Once a Parent Always a Parent

Don’t worry about anything. Instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

–Philipians 4:6 (NLT)

Everything You Need

Are you weary? Jesus is the Great Shepherd who knows what you need and how to meet those needs. Go to Him for rest.

Are you afraid? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When He speaks peace, He imparts it. Listen.

Are you in need? God is the Provider. Ask.Are you in danger? God is the Protector. Trust.

Are you in pain? God is the Healer. Seek His face.

Whatever your need, God is the answer. Press in and ask. Trust Him to move. Let your faith be built up as you wait. That's how it works.

He wants to meet your needs. He'll be glorified, but He will also draw you closer in the process.

Whatever's happening in your life--He's all you need.

Fill in the blank

Maybe you can relate with these thoughts:

“No way I’m coming to God. He’s going to ask me to give up everything fun!”

“I’d have to change too much before I could approach Him. He only wants good people.”

“I don’t want to change my lifestyle. I like being in control of my own life.”

“I want to lead a fulfilling life, so I’m going to do this without God.” (see John 10:10)

“He would take all of my friends away and make me stop going to the ___ (fill in the blank with ‘bar,’ ‘club,’ etc.).”

“I never get very far when I try to pray. God certainly doesn’t fill me up like ___ does.” (again, fill in the blank with words that fit for you: food, drugs, alcohol, sex, friends, partying)

Do you long for something you can’t even name? Some kind of satisfaction you haven’t found, though, wow, have you tried. You long for unconditional love, acceptance, a thrill, satisfaction, contentment, success. Only Jesus can fulfill you. You think what you have (by chasing lesser lovers) is good. But if you could see it through God’s lens, you’d see the ultimate result is not life. Any “satisfaction” you find in that substitute is not long lasting and it’s certainly not without later consequences. Food will increase your waistline. (Unless you binge and purge, and what good is that? Your body needs nutrition or there is a host of consequences to face.) Alcohol will give you a hangover. Drugs control you over time.

But when you turn to Jesus, and surrender everything (even your wrong perceptions about Him), He will fill up your heart and mind (soul) and give you lasting satisfaction. He will cut off those other pursuits because you will see them as they are—lacking in substance and only addressing a fleshly need, not the motivation behind it all—a deeper need.

We don’t like giving up control, but here’s what Jesus says:

If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. (Luke 17:33, NLT)

Put your life into God’s hands. He will free you. The lesser lovers you have turned to will no longer have control of you. (That’s what it feels like, doesn’t it? “I have to have a drink!”) Addictions are hard taskmasters. Jesus is gentle.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)

Inspirational!

You've probably seen it. Everyone's talking about it--Susan Boyle's performance on Britain's Got Talent. When I watched, here's what struck me. Without the mocking of the crowd, the obvious criticism and judging of this woman even before she sings, the ultimate victory of her performance wouldn't have mesmerized viewers. As we watch one of her dreams come true (she's been singing since she was 12) we are transported. She nailed her solo. She captured our imaginations. She elicited our cynicism and for that we all felt conviction. From judgmental expressions, the audience went to cheers and standing ovations. From criticism to conviction. From us against her, to "we're with you!" But without the darkness, the success wouldn't have tasted so good. The same is true in fiction and the same is true in our lives as God is glorified by bringing us through to victory. If you haven't seen it, take a look. You won't regret it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Eternity

“On Easter Day, the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer.”

Douglas Thornton

Easter Day is so full of joy and promise–of promises filled and yet to be realized–and a glimpse to life everlasting. We have gone through a long period of Lent, pondering the sufferings of Christ and his ultimate death so that we could live. Easter Day dawns, and as the sun rises on the horizon, the rays illuminate the glory of God’s kingdom and tease us with the hint of eternal life. Our excitement is barely contained as we pour into church, praising God for our salvation, made possible through the death of his only son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Eternity. Our minds can’t possibly grasp that concept. But the thoughts of being surrounded by God’s love, without pain, without sin, without evil present–just to be present in God’s sweet and enduring love–makes me long for that day when I finally do meet my Savior face-to-face. As the famous Christian song says “I can only imagine…”

Daily, we are bombarded with the current state of affairs in the world. Wars, famine, natural disasters, abortions, unemployment, domestic violence, divorces, lies, cheating, illnesses–the list goes on and on. Some of these affect us personally, and others do not, but they all affect us at some level. Sometimes, it’s hard to offset the pain with the joy, the anguish with the peace, the evil with the good, and thus we lose sight of the God’s promise that HE is in control, and that His glory can come out of suffering. Sometimes, we feel all alone in the depths of our despair and suffering, as though God as abandoned us. And that is when, according to St. Augustine, we must remember that “. . . He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is Here.” So, we must never lose sight of the fact that even when we do feel alone, He is still ever-present in our hearts, in our souls, right next to us in our grief and pain.

Never has this become more evident to me over the past year of my life. This year, I have had to learn so many painful lessons about myself, about my situation, and how to find God in all of this pain. In the quiet times where I’ve allowed God into my heart, I was able to experience the calmness, the love, the peace, which will be present forevermore when I live with God eternally. God has pulled me through this year, has used my suffering for His glory, and has made me so grateful for His love and the precious gift of His son.

I wish all of you a very blessed Easter season.

Happy April!

Don't you just love that it's April? A new month. A new beginning. Time to flip calendar pages and change white board dates. Time for setting new goals or spring cleaning. Today feels new, and I'm ready for something different. Like bed linens, sometimes we just need a fresh change. Here are some tips for bringing about a little welcome change into your life:

~ rearrange some furniture to give your rooms a fresh expression

~ change it up--change your menu, your linens, your shower curtains or bathroom towel theme, change the fragrance you wear or the fragrance which enhances your home

~ if you usually bake banana bread, try zucchini instead :-)

~ if you're tired of old habits, change them. Nothing changes until something changes. Commit and go for it.

Just some thoughts this first morning of April. And though it's snowing today, (!!) I know it'll be feeling like springtime soon. Our pet bird is flapping around, splashing in her water dish. She knows it's time for a change of seasons and a little freshening of her feathers. Change is in the air.

The Road to Success

The road to success is not straight. There is a curb called Failure,a loop called Confusion; speed bumps called Friends; red lights called Enemies;caution lights called Family. You will have flats called jobs.But,if you have a spare called Determination; an engine called Perseverance;insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you willmake it to a place called Success!!

Not Alone

Isn’t it nice to know you’re not alone?

As I’m writing that I’m thinking someone is reading this who has no family around them. They’re thinking, “That’s fine for them; I am alone.” Or someone will read this and think “I’m surrounded by family and I wish I was alone. I’d rather be alone.” I hear you.


But, God never intended for us to go it alone. He never meant for people to live independent of fellowship, excluded from loving relationships. God Himself, as the Trinity, exists in a loving relationship. He means for us to have that with Him and with others.


And even if you are by yourself, you’re never truly alone. God is present everywhere, and He promised His people, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The original intent there is very strong: “I will never ever leave you. I will never ever forsake you. Never.” Amen.



You are not alone.

A Clean Slate

I spent the last half hour looking over the shoulder of one of my daughters as she looked up her grades on line. Lovely letters, those As and Bs for all her work over the past quarter. One of the screens shows a list of missing assignments. Those can bring her grades down. But, the semester ends on Thursday, and all those infractions get cleared. After Friday, she gets a clean slate.

Isn't it great to be forgiven? Like with insurance companies after car accidents. Or bankruptcy. Seven-Ten years later, and you get a second chance.

Second chances are awesome. That's how it is with God's forgiveness. He provides a clean slate because Jesus' sacrifice was enough to atone for our sins.

In Jesus, you can start afresh.

Familiar Shadow

Do you ever choose the unhealthy thing (act, item) just because it’s familiar?


Familiarity is comfortable because we know what to expect. It feels safe, even if it’s actually far from safe. And when we feel safe and comfortable, oftentimes we feel secure. Again, even if the choice is indeed sabotaging us.


I was listening to a song the other day whose lyrics keep coming back to me.



Give up the comfort
of the familiar shadow


Do you give in to negative thoughts just because they’re what you’ve always done? Like an internal default mode? Maybe you grew up with negative voices around you. Complaining. Criticizing. Things start going well and you can’t cope because you’re anxious about the “bad thing that’s coming.” So you revert. Just because being negative is familiar.



In the case of pessimism, changing your tune to optimism might seem frightening because 1) people closest to you might not accept the change (they might mock your attempt or question you motives, drawing unwanted attention); 2) you might not feel genuine, (but the more you do it the more genuine your words will become); or 3) you might feel like a target for the enemy to come and wreak havoc in your life. Like a bulls eye goes up when you say "thank You, God, for what's happening in my life." Or, in the case of a trial: "I believe this is going to work out well. I can’t see it now, but I know God works things together for my good. So, I’m just going to push forward and watch what God does."


Remember, change brings freedom.


Choose the wholesome, beneficial option (emotionally, physically, even financially) one decision at a time. Step into something new for the sake of positive change in your life and watch how things turn around. I heard once that the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Well, it’s probably not psychologically sound, but that definition certainly is logical. If you want to see positive changes in your life, make more positive choices.


Ask God for grace to live according to His Word. Just like anything in the Christian life, we can’t do it without God’s help. Sure, people can live “positively,” but in order to have a lasting, deep transformation, God’s Holy Spirit must be involved. If you’ve been comforted by a familiar shadow, turn it over to God, let His light shine on your life, both exposing those shadows (tendencies) and then showing you how to change. Then, the only step left is leaving that shadow behind in favor of His light.

Keep Him Close

Ever noticed this pattern:

Crisis happens.
Seek God.
Crisis calms down.
Drift from God.
Complacency until
Crisis happens...

Not a good pattern. With that cycle in place, we're going from crisis to crisis instead of from strength to strength. (see Psalm 84:7) I'd rather go from glory to glory in God (see 2 Corinthians 3:18) than from crisis to crisis. I'd rather worship through everything than only when I'm happy. Why? Because that sets up a new pattern--one that leads to growing closer to Jesus, rather than only knowing Him as the One who helps when I'm desperate. Yes. He helps when I'm in terrible need. But He's also there everyday. Close.

Keep Him close.

The Highlighter

Do words in yellow highlight grab your attention? These did mine BEFORE I hit them with the highlighter.

"The only way we can be of use to God is to let Him take us through the crooks and crannies of our own characters."

Oswald Chambers really hit the nail on the head with that.

How often I try and ignore the things that are going on in my heart---just because the timing may not be quite right for dealing with the emotions of the moment. I do that so often!

My sister, Aimee and I discussed recently a particular difficult situation in which she had to go beyond her active duty. I questioned her as to "how" are you going to do that? She said, "I compartmentalize." I do as well. Put it in a pretty box. Deal with it later.

I have to tell you though, God wants to help us deal with it here and now. This minute. If you wait, all to often the enemy of our souls has a chance to insert his opinion. Has that happened to you? Oh girls, it has me.

There was a situation years ago that I was trying to "work through" on my own. In my own time---in my own heart. Well---by the time the enemy had finished inserting his opinion---I had all sorts of imaginings going through my head. None of which were true. The truth was---he--the devil---is a liar. All manner of false spewings come forth when he opens his mouth. And its nasty filth gets in the recesses of our minds and is hard to clean out!

What I needed--and what I eventually received ---was time with my Father. Alone. Just the two of us. Oh the sweet relief. Oh the peace that flooded my soul (as the song says).

I find great comfort in the Word. I find out more about me---and about His desire and love for me daily. That is one area where He can work on the crooks and crannies of our minds. Opening up your Bible, is like inviting Him to sit a spell.

Lessons learned the hard way often stick the longest...but take this one down. Don't box it up. If you do, carry the box immediately to Him to open, examine and repair. When necessary---even replace. There are times in our lives when we need to re-evaluate the order of things. A change of priority is often necessary. Sometimes---there are things, not necessarily bad things, maybe obligatory things that needs cutting from our lives. He can help you decide. He can highlight those areas and shine His Holy Light into the area that needs work. Have you thought to ask Him? I have recently. When He pulls the cover off the attitude I get from time to time, He highlights it and directs my heart into action.

Go ahead. Hand Him the highlighter. Don't be afraid...just be obedient.

Happy New Year!

As you look back at the year 2008 and ahead to 2009, may your heart be filled with thankfulness, lessons learned, and hope for your future in the Lord. No matter what is going on, God has good plans for you.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Looking forward to sharing the coming year together!

Happy New Year 2009!!!

It May Only Be Pretty On the Outside

Last night I had a lengthy and restless dream about moving into a new home. In the dream I had hired 3 men to help load and unpack three huge moving trucks. I had all this stuff, the majority of it items I probably didn't even need. I remember feeling so overwhelmed and weighed down, and at the $65 per hour each I was paying them, I was beginning to worry about the rising expense. Then we arrived at my new home. It looked so nice from the outside, but once we got inside it was a whole different story. The layout and amenities in the house were everything I could possibly want, but it was in need of a tremendous amount of repair. The kitchen floor was made of uneven slats of plywood like an earthquake had moved the foundation. When I turned on the tub faucet, water gushed from underneath creating a household flood. In every room of that house were major problems. As I walked through, I began to sum up what this and that would cost to fix and I became discouraged. The movers asked me if I had seen the inside before I bought the home and for some strange reason, dreams are like that, I had not! I began to feel as though I had made a huge mistake. When I woke up from this sleep-induced nightmare, and thank God it was only that, I asked the Lord what did all this mean. What came to my heart was the lesson of letting go -letting go past mistakes and needless dilemmas or drama, and that some things just aren't worth fixing. At times, we need to just cut our losses and move on. Sometimes things look so pretty on the outside, but inside they cause us great turmoil and anxiety. Some relationships and friendships can be like that, especially if we're unequally yoked. On the surface, the person may appear great, but in our spirits we filled drain, fed-up, and restless. Instead of letting go, we try to fix problems or adapt to behaviors we're uncomfortable with instead of realizing, hey, maybe we're not a good fit. When we do decide to move on, we often bring truck loads of guilt or sad memories with us. Lighting our load will help to lighten our spirits. It could have been a nice house, it had so much potential, but I just wasn't up for the challenge. I wanted something that was move-in ready. Which makes me wonder why would I buy a house without even looking inside? Haste, impatience, and foolishness, come to mind. For me God may be saying, "Hey, take your time, don't just look at the surface of your desires, but check out the inside and all the rooms as well before you make a big investment. Also, get rid of those things that are weighing you down. They may be pretty on the outside, but robbing your spirit on the inside. And lastly, practice the art of letting go and forgive yourself in the process. God is still on the throne.

If MY People

God is full of wisdom. He knows what it takes for a nation to thrive. He has a strategy for a country facing:

~ children cutting themselves due to hopelessness
~ unbelievable stats regarding the mutilation and murder of unborn babies
~ rampant hopelessness in the youth
~ rampant drug abuse
~ high teen suicide rates
~ high divorce rates
~ high teen pregnancy rates
~ deadly attacks from other nations
~ violence, crime and abuse




Want to know what His prescription is? PRAYER.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV)

God doesn't demand that nonbelievers pray, but rather believers. He doesn't demand everyone change their ways, just His people. That's what it will take to bring hope back to this nation. Jehovah God----JESUS----is the God of hope (see Romans 15:13).

Many ministries have been calling for prayer. Personally, God has been wooing me to pray more than before. We need to pray for our nation, yes, but personal repentance, humility, intimacy with God and holy living will make the difference for our country. It starts in the heart of every believer.

Pray.

Fireproof

Wow.

Saturday, my husband and I went to see the movie "Fireproof." Have you heard of this one? Our church did an outreach around the movie's release. We packed into the theater to watch a firefighter learn how to love his wife. So used to getting respect on the job, this man demanded the same at home, but without the investment of himself, his heart and his time with his wife. He gave everything he had at work, living as a hero, but at home, the emotional risk of being transparent with his wife was too difficult. He held back, boarding himself up, shutting down and making her feel responsible. She, in return, sought that emotional intimacy elsewhere.

So, what happens when this firefighter takes the dare of his life and learns to love his wife? Letting down his walls with her will be the bravest thing he's ever done and rescuing his marriage? The most heroic act of all.

This is a powerful film. Kirk Cameron, a man very different from the one he played, portrayed this character with depth and realism. He did a phenomenal job. The movie will capture your heart and carry you on a journey. If you're married (or have been married) you might see yourself in the characters and the story line. You'll probably wanna have tissues handy, male or female. Several times the theater filled with sniffling sounds as we watched, but also cheering and applause.

A Mom’s Favorite Words

Mother is the most beautiful word in the English language, says a survey conducted by the British Council. According to the survey’s results, the ten most beautiful words are:

Mother

Passion

Smile

Love

Eternity

Fantastic

Destiny

Freedom

Liberty

Tranquillity

Lovely words, all of them. But reading that got me to thinking: what are a mother’s favorite words? Hmmmm…..how about sleep? Yep, that would probably be it—especially if the word is preceded by the adjective uninterrupted. Ah, bliss!

A mom’s second most-beloved word or phrase? It just might be, “I’ll change his diaper, honey,” or the acknowledgement (rarely received but always appreciated), “Wow, you sure did a lot today!”Speaking of doing a lot, since this month makes even the most organized mommy’s head spin, the best present I could receive as a mom would be these words: “Let’s not do Christmas cards this year.” Talk about a gift!

Here are a few other phrases that get a mom’s heart racing (gals, if you’re feeling really brave and sneaky, print this out so you can slip it in your hubby’s sock drawer):

10. Let’s just cuddle tonight.

9. Are those magic jeans? Your rear looks tiny in them.

8. I have a floral delivery for you. Will you be home later?

7. Mom, you watch [insert favorite television show here]. I’ll vacuum.

6. Do you like your massage gentle or firm?

5. Your child is so well-adjusted/polite/neat/smart/normal.

4. Thanks for offering, but all our volunteer positions are suddenly filled.

3. I’ll take carpool duty today.

2. Here’s breakfast in bed, sweetie. And no, the kids didn’t make it—I did!

There are also tons of Biblical phrases that I find especially beautiful. Here are a few on my personal top-ten list: “He gives sleep to those He loves”; “He gently leads those who have young” (I need to follow someone other than my oldest, who’s likely to lead me right off the side of a cliff); “Peace I give you” (this one comforts me when my hubby is working late, my toddler won’t quit crying, and my fifth grader won’t stay in bed); and “With God all things are possible” (for when the baby’s been up all night and I have a presentation to give at ten a.m.).

Thinking about those words—written long ago, but oh-so-relevant today—helps me to calm down in the midst of the chaos that is motherhood.

You know what also helps me to calm down? When my husband says the phrase that’s #1 with moms everywhere:

1. Let’s go out to eat tonight!

A New Year's Resolution

A New Year’s Resolution

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8


The young woman’s body shook and her tears flowed. Kathy* had just moved into the homeless shelter and she was in the early stages of drug and alcohol withdrawal. When Kathy learned we were having Bible study, she ran from the room, came right back, Bible in hand and tears still flowing.


Having just celebrated the New Year, we talked about resolutions and how a resolution is a change we want to make in our lives. We talked about the Potter and the clay, and how our Father is in the continual process of molding and changing our lives to shape us into the beautiful vessels that He wants us to become.


We talked about how we, as the clay, must be pliable and willing and trust the Potter. How we must make sure our clay stays soft and doesn’t dry out. How we must be willing to place our clay in the Potter’s hand. How we must get to know our Father and let Him prove Himself trustworthy and how we do this by reading His Word - and learning how much He truly loves each one of us.
We then made a list of our resolutions for the New Year and Kathy shared that she had already made hers. She had been saved through faith in Christ just a month earlier. Ever since that time, she had planned for the next day to be her last day to drink and get high. Kathy had some serious pain in her life. She was afraid of being sober but she had truly encountered Christ and during the past month, through studying God’s word and praying to Him, He had given her the power to finally say “no more.”


So on this night, as Kathy suffered through the early stages of withdrawal, her determination was evident. Even as her body shook and her tears flowed, she held tightly to her Bible. As we talked about the Potter and the clay, and God molding us and changing us, this young woman’s eyes never left my face. She seemed to cling to every word that was spoken.

As we were finishing up, something truly divine began to happen. Another resident began to encourage Kathy as she shared her story of how God helped her survive a similar experience. She was so very kind and loving and supportive. An older resident then spoke up and said she had been there too. She assured Kathy that she would make it through this time - and they would all be there to help her. Then the older resident closed her eyes and lifted her face toward heaven. She began to sing “What a Day That Will Be” in such a pretty, clear, alto voice and as she sang to her Lord, all of her worries and concerns seemed to just melt from her face.
*name changed

These women laid aside their own problems to minister to Kathy.

Are we able to put aside our problems and minister to others in need?

Do we truly encounter our Father when we close our eyes
and lift our faces toward heaven?
We will if only we have faith as great as this precious homeless woman.


Father, we ask that you give us the power to trust you and leave our burdens at the cross. We ask that you give us a heart that always allows us to minister to others. And we pray that in the midst of our problems we would be able to close our eyes and lift our faces toward heaven and sing praises to you. In the precious name of Jesus.

Dollar Store Christmas

Are things tough for you this season?

Recently I heard a mom say it was going to be a dollar store Christmas. She explained her small child wouldn't know the difference between a $20 gift and a $1 gift. And that she would be so disappointed if there were no gifts on Christmas morning because of the family's financial struggle.


Can you relate to that? More than one person lately has told me how they're feeling the financial strain this season. As difficult as that is, this season is about going back to the true meaning. We believers have said that, preached that, but I'm seeing a true diversion from materialism this year.


I want this Christmas season to be about family, friends, and most of all celebrating Jesus. Every year we try to focus our family on the fact that this is the season we celebrate Jesus' birth.

My daughter recently shared how just being together as family is a gift at Christmas. She's right.

This year, no matter how much or how little we have, there's always something to be thankful for. God's love for starters. He sent Jesus, the best gift, so we could know Him.

That's reason to celebrate.

Merry Christmas!

Such Grace!

This verse is quoted below today in the CWO "Daily Snippets" box.

Blessed is the one whom You choose, and cause to come near You. He shall dwell in Your courts; we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple. (Psalm 65:4, MKJV)

Our pastor reminded us last night at church that in the Old Testament, God poured out His special attention on a select few: Moses, David, Joseph, Isaiah, etc. But, in the New Covenant, His presence is for "whosoever will." Whoever will pursue Him wholeheartedly will find Him. His sheep hear His voice, and becoming a sheep is a matter of "whosoever will."

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV)

Whoever believes... Are you one of the ones who believes? You don't have to be left out. Not this time. You may have felt left out at other times in your life, but not this time. Just say yes to Him.

Last night, during worship, I agreed to do something the Lord had been asking me to do. I prayed and gave Him a "yes," as weak as I felt. Immediately His presence visited me. He's looking for willingness.

Are you willing?

The Unknown

Do you know what's ahead for you, for your family? Me neither. Do you wonder if you're prepared? Like earthquake preparedness for those of us on the west coast. Or the assurance of a cellar or basement if you're in Tornado Alley in April with storm clouds over head.

Where do you go when you're looking for security?

Below is my assurance. Join me, if you agree:


~ My God reigns.

~ I know Whom I've believed for the future.

~ He's made promises to me about the future, and about caring for my family and me en route.

~ My security is found in my Good Shepherd who knows my needs before I even ask. He's even well-acquainted with the ones I may be in denial about.

~ My kind heavenly Father cares for me. He will perfect that which concerns me.

~ My God can see the future; He's training me today for what I'll face tomorrow. It's a process and that never frustrates Him.

~ My God has the entire universe in His hand; nothing is impossible for Him, or too difficult or vast.

~ My God is sovereign and loving.

So, though the future is foggy, I know where to turn for security and assurance.

Here's what I've noticed. Simply voicing my concerns to God isn't always enough to calm all my anxieties (am I the only one??). But reading His Word brings power into the situation; praying His Word brings more power, and believing His Word strengthens me. My heart is literally uplifted as I delve in and seek His face.

One final thought, no matter how many times we've heard it:


“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

You can have assurance. You just have to know where to turn when facing the unknown.

Lord, I love it when You...

Grace me with the sensations of Your presence.


Hover over me as I pray.


Cover me as I write.


Lead me while I parent.


Kiss me with revelations from the Word.


Speak life to me.


Pour out hope for my future in You.


Give me the dreams in Your heart for me.


Speak or pray through me for someone else.


Embrace me while I worship.

I Do Not Care...

I Do NOT Care

Who you once were.
How much money you have or don't have.
What sins and regrets you may carry within your heart from the past or present.
What hardships you have endured so far in this life.
What others may think of you...

What I do care about is this:

For you, my friend, to realize your own worth. To know you are worthy of the dreams and desires you keep tucked away within your heart and soul. I do care, that for once in your life, you find within you the courage and strength to realize your own great potential, that you stop making excuses for why your dreams, desires, wishes and wants are not important.

From one friend to another, from one sister to another, I want to gently remind you of a few things you may have forgotten along the way....

You are beautiful.
You have many gifts, and it is up to you to use them.
You are perfect as you are, imperfections and all.
You have a light shining within you, and the power to use it for your own greater good.
You have been your own worst enemy for way to long.

Embrace yourself, love yourself, and know that whatever your own personal dreams, desires and goals you may have in this life, that you do have everything within you to make that your own reality.

The excuses you come up with, the reasons why you can't are merely symptoms of your fear. If I never do another thing to inspire you or motivate you, I want YOU to find your passion and your purpose, and start today in becoming the woman you have always been destined to be.

You have a purpose my friend. You can and you will do this....why? Because I was once like you, and I decided once and for all to do everything I can to be the woman God intended me to be. We get one life, one chance...do not waste it on fear, regret or self-loathing. ....Stop hiding in the shadows, stand up, stand out and SHINE....

It IS YOUR TIME to shine, my friend. This has been going on long enough. You can do this, and if you need a helping hand, a friend, encouragement, you can always count on me.

Whatcha waiting for?


Wishing You an Abundance of Blessings,

Quote of the Day

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."

~ Elisabeth Elliott ~

Welcome