I love rain...gray days and thunder and lightening makes me so very happy. I've always been this way. My favorite days in school were the ones that we stayed in the classroom and played board games because we couldn't go outside. Today is like that. It is all the more special you see because I have 3 of my sweet ones under one roof.
Isn't it so good that when our children need a break from it all, and need a good rest, that they can come home and climb into their own bed and know that they will be taken care of? I love to do the laundry that has been dropped at the door and make their favorite meals and watch whatever it is that makes them happy! This must be how God feels when we come to Him. He loves when we leave our needs at His door and know that we will be taken care of. After all, He says in Hebrews 4:16 that we are to come boldly to His throne...The exact wording is this: "Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Today, I feel I need it most. I am walking through a season of hard and somedays I want to crawl in His lap and close my eyes and wake up when the season is over. But He gives me what I need to walk through it, not just trudge, but find the joy in the hard and to remember to praise Him all the way. With grace from a Gracious Daddy and His mercy and love, I can do anything. And today, I need to be a mom that makes a home of peace, where His presence is known and felt, and to give grace to them when they make a mess.
I hear the leak dripping in the sitting room and I feel His love raining down freely...
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Wild...but not quite free
I've been so restless lately...sighing, breathing deep and standing in one place instead of sitting down. My world is upside down, as I know it. Everything I have based my security in is being challenged and the things that have made me "happy" or should I say at ease have been stripped. Now what? Oh yes, I have had my fits, my temper tantrums, pity patties etc. but no one is invited. See, I haven't let anyone in.
But God knows....so He sends a friend and I let it out, controlling it and only giving bits and pieces. Then one day I reach out and ask for prayer and wow! Peace comes and floods the places that were so dry and I once again feel free! So this morning, I wake up without that anxious feeling and I read His Word first.
"Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:12
Crazy how He knew exactly what I needed to hear...to be brought back to the basics of my faith and for that to be enough! That Salvation is enough and joy is mine because He saved me! He loved me enough to come near my mess and shower me with grace that I didn't deserve. I had forgotten to be grateful. And gratitude always comes before the miracle!
See, this relationship with God is wild! It is awesome and full of His Spirit! I need Him. And if I am going to be free, I need to continue to hand it all to Him.
So I will pray and seek Him and He promises He will hear me. And I will continue to believe that life will turn around and I will soon be sharing about His radical rescue!
But God knows....so He sends a friend and I let it out, controlling it and only giving bits and pieces. Then one day I reach out and ask for prayer and wow! Peace comes and floods the places that were so dry and I once again feel free! So this morning, I wake up without that anxious feeling and I read His Word first.
"Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:12
Crazy how He knew exactly what I needed to hear...to be brought back to the basics of my faith and for that to be enough! That Salvation is enough and joy is mine because He saved me! He loved me enough to come near my mess and shower me with grace that I didn't deserve. I had forgotten to be grateful. And gratitude always comes before the miracle!
See, this relationship with God is wild! It is awesome and full of His Spirit! I need Him. And if I am going to be free, I need to continue to hand it all to Him.
So I will pray and seek Him and He promises He will hear me. And I will continue to believe that life will turn around and I will soon be sharing about His radical rescue!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
When It All Seems Too Much
The Cross...isn't it beautiful? Daily, I lay my burdens down at the foot of it, because my Savior is able to bear them all...isn't that just so amazing?
So it's more like a Monday really. And life is hitting from all sides...from the checkbook to the fridge that won't keep things cold to the sweet one that is sick, it all feels a bit much. And I remember that I'm not made to do this alone and that He is able to bear it all and put joy in my day and a skip in my step! He can heal the illness...He can provide when things are tight....He can direct me to solutions for broken things...for He is the solution for all broken things.
What do you need to lay down at His feet today? Remember that we weren't made to carry more than a day share of a load...that yesterday is gone and tomorrow will worry about itself...but today is a gift! It is to be celebrated! So I am going to make some sick day treats and enjoy the precious time I have today and soak in His love for me...
Happy Tuesday!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
He blesses...always
5 years ago last month, God literally picked us up from our comfort zone, (which had begun to feel uncomfortable), and put us here, where we are...away from friends and family, to heal as a family. I don't believe I ever would've left Mississippi, I know I wouldn't have left my parents. But I did and oh how grateful I am...oh the blessings I have seen and the stories of complete deliverance I have. I shudder to think...what if I had not listened and obeyed and moved.
Now, as I look at the lights on the tree, and yes, even though we are two kids less, I feel a joy and peace and I smile and thank Him. He moved so many to bless us as a family, so many prayed for us and gave unselfishly to us in a time of need...that I now worry about nothing. For if He is all I have, I am good.
He has promised to never burden us...
He has promised to never break us...
And He will never leave us.
Just like Abraham, I left Ur and HE led us to our own Canaan. He continues to amaze me. So as a gift back to Him, this Christmas season, I will slow down to take it all in. This is the first one that I don't have a believer in the man in the red suit. I didn't know that last year was the last year..I think I might have enjoyed it a little more.
I hope you will feel contentment where you are. I pray you enjoy each moment He gives. He is good and all He gives is good. Life is a gift...He is a gift, the greatest gift of all...
P.S.- I totally recommend Ann Voskamp's good, The Greatest Gift. What a blessing to have your eyes opened to how this season is supposed to be! Merry Christmas!
Now, as I look at the lights on the tree, and yes, even though we are two kids less, I feel a joy and peace and I smile and thank Him. He moved so many to bless us as a family, so many prayed for us and gave unselfishly to us in a time of need...that I now worry about nothing. For if He is all I have, I am good.
He has promised to never burden us...
He has promised to never break us...
And He will never leave us.
Just like Abraham, I left Ur and HE led us to our own Canaan. He continues to amaze me. So as a gift back to Him, this Christmas season, I will slow down to take it all in. This is the first one that I don't have a believer in the man in the red suit. I didn't know that last year was the last year..I think I might have enjoyed it a little more.
I hope you will feel contentment where you are. I pray you enjoy each moment He gives. He is good and all He gives is good. Life is a gift...He is a gift, the greatest gift of all...
P.S.- I totally recommend Ann Voskamp's good, The Greatest Gift. What a blessing to have your eyes opened to how this season is supposed to be! Merry Christmas!
Monday, October 26, 2015
He Knew...Me
Galatians 5:1
"Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Funny...that word "again" in that verse. It's like He knows that we were once slaves to something. Oh, but you say, "I've never been a slave to anyone or anything!" Really?
Think about that for a moment, will you? I was once a slave to low self esteem. I can remember sitting in a pew at church and looking around me, seeing all the women that I wished I could be. Either they were prettier or smaller, or richer, or had more children. Maybe they had the perfect house or the perfect husband. I couldn't really know. All I knew was that I didn't want to be me...well, if I could pick and choose the parts that I wanted to keep?
I had a good husband with a good job. I had two beautiful girls that I loved more than life and a house in a neighborhood where I had always wanted to live. How much more did I need? And most of all, more important than anything else, I had a God who loved me and created me all for His pleasure. Because He wanted to be with me. He wanted to spend time with me. He created me to be exactly who I am and He gave me this best life that was just for me.
Sp when those lies of the enemy are louder than His, turn the volume down on the world. Unplug and reconnect to the Source that gives life to every part of your soul. God! I'm reminded that He likes the way that I place the playing before the picking up and that loving little ones always came before laundry. He thought the cardboard Barbie house that I made with my oldest was pretty spectacular and so did she.
He was impressed when I gave up my control over my life, after so many times of trying to get free from strongholds and was so overjoyed when I put Him before it all again. No matter how far I went away, He never moved and never will. Jesus is the answer to everything and our Creator gave Him to us and forever and ever we are His.
Are you struggling today? Do you know that God knew exactly who you would be today when He created you and He went through with it,? There is nothing about you that He doesn't know. So today, pray to accept yourself for you. Ask God to help you love yourself again. I used to ask my baby girl who was the most awesome kid in her class was and her answer was alway "me silly!" like who else would it be? that is how we should answer that same question...love yourself, love yourself, accept yourself and thank God for making you YOU!
Let us pray: Dear God, thank You so much for creating each one of us for a purpose. Each season may bring different things but You are not surprised by any of it. You know our personalities and You embrace all of us. Oh Lord, help us to do the same. Help us to love ourselves and to accept all of the things that make us who we are. I pray that you will search each one of us often and reveal those things that we need to work on and confess to You. Forgive us Lord for comparing ourselves to others and for doubting Your sovereignty. We love You and praise You. And for those today who are so full of hurt and regret, help them to find forgiveness for themselves. For You sent Jesus to die for it all.
Hear us Lord, In jesus name, amen
"Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Funny...that word "again" in that verse. It's like He knows that we were once slaves to something. Oh, but you say, "I've never been a slave to anyone or anything!" Really?
Think about that for a moment, will you? I was once a slave to low self esteem. I can remember sitting in a pew at church and looking around me, seeing all the women that I wished I could be. Either they were prettier or smaller, or richer, or had more children. Maybe they had the perfect house or the perfect husband. I couldn't really know. All I knew was that I didn't want to be me...well, if I could pick and choose the parts that I wanted to keep?
I had a good husband with a good job. I had two beautiful girls that I loved more than life and a house in a neighborhood where I had always wanted to live. How much more did I need? And most of all, more important than anything else, I had a God who loved me and created me all for His pleasure. Because He wanted to be with me. He wanted to spend time with me. He created me to be exactly who I am and He gave me this best life that was just for me.
Sp when those lies of the enemy are louder than His, turn the volume down on the world. Unplug and reconnect to the Source that gives life to every part of your soul. God! I'm reminded that He likes the way that I place the playing before the picking up and that loving little ones always came before laundry. He thought the cardboard Barbie house that I made with my oldest was pretty spectacular and so did she.
He was impressed when I gave up my control over my life, after so many times of trying to get free from strongholds and was so overjoyed when I put Him before it all again. No matter how far I went away, He never moved and never will. Jesus is the answer to everything and our Creator gave Him to us and forever and ever we are His.
Are you struggling today? Do you know that God knew exactly who you would be today when He created you and He went through with it,? There is nothing about you that He doesn't know. So today, pray to accept yourself for you. Ask God to help you love yourself again. I used to ask my baby girl who was the most awesome kid in her class was and her answer was alway "me silly!" like who else would it be? that is how we should answer that same question...love yourself, love yourself, accept yourself and thank God for making you YOU!
Let us pray: Dear God, thank You so much for creating each one of us for a purpose. Each season may bring different things but You are not surprised by any of it. You know our personalities and You embrace all of us. Oh Lord, help us to do the same. Help us to love ourselves and to accept all of the things that make us who we are. I pray that you will search each one of us often and reveal those things that we need to work on and confess to You. Forgive us Lord for comparing ourselves to others and for doubting Your sovereignty. We love You and praise You. And for those today who are so full of hurt and regret, help them to find forgiveness for themselves. For You sent Jesus to die for it all.
Hear us Lord, In jesus name, amen
Monday, July 27, 2015
Time...
Ecclesiastes 3New Living Translation (NLT)A Time for Everything
3 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I read the other day that we will have about 18 summers with our children and I shed tears..I think some of those tears are from regret, maybe not making them as memorable as I should have, some tears are out of guilt, not taking them to amazing places so that they could write the most awesome story on the first day of school, and some tears are just plain sadness because time really did go too fast.
I look back on that day in May, the one that I kept looking at my watch, knowing any moment that black car would pull in my driveway and claim her rightful parking place. She would unload all her belongings and we would unpack those later...let's just enjoy ourselves right now. And we have. But now it's time to start repacking and making those lists again. But at the top of this list I will put..1) God...and really let Him make all these plans this time. He is so trustworthy and loves us so much that I know that I can place her in His arms and know all will be okay. Yes, there will be hard and there will be grace for it but it is all good because HE is good.
So for now, I will enjoy the fruits of my labor. I will start my day giving it all to Him and I will rest in the Author of this story because He is much better at this than I. Time is right where it is supposed to be...and so are we.
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Thursday, June 4, 2015
Run From-Run To
I remember running as fast as I could...not looking back to see who was behind me or beside me. I wanted to win. I was in the fifth grade and my daddy was cheering me on, running beside me from the sidelines. Fast forward some 30 something years and I look back on the race thus far and I can see that my Heavenly Daddy has been doing the same thing, cheering me on. Oh I ran from, ran to and ran in circles and they all have the same finish line...eternity.
I ran from my life to painkillers that numbed for a while. Then praise the Lord, I ran back to Him. Now I spend my days running in the direction of His voice. I run to my children when they call and I say as many yes's as possible. I run to my husband when he calls and I love him and serve him and let him know just how much he means to me. I run to my Savior for rest and shelter from this hard world and when I stay there long enough and spend time getting to really know Him, I am equipped for whatever may come my way.
So I am no longer tempted to run away...no, I only want to run to and be a part of this thing called life. It is a gift..full of grace and love and Jesus!
I ran from my life to painkillers that numbed for a while. Then praise the Lord, I ran back to Him. Now I spend my days running in the direction of His voice. I run to my children when they call and I say as many yes's as possible. I run to my husband when he calls and I love him and serve him and let him know just how much he means to me. I run to my Savior for rest and shelter from this hard world and when I stay there long enough and spend time getting to really know Him, I am equipped for whatever may come my way.
So I am no longer tempted to run away...no, I only want to run to and be a part of this thing called life. It is a gift..full of grace and love and Jesus!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The Power of Touch (#livefree Thursday )
It was cold outside and I had to stop for gas. Questions running in my mind....am I dressed okay ? No money means no cute clothes and would these women be in yoga pants like me or Miss Me jeans? And how much should I let them know, do I let them see me?
Immediately I am relieved. The pastor's wife was not only beautiful outside, but inside was even more so. She laughed about a popcorn bowl that their youth had made them before they had made the hard journey to planting this church and she didn't speak all King Jamesey. She was real and I loved her.
We watched the video and talked about the book we were reading at the time, I had downloaded on my kindle, so excited about finally connecting with Jesus and Jesus following women, and then we sat in a circle. We held hands and prayed and lifted each one of our requests up to God. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world. Financially we were barely hanging on and I was so tired of the same request not being answered the way I wanted it to. I was so worn out and I felt like I was doing this alone, even in a group of sweet women. She sensed it in her spirit and she comes over and sits right behind me. She puts her hand on my back and begins praying over me and all stress and anxiety begins to fall away, like the tears that were running down my face. She touched my head and shoulders and spoke God's word over me. I have never been the same...
See, I believe that God can touch us through someone else. And a hug or a physical touch can make the strongest walls crumble and someone broken can become whole again when God puts us back together, His way. Stephanie did this for me. Her sweet way that she puts her arms around those women that she leads changes hearts and lives and she encourages other women to do the same...and soon, there are no more walls...just hearts coming together before God. It is beautiful...
And then there's His touch. (I grew up in a wonderful church. And one of my favorite songs was "He touched me". I'm singing it now as I write this.) There was a time in my life that I felt like I would be a failure forever. I had tried so many times to stop the addiction to these pills that numbed the pain and though I knew they were ruining my life and the lives of all those around me I could t stop. the pai was so great. Physically and mentally. Then one Sunday I hit my knees and I felt His hand pulling me up and His voice saying ..."just surrender and I will heal you". And I did. It's been 8 years now and my marriage and my children and my life has been redeemed and restored. I love my life today and I too love to help those still struggling.
Oh, and if you're wondering about the dress code from my group that day? Anything goes! But more often than not, you're going to walk into a whole lot of 'Momentum'shirts, and I love my Church shirts...and a whole lot of love and acceptance...and the sweetest touch from the sweetest woman.
(Stephanie Payne is the wife of Tim Payne, Pastor of Momentum Church, Gulf Breeze, fl and Navarre, Fl. She is a mom of 3 and a mentor to hundreds and a woman of God who loves pouring into women and making sure they know that God loves them.)
Immediately I am relieved. The pastor's wife was not only beautiful outside, but inside was even more so. She laughed about a popcorn bowl that their youth had made them before they had made the hard journey to planting this church and she didn't speak all King Jamesey. She was real and I loved her.
We watched the video and talked about the book we were reading at the time, I had downloaded on my kindle, so excited about finally connecting with Jesus and Jesus following women, and then we sat in a circle. We held hands and prayed and lifted each one of our requests up to God. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world. Financially we were barely hanging on and I was so tired of the same request not being answered the way I wanted it to. I was so worn out and I felt like I was doing this alone, even in a group of sweet women. She sensed it in her spirit and she comes over and sits right behind me. She puts her hand on my back and begins praying over me and all stress and anxiety begins to fall away, like the tears that were running down my face. She touched my head and shoulders and spoke God's word over me. I have never been the same...
See, I believe that God can touch us through someone else. And a hug or a physical touch can make the strongest walls crumble and someone broken can become whole again when God puts us back together, His way. Stephanie did this for me. Her sweet way that she puts her arms around those women that she leads changes hearts and lives and she encourages other women to do the same...and soon, there are no more walls...just hearts coming together before God. It is beautiful...
And then there's His touch. (I grew up in a wonderful church. And one of my favorite songs was "He touched me". I'm singing it now as I write this.) There was a time in my life that I felt like I would be a failure forever. I had tried so many times to stop the addiction to these pills that numbed the pain and though I knew they were ruining my life and the lives of all those around me I could t stop. the pai was so great. Physically and mentally. Then one Sunday I hit my knees and I felt His hand pulling me up and His voice saying ..."just surrender and I will heal you". And I did. It's been 8 years now and my marriage and my children and my life has been redeemed and restored. I love my life today and I too love to help those still struggling.
Oh, and if you're wondering about the dress code from my group that day? Anything goes! But more often than not, you're going to walk into a whole lot of 'Momentum'shirts, and I love my Church shirts...and a whole lot of love and acceptance...and the sweetest touch from the sweetest woman.
(Stephanie Payne is the wife of Tim Payne, Pastor of Momentum Church, Gulf Breeze, fl and Navarre, Fl. She is a mom of 3 and a mentor to hundreds and a woman of God who loves pouring into women and making sure they know that God loves them.)
Friday, May 16, 2014
When You Have to Embrace Change
So the only constant is God. He never changes and this gives me peace. But everything else? Well, I don't have to tell you, that time flies and that child that you encouraged to take their first steps has been walking towards their future and you can't stop it, no matter how bad you want to. Isn't what we raise them to do? Haven;t we been on our knees, praying for this precious one that God has entrusted to us that they will grow spiritually and be prepared for whatever life brings? And now life brings graduation. It seems like yesterday that she wouldn't let go of my hand at the kindergarden tea and really preferred to have friends over instead of going away. And even in high school, she wasn't really a camp person, because she couldn't bring me with her. And the feeling is mutual, she is my heart. and I wish her the best!
I have never been good with change. I cried every promotion Sunday because I didm;t want a new teacher. (embarrassed my mom so much she made dad take me) And now, I'm packing up not one but two of my babies in August and moving them to the beginning of a new chapter! I have done my job and now it's their turn. With the love of Jesus in their hearts and the relationship they both have with Him, the sky is the limit and I can rest easy knowing they are in good Hands. But I will miss them being in mine.
So, thank You Jesus, for giving them to me to raise. For letting me be the one that fixed their breakfast and read stories to them at nap time, for the memories of the lazy days we spent together and watching them taste honeysuckle. Thank You for their little hands that loved to finger paint and make barbie houses out of cardboard, that made bean bags with socks and rocks and held mine so tightly when they needed security. You allowed me to be home with them and raise them to love You and to be there when they took their first steps and all the ones after. You gave me the wisdom and the words to say when no words would really help, those hard adolescent years when feeling were hurt and they questioned who they were. And when the world told them they were less than, You told them they were worthy. So now, as they step into the next chapter of their lives, when I won't be there physically, I have peace knowing that You are everywhere and they can never go too far away from You, and if they start to stray, You will always gently bring them back. Help them remember what they've learned and to keep You first always and the rest will fall into place. And last, but not least, help me to let go and to trust that You have this. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
I have never been good with change. I cried every promotion Sunday because I didm;t want a new teacher. (embarrassed my mom so much she made dad take me) And now, I'm packing up not one but two of my babies in August and moving them to the beginning of a new chapter! I have done my job and now it's their turn. With the love of Jesus in their hearts and the relationship they both have with Him, the sky is the limit and I can rest easy knowing they are in good Hands. But I will miss them being in mine.
So, thank You Jesus, for giving them to me to raise. For letting me be the one that fixed their breakfast and read stories to them at nap time, for the memories of the lazy days we spent together and watching them taste honeysuckle. Thank You for their little hands that loved to finger paint and make barbie houses out of cardboard, that made bean bags with socks and rocks and held mine so tightly when they needed security. You allowed me to be home with them and raise them to love You and to be there when they took their first steps and all the ones after. You gave me the wisdom and the words to say when no words would really help, those hard adolescent years when feeling were hurt and they questioned who they were. And when the world told them they were less than, You told them they were worthy. So now, as they step into the next chapter of their lives, when I won't be there physically, I have peace knowing that You are everywhere and they can never go too far away from You, and if they start to stray, You will always gently bring them back. Help them remember what they've learned and to keep You first always and the rest will fall into place. And last, but not least, help me to let go and to trust that You have this. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
stomach flu, dirty laundry and desiring more of Him
This week has really been a mess and the dirty sheets and towels and cleaning up after children, sick ones has been my life. Sweet hubby came home after a two week trip and shared more than his wonderful looks and awesome personality, yes, the dreaded stomach virus. We all went to IHOP, ate like there was no tomorrow, (uh oh 24 day challenge) and in the night it hit him, and i wanted to. No, really, I wanted to. He said it was food poisoning, I knew better...Ever heard of "Reap what you sow"? Well, I ate some crow.
I'm making a confession, I am a terrible nurse, when it comes to a sick husband. I'm great with kids, but I've always had this resentment that he gets to go to bed when sick and I have to do the same thing i always do. So i grumbled and such, and fast forward to Monday morning and I'm no longer able to function. Thankfully I have a husband that is truly full of grace, or at least he is now. He is truly amazing and He took really good care of me and the house. then my son got it and last but not least, the baby of the family, although she is 9, she's the baby. She is still sick, 4 days and counting. So now, I ask forgiveness from God and start over and make sure I take my "in sickness and in health vow "again. Aren't we so blessed that God is a God of do-overs? I know I am.
See, lately, I've been out of sorts, with my quiet time, I mean. And when this happens, I go back to what works, or what really gets me back in the routine. An online Bible Study. I'm reading "Living So That" and it's totally based on scripture. Really diving into God's word, which is the food we need to live in this messy, yucky world, it's His guide to survival, actually to really living the full life He created us for. it's just week one and our first conference call is tonight! I'm so excited! I did one of these for the first time about 3 years ago. My husband had lost his job, we were staring at each other every day and resentment on both sides was building up. But God sent me wonderful sisters, virtual sisters to build me back up and get me walking again and smiling again. Isn't God just like that? First He sent me Jen, from "Finding Heaven". If you haven't read her blog, you must immediately. She has a heart for Jesus like I've never seen. She has had life deal her some yuck, but God has redeemed and restored and she is now writing a book. In fact, her button is at the bottom of my blog, sol de gloria!
Next, He sent me a link to Proverbs 31 ministries, online Bible Study, Wendy Blight was the author. I can't remember the right name for the book but I think it's "Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner". This book taught me how to pray God's word back to Him, to choose a topic that I needed help on, maybe a fruit of the Spirit like patience . Then look up in the reference for verses on patience and put them in prayer form. Changed my life!!! She encouraged me to step out and try new things, and really changed my prayer life. I encourage you to read it, as soon as possible. God may begin to ask you to do things out of your comfort zone but He will equip you to do the task. I know...
Fast forward to another hard time and I picked up the book 1000 gifts and I've never been the same!! I have since read it 5 times, listened to it at least 15 times and have dome 3 book studies on it. Every time I read it, I hear something i missed or maybe I didn't really need it at the time I read it last. Ann Voskamp has an amazing blog too, an amazing writer and Jesus follower, it's called "A Holy Experience". so now, you have a few ideas. And last is Girlfriends Coffee Hour. I got invited on Facebook and accepted. I had no idea that I would become a blogger and writer, all because of a lady that believed in me. She and a few others prayed over my family and broke the chains of spiritual warfare and prayed my husband a job that would finally get us on our feet. I still blog for them, so look them up. And most of all, keep His word close. For weeks like this one, when I couldn't do this on my strength alone, He guides my steps, He gives me courage and joy when I don't think it's possible. My God is the God of Impossible. What is your impossible today? Are you ready to believe He can and will do it for you? Whats stopping you from handing it over? Praying for you today that you can leave it all at His feet, and let Him fill you with all He has to give!
blessings!!!
I'm making a confession, I am a terrible nurse, when it comes to a sick husband. I'm great with kids, but I've always had this resentment that he gets to go to bed when sick and I have to do the same thing i always do. So i grumbled and such, and fast forward to Monday morning and I'm no longer able to function. Thankfully I have a husband that is truly full of grace, or at least he is now. He is truly amazing and He took really good care of me and the house. then my son got it and last but not least, the baby of the family, although she is 9, she's the baby. She is still sick, 4 days and counting. So now, I ask forgiveness from God and start over and make sure I take my "in sickness and in health vow "again. Aren't we so blessed that God is a God of do-overs? I know I am.
See, lately, I've been out of sorts, with my quiet time, I mean. And when this happens, I go back to what works, or what really gets me back in the routine. An online Bible Study. I'm reading "Living So That" and it's totally based on scripture. Really diving into God's word, which is the food we need to live in this messy, yucky world, it's His guide to survival, actually to really living the full life He created us for. it's just week one and our first conference call is tonight! I'm so excited! I did one of these for the first time about 3 years ago. My husband had lost his job, we were staring at each other every day and resentment on both sides was building up. But God sent me wonderful sisters, virtual sisters to build me back up and get me walking again and smiling again. Isn't God just like that? First He sent me Jen, from "Finding Heaven". If you haven't read her blog, you must immediately. She has a heart for Jesus like I've never seen. She has had life deal her some yuck, but God has redeemed and restored and she is now writing a book. In fact, her button is at the bottom of my blog, sol de gloria!
Next, He sent me a link to Proverbs 31 ministries, online Bible Study, Wendy Blight was the author. I can't remember the right name for the book but I think it's "Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner". This book taught me how to pray God's word back to Him, to choose a topic that I needed help on, maybe a fruit of the Spirit like patience . Then look up in the reference for verses on patience and put them in prayer form. Changed my life!!! She encouraged me to step out and try new things, and really changed my prayer life. I encourage you to read it, as soon as possible. God may begin to ask you to do things out of your comfort zone but He will equip you to do the task. I know...
Fast forward to another hard time and I picked up the book 1000 gifts and I've never been the same!! I have since read it 5 times, listened to it at least 15 times and have dome 3 book studies on it. Every time I read it, I hear something i missed or maybe I didn't really need it at the time I read it last. Ann Voskamp has an amazing blog too, an amazing writer and Jesus follower, it's called "A Holy Experience". so now, you have a few ideas. And last is Girlfriends Coffee Hour. I got invited on Facebook and accepted. I had no idea that I would become a blogger and writer, all because of a lady that believed in me. She and a few others prayed over my family and broke the chains of spiritual warfare and prayed my husband a job that would finally get us on our feet. I still blog for them, so look them up. And most of all, keep His word close. For weeks like this one, when I couldn't do this on my strength alone, He guides my steps, He gives me courage and joy when I don't think it's possible. My God is the God of Impossible. What is your impossible today? Are you ready to believe He can and will do it for you? Whats stopping you from handing it over? Praying for you today that you can leave it all at His feet, and let Him fill you with all He has to give!
blessings!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Happy Birthday Daddy!
Today should be a national holiday, I joked with my mom this morning. Although my sister and I might really think so. You see, it's my daddy's birthday. He not only gave me life but he gave me a second chance for a new life. Eternal life. Born again at 8 at a Billy Graham crusade. He took me to church on Sundays. Wednesday and most of all he lived what he told me. He provided for us. I needed nothing. I wanted for nothing. He loved us. Deeply. I could see it on his face when I walked in a room. He's proud of us. And now that I'm a mom I have a whole new appreciation for him. As an adult I put them through storms. I struggled with addiction and so did they with me. He had patience. He never brings up the past. He's given me grace. Forgiveness. Unconditional love. He now gets to do the same for my kids. The legacy continues. They too know his Jesus. They too will live in eternity with Jesus. So today I celebrate this precious man. The awesome memories and the love and lessons I've learned. Here's to more. And here's to always being together. To infinity and beyond!!
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