Rain, sleet, snow...HELL

It was so peaceful.  The air was crisp but not too cold.  The night sky was black but twinkled as the snowflakes began falling through the sky. They came down so fast and heavily that you could actually hear the flakes fall.  Most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen.  Watching that snowfall was like what I would imagine it to be like to have peace covering the earth.  This is the kind of snow day that you want.  At home getting to enjoy the light, fluffy snow, making snowmen and having snow ball fights with your family. It's beautiful and all is well!

Isn't it amazing that the same sort of precipitation that can create peace and bliss can also create chaos and confusion?  That peaceful snow laying on the ground this week was a sheet of ice the weeks before. What is causing people to laugh and make snow angels now was earlier causing people to wreck and abandon their cars because they had no traction and no way to move.  Roads blocked.  Chaos abounding.

The same winter storm that came through dropping snow on us brought rain, sleet, snow and hail to other parts of the state and neighboring states.  That freezing rain became an ice storm that shut down Atlanta and parts of the east coast. And just when you thought it couldnt get worse, it did. They had major power outages and the cities were brought to a standstill.  North Carolina got slammed and people were out in the roads just like we were a few weeks ago.

It's just like life, isn't it?  Just as your cruising along in your "I got this thing under control" attitude and thinking my world couldn't get any better, the rug is pulled out from under you.  You've got the peaceful snowflakes falling all around you, but are you ready for the ice storms?  Are you ready for power outages? How prepared are you to withstand the rain, the snow, the sleet....the Hell?

It's easy to coast along with joy, peace, patience, kindness...all the fruits of the spirit that we should walk in daily when things are going good.  But what about when all hell breaks loose?  Can you weather the storm and maintain that blanket of peace, joy and happiness?  Or are you that patch of remnant snow found on the side of the road that is misshapen and dirty, slowly falling apart and an eyesore to passersby?  How quickly do we lose our peace when life throws us a winter storm? How quickly do those fruits melt away?

I have come to realize that we need to be in a constant state of preparation. We know the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but we may not know when or where. You may not have enough time to be warned and able to go get "supplies" to survive the storm.  You've got to be stockpiling now!

Your survival kit to weather the storm:
1.  Pray. Pray without ceasing.  Your circumstances may not change, but your attitude will!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 
1 Thess. 5:16-18

2. Worship. Let worship help change your perspective. As our Pastor always says, don't tell God how big your problems are, tell your problems how big your God is.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!  Psalm 150

3. The Word.  Be in it so much that when circumstances turn bad, you know who to turn to and you know what to speak.  You have to be in it for you to become it!  

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 
Psalm 1:2

4. A support structure. You need to have a Godly inner circle that can hold you accountable and help you maneuver through the storms when you are stranded. 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecc. 4:9-10

Seems simple doesn't it?  Only 4 things in your survival kit that you need to equip you to withstand any storm that sweeps your way.  I consider these 4 things to be vital in being able to weather a storm!  Do you have other things that should be added to the kit?  Check your supplies now, so that you are ready when the storm hits.  Don't wait...and continue to stockpile the supplies so that you have a surplus to use when the winter storm warning is called! 

Preparedness results in peace.  

 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16.33

Just DO it!

The last two weeks we have experienced some crazy weather.  From snow to ice to 70 degree weather, it's been a bit of a roller coaster winter.  Being stranded at work for two days caused me to think about being prepared for the uncertain. I was very fortunate to have been someplace where I had a pillow and blanket, food to eat, a bathroom...some others experienced a little more struggle as they were stranded on the road or even abandoned their vehicles to walk.  After Snowmageddon 2014, I said I would not be caught unprepared.  I decided that I would have a bag that I would keep in my car with extra clothing, blanket, toiletries, and snacks in case I ended up somewhere where I might be stuck for a while. This past week as we thought we might be experiencing round 2 of Snowmageddon, I realized that I did not have that bag yet.  Yep!  Here I was saying all along how I wanted to be prepared, but yet I wasn't willing to take the necessary steps to do it.  I had procrastinated.  I had delayed.  I had thought, "I'll do it tomorrow".  Sound familiar?

The roads were crazy!  People had to leave their cars and start walking. Many pictures of the day made it look like it was the rapture.  The cars were just left where they were and no one around. I wonder if this is how end times will be?  Makes the realization that people need to know Jesus even more urgent.  But as I write this blog mainly for myself, family and friends that read this, most of us know Jesus!  And yes, most of us need to be reminded by disasters such as this that our time is short and we need to share Jesus with others.  But I think it goes even deeper for us believers.  How prepared are we to live this life on earth, knowing Jesus, but not walking in His fullness?  How prepared are you?

Are you praying and believing for healing in your body?  Are you praying for someone to be delivered from addiction?  Are you praying for a marriage to be restored? A relationship to be reconciled?  Are you praying for financial breakthrough?  Are you praying about it; yet, DOING nothing to prepare for it? 
As I was reading in the one year chronological bible a few days ago in Exodus 12:11, I was amazed at what God told the Isrealites.  He was preparing them for the destruction of Egypt and gave them specific instructions on how to be spared during the passover.  He told them not only what to eat, but how to eat it:  "These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD's Passover."

God wanted to make sure that they were ready.  Committed.  Fully Clothed in Faith.  Prepared.  

Are you ready?  Ready to receive the answer to the miracle you are praying for?  If you're praying for healing in your body, are you honoring and respecting your body as God's holy temple so that you can walk in that full healing?  If you are praying for your marriage to be restored, are you doing all you can to be ready for that restoration- attending small groups, marriage conference, gaining strong mentors and accountability partners so that your union can be fully restored?  If you're praying for financial breakthrough, are you practicing Godly principles that will allow you to mange that miracle?  If not, then God is telling you to get prepared!  Be dressed and ready to walk.  The definition of preparation is willing to do something...so DO something.  Clothe yourself in the faith that God will answer your miracle.  Romans 4:17 says that God "calls the things that are not as though they are".  Your preparation will allow you to walk in that miracle now as though it IS, so that when your miracle comes to fruition, you ARE fully able to receive it!  

Ask God to show you ways that you need to be prepared and don't wait.  Just DO it!  DO it now!

Prodigal Prayers

Are you praying for someone to be healed?  A relationship to be restored?  Someone to be set free from addiction? For the past to not be part of the future?  For someone to know Jesus?  Do you believe it can happen?  Do you believe that your prayers make a difference?

No matter what the circumstances, God can touch someone and radically change their life. I know it because I am seeing it. With my own eyes. A radical transformation that goes beyond all explanation. Words can't even describe it.  The prodigal that we've been praying for has come back.  And loves God. That's what we've been praying.  That God would show His love in such a mighty way, that it would be impossible to ignore. Impossible to run from. Impossible to turn away.

In fact, I pray that for all of us. We all are prodigals. At some point in our life, we probably aren't living up to our full potential.  Squandering our resources because we are not seeking God's will for our life. Unable to walk out our purpose because we are being wasteful in the gifts that God has given us.

But it's not too late and it's never impossible.  You simply seek Him with all your heart and draw closer to Him. He can change your life and those who you are praying for. It may take years and even more circumstances before you see it transpire, but it will happen. Build and increase your faith so that you can believe His promises are true. They are Yes and Amen.  Stand firm in the knowledge that they are for you and your family!

And don't give up!  Don't stop praying! Your prayers are the catalyst that sparks the change!  Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has a purpose and plan for your life.  Seek Him for that purpose. Don't be wasteful with the talents that God has given you.  As prodigals, lets turn our face back to Him!  He can and will answer your prayers!

Immeasurably More

Immeasurable... Impossible to measure...

bottomless, boundless, endless, fathomless, horizonless,illimitable, infinite, immensurable, indefinite, limitless,measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited.             

A word that is far above what we can even comprehend. And where do you find it...God's word.  One of His promises. Paul, a prisoner, knew that God can do far above whatever we could ask or think.  Even though Paul was in prison, God was still using him to build up his church and equip the saints.  In a prison cell.  Locked away.  But still unbounded by what God could do in and through him.   

Do you have dreams?  Do you have desires that God has placed in you, but feel you can't reach them?  That there is no way. We put those limits on ourselves and God. Those limits and measures are what keeps God from being able to perform those extraordinary things in our lives. We need to get rid of the box that we try to put God in and operate in the fullness of Him.  When we come to the realization that there is no limit in what God can do, then we can walk in His promises for our lives and the lives of those around us.  Believe. Have faith. Dream big...it's endless, unfathomable, unlimited...exceedingly abundantly...God can do far above it!  

His Overcoming Power Everyday = HOPE

HOPE. a tiny word with big meanings. We have two meanings this word takes on and I believe that if we change our perspective of this word, then we can live and walk in it.  Many times we say I "hope" for something. You are praying for it, but not really sure it will happen. Even Webster has it defined two different ways. The first definition is a desire with expectation of obtainment. You are basically strongly wishing for it to happen. Then there's the other kind of hope. The kind that says to expect with confidence.  The kind that has you trusting, not wishing.  Trusting God to provide and protect. To redeem and restore. To heal and renew. He can do it!  But what if we don't walk in this "confident hope"?  What if we struggle with having hope?  We have to look at the source of where this hope comes from.  Romans 15:13 says I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  God is our source of hope. We have to seek Him through His word and worship.  We have to speak His promises over our lives and our circumstances. We have to trust that He wants us to live in joy and in peace. We have to ask Him for hope. His Overcoming Power Everyday will allow us to walk in this confident hope.  His power will allow us to walk in Spirit and in truth.  His power will allow us to overcome. God has a purpose and a plan for you, a future and a hope. Believe it!  Expect it!  Walk in it!  Operate in His full blessings!

FOCUS

I was watching TV and a commercial came on last night for a 5 hour energy drink that talked about the word FOCUS. While I'm not necessarily a fan of energy drinks, I did find the commercial very inspiring. Click here to watch the video http://ispot.tv/a/7ftV It said Focus=clarity + alertness. As we are about to turn the page on 2014 and start 21 days of prayer on Jan. 5th, I am reminded that we should start the year with a focus. A focus to keep my prayers aligned.  A  focus to prioritize what gets my attention. A focus to determine where I want to spend my time and energy.  Lets look at the creative definition of focus.  Clarity=clearness of appearance and Alertness=a condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action.  So basically focus allows us to take a clear next step by looking at everything through that filter.  When we focus our prayers on what God wants for our lives, He will give us a clear next step.  When we seek to stay in His presence, He will guide us and provide revelation.  When we seek Him with clarity, He will reveal visions and dreams and when we seek Him with alertness, we are prepared for our next steps with a heightened awareness of what the enemy will try to bring against us.  If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. (Proverbs 29:18 MSG) 

Prepare for 2014. Be intentional with your goals.  Dream big.  Be alert.  Be clear.  Take next steps.  God has a specific purpose for you and He wants to carry it out.  You just have to focus! What will you be focusing on in 2014?  Bring it 2014! 

Surrender Comfort- part 3

Had First Wednesday at church last night. What an incredible time of worship and the message was so timely! We are preparing for 21 days of prayer and fasting  in January and this is such a needed time!  It's so easy to get busy, to get distracted, to let the things of the world be louder than the voice of God.  I am reflecting on the last few months and realize its easy to get in a routine. Almost like a rut.  A place where you are pretty comfortable. Your prayer life begins to look the same.  Your daily time with God looks the same.  Your time with your spouse, your children, your job.  We get settled into our lives where things feel pretty content. A comfort zone. And before you know it, we've let our body and soul become more powerful than our Spirit. I, for one, am excited about this prayer and fasting time. A time of connecting and re-connecting to God and disconnecting from the world.  Act 3:19 says So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19 AMP)

The effects of heat can be exhaustion, dehydration and weakness. We can experience this heat either knowingly or unknowingly.  When we know we are in "the heat", we feel it.  We walk in it and others know when we are in it. Yet, I think there's another time that we may be in it and not even realize. When we are in our comfort zone, "the heat" is slowly being turned up. We don't even realize what's happening.  We let the world settle us into a place of comfort and that's where we stay, parched and dry.
God, I surrender my place of comfort. My settled routine. My life of normal. I repent for staying in a comfort zone because that's where it is easiest. I pray that I keep my eyes toward you so that passion and purpose can continue to burn inside me. I pray that "the heat" used now is used to revive and fan the flame of desire that you put inside of me.  A desire to walk closer and more intimate with God so that I can fulfill His purpose for me while I am on this earth. May we all experience a time of refreshing (recovering, reviving) that gets us back on track and moving forward!

Surrender...part 2

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a great word on surrender.  Surrendering things in life that hold you back, that keep you from walking in God's purpose for your life, that keep you from experiencing the fullness of life.  Some things that we need to surrender are easier to surrender because its very apparent that it is a struggle.  Some things may be more subtle - things you don't even realize that are an issue.  That's what God has been showing me lately.  There are things in my life that I may focus or get hung up on and don't even realize its an issue.  I've realized that I need to surrender certainty. Certainty is knowing something for sure, established without doubt. None of us know what tomorrow brings.  For that matter, we don't even know what the next hour brings. How many of us spend time worrying and occupying our minds with thoughts about what could happen?  The what ifs? The if this, then that?  I can't tell you the number of times that I will play out a scenario in my mind that ends up not even being factual by the time it has played out in reality. I recently had a conversation with my youth pastor son, who gave me some wise advice.  I had an issue that I needed to deal with and wasn't really sure how to confront this person. I had multiple scenarios in my mind, yet for all of them I was assuming I knew how the other person was feeling. I was certain that I knew the circumstances and I was responding to those circumstances based on my feelings. My son told me never to assume, instead confront with love and listen to that person before I come to conclusions and make decisions based on my feelings. And he was right. The circumstances were nothing as I was imagining and the situation turned out to be very positive.  I felt certain that I knew the situation, yet it was uncertainty that was driving my thoughts. I realize that God wants me to trust in Him.  I can't trust my feelings, because they will fail me.  I can't know what my tomorrow, my next month or my next year will look like, but I don't have to know.  All I have to do is keep my eyes focused on Him and walk according to His will. He will do the rest. There is a lot of freedom in that!  Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT). Thank you for your assurance God knowing that He is in control and that I can trust Him. What do you need to trust Him with?  

Surrender...

There are many things in our lives that we need to surrender to God -fears, our families, control, emotions...God has revealed a few to me that I don't even think I would have considered until He put light on it.  First off, why must we surrender?  If we are to walk in what God has truly designed for us, we must surrender fully to Him. We must completely submit that He is in control and trust that we can depend on Him for everything. Easier said than done, right? How many times are we dropping that thing that is keeping us from hearing God, saying I surrender all, only to pick it back up to continue to worry and stress about it!  Maybe you've yielded those things to God and feel like you are able to trust Him in the difficult places in life. How about the not so difficult times?  How about when everything is going smoothly-bills are paid, kids are happy, no worries, all is good?  That's when complacency creeps in.  It keeps us from fully surrendering our lives to what God has for us.  It keeps us from dreaming, from stepping out in faith, from being. It keeps us satisfied with life as it is, not as it could be. It keeps us satisfied with what WE can do in life instead of focusing on what HE can do in our lives. Scripture in Revelation 3:15-17  “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless." 

God, I surrender complacency in my life.  I surrender the desires of walking on a steady, stagnant path.  Instead, I pray that you use me to bring life, to have passion and vision, to consume me with your thoughts and your dreams, to use me to fulfill the plan and purpose you have created me for!  Let me never feel satisfied or have the feeling that I have arrived, but instead help me to seek and search for MORE of you!  What do you need to surrender to fully walk in what God has purposed and designed for you?

Worry - Two choices

How many of you have struggled with worry? Worried about the money in the checkbook?  Worried about your child who is not living up to what you know they can?  Worried about your health? About what people think or saying about you?  Worried about your job? A relationship? The economy? The government shutdown?  The list goes on and on.  The world is a place where worry can fully abound and every situation in your life you could begin to let fear creep in.  Worry is what the enemy uses to keep us from moving forward.  Instead he keeps us spinning round and round. Wondering what could happen or doubting and fearing what will happen next.   Worry is like riding a merry-go-round.  It starts out slow, but as you push it and feed into it, it goes faster and faster and then its spinning out of control.  It starts out being mild and something you can manage, but then can quickly become all consuming. As it goes round and round, you begin to get so sick that you want to get off but you cant.  You try to jump off, but now you're so dizzy and can't get your balance enough to even stand up. So you stay spinning until it finally comes to a stop and you are left in a crumpled mess, exhausted and fearful for what happens next. Sound familiar?  So how do we make it stop?  How do we choose not to ride this ride anymore? Look to God's word!  We have to trust Him that He is in control, no matter what the circumstances look like.  You have two choices:   Wonder OR Remind Yourself  You can wonder if you will have enough money to pay that bill or you can remind yourself that God's word says "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 You can wonder if God will restore that relationship or remind yourself that God's word says He can restore things because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. (Romans 4:17 NLT)  You can wonder what people think about you or you can remind yourself what God thinks about you.  God says "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

I'm choosing to stop this merry-go-round of fear and anxiety and keep my feet and faith firmly planted in Him and in His word. How about you?  

MORE

Ever had times in your mind where you are thinking "there's got to be MORE"?  MORE than just getting up every day, making a cup of coffee, heading to work, coming home, taking care of the kids, eating dinner, watching a little tv, going to bed and then doing it all over again the next day?  Throw in some dinners out to eat, family vacations and church get togethers to give our life what? purpose? excitement? add fun to our otherwise time-filled days?  Purchase cars, houses, toys-things that will fulfill our lives and bring meaning and purpose to them?  Really?  That's why we exist on this earth, at this time, for this reason? I'm not saying that any of those things are bad, just that God wants MORE for us than that!

Esther 4:14 says "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  We were created for MORE.  MORE than just the material things of this world.  MORE than the routines of this world.  The definition of MORE means greater <MORE than what we expected>  We expect our lives to be one way, but God can produce MORE in and through us!  Ephesians 3:20 says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably MORE <greater than what we expected> than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." God has you right where you are to influence those around you!  To leave a legacy pointing people to Him.  He has us in this Kingdom to fulfill His purpose and we should seek that reason, understand it and follow it!  Keep it in front of us as our passion, our purpose, our reason we exist!  Let's not settle for just mediocre-let's bring out the best in others and the best in ourselves! See the potential in others and speak that over them! Recognize that you have been given specific gifts from Him and evaluate if you are utilizing them to their full capabilities!  God can use you right where you are; all we have to do is be willing to let Him use us!  You were made for such a time as this and You were made for MORE!  God, use us for MORE!

A four letter word!

FEAR. a four letter word. That's all it is. A four letter word. A nasty little four letter word. My focus for the next few weeks in my life is going to be on this word. Not to focus so that my fears get bigger, but to understand it so that I know how to battle it.  As I have thought about this word fear and been faced with this crazy emotion the last few days, I know that I need to turn to His word for answers.  I've been studying the book of Joshua and I continue to see these words-Do not be afraid or discouraged-being spoken to Joshua.  These phrase is written many times and in many ways.  I'm guessing that its being said many times because Joshua is looking at his circumstances and becoming afraid and discouraged and needs to be reminded by God to not be afraid or discouraged!  I think I need to be reminded to not be afraid or discouraged.  To be reminded that God's promises are true.  They are true for my family. They are true for anyone who believes. And how do I need to be reminded of this-through God's word. Just as Joshua was reminded by The Lord when he said "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  Notice it says command.  Not this is my suggestion.  Not this would be a really good idea.  "My command".  I think it's such a strong statement because God knows how strong our fears can be. He knows how the enemy will play with our mind and start concocting all kinds of scenarios that aren't real or scenarios that could be real and devastating, which then keeps us thinking about that instead of surrendering and completely being dependent on Him. He knows that if the enemy can win the battle in our minds, then he has us paralyzed-unable to fight and useless in this battle of fear.  I think its' time for me to spend the next few weeks standing on His promises that will give me assurance.  Build my trust.  Increase my courage.  Strengthen my faith.  Grow my confidence.  Remind me who I am. So regardless of the fears we all face (and all of them ultimately relate back to fear)~disease, finances, careers, family, stress, addictions, relationships, pride, self-worth, control~there is a promise to counteract each one.  Lord, let me cling to those promises and remind me daily of who I am and more importantly WHO YOU ARE!  

It's the little things!🌞

Ever have moments in life where you feel like things are going so amazing and then the rug is pulled out from under you?  Feel like life couldn't get any better and then it comes to a screeching halt?  I think we all have experienced that in some form or fashion-some to a worse extent than others.  It's life.  It's the world we live in-this temporary place on Earth where we are here on this planet to make a difference and then move on to our ultimate heavenly home. It makes dealing with trials a little easier knowing that this moment is just a moment in the big scheme of things, but we still have to face this big thing called life.  I face life by going to God's word because it is the map that helps guide us.  It is so timely and so comforting.  It gives us strength when we need it, peace when we are anxious, reminds us that He provides everything we need.  But there's more.  If we STOP and look around, listen and pause, we can see Him all around us.  His word is living and breathing, "alive and active". We just need to be able to recognize it.  I saw it today-in the cool breeze of the morning, in the rays of sun peeking out of the clouds, in the warmth of my morning coffee that my husband fixes every morning for me, the roses in bloom, even the sweet snuggles of my puppy dogs.  The Lord is in every one of those things.  He gives us things to love, to admire, to treasure.  Those little things remind us that there is a God who loves us enough to be in the small, tiny details.  I just have to remember to STOP and look for those things.  To take the time out of the busyness of life, the daily grind, the news that you don't want to hear. This is the life that we live in. But I can find moments in every part of my day that I can see the Lord's hand in, that I can see His handiwork.  And this is what helps us know that God is in the big details of our life as well. He knows your hurts and pain.  He hears your cries. He knows your heart. He's there - in the Big and the Small!!  All we have to do is to stop.  Breathe.  Rest.  Pray. Thank Him.  I pray we all look and find Him in those moments today!

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in EVERY detail of their lives.  Psalm 37:23

Storing Up Treasure

Another funeral yet again this past week~it is amazing how attending a memorial service can stop me in my tracks and set my mind to reeling.  Why is it that our perspective can change in the blink of an eye-when we realize what really matters...what really counts...what is important. It's not to have an expensive house, cars, clothing, furnishings-although those things are nice. It's not about making sure you have all the perfect Christmas gifts wrapped under the tree and that you have bought the latest and greatest.  It's about realizing that we are spiritual beings having a temporary earthly experience.  An experience that is a short one. Our days are numbered and we are not guaranteed another one, yet we live as though we've got tomorrow. Instead, our perspective should be on what really matters in life, the eternal-storing our treasures up in heaven.

So how do we do that?  How do we store up treasures in heaven?  It seems so hard to keep focused on the heavenly things when the world vies for our attention.  We spend so much time and energy focusing on things that don't matter and we lose sight of the things that do.  Matthew 6:19-21 says Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Storage means to put away for future use and treasures are things that we consider valuable and precious to us.  Earthly treasure are easy-we think our retirement 401K, savings, big houses-those are things we are saving up so that we can have "the American Dream".  But is there more?  More to life than trying to store up riches and wealth for our contentment here on earth?  Are we using those things to spread His word? To show the love of Jesus?  To help those in need?  The Bible tells us "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.  As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.  And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.  Thank God for this gift  too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11, 13-15 NLT). 
When we focus on serving and giving to others, God will in return continue to bless us.  Our heart becomes full when we love Him and love His people-When we spend time with Him daily-When we see people the way He sees them.  When our heart is full, our perspective changes.  We focus on the things that matter-a single mom, jobless, who can't afford to buy groceries, a lady unable to pay for her meal at Waffle House, a family of 4 homeless who just want to have a Merry Christmas.   Be intentional about using your gifts to advance the kingdom. Share His word with those who are in need.  Bring people along with you on this journey!  Then, the legacy that you leave behind will not only linger here on earth, but will be the ultimate reward when we enter into our eternal home with treasures abundant!

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

Do we ever stop and even realize how powerful our words are?  How amazing it is that we use words to communicate our feelings, our thoughts, our struggles, etc.  How cool is it that I can even use "words" to write this blog and after you read these words, you will understand how I feel and know me a little better.  Yet, do we REALLY stop and think about how we use our words?

Do they lift people up?  Do they encourage, empower, love, sympathize, provide hope, speak truth, feel safe, give strength, comfort, promote gentleness and kindness, add value to another?  Isn't that what the Word does for us?  It provides all these things when we need them.  We know that we can seek God's Word when we need encouragement. But what if we all were a walking, visual picture of God's word?  What if people could "see" the Word as well as "read" the Word?  What if we spoke as if the Word dwelled within us?  What would our community look like?  What would our homes look like?  What would our church look like?  

"What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. (Proverbs 18:21 GNT)

We have to remember that words either bring life or death-the power is in the tongue.  So how do we speak life?  The Word says "What you say flows from what is in your heart." (Luke 6:45 NLT). It is so important that we stay in the Word so that our hearts are transformed.  It's not just a personality, or an attitude, or an outlook-it's a heart issue.  Yes, for some people maybe this comes easier. But, we ALL can have transformed hearts if we stay connected to the Word.  Seek Him in everything we do so that we continue to be Christ-like. Love Him with ALL our heart and ALL our soul and ALL our strength and ALL our minds.  When we fill our souls with His Word, we will speak life from the overflow!  So now, I just have to remember this when I want to have an argument with my husband and prove that I'm right - it's not about right or wrong but how I use my words to make him feel. I have to remember this when I want to talk about something I shouldn't be talking about and realize I'm not adding value to this person.  I have to remember my words when I want to get impatient with someone who isn't doing something the way I think it should be done.  Lord, let me remember to use your words as you intended them-to bring life!  Let people "see" in me what your Word says!  Let me leave a legacy that remembers me as a painted canvas of Christ ~ His Masterpiece!!

One of THOSE days

Ever had one of THOSE days-you know, a day that you just wish that you could start over, a moment that you can't believe that you are having and it just doesn't seem that there is anything that you can do about it.  Uncertainty and fear just seem to keep piling on; you try to take a deep breath and calm down, but instead you just become overwhelmed.  A battle in the mind that you try to fight and just can't seem to win.  You look okay on the outside, but a raging storm is going on in the inside.
I imagine that we all go through moments like these, whether it includes other people or our own internal struggle.  And it seems like once we allow our minds to go there, it's very hard to climb out of that pit.  We have a choice-to either continue to live in that moment or choose to look ahead.  The enemy would love nothing else to keep us doubting ourselves, living in fear and afraid to move forward. So how do we get out of this hole that were digging, quit reliving the moment and start stepping into what God has planned for us?
Know God's word-It is essential that we know what God's word says about us and to meditate and speak that out loud.  I know when I'm experiencing one of THOSE days, it's hard for me to read God's word and know and believe that it's meant for me~That's why the next is so important!
Surround yourself with people who can speak life into you when you can't. It is so important to have an inner circle, a group of people, that can tell you what God's word says about you, someone that can speak truth and love and see the potential when you are struggling to see anything good.  I am so blessed to have those people in my life!
Praise God in every situation and every circumstance, no matter how bad you think it is. God's word says that He turns all things to good, so we have to trust Him that he will use whatever we go through to make us stronger. A dear friend told me that sometimes God lets us walk through some experiences so that we can help and relate to others when they walk through those same circumstances!  
Trust and rely on God.  When we put our trust in God, we don't have to rely on ourselves but the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us-we get to walk in "God-confidence". 
"God can do anything you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!  He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG

Door to Eternity

After attending yet another funeral this past weekend, I have really been thinking about the importance of leaving a legacy behind.

“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.  My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”  Psalm 39:4, 5 NLT

Each day is a gift from God and we are not guaranteed another one.  The only thing we are guaranteed is the actual moment that we have-the very day, the very hour, the very minute....the very moment that we can use to pray, share, encourage, empower, and love God's people.  However, the enemy would love to distract us while on Earth with our pride, possessions, and power.  As our pastor spoke this Sunday in his message, if Satan can't keep us out of Heaven, then his plan is to distract us while we are here on Earth to keep us from reaching our full potential and purpose.  

Revelation 3:8 says that "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one else can close." 

That open door is an opportunity that God has given us to serve Him.  We just have to be reminded that EVERY moment is an opportunity and we can't assume that another moment will come along.  He's calling us to serve Him now.  What will you do with your open door?

Our Door Supports

A doorpost is considered a door jamb, also known as the support of a door.  If I think of our lives like that of a door, I imagine the things that God has placed in our lives to be our support-the things that He designed to keep us strengthened in Him and able to withstand any attacks against us.
Our worship and prayer life is what gets us into that right attitude to experience an intimate relationship with God. The bible tells us to "Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings, honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." Psalm 29:1-2. We strengthen our spiritual foundation with daily worship and a relational prayer life.
Another way for us to build upon our spiritual foundation is surrounding ourselves with the right people. Just as Jesus' disciples asked him to teach them, so must we have people in place in our lives that teach us. We need mentors to direct our path so that they can help develop and strengthen our faith. We need people to keep us accountable in our daily walk, so that we do not stray from the path of righteousness and we need people that we can teach and invest in because it is all about who we bring with us on this journey.

My goal everyday is to worship and pray, worship and pray, worship and pray, and let me always remember! If I stay in this position, I can stand in the doorway and resists any storms that come my way. The doorway will be my protection and covering and will be a place of support for my family and the people around me.
God's word promises us this:

"And this righteousness will bring peace.  Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in safety, quietly at home.  They will be at rest." Isaiah 32:17-18

PEACE AND REST TO YOU ALL IN YOUR DOORWAYS OF LIFE!

Doorpost of the Past

Legacy means a gift, something handed down. As I think about leaving my legacy and what will be passed down once I am gone, I can't help but think of the past as I reminisce of my childhood, marriage, family, career, etc. I begin to let my mind wander down memory lane. The journey is pleasurable, stopping along the way at great memories that make me smile, but then I change course.  I quickly move to a path that leads me to the missed opportunities, the regrets, the "wish I had" and "wish I hadn't"(s). But as soon as I allow my mind to go there, I hear this in my spirit:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38-39

God covers all bases, all scenarios, all situations, all circumstances in this scripture. NO exceptions. There's NOTHING that we can do to separate ourselves from the love of God. Nothing that we have done or that has happened in our past that can keep us from the close, intimate relationship with God that He desires to have with us.

In order for us to move forward, to experience and fulfill our God-given purpose and begin leaving our legacy for our children, families and friends, we have to close the door to our past.  Shut that door for good!  There's no longer a reason to go in and out of that door.  I can recall when I was a little girl my Nannie saying "Shut that door!" when I would come in from playing outside because I was letting flies into the house.  I smile as I think of even now my husband telling me to "Shut that door" as I let all the cool air out :)  When we keep opening the door to the negatives of our past, we are letting the bad (flies) flood in and the good (cool air) rush out.  Instead, all we have to do is have that doorpost to remind us of what was and is now!  Inscribe on that doorpost that we are new creations in Christ, that we have been forgiven and our sins wiped clean as far as the east is from the west. With that freedom, we can begin to live a life worthy of leaving as a legacy. A life that is not limited and restrained because of our past, but a life that we are able to live boldly and passionately because of who we are in Christ!   A life that God (and our families) will be proud of and can say "Well done, good and a faithful servant."

A gift to help us start our brand new legacy today:

Though you cannot go back
and make a brand-new start, my friend.
Anyone can start from now
and make a brand-new end. - John Maxwell

"Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lam. 3:23

Obeying the Word

For several weeks, I have had in mind that I wanted to start a blog. I keep a journal-not really up-to-date though, but I am hoping that I will be better at maintaining this digital footprint. Many things have happened recently which have now pushed starting a blog to the forefront... I have attended 2 funerals in the past week, one of which was my Nannie. She was 91 years old and lived a wonderful life. I imagined my funeral as I looked around at the people attending. I want people at my funeral to know that I loved them, how I lived my life for God's purpose and that there would never be any question about what I valued. I realize that these things will be primarily known by WATCHING how I lived my life, not READING about how I lived my life. However, I want to use this forum as a small piece of my legacy-a place where you can catch a glimpse of who I am and a place where I can document the journey of this legacy that I am leaving. Secondly, as I have been surfing the Internet and questioning if I should start blogging,I ran across some startling sites. Now, I'm a googler. So anytime I want to find something, don't know what it is or just curious and exploring, I'm going to google it. I was searching for blogs that had something to do with faith and came across a website of moms. This website had top 25 blogs about faith and over half were blogs about pagans, witches, magic, wiccans, etc. WHAT?????? I expected to find mostly Christian faith based blogs, with some other religions represented, but never imagined this. I even checked to make sure I googled the right thing-apparently I did. This was shocking and disturbing to me-I want people to know the Jesus that I know. To know that God is our comforter and source of strength. To live this earthly life by faith, the faith that comes by hearing the word of God. To know that He has equipped and called us for His purpose. Whether this blog is ever read by anybody other than me, I know that I am called to write this because of the following verse:

Attention, Israel! God, our God! God the one and only! Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the DOORPOSTS of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

My goal is to build my faith and those around me by inscribing on the doorposts of my life. Let this serve as a reminder for me to live my life as God commanded-to love God and love His people! To take every day, every opportunity, every moment and use it to teach, lead, empower, encourage. I'm going to being looking for doors of opportunity because then I'll have a doorpost to inscribe on! Stay tuned~