You are loved...
... by a God who cares!
...by a God who knows!
...by a God who sees!
...by a God who grieves with us!
...by a God who rejoices with us!
...by a God who knows no boundaries!
...by a God who blesses us more than we deserve!
...by a God who saves!
If you don't know Him, you are truly missing out on a lifetime of love. I don't mean that lightly. I mean an eternal love that no one on this earth could ever give. Love that is unconditional. Love never fails!
The greatest LOVE story ever told is John 3:16 and we have the opportunity to KNOW Him! Do you?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!" John 3:16
Monday, February 15, 2016
Clearning the Air...
YES we DO WANT MORE CHILDREN!!!
Here we are 3 years and six months later (or 1,277 days if you are counting them) still waiting to expand our family of three... You know that dreaded question of "When are y'all going to have more kids?" that comes out of more people's mouths more than you can believe. The questions that couples who do WANT more children but aren't able to get pregnant hate to hear. I know some people don't mean anything by it, others are just curious/nosy, and some think its just a given you HAVE to have more than one child these days. BUT guess what.... it is NOT UP TO US REALLY. The maker of Heavens and Earth, The One who gives life and takes it away, The One who knits each human in their mother's womb is the ONLY one who can cause or prevent a pregnancy. Maybe word it differently or just don't ask at all. If the person feels the need to share such personal info they will.
Many many things have gone through my head in the last thousand some odd days. Some things I will never know until I see my maker face to face. Some questions or doubts have been answered and explained through prayer or study. Some emotions won't be fully satisfied until I am able to hold my baby, Gracen, in my arms once I arrive in paradise. Oh what a glorious thing to look forward to. Thank you, Lord, for that assurance and hope you give when a life is lost here on earth it is found in YOU! Those who don't know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, please ask someone or contact me. I just don't see how people who don't believe in Christ make it through a tragedy, loss, etc. in one piece. I have hard days, even still, but I know in Him who loves me and grieves with me will also comfort me in ways I cannot find by my own human nature.
Losing a baby, child, parent, sibling, loved one is HARD. Nothing but a whirlwind of emotions and questions. Some days we can display strength some just sobbing. That's okay. We aren't meant to just move on with out any hurt but we are also called to glorify Christ in all things so we can't just stay down about it either. We have to search for ways He may be using our situation so that we can help someone else. Ways that glorify Him. I will tell you, we kept our loss under the radar for a while. Only shared with those closest to us at the time. The more we didn't talk about it, the more it ate at us. So after MUCH prayer I realized I needed to accept this was part of me (as its part of my testimony for Christ) and that I was hindering His glory by NOT sharing with those that were experiencing/had experienced the same thing. Once I posted that blog about it the messages that came in over the next month amazed me. The common "I've lost a baby too" - "I felt alone in this, thanks for opening up so I know I'm not the only one" - etc. I would be in tears as I read each of them. I would pray and ask God to work through me to help these ladies cope with their loss too before I would even reply to them.
The ways God has worked though the journey of our loss has been amazing. You have to see the good in things, even when they seem bad. You have to pull yourself together and fight again all the lies Satan is feeding you. You have to pray continually. God will align your will with His and you will take delight in His plans for you!
(Post written October 2015 as a draft that didn't get published)
Here we are 3 years and six months later (or 1,277 days if you are counting them) still waiting to expand our family of three... You know that dreaded question of "When are y'all going to have more kids?" that comes out of more people's mouths more than you can believe. The questions that couples who do WANT more children but aren't able to get pregnant hate to hear. I know some people don't mean anything by it, others are just curious/nosy, and some think its just a given you HAVE to have more than one child these days. BUT guess what.... it is NOT UP TO US REALLY. The maker of Heavens and Earth, The One who gives life and takes it away, The One who knits each human in their mother's womb is the ONLY one who can cause or prevent a pregnancy. Maybe word it differently or just don't ask at all. If the person feels the need to share such personal info they will.
Many many things have gone through my head in the last thousand some odd days. Some things I will never know until I see my maker face to face. Some questions or doubts have been answered and explained through prayer or study. Some emotions won't be fully satisfied until I am able to hold my baby, Gracen, in my arms once I arrive in paradise. Oh what a glorious thing to look forward to. Thank you, Lord, for that assurance and hope you give when a life is lost here on earth it is found in YOU! Those who don't know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, please ask someone or contact me. I just don't see how people who don't believe in Christ make it through a tragedy, loss, etc. in one piece. I have hard days, even still, but I know in Him who loves me and grieves with me will also comfort me in ways I cannot find by my own human nature.
Losing a baby, child, parent, sibling, loved one is HARD. Nothing but a whirlwind of emotions and questions. Some days we can display strength some just sobbing. That's okay. We aren't meant to just move on with out any hurt but we are also called to glorify Christ in all things so we can't just stay down about it either. We have to search for ways He may be using our situation so that we can help someone else. Ways that glorify Him. I will tell you, we kept our loss under the radar for a while. Only shared with those closest to us at the time. The more we didn't talk about it, the more it ate at us. So after MUCH prayer I realized I needed to accept this was part of me (as its part of my testimony for Christ) and that I was hindering His glory by NOT sharing with those that were experiencing/had experienced the same thing. Once I posted that blog about it the messages that came in over the next month amazed me. The common "I've lost a baby too" - "I felt alone in this, thanks for opening up so I know I'm not the only one" - etc. I would be in tears as I read each of them. I would pray and ask God to work through me to help these ladies cope with their loss too before I would even reply to them.
The ways God has worked though the journey of our loss has been amazing. You have to see the good in things, even when they seem bad. You have to pull yourself together and fight again all the lies Satan is feeding you. You have to pray continually. God will align your will with His and you will take delight in His plans for you!
(Post written October 2015 as a draft that didn't get published)
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Scriptures
Did you know that the phrase "do not be afraid" is quoted in the Bible 365 times. That is the same number of days in a year. Be still and know that He is God, that is not coincidence!
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and perfect will of God."
2 Thessalonians 3:3
"The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen me and protect me from the evil one."
Jude 1:25
"To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."
Isaiah 41:13
"I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
1 Peter 4:10
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
What are your talents? Are you using them for your glory or Gods?
What are you anxious about? Have you taken it to the thrown of grace?
Are you settling into worldly things or are you willing to stand with Christ?
Have you reflected on the good God has done in your life?
*I asked myself these questions tonight before writing this blog. As I dig deeper into my devotions, I see the things God wants me to focus on. The day to day things I worry about that in the grand scheme of things don't matter. The talents I have let slip to the side. The blog that I once again fell behind on and should be using to spread His word.
Please Pray!
Please pray that these random episodes of Aiden complaining of his leg/foot hurting and crying spells during the nights (sometimes off and on all night long after long active days or when he is off schedule and tired when he lays down for the night) isn't the suspected "cyst" that Doctors have been monitoring. I pray that it hasn't returned with growth. Last check up it was visible on x ray but not changing/growing so we still got to keep our one year out check up verses every three to six months that we were having to go. Well, our one year mark is in May and we may be calling Campbells Clinic before then. Doctor Beaty said if he starts complaining or showing signs of hurt bring him on in. So that may be what we do; although, I can't be sure its even caused from the same thing. I just feel he is too young for the growing pains and its mainly in the same leg he had problems with. If you have no idea what I am even referring to then please feel free to scroll down to prior post on the blog with titles "Oh Foot Praise" and "Playing Catch Up"!
I am asking anyone who reads this to please pray for our little boy. That it's nothing major. That the cyst didn't grow, that its not actually a tumor (which is why he had a sedated MRI two years ago Dec), and that he sleeps well until we get into see the doctor.
As always, its scary when your child hurts and you have no idea how to make it better or what the problem is. I trust in the fact that God has carried us this far and that He is in control as I've said before. God loves Aiden more than we do.
Update Feb 2016
Just realized I never updated in May after our check up. Well, the spot wasn't really visible (again) and hasn't changed. Also, it had quit giving him fits shortly after my above post. So the Doctor cleared us!! Thank you, Lord. We don't go back unless he starts having continual episodes again. What a relief. I believe in the power of prayer and really don't take it lightly at all.
Update Feb 2016
Just realized I never updated in May after our check up. Well, the spot wasn't really visible (again) and hasn't changed. Also, it had quit giving him fits shortly after my above post. So the Doctor cleared us!! Thank you, Lord. We don't go back unless he starts having continual episodes again. What a relief. I believe in the power of prayer and really don't take it lightly at all.
Friday, June 13, 2014
My Determined Little Boy!
Aiden started really riding his bike (with training wheels) when we moved into our new home in February. He would go up and down our long sidewalk whenever he could (as it was still winter and we had two ice overs). He kept telling us he was going to ride with out training wheels soon...
By April 20th when this video was taken he rode with out training wheels and hasn't turned back since!! Determined. He is now able to ride over grass, dirt, bumpy roads... he leans at turns and even stands up with his booty off seat and legs stiff as he just coast down the street!! lol I was so proud of him and even more thankful this milestone happened on video. Three and a half years old with NO training wheels after just two months of bike riding!
We entered him into the Mighty Guy Little Tri here in Hernando in May. It was his first time to do it, and he thought he was so cool participating in an actual race! lol He was the ONLY three year old who raced with out training wheels and was even ahead of the pack! So many words of encouragement and claps from people that day for our little boy. Made this mom so proud FOR him as I realized just how big of a deal it was he met his goal of getting those off at his age.
He then ventured on to swimming lessons! This video was the end of his five day swim lessons with Mrs Melissa. Such a wonderful teacher. He is doing so good here too and really likes the water. Love watching my little fish swim under water.
Now, check this out!!
Love this one from today at the pool with family. Still swimming strong and giving a thumps up under water!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Encouragements
Today, I felt led to just post some quotes, verses, etc that I have read on a daily devotional calendar. Enjoy!
God isn't disappointed in our failures; He delights in our attempts. - Bob Goff
Our lives hold no details too small for God's care and attention. If the Lord cares enough to count the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7), He cares enough to steer our smaller, day -to-day choices. - Kristin Smith
My desire is to be a mother who continually points her children to the infallible word of God as the only truth, the only answer to all cultural, political and cocietal answers. I want to be a mother who loves and encourages unconditionally, yet delicately balances grace and truth when they fail.
With their world and life view being challenged at every intersection, this solid foundation is something that takes time, but that can't be overlooked. - Jennifer Schmidt
We spend our lives constantly seeking more of everything, except the one thing we should be seeking more of. Him. So today I throw my wish list in the fire. I surrender to the fact that there is One who provides all of my needs... He is enough. He is what we need more of. - Sarah Hawbaker
A sufficient grace makes our weakness our power. - Amber Haines
My mess if the perfect place for His glory. - Kristen Welch
Sisters, let's choose to choose joy and come together to form the community that we all need... and journey through this life together. - C.C. Almon
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
But at the end of it all, it won't matter what church we've gone to or how many women's Bible studies we've attended.
It will matter, I believe, how we let Him infuse our days with Himself and how we allow ourselves to be taught by the little, beautiful things in life. And I think it will matter, at the end, how we choose to live with Jesus every day. - Sarah Markley
This is the secret to friendship that last a lifetime: loving someone-really loving them-and not being afraid to let them know. - Deidra Riggs
Cash all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
When you are open and looking and searching, you realize things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. You start to see the beauty in the imperfect. You start to find beauty in the messy. You are gifted a change in your perspective. Because God is good, Because He does not make mistakes. Because He makes it ALL beautiful. - Jennifer, StudioJRU.com
You don't have to be a teacher, a parent, a pastor, or a doctor to make a positive difference in the life of a child. You only have to be willing! - Dr Wess Stafford
When my focus is on myself and all that I think needs to be done in a day, I stop focusing on what God has placed as gifts right in front of me in my family. Smiles and laughter, hugs and love, encouragement and respect. These are the things that I need to be intentional about every day with my family. These are the things that I want them to remember about me. - Kristin Smith
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destoryed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven, not built by human hands. - 2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Just remember that God is on your team and He adores you and your children. He will be faithful to you. - Sally Clarkson
Bad moments don't make bad Mamas. - Lysa Terkeurst
Home is much more than four walls and a familiar neighborhood. Home is the God who understands each of the unique languages, thoughts, hopes and dreams of our individual hearts. - Lisa-Jo Baker
Beauty is the state of the heart, not the hair. - @incourage
Who I thought I would be as a mother involved a lot more twirling and dancing.
The reality of motherhood often looks nothing like that. - Rachel Swenson Balducci
Sometimes, home is a soft place to land and other times, home is a tough mess in need of restoration. One thing that home never needs to be is empty. - Angela Nazworth
All this came from the daily devotion calendar (in) courage - the art of motherhood by Dayspring between months of Janurary to June.
www.incourageme.com
God isn't disappointed in our failures; He delights in our attempts. - Bob Goff
Our lives hold no details too small for God's care and attention. If the Lord cares enough to count the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7), He cares enough to steer our smaller, day -to-day choices. - Kristin Smith
My desire is to be a mother who continually points her children to the infallible word of God as the only truth, the only answer to all cultural, political and cocietal answers. I want to be a mother who loves and encourages unconditionally, yet delicately balances grace and truth when they fail.
With their world and life view being challenged at every intersection, this solid foundation is something that takes time, but that can't be overlooked. - Jennifer Schmidt
We spend our lives constantly seeking more of everything, except the one thing we should be seeking more of. Him. So today I throw my wish list in the fire. I surrender to the fact that there is One who provides all of my needs... He is enough. He is what we need more of. - Sarah Hawbaker
A sufficient grace makes our weakness our power. - Amber Haines
My mess if the perfect place for His glory. - Kristen Welch
Sisters, let's choose to choose joy and come together to form the community that we all need... and journey through this life together. - C.C. Almon
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
But at the end of it all, it won't matter what church we've gone to or how many women's Bible studies we've attended.
It will matter, I believe, how we let Him infuse our days with Himself and how we allow ourselves to be taught by the little, beautiful things in life. And I think it will matter, at the end, how we choose to live with Jesus every day. - Sarah Markley
This is the secret to friendship that last a lifetime: loving someone-really loving them-and not being afraid to let them know. - Deidra Riggs
Cash all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
When you are open and looking and searching, you realize things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. You start to see the beauty in the imperfect. You start to find beauty in the messy. You are gifted a change in your perspective. Because God is good, Because He does not make mistakes. Because He makes it ALL beautiful. - Jennifer, StudioJRU.com
You don't have to be a teacher, a parent, a pastor, or a doctor to make a positive difference in the life of a child. You only have to be willing! - Dr Wess Stafford
When my focus is on myself and all that I think needs to be done in a day, I stop focusing on what God has placed as gifts right in front of me in my family. Smiles and laughter, hugs and love, encouragement and respect. These are the things that I need to be intentional about every day with my family. These are the things that I want them to remember about me. - Kristin Smith
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destoryed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven, not built by human hands. - 2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Just remember that God is on your team and He adores you and your children. He will be faithful to you. - Sally Clarkson
Bad moments don't make bad Mamas. - Lysa Terkeurst
Home is much more than four walls and a familiar neighborhood. Home is the God who understands each of the unique languages, thoughts, hopes and dreams of our individual hearts. - Lisa-Jo Baker
Beauty is the state of the heart, not the hair. - @incourage
Who I thought I would be as a mother involved a lot more twirling and dancing.
The reality of motherhood often looks nothing like that. - Rachel Swenson Balducci
Sometimes, home is a soft place to land and other times, home is a tough mess in need of restoration. One thing that home never needs to be is empty. - Angela Nazworth
All this came from the daily devotion calendar (in) courage - the art of motherhood by Dayspring between months of Janurary to June.
www.incourageme.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Daughters of the One True King!
I am a daughter of the the One True King! How awesome is that? Saved by His grace, washed clean, forgiven, and adopted. I can call Him "Abba Father!" Oh how wonderful. Can you say you are a daughter of the One True King? Please, if you can't say that you have asked Jesus into your heart and call God your Father, ask me (or someone you know) and I will be glad to share with you how you can live for eternity praising Him who saved you!!
Our pastor, Bro Wade (LPBC) gave a great sermon on Mother's Day! Full of things we as daughters of the King should be and do. A challenge to us all... some of our hubbies said in Connect this past week "that sermon wasn't just for the women" it was packed with convictions for them as well. I will share a little of what it was about.
Daughters of The King.
A Biblical woman is Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18), fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30), finds her identity and satisfaction in Christ Alone (Colossians 3:3-4), understands true beauty (1 Peter 3:3-5), and lives with a passion for God's glory in the home (Titus 2:3-5), and among the nations (Psalm 96:3).
Wow. A lot to think about in such a small paragraph. Are we doing these things? Are we living like that? Does our spirit reflect Christ in our home... in public? Does our passion for God show?
We, as women , have a great impact on our home. We can set the tone for the whole family. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "If Momma ain't happy, no one is happy." Its true! The way we act, talk, and extend grace is important. We should glorify Christ in all things. The way we step out of bed can greatly impact our day, which in turn affects our children(s) and husbands day too. Beth Moore has challenged us (in a recent Bible study I'm doing) to fall on our faces every morning. Wow! How great if we just PRAY with all we have each morning before we get out bed. If we set our minds on things above, have a spirit filled with peace, and extend our grace to our family imagine what can come of that. Can we be so filled with Christ that everyone sees it? Can we be so full of peace and grace that our family gets nothing but from us?
I want my home to be one that serves the Lord (Joshua 24:15) in all things. Do you?
Back to the part I started with, "Can you say you are a daughter of the One True King?"
If you can't say with confidence "YES" then you are missing out. You are here for a purpose, don't miss what God has in place for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Don't waste another minute on thinking you are not good enough, pretty enough, loved enough, and so on. You are, but none of us are a part from Gods grace (Romans 3:10). His mercy is new every day. We are forgiven in Christ.
The only way to God is through Jesus, His son (John 14:6). We have to acknowledge that we have sinned, and we need a Savior. That Jesus is the only way to Heaven and we believe in Him. Repent of your sins and ask God to come into your life and save you. Wash you clean, make you new and help you live a life pleasing to Him. God did this for you and for me.
"I will be a Father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to me says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:8
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going. 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-6
"There is no one righteous, no not even one..." - Romans 3:10
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15
Our pastor, Bro Wade (LPBC) gave a great sermon on Mother's Day! Full of things we as daughters of the King should be and do. A challenge to us all... some of our hubbies said in Connect this past week "that sermon wasn't just for the women" it was packed with convictions for them as well. I will share a little of what it was about.
Daughters of The King.
A Biblical woman is Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18), fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30), finds her identity and satisfaction in Christ Alone (Colossians 3:3-4), understands true beauty (1 Peter 3:3-5), and lives with a passion for God's glory in the home (Titus 2:3-5), and among the nations (Psalm 96:3).
Wow. A lot to think about in such a small paragraph. Are we doing these things? Are we living like that? Does our spirit reflect Christ in our home... in public? Does our passion for God show?
We, as women , have a great impact on our home. We can set the tone for the whole family. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "If Momma ain't happy, no one is happy." Its true! The way we act, talk, and extend grace is important. We should glorify Christ in all things. The way we step out of bed can greatly impact our day, which in turn affects our children(s) and husbands day too. Beth Moore has challenged us (in a recent Bible study I'm doing) to fall on our faces every morning. Wow! How great if we just PRAY with all we have each morning before we get out bed. If we set our minds on things above, have a spirit filled with peace, and extend our grace to our family imagine what can come of that. Can we be so filled with Christ that everyone sees it? Can we be so full of peace and grace that our family gets nothing but from us?
I want my home to be one that serves the Lord (Joshua 24:15) in all things. Do you?
Back to the part I started with, "Can you say you are a daughter of the One True King?"
If you can't say with confidence "YES" then you are missing out. You are here for a purpose, don't miss what God has in place for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Don't waste another minute on thinking you are not good enough, pretty enough, loved enough, and so on. You are, but none of us are a part from Gods grace (Romans 3:10). His mercy is new every day. We are forgiven in Christ.
The only way to God is through Jesus, His son (John 14:6). We have to acknowledge that we have sinned, and we need a Savior. That Jesus is the only way to Heaven and we believe in Him. Repent of your sins and ask God to come into your life and save you. Wash you clean, make you new and help you live a life pleasing to Him. God did this for you and for me.
"I will be a Father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to me says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:8
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going. 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-6
"There is no one righteous, no not even one..." - Romans 3:10
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
News today...
In today's news there is so much report of crime and sadness. It is rather depressing to turn on the evening news or log into media sites that are bombarded with links to "stories" sharing sad news. This world is going south fast. We need Jesus. My devotional today was about "Media Messages" from the book How Deep a Mother's Love... Devotional Journey. What good quick reads for the busy mom! I got mine at Lifeway if you want to pick up a copy for yourself. Let me share with you excerpts from the devotional (I have highlighted in blue) and a summary of my thoughts about what it says..
"Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on earth." Colossians 3:2
"Sometimes it's hard being a woman of faith, especially when the world keeps pumping out messages that are contrary to your beliefs."
Have you ever noticed that the media focuses on outward beauty, fame, riches, and such? Things of this world? I can't say they never send out a prayer or encouraging link to a "good" story but its rare. When they do, have you ever noticed the comments from people below being so controversial? So degrading? Judgemental? Its sad. When you read those comments you see just how far from Christ the people and this world really are.
"Because you live in the 21st century, you are relentlessly bombarded by media messages that are contrary to your faith."
Don't let the world convince you to thinking that a certain weight, hair color, appearance, job, number of children, car, house, etc is the right or wrong. God made us all different in different stages in life. Whether you have one child or seven... the biggest house in the nicest neighborhood or an older small house in the midst of the country... you work a full-time job or stay home and raise your children... you eat what you want or diet and the scale isn't moving... you are healthy or battling a illness... you drive a new top rated car or one that used and beat up... we are all children of GOD and in the end of this life on earth it won't matter one bit. None of it! We can't take material things with us. We will get a new body in Heaven. We answer to God alone. Why focus all your time on what the world does/says. Don't let the lies of this world depress you, or give you a big head. Let's read the Bible and dig deeper to see what He says is right. Let's store up treasures in Heaven and not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Let's let people see Jesus in us and not our material things.
I am not saying its easy, or that we will never want stuff we don't need. I know Im not perfect at this but I am striving to give all my focus north (toward Heaven) instead of south (toward the pits of Hell).
"The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life." - Barbara Johnson
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Security
Do you feel secure? Secure in your relationships. Secure in your walk with Christ. Secure in your house. Secure in your new business adventure. Secure in your role as a Mother. And so on...
"But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil."
-Proverbs 1:33
Feelings of security are everywhere. This world makes it harder and harder to push those feelings aside. The more that happens bad around us or to us, the more the news reports of evil in the world, the more advancement in technology - well you get the point - the more we feel insecure about our safety. Things have changed so much since the 1900s and I can't even begin to imagine what the world will be like another century from now (if God allows us to be here that long). There is one thing that will never chance and that is GOD. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If you let Him, He will secure all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Notice I said NEEDS and not WANTS. We as humans can get those mixed up sometimes. We want a lot more than we need and we get a lot more than we deserve. I know, I am right there too. Contentment is a big problem in today's time. That comes for another day and another post because its something I am doing a devotion on as well. I think the lack of being content in your life is one reason why so many people become criminals or do evil things. They want a way to get ahead, have more, be more, do more - they just don't do it the right way. So, the need for us who do the right thing and have what we do (aside from God allowing us to) from working hard have to go a step beyond to protect it.
"However, as Christians we can still know and enjoy the peace of God in this insecure world."
- Excerpt from More Faith in My Day by Emilie Barnes
How true is this statement. Our faith goes beyond the insecurities of the earth. Things here will pass away and be destroyed. There will be evil, sin, and Satan lurking beyond every corner. Christians, we have a promise and a place prepared for us that is everlasting and free of sin/evil. I am happy to know that our God cares enough to do that for us. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please message me or someone you trust and talk about it. Don't let your insecurities of life and faith go down with the world...
Monday, March 17, 2014
Women Have Fragile Strength
Why did I pick that post title? Honestly, it just came to me when I decided to write about this topic below. I think women are fragile yet strong! Just that. We are fragile in our emotions. They get the best of us. They consume us sometimes. They break us at times and they pick us up sometimes too. Yet, we are stronger because of this. Our emotions make us a strong force too. We have strength in many areas... mentally, physically, emotionally, verbally, etc. How we handle our emotions and strength is what makes us.
I had bought the book, by Lysa Terkeurst, Unglued a year ago and have not made it very far. How far have I read? I made it to the third chapter on a few different occasions. Yes, chapter three is all I get to time and time again! I get that far then get busy and put it down not to pick it up again for months then I start over and stop in the same spot. Well, I picked up the book tonight and headed to the jacuzzi where I made myself read the first three chapters AGAIN to refresh; although, I knew it word for word at this point! I did that so I didn't miss anything. Those first few chapters lead you into what the books about and I wanted to be reminded and reflect that I am not alone in this issue. I think every time in the past I get stuck because I am busy - busy - busy and come unglued in life situations and when I walk by the book I don't want to face that fact... That's me! I mean how many of us hold it together after four hours of sleep the night before and by mid day we have a screaming child, the phones ringing, the house is dirty, dinner is boiling over on the stove, and the dog is using the bathroom in the floor... ALL AT THE SAME TIME! This time I am moving past that stopping point of chapter three. I don't want to become the woman of crazy emotions going all over the place. Heck, its hard to do at times when your hormones are highly off track from your miscarriage and
after two years of dealing with that and trying to get medicine to work
in regulating it and nothing is working so far that you would think I
could adjust to my new hormonal self causing more mixed emotion... but I haven't. That last long
probably miss-punctuated sentence is not my excuse but its my REALITY. I want to feel balance and grace in my actions not just some days, but everyday! I want to control my emotions not have them control me. I want to be able to react like a woman of grace all the time like I do half of the time. I can hold it together great some days and I feel confident and accomplished. Others I ask - How am I making it day to day - How much more does God think I can juggle - Why are my emotions all over the place - Is this really that bad why can't I shake this... Are you with me yet? Its hard but it can be easy too. We have to DECIDE to react to things differently. This I am working on! I am praying. I am praying some more and digging into devotionals, Gods word, etc. Reading this wonderful woman of Christ opens up about her struggle in this area and how God helped her manage it is encouraging.
I am now going to face this book and see what some Godly views are to help in "making wise choices in the midst of raw emotions." (excerpt quote from Unglued)
If you are reading this, lets make a pact not to let minds fill up which causes us to become more fragile. Give room to stay so strong in all situations. To be able to think and decide to react in a way that is pleasing to The Lord. Let's take a step back and say no to things coming onto our plate, let's lay down on the couch while our kid(s) sleep to refresh our bodies, let's open the Bible or devotion any quiet moment we get, let's order take out one night to give ourselves a break from cooking and so on.
I am a woman of fragile strength. Are you?
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