Transplanted

Reality has begun to settle in. You see I have been transplanted from Florida to North Carolina. I have done ALL the things I know the Lord told me to do. I am taking one day at a time and one moment at a time. Recovery groups sure have helped me this week without even attending any for months. I have to keep first things first now.
I have seen my roots lifted out of dry land and soon to be planted into new nutritious soil. I just don't know when or where.  I am ready for it; like a parched mouth ready for a cold refreshing drink.
Walking by faith can be a very uneasy thing to do. I know how easy it is to look at the circumstances in front of you and wonder how life is going to get better.  It will and can though.
My roots are long, strong, and thick too. They didn't just grow that way. Nope, reading the Word of God, listening to teachers teach the gospel, and walking my salvation out on a daily basis.
The beauty of being transplanted is wondering what beautiful pot I will be living in; if I was a plant. I wonder how warm and inviting the teachers, friends and families will be. I wonder how much stronger and thicker my roots will become.
All these things I do not have an answer about.  However, I know the best potter in the whole world and He loves us so much, He will not leave us behind to fin on our own.
No, He will not leave us nor forsake us.

We may be transplanted people, but if we surrender our will and lives over to the care and control of Jesus Christ, He will take care of you and me.

~Be encouraged to spend time with Jesus and be transformed to transplanted. 

Some Life Lessons

Some life lessons cannot be taught out of a text book. In our prayer time we ask for more faith, a deeper walk with our Creator, or help with our unbelief. When we walk away from that time with God to continue our day; He answers us.
Next, a hardship comes by way of a sickness, death, loss of a job, an argument between two friends break out or an adultery is exposed. Leaving us to throw our hands up and yell "why?" in the mix of pain.
We go back to our knees only to hear God speak to our heart through His Word, people or the Holy Spirit. We're then shocked when the Lord tells us to not hate but love,  stay still instead of moving, or feel the pain instead of taking it away; leaving us to ask "why? " once more.
If there is one thing we should know coming out of our prayer time is that God will not leave us, He will not let us fail. He will allow us to fall only for us to run to him so that He can pick us back up, dust us of and send us on our way one more time. God loves us so much but He doesn't leave us but gives us lessons, lessons that cannot be taught out of a study book or out of the Bible but out of life. The Bible is our guide and there are those who have paved the way or cleared the path to help us along our journey.

~Be encouraged life lessons have second chances and God has a lesson in them all. Ask Him today what the lesson is and let Him guide you through it.

Life is a journey not a marathon.

Dreams are Visions

Do you ever wonder what your dreams meanings are?  I do. It is ironic when dreams come with scriptures though.
Here's mine, enjoy.
I woke up thinkng "wow!"
I was looking for a destination and it seemed like I had been there before.
On my travels one man said, "here, I will take you to dinner." I replied," No, I need to get there "
We walked into a room that in a blink of an eye everyone had disappeared. There was one distinct voice behind the door I could hear but could not see.
The room had mahogany cabinets, desk, and a counter. To the right of the cabinets were tall glass windows. The view was breath taking! Mountains on the right and a city in the valley; the place I was trying to get to.
The only problem I had was that I didn't know the way and I began crying. I fell to my knees at the mahogany counter and asked God to lead me.
I awoke and quickly scripture came to me.
Isaiah 52:7
 How beautiful on the mountain top.
Isaiah 52:11a
Depart, depart, go from there!

God can use anything He wants to use to get your attention. 
What signs and wonders has He used recently to get your attention?

~Be encouraged,  He is in the small details of our lives.

He Loves You!

So, you think that suicide is your answer? Just drop into the blackness of life
and let others take care of what or who you leave behind?
You think they will be better off without you is what you are thinking right?
I mean, you keep making wrong decisions and nothing goes right for you.
The hope you once thought you had in him/her was making you feel better?
Then, things didn't go right and ending your life is going to make all things right, right?
Okay.
However,
You were made for a purpose and bought with a price

Jesus knows the pain in your heart and he died to take that pain out of your heart.
He sees you crying and loved you in your storm.
Jesus has a plan for your life.

God sees you and knows all of your hate, selfishness, rudeness, judgement
and loves you anyways.

He ca take your junk and turn it into a gem.

You have a future in Jesus Christ.

While you are still a sinner, Christ died for you.
He loves you.
He won't keep you feeling lost.
He will fill your emptiness inside
He will put His arms around you and hold you as your cry at night.

Jesus is waiting to hear from you now, is moved with compassion , and ready to cleanse you. All
you need to do is come to Jesus and begin by asking him to forgive you and become Lord of your life.
Tell him you want to turn your life around. He will come to you and make you clean.
He will wash your sins away as long as you ask from your heart.

God I have sinned, I ask you to come into my heart and forgive me for my sins. I ask you to forgive me as I have sinned against you.
Amen.

~Be encouraged by knowing you cannot be separated from God loving you!

Walking in Faith

We all know the famous stories and if you have not read them,  place them on your goal list to read. The creation, Noah and the Ark- the great flood, Joseph and the colorful robe, Mary and Joseph; as the list goes on. God is writing our story too.  Yes we each have our own story with characters in it are those people that are in our lives.

I heard a teaching one Saturday night about the "Hall of Fame." The pastor spoke on the faith of men in the book of Hebrews. At the time I was listening and taking notes,  I asked God to let me bring fame to his name and give me faith where I have not experienced faith before. I am now on that journey and the story is being written.

March 31, 2014 is my last day for working at my favorite radio station, working at my favorite daily task, answering my favorite phone, and talking to old friends and making new ones.

The common questions have been why are you moving, where are you moving to and what will you be doing? The reason I am leaving my place is because God is calling me. He is calling me to go home to be closer to my family and do his work in another area of the country. I am moving to the Carolinas. I have family all the way into Virginia and some here in Florida. So it is a halfway point.
God is giving me encouragement that He is going to magnify what I am doing now, share the gospel and use my talents, time, skills and education. I know that as I move forward in obedience and faith my job position will be determined and the news will follow where that place of business will be.
Most people today do not desire, like or even enjoy a faith walk because faith does not give you the details of your life. "I am on a need to know basis," I need to know what I am doing before I do it. With God, He says to have faith first, believe second and know the details last. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Have you heard the story of Peter walking on the water? He looked at Jesus and walked on the water just fine but when Peter look at his circumstances he panicked. Peter was just like you and me, "Lord I can't do this because it looks ridiculous and I better get back in the boat. I'm sinking here, save me!"  " I can't do this because I dont have all the answers or equipment. I'm going to play it safe, not pack, and not move at all."

Many thoughts of changing my mind and saying, "I can't do this, it looks ridiculous." If I am NOT obedient, I will wonder what my life would have been like.
A long time ago back in the 90's. The Lord gave me a promise that he has given to all His chosen people. "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which He commands you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come up on you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God."

God has given me more promises that I've written down, such as my family will be established once more. My children will be brought from afar and the ends of the earth. I have to have faith and obey "if" I want to be blessed by God as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were. My fame may not come with my name in neon lights or on a billboard for obeying God, but I do know my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life & I have crowns to lay at Jesus's feet when it comes time. That is all that matters to me today.

I have had a knot in my stomach for a day or two but as I've written this to you, the knot has disappeared.  I know the plans God has for me is to prosper me and not to harm me. I also know, I have blessings waiting for me "if" I walk out on the water, have faith and keep my eyes on Jesus the whole way through.

~ Be encouraged that the faith walk you travel will bring blessings to you and your family.

* Hebrews 12
* Isaiah 43
* Genesis 12
* Deuteronomy 28
* Matthew 14; John 6 & Mark 6

* My writings go on as long as God allows them to continue.

Go in peace.

Follow Me....

When was the last time you asked someone the question, "Do you love me?"
When you asked them that question did you know the answer to the question or were you honestly searching for an honest answer?
Just as Jesus met with Peter and asked him three times "Simon, do you love Me?"
 At the end of the text, Peter, turned around and saw the disciple whom was with them and Peter asked Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?"  Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."   {For further in depth reading visit John 21:12-22}

Recently Jesus asked me the same questions and asked me three times. In the midst of my Bible study  I didn't realize He asked me those three times until I went back to read my days entry.  Ironic, in those moments Jesus asked me, I didn't realize what exactly He was asking of me. I don't believe Peter did either. The scriptures say that Peter was grieved. I wasn't grieved, I was curious as to why Jesus asked me, if He already knew the answer. However, when I studied the scriptures, Jesus gave Peter three new jobs to do out of love; feed His lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep. Peter was given new employment.
Today, I was lead to walk the river front area after the church services. As I walked along the water front, the Lord spoke and said He had something for me to see. I continued walking from  the river front to St Johns Avenue. There on St Johns Avenue on a park bench on the sidewalk was Michael. Michael is probably our city's longest living homeless man. So, I asked Michael if I could sit with him and talk. Of course, his face lit up and we began to chat. It felt like we were two friends who have known each other for years. Michael and I laughed at the animations of the stories he shared. We talked about how God has a plan for his life and wants to bless him more and what keeps Michael from receiving those blessings as well as believing he can.
While sitting there on the on the park bench, a waitress from a local business came out to us and handed Michael a lunch she had prepared. He was truly blessed and gave thanks.  In those few moments, I heard God speak to me, "see, they will take care of him and the others."
Following Jesus means to let go of control. We want to hold tightly to the things we own, the relationships we have, the job we do, and the comfort zone we live in. But, Jesus is forever changing our hearts and lives for the best when we let him.  Michael has a difficult time with accepting the best from Jesus and I would guess you do too. Letting go and allowing God to move in your life even when it doesn't look right to others, gives God the opportunity to work in your life to give you His best.
I am letting go of my comfort zone, releasing control of the jobs I do, leaving the home I am comfortable in, and letting go of relationships I have made just to follow Him.
This is a huge step for me, but I didn't get here with just this giant leap of faith. It took small steps throughout my recovery to get where I am today. It took trusting God with the small things in my life and allowing myself to see His mighty hand at work. Do I have a fear of failing? Some, but for the most part, I know God is more than able to carry me and He is the one that has the master plan to prosper me; to give me a hope and a future with where He is leading me to go.
If you think you can't allow God to change your circumstances; you're probably right and you won't let him. But if you think you can allow Him, you will and God will do amazing things for His glory through you.
Do something amazing for Jesus today and allow Him to use you to leave a legacy for others and give Him the glory.
 
~Be encouraged, with Jesus you cannot go wrong.

People Get Ready

While visiting at my mother's home,  I could smell lamp oil.  It was so strong it began to give me a headache.  I explained to my mom  the affect of her oil lamp had on me.  However,  she couldn't smell it. 
During my morning devotions I was lead to read the following:
" Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Now five of them were wise,  and five were foolish.  Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the c wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  But while the bridegroom was delayed they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight a cry was heard;  ' Behold,  the bridegroom is coming;  go put too meet him! ' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.  "And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ' But the wise answered,  saying,  'No least there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
"And while they went yo buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying 'Lord,  Lord, open to us!' "But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
"Watch therefore, for you do not know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

After reading this chapter, I thought it was over.  I was in the shower when I smelled the lamp oil again. Then it came to me ( the shower where we all have our 'ah ha' moments), the Lord was telling me to get prepared. 
The time is at hand, it is time to get ready. Jesus, the bridegroom is coming for his bride. Are you ready?
One day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

~Be encouraged you only have today to prepare.

You'll Get Through This

You'll get through this.
It won't be quick. It won't be painless, but God will use this mess for something good.
In the meantime,  don't be foolish, don't be naive; don't despair either because with God as your helper you'll get through this.

~Max Lacado

Life hits us with blows that can really knock the wind out of our lungs. The devil shadow boxes with us and we believe the lies to the point of despair. Our emotions carry us into a new dimension of heartache, if we let them. However, no matter how deep our pitfall is God is going to use us for something good.
Hang in there; even four days late He was right on time.

~Be encouraged by knowing God knows your hurt and wants to heal you.

Love Everyday!

I remember being in kindergarten to elementary school and my mom would purchase a box of valentine's day cards. I would sit and write all the names of my classmates on them and hand them out when it was time.  Sometimes our classroom moms would bring in cakes and candies for us to enjoy.  Do you remember those days?  

There was one classmate, whom I will call Ennis, who didn't have cards to hand out. He would sit in the corner with his jacket on and watch as the rest of his classmates would pass out their cards. He would receive his and sit them on his desk after he read each one. When the goodies were passed out, he enjoyed them so much, he was ready for seconds sooner  than the rest of us kids were. 

As I look back into my memory of that one day, I can see hurt in Ennis' eyes. Who knew what was happening at home or after school, or even what his thoughts were.  I can only imagine what happened to Ennis. I wish good in his life, but what if in his life he didn't know what it was like to really experience a hug, an "I love  you" or a good night kiss from his parents. My heart aches for children and people who do not know what that feels like. 

I imagine it is an empty feeling inside that is indescribable. I imagine it hurts the same as when a marriage breaks apart or a boyfriend / girlfriend breaks your heart; empty on the inside. 

When your heart breaks where do you turn? Do you read valentine cards that were once sent to you? 

Do you listen to the radio and fill your heart with songs? Do you read a romance novel or a "do it yourself" or a "self improvement" book?  

We all have our hearts broken at one time or another.  What do you do fill your broken heart with? 

Here are a few ideas to help you feel better on a day that you see everyone around you receiving lots of love when you have a broken heart. 

1. Read encouraging words from previous birthday or valentine cards
2. Listen to love songs that encourage you like "Remind Me Who I Am" by Jason Gray, "Hello My Name Is" by Matthew West or "Jesus Loves Me" by the Old Country Church and NOT "Diary" by Bread, "November Rain" by Guns N Roses, and  "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton 
3. Get together with a friend and have lunch or dinner and talk about the good things happening in life
4. Go shopping for an outfit or something else that will make you look like a million bucks
5. Go to the spa or pamper yourself in the luxury of your own home with encouraging songs playing in the background
6. Watch a comedy movie, cook popcorn or some other comfort food and invite your friend over to watch it with you
7. Call your sister or brother up and sing "You Are My Sunshine!"  It will make you and them feel good
8. Visit a nursing home, a cancer center, the pediatric ward at a hospital and visit those that are without someone special to visit them.  When you arrive; they have someone special with them. 
9. Mail out valentine cards to your family or friends, coworkers or classmates
10. Buy yourself some flowers, enjoy them and then get a mirror and tell yourself how much you are loved

~Be encouraged, everyday should be an "I love you" day not just once a year. You could do any of these suggestions a month; challenge yourself to add to this list too.  

You are loved today and EVERY DAY because you ARE SPECIAL!

I use to go around my house singing "You and Me Against the World," but now I sing "Jesus Loves Me."  It changed my perspective on how I view the love I had for myself. It went from unloving to loving. Your view can change too!  

Lust vs Love for Valentine's Day

Valentine's day use to be my favorite time of the year because of the box of cards I would sign and pass out, the candy or gifts that I would receive from an admirer or my spouse. Yet, in this season of my life it is different because every day is a sweetheart's day. Why have one day to celebrate love?
Do you remember going shopping with your mom and picking out the valentine's day cards for your classmates? Did you wait with excitement to see what your admirer was going to give you? My heart still leaps when I think about those days gone by.
I recently saw this image and immediately thought about the paths my own life has taken. Maybe you can see the road your life has taken you on with lust too.  It does not last, it makes you feel used and unappreciated. Lust will lie to you too. Once I recognized lust in my life, and I hope you recognize it too, than I was able to look into what LOVE really is.

When I began searching for true love I was amazed at what I learned and there was such freedom. I can't wait to share it with you.

I will hope that you and your daughter, sister, cousin, or friend wants to be loved for just being you. When I realized I didn't have to "do" anything to be loved, tears fell down my face. I do not have to perform, I do not have to look perfect, act perfect, walk perfect, perform perfectly, nor talk perfect. I can be me and so can you.  You don't have to have to wear a certain size, cook a right way, act perfect or talk perfect.You don't have to be anyones trophy to look at either. Hey, you don't have to show skin to be loved either! 

You see, God loves you just as you are. He loves you with tattoos and without. He loves you with piercings and without, and He loves you just because.  Hey, sit still. DO NOT MOVE!  Play green light red light in your head. When you get to the red light hold still. You didn't move, right? You didn't scroll, type, answer a phone or anything right?  That is how God loves you, just for you being a human being. He created you for the purpose of Him loving you. 

This valentine's day you may be all alone or have a date to go on, but take time to find out about the One who loves you with an everlasting, unconditional, unstoppable, and undaunted love!  His name is Jesus and He admires you.

~Be encouraged, You are loved just as you are. 

Word For My Soul Today is "Hope."

Sadie Mae after a walk in the park.

This week I had the pleasure and pain of giving my precious heart, Sadie Mae, to a young lady who needed her more than I did. Shelby is fifteen with some health issues and Sadie Mae will help her to heal.  I know it is a moving of God's hand because of how swiftly it happened. Now that it has been a short time of distance, my heart is not as broken as it was because of the hope my soul has found in Jesus. Sadie is on her mission field and so now I ask; "what am I suppose to do?"  I feel a change coming but I do not know the details only God does. It may be nothing more than being unconsumed with responsibility for my precious love. It may be that my schedule is open now to work late or early if needed; I can take a trip out of country or state without worrying over her. I do not know, however, what I do know is that my hope is truly in the Lord. I've experienced the emotional wheel of pain, tears, joy, peace, etc., but most importantly I have found peace and hope. God has a plan for my life and Sadie's no matter where we are. We both have God's best interest on our lives and He is using us according to His purpose because He has called us to work.
I couldn't figure out why my closest friends didn't call me after hearing the news of what I had done. I cried over the silence in my house, but then the Lord showed up. I sensed He wanted  to be my comforter, my healer, and my covering. I asked Him to show himself to me that I needed him physically, I needed his comfort physically because that is what I only know. I could hear him say; "not yet."
The next day I went to my friends, the Rivers, house for lunch.  This couple who has adapted me as their daughter, wrapped their arms around me tight and prayed over me. In the midst of the prayer and tight hug, the Lord quickened my heart and said; "Here I am."  I then realized that I had two parents praying over me. I had not had this kind of experience as a child nor an adult; I was in the midst of God's secret hiding place and resting in His arms.
The Lord is alive and He's not dead. He is very much in the small and large details of our lives. He gives us a hope and future WHEN WE ARE READY TO SURRENDER OUR HEARTS COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY TO HIM.
Later that day, I had a friend send me an email saying the following and it was my confirmation of the "not yet."  This is how powerful our God works in our lives in the small and large things in our lives.

"I'm so glad you are feeling better.  The Lord just wants to wrap you up & hold you a while.  Let Him.  For some reason I feel that maybe He wants to be your main or only source of comfort right now.  That's not to say He doesn't want you to receive comfort & encouragement from your friends.  He just wants to be the one you cuddle to.  That could be the reason for feeling the need to be alone.  We are not ever alone because He is with us.  During those cuddle times though, He can just love on us while we absorb all we need from Him.  It renews our energy, strength, peace, etc.  Just a thought."

Psalm 33:18; 20-21
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear (reverence) him,
on those who hope is in his unfailing love.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
God has me in His perfect peace because if I wasn't trusting Him I would be a mess. I know what it feels like to hurt so bad that if I did not have the mind of Christ, I could become a cutter, relapse into drugs, alcohol, or sex. However, my hope is now in the Lord and His perfect plan for my life. I'm ready to go where He goes, I am ready to follow Him wherever He leads me. I am ready to do whatever it takes to bring another soul to the cross of Jesus Christ wherever that may be.

If you cannot see how much I love the Lord and how much He loves me; you are missing the big picture here. It isn't about me at all. It is about you, the reader. God wants you to let go of whatever it is that may be hindering  you from being all that He has created you to be; for Him. Let go and allow for your hope to be in Him. He has great plans for you to prosper you and to give you a hope and a future.

~Be encouraged; Love goes a long way!

Leave Your Junk in the Trunk!

How many times have you had an argument with your spouse, kids, sibling, friend, or self right before entering into church, the grocery store, or some other public place? Did you put on a mask of a smile or give a false personality dance?
I admit, I have.
We ought to vow like David did, "I will walk in my house with a blameless heart." I have broken that vow. It is not easy to walk upright and blameless in our homes. Why not? Because we do not allow Christ to be the Lordship of our homes and lives. He can only come so far into the house. We are more relaxed because we hold account to no one in our mind's eye. We hurt the ones we are clisest too also.
It can be a rewarding vow though. Little investments made brings with it great rewards. We do this by changing our walk with Christ daily, drawing on His strength, and obeying His word.
Show kindness in place of hate, give a gentle tone and word instead of brutally harsh words. Once we take time to show love and kindness the dynamics of our homes will alter. We will be able to walk upright and blameless in our heart.

~Be encouraged;  it's never too late!

The King's Princess

There once was a Princess that felt like a prisoner in her own castle. She would cry every night believing that she was destined to be alone. She would walk the empty and cold halls, open some blinds to let the sunshine for warmth, and only felt the cold air through the window panes.

One day the princess was called into the throne room of her Father, the King. The King noticed his daughter's face had an expression of sadness on it as she walked across the room with her head bowed down. The King asked her what was troubling the heart of His child. The princess said; "I want to know what kind of a Prince you want for me?" "Is there one among your countrymen?" "For I see everyone else around me getting engaged or married and I am alone."
The King took his Princess into his lap and began to comfort her. He told her that He was very particular about the man He has for his daughter. He must be a man of valor and strength, one with a strong mind like me, recognizes his weakness and works on improving it, a skillful and intelligent man, and most of all a man that will respect you as he respects me.  The man I have for you will be unique and made just for you. You won't want to change anything about him because he was created by the mighty hands of God.
Until the appropriate time that I introduce you to this man who has a heart after mine, know that I am going to do something magnificent in your life. These walls are not a prison for you, but a fortress, a strong tower to protect you, help you to grow spiritually, and to get to know me, your Father deeper and closer than we were yesterday.
The Princess began to see the halls fill with warmth, love, and bright lights from the sunshine peaking in through the curtains that cover the windows. The Princess' face went from sad to joyful by the smile that she was now wearing with her head lifted high.
The King was pleased to see his daughter happy once again and explained to her that she must pray for her future Prince. There will be days that he will not feel so strong, he will not make the best of choices as you do not either. However, pray for him to be strong in mind, body, and spirit. Your prayers are heard and God will answer them.
The Princess went away feeling like the luckiest girl in the whole kingdom.

Perhaps you have something going on in your life that makes you feel discomfort and an outcast; be in peace. The King of kings is working in your life and in the lives of those around you. He has great plans to prosper you and give you the hope and future that is in His hands.
Life is hard, cold, and lonely sometimes, but rest assured you are loved and adored by a God who wants to bring warmth, love, and fullness into your life. Therefore, press into Him and all He has for you. Remember, He gives exceedingly and abundantly above all that we think or imagine.

~ The End is only the Beginning

A Gift For Everyone!

As I have read over the story of Jesus's birth, I have come to appreciate Mary and Joseph. Mary was a woman who had no money, who was not known and yet Jesus used her life to change the world. Joseph was a man who stepped up to the plate.He could have ran away from His calling, He could have stood by and let his peers stone Mary to her death. Both of these ordinary persons made extraordinary decisions.

We are no different than these two no name and no fame people who were called to be the caregivers of Jesus Christ. We are called to be caregivers also. What we do with the life of Jesus Christ that lives in us says how much we care about His life.

I have to agree with a pastor who states; "I learned early in my ministry how emotionally attached even some Christians become to traditions that have little or no connection to the simple gospel story of Jesus's birth. The true meaning of Christmas reveals God's amazing grace in sending His only Son to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. The call to discipleship summons us as believers to live lives of humble service to God and to others. My prayer is that Christians will be satisfied with and proclaim the supreme joy of the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. My prayer for unbelievers is that they will not fail to receive the greatest Gift of all but accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior."

~ Be encouraged there is a Gift for everyone on your list. 

Didn't You Hear Me?

I have learned that an argument is not really an argument.  It is an expression, for a woman, to say she is feeling unloved, unheard, and invisible.  We just don't know how to express it well.
Most times we are quick to point out what is wrong with the other person. We don't look at the three fingers pointing back at us. Then again, I haven't seen anyone argue with themselves either. Meaning, that is why we have a partner to argue with.
I have learned to let the person know how I feel. Though my feelings may not be factual to the situation, I still feel.
God tells us in Psalm 119; "The unfolding words give light; it gives understanding."
I want there to be understanding among my partner instead of trying to prove who is right and who is wrong.
I have been in some really harsh confrontations. I have learned that the devil wants us to be at war with one another. "I applied my heart to know, to search and seek wisdom and the reason for things. To know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness."
Ecclesiastes 7:25

I have had enough red face fightings, screaming matches, fist fights to last a lifetime.  I am ready to move completely from drama to tranquility discussions.

You may be experiencing heated discussions in your home. There is good news for you here. You don't have to show up for the fight. No you can be at peace with turning away from an unkind word or putting your hand up to not receive the words being spewed out of their mouth.
"There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18

Times will come when you cannot walk away, but you are in control of your reply.

~be encouraged,  you always have a choice to RSVP or decline the offer.

Patiently Waiting

Recently I have had a difficult time getting out of bed because the covers are nice and toasty. I can't seem to get motivated to jump out of the bed and onto the cold wooden floors. This one particular morning was no different. But I noticed the light coming through the window blinds that was trying to greet me with beauty; it didn't work. I grabbed my phone to check the time and I had thirty minutes before I really had to get up and get ready for work. I laid the phone back on the night stand, slipped the covers up and was ready to go back to sleep. I decided to greet my Lord Jesus with a "good morning Lord." Then I heard get your phone and turn on "Holy, Holy, Holy," by No Other Name; I did.  Then I listened to "The Generous Mr. Lovewell"  by MercyMe; I did. Then I heard the Lord tell me to "sit up;" I did. Then I heard Him tell me to listen to "Beautiful" by MercyMe. Then I began to cry because I recognized that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself was talking to me!
Do you have days that you can't get out of bed? Do you have your mom or someone coming into your room pulling the blinds open for you to wake up? Do you find it difficult to get out of bed some days?
In this one morning I heard the Lord tell me how holy He is, how Majestic He is, and how the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost was there with me. WOW! Then I heard Him tell me how I have much love to give away and make a difference in someone else's life. WOW! Next, I heard Him tell me how I was made for so much more than what I think I am made for. Jesus sees me as beautiful and as I wonder if I could ever be loved, He loves me to His death. WOW, I was in tears!
Then I was lead to read His word and it states; "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.  And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ."  2 Thessalonians 3:3-5.
Did you hear what He said to me?  He said He is faithful, will protect me, He touches me, directs my heart into the love of God and into waiting for Him.
My heart desires so many things that sometimes it is difficult to sift through it all. However, God tells us that when we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. First, He knows the desires of our hearts. He knows what we need and what we want. Our desires must be His desires. Yet, He first wants to be the first love of our lives. You see, He designed us to have these desires, yearning for a touch and a word. As a woman, we want to be touched, we want confidence; yet it is difficult to establish that confidence. But with God all things are possible. All things become beautiful in its time.

Recently I felt like my dreams were stolen by the father of lies. I got mad at God because He allowed it to happen. But what I found out was that I have the right desire but  there is more to that desire and dream. There is something more important that the physical part of the dream. There is the spiritual part of the dream and desire. I have begun praying for God's heart in the midst of my desire. I pray specifically for the desire and dream. I pray with thanksgiving and I am excited to see God do something God size with the desires of my heart.
It may not look like anything that I hope or imagine. In fact, it won't. It will be better than I could hope for because God is going to receive the glory and fame for working this out in my life. I am patiently waiting for my dream to come true.


~Be encouraged by what has happened to me because He can do the same for you too. He wants the dark spots on your heart, the deep secrets, the lonely heart, the brokenness in your life to heal, and He can still be found. So seek first the kingdom of heaven and all these things shall be given to you. When you pray, pray with thanksgiving and watch the Creator create in your life!

What a Dog!

Have you ever stood in the isle at the grocery store and really looked at the packaging? I did the other day in the dog isle. Do you ever stare at the cutest dog, play with it, or just want to hug on it and never let it go?  I asked for a dog a long time ago that would be a small female that was smart and loved me too. I sure got what I wanted.
Dogs are amazing creatures because they love unconditionally; without thought or purpose. You come home at the end of the day and they are so excited to see you that you would think they are going to pee on the floor if you don't let them out quick enough. They jump up and down, they wag their tales as they sit their butts on the cold floor, their tongue hangs down past  their chin, and they look like they are wearing a smile.
You can scold them and they know they are in trouble, but then within a few minutes they are right back in your way trying to get you to pet them.  So what is their purpose?
I've read that you were created to be loved by God. You were created not out of need but want. God wants to love on you. He gets excited when you talk to Him, love on others through your genuine kindness. He doesn't need you to do anything, He wants you to want to do things. He just wants to sit with you and enjoy a meal or a cup of coke / coffee. It pleases Him when you do an act of selfless service for another. WOW!
You are loved by God for just being you; as my dog loves me for just being me.
You can be covered in mud and still be loved and adored. That mud you are covered in is all kinds of shame, guilt, frustration, murder, torment, and other yucky puckies, but God still loves you! You can't make Him mad enough to stand there with closed arms. I could make Sadie mad enough to want to bite me, but I know she won't. Sadie will ignore me;  but God never will; He stands with arms wide open.
There is much for us to learn from watching animals such as dogs or cats. I am not a cat owner, so I cannot comment on them. However, I know they are finicky and temperamental. I know people can be the same way, but not God.
The next time you have the opportunity to visit with a dog, remember they love you just as God does; unconditionally. A dog doesn't have to know anything about you and will want your attention.

~Be encouraged by knowing you are loved just as you are by a God that created a miracle; that miracle is YOU.

Let's Get Ready To Rumble!

I can hear the famous announcer in the ring now yelling those famous words; "Let's get ready to rumble!" I know I've been in a fight with an unseen apponent.  So picture if you will a boxing match ring with people all around the outside seats.  I am in one corner and noone is in the other. The bell rings and I head to the center and start swinging at the air with my sword, the word of God, instead of boxing gloves. I keep getting hit though by an unseen apponent.   I am hit to the ground, the referee starts counting, it looks like I am TKO'd, but wait God says to me, "get up! You can do this with Me. You don't have to fight alone!" So I get up and win this battle.
Just recently I have felt knocked down. I had the wind knocked out of me when a very close friend thought the worst of me. I was hurt, shocked, and ready to call it quits on my calling from God.  However, I realized where I made a mistake in a decision I made and decided to get up for another try.
I may not be the smartest fighter in the ring, but I don't have to be. I just need to learn from my mistakes as I make them.
It doesn't matter how many times I fall down at the count, it matters how many times I get back up.
-we don't fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities,  against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual ghost of wickedness in the heavenly places.
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me.
So just for today, I am getting back in the fight for Jesus' kingdom.

~ Be encouraged, I am!

Eph 6:12; Phil 4:13

In Everything!

There are those that struggle with these holiday times; such as myself. This poem helped me and if you are struggling maybe it will help you too.

In Everything

Sometimes I don’t feel thankful

For things You send my way

For all the pain and trouble 

That crossed my path today.

Sometimes I’m not so grateful

When sorrow fills my cup

When all my hopes and blessings

Feel totally used up.

When friendships fade

Promises break

And treasures disappear

When all the trials around me

Fill my heart with fear.

But in everything 

I will give thanks

For this I know is true

That all these trials and troubles, Lord,

They bring me close to you.

-Jackson Monroe-

Making a gratitude list helps in this time of year because it has helped me. 

Gratitude list:

1) The roof over my head

2) The clothes on my back

3) My eyesight 

4) Working fingers, toes, knees, feet, and hands

5) Hearing

6) Dog Sadie Mae

7) Able to work in God's ministries as I am

8) Food 

9) flushing toilets

10) pillow and  blankets

Now you use these items or make your own and start at scratch. 

Shout! Really, Come On!

How many times have you shouted at someone across the parking lot? Have you shouted at your kids or other family member?
When was the last time you shouted to the Lord? I had not attended a worship service in over a month. This one particular Sunday, I woke up early to talk the Lord over a cup of hot coffee. As I was sitting in bed waiting for Him to talk to me, I heard; "Get up and go to church." Like a child I whined at His comment, "But I don't want to." He said, "Go to church to praise me for I am the reason you should go." Well I pulled myself out of bed and into the hot shower. As I began to get dressed, I decided to go to church and have a date with Jesus.  Here we go.
I was welcomed by my fellow brothers and sisters. It was like having a family reunion. The greetings were warm and inviting because when they said they missed me and were glad to see me, I felt their genuine love. The hugs were warm and inviting like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold windy day. It really melted my heart and overwhelmed me with a blessing from heaven.
The teaching was on praising God. Psalm 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!"
Our pastor instructed us to do him a favor by standing up. He divided the church into five sections, next he instructed us that as he pointed to each section we were to shout to the Lord "Praise the Lord!" We went the first round and everyone in the congregation seemed a little uncomfortable as the shouts were not as loud as they could have been.
So, our pastor instructed us to try again. The next time around we were to raise our hands, shout, and shout loud. This time, he pointed in random rounds and the shouts and praises got louder and stronger. When the section was weak, he let us know it with love. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and cheerful.
Isn't that how church services are supposed to be though?
Most of us on Sunday mornings dread getting out of bed because it's our one day off. We go to church because it is in our routine. But God is so extra-ordinary, worthy to be praised, worth us SHOUTING His name. Yet, we are too good to do it.
There are many reasons why we should "Shout to the Lord!"  His name is above ALL names, He provides for our every need, He leads us into peace, He guides us to make right decisions, He keeps us from harm when we don't even know it, and He died for us so we would escape the claws of sin and death.
Singing a hymn gives Him praise, turning on your radio (91.3 Hope FM) and singing praise and worship songs to Him about Him must please His heart. He wants to hear from you and me through our prayers and praise.
So as you are driving along in your car, vacuuming for the tenth time, or working long hours, take time to shout to the Lord praises for ALL He has done for you. This is the time of season for us to reflect on what we are thankful for, so take time to thank the One that has given you All that you have.

~Be encouraged by knowing there are those on the street that do not have what you have; be thankful for the small things as well.