I LOVE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so thankful for the job that the Lord has blessed me with at the dentist office! I love this job so much because it gives me the ability to sit down one on one with people and help them make big decisions about their dental work.
Today I sat with a young woman who was so nervous that I would judge her because of the dental work that she needed. I saw the tears start to form in her eyes as she slowly lowered her head in shame. Her small hands came up to her face to wipe a stray tear that was sliding down her cheek.
My heart began to ache and I wanted to jump across my desk and give her the biggest hug ever!!!
Well I didn't jump across the desk, but in that moment I was able to encourage her that I too had been in the same position where she currently found herself.
I was able to use myself as a way of making her understand that there was no reason to be ashamed. I think at one point I even made fun of myself in order to make her laugh. I watched as her eyes began to light up and her small frame began to sit back against the chair in relief.
She was starting to realize that regardless of how bad things seemed...there were other people who could relate to what she was facing. It then didn't seem so bad.
(oh and of course I did end in giving her a big, fat hug...I can't miss out on a chance to hug!)
Most people are so nervous and ashamed when they need to get dental work... and with my new position I am able to spend time helping them feel comfortable and realize that there is nothing to be ashamed of at all!
I get to bring them into my office and listen to stories of their life, console them as they cry and laugh with them as they share funny stories. I am able to build relationships with people and just love on them!
I am blessed beyond measure for the position that the Lord has given me within the company!
I work with two wonderful dentists who spend time really caring for their patients.
I have seen Dr. Storey spend time explaining to a small child that the tools she is going to use are not scary but are in fact something the child can see as funny.
I have watched as she patiently waits for patients, who are so nervous, to calm down so she can move forward. She calmly talks to them and reminds them that she has their best interest at heart and will take care of them.
I have seen the way that Dr. Lloyd goes out of his way to make sure that his patients are taken care of thoroughly. I have seen patients receive a brand new smile and tears fill their eyes as they reach out to embrace him. I have listened to the gentle way he explains that whatever they are facing he is going to help them!
As I watch our doctors and dental assistants care for our patients and I am sometimes moved to tears.
You see, even though we are all different there is one common thing that we can all relate to... we all want to know that we are cared about.
We were created for relationship and the desire to be loved.
I am not sure that any of the people in my office even recognize that they are making such an impact on the lives of the people that they care for every day....but I know that it does not go unnoticed by our patients.
We are all on a mission in this world! Our mission is to bestow love on people!
Love could be helping someone with their workload...
Love could be spending time listening to someones cares and concerns...
Love could be making someone laugh who is heavy and burdened...
Love could simply be sharing a smile with someone at the grocery store...
The Lord is the greatest example of love and OHHH how I long for people to experience His love!
Each day that we live is an opportunity to bestow love on someone that you come in contact with!
There is no greater joy than to love someone and to be loved!
If you are seeking a mission for 2012...I encourage you to make your mission LOVE!
For God so loved the world , that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life! John 3:16
For anyone who reads this and needs prayer...please email my facebook... I would love to pray for you!
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I don't know what to do...
Have you ever come to a time in your life where you wonder...what am I going to do?
Maybe you are at a crossroads in your life and you are trying to decide which way to go....
Maybe you have come to a hurdle in life and you are wondering what on earth you are going to do to get over it...
Maybe you keep facing trial after trial and it seems like every time you turn around you have been hit with another problem and you just don't know what to do....
I have been working with several young women lately who are in a season of ..."what do I do now!!!"
They are burdened and weary by the heavy load that this life can sometimes place on their shoulders.
One young lady has had problem after problem come at her and it seems like their is no relief in sight.
I listen to her as she cries and laments over the war that is raging inside of her and I begin to cry as I ache to give her some type of solution to her problem. I wish I could hug her and hold her until all of the pain was gone(which I do anyways :) ) but I know that no amount of comfort can get her through what she is facing.
Another young woman has been facing some very serious health conditions for months! Although I can't understand how she is feeling, I try my best to put her at ease and just spend time trying to make her laugh. Each moment though my heart cries silently to the Lord that He would take this cup from her. I can't bear to watch as her health takes away precious moments that she could be living free of pain and full of joy!
I listen as one of my dearest and oldest friends shares with me the loss of someone she has loved for years. I see the questions fill her tear filled eyes although she can voice no words to convey her pain. I see the depth of hurt that her circumstances have placed her in...and I wonder how I can do anything to bring her some type of peace.
All of these people don't know what to do...
and I don't know what to do....
BUT I do know that He knows what to do!
In 2 Chronicles there was a king named Jehoshaphat. (p.s. I love that name!) This king was told that, "a great multitude is coming against you" (20:2a)
You see Jehoshaphat had just gotten the kingdom in order. He had worked hard to bring his country to a place of peace and as soon as that happened he found out that his country was going to be attacked and destroyed.
( I am sure we can all relate to that. Just when it seems like we have conquered one issue...here comes the next!)
You could say that he was probably in a "I don't know what to do now" season.
The king had to make up his mind no matter what heaviness this brought upon him...he was going to have to choose to seek the Lord.
Now that doesn't mean it was easy.
I am sure he prayed and cried out to God. It even says that he feared for a moment.
However, it is recorded in the Bible that Jehoshaphat went before his people and told them to seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Then...he went before them began to worship and praise the Lord. At the end of his time with the people he made a statement that gives me courage and hope!
He said, " We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us;nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (vs. 12)
Then they waited....
Are you up against a set of circumstances that you have no power over? Do you feel that the Lord has left you?
Are you wondering deep down inside how you are going to make it....
I want to encourage whoever reads this to know that the Lord is near to you!
The story did not end with the people of the Lord just waiting.
The Lord spoke and said to His people,
" You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is WITH YOU, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." (vs.17)
The people chose to seek the Lord no matter how hard things got and they praised Him in the midst of their despair.
The Lord was faithful to them and reminded them that they would see the salvation of the Lord!
He reminded them that He was with them and that even though they would still be going into battle...He would give them victory!
Maybe you are going through something like this in your life right now...
I want to encourage you to use this verse and insert your name!
"_______ will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourself, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, ________! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you!"
May your days be filled with hope and your heart be overflowing with His love!
Oh how He loves you and me!
Maybe you are at a crossroads in your life and you are trying to decide which way to go....
Maybe you have come to a hurdle in life and you are wondering what on earth you are going to do to get over it...
Maybe you keep facing trial after trial and it seems like every time you turn around you have been hit with another problem and you just don't know what to do....
I have been working with several young women lately who are in a season of ..."what do I do now!!!"
They are burdened and weary by the heavy load that this life can sometimes place on their shoulders.
One young lady has had problem after problem come at her and it seems like their is no relief in sight.
I listen to her as she cries and laments over the war that is raging inside of her and I begin to cry as I ache to give her some type of solution to her problem. I wish I could hug her and hold her until all of the pain was gone(which I do anyways :) ) but I know that no amount of comfort can get her through what she is facing.
Another young woman has been facing some very serious health conditions for months! Although I can't understand how she is feeling, I try my best to put her at ease and just spend time trying to make her laugh. Each moment though my heart cries silently to the Lord that He would take this cup from her. I can't bear to watch as her health takes away precious moments that she could be living free of pain and full of joy!
I listen as one of my dearest and oldest friends shares with me the loss of someone she has loved for years. I see the questions fill her tear filled eyes although she can voice no words to convey her pain. I see the depth of hurt that her circumstances have placed her in...and I wonder how I can do anything to bring her some type of peace.
All of these people don't know what to do...
and I don't know what to do....
BUT I do know that He knows what to do!
In 2 Chronicles there was a king named Jehoshaphat. (p.s. I love that name!) This king was told that, "a great multitude is coming against you" (20:2a)
You see Jehoshaphat had just gotten the kingdom in order. He had worked hard to bring his country to a place of peace and as soon as that happened he found out that his country was going to be attacked and destroyed.
( I am sure we can all relate to that. Just when it seems like we have conquered one issue...here comes the next!)
You could say that he was probably in a "I don't know what to do now" season.
The king had to make up his mind no matter what heaviness this brought upon him...he was going to have to choose to seek the Lord.
Now that doesn't mean it was easy.
I am sure he prayed and cried out to God. It even says that he feared for a moment.
However, it is recorded in the Bible that Jehoshaphat went before his people and told them to seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Then...he went before them began to worship and praise the Lord. At the end of his time with the people he made a statement that gives me courage and hope!
He said, " We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us;nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (vs. 12)
Then they waited....
Are you up against a set of circumstances that you have no power over? Do you feel that the Lord has left you?
Are you wondering deep down inside how you are going to make it....
I want to encourage whoever reads this to know that the Lord is near to you!
The story did not end with the people of the Lord just waiting.
The Lord spoke and said to His people,
" You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is WITH YOU, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." (vs.17)
The people chose to seek the Lord no matter how hard things got and they praised Him in the midst of their despair.
The Lord was faithful to them and reminded them that they would see the salvation of the Lord!
He reminded them that He was with them and that even though they would still be going into battle...He would give them victory!
Maybe you are going through something like this in your life right now...
I want to encourage you to use this verse and insert your name!
"_______ will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourself, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, ________! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you!"
May your days be filled with hope and your heart be overflowing with His love!
Oh how He loves you and me!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
HE CAN!
Is there anything God can't do?
I have asked myself that question at times in my life when facing major decisions or if I am experiencing a situation that I need the Lord to break through and reveal His power to me.
I always tell myself that I am not doubting that He can't do something, instead I am just wondering what He will do and when He will do it.
In a way though....I am doubting.
We say that we believe that the Lord created the heavens and the earth.
We say that we believe that He created humans from the dust of the earth.
We say that we believe that He parted the red sea and that He came to earth and died on a cross for our sins to redeem us and set us free......
So why can't we simply believe that when it comes to our problems that He is not capable and willing to do anything in His power to deliver us.....
If you are a child of God remember that He delights in blessing His children!
There are times that we will walk through a valley or a dark season...BUT He will NOT leave us there!
I had a young girl call me this weekend and she was broken. Her poor spirit was wounded and she was crying out because she felt the Lord had forgotten her.
I could totally understand why she was so hopeless. I have been there myself.
I could definitely see why she would feel she had been forgotten.
HOWEVER...
I gently reminded her, like so many people in my life have when I am going through a hard time, that we serve a GOD who DELIGHTS in us!
He is the God who promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us!
He is the Creator of this earth and the Author of our very lives!
Although He might seem silent that does not mean that He is not present!
We all go through ups and downs as we go through this life;but we have to remind each other of the power God has to deliver us and the authority He has to save us!
No matter what you are facing today know that God is very near and present to you!
I reminded my sweet sweet friend that as she walks through this time, the best thing she can do is cling to His promises and remember that the God she serves is more than able to deliver her from her problem;however, if she is not delivered in the way she thinks God should deliver her, that does not mean that He is not working! He is just going to do it in a different way and reveal Himself to her in a deeper and greater way!
Are you going through a time of hardship and fear?
Are you hurting and broken in spirit?
Wherever you are at....
Whatever you are facing....
KNOW that He will deliver you!
Rest assured in Him as you walk through the darkness and I promise you will soon see the light!
" Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" Psalm 34:3-4
Oh my friends...HE LOVES you and me!
I have asked myself that question at times in my life when facing major decisions or if I am experiencing a situation that I need the Lord to break through and reveal His power to me.
I always tell myself that I am not doubting that He can't do something, instead I am just wondering what He will do and when He will do it.
In a way though....I am doubting.
We say that we believe that the Lord created the heavens and the earth.
We say that we believe that He created humans from the dust of the earth.
We say that we believe that He parted the red sea and that He came to earth and died on a cross for our sins to redeem us and set us free......
So why can't we simply believe that when it comes to our problems that He is not capable and willing to do anything in His power to deliver us.....
If you are a child of God remember that He delights in blessing His children!
There are times that we will walk through a valley or a dark season...BUT He will NOT leave us there!
I had a young girl call me this weekend and she was broken. Her poor spirit was wounded and she was crying out because she felt the Lord had forgotten her.
I could totally understand why she was so hopeless. I have been there myself.
I could definitely see why she would feel she had been forgotten.
HOWEVER...
I gently reminded her, like so many people in my life have when I am going through a hard time, that we serve a GOD who DELIGHTS in us!
He is the God who promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us!
He is the Creator of this earth and the Author of our very lives!
Although He might seem silent that does not mean that He is not present!
We all go through ups and downs as we go through this life;but we have to remind each other of the power God has to deliver us and the authority He has to save us!
No matter what you are facing today know that God is very near and present to you!
I reminded my sweet sweet friend that as she walks through this time, the best thing she can do is cling to His promises and remember that the God she serves is more than able to deliver her from her problem;however, if she is not delivered in the way she thinks God should deliver her, that does not mean that He is not working! He is just going to do it in a different way and reveal Himself to her in a deeper and greater way!
Are you going through a time of hardship and fear?
Are you hurting and broken in spirit?
Wherever you are at....
Whatever you are facing....
KNOW that He will deliver you!
Rest assured in Him as you walk through the darkness and I promise you will soon see the light!
" Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" Psalm 34:3-4
Oh my friends...HE LOVES you and me!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Blessings
I am so blessed to know so many wonderful people in my life!
I have two truly amazing parents who live their lives for their children!
I have two beautiful sisters who are my dearest and best friends.
I have a brother who would do just about anything for me...and a brother in law who I love so dearly for the way he cares for my sister and my nephews.
I also have the cutest nephews in the known world!
I have two truly amazing parents who live their lives for their children!
I have two beautiful sisters who are my dearest and best friends.
I have a brother who would do just about anything for me...and a brother in law who I love so dearly for the way he cares for my sister and my nephews.
I also have the cutest nephews in the known world! I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!
I also have some wonderful people in my life that God has blessed me with and that I treasure dearly.
I have one of the best friends in the wide world whose name is Reagan Johnson. For better or worse she loves me and is in it with me for the long haul!
I have some amazing friends from my past that I have lost touch with but have never forgotten the love they have bestowed on me.
I have met some wonderful people at my church home who love on me and treat me like their family.
My dear mentor Rachel has been such a joy and help to me!
I have also been blessed with some amazing people at my work.
My partner in crime is my sweet friend Suzanne. I haven't known her for very long...but she blesses my heart each day I spend with her at the office. She makes me laugh and gives me the perfect encouragement for the moment.
I have had the opportunity to meet over a dozen women at my office who have given me moments of laughter and encouragement, and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with these great women. I can't leave out my sweet Dr. Lloyd! (only guy in the office)
At this time of year when family and friends are so important...
(not that they aren't all year round...but you get where I am going) I am just so thankful and encouraged by the blessings in the form of people that God has graciously given me.
I can't help but smile as I watch families shopping for presents together in the store.
I find my spirit is encouraged as I listen to couples sitting together at coffee shops just enjoying each others presence.
I am full of joy as I watch a child's face light up at the thought of mommy and daddy and Christmas!
I have however seen and heard of so many stories from friends who have emailed me, or strangers at my office who have told me of loss in their family and the sadness that they will face this Christmas.
My heart aches for people who will not have a loved one to spend this Christmas with.
A sweet little lady from my office told me that she would be alone for Christmas. She said at 83 she has gotten used to the idea of being alone.
My heart broke at the thought and I told her that we should never have to get used to that idea.
There are so many people out there that are hurting, alone and who are probably going to be spending this Christmas away from someone they love.
Is there someone in your life that you know who is going to be alone this Christmas?
Is there someone you can reach out to and bless with a smile or compassion?
There is no greater gift than to show someone love and make them feel that they are valued and important.
This Christmas maybe we can focus on the great blessings that we have been given and seek to be as much of a blessing to those who are around us.
This Christmas, remember that you are loved by an amazing Father who desires to bless you and give you peace.
His compassion and love are the sweetest gifts that we will ever get and they are the best gifts to re-gift! :)
Oh how He loves you and me!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
My Sweet Ally
So about 10 months ago I was blessed to meet a special girl whose name is Ally.
Ally has a sweet heart with a personality to match.
When I moved to OKC a became Ally's nanny while I was finishing up school at UCO.
I learned patience!
My patience was tested not only in helping her with homework and chores, but also in having patience with watching her struggle through things that life brought on that I knew were hard on her. I wanted God to come to her rescue and help her with the things that made her sad or upset...but I knew had to be patient and trust that He loved her more than I did.
I learned that TIME is the most important thing to a child.
I could give her gifts, take her out to eat or take her to the movies...but in the end all she really wanted was to spend time together.
It was a valuable reminder that that is how God feels about us.
He is thankful when we sacrifice our things and possessions for Him...but He wants out time and our attention.
He wants to have a relationship with us!
I learned that forgiveness!
Many times throughout the time I took care of Ally we would get into little arguments(silly things)
and yet she would quickly come to me and ask for forgiveness and the issue would be over.
It reminds me of the way that the Lord calls us to forgive and the way He forgives us!
He knows when we fall...but He is always willing to accept our forgiveness and allow us to move forward with no strings attached.
I saw in her unconditional love.
I am not Ally's nanny anymore, but I still take her to church with me and spend time with her. She loves me no matter how many times I forget to text her back or accidentally forget her birthday. (ooooopppss soorrry ALLY)
Children teach us so much about the way that we should live and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet her!
Although we think as adults that we have so much to teach the children in our lives...we can really sit back and learn far more from them! They are pure in heart and always willing to love.
Me we love and give as freely as the children in our lives!
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!!
 |
| Me and Ally after church. Baking cookies for Christmas. Love you bean! |
Thursday, December 15, 2011
People
Sooooo I just have to say how much I love people!!!!!
I know that at this time of year everyone starts to get irritated with other people...but I just love to hear stories of people's family traditions, Christmas recipes and I especially love the funny stories of awkward family get togethers.
More than hearing the stories though, I love to watch the expression on the person's face who is telling the story.
It's so beautiful to me to see someones face light up as they tell of their family.
I LOVE to see people laugh as they talk and share.
I have to admit it is hard to watch people who have a sad story begin to tear up as they tell their story. I wanna just reach out and hug them! (which I usually do!)
I want to share with you the story of a sweet lady I met a couple days ago.
She stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall and she has curly black and white hair. Her hands are worn from years of work, but are still beautiful. Her eyes are dark brown but carry warmth and comfort when you look at her. Her smile is her most beautiful accessory because it can make you feel like you have just gone home to see momma.
She walks with a slight limp but her presence embodies strength and hope.
This was my first impression of my new sweet friend. I met her while I was working and I instantly fell in love with her!
I initiated a conversation with her and found out that she was on a fixed income and could barely afford to pay her bills, but she was out shopping for her friends that live at a nursing home. She was buying small gifts that cost no more than a dollar, but she was happy and content in her selection.
I asked her how she could afford to do so much when she was living on so little. She gently placed her hand on my shoulder and told me that a dollar or two was worth the happiness and contentment that people would get when they received their gifts. She said it didn't have to be a big gift if it was given in love.
She was a beautiful person that I loved talking to because I saw God's hand at work in her life! She was choosing to sacrifice her time, and finances to bring joy to so many other people who might not have anything for Christmas.
The beauty in her story is that she wasn't giving people hundred dollar gifts...she was spending a little more than a dollar per person. However, what her story shows is that people don't care what you give them or how much it costs, they just want to know that they are cared about and loved.
Her story is a reminder that the true gift of Christmas is love!
Is there someone that you can love today??
Is there someone that you can reach out to and show compassion and love???
Take time to get to know random people you meet and show them love.
I promise once you do, you will bless their life... and you will be blessed as well!
Oh how He loves you and me!
I know that at this time of year everyone starts to get irritated with other people...but I just love to hear stories of people's family traditions, Christmas recipes and I especially love the funny stories of awkward family get togethers.
More than hearing the stories though, I love to watch the expression on the person's face who is telling the story.
It's so beautiful to me to see someones face light up as they tell of their family.
I LOVE to see people laugh as they talk and share.
I have to admit it is hard to watch people who have a sad story begin to tear up as they tell their story. I wanna just reach out and hug them! (which I usually do!)
I want to share with you the story of a sweet lady I met a couple days ago.
She stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall and she has curly black and white hair. Her hands are worn from years of work, but are still beautiful. Her eyes are dark brown but carry warmth and comfort when you look at her. Her smile is her most beautiful accessory because it can make you feel like you have just gone home to see momma.
She walks with a slight limp but her presence embodies strength and hope.
This was my first impression of my new sweet friend. I met her while I was working and I instantly fell in love with her!
I initiated a conversation with her and found out that she was on a fixed income and could barely afford to pay her bills, but she was out shopping for her friends that live at a nursing home. She was buying small gifts that cost no more than a dollar, but she was happy and content in her selection.
I asked her how she could afford to do so much when she was living on so little. She gently placed her hand on my shoulder and told me that a dollar or two was worth the happiness and contentment that people would get when they received their gifts. She said it didn't have to be a big gift if it was given in love.
She was a beautiful person that I loved talking to because I saw God's hand at work in her life! She was choosing to sacrifice her time, and finances to bring joy to so many other people who might not have anything for Christmas.
The beauty in her story is that she wasn't giving people hundred dollar gifts...she was spending a little more than a dollar per person. However, what her story shows is that people don't care what you give them or how much it costs, they just want to know that they are cared about and loved.
Her story is a reminder that the true gift of Christmas is love!
Is there someone that you can love today??
Is there someone that you can reach out to and show compassion and love???
Take time to get to know random people you meet and show them love.
I promise once you do, you will bless their life... and you will be blessed as well!
Oh how He loves you and me!
Monday, December 12, 2011
A God of breakthroughs!
Well...
It has been a long time since I have sat down to write a blog.
There have been several reasons for that....but only by the grace of God am I able to sit down over a cup of coffee and some good praise and worship music, and pour my heart out to you.(not sure who "you" are...or if anyone reads this...but here we go)
So I have heard it said so many times in my life that God is a God of breakthroughs.
In fact, I have experienced several breakthroughs in my life and given that glory to God without even questioning it was He who did a good work in me.
well...about 4 months ago I began to seek God for a breakthrough again. I needed divine help.
I prayed.
I spent time seeking after Him.
and still...
No breakthrough.
So, I waited. I wish I could say that I waited with extreme faith. But, I want to be transparent with you by saying that I got impatient several times and even questioned things!
I am ashamed that my faith was not strong enough; however, I have learned so much about the Lord's faithfulness because of those times.
It was because of those times that I got very real before the Lord and cried out to Him for clarity and help.
Have you ever been there?
Maybe you need a breakthrough.
It could be in your finances...
maybe its freedom from an addiction..
maybe its clarity on how to handle a situation..
maybe its struggling with how to handle certain people in your life..
maybe its breaking chains or strongholds in your life that keep you from moving forward..
maybe its trusting Him with your life and future...
Whatever it is that you are facing know that you are not alone.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you" -Jesus. (Heb. 13:5b)
There are people all around you that are needing some type of breakthrough in their lives!
You will find them at school...
at work...
at church...
even on your news feed on facebook.
Each of us are yearning for something.
If you aren't now...you will be eventually...that is just the way life goes.
BUT..because we serve a sovereign God...we can rest assured that we will NOT walk alone in those times of struggle and waiting.
As a way of showing His glory and provision I want to share with you my breakthrough!
My breakthrough...
was FREEDOM!
Let me explain.
I have been seeking for God to come and change things in my life so powerfully in a certain area. I have quite honestly begged Him at times. I wanted something so badly and could not understand why God was not allowing me to have it! I knew that I would not have a breakthrough until what I was praying for(or what "I" thought was best) came about.
Well....
I didn't get what I was praying for.
In fact I still have not experienced the breakthrough I thought I was going to get.
Instead, God graciously gave me the breakthrough He knew I needed!
After all the months of seeking, praying and waiting...my breakthrough came in the freedom of knowing that a sovereign God has my best interest at heart!
He gave me freedom and peace!
He broke through my stubborn pride and waited patiently for me to realize that there is complete peace when I yield control to Him.
Is there something in your life that need freedom from?
Are you seeking the Lord for a breakthrough???
Whatever you are going through in your life please remember that God loves to show His faithfulness to His children!
It might take days, weeks, or months for things to change.
BUT.. I promise you that as you draw close to Him and seek His will for your life He will breakthrough anything that you are facing and show you His power!
"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it , and it will be yours." -Jesus (Mark11:23-24)
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!
It has been a long time since I have sat down to write a blog.
There have been several reasons for that....but only by the grace of God am I able to sit down over a cup of coffee and some good praise and worship music, and pour my heart out to you.(not sure who "you" are...or if anyone reads this...but here we go)
So I have heard it said so many times in my life that God is a God of breakthroughs.
In fact, I have experienced several breakthroughs in my life and given that glory to God without even questioning it was He who did a good work in me.
well...about 4 months ago I began to seek God for a breakthrough again. I needed divine help.
I prayed.
I spent time seeking after Him.
and still...
No breakthrough.
So, I waited. I wish I could say that I waited with extreme faith. But, I want to be transparent with you by saying that I got impatient several times and even questioned things!
I am ashamed that my faith was not strong enough; however, I have learned so much about the Lord's faithfulness because of those times.
It was because of those times that I got very real before the Lord and cried out to Him for clarity and help.
Have you ever been there?
Maybe you need a breakthrough.
It could be in your finances...
maybe its freedom from an addiction..
maybe its clarity on how to handle a situation..
maybe its struggling with how to handle certain people in your life..
maybe its breaking chains or strongholds in your life that keep you from moving forward..
maybe its trusting Him with your life and future...
Whatever it is that you are facing know that you are not alone.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you" -Jesus. (Heb. 13:5b)
There are people all around you that are needing some type of breakthrough in their lives!
You will find them at school...
at work...
at church...
even on your news feed on facebook.
Each of us are yearning for something.
If you aren't now...you will be eventually...that is just the way life goes.
BUT..because we serve a sovereign God...we can rest assured that we will NOT walk alone in those times of struggle and waiting.
As a way of showing His glory and provision I want to share with you my breakthrough!
My breakthrough...
was FREEDOM!
Let me explain.
I have been seeking for God to come and change things in my life so powerfully in a certain area. I have quite honestly begged Him at times. I wanted something so badly and could not understand why God was not allowing me to have it! I knew that I would not have a breakthrough until what I was praying for(or what "I" thought was best) came about.
Well....
I didn't get what I was praying for.
In fact I still have not experienced the breakthrough I thought I was going to get.
Instead, God graciously gave me the breakthrough He knew I needed!
After all the months of seeking, praying and waiting...my breakthrough came in the freedom of knowing that a sovereign God has my best interest at heart!
He gave me freedom and peace!
He broke through my stubborn pride and waited patiently for me to realize that there is complete peace when I yield control to Him.
Is there something in your life that need freedom from?
Are you seeking the Lord for a breakthrough???
Whatever you are going through in your life please remember that God loves to show His faithfulness to His children!
It might take days, weeks, or months for things to change.
BUT.. I promise you that as you draw close to Him and seek His will for your life He will breakthrough anything that you are facing and show you His power!
"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it , and it will be yours." -Jesus (Mark11:23-24)
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Humbled by Visions of Beauty
"When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive" - Psalm 69:32
Have you ever had one of those days when you are really struggling with where you are at in life?
You know....you just don't feel satisfied.
Yesterday morning I woke up feeling very discouraged....
I sat down and read my Bible to try and shift my focus, but I just didn't want to allow my spirit to feel comforted. (I was being a big baby if you can't tell)
I prayed that God would help me to get over myself and that He would provide me some comfort.
Well, He sure did provide comfort...but not in the way that I expected.
He provided comfort through visions of beauty that caused me to feel very humbled for not appreciating what I did have in my life.
It is amazing how God works....
I was struggling with not having my own home, and He reminded me that I was lucky enough not to lose my home in a tornado.
I was struggling with not having my own family, and He showed me the ache and loss of a family who had just lost their mother; reminding me that I was lucky enough to still have my mom and dad.
I was struggling with not having enough money, and He reminded me through the homeless man on the corner that I had enough.
I was struggling with not spending enough time working out in the gym, and He reminded me that I was lucky enough to have the ability to walk by seeing an elderly man walking down the street with a walker.
I am not saying that by looking at loss or despair in someone elses life that it will instantly make us feel better. It does however help to put things into perspective. It causes us to realize that we have so much more than so many people around us!
Is there anything in your life that you are struggling with?
Take a look at this world and you will see visions that will cause you to realize how blessed you are!
Yesterday, I was hoping that when I prayed for comfort He would bring some of the things into my life that I wanted.
However, God provided comfort by humbling me through visions of loss, hurt, and despair that I had more than I needed...
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Love Is A Gift
I have been living with her for 6 months now while I finish school, and it has been the most precious gift from God.
When I moved in part of the deal was that I would help her out for two weekends a month.
This consisted of staying at home Friday night through Monday morning to make sure that all of her needs were met, and that she would have someone to take her to church on Sundays.
I was excited/nervous about the opportunity to help.
Since moving in I have been blessed beyond anything I could even dream up or imagine.
Lorlene Patterson(mama L) is 87 years young. She is the mother of three wonderful children, who all have beautiful families. Her husband passed away several years ago, but she still talks about him daily and even sits in his chair in the garage about once a day and reflects on the past.(its a beautiful thing to see)
She has a lovely home, but spends most of her day sitting in a small room in the far corner of her house, where she watches FOX News all day.
She also has a large window in that room that allows her to look out at a beautiful pond.
Every day for the last six months I have come down my steps out of my room to find her sitting alone in perfect contentment.
This vision of contentment has really taught me a lot about my own life.
I have been in a season of constant "GO GO GO" lately. (I think most of us are there)
God knew that with all that I was going through that I would need gentle reminders to stop and pay attention to the small things.
I have come to really love and appreciate the small things because of my time with Mama.
I would like to share some of the things that she has taught me...just by being who she is.
Every day she spends time talking about her loved ones. She talks about her grandchildren and her children like they are the most precious things in her life. She shows me pictures constantly and I love every minute of it because I can see how much joy it brings her. Talking about family might seem like a small thing, but as I listen to her I am reminded of how important it is to invest moments into the lives of the ones we love. I sometimes find myself crying as listen to her funny stories and treasured memories, but I relish every ounce of happiness that it brings her! One of the most beautiful things to see is how her face lights up when she knows that someone in her family is coming to see her. You would think that a movie star was coming...but to her they are far greater than any movie star!
Laughter is a daily activity with mama. She always finds a way to make me laugh, smile and forget about the craziness of my life. I could be having the worst day and I will come in, lay my head down on the table and she will say some random comment and I can't help but burst out in laughter. In those moments I am reminded that life is not that bad. I will tell her my problem and she will say, "Oh honey...it WILL get better"
Today I asked her what was her favorite thing to do during her day. She said, " nothing at all". (and then she laughed..ha)
She was being funny of course, but the beauty in that statement is that she has lived long enough to know that true contentment comes when we are still.
I am not saying that we should be lazy....
But we have to strive for moments of stillness and rest.
At 87 her joy is not found in anything materialistic. She could go anywhere or do anything, but her joy comes from the memories with family that were created a long time ago.
She tells me all the time that...
"Wealth can come and go...
Health can come and go...
but having someone in your life to love and treasure will be something that nobody can take away"
There is nothing in this world that we can take with us when we die. So while you are here spend time loving, caring and creating memories that will leave lasting imprints on the hearts and minds of those you leave behind.
Love is a gift...don't take it for granted
Oh how He loves you and me!
Lessons from a short man!
I love the movie "Rudy"
The first time I saw this movie, I remember thinking, "YES...a movie about a short person!"
(Hey...its not every day that you see a hero depicted as short in stature. )
If you haven't seen the movie, the basic storyline is about a young boy who is determined to go to school at Notre Dame so he can play football. It walks you through his disappointments and let downs as he pursues, against all odds, his dream of becoming a player.
I know there have been several times in my life, when faced with disappointments and failures, that I have wanted to give up!
Life can get overwhelming, and the weight of everything can sometimes be so heavy that giving up would just be so much easier.
HOWEVER....
When we have a calling, passion, or dream that we are determined to see through, there is no disappointment too great that we can't overcome it!
God tells us in Exodus 33:14 that, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end."
What journey are you on?
Maybe you are in the beginning stages of going for your dream. You might be sitting back thinking, "I can't accomplish a dream that big"
Maybe you are in the midst of pursuing your dream and you are fighting against disappointment, failure and defeat.
Wherever you are at...God promises you that He will see your journey to the end!
He doesn't promise that it will be easy...but He does provide you with the strength, perseverance and courage as you press on!
I have a dear friend who is really struggling right now!
She is fighting with all she has to get to where she knows she wants to be, but this life keeps throwing curve balls at her, causing her to become very discouraged.
The beautiful thing about my sweet, sweet friend, is that although she continues to face road blocks, she is determined not to give up!
She is daring to believe, and put every ounce of faith she has inside of her, that God's will be faithful to provide!
She reminds me of Rudy.
She is pushing, believing, working , and striving.....
She feels like her faith is small in stature, compared to the huge obstacles that stand in her way. But regardless of how small she feels, she knows that the power of God to get her through is bigger than anything she will face!
My dear friends...wherever you are at in your life right now...KNOW that God is able to do SO MUCH MORE than you can think of or imagine! That is a real promise out of His Word. (Ephesians 3:20)
Trust Him with your dream...
Lean on Him when times get tough...
and He will carry you on His shoulders as you victoriously accomplish what you have set out to do!
OHHHHHH how He loves you and me!
The first time I saw this movie, I remember thinking, "YES...a movie about a short person!"
(Hey...its not every day that you see a hero depicted as short in stature. )
If you haven't seen the movie, the basic storyline is about a young boy who is determined to go to school at Notre Dame so he can play football. It walks you through his disappointments and let downs as he pursues, against all odds, his dream of becoming a player.
I know there have been several times in my life, when faced with disappointments and failures, that I have wanted to give up!
Life can get overwhelming, and the weight of everything can sometimes be so heavy that giving up would just be so much easier.
HOWEVER....
When we have a calling, passion, or dream that we are determined to see through, there is no disappointment too great that we can't overcome it!
God tells us in Exodus 33:14 that, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end."
What journey are you on?
Maybe you are in the beginning stages of going for your dream. You might be sitting back thinking, "I can't accomplish a dream that big"
Maybe you are in the midst of pursuing your dream and you are fighting against disappointment, failure and defeat.
Wherever you are at...God promises you that He will see your journey to the end!
He doesn't promise that it will be easy...but He does provide you with the strength, perseverance and courage as you press on!
I have a dear friend who is really struggling right now!
She is fighting with all she has to get to where she knows she wants to be, but this life keeps throwing curve balls at her, causing her to become very discouraged.
The beautiful thing about my sweet, sweet friend, is that although she continues to face road blocks, she is determined not to give up!
She is daring to believe, and put every ounce of faith she has inside of her, that God's will be faithful to provide!
She reminds me of Rudy.
She is pushing, believing, working , and striving.....
She feels like her faith is small in stature, compared to the huge obstacles that stand in her way. But regardless of how small she feels, she knows that the power of God to get her through is bigger than anything she will face!
My dear friends...wherever you are at in your life right now...KNOW that God is able to do SO MUCH MORE than you can think of or imagine! That is a real promise out of His Word. (Ephesians 3:20)
Trust Him with your dream...
Lean on Him when times get tough...
and He will carry you on His shoulders as you victoriously accomplish what you have set out to do!
OHHHHHH how He loves you and me!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
sister from another mother
So the story must be told :)
Once upon a time there were two little home schoolers :)
These two little girls didn't know each other when they were young, but they were destined to meet in a coffee shop(very storybook setting) many years later.
This is my version of our story :)
One summer day as I was searching for a roommate to live with me in my new apartment, I decided to stop at a small coffee shop and ask a college pastor if he knew of anyone who needed a place to live. I had spent a lot of time looking for someone and I was beginning to get pretty discouraged. In the middle of telling him what I was looking for, he stopped me and turned to his left and pointed to the cutest, most fashionable girl sitting at a tall table working on her computer. He said, "Mechel, meet Reagan. Reagan, meet Mechel."
I talked to her for about 5 minutes...but I knew instantly that she was going to be my new roommate.
Well, she did move in and I fell in love with her instantly!
I am sure most of you who read this blog know Rea. (if you don't know her, you should)
Some of the beautiful things about my friend include...but are not limited to...
An authentic heart....
A giving spirit...
A passion to serve...
The willingness to admit faults..
Unbelievable strength under pressure..
Deep love for family...
Always seeking to do what is right...
Always seeking wisdom to follow God's plan...
And the most, most, mostest, mosterest, supportive bestest friend ever! (kinda dramatic, but true :)
She has been there for me through thick and thin since I met her, and I praise God every day that He brought her into my life. Like any friends, we have had our ups and downs...but everything has only made me love her more.
She never ceases to amaze me with the strength of heart that she exhibits under pressure, and the determination to grow in His love every day.
I am so thankful that God entrusted me with such a beautiful friend...
A friend that I am proud to call my sister!
Love ya Rea!
Once upon a time there were two little home schoolers :)
This is my version of our story :)
One summer day as I was searching for a roommate to live with me in my new apartment, I decided to stop at a small coffee shop and ask a college pastor if he knew of anyone who needed a place to live. I had spent a lot of time looking for someone and I was beginning to get pretty discouraged. In the middle of telling him what I was looking for, he stopped me and turned to his left and pointed to the cutest, most fashionable girl sitting at a tall table working on her computer. He said, "Mechel, meet Reagan. Reagan, meet Mechel."
Well, she did move in and I fell in love with her instantly!
I am sure most of you who read this blog know Rea. (if you don't know her, you should)
An authentic heart....
A giving spirit...
A passion to serve...
The willingness to admit faults..
Unbelievable strength under pressure..
Deep love for family...
Always seeking to do what is right...
Always seeking wisdom to follow God's plan...
And the most, most, mostest, mosterest, supportive bestest friend ever! (kinda dramatic, but true :)
She has been there for me through thick and thin since I met her, and I praise God every day that He brought her into my life. Like any friends, we have had our ups and downs...but everything has only made me love her more.
She never ceases to amaze me with the strength of heart that she exhibits under pressure, and the determination to grow in His love every day.
I am so thankful that God entrusted me with such a beautiful friend...
A friend that I am proud to call my sister!
Love ya Rea!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Radical love flows from a modest heart!
I would like to preface this blog by expressing to each of you that I dealt with some intense internal battles as I prepared to sit down and share my thoughts with you.
To be honest...I didn't want to share this blog at all.
I have been wrestling the Lord for weeks about sharing my heart, in love, on an issue that will seem "crazy" to some of you who read and listen to this.
I don't want to look crazy...
I don't want people to think I am legalistic...
and I definitely do not want to offend anyone.
So, my struggle has been trying to figure out how to share something that I feel women should be reminded of without hurting, offending or making myself seem "religious".
I have prayed over how to approach this topic.(I have mostly been praying that God would take the conviction away to share this...that never works by the way)
I couldn't tell what He was leading me to do, so I decided to seek after the answer by reading in Proverbs and by listening to some sermons that dealt with the issue that I was dealing with.
Well....those things only made me feel stronger that I needed to do something.( DARN!!!)
I will say that it is not easy to share something that you know others will look down on you for.
It isn't easy because a lot of times people will think that you are trying to look better than them or they will cast judgement on you...
BUT....
All I can do is let each of you know that I am convinced that by sharing this I only seek to show you love!
Someone shared their heart in love with me about this issue and because it was presented in love...I was able to receive it better. My prayer is that those of you who take the time to listen to the sermon that I have attached will see this as a simple act of love.
All I can do is pray that as each of you listen to the sermon that I have attached to this blog, that you will be moved by the Spirit as He reaveals in love, the beauty of a radical and modest heart!
http://mp3.sa-media.com/media/12908209345/12908209345.mp3
(click on this and you can hear the sermon right away...it is worth it)
To be honest...I didn't want to share this blog at all.
I have been wrestling the Lord for weeks about sharing my heart, in love, on an issue that will seem "crazy" to some of you who read and listen to this.
I don't want to look crazy...
I don't want people to think I am legalistic...
and I definitely do not want to offend anyone.
So, my struggle has been trying to figure out how to share something that I feel women should be reminded of without hurting, offending or making myself seem "religious".
I have prayed over how to approach this topic.(I have mostly been praying that God would take the conviction away to share this...that never works by the way)
I couldn't tell what He was leading me to do, so I decided to seek after the answer by reading in Proverbs and by listening to some sermons that dealt with the issue that I was dealing with.
Well....those things only made me feel stronger that I needed to do something.( DARN!!!)
I will say that it is not easy to share something that you know others will look down on you for.
It isn't easy because a lot of times people will think that you are trying to look better than them or they will cast judgement on you...
BUT....
All I can do is let each of you know that I am convinced that by sharing this I only seek to show you love!
Someone shared their heart in love with me about this issue and because it was presented in love...I was able to receive it better. My prayer is that those of you who take the time to listen to the sermon that I have attached will see this as a simple act of love.
All I can do is pray that as each of you listen to the sermon that I have attached to this blog, that you will be moved by the Spirit as He reaveals in love, the beauty of a radical and modest heart!
http://mp3.sa-media.com/media/12908209345/12908209345.mp3
(click on this and you can hear the sermon right away...it is worth it)
Oh how He loves you and me!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Constant.
"On the day I called, You answered me;
my strength of soul You increased." Psalm 138:3
Are you facing something in life right now that you need the Lord to give you a solid answer on?
I know that when I am struggling with something that I have been praying for for a long time, I will say this verse over and over again.
I found so much hope in the words because it says, "on the DAY I called, You ANSWERED me"
I would always think to myself ..."wow, on the day I cry out to Him, He is going to give me an answer".
I thought, "AWESOME! I am going to get my prayer answered today"!
The truth is He does answer our prayers right away.
Sometimes He says Yes...
Sometimes He says No........
and sometimes He says WAIT....
However, the more I recited this verse I began to see that what the writer became convinced of, was that God answered him by giving him strength of soul to carry on and wait for whatever His answer might be.
Later in that chapter David praises God for the way that He preserves him against his enemies.
David calls out to the Lord and says, "On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul you increased."
I do believe that the Lord answered David...whether it was yes, no, or not yet; however, I believe that what David is trying to convey to us is that whatever the answer was, the greater gift was that God strengthened his soul!
I know so many people right now who are hurting. I myself just got a NO from God...and it was very clear because it came in the form of a letter in the mail! (ouch)
BUT...
What I have learned through this is that as I wait, or as I get disappointed with the dreaded "NO", the Lord still gives me something. He gives me the strength of soul to carry on!
There is nothing in this life that we can hold on to!
Everything that you have could be taken from you in a second!
Your job..
your health...
your children...
your family....
So many times we struggle though life because we want all of these things to be exactly right. We cry out to God asking Him to give us an answer for "something"....when what we really need is Him alone!
One thing I have learned in my life is that Christ is the only thing that lasts.
He is constant.
His faithful.
He never leaves us when we are hurting.
He never judges us for where we are at in life...
He gently waits on us to seek Him, and lovingly accepts us back into His arms.
Whatever you are facing today, remember that He is bigger!
Cry out to Him and ask Him for help, and watch as He pours out enough strength for your weary soul.
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!
my strength of soul You increased." Psalm 138:3
Are you facing something in life right now that you need the Lord to give you a solid answer on?
I know that when I am struggling with something that I have been praying for for a long time, I will say this verse over and over again.
I found so much hope in the words because it says, "on the DAY I called, You ANSWERED me"
I would always think to myself ..."wow, on the day I cry out to Him, He is going to give me an answer".
I thought, "AWESOME! I am going to get my prayer answered today"!
The truth is He does answer our prayers right away.
Sometimes He says Yes...
Sometimes He says No........
and sometimes He says WAIT....
However, the more I recited this verse I began to see that what the writer became convinced of, was that God answered him by giving him strength of soul to carry on and wait for whatever His answer might be.
Later in that chapter David praises God for the way that He preserves him against his enemies.
David calls out to the Lord and says, "On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul you increased."
I do believe that the Lord answered David...whether it was yes, no, or not yet; however, I believe that what David is trying to convey to us is that whatever the answer was, the greater gift was that God strengthened his soul!
I know so many people right now who are hurting. I myself just got a NO from God...and it was very clear because it came in the form of a letter in the mail! (ouch)
BUT...
What I have learned through this is that as I wait, or as I get disappointed with the dreaded "NO", the Lord still gives me something. He gives me the strength of soul to carry on!
There is nothing in this life that we can hold on to!
Everything that you have could be taken from you in a second!
Your job..
your health...
your children...
your family....
So many times we struggle though life because we want all of these things to be exactly right. We cry out to God asking Him to give us an answer for "something"....when what we really need is Him alone!
One thing I have learned in my life is that Christ is the only thing that lasts.
He is constant.
His faithful.
He never leaves us when we are hurting.
He never judges us for where we are at in life...
He gently waits on us to seek Him, and lovingly accepts us back into His arms.
Whatever you are facing today, remember that He is bigger!
Cry out to Him and ask Him for help, and watch as He pours out enough strength for your weary soul.
Oh how He loves you and me!!!!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Comfort
 |
Isaiah 53:10 (Isaiah 53)
he has put him to grief;1
when his soul makes2 an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Is there anything in your life you are pleading for God to help you with?
I have several dear friends and loved ones who have called me lately that are overcome with grief as they cry out to God for answers and help.
I have cried and prayed with them; but when a friend shares moments of great confusion and deep hurt, it is not always easy to find words to say that will offer the encouragement they need.
I know sometimes all someone needs is a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, but my heart aches to do something or say something more to provide a band aid for their wounded soul.
Something common I hear from my friends, that resonates within me(because I know I have felt this way too) is this, "I am crying out for God to do something...but He is silent!"
This morning as I was thinking of my dear friends I have talked to lately, I began to think on that statement.
The part of that statement that hit me was "GOD DO SOMETHING!"
It is deep plea that is asked during a time of confusion and pain.
I began to humbly ask God for wisdom of how to offer encouragement to my friends.
I believe that sometimes we can get to a point when we are so beat down and weary that we have a hard time hearing words of encouragement. We are tired and wounded from life and we don't feel like fighting anymore.
HOWEVER....
Today as I was seeking out how to answer my friends questions about when God was going to help them, I was reminded of a verse in Isaiah 53 that shed some light.
In verse 10 Isaiah reminds us that, "it was the will of the Lord to crush Him".
Isaiah was telling us that it was the will of the Father to CRUSH His Son for US!
You see my friends...He has done something for you and for me already!
He chose to send His Son to die for us and to suffer for us. Christ knows exactly what it feels like to be crushed and broken.
We all experience different things in life and no other human can really understand the depth of pain we are going through.
But we can find comfort in knowing that He understands!
If you are in a season of confusion, hurt, loss, or fear, I pray that even if you do not have the desire or strength to read His word...you will do it anyways!
Reading His word will not instantly change what you are walking though in life right away; but as you read of His sacrifices for you and the love He has for you, you will begin to experience a deep peace that will carry you through your storm.
Even He was not free from pain, persecution, betrayal or loss.
He came and experienced all of it not only to save our souls, but also to lovingly remind us in moments when nobody else understands ...that He knows!
I do not know what you are going through.
I do not understand the ache that you are feeling...
....but I do know that He has done something to help you!
Whatever you are facing, I pray that you will have the strength to seek Him for comfort... because I know you will find it in abundance!
My sweet friends... Oh how He loves you and me!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Put MANURE on it...but DON"T GIVE UP!
Are you facing something in your life right now that you want to give up on????
Is it something that you have been working hard at for a long time and you are just not seeing any fruits produced from your labor???
It could be a number of things...
You could be struggling with losing weight. No matter how hard you try to stick to your diet and try to get some exercise in...it just never seems like it works! You fall back into old habits and get so discouraged that you don't want to get back on the wagon.
You could be struggling with your finances. You tell yourself every month that you are going to do better with keeping track of your expenses and save more...but before you know it, the month is over and you have failed to accomplish your goals.
You could be struggling with spending time with the Lord. You know how important it is to spend time in the Word and you tell yourself that you are going to make sure to pray more, read more and study more...but as the days pass you feel frustrated that you just can't get focused.
You could be struggling with your job. It could be a number of things in this area that threaten to bring you down. You could be unhappy where you are at in your job and are waiting on God to open new doors of opportunity. You could be struggling with being so overwhelmed in your current position, and are waiting on God to deliver you from your situation.
You could be struggling with a relationship. It could be a marriage that has lost passion for a number of reasons;and you are pleading with God to restore authentic love. It could be a broken relationship with a mom, dad, sister, brother or any family member.
You could be struggling with... (place your own issue here).
Whatever you are dealing with in your life right now I want to encourage you....
PUT SOME MANURE ON IT...BUT DON"T GIVE UP!!!!!!
Let me explain why I say this to you :)
In the book of Luke, chapter 13, Christ gives us a parable of a fig tree that provides us comfort in times when we feel like giving up.
It says,
“A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vine dresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. ”
There are a couple of things in here that I want to share that might provide you some encouragement. (I know I was encouraged as I read them)
First...I want you to see that the Lord says that this man was struggling to produce fruit for THREE YEARS!!!!! I don't know about you...but after that long I would want to give up too!
Second...I want you to see that Christ tells us this story and explains the frustration that the man must have felt after three years of waiting with NO results. I found great comfort in this because it showed me that Christ really understands how weary we can become as we wait on something! The Lord of this universe can relate to us!
Third...The Lord continues with story by showing us that even when we feel like we can't go on, HE WILL provide a way for us to get through! He tells us that we should put manure on the tree and wait....
He knows that there will be times that we want to give up!!!!
BUT.....
He is reminding us that we have to continue on in faith!
He knows it isn't easy...
He hears your prayers.
He sees your tears.
and He knows your struggle.
A friend told me the other day that when God wounds us He is binding us to Him! He said that if God were to give us everything we want we might be happy, but He would rather use the moments when we need Him to give us true joy in Him alone!
Begin to look at what He is teaching you as you wait.
Don't give up on what you have been believing and praying for. We serve a faithful God who knows exactly what you need...when you need it!!!
Keep going...don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh how He loves you and me!
Is it something that you have been working hard at for a long time and you are just not seeing any fruits produced from your labor???
It could be a number of things...
You could be struggling with losing weight. No matter how hard you try to stick to your diet and try to get some exercise in...it just never seems like it works! You fall back into old habits and get so discouraged that you don't want to get back on the wagon.
You could be struggling with your finances. You tell yourself every month that you are going to do better with keeping track of your expenses and save more...but before you know it, the month is over and you have failed to accomplish your goals.
You could be struggling with spending time with the Lord. You know how important it is to spend time in the Word and you tell yourself that you are going to make sure to pray more, read more and study more...but as the days pass you feel frustrated that you just can't get focused.
You could be struggling with your job. It could be a number of things in this area that threaten to bring you down. You could be unhappy where you are at in your job and are waiting on God to open new doors of opportunity. You could be struggling with being so overwhelmed in your current position, and are waiting on God to deliver you from your situation.
You could be struggling with a relationship. It could be a marriage that has lost passion for a number of reasons;and you are pleading with God to restore authentic love. It could be a broken relationship with a mom, dad, sister, brother or any family member.
You could be struggling with... (place your own issue here).
Whatever you are dealing with in your life right now I want to encourage you....
PUT SOME MANURE ON IT...BUT DON"T GIVE UP!!!!!!
Let me explain why I say this to you :)
In the book of Luke, chapter 13, Christ gives us a parable of a fig tree that provides us comfort in times when we feel like giving up.
It says,
“A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vine dresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. ”
There are a couple of things in here that I want to share that might provide you some encouragement. (I know I was encouraged as I read them)
First...I want you to see that the Lord says that this man was struggling to produce fruit for THREE YEARS!!!!! I don't know about you...but after that long I would want to give up too!
Second...I want you to see that Christ tells us this story and explains the frustration that the man must have felt after three years of waiting with NO results. I found great comfort in this because it showed me that Christ really understands how weary we can become as we wait on something! The Lord of this universe can relate to us!
Third...The Lord continues with story by showing us that even when we feel like we can't go on, HE WILL provide a way for us to get through! He tells us that we should put manure on the tree and wait....
He knows that there will be times that we want to give up!!!!
BUT.....
He is reminding us that we have to continue on in faith!
He knows it isn't easy...
He hears your prayers.
He sees your tears.
and He knows your struggle.
A friend told me the other day that when God wounds us He is binding us to Him! He said that if God were to give us everything we want we might be happy, but He would rather use the moments when we need Him to give us true joy in Him alone!
Begin to look at what He is teaching you as you wait.
Don't give up on what you have been believing and praying for. We serve a faithful God who knows exactly what you need...when you need it!!!
Keep going...don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh how He loves you and me!
Monday, April 25, 2011
I aint got no satisfaction...when I "satisfy the crowd"
Easter is one of my favorite days of the year!
It's a beautiful day that brings hundreds of people to church who don't regularly go; and it is more importantly the day that reminds us that we are free because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Every year I read the story of Christ's crusifixion and pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal something new to me through the story. I also try to watch the Passion of the Christ each year.(it almost makes my skin crawl each time...but I force myself to watch it anyways)
Of course I always get very emotional as I read the story and I am reminded of what He went through for someone like me...
I am humbled to the point of weeping as I watch Him scourged for my sins...
A wide array of emotions flood my spirit as I replay His sacrifice for me; and I find myself broken and unspeakably thankful for His gift.
As I take time to dive into the story in the Scriptures I come to appreciate the power of the Holy Spirit to lead me and teach me new things from scriptures that I have read several times.
This year as I was reading in Mark 15, I came across a verse that I have read many times, but have never paid close attention to until now.
It says, " So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crusified."(vs.15)
The key words that jumped out at me were,
"wishing to satisfy the crowd".
As I read those words my heart began to ache.
You see, it was in those words that I began to see myself!
I have always thought of Pilate as an evil and hateful man who was unwilling to save my Jesus from death on a cross.
I have detested his actions and have held him more accountable for the death of Christ than any other character in the story.
I mean, I know that all of this was a part of God's plan...but I couldn't help but wish and hope every time I heard the story that somehow Pilate would not give in to the crowd!
As I read the story this Easter I began to see Pilate from a different perspective.
Now do not hear me say that I think he was right! I am not agreeing with him! What I am trying to bring light to is his need to "satisfy the crowd".
Those words were like arrows to my heart!
You see, so many times in my lilfe I have done the same thing to Jesus. I hopes to please my peers, employers, or even my family, I have turned my back on Christ and chosen my to please the crowd instead of choosing Him.
People pleasing can come in many forms.
Such as:
Not standing up for what is right because you are worried what people think...
Not taking a step out in faith because you are worried what people will say...
Not dressing modestly because you are worried people will think you are too rigid...
Not sharing Christ with people because you fear rejection...
Not staying pure in relationships because you are afraid of losing the person...
These are just a few examples of ways that we choose to please the crowd over simply choosing Him.
None of these can come close to comparing with what Pilate did to please the crowd; but I believe that we can use this example to remind us how damaging it can be to us when we seek to please the opinions of others.
It is not always easy to make the right decision. In fact, no matter how good your intentions or how hard you try, there still might be times when you choose the crowd over Jesus.
HOWEVER....
the most beautiful thing about our Savior is that He loves us anyways!
When Pilate washed his hands of Christ and sent Him to His death - Jesus loved anyways.
When Peter denied Him-Jesus died for him anyways.
When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss - Jesus forgave him anyways.
I challenge each of you to look at the areas in your life where you are seeking the approval of men and ask yourselves if it's more important than Christ's sacrifice...
Wherever you are at in your walk with the Lord know that He understands and lovingly waits for all of your heart.
He is patient...
He is kind...
and there is nothing He wouldn't give up for you!
Today, make the choice to quiet the crowd around you, and He will be all you need to satisfy your soul!
Oh how He loves you and me!!!
It's a beautiful day that brings hundreds of people to church who don't regularly go; and it is more importantly the day that reminds us that we are free because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Every year I read the story of Christ's crusifixion and pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal something new to me through the story. I also try to watch the Passion of the Christ each year.(it almost makes my skin crawl each time...but I force myself to watch it anyways)
Of course I always get very emotional as I read the story and I am reminded of what He went through for someone like me...
I am humbled to the point of weeping as I watch Him scourged for my sins...
A wide array of emotions flood my spirit as I replay His sacrifice for me; and I find myself broken and unspeakably thankful for His gift.
As I take time to dive into the story in the Scriptures I come to appreciate the power of the Holy Spirit to lead me and teach me new things from scriptures that I have read several times.
This year as I was reading in Mark 15, I came across a verse that I have read many times, but have never paid close attention to until now.
It says, " So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crusified."(vs.15)
The key words that jumped out at me were,
"wishing to satisfy the crowd".
As I read those words my heart began to ache.
You see, it was in those words that I began to see myself!
I have always thought of Pilate as an evil and hateful man who was unwilling to save my Jesus from death on a cross.
I have detested his actions and have held him more accountable for the death of Christ than any other character in the story.
I mean, I know that all of this was a part of God's plan...but I couldn't help but wish and hope every time I heard the story that somehow Pilate would not give in to the crowd!
As I read the story this Easter I began to see Pilate from a different perspective.
Now do not hear me say that I think he was right! I am not agreeing with him! What I am trying to bring light to is his need to "satisfy the crowd".
Those words were like arrows to my heart!
You see, so many times in my lilfe I have done the same thing to Jesus. I hopes to please my peers, employers, or even my family, I have turned my back on Christ and chosen my to please the crowd instead of choosing Him.
People pleasing can come in many forms.
Such as:
Not standing up for what is right because you are worried what people think...
Not taking a step out in faith because you are worried what people will say...
Not dressing modestly because you are worried people will think you are too rigid...
Not sharing Christ with people because you fear rejection...
Not staying pure in relationships because you are afraid of losing the person...
These are just a few examples of ways that we choose to please the crowd over simply choosing Him.
None of these can come close to comparing with what Pilate did to please the crowd; but I believe that we can use this example to remind us how damaging it can be to us when we seek to please the opinions of others.
It is not always easy to make the right decision. In fact, no matter how good your intentions or how hard you try, there still might be times when you choose the crowd over Jesus.
HOWEVER....
the most beautiful thing about our Savior is that He loves us anyways!
When Pilate washed his hands of Christ and sent Him to His death - Jesus loved anyways.
When Peter denied Him-Jesus died for him anyways.
When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss - Jesus forgave him anyways.
I challenge each of you to look at the areas in your life where you are seeking the approval of men and ask yourselves if it's more important than Christ's sacrifice...
Wherever you are at in your walk with the Lord know that He understands and lovingly waits for all of your heart.
He is patient...
He is kind...
and there is nothing He wouldn't give up for you!
Today, make the choice to quiet the crowd around you, and He will be all you need to satisfy your soul!
Oh how He loves you and me!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
CLOSED??? NOPE...just a detour
So I know I have been writing a lot lately...but I just can't help it when my brain gets to workin...
My mind get to thinking about things and it will almost explode if I don't get it out and share it with someone.
I am not even sure how many people read these blogs, but I know that it makes me feel better :)
I know I have already established from some of my previous blogs that I am a little crazy; so just to confirm that fact I am going to prove it by some of the silly things that I am about to reveal about myself. (if you do some of these things too...please comment and let me know so I don't feel so crazy)
One of the things that fuels my passion for writing is the ability to look at anything and see the brilliance and beauty behind it.
Some of the crazy things I think about are things like this...
I smell a skunk and marvel at the fact that its smell doesn't bother me; and yet so many people "claim" (still don't believe this) that it stinks. I don't get it at all...but sometimes I feel sorry for the skunk and want to write a story about what it would be like to be known to the world as big stinker!
I can see a broken limb hanging from a tree, and I start to think up a story in my mind that could help someone relate to feeling broken in their own life.
I will see men and women holding up signs that say, "will work for food",and I will begin to write their story in my head. I think up a story that would reveal why they might be where they are, and then in the end I always give them a triumphant finish!
This happens all through my day and I am flooded with all of these made up stories that I just cant help but share!
Today, I saw something that put a story in my mind...
I was on my way to work and I was in a little bit of a hurry, so I decided to take the back roads to get to my destination.
My radio was playing a good song,the windows were down and my fingers were tapping against the steering wheel to the rhythm of the beat.
I looked at my clock and realized I was really cutting it close to making it to work on time... so I decided to go a little bit faster.(I know I was wrong for speeding)(I was only going 5 miles over)...(I KNOW SPEEDING IS SPEEDING :)
anyways...
As I got a little further down the road I began to notice in the distance some big trucks and large road equipment sitting right in my way!
Of course my first thought was, "UGHHHH! I'm already running late!"
and then of course my second thought was, "UGHHHHHHHHHHH!"(actually that was a continual feeling I had as I stared at the road block in front of me)
As I neared the road construction I saw two big signs that said "Road Closed" and "Detour".
My third thought, "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
I sat there for a couple of seconds trying to decide which way to turn since I was not allowed to go forward anymore.
As I sat there, my "story brain" started to kick in and I began to write a story for this situation.
(I even took a snapshot with my camera...its the pic posted at the top of the blog)
After turning left I began to think of all the times in my life when God has put a "Road Closed" sign on the path that I am walking through in my life.
I have had a lot of those signs placed in front of me...
I am just going along in life and for some reason God puts road block after road block in my path.
And after each one I think the same thing I thought today...
UGHHHHHHH!
It is never a pleasant experience when God places a road block in our path.
I mean, we know that in order to get to where we are going... going forward would be the quickest and easiest way to get there. It just makes sense...right???
But for some reason we are told to take a detour, or as it is also known "the long stinking way around", and find a different way to our final destination.
It's never easy to be stopped in our tracks. BUT...God knows the appropriate time to close a road in our life and take us on a detour that might be the long way around...but it will definitely be the road we need to take in order to get us to where He wants us to be!
Has God closed a road in your life lately?
Have you been on a detour for a really long time?
Wherever you are at on the road of life, just remember that you can safely set your life on cruise control and allow the Lord to take you home.
Oh how He loves you and me!!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
you can float like a butterfly but sometimes you gotta sting like a bee
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
...and again I say......OUCH!!!!!!!!
I'm hurt! (picture me laying down acting very dramatic...acting like I am in severe pain. just kidding...but if you know me, you know that I would seriously do that :)
Don't worry it's not physical pain...... it's just my pride. (honestly though I think I would prefer physical pain sometimes than to have my pride stomped on)
I mean, it stinks when our pride gets bruised or beaten up. Especially when we aren't expecting it to happen.
That's what happened to me last night.
I was going along...enjoying life...thinking I was living in ways that would honor the Lord...when BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hit unexpectedly by the sharp words of a dear friend.
The words cut deep to my heart because they dealt with issues that had to do with my character and morals.
The words of instruction and direction from my friend came out of left field!
I remember, after being confronted, my first thought was, "yeah right...you don't know my heart".
Then....my thought process turned to , "how dare you??????!!!!"
...and then..."WHATEVER....LEAVE ME ALONE...I DON"T NEED YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!" (as you can tell I was getting really worked up)
While I was thinking,my friend continued to speak calmly and lovingly to me about the issues that he felt needed to be addressed in my life.(I have to admit I was a little frustrated so it felt like he was hurling word bombs 100 miles an hour at my soul when in fact he was being very patient)
He didn't hold back from sharing things that might be uncomfortable for me to hear because he knew that even though it was uncomfortable for me, it was his job as a believer to share the TRUTH.
In my head I knew that he was telling me these things because he cared about me, but my pride started rise up inside of me and began to cloud my view of what he and the Lord were trying to do through this conversation.
My pride started to get the better of me and I began to get very uncomfortable. This caused me to start making facial expressions that obviously showed my frustration(awkaward moment) I know this because my friend stopped talking and suggested that we just pray together.
I was in such a shock that I honestly felt almost too embarrassed to pray.
Of course... I allowed him to pray over me, but again my pride did not want to allow my spirit to be softened.
I did not want to admit that he was right about where I was wrong.
I did not want to think that I could be doing something to make someone else stumble...
I was ashamed that I was unable to see this on my own.
But instead of seeing this as an opportunity for growth...I allowed my stinkin pride to get in the way!
I sat there listening to my friend share with me that all believers have a responsibility to go to their brothers and sistesr in Christ and lovingly remind them of God's TRUTHS.
He was not judgemental...
He was not harsh...
In fact, hours after our conversation was over I began to realize that the only person casting judgement during the conversation was me towards him.(GULP)
I was frustrated that he felt he could come to me and tell me that I was wrong.
The truth is that my friend never actually came out and told me that I was wrong. He just brought the TRUTHS before me and allowed the Spirit to do the rest.
The rest of that night I spent time alone evaluating my heart.
My friend reminded me of a verse in Proverbs 27 that says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend;profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
The idea behind this verse is that our true friends will come to us and share truths, even if it hurts!
Sometimes as believers we can get stagnant in our walk with the Lord.
It might even be that we are fire for the Lord, but there are just a few things that need some fine tuning.
Thankfully, God gave me some great friends who are willing to confront me...even when its not easy.
I was reminded by my friend last night that its okay to float around like a butterfly at times; but we have to remember that if we love someone and are truly lloking out for their best interst, we have to be willing at times to sting like a bee.
Is there anyone in you life right now that you need to talk to?
Is there someone you love that could use a little direction?
Take it from me it will not be easy for them to hear;however, if you go to them in love and speak TRUTH...God will do the heart work!
OH how He loves you and me!
...and again I say......OUCH!!!!!!!!
I'm hurt! (picture me laying down acting very dramatic...acting like I am in severe pain. just kidding...but if you know me, you know that I would seriously do that :)
Don't worry it's not physical pain...... it's just my pride. (honestly though I think I would prefer physical pain sometimes than to have my pride stomped on)
I mean, it stinks when our pride gets bruised or beaten up. Especially when we aren't expecting it to happen.
That's what happened to me last night.
I was going along...enjoying life...thinking I was living in ways that would honor the Lord...when BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hit unexpectedly by the sharp words of a dear friend.
The words cut deep to my heart because they dealt with issues that had to do with my character and morals.
The words of instruction and direction from my friend came out of left field!
I remember, after being confronted, my first thought was, "yeah right...you don't know my heart".
Then....my thought process turned to , "how dare you??????!!!!"
...and then..."WHATEVER....LEAVE ME ALONE...I DON"T NEED YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!" (as you can tell I was getting really worked up)
While I was thinking,my friend continued to speak calmly and lovingly to me about the issues that he felt needed to be addressed in my life.(I have to admit I was a little frustrated so it felt like he was hurling word bombs 100 miles an hour at my soul when in fact he was being very patient)
He didn't hold back from sharing things that might be uncomfortable for me to hear because he knew that even though it was uncomfortable for me, it was his job as a believer to share the TRUTH.
In my head I knew that he was telling me these things because he cared about me, but my pride started rise up inside of me and began to cloud my view of what he and the Lord were trying to do through this conversation.
My pride started to get the better of me and I began to get very uncomfortable. This caused me to start making facial expressions that obviously showed my frustration(awkaward moment) I know this because my friend stopped talking and suggested that we just pray together.
I was in such a shock that I honestly felt almost too embarrassed to pray.
Of course... I allowed him to pray over me, but again my pride did not want to allow my spirit to be softened.
I did not want to admit that he was right about where I was wrong.
I did not want to think that I could be doing something to make someone else stumble...
I was ashamed that I was unable to see this on my own.
But instead of seeing this as an opportunity for growth...I allowed my stinkin pride to get in the way!
I sat there listening to my friend share with me that all believers have a responsibility to go to their brothers and sistesr in Christ and lovingly remind them of God's TRUTHS.
He was not judgemental...
He was not harsh...
In fact, hours after our conversation was over I began to realize that the only person casting judgement during the conversation was me towards him.(GULP)
I was frustrated that he felt he could come to me and tell me that I was wrong.
The truth is that my friend never actually came out and told me that I was wrong. He just brought the TRUTHS before me and allowed the Spirit to do the rest.
The rest of that night I spent time alone evaluating my heart.
My friend reminded me of a verse in Proverbs 27 that says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend;profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
The idea behind this verse is that our true friends will come to us and share truths, even if it hurts!
Sometimes as believers we can get stagnant in our walk with the Lord.
It might even be that we are fire for the Lord, but there are just a few things that need some fine tuning.
Thankfully, God gave me some great friends who are willing to confront me...even when its not easy.
I was reminded by my friend last night that its okay to float around like a butterfly at times; but we have to remember that if we love someone and are truly lloking out for their best interst, we have to be willing at times to sting like a bee.
Is there anyone in you life right now that you need to talk to?
Is there someone you love that could use a little direction?
Take it from me it will not be easy for them to hear;however, if you go to them in love and speak TRUTH...God will do the heart work!
OH how He loves you and me!
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