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Monthly Archives: October 2015

Fight!! 10/29/15 

29 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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hope, Jesus, love, restoration, trials, Victory

Good afternoon friends!! 

Today I want to encourage y’all to fight the good fight of faith!! This life is full of battles that we will have to press through. I often hear the misconception that as Christians all will be well with us; that we will have a perfect, trouble free life. Huh?! No disrespect, but what bible have you been reading? 

All through out scripture we see faithful men and women of God who encountered trials and troubles in their life. They too, wondered where God was; does he hear me? See me? Abraham and Sarah were childless for years, Joseph’s family betrayed him and sold him as a slave which caused years of unfair injustice to him, Saul tried to kill David, Job lost everything and all he loved. Those are just to name a few who had to fight to continue to believe that God was faithful and would do what he promised. 

Issac was born to Sarah at 90 years old, Joseph became second in command over all of Egypt, David became King and Job received double of all that was lost. You make look today at your situation and say impossible…I say take another look. God is about to revive that which you thought was dead! He’s going to restore you!  

What is your battle today? What is it in your life that for the moment has you believing it’s over? Financial loss? Sickness? Family trouble? Do you need hope? Joy? Strength? Encouragement? My friends, there is only one answer and his name is Jesus!! He promised life abundantly to those of us who trust in him. His word says that we are MORE than conquerors! We have victory because of his great love for us. These trials weren’t meant to kill you but to prepare you for an amazing future. Don’t give up now! Keep on pressing through!! Look up!! Believe!! Hope against all odds that Jesus will do all he said he would do!! You my friend are gonna make it and come out with double for your trouble!!! 

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.      Romans 8:35-37 

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Complaining and Comparing 10/28/15 

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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comparing, complaining, freedom, God, promise, wilderness

Good morning friends! 

Today is the day we get another step closer to where Gods is taking us! Yes!! 

Do you ever catch yourself wondering why in the world am I still here? This would be the reoccurring theme these days. Have you seen hardship after hardship with small seasons of peace or calm yet it’s never long enough to be an overcomer or victor. Can I get a witness? Amen sista Emilie {I’ll high five myself}! 

God is doing a deep work when you find yourself in a familiar situation or season. The Isrealites were brought out into the desert to worship the Lord and root out Egypt. They had been captive so long {hundreds of years} that Egypt and their ways were more in them than they thought. They cried out to be delivered from bondage physically but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally they were in bondage as well. Our outside condition is NOT the only condition that needs to be tended to. I’m sure they, the Isrealites, thought the moment we are out of here we’ll be free from all of this slave work and bondage. Yet, we see that when they were in the desert even after the Red Sea crossing they wanted to go back cause at least they had this or that. What?! Go back after all they have seen God do?!

Don’t judge. We do it all the time. How many times has God brought us out of a situation and it doesn’t look like we thought it would and the first thing we do is complain and compare? We want the immediate turnaround, it’s what we prayed for. However, God sees deeper then that. He sees how we have become a slave to our old way of thinking, doing, believing. Oh sure, our surroundings may be different but we are still in the same place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are wandering round and round the same mountain wondering what is God doing. He is killing off the old you. The old ways. The old mind set. The old belief and doubts that have held you at a distance from true trust in God. He is creating a new dependence on him alone. No more options. He can’t allow you to have one ounce of Egypt in you when you enter into your promise land. 

Don’t despise your wilderness. This is a mandatory season of preparing you for your promise. I know it doesn’t look good. You’re tired. You’re hungry. You want more than just the temporary. Stop complaining. Stop comparing. Get ahold of what has been promised and praise God while on your journey there. Don’t allow yourself to wander one more moment longer than necessary because of your complaining and comparing attitude. Trust God knows the way out and is leading you there now!! 

Sticks and Stones 10/24/15 

24 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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faith, healing, hope, Jesus, words

Happy Saturday friends!!

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me…what a lie. 

All I heard was “you’re not” and then everything went fuzzy. Why go there?  Why use those words? I must have a big red button on my heart revealing my weakness and fears. I felt like I’d been beat up with words of anger, frustration, and bitterness. Their disappointments spoke and left questions in my mind. Were they right? The thought that I even questioned mysef made me angry and despondent {without hope or courage}. 

I’ve come to realize that hurting people hurt. They lash out with arrows full of poison. Whether they use their words or actions it hurts all the same. I’ve been guilty mysef. It wasn’t my intention but it was the result. Unless we allow the Lord to heal us we will rot from the inside out. When our hurts are so deep they will choke out every bit of hope and expectation in us and those around us. We will eventually become so toxic that drastic measures will need to be taken. The deeper the pain, wound, hurt, the greater the healing needed to root it all out. This is a painful process but not an impossible one. 

My dear friends, if you are in pain let me encourage you to take it to the Great Physician…Jesus. There is nothing that he can not heal. Surrender every ache, sorrow and wounded part of your life today. It’s time you start living pain free. The process won’t kill you but it will make you stronger. I’m living proof that the healing comes slowly but surely just don’t give up!! 

Jesus take a hold of everyone who reads these words and bring hope. Heal every secret place in them. Go deep Lord and do a mighty work that showcases your healing power. I come against every lie and word spoken against your truth in their lives. Bring comfort. Restoration. Salvation. Healing. In your name we pray…Amen!! 

You Will Not Go This Way Again 10/21/15 

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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breakthrough, contend, hope, Jesus, Victory

Good afternoon friends!! 

This morning during homeschooling I was telling my boys the story of Hannah. If you don’t know who she was I’ll give you a little run down of her life. She was barren {couldn’t have kids} and she was one of two wives. The other wife could have babies and this brought Hannah much pain. I can so relate! Watching others produce and here I sit unable to grow a weed. Well, Hannah went to God and cried out {one of many times} and God finally answered her and she became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel. The part of the story that gripped me was when my 12 old pointed out that after she had her first baby she then had five more children!! What?! She couldn’t have any and then boom she now has six! 

Right then and there as I’m telling the story I begin to weep {my poor kids} as I felt the Lord speak deep into my heart…once your breakthrough comes you will no longer go back to the same issue! This breakthrough will cause your current giant to fall never again to harass you nor will you go that way again!! Hallelujah!! Thank you Jesus!! What once was an issue of barrenness for Hannah became an area of continual victory! Whatever you are walking through today keep contending for your miracle, your promise, your breakthrough! When time and destiny kiss your moment will happen and you’ll never be the same again. 

Then Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid! Take your stand [be firm and confident and undismayed] and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for those Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see again. Exodus 14:13 


Lord I thank you for your word. I thank you that you never cease to find ways to speak to us. We, your children long to be set free from the giants before us. I ask for your supernatural strength to empower us to contend until the breakthrough comes. Give us hope. Help us to believe again. Show us your mercy and grace as we wait on you. In the name of Jesus we pray…Amen!! 

Ride or Trust? 10/19/15 

19 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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issues, Jesus, roller coaster, trouble, trust, Victory

Good afternoon my peeps!! 

There are days that I live on the edge of a breakthrough or a breakdown! Can you relate to this roller coaster ride? One day I feel great the very next I feel like I’m going to die. How is it that we can be so extreme? There is no way to avoid issues, people, or struggle so how can we remain stable and steady? Jesus tells us {John 16:33} “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.” 

He tells us “TAKE HEART” to have hope, to be encouraged, be brave, cheer up, and be confident {not in us but in him}!! If he told us this then he must’ve known that there would be times that we would lose heart, hope, courage, and confidence; that there would be trouble. 

The last time I went on a roller coaster I had to get in line {a long one} and wait {I did NOT want to go}. Every inch closer my heart would drop and get butterflies because I knew what I was getting myself into. My son {the reason I was in line} wasn’t so sure he wanted to go through with it once he heard the screams. I told him you don’t have to get on {inside I’m screaming…please change your mind}. There is a gate that leads us out if you want to get out. Mom will respect whatever you decide. We didn’t get on after all. Smart kid!! 

We have a choice to ride the emotions of our flesh or trust God. God will respect our decision. He waits for us to decide. He stands ready to grab our hands and lead us to safety. He is able to steady and stabilize the flood of emotions that threaten our peace of mind, if we choose to allow him. Well, I choose Jesus! I choose peace! I choose to believe and trust! I choose to not allow my emotions to deceive me one day longer! I stand on the word of God and his perfect track record of victory! Not once has Jesus failed and he won’t start now!! 

Take heart my friend…we have Jesus on our side and he ushers us into victory and peace every time!!  

Morning Word 10/17/15 

17 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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blessings, declare, prayer, rest, word of God

Good morning friends!! 

I’m already up and at it. Haircuts, clean up from sleepover {thanks for the prayers everyone, I’m alive}, and football team mom duties! It’s gonna be a good one! 

No matter what your day looks like let me encourage you to rest. Yes, I know some of y’all work but this is another kind of rest. This rest doesn’t worry. It’s not your worries that get things done but it is the hand of God that personally handles your life. It doesn’t scramble to make things happen. You’re not your own source! This rest makes you dwell in peace. You will just know that you know that God won’t fail you. I don’t know where you are today but let me speak this over you…Not my might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord!! You’re safe! You’re covered! You’re protected! You’re provided for! You’re forgiven! You’re loved! You’re his child! You will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! You will live and not die to declare the works of the Lord. You will testify to the faithfulness of God! God will do all that he said and more just hold on dear friend! Today could be your day for breakthrough so walk in expectation!! 

Blessings!! 

God Is Moving 10/16/15 

16 Friday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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blessings, God, trust

Good afternoon friends!! 

It’s Friday yahoo!! I was feeling relaxed and ready to rest tonight but the boys are having a sleep over! Yikes!! Pray for me!! 

Last night as I was getting ready for bed my heart was heavy as I began to pray. There are so many things that I need God to do and I want to see him move…now. I immediately felt this check in my spirit that said “I have and I am, the greatest moves I’ve done for you Em have been in you, remember?” well that certainly changed my prayer. 

How many times do we look to touch our blessing and miss the wonder of the blessings God has done in us; the ones that can’t be tangibly held? A lot of times we can overlook our greatest victories because we can’t hold or touch them. When I look back over the past four years I see the miracles of a transformed mind and a healed heart. Outside situations may not have changed much but I can recall a time when I cried out to be delivered from my wounded heart and messed up mind set. God has done just that!! How could I have missed that?! Easily. When we think of blessings we see a great job, a house, cars, a closet full of clothes, and yearly vacations, to name a few. These are great blessings but they are not the only ones. A renewed mind and healed heart are blessings too. 

I don’t know what God has done in you or what he has delivered you from but I urge you to remember. God has done great things for us and we need to acknowledge them. I know you may be discouraged as to what you haven’t seen changed yet but God is working on those things too! He is concerned about every area of our lives. Don’t lose heart when you see all that needs to be done instead look at what has already been done. The Lord promises to make every crooked place straight. Trust today my friends that God IS moving!!  

Have a great Friday!! 💞 

Dysfunction 10/15/16 

15 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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dysfuntion, healing, Jesus

Good afternoon friends!! 

Got any dysfunctional {unhealthy behaviors or attitudes} habits? I think it’s safe to say we all do. Are they causing pain? Relational problems? Health issues? Maybe it’s time for some change. 

Growing up I had dysfunctional habits that as an adult were so very hard to break. Many of them dealt purely with the way I thought about things. The bible tells us “as a man thinks so is he.” I was a mess to say the least. I didn’t know how to be or think any other way. I knew in my heart the dysfunction was not normal but I had no idea how to break free. 

Even though my support system was mighty {and patient} I needed to want to be whole. No one can decide for you! You have to acknowledge the dysfunction and move to correct it. There is a way that leads to right believing and right living…his name is Jesus! No, he didn’t come down and make everything better in one moment {that would have been my plan} instead he had a plan {let me add I wasn’t invited to this meering} to get me where he wanted me to be and all he needed was my willingness to get there. To list it all would take forever {this would my testimony to the world one day} but take my word it wasn’t easy. This process started 8 years ago {I told you I was a mess} and I am so proud of the progress I’ve made. The Lord loved me enough that he allowed some heartbreaking situations to lead me to freedom. I had to choose to fight, push, and even sometimes crawl but I wasn’t going to give up on me. For the first time in my life I felt that I was important. God had opened my eyes to see me as he saw me…what a beautiful person I saw that I would have to learn to love.

  • Don’t despise the process! It may be long, hard, and down right ugly but it’s for your good.
  •  Don’t try to rush it! Healing takes time. Learning how to be healthy {mind, body, soul} doesn’t happen over night.  
  • Don’t give up! You have to be committed to yourself and the Lord. Trust the process is working even though you may not see immediate results.

If you’ve been feeing a tug at your heart to get some things straight, changed, and healed then let me be the first to say “yahoo!” You are worth it!! Don’t ignore the still small voice that is calling out to you. Your healing and destiny is worth the time it will take to make you free!!  

Looking Back  10/14/15

14 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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control, God, hope, Jesus, peace

Good morning friends!! 

Have you ever looked back to another time and place and tears just streamed down your face because you remember so well the memory? 

I wrote this 2 years ago right after my son left for boot camp {Marines}. I had lost my dad to cancer less than a year earlier and had just moved to a new city a month prior and was feeling so alone and depressed. There was a lot going on in me. I was missing my dad terribly. I couldn’t breathe without my son and living in the middle of nowhere with no friends, no family, and no hope {even as I write this I’m in tears}. I cried a lot privately {still do}. I was trying to be strong for everyone; keeping it all together. We had already been through so much on our journey and I couldn’t be the one to falter in my faith with all the questions I had let alone have the answers for the ones everyone else was asking. This girl had to fake it and be happy and man what a burden that was to carry. 

His plan is not always what we think it will be. There are many surprises along the way and if we are not careful and hiding in him we will be caught so off guard that we will think we went wrong somewhere or that he left us. His promise to us is to make ALL things work for our good. No matter what the “all” is it can be used if we allow him to use it. He also promised to never leave or forsake us. This one is a biggie for me. The feeling of abandonment is a common tool the enemy uses to isolate us. Don’t fall for it…he is a liar! 

I can remember writing this and feeling so at peace. I love those moments where his voice can be heard so clearly. I was trying to be strong and bear the load that he alone was meant to carry…my questions, my disappointment, my grief, my sorrow, and every other broken part in me. The message was loud and clear…I can NOT but He CAN! 

What are you trying to do that has you overwhelmed? Are you carrying a load that is too heavy? Feel like you’re drowning? Trust that even though your waters may be turbulent right now or even muddied God is still in control. 

 Have a good day friends!! 

Liar Liar 10/12/15 

12 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Self Reflection

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faith, freedom, God, Judgement, liar, Lies, love, truth

Good afternoon friends!!

Don’t you hate it when a thought interrupts your day and overstays it’s welcome?! Me too!! I was doing the dishes {when am I not?} and I had a thought about dishonest people {ugh}. Trying to decode why people lie is almost impossible. You’ll hear lots of reasons why but truth is there is only one real reason anyone lies…fear. I know all the times I’ve lied {guilty} has been out of fear. Fear of consequences. Fear of what the truth will look /sound like. Fear of what I will look like if I tell the truth. Honestly, the truth sometimes is a scary thing. 

Truth requires more out of us. Telling a lie is the easy way out. We don’t have to confront ourselves or others. We get to hide a little bit longer and avoid the inevitable…truth or consequence {a result or effect of an act or condition}. The bible says the truth will set you free…free from what? Free from strings that lies are attached to {my condensed definition}. Guilt. Shame. Condemnation and ultimately sin. We as Christians know the truth {Jesus, his word} and yet we settle for lies everyday that chain and bind us like a slave to the enemy and in return it results in a lifestyle of sin and destruction. 

I wanted to judge the liar and realized that I too, have been one. I am one every time I tell myself anything contrary to Gods word; when I comply and agree with the enemy when he whispers lies in my ear. I want to be an honest person but I must know the truth…Gods word! Live it. Believe it. Speak it and then I’m free from lies and the hurt they bring. 

Lying is a temporary fix for a deeply rooted fear. God is the only one who can dismantled our fears with his truth and love that leads to right believing and right living. Next time you’re tempted to lie think…What am I afraid of? I guarantee if you process this and begin to practice truth in your inner being you’ll be less tempted to lie to yourself or anyone else. 

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part [of my heart] You will make me know wisdom.           Psalm 51:6 

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