy, and enjoying the start of SUMMER!!!  

Yesterday morning I arose at an early hour-5:15 a.m. to be exact.  Now, for those of  you who know me...mornings are NOT my thing.  But, for some reason, I am pulled out of my peaceful sleep, wide awake, and somewhat restless.  So, I decide to get dressed and make myself a cup of coffee.  While I am waiting for the coffee to brew, I sit at my kitchen table-looking out into my backyard.  I catch a glimpse of the sun through the trees.  I instantly get up, grab my coffee mug, and head outside on my front steps.  Here is what I see.....

As I stand on my front steps, clutching a piping hot cup of my favorite morning brew, I am awestruck at the Lord's handiwork.  I watch the sun creep up over the horizon, slowly spreading light and warmth over the Earth.  I look around and watch as the rays reach out like long, graceful fingers; gently caressing the tress and planting a sun-kissed glow on the grass and flowers.  The reflection of the sun on the glass panes of the church windows sparkle like bright, flawless diamonds-and for a moment, I am blinded by the brilliance.  The shadows frolic happily across the roof of the church, as if to say, "at long last, I can rest until yet again, evening returns."

These are the few precious moments for which we take for granted.  Too often we are too busy to simply STOP and drink in the Lord's gifts and blessings; to stand in wonder of His Creation-His Masterpiece.  It is in these quiet moments, with only the birds busily twittering away, that my heart is still and quiet, and I can feel my Father pull me into His arms and hold me in a warm, comforting embrace.  In this moment, I am reminded of His abounding Love for me and His unfailing Mercy and Grace.  Mind you; He reminds me of these things all the time-but a quiet heart and soul is one most ready to listen and receive. 

May you make time to soak in the Lord's blessings and allow Him to remind you how DEEPLY and PERFECTLY you are LOVED and TREASURED!!! 

Until Next Time <3 

God Bless Mothers!!

Hello again!


First, I have to say, what an absolutely stunning day!!!  When I woke up this morning to a gorgeously bright sun, birds chirping, and a warm breeze, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of God's creation. Overwhelmed to tears of joy and thankfulness.  What a perfect day for Mother's Day.

I just want to take a moment to lift up an extra Prayer of Thanks for the blessing of my Mom.  I know I don't tell her nearly enough how much she means to me.  I know I don't express my gratitude for the sacrifices she's made over the years nearly as often as I should.  I know I don't tell her "I Love You" nearly enough times in a day.  So today, I am making sure to do it all.  

Mother's Day is a wonderful reminder and celebration of the blessing and gift of our Moms.  However, it shouldn't begin and end here.  Sure, it's nice to give Mom a bouquet of flowers, cook her favorite meal, send her to a spa, and shower her to love and admiration.  After all, she deserves it!  But!  Let's not stop giving thanks for Mom after today is finished.  Let's make sure to let her know how cherished and treasured she is 24/7, 365 days, and 52 weeks in a year.  

And for those of you who have lost your Mom, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.  I know today is emotionally difficult, but instead of dwelling in sorrow; take time to remember and cherish the precious memories you DO have of your Mother.  While she may not be here physically, her love lives on through you, and her hand print is forever embossed on your heart! 

Also!  I want to give a shout-out to all of  my extra "Moms" who God has so graciously placed in my life.  From my boss at work, to my wise sisters in Christ, to my favorite seamstress, and my bible study leaders; you all play an important role in mentoring, guiding, and loving me throughout my life.  Thank you for standing beside me, listening to me when I need an ear, holding my hand in times of struggle, holding me accountable when I am out of line, and most importantly-loving me unconditionally!  Today, I celebrate the gift you are to me!! 

God Bless all the Moms out there!  Today, we celebrate YOU!! 

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Word-What we WANT is not always what we NEED

Hello, hello, hello!

It has been far too long since I last posted.  Forgive my extended absence.  My computer is on the brink of dying and often freezes and shuts down on me.  This may be in fact the last blog post I submit on this laptop.  I love technology, but sometimes it is more trouble than it's worth.  You ALL know what I am talking about.  

I recently posted a quote on my GoodandFaithfulServant Facebook Page regarding TRUST.  

If you haven't had a chance to visit my page, please do.  Would love to read your comments and welcome any posts you would like to share :) 

 

Trust is not something that comes easily to me.  In fact, it is sometime I struggle with daily.  Trust requires an element of vulnerability that is terrifying.  I like control and knowing what to expect.  Surprises and change and I don't get along too well.  

If you've read previous posts, you may have come across the one titled "God Changed the Dream I Dreamed."  In this post, I described my struggle in finding a teaching job after graduating college with my degree in 2010.  I was determined to teach despite innumerable mailed resumes and numerous failed interviews.  I refused to accept the possibility that God was calling me somewhere other than teaching.  After all, how could He allow me to spend 4 years of my life studying and learning a skill I was never actually going to use?  I was the person banging at every closed door and desperately trying to pry open the windows too.  

I am thick-headed; don't deny it-you're a bit stubborn too.  It took being knocked down and shut out one too many times for me to FINALLY understand that God was NOT going to open up teaching opportunities despite my best efforts.  

However, He didn't leave me down and out.  He has placed wise and caring people in my life who call me out, hold me accountable, pick me up, and hold me when I am broken.  God used a wonderful friend of mine to tell me to "stop moping, and start seeking God's will-not my own." 

Long story short, another friend of mine suggested I look into Speech Pathology for my Masters.  At first, I was resistant, but she encouraged me to at least check it out.  After all, what did I have to lose?  

Over a year later, I am starting my first two graduate courses for, you guessed it, Speech Pathology.  The journey to this point has been long and difficult.  God never let me slack in my need for Him.  Every time I got just a bit too comfortable in my own abilities, He reminded me ONLY with Him are ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!  

So, when you think you know best and attempt to tell God what to do, be prepared for Him to lovingly but firmly turn your world upside down.  What we WANT is not always what God knows we NEED.  I for one am beyond THANKFUL I am not left to my own devices.  I shudder to consider what a mess my life would be. 

 

FAITH=Not always UNDERSTANDING God's plan, but TRUSTING it nevertheless.  

Let God radically transform you ONE BABY STEP AT A TIME!

Until Next Time! <3 

        

To Blame or Not to Blame-That is the Question!

Hello again!  

Can I just say what GORGEOUS weather we are having!  Like HELLO PEOPLE!  It's beautiful!  I almost forgot what the sun looked and felt like after this crazy winter we've experienced.  In love!!  Hope you are taking time to enjoy God stunning creation!!!

Quick thought for today! 

Should we feel guilty by how someone reacts to something we've said and done?  Additionally, should we be held responsible for the actions another person takes based on actions we've taken?   

This is something I have been brooding over for the last week or so and I am torn between the answer NO! and YES!  And!  Frankly I think it can go both ways.

I've often heard the argument "You can't hold yourself responsible for what he/she did.  God only holds you responsible for what YOU do!"  In fact, I just used this argument with someone close to me who is going through a difficult time.  And! In her situation, it works.  But!  I don't think this is a universal argument- as every situation varies.  

"YES!" Argument 

Truth is, God DOES hold us accountable for what we do and how it affects the choices others make.  Let me give you an example.  If you are hanging out with a friend who struggles with alcohol addiction but you still order a drink; you're placing that temptation and desire in front of your friend to consume the very thing she is fighting against.  Did you physically force a drink down her throat?  NO!  At least, I certainly hope not; but YOU did reintroduce the problem.  Now, the potential for her to drink again is increased.  Is every situation the same?  NO!  Will every recovering alcoholic who sees beer or wine choose to drink again?  NO!  But!  It certainly isn't helping them in their recovery.  Are you responsible for their addiction?  NO!  But you can take a responsible role in helping them continue their healing process! Therefore, we must be considerate of our decisions and the choices we make privately or publicly.  They have a greater impact than we realize.      

1 Corinthians 

"But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble."  

"NO!" Argument

We are however, not responsible for every action someone takes in response to something we've said and done that was justified.  Let me give you another example.  You and your boyfriend have dated since you were freshmen in high school, and you're now out of college and ready to start your lives as adults.  You've remained pure in your relationship; choosing to save yourselves for marriage. In fact,  marriage and future plans were definitely topics on your minds.  However, irreconcilable differences between you causes a fissure in the once happy relationship, and you decide to break up with your longtime beau.  In his anger and hurt, he gets together with several different girls; breaking the once promised bond of celibacy you shared.  About a month later, he texts you and says "I've made so many mistakes since we broke up.  I've slept around and started partying.  It's your fault, because I only did this to forget you.  If you had just stayed with me, I wouldn't have done these things!"  Are you responsible for your ex taking a turn on the wild side?  NO!  Should you feel guilty for making a choice you felt was best and get back together with him?  BIG NO!  

Reminder!!!  However, despite his hurt and anger, you should still hold yourself responsible for how you react and respond.  God WILL hold you accountable for the choices you make. 

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

With this said, whether or not we are justified or gravely mistaken in the decisions we make, we are held accountable by our Heavenly Father.  It's easy to say, I can't be responsible for what he or she does, and it's not my problem or business what they do.  But!  We should, nevertheless, strive to live our lives as a testimony of our faith and our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ.  If you are ever doubtful regarding the decisions or choices you are going to make, it is probably a good idea to reconsider them before acting out on those decisions.  

Blessings for you at the start of Holy Week!  Take time to prayerfully consider all you do!  

Remember!  You may be the first glimpse of Jesus someone sees! 

Until Next Time! <3  

                             

    

Encouraging Word-Hallelujah! All I have is Christ! Hallelujah! Jesus is my Life!

Good Afternoon!

Prayers for you and God's Blessings upon your Life! 

I heard this song today at church and HAD to share it with you.  It broke me of my pride, and I wept as I choked out the words! May they be encouraging to you and may you meditate on the truth they speak!  Jesus loves you more than you'll EVER be able to comprehend on this side of Heaven.  But take each day to learn about His love and LOVE Christ through the testimony of your life!!!  

Hallelujah!  All I have is CHRIST!  Hallelujah!  Jesus is my LIFE!! 

I once was lost in darkest night.   Yet thought I knew the way.  The sin that promised joy and life, had led me to the grave.  I had no hope that you would own a rebel to Your will.  And! if You had not loved me first, I would refuse you still.  

But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost.   You looked upon my helpless sate, and led me to the Cross.  And!  I beheld God's love displayed.  You suffered in my place.  You bore the wrath reserved for me.  Now all I know is GRACE!  

Hallelujah!  All I have is Christ! Hallelujah!  Jesus is my LIFE! 

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone and live so all might see.  The strength to follow Your commands, could never come from me!  Oh Father!  Use my ransomed life in any way You choose!  And!  Let my song forever be my only boast is YOU!!   

  

Your life is so beyond precious to the Father!  So precious, He gave His only Son to suffer the worst DEATH, battle HELL, and RISE AGAIN for YOU!!!!  

Blessings for you at the start of HOLY WEEK!  

Jesus paid it all!  All to Him I owe!  Sin had left a crimson stain! HE washed it white as SNOW!   

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Word-Power of Prayer

Good Morning!!

Super quick post and about two days late!  Sorry for the delay.  

This week has been one with immense struggles already.  But, I am learning to "count it all joy" when I face my trials and tribulations.  Still trying to figure out what that means, but I do know for certain that I can find comfort in knowing that Christ too experienced trials and tribulations throughout His life and ministry.

Despite all my struggles, I find great peace in coming to my Heavenly Father in prayer.  And not the "laundry list of daily needs" kind of prayer.  Instead, the "Heart Cry, Purging of my Soul" kind of prayer.  When you're feeling overwhelmed and consumed by your struggles, you don't have to bear the weight alone.  Christ says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and we can lay down our burdens at the feet of the Lord.  So this week, fall back in love with prayer and reach out to your Heavenly Father.  He loves when His children cry out to Him! 

A Beautiful Song and Prayer!  Enjoy! 

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Word-You're an Overcomer

Hello again!

Quick post to get you started for today.  First, Happy Friday!  You've made it!!  Take a deep breath and remember to give Thanks for what you have been given!

Whatever trials you have experienced this week, your Heavenly Father already won the battle.  Stop struggling to fight them!  Allow yourself to be consumed by His loving embrace, fall into His arms, and rest in His Peace!

Let's Review this weeks themes!

You are well armored!

Each Day is a Precious Gift! 

Your Life is  Precious Gift!

You are Unconditionally Loved!

God's Grace is Long-suffering!

God's Peace is Supernatural!

And!

Through it all, He helps you to OVERCOME the trials and tribulations of this world!  

A song that reminds me that life may knock me down, but God is right there to pick me back up! 

  

Until Next Time! <3