REACH

Reach - this has been a word that has been so very heavy on my heart over the last few weeks.  Many times we surround ourselves with amazing people but we still are so very hesitant to reach out and really share the ups and downs of the life that we are living or share the story of our life.  We are either embarrassed at what is unfolding in our life or feel no one really wants to enter this with me or think no one will understand what I am walking through or think seriously I do not have time to allow someone in right now or my story is mine, or the best one of all I really am okay and don't need anyone to walk my life with me (or share my story). 

Now don't hear what I am not saying.  Yes some of us are married or have an amazing family support around us BUT at times Reaching to let others in is what is needed for (in my opinion) two reasons...1:  Reaching out and letting someone into your situation or sharing your story can bring a new perceptive to what it is that you or someone within your family is walking through...2:  Reaching is not for you - it is for the person that God opened that one door and tells you "that is the person that needs to hear what your walking through or needs to hear your story" it has absolutely nothing to do with you but all about what that person is in deep need for. 

I am heavily blessed to have a husband that is truly amazing and would do anything for me or anyone within our family or even within our close friend circle or even a stranger.  It is in his DNA to fix and take care of all things that surround him.  We have a solid marriage but there will always be times when I am in need of my sisters perceptive or a dear friends perceptive because honestly my husband does not need to hear all the things that I battle (I am an emotional women! lol), rather my battle is spiritually, emotional or physically (don't hear what I am not saying, YES he would sit and listen to all I am walking through but honestly he does not need that extra stress that at times I so heavily throw on him! lol).  Early in our marriage I would just throw it all on him, then most of his time was spent checking on his wife and making sure she was not going to go off the deep end.  That was not fair on my part even though he is very much willing to carry all of it (for me personally, I didn't' want to try moving forward with out someone telling me how to do it.  That is way I so often but those burdens on my husband).  Again I am not saying keep things from your loved ones merrily, before you unload (sorry it is a strong word) Reach out to God and allow Him to show you the right person to Reach out to and help you walk through what is heavy on your mind and heart.  There will be many times it is your loved ones but at times God will surprise you on who He needs you to Reach for!  Sharing what you are walking through or your story bring such freedom for you BUT it can bring such freedom for someone else as well!! 

Side note:  I feel I need to explain myself and how I work just a little bit more.
(Over the years I have Reached for people to help me journey through some things...it is not always my husband but I always share with my husband the journey I was on and the outcome of what Reaching had done for me.  To this day, his smile when I share always warms my heart.  He loves seeing the peace that comes from me allowing myself to Reach.)

I have taken some time to really look over my last 41 years of my life and got to see who all God has placed in my life and chose to reach out to me.  It was seriously mind blowing to sit and really think about it and put pen to paper.  I have had 8 women in my life that have Reached and made lasting relationships with me.  8 and all of them minus one are still a part of my life in some way shape or form!!  I was blown away! 

I encourage you to sit and think of who all God has surrounded you with by them merrily Reaching.  Take time to sit and really ask God who needs to be Reached or ask Him to allow you to be more open when someone Reaches out to you.  God made the ultimate Reach when He gave us Jesus.  Such an example of unconditional love and no judgement!

REACH to God and allow Him to show you how to Reach - break your chains!!!

To be content or not content...that is the question!

For me I often get wrapped up in looking around me and measuring my life with others.  It is not in a jealousy way it is in more of a curiosity way.  I tend to look at other families who have similar jobs and family sizes and get caught up in the “How in the world can they have all that!”.  I really hope I am not the only one who gets caught up in this.  I have to say though; I guess a little bit of it comes from a jealous or even a coveting heart.  Why else would I think of such things, correct?  I mean come on, some of us even look at people’s hard times and wonder “How would I or my family weather that storm?”  Sometimes I simply look past my life and what I have and tend to look into others.  I know, it’s a sick thing but it is something that I have had to come to terms with and learn to shut it down when it begins.  I have had to allow God to point this out to me and then allow TRUST in Him to help me overcome this!!  In my book I call this “the pity party outlook” – These are the things that God has been shouting at me to help me overcome my pity party outlook. 

One way I have shut this thinking down:  Getting myself officially off any type of personal social media site.  I am one of those people that gets on Social Media sites and then gets off and then gets back on and then gets off again.  I would sit and scroll through social media then when I get off I am usually left feeling empty.  I will say this ladies, if you are overly looking on social media or overly posting maybe it is time to step back and reevaluate this whole social media thing – just my two cents.  Ask yourself - How do I feel when I get off my social media?  Why did I post  “Am I simply waiting to see how many people (lets be honest not everyone who is labeled a friend on social media is a friend) like my post?  This is real stuff ladies!  These are real struggles that many people do actually face.  I am not saying social media is bad but honestly not everyone can with stand the emotional baggage that comes with social media.  Find what works for you and you alone!!

The other way I am learning to shut this thinking down:  I talk about it!!  Funny hey, share something that I struggle with!!  I am learning the more I communicate these things the funnier they sound! I was talking with my sister the other day (they just moved into this beautiful home and I can honestly say without any jealousy how super happy I am for them!!)  while we were driving through their new neighborhood.  I voiced “How do they seriously have those cars and that house”.  Do you know what happened; once I spoke those words my sister shared she does the same thing!  Then the funnies thing happened, we laughed about how silly we sound.  We both were brought back to the present and were able to talk about what all God had and is doing for our families!  I felt unified with my sister and actually felt stronger for not being the only human who struggles with this issue.  Sometimes sharing what is on our mind will help us move beyond where we are! 

The last thing for me is:  Learning to be content with where my life is today.  Not yesterday.  Not tomorrow.  Only on today!  For me once I allow myself to start thinking about tomorrow, my focus on today is gone.  When I start to lose focus of the present my mind honestly wonders.  I tend to think about money stresses, teenager stresses, family stresses (don’t kid yourself we all have them), schedule stresses (seriously the list could keep going!)…I lose what God is putting in front of me today!  I will never have another chance for today!  I am not saying not to be schedule minded or not to be a planner that is not what I am saying.  Yes we must calendar and maintain our homes and families and our personal lives; what I am saying is “Enjoy what God has for you simply today!”!  Learn to be content with your 10 year old car, with your 20 year old house, with your beautiful wedding ring, with your lovely fake diamond earrings that only you know are fake, with your size, with you nice new car, with your nice new outfit…with YOU!  Learn to smell the roses.   Take a 10 minute walk to let your mind slow down.  Take a 5 minute shower when you get home from work (it is okay to let the kids watch TV while you decompose your day).  Order pizza for dinner to be able to enjoy your evening (it is okay to have a simply dinner).  Ladies life is a nonstop cycle if you do not learn to stop and be in the moment today, you will miss the roses God is placing in front of you.  Today is today. 

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives Proverbs 16:2

Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart.  Proverbs 14:33

Joy comes from a Trust in God

Hope comes from a Trust in God

Peace comes from a Trust in God

Faith begins to build with a Trust in God

Love begins to form with a Trust in God

Constant Light

Yesterday Austin and I got to see something pretty cool!  We saw a glimpse of a Rainbow. Now let me explain, here in North Port we get pretty serious thunder/lighting storms. They may only last about 10 to 15 minutes but they bring such chaos when they come (they are pretty cool).  The darkness simply rolls in and the sun is no longer and then the thunder begins to rumble and the lighting begins to dance then the sky turns to that amazing deep deep blue that only comes from a thunder storm.   Today the rumbling was starting and the lighting was dancing and the sky was getting darker and darker but then there it was – an open window!   It was as if God wanted to smell the rain and He opened His window!  In the mist of the storm that was forming was a small glimpse of a rainbow - it honestly looked like an open window!

What a great reminder it was for me (and what conversation began in my car with my son) to be able to know that even when I feel I am surrounded by a dark gloomy storm, that Light always shines!  Did you know that there is always Light present when there is a storm!  It may be behind all the clouds, rain, and lighting but there is always Light (the Sun and the Moon both bring light – I do not think that was a coincident when God was creating this earth).

So keep your head up and know that even in the midst of a heavy storm the Light will reappear to you!  The Light is always there, sometimes our life just clouds it for us or God is working on things and can’t wait to reveal it to you!  Storms can be scary, bothersome and inconvenient…storms are different for all of us - but - what freshness and Light it brings when it is done!  You know what I mean!  When you walk outside after a storm and there is that smell of freshness and the light is simply beautiful!   We will always grow from a storm and we will always have Light in our storms.  Sometime we simply have to open our window! 

(I will say the picture does not do it justice!  It was from inside my car while moving my son was trying to get the picture)

Are you ready?

Over the past few weeks I have heard of stories of just brokenness; stories of families within our church, the community, my circle of friends and especially on the news. I do not consider myself a compassionate person but if I am honest with you, I have cried tears over the brokenness I have been around or have heard of (most of them are people I do not even know!).  It’s funny, I feel as I get older my heart is becoming softer and softer (I honestly did not think this was possible).  It is a new feeling for me and I cannot say if I like it or not.  I always thought emotions made me weak and I never wanted to appear weak to myself or others.  So this is an interesting battle within me. 

So what do we do with these broken situations that we hear about, good question I am glad you asked? Do we get involved, do we turn and walk away or do we risk our weakness and allow God to fill us and use us!   Do you not think that what you walked through as a child or teenager or young adult or a wife does not have a purpose!!!  It is time we start taking these broken women that are around us and show them how big our God is!  Ladies, it is time we rise up and be who God intended us to be.  This will be different for every one of us.  We must open our hearts and allow God to move you where you never saw possible!  Okay let’s take a small break – I am not saying tell every women or even teenager  you come across everything about you from start to finish - I am asking you to be open minded to what God desires to put in front of you.  Open minded to the potential God knows you have!  Will it be awkward - yes!  Will it be hard – yes! Will it be uncomfortable – yes!  When we allow God to use us and open our minds up to things we never thought of we will fall and stumble because it will be hard and (I know I do) we will fight him at times but we get up!  What better way to reach the broken then to let yourself fall and be lifted up by the One and Only God!!

Brokenness is all around us, are you up for the challenge to impact those around you!  I have faith in you and I know your Heavenly Fathers does!  Join me as we allow God to push us where we never thought possible!!

Life and Death

What a week!  I have no idea where this post is going but I know beyond a doubt I must write! I have an actual pain in my chest!  Dear friends this life is temporary!  Yes temporary!  I know as humans we can at times feel sad about this but it is truth!  Death does not wait till we are a certain age or at a picture perfect part in life. 

We have all heard the saying "Life is short", well it is.  Everyday when you are given the chance to wake, He breathes life into your lungs and gives you life!  What will you do with it!  My heart is so heavy my friends.  What amazing things God has for you!  When we live this life with Him in it, it will not be a piece of cake, but boy will we see such life and beauty even in the mist of sorrow!!

Bottom line is - where are you going when death comes?  Are you to busy living life in the past or to busy to see what is right in front of you or you just simply think you have more time and one day you will let Christ in or do you think I am to far gone....my prayer for all who read this is to know that you have a God who loves you and does not care about your past or even your present life!  YOU ARE LOVED no matter where you are!  Eternity is a long time!  Heaven is real and hell is real and eternity is real!

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will no perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16,17 NLT   

Your daily life style will always be your strongest testimony! 

What is your life telling? 

What is your life reflecting? 

  

Expectations

Some people do this Blog thing so very naturally...me - not so much!  I sit and type and retype and then delete.  I am always second guessing what I am typing mainly because I feel it only makes sense to me or it sounds pointless or this is just what I need to hear not others or I don't want to hurt anyone. 

My question for myself this morning (from Jesus Calling) was this..

What expectations are driving me?

(straight from my journal, no filter)

Expectation of "wow look at you".  I am desiring attention.  I do things to get attention - acceptance.  My motives on some things in my life are truly selfish.  My heart truly wonders from what my original purpose was to what can I get out of this...how much attention will this get me.  This is what I am teaching my kids!  What is the fruit that I am reflecting!  I tend to reflect - doubt, insecurity, tiredness, lack of trust.  I must say, usually when these moments come, I am quickly reminded how big God is...then I spend time working on that moment  that I let fly by. 

My Faith Must Become Stronger!

If my faith truly does not become stronger - where are my children going to end up.  The truth is - Our nation is in chaos!  If I do not become stronger and determined to step it up, they are gong to fold to where our world (government) is pushing.  My daily issues (expectations) are making me put the ones dearest to me second.

Two verses that hit home today: 

For what ever is in your heart determines what you say. 

Matthew 12:34 NLT 

Yes just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so are you identified by your actions. 

Matthew 7:20 NLT

What are your expectations?  Take time to be honest with yourself.  It is a hard question to answer.  Let me say this, I am not a bad person.  I have struggles and I seek Him daily on them!  I have days that I allow these expectations to control me and days that I allow them to be held by God and reworked for me (He will use our weakness to his good!!  He has to because our weakness are so often the strongest part of us, we simple need to let go).  I am human - born into a sinful world - no one is perfect.  I fall everyday!  I also get picked up everyday!  In this world stumbles and struggles are truly apart of us because we live in a sinful world.  We must not allow these struggles and stumbles to keep hold on us!  We must be willing to open up and seek out what our expectations are and allow God to rework those expectations!  This will be a daily and sometimes hourly prayer! 

You are STRONG and God is STRONGER!  Every day as you allow God to work and move within you -  you will feel God's purpose for you get stronger and stronger and stronger!  Your out look on life will truly open and those struggles that you so didn't think you could move forward through - slowly you will see yourself moving forward and oh my goodness that feeling you will feel - FREEDOM!!  Overcoming and admitting the real struggles are (believe it or not) so very freeing!! 

You are amazing, your are loved, you are not alone, you are strong, you are the Daughter of the One True KING!!  You are unstoppable!!

We all love transition!

My kids are 17, 15 and 12.  I have discovered once your kids get to a certain age (17,15,12) they tend to become rather independent.  Seriously I am doing college tours with me two oldest!  So what does that do for the mom of these 17,15 and 12 year old?  For me I felt my identity being lost.  I have been a stay at home for 15 years, its what I do -  it's who I am.  I have always worked from home while being a stay at home mom, but mom has always been who I am.  So now I am 40 years old (almost 41!) and the one thing that has been my identity is now transitioning.  You know how we just love transition!  Then on top of this lovely transition shift, I have discovered my passions transitioning too.  Great lets just bring it all at one time, right!  My days are even effected by this.  This once busy, noisy, none stop house has a new feel.  Its now quiet, clean (nothing else to do so clean, right!), empty - not fun!  The kids are becoming independent, that is a good thing but a hard thing.  Mine and Adams goal for our children has been to give them a solid faith foundation and raise them to become independent people - I didn't really realize it actually happens!  So what now!

I don't want to paint this sob story and act like no one wants mom or needs mom.  I mean come on, I am mom!  Yes when things go array who do they call for - "Mom".  When looking franticly for something - "Mom".  When at an utter lost - "Mom".  When in need of something - "Mom".  Yes even when they just need to talk  - "Mom.  My life is in no way unfulfilling, lonely, empty, unappreciative (an amazing husband makes sure of that), or just down an out unhappy.  I do not want to paint that picture.  My life is good, blessed, happy and loved.  I am hoping to help not just me but others see that life does and will transition.  Just wanted to put that out there. 

So here is the thing, do to this new transition in my life I stepped it up in areas that I have always had a passion for.  Areas that I feel comfortable in and am good at.  I think I even pushed a little in these areas too, because I just wanted life back to normal.   In my head I was just thinking, just do what you have always done and it will all be good.  Wait, remember I also said my passion was transitioning too!  In the end these last few months have just been off.  It has been super frustrating for me.  I am stepping it up in areas that I have always rocked at and I just feel drained.  I just didn't get it! 

Remember I do not want pitty!  My marriage and life is truly blessed!

So what now!  I am getting more involved in areas that I have been passionate about for 15 plus years but I am getting frustrated and just drained from it.  My poor husband (if you want to have pitty for any one, have it for him!)!  Adam would listen and just listen, a good man!  Seriously this transition thing just needs to go away!  Kids need to stop growing and life just needs to go back to what I am used to! 

"I" "I" "I" - that is all I have said.  I have left a vital part out of this transition in my life.  "GOD"!  I have been this transition in my life and have not once given it to God.  Not once did I bring it to his feet.  Not once did I seek him with this part of my life.  Yep it all makes a little bit more sense doesn't it!  Last Monday I was up doing my morning devotionals and was wondering why over the last few weeks my morning quiet time just feels off - "Light Bulb" came on!  Seriously Heidi are you kidding me!  Not once did I seek him with this!  Not once!  It was at that moment a peace that I had not felt in a very long time came on me.  In that moment this transition felt so very small and God felt so big!   

Transition is part of our life, no matter who you are.  Life is forever shifting and changing.  For all you moms out there I encourage you now to begin praying - even if you kids are still little.  Pray now for God to be preparing you for the transaction that will come.  Transition will happen in all our lives no matter who you are, I encourage you to pray daily for the things to come.  Allow God to prepare you for what is next in your life, now.  He is preparing us for life daily rather we are seeking him or not, but if we truly seek him now you can be better equipped for when your transition hits.  Don't be me!

Side Note:  I have also learned that it is important to make time for yourself.  Transition will come and if we are taking time for ourselves I do believe this transition will be a little bit more forgiving.  I did allow myself to get lost in being a mom (which is not a bad thing, but ladies don't forget to take care of you) - so this transition has been a litter hard on me.  Make sure to take time for you because you matter!!  

What do you see?

Who am I going to be today?  Do I open up and be real or do I put my wall up and just share bits and pieces.  I know right, hard!  I know for me I spend so much time daily trying to figure out who am I going to let people see.  Am I going to let my guard down or am I going to still hold back.  I better not be the only one battling this questions!  I think over the last few weeks I am amazed at how many women in my life battle this in their heads!  Why do we get so nervous to truly allow ourselves to be free and simply be the beautiful women God intended us to be. 

Why do we think that clean dishes will prevent judgment

Why do we think the size of our house determines real success 

Why do we think a certain brand of clothes will get the right friends

Why do we think that we can't share that our kids are not perfect

Why do we think we must appear to have a marriage that is always perfect

Why do we think we must be put together 24/7

Why do we think we can't share how we really feel

Why do we think that we will never be good enough

Why do we think we will never be the right size

Why do we think we are not pretty enough

Why do we think our life will never be as good as theirs

Why do we think they matter more

Why do we think...

I am in no way saying that all women think this way, but I must raise my hand and say I do.  I give in to this almost daily.  I allow the lies and deceits that satan puts in front of me to win.  I do!  For me it is always easier to put a wall up and appear one way than to truly let my guard down and let God make something beautiful out of me.  

The truth is, God created women to be smart, strong, bold, creative, curious, patient, thoughtful, unique, daring, authentic, loving, romantic, inspirational, beautiful, compassionate, giving, selfless, artistic, carefree, wholehearted! 

When my battle begins I have to choose to beat the lies satan throws at me down!  Get to the WORD and see the truth that God puts in front of me!  I have to choose this!  I have to choose to tell satan to stop!  I have to choose to see me how God sees me!  I have to put my trust in Him and know that I am not what satan says! 

You see, women bring so much strength, boldness, creativeness, curiosity, patience, thoughtfulness, uniqueness, daringness, authenticness, love, romance, inspiration, beauty, compassion, laughter, happieness, completeness, strength to this world that satan tries his best to make women doubt everything!  Because God created women to bring such beauty to this sinful world! 

My desire for you amazing ladies is to truly know how amazing you are!  When God thought of you, He thought of greatness!  God takes everything from your life (past, present and future) and weaves it together for such a purpose!  YOU HAVE A PURPOSE!  You will do greatness!  You are loved and never alone!

Will you join me today and put your trust in Him and allow Him to show you what you are capable of! 






 

My Story

What is your story?  We do not have to be perfect to come to our Father.  We do not have to be broken to come to our Father.  We simply have to be willing to allow our Father to create a story within us from our past.  We all have a purpose and your story is preparing you for that purpose.  Sister you are loved beyond the moon!!

If I told you my story
You would hear hope that wouldn't let go
If I told you my story
You would hear love that never gave up
If I told you my story
You would hear life but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
To tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
If told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
If I told you my story
You would hear life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long

Hebrews 4

I was flipping through Hebrews this morning and stumbled upon Hebrew 4.  I often look over pages in the bible to read over verses I have outlined, circled or highlighted.  This time it lead me to Hebrews 4 - "Promised Rest for God's People".
(This is truly what God put on me this morning, I am trying to be transparent and real.  These are real struggles for me)

A few questions to seek

*  What do I (you) need rest from?

*  Will I (you) allow God to take it? 

                If I (we) allow God to take what is hindering me (us) from rest it will create a stronger faith in Him and stronger trust in Him.

  Rest is needed for all!  Even God!

Living on this earth is very tiresome but in order to truly have rest a few things must surface first!

*  believing in who our Father truly is

*  Accepting what Christ did for our sins

*  Accepting that I (we) am a sinner and seek His forgiveness

*  Allow myself (ourselves) to build a relationship with Christ

*  Allowing, with God, to slowly transform Me (us)

*  Build my (your) trust in Him, build my (your) faith in Him and accepting His unconditional LOVE!

*  Complete acceptance that God is our Father and no past or even present sins or mistakes or an uncontrolled past will make Him leave us! 

*  He is for us not against us!

*  He desires us!

*  He doesn't' want to fix me (us), He desires to weave my (our) past into who He knows I (you are) am strong enough to be!  Then we can see how beautiful we are!

Then will our rest in Him come! 

To the point!

Okay ladies...it has been a sluggish week for me but I am blessed and thankful for my family and friendships God has placed around me. My encouragement for you today...no matter how sluggish your day or week may be we MUST be willing to open our eyes to see what all God has placed around us! There is always something (daily) that we can find and be able to say "Okay God you Do take care and meet me where I am"!

Keep your eyes, your hearts and your minds open ladies to God daily...He WILL reveal things you never thought you would see, He will show you strength you never thought you had, He will allow you to see the impossible!!! God is good, all the time!!

Always remember your God created this universe!  Man is God amazing!!  You got this ladies!  Be strong in who you are, in who God created you to be!!  We can not fear what WILL happen when we finally decide to open our eyes, our hearts and our minds to God!  Such beauty will be born!  This time on this planet is very short and my reality this morning was...What will my excuse be when I stand before Him?

Come on ladies join me!!!  There is more to this life and you know it!!

It's the little things

Most ladies I talk with have the same pattern...they put themselves last!  I do believe women in general (married or not - kids or no kids) typically but themselves last.  I believe in my heart this is how God created us.  For me this can bring out many emotions for me daily - happiness, overwhelmingness (I do not think this is a real word but it does fit me), gladness, exhaustion, joy, peace.  I personally enjoy the overall picture when I place others first.  Honestly I just painted my bedroom after living in our house for 10 years! 

BUT listen you beautiful ladies - we must take time for us.  This keeps us balanced!  If we just keep going and going we will crash!  I know it can be hard to take time for you but it is a must or God will make us take time!

This month I challenge you to get back into something you put aside because others comes first.  I am not saying to put your loved ones last and focus on you, I am simply encouraging you to make time for you.  God cares about you and honors you for your amazing heart but He also wants you to enjoy what He has created you to enjoy! 

Here is what I am getting back into!  I use to love to garden and guess what - my garden is slowly getting put back together.  For me, I simply love to go out and watch something new come to life!   

God has given us an amazing heart to truly care and encourage those he has placed in our lives but He desires us to also enjoy the gifts he has blessed us with!!

It's hard to see around us!

This week I have been reminded of how big satan can get on this earth.  Not a fun thing to be reminded of.  I tend to put satan on the back burner. I get into my daily routine and enjoy my little box of a life and push all the ugly out of the way.  I think a part of me does this on purpose because it is easier to look at life with rose colored glasses on then to come to terms with truly how dark this world can get and is.  The truth is satan is here no matter how tinted our rose colored glasses are, we can not miss his handy work!  He has been busy on this earth.  Have you check your political channels, talked with your school leaders, checked out what is playing at the movie theater, picked up a teen book, seen the magazine covers...he has been busy!  He has nothing to loose but we have everything to loose!!  We must armor up and be ready for him because he is fighting hard!  Hard enough to move churches away from the bible!!

Every day we make a choose - put God in it or not put God in it.  The days we choose to not put God in it, satan is weaving his way into us.  The days we choose to put God in it, satan is trying to weave his way in.  So either way, every day satan is fighting for human life.  We see it in our government leaders, our pastors, our teachers, our families...we see the affects of satan every where!  When we choose a life with God we do not fight satan alone.  We can't!!  Only God has the means to end him.  Daily we must guard our hearts and put our armor on.  The truth is we are in a massive spiritual battle!  satan has nothing to loose, so he will take as many with him as possible!

We must grow our TRUST in God, we must trust that He knows best for us.  Life will not always make sense but a life with Him comes peace.  We must surround ourselves with the right friendships - if you are not getting spiritual encouragement from them then they might not be the best ones (I am not saying end them just make sure to know your boundaries, it's easy to get sucked in).  We must come to terms with God's plans for our life (again trust).  A certain willingness must form when it comes to God.  We will not always agree with His plans but He has already walked them and knows that we are strong enough to go!

This life is going to only get uglier and uglier as satan's time drawers near.  We must learn that this battle is already won and if we truly believe that; we will not have the fear to truly put on our armor and fight this spiritual battle that is happening right in front of our eyes! 

If you need encouragement read Psalm 18 (here is a small part of it) - King David speaks of what God is to him (us) and what he (we are) is with God!

love you, Lord;
    you are my strength.
² The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
³ I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

Lauren Daigle - Trust In You

This song has been on my mind so much lately!  BUT just the other day I actually sat and listened to the actual words!  I often think I know the direction or the path my life is going but then something closes or all of a sudden my path isn't where I was knew it was suppose to go.  Then I get hit with the  - Really God, this is not what I need! 

The truth is, God is God!  Trust is a must if we truly desire to live a life that is lead 100% by Him!
Trust that in the end His ways are best!  He isn't saying no, He is simply saying "Trust Me, I've got this!"

The power of Trust!

This is a picture a sweet friend sent me this week!  So simple but yet so true!  For myself I so often get caught up in the here and now and forget about the what's to come.  I loose site.  The truth is God has already walked our path, He knows what we need!  Often we fight Him and don't want to let go of an area or move forward in an area or step into something that so does not fit your life.  The truth is -  you can let go of an area, you can move forward and you can take that first step into something new.  Will it be easy, will it go perfectly, will it be problem free, will it be struggle free, will it be sorrow free...seriously I could go on and on!  It simply starts with Trust!  Are you with me! 

Trust is hard but with trust comes many freedoms from things that we need to let Him have!!

Psalm 139:5

You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessings on my head. 

 

No Longer Slaves

As I sat here and listened to "No Longer Slaves" tears came pouring down my face.  Like many of you beautiful ladies I am a slave to fear.  I have many fears in my life and over the last month I have been daily giving them to our Heavenly Father. Are they gone!  NO!  But can I see a future without them - YES - a future without chains! YES!! My prayer for you is that you slowly start to see who your Heavenly Father truly is and what He is truly capable of doing and how He sees you - He parted the seas for us to walk through!  Come on you can do it, give Him your fears, break the chains that holds you back!  Will it be hard - yes!  Will it be a struggle - yes!  Will it be rewarding - yes!  Is He the only one who can break those chains and give you a breath of fresh air - YES!  BUT you have to want to break those chains!  Join me on this journey!  You are not walking this alone!  Come on ladies!!  You are a child of GOD!!!

I don't usually ask for comments but for the first time I am.  Share your words of encouragement for the ladies who are reading this!  Help those to see they can defeat the chains that hold them down.  We are not meant to walk this life alone!