If something is of great value to me, the best place for me to put it, is in God's hands. 

Can't put a price on healing <3

I think the amount of time it takes to heal on the inside has a lot to do with how much we are willing to yield to God in the process. 

Just speaking from experience as I'm so thankful for all He's done in me - especially in the last few years. Thank you Jesus. You are my King. You get all the glory. 

Peacemaker

An apology is not, "I'm sorry...but...".

An apology is, "I'm sorry." "Forgive me for what I did wrong. I realize that I should apologize for...".

An apology has no pride or a list of reasons of what we think the other person did wrong. 

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 NIV (Bold emphasis mine)

I used to think that if I wasn't constantly paying attention or trying to control my life, that I'd miss out on opportunities. This proved to be exhausting and is an impossible way to live. When God brought me the opportunity to write for Christina Magazine it really spoke to me because I wasn't looking for it. I was just living my life and going about my business and it just fell in my lap. 

It helped me to realize how powerful God is and to completely trust Him with my life and just let go. It brought me peace when I let go because I could look back and know that if He brought the magazine opportunity into existence then He could and would bring future opportunities to me in the right timing and that I wouldn't miss out. If there is something I need to see then He will make sure that I see it. He has proven Himself faithful. Even if I miss it the first few times I still believe that He will bring it to me until I finally understand what He's trying to tell me. Why? Because He loves us that much. He won't let us go and He won't give up on us. 

Dear God, 

As we read your living word let us come across scriptures in the Bible that help us understand how strong you are and let it encourage us and build our faith. Amen. 

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:34-36 NIV)

He Made a Way

I know I've posted this before but for those who don't know, I have recently received an invitation to write for a magazine called, "Christina Magazine". It is a Christian magazine for women and it launched December 1, 2013! I'm excited about it and grateful for the opportunity. 

I wanted to share how this opportunity came about. I have no doubt that it came from God and it really just fell into my lap.

I had just got home from church on a Sunday afternoon in September and I got a text message from my friend. She asked me, "Heidi, if the opportunity ever came up for you to write for a magazine, would you take it?" And I replied, "Sure, why not?" :)

Then she told me that she saw that her friend Christy posted an announcement on Facebook that she was starting her own magazine and inviting people to join her team. I messaged her right away and told her that I was interested and sent her the link to my blog. 

We talked over the next few days and I was invited to write for the magazine and named Editor at Large! I couldn't believe it! I kept asking myself, "Is this really happening?" Lol. 

I'm so grateful for the opportunity and every time that I think about it I feel a word in my heart from God. My heart feels the word, "Fulfilling". God is telling me that He is fulfilling a dream that I've had in my heart for so long. The dream to be able to call myself a writer.

If you'd like to see our first December issue click here:

http://www.christina-magazine.com 

If you'd like to see my articles, choose ministry in the drop down menu and then go to encouragement. 

I will not be held captive by my thoughts but I will take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. 

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

I think insecurities are just lies from the enemy to keep us from being who we were truly meant to be - who God called us to be. 

"That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." (2 Timothy 1:5-7 MSG)

God has recently helped me to see that I don't have to understand to believe, because when I believe, it is then that I understand. 

When I believe that He loves me, I accept it, when I accept it, I experience it, when I experience it, my heart understands and knows unconditional love. 

I also don't have to understand to believe because God truly is working for my good and if He says no to something then I know that it must not be the best thing for me. 

Of course I want to understand why things happen or don't happen but before He tells me why, I can trust His love for me and His perfect timing. 

I wanted to post the following praise report to bring glory to God and encourage others who may be in a similar place. I have dealt with the struggle of people pleasing for the longest time. However, my mind has felt so set free from people pleasing in the last few months. 

God has helped me to think about why I do things and who I am doing them for. All that room in my mind that was wasted on what other people think, or might think, or could think, or what if, or who could be mad at me, or is someone talking about me, what if they misinterpreted what I said, and blah, blah, blah! I really really struggled to let all that go. But when I finally did let it go, God got me to a place where it didn't concern me anymore and all that junk had to leave and now that space gets to be occupied by Him! That's how we were meant to live! :) I am free! 

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10 NIV)

Hello Blog Readers!

I wanted to share the good news that God has given me the opportunity to write for a magazine! I will still be posting in my blog frequently so I hope you will keep reading! 

Click on the link below to see the Facebook page of Christina Magazine. Our first issue comes out in December. Stay tuned!  

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Magazine/529621587131370

When I was younger my family and I took a vacation and passed through Arkansas. We visited a beautiful rock farm and I'll never forget it. My dad said my siblings and I could choose one rock but there were so many to choose from! My siblings and I looked all around for the one we wanted. I made up my mind that I was going to pick one that was so unique that I would not be able to find it anywhere else. While I was looking for a rock I noticed that many of them were beautiful on the inside but were not so nice on the outside. I wondered how somebody knew to open the rock up and find something so beautiful? 

I kept looking in amazement of how beautiful, colorful, and special each one was. 

I believe this is how God sees us. Sometimes we can look at ourselves in a negative way and see our faults, mistakes, or things we don't like about ourselves but God sees a treasure shining through on the inside. He sees something beautiful on the inside and doesn't give up on us. 

Jeremiah 18:1-6 says,

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord : “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 

More and more I have noticed the unexpected and powerful ways that God works. In the hardest and most challenging times I ask God to show Himself, and He does. I ask this because I want to know that He is there and that His will is being done in my life. I want to know what He would want me to do, even though I hesitate at times, I want to do what is right in His eyes. My heart is most at peace and I am happiest when I know I've done the best at what God has asked me to do. 

He helps me to know He is there in those challenging times because His spirit guides me and tells me what the right thing to do is. When I follow His way, hard times become less challenging and joy finds its way in because my heart delights in obeying Him. I know that at that moment He has helped my character to grow and has answered my prayers. 

I do hesitate at times and make mistakes but I get right back up and try again because God is a God of second chances and He is faithful and just to forgive. 

Romans 7:19-25 

"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 

Poem: I will not stop here

Hello Blog Readers :)

Today I posted my 100th post on my blog! To celebrate I wanted to share a poem that I just wrote. 

As always, thank you so much for reading! <3 

This poem is about growing in my relationship with God. It's about being grateful for all He has taught me and brought me through. I want to continue pushing through for an even stronger faith and deeper connection with God. I picture myself moving forward in life. We all have the option to give up or get up and keep going. This poem is about me telling God that although I am thankful for where I am, I will not settle or be satisfied. I will not stop here but I will go for more. I will trust Him more, believe in Him more, know Him more, love Him more.

Poem: I will not stop here 

I see my life ahead of me and want to grow more

Grateful where I am, thrilled at what's in store

I will keep moving forward God, I won't stop here

I'm not moving backwards I'm done with fear

You've got more to teach me and you are showing me through

I believe you are for me, I trust in you

I continue to learn as you teach me your ways

I value spiritual growth in every day

I don't want to be the same as I was last week

Help me to be bold and use my voice to speak

The more I grow I look back and see

The old is gone, there is new in me! 

These are some notes I wanted to share on loving others. I heard these words of wisdom when I visited my friends church. Her Pastor was doing a series on relationships. 

Grace and love says, "I give you the permission to be different. I accept you as you are."

Love others for who they are and don't try to change them. We weren't meant to change people or expect them to be like us. 

Don't judge people but give them room to mature. If I am to love someone I am to give them space to grow up. 

Don't go into a relationship (or marriage) with an agenda to change that person. 

See the good in others and don't think it's my assignment to tell other people their mistakes. 

There is a difference between a person and the image we have of them. We get disappointed when people aren't who we made them to be in our minds. 

Genuine love has focus on others and not ourselves. 

True love is not coerced and has healthy boundaries. 

Time proves the motive and authenticity of love." 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Some things I try to live by and practice as often as possible: 

-Forgive others and always work towards this

-Love others <3 and believe the best about them

-Fill a need if I am able to and don't wait for someone else to do it 

I heard this scripture at church recently and it caught my attention and melted my heart. 

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." (John 21:25 NIV)

I've always wondered about all the other things that Jesus must have done that we don't read about because it's not recorded in the Bible. As the scripture points out, there were so many other wonderful things that Jesus did and we wouldn't have room for those books if they had been written. :) I don't know about you but when I first read this scripture I thought, "Wow! I want to read those books! I want to know about all the other things about Jesus that weren't recorded. Even if I never have enough time on earth to finish all of them."

How valuable is the word of God to us and all that He has done? One day I'll have an even better option than reading those books that were unable to be recorded. I'll have the gift of kneeling at the feet of the King and hearing from the Author Himself. <3   

I have a reason to sing

The following are some lyrics to a song called, "Desert Song" by Hillsong United. These lyrics really spoke to me. 

"All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship"

This reminded me that no matter what I'm going through - whether I'm in a good season or a hard season that if He is still God (and He always will be) then I always have a reason to sing and worship. If things aren't going as planned, if circumstances are challenging, if He is still God, then I have a reason to sing and He is still worthy of worship. 

He is God of all. I can look up in the hard times and know that He is still God and He is in control. He is in control of my life and will make all things work out in His perfect will. 

The more I know you

The more I know you God,

The more I understand your love for me,

The more I understand your great love for me, the more my heart melts and the more I love you in return, 

The more I get to know who you really are, the more I trust you

The more I trust you, the less I doubt you

The less I doubt you, the more my faith grows in you

The more my faith grows in you, the more I can't wait to get to know you even more! 

<3 <3 <3 

God I love you 

Most of the time I am the first one to leave the house in the morning so I make sure to be quiet so I don't wake anyone up. This morning I was going down the stairs like I usually do. Before I go down I let my Chihuahua go down first and wait until I see him get to the bottom. Then I turn off the light and I go down. I can see a little and know the stairs well enough. (Btw: There is no light switch at the bottom of the stairs. Lol.)

But sometimes, like today, my Chihuahua gets scared when I turn off the light and tries to come all the way back upstairs towards me. Lol. I guess he gets scared and wants to go back where he felt safe. 

Then I thought, isn't that what we do sometimes? When God tries to bring us into some place new, away from the norm, we think about the place where we once were? I know I have had that thought before. However, I have learned that I can trust God and that He is there in the unfamiliar and the unknown. :)

New places, if we allow them, can be times of growth and opportunities to know and trust Him more. <3 

God is for us and loves us so much! He has helped me in many different kinds of new places. He helps me when I'm trusted with new responsibility and I can go forward with excitement and expectancy, He comforts me in the hard times when I'm disappointed or sad and uses that time to heal me and work on my heart, He guides me through tough and challenging times and He shows up to work on my character. 

If I'm moving, I want it to be forward, towards God. He proves Himself faithful time and time again. I really do value knowledge and growth in Him. I may not understand at times but I am glad for the places He has brought me through because without them I would not have learned what I know now. I can look back and know that it was only God who could've helped me and changed me. I give You all the glory God. 

Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Jeremiah 29:11, "'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."

1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 

As a way to celebrate the one year anniversary of my blog I want to encourage anyone to go forward with a dream that God has placed on their heart. For years I wanted to start a blog and knew that God wanted me to. I kept making excuses and I let fear and insecurities hold me back. Now as I look back at one year later I am so grateful for the experience and opportunity to be able to share my writing. He is so good to us. 

A few things that have been helpful to me along this journey are:

-I don't always have to have everything figured out. This was so hard for me to accept. I am a recovering perfectionist and really have to try not to be so hard on myself. 

-He will provide. When I thought I was all out of ideas He kept putting things on my heart to share. He is the cup that won't run dry!

I read this scripture last night and it brought a peace and joy to my heart. I was so glad and excited to learn another new thing from Him and put it into practice with expectancy. 

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27. 

So what does this mean? Let's take it piece by piece, shall we?

Jesus is speaking to His disciples and says, "Peace I leave with you." He gave us His peace. But He goes on to say that He does not give as the world gives. What does that mean? To me it means that on this earth we can be given things even with the best intentions but some things don't always last. Things can break, fall apart, or just get worn out after we have used them for so long. But not the things that Jesus gives! :)

He gives us a peace that is life changing and everlasting. It's like something that we've never known because it's not as the world gives. It never gets close to running out. 

The second part of the scripture says,  "Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." This tells me that I can make a choice not to let my heart be troubled or fearful. It's not to say that I won't ever feel hurt or disappintment but I can take control over my heart and keep directing it back to Him.

Jesus is not asking us but telling us in a statement, "Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I can give my heart to God and be confident that He will take care of me.

This is not the only place in the Bible that it says, "Do not let your heart be troubled." He's getting our attention. Why would He tell us that if it wasn't for a reason? If He couldn't follow through? If there wasn't a powerful significance to follow? We can trust Him! 

I will make great use of my freedom

I wanted to capture what has been on my heart lately. I was encouraged to do this by reading the book, Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. (See previous post) This is what I wrote today:

I will live my life for God. I will be concerned about that which is on God's heart. I will be contagiously happy and will give free smiles. I will be loving and kind to others even if they don't return it. I will trust God with the things that I cannot see. I will be who God made me to be. I will do what you have placed before me God. 

I will not get so lost in my own troubles that I can't help others with theirs. I will be encouraging to others. I will go out of my way to be there for someone who needs me. I will love God by loving His people. (John 21:15-17) I will lift His name far above my own and make His name great. 

I will be at peace. I will live my life for God and not for man. I will not let myself be limited by people pleasing or get caught up in trying to perform for others. (Galatians 1:10) I don't even have to perform for God because He loves and accepts me just as I am and I can't earn His love. 

I will be obedient to God even when it doesn't make sense because I don't have to understand to be obedient. I will not be concerned with others but keep my eyes focused on Him. He will show me the way. I will make lots of mistakes but I will keep getting back up. I completely abandon all of my old ways and trust God to lead me. (2 Corinthians 5:17). I will honor God by enjoying my life. 

I am currently reading the book, "Crazy Love" by a Pastor named Francis Chan.  On page 48 he shares a very inspiring essay by a young girl named Brooke Broncowski, written when she was about 12 years old. The title of the essay is, "Since I have my life before me". This is what she wrote:

"I'll live my life to the fullest. I'll be happy. I'll brighten up. I will be more joyful than I have ever been. I will be kind to others. I will loosen up. I will tell others about Christ. I will go on adventures and change the world. I will be bold and not change who I really am. I will have no troubles but instead help others with their troubles. 

You see, I'll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age. Oh, I'll have moments, good and bad, but I will wipe away the bad and only remember the good. In fact that's all I remember, just good moments, nothing in between, just living my life to the fullest. I'll be one of those people who go somewhere with a mission, an awesome plan, a world changing plan, and nothing will hold me back. I'll set an example for others, I will pray for direction. 

I have my life before me. I will give others the joy I have and God will give me more joy. I will do everything God tells me to do. I will follow the footsteps of God. I will do my best!!!"

The book goes on to say that, "During her freshman year in high school, Brooke was in a car accident while driving to the movies. Her life on earth ended when she was just fourteen, but her impact didn't." 

God is still using her essay to touch peoples lives today. <3 This essay really encouraged me and challenged me. What a great word and from such a young girl!

What do you want to do for God with the time you have left on this earth? It's not too late. Come up with a plan and write your vision down like Brooke. Every day counts and every day is precious. <3 

Just a thought...

In the past few years up until present day God has helped me to see that

I don't have to understand to be obedient to Him.

I don't have to understand what He is telling me or understand how it's all going to turn out to take a step of obedience towards God.

Others don't have to understand what God is asking me to do for me to be obedient to God. 

Today as I was driving home from church  and thinking about this very thing, God brought something new to my mind: I don't have to understand to receive His love. 

I don't have to understand why He loves me or how He loves me for me to receive His love. I don't have to understand the way He loves me or how much He loves me for me to receive His love. <3 And I don't have to qualify for His love. It's mine because He freely gave it to me and I can just receive.

I went outside this morning and the air felt so nice and cool and it was quiet and peaceful. I love to soak in those moments. 

These words came to mind admiring the work of God:

You show your beauty in all of creation

You glorify yourself in all your creation 

The beauty of your creation describes you

Hello. I am posting some encouraging lyrics to one of my favorite songs. The song is called, "He is with us", by a duo called, Love & The Outcome. I hope these lyrics are encouraging to you as well. :) The words in bold are my favorite lyrics. 

Remember when your hope is lost and faith is shaken
Remember when you wonder if you're gonna make it
There's a hand stretched out through your deepest doubt
We can't pretend to see the ending or what's coming up ahead
To know the story of tomorrow
But we can stay close to the One who knows

We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding on to you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us
Always, always
He is with us, He is with us
Always

We believe there is purpose, there is meaning in everything
We surrender to His leading
He wants nothing more than to have us close

We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding on to you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us
Always, always
He is with us, He is with us
Always

Our faith is sealed
Our hope is real
Come what may
We're not afraid
Our faith is sealed
Our hope is real
Come what may
We're not afraid
We're not afraid

We can trust our God
Always, always
We can trust our God
Always, always

We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding on to you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us
Always, always
He is with us, He is with us
Always, always
He is with us, He is with us
Always, always
He is with us, He is with us
Always
Our God is with us

I recently finished reading, The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. One of the 5 love languages in the book is quality time. 

It describes that people who like quality time value undivided attention without interruptions such as technology. 

It made me think about time that I spend with God. I need to do a better job of spending quality time with Him without letting things distract me such as text messages, calls, e-mails, etc. All those things can wait. God is my priority. I need uninterrupted time with Him, just being in His presence. Not on the road trying to rush and taking God "on the go". I need time set apart, just Him and I, quiet, not rushed, uninterrupted, quality time. 

I imagine that God likes quality time with His children as well. 

So today there was a possibility for unnecessary conflict that could have turned into a bigger problem but I stopped myself and allowed myself to get quiet before God and just let out my feelings. Trying to be honest with myself and with Him of why I was bothered. Then I chose forgiveness and started speaking faith into my situation. I prayed and believed 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. I let my thoughts go towards seeking God instead of keeping focused on the problem and getting further upset. I thought about something that I had never thought about before, "God, I'm going to let this problem/conflict bring me closer to you instead of farther away." I practiced my faith and the situation turned into His peace followed by laughter. 

My point is that I don't think that God wants us to be easily offended. I don't think that we are meant to see ourselves as victims. The Bible does not call us victims, we are not even mere survivors but we are more than conquerers!

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."(Romans 8:37 NIV)

Hey guys! Have you ever bought something new (clothes, watch, shoes, other accessories, products, or services) and someone comes up to you and compliments it? After saying thank you, you might go ahead and share where you got it from depending on how excited you are about it and how much you like it. It's nice of them to pay a compliment and I find that it's fun for me to share with them where I bought it, to put a smile on their face too. I'm confident in sharing where I bought something if I know that it's a good buy. 

I find that it's easy to share information about something I'm passionate about it.

I say this because I wonder if we can use the same enthusiasm to share Christ with others? I'm saying this to be encouraging. Aren't we happy and passionate about what a great God we serve!? :) We can be confident in sharing the Truth with others. He won't disappoint! 

If you aren't used to doing this its ok, just start small. If you find yourself ready to share His goodness ask God to give you opportunities. He will absolutely do that for you. <3 

I caught myself thinking, "Why do I care so much about other people's opinions?  The only opinion I care about is God's." But then I thought, "Wait, God doesn't have an opinion because God only speaks in fact. Everything He says is truth!" 

Hey there everyone :) Just had a message in my heart that I wanted to share. Be true to who you are - the one who God made you to be. You are His one and only, unique, one of a kind! 

I wanted to post an example of how I have lived and I think others may be able to identify with me. Here goes:

Have you ever seen a movie and seen someone that you want to be like? Your favorite actress or actor? You see the movie and you watch them and you admire their beauty, humor, physique, skills, talents? You leave the movie wanting to be them, wishing you were them, wondering how you could make yourself more like them, picturing yourself like them and how it would be to be them?

God caught me thinking this tonight and brought this to mind:

Instead of putting a beautiful girl in my mind as who I would like to look like and be like, Jesus needs to be there. My Savior needs to occupy that place. He is my everything, my mind's focus, my heart's desire, my supreme example, and it's Him who I want to be like. There is nobody else who can take His place. I'm so glad that My Heavenly Father showed me this. 

God I love you and I pray you would continue to show me wisdom that can honor You and bring me closer to you. You are my King and there is none above you. Be lifted high God above anything or anyone else. 

Hello. On July 1st I posted that I was going to try my best to post every day in July. I want to celebrate with you all that I was able to meet my goal! :)

The reason I wanted to post every day is to be faithful with what God has asked me to do. A few years ago God kept confirming to me through different people that He wanted me to start this blog. I waited so long to start it but I'm so glad I did. 

For so long, I let myself be convinced that I didn't have anything good to share. Or thought that people wouldn't like it. That wasn't true and I let that lie postpone what I knew God wanted me to do. 

Don't be discouraged by lies or by the put-downs of others. What God says about you is so much greater and more importantly, His words are the best thing to listen to. There are God given dreams and talents on the inside of every one of us. You can do something in a way that nobody else can do and you can reach people in ways that others won't have the opportunity to reach. 

Don't be convinced that you are not special. Don't be convinced that you aren't good enough. Take a step towards God and make the move He's been encouraging you to make. He's rooting for you and He will show you the way. 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14 NIV)

I hope this will be encouraging to anybody who reads, who might have convinced themselves that God doesn't care. He does care. More than that, He loves. It's His nature to love. He defines love. Don't let discouraging circumstances speak louder than His truth. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8 NIV)

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1 NIV)

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8 NIV)

"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 NIV)

The unknown can be scary to think about. It leaves us with questions that we don't always know the answers to. Sometimes our minds start thinking about worse case scenarios but this isn't the best or healthiest approach. It can get us worked up over nothing. (Speaking from experience.) 

A few months ago I was talking to a friend about a situation I was facing. I was going to have to talk to someone about something that I thought was already resolved. I knew that I needed to approach this with prayer, love, and let God lead me.

My friend saw that I was uncomfortable and a little bothered. She asked me a question that really helped me. She asked, "How are you going to spend your time from now until you approach this situation in a few hours?" I knew what the answer was. I replied, "I'm going to spend it talking to God and keeping my mind on truth (scripture)."

I really desired for things to go well so I made a great effort to keep the right attitude and a genuine caring concern for this person. It challenged me to push away the worry with faith.

In the end things turned out better than I thought and I was thankful that God had used my friend to show me how to approach that situation. Turns out I had worried for nothing.

I saw how important it is to choose wisely on how to spend my time in the hours, days, or even weeks before a meeting, appointment, conflict, situation, etc. 

"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 NIV)

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB)

I stop myself from complaining sometimes and make an effort to realize how I should be grateful instead. 

For example, when there are too many things in the kitchen cabinet, I open the cabinet door and things fall out. This can be annoying as it happens frequently. Or when I open the fridge and something spills. Not fun. Now I have to clean up a mess, rearrange, and then get what I was looking for. But I took a new approach to this one day. Instead of complaining about a mess I started thinking. Not everybody has this "problem". 

Thank you God that I have so much food that its pouring out of the cabinet. Thank you that you have given me an abundance. Thank you that you have provided for my every need and that I have food and water. 

"Never Gone"

The latest song by Colton Dixon is called, "Never Gone". It talks about how God is "still standing here, no He didn't disappear, He was never gone, we lose faith when we are torn apart". 

There are times that we might not feel God but He is still there. He is ever present. I hold onto the promises of God to keep my mind in Truth. 

Truthfully, He is worthy of worship whether I feel Him or not. He is worthy of worship whether I feel like it or not. I pour out my praise whether I feel Him or not. He's done so much for me and I'm going to pour out my gratitude to Him regardless of how I feel or what mood I'm in. It's faith that keeps me moving forward. Just knowing that He's all around me keeps me going. 

Even if I don't feel like praying, I push myself to speak. If I don't feel like worshipping, I push myself to thank Him until I get my hands in the air. 

God is bigger than how we feel. He is for us. When I start losing faith it's actually the best time for me to keep holding on because that's when I remember that things don't happen the way I think they will. God's ways are not my ways. When I start losing faith, I remind myself that God is in control and that He will take care of me in ways that I couldn't have imagined. When I start to lose faith, I allow it to push me to pray and encourage myself and God allows me to get stronger. 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:2-5 NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

I love that feeling when I wake up and my heart is even happier and so content and peaceful. I am completely at rest and the only explanation is my one True King. I realize that it's the freedom that only comes from the Lord. Credit to The Great I AM. 

God said to Moses, “ I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘ I am has sent me to you.’ ” (Exodus 3:14 NIV)

I just want to post something that I hope will be encouraging. A lot of times when we go through hard times we can convince ourselves that we are alone or defenseless. But this is not true because we have a God that works on our behalf. We also have the word of God given to us to speak and pray in faith over our lives. Here are some encouraging scriptures:

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV)

"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 NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:6-8 NIV)

Matthew 20:29-34 (NIV),

"As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him."

I have been asked this question before, "If Jesus asked you, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' what would you say?"

When I first heard that, I got tongue tied and my mind went blank. I couldn't answer. I thought, "Do I know? I thought I did and now I can't think of anything." 

How touching that blind men called out, even when others tried to keep them quiet, and Jesus didn't pass them by. They knew what they wanted and put their faith in Him. 

What faith to call out to Jesus when you can't even see Him! And gathering from the passage they had heard of Him and believed He was Lord. He responded to their great faith. 

"Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith let it be done to you'”, (Matthew 9:29 NIV)

"My Name is Pride"

Yesterday I posted about pride and I wanted to add a little more on the topic. I remembered one of my favorite poems by author and speaker, Beth Moore, and I wanted to share it. Below is Beth Moore's poem called, "My name is Pride".  

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

  

I cheat you of your God-given destiny…

because you demand your own way.

  

I cheat you of contentment…

because you “deserve better than this.”

 

I cheat you of knowledge…

because you already know it all.

 

I cheat you of healing…

because you are too full of you to forgive.

 

I cheat you of holiness…

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

 

I cheat you of vision…

because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.

 

I cheat you of genuine friendship…

because nobody’s going to know the real you.

 

I cheat you of love…

because real romance demands sacrifice.

 

I cheat you of greatness in heaven…

because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.

 

I cheat you of God’s glory…

because I convinced you to seek your own.

 

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

 

You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I’m looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…

If you stick with me you’ll never know.

 

It can be hard to let people see our flaws and mistakes. It can be hard to admit when we are wrong. We should have at least one person in our lives (hopefully more) who we can trust and be completely honest and transparent with. It's good for us to let go of our pride and just talk about those things we struggle with. 

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  (James 5:16 NIV)

The Bigger Picture

I had a thought recently that I have just started seeing. God is so big and His ways are so grand that sometimes I can't see the big picture because my human mind thinks so narrow. Sometimes I just assume that I know how my prayers are going to be answered but I don't. His ways are so much bigger. His plan includes avenues that I couldn't have planned myself. He leads me so strategically, knowing what would be the best thing for my heart. He puts things together so beautifully and knows every intricate and precious detail to bring answers to prayers. And I have to remember that even if the answer to my prayer is no, it doesn't mean that God didn't answer the prayer, it means that the answer is no.

If my narrow mind misses the possibility of a bigger picture then I could miss out on the grand scheme of things. I could accidentally settle for something smaller when I was meant to receive something that I couldn't have even imagined. 

I want to pray that God would open my eyes to those things that I can't see but that He would allow me to see. 

2 Kings 6:16-17 says, 

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

"A Great Calm"

Sometimes in life we go through hard times which some people refer to as, "storms". We feel as though the dark clouds come and we aren't sure when its going to end or how long we'll be there. We can't see the sun anymore and may have lost sight of where we are going. It's important for us to remember that Jesus is right there with us. 

Mark 4:36-39 says, "And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

The disciples were in a storm but this passage shows us that Jesus was right there with them. He didn't leave them. They cried out to Him and He answered. He brought a peace and a calm to the storm that was beyond their control. Jesus is our light and our hope in the storm. 

In a previous post I listed some of the scriptures that talk about love. 

1 Corinthians 4-8. 

I was reading these scriptures again today and I read it differently. I looked up each word that talked about love - even though I already knew what it meant. I just wanted to take it a little deeper. I like looking up words to get an even better understanding of what they mean. 

For example, verse 7 of the scripture says, "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

I looked up the word persevere on Dictionary. Com and part of the first definition said that persevere meant, " to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement." 

So if love perseveres then I took that to mean that love "maintains a purpose in spite of difficulty, love maintains a purpose in spite of obstacles, and love maintains a purpose in spite of discouragement."

Just a thought as I study and try to learn from God's definition of love. 

Running on empty

Have you ever run out of the house before without eating breakfast? I have done that many times while in a hurry but I always regret it. I can always tell a difference in how I feel when I start the day on an empty stomach. I'm basically running on empty. I need to Take time and Make time to give myself nourishment. 

In the same way, when I start my day off without spending time with God, I also run on empty because I need Him. I can absolutely feel a difference when I haven't spent time with Him. I don't like to be without spiritual food either. I've noticed that sometimes in the busyness of the day I put off those things that are most important. I can't afford to put off time with God. It's way too valuable. He is so worthy of worship, praise, thanksgiving. 

If there is somebody that you've been trying to encourage to start going to church, don't give up. Many times people won't go the first time they are invited but we shouldn't let that stop us from encouraging them in the Lord.

I'm not talking about forcing anybody or coming on too strong. Rather, I'm talking about using those moments to share Christ when someone says they need Jesus. Those moments that people share with us that they've been looking for a church. We can use those moments to engage in conversation, talk to them about what their heart is desiring, and point them to Christ. Many times it can take a while before they step into church or dedicate/rededicate their life to Christ but it's worth it to be there for people again and again as they reach out for the Truth. There are opportunities all around us to share the gospel. 

There have been times that people have expressed a desire to get plugged into a church so I gently extended a friendly invitation to them. It took months and in some cases a year before they came but God didn't give up on me and I don't want to give up on inviting people to get to know Him.

It really can take a while before people are ready to take that step. But glory to God, when they are ready, it's not only them that go but they bring their family too. <3 

Running idle part 2

Hello. The following is in addition to yesterday's post. I have found that it's good for me to be actively involved in something I love to do. When I stop being active it doesn't take too long for me to get back in there and be a part of something meaningful. There is a longing in me to be involved in areas that God has given me a passion for. When I practice talents that God gives me, He multiplies those talents or helps the talents I have to get better and more mature. I believe it honors God when we offer our talents back to Him and use them for His glory. When He sees that we are faithful with a little, He knows that He can trust us with more. 

Matthew 25:14-28. 

Running idle

Hello. I just wanted to post a thought and I'll try to expand more on it later. 

My car has been overheating lately and thankfully I found a pattern and realized that it overheats when it's in the idle position. Meaning that when it's just running but not moving (like at a red light) it starts overheating. It needs to be moving and going somewhere and then it's fine. 

Then that made me think about how we live life. Are some of us perhaps stuck in the "idle" position? Meaning we are alive but we aren't really living? We get stuck in the same position sometimes. But it's good for us to be active, to practice our talents and gifts, to work towards something new, and to make a difference in this life while it counts. 

Speak faith into your tomorrow

God starts answering our prayers even when we don't see it right away. We are most likely living the answers to what we once prayed for and in the future we will be seeing and experiencing the answers of what we are praying for today. Believe and you will receive in Jesus name. God is with us. 

Isaiah 30:19, "How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you." 

John 14:13, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." 

There is a song by Jesus Culture called, "Holy Spirit". Part of the song says, "Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere." 

I was singing this song during worship at church and thought, that no matter where I am I can sing those words and the Holy Spirit will come. 

I can worship God wherever I am, at any time and He hears me. He is omnipresent. 

Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

Walk this way

I've had times in my life that God has told me to do something but people told me to do different. There are going to be things that God asks me to do that don't make sense or that people don't understand. It's a tough situation to be in. I have found that although its difficult, honoring God is the way I want to go. I really dislike the feeling of knowing that I didn't do something that I should've done. People have had to deal with the approval of man VS. obedience to God since the beginning when God instructed Noah to build the ark. Can you imagine what people must have thought or said? Or any ridicule him and his family might have endured? But Noah kept on and was obedient to God. I'm sure he was glad he was! 

I might not always understand why God is asking me to do or say something but I do know I'm glad when I am obedient. I have learned that I don't always have to understand to be obedient. I can trust God's heart and know that He has my best interest at heart. When He calls me I don't want to delay. 

Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

Refocusing

Encouraging myself in the Lord today and fighting the good fight of faith.

God I will honor you by enjoying my life. You sent your son to die for me so that I can have life and have it more abundantly. John 3:16, John 10:10.

I choose life and to live it with joy. 

I will not be held down by fear. I will not be ruled by anxiety. I will not let worry direct my life. 

God I will honor you by taking a stand, pushing through, and keeping myself moving forward. 

I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37.

I will honor you God by calling out to you and believing that you hear me. Isaiah 59:1

I will honor you God by praying to you in expectancy, knowing that you will answer my prayers. 

I will honor you God by believing there is nothing too difficult for you.

I will honor you God by believing that you are for me and working on my behalf. Jeremiah 29:11.

I will honor you God by not concentrating on one thing that is wrong but acknowledging all that you've done for me. 

I will honor you God by praising you for all the things you've done in my life. I will honor you by allowing my faith to rule over frustration.

I will honor you God by reading your word, confessing your word, and trusting and resting in you. 

Cheerful giving

A while back I posted about giving opportunities in addition to my tithe (Malachi 3:10).  There are a few more things I've learned along the way. 

For example, it's important to be an informed giver. It's wise to understand what you are giving towards. 

It's also a good idea to pray about an amount. Sometimes God tells me what to give right away but sometimes it doesn't always happen that way. 

When God tugs on my heart to give, I pray for a specific amount and ask Him how much He wants me to give.

Lastly, I make sure that I'm being a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) 

It's important to me to keep a grateful attitude and keep checking my heart. Even if I don't always have a lot, I don't want that to stop me from giving. I believe that if I have a giving heart then God will provide opportunities to give. 

Giving doesn't always have to be monetary but it should be meaningful and cheerful and giving glory to God. 

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Corinthians 9:12

Rest in Him

Sometimes it feels like there is so much noise. So many things ask for my attention. The radio, the tv, people, the internet, and more. I get to a place where I find myself needing peace and quiet. I need time to get away from the loudness and come in to the peaceful quietness of God. To the secret place with God where I find true rest. I can come to the feet of Jesus and pour out my love for Him. I choose to unplug from the noise for a while and connect my heart to His. 

Even Jesus took time to get away from the crowds and the noise to be alone and to pray to the Father. I want to follow His example. 

Mark 6:45-46, "Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." 

Every so often we should also learn how to "dismiss the crowd" and go pray. 

How He loves

I am so glad that God is patient with us and does not give up on us. There are times when He tries to tell me something but for some reason I miss it. But He so lovingly brings the same message back to me. I usually know when God is trying to tell me something when I hear a scripture repeatedly within a couple days in different places. For example, I'll hear it at church, then on the radio, then through a friend. And that's when I realize He is trying to send a message to my heart. Sometimes it's an answer to prayer and sometimes it's just something I needed to hear. I'm glad God knows me so well and loves me so much that He's willing to do that for me. 

Romans 8:37-39

Let it shine

Have you ever hugged someone and as soon as you leave them you realize that you smell like their perfume/cologne? This happened to me today, again. I hugged my friend and I might as well have sprayed her perfume on me. Lol. I smelled like her for a long time after I left her. I spent time with her and it "showed". 

I wondered, "I should have a similar experience with God. To get so close to Him that it shows. To spend so much time with Him that I'd carry His peace and light around with me."

I was reminded of the following passage in the Old Testament. 

Exodus 34:28-30, "So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; ... It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone..." 

As a believer in Christ, we are also given the opportunity to let His light shine in us. Others will be able to recognize when we've been spending time with God. Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 5:16.