I love...love....LOVEEEEE!!!!!!

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!!!!!

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!

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!

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 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!

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 spent almost everyday with her and learned a little bit about what it must be like to be a mom.
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!



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!

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!!!!