• About Encouraging Em

Encouraging Em

~ Encouraging Others One Hopeful Truth At A Time

Encouraging Em

Tag Archives: faith

Homesick 11/6/15 

06 Friday Nov 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

faith, God, homesick, hope, journey, promises, trust

Happy Friday y’all!! 

Today I am feeling homesick. There are moments that this journey wears on me. I get tired and I miss the comforts of home. I miss my family. I miss my friends. Not everything was perfect but I had a comfort zone {don’t we all} and I would have never left except to be obedient to the Lord. 

Sometimes our obedience leads us on a journey to lonely places. I recall the story of Abraham. The Lord called him out to a place where he had never been. He just went. He gathered his family and went. He didn’t have a plan. He had faith. He trusted blindly. This decision of obedience will always cost us. We will lose some things, some people too. We will leave things and people behind. We will take a huge risk in the hope of God being faithful. 

In Hebrews 11 it tells us there are rewards for such faith. It’s the hall of faith. What a list of amazing people doing extraordinary things for God. These were everyday people like you and me. They got homesick. I’m sure at times they wanted to go back {the Isrealites did}. I sometimes want to too but on days like these when home seems so far away I choose to remember everything God said and did. I take my tears to Jesus and he comforts me with hope. Hope for all he is going to do even though I don’t see how. I am comforted knowing that I am not the only one who took a risk and left home. I am encouraged that like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and all the others who have walked a journey, that I too, will be rewarded for my faith. What an honor! 

Keep Asking! 11/5/15 

05 Thursday Nov 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

ask, faith, God, Good Father, hope, pray, prayer

Good morning friends!!

Every year my husband and I request that the kids make their Christmas list {open season lol}. I must say the kids don’t disappoint as their list can be quite extensive. This year was no different but I noticed that my teenager had a really hard time making a list {will wonders never cease}. You’d think I’d be happy…no list…no gifts. Right? I was curious to what was taking him so long so I asked him. He said that what he wanted he knew he wasn’t going to get so what was the point in making a list. Hmmm. Not the answer I was expecting. 

How many times have we refused to go to the Lord with a request simply because we didn’t think he would answer us? 

I was hurt because I asked him to ask and he didn’t trust my heart towards him. He didn’t see it that way. He saw the times that he asked and didn’t get what he asked for. Sound familiar? I am not insinuating that our request is like a Christmas list or that the Lord is Santa Claus. It’s the principle here of asking when told to ask. The Lord tells us to pray; to bring our request before him continually. Often times we stop asking because we haven’t received in a way we expected. Just like my son, we don’t trust the heart of God towards us. We see an unanswered prayer and our hearts get hardened and distant. We get discouraged and disappointment sets in and we no longer pray and seek God for our needs and desires. 

God asks us to ask and seek him and he knowing the plan for our life will say no at times or not now. This is NOT him not answering or not hearing you. This is his protection over you but do not stop asking!!! Don’t be discouraged over a no or not yet. Be encouraged that the Lord knows your end from your beginning. He sees your need and wants and has a plan to meet them all. In the meantime he’s working on your behalf in unexpected ways. Trust the Fathers heart towards you…you are after all his beloved child. 

A Good Father 11/4/15 

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

faith, God, Good Father, love, peace

Good morning friends!! 

I woke up this morning singing a song about what a good Father God is. Seeing God as a father can be very hard for some; it was for me. We tend to look through the lense of our personal experience with our own dads. If our experience has been bad or even non existent it will be a challenge to see God as he really is. 

I love the movie “Father of the Bride.” I can not watch that movie without crying. The way George Banks loves Annie just melts my heart. He wasn’t perfect, in fact he was hilariously cheap but his love, admiration, respect, and devotion is what I imagined a dad’s love should be like. 

No matter what your experience has been I’m hear to tell you that our God is a good Father. His word says it. His actions prove it. His track record is flawless. He can be trusted. He doesn’t withhold good from you. He will always keep his promises and meet your every need. His plan is not to harm you but protect you. He stores your tears and knows the very number of hairs on your head. There is not one moment of your life that he has left you or forgotten you. He sees you. He ears you. He is for you and his heart will always be to give you all of him. 

Lord I pray today that you heal every broken part of us that keeps us from seeing you as you really are…our good Father. Comfort those of us who still grieve over the loss of our father and relationship. Bring peace and quiet the noise that drowns out your voice. In Jesus name…Amen! 

Sticks and Stones 10/24/15 

24 Saturday Oct 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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!! 

Liar Liar 10/12/15 

12 Monday Oct 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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 

Keep in Mind 10/11/15 

11 Sunday Oct 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

faith, God, hope, love, Sunday

Good evening friends! 

Monday is quickly trying to take over my Sunday and that is no bueno! LOL! 

Are you dreading tomorrow? Well, here is a list of things we need to keep in mind this coming week {repeat as often as you need to}.  

  • My God has already gone before me {nothing is by happen chance or a result of Gods failure} 
  • I will pursue peace in every decision {if it dosen’t feel right I won’t do it, eat it, or say it} 
  • I am only responsible for myself {what others do is a result of their choices not mine} 
  • I am deeply loved by a good God {when doubt enters in and I can’t see that the devil is a lie} 
  • I will see the goodness of the Lord this week {expectations are a set up for surprises} 
  • Nothing and no one is in charge of my happiness {this is an internal job} 
  • Smile! {people are watching} 
  • Pray! {fail to pray plan to panic} 
  • Live! {don’t spend so much time making a living that you forget to enjoy living}     

My sincerest hope is that we don’t dread our life. Look around and see all that God has done. Focus on the good. Look for it and dwell there. I pray that the Lord cover and protect you and that you know the depths of his love for you! 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. {Proverbs 3:5-6}

Have a great week!! 

Protected 10/9/15 

09 Friday Oct 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

covering, faith, hope, Jesus, love, Protector, umbrella

  
Good morning friends!! 

It’s raining and I just love this weather! Rain boots, umbrella, coats and scarves oh my!

God likes to speak to me in the most silliest of ways. I was going through my pics to delete them and saw this one and it all of the sudden hit me. I was smiling in the rain, with an umbrella, completely dry! Usually, I see it’s raining and I figure oh well I’ll just get a little wet, no biggie and then regret not bringing one. Ugh! How many times do we assume we can handle what’s going on without the help of the Lord? 

Today’s encouraging word is…allow the Lord to be your umbrella {something which provides protection}. He is able to protect you during the changing elements {seasons, issues, circumstances} of your life. Don’t leave him in the back seat {guilty}, or coat closet {guilty again} when you know you need him. So many times we see what’s going on and we try to weather the storm on our own; protect ourselves. Beloved friend, Christ came to be our umbrella of protection. I love the analogy of a mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings. Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes it’s just a little rain and other times it’s a downpour; either way we need him! He desires to be first pick. Go to him today and ask for what you need. Don’t assume you can do this on your own. Your need is indicative that you can’t. It’s ok. Be needy. Seek shelter. Run for cover! He can keep you smiling, dry, and protected all while you enjoy the journey! 

Have a great weekend my friends!! 

My Decalration! 10/8/15 

08 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by encouragingem in Daily Truth, Encouraging, Faith, Hope

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

disappointment, faith, faithful, frustration, God, journey

Good morning friends!! 

For the past 4 years my family has been on a journey. We were given very little insight to what we would have to go through. We were told to go and not look back. We followed blindly and willingly. We have encountered some major disappointments and frustrations. We had no idea of the struggle of what depending on God in the reality of our disappointments would be like. Nothing has gone according to what we thought it would be like {shocker}. Our expectations were huge! Our reality was less than huge…disappointing to be honest. 

However, this is not a story of how horrible our God is or how he failed us. It’s a story of a family who followed God and endured inspite of difficulty, discouragement, and disappointment. We have survived not on our own merits but by the grace of God. Although our expectations were not met he still met us in unexpected ways. We are real people with real feelings and emotions. We get tired. We get upset. We have our good and bad days. We press on. We continue to believe that there is purpose in the process. The process is done in the waiting; in the time in between prophesy and promise. The promise doesn’t have a chance to be all that it was design to be without a process. I have no idea what God has for my family but I know we are in preparation for it. I will not sacrifice all that I’ve known God to be and is on the alter of disappointment.

The very same God that ushered the Israelites across the Red Sea, the same God who silenced the mouth of the lions for Daniel, the same God who brought forth a baby from the womb of Sarah at 90 years of age, the very same God who delivered and blessed Joseph super abundantly, the same God who made David, a shepherd boy, a king, the same God who gave Joshua victory over all his enemies, the same God who raised Jesus from the grave, this God, my God, will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I could ask, dream, or imagine. YES, the One who is the same, yesterday and forever will see me and my family through {and yours} to our expected end. 

If you’re disappointed today know that you’re not alone. I want to assure you that what you’re feeling doesn’t surprise nor insult God. He sees you! He knows exactly where you are. You’re in a process. Even though you feel forgotten and forsaken you’re not. Be encouraged today that you are in great capable hands that have not let you go. There is no need to protect yourself or the reputation of God. He’s big enough to handle it all. Don’t despair. Don’t quit. Don’t turn around and go back. Keep moving forward even if it’s with tears in your eyes. Rest instead of worry. At the right moment the right door will be open to you and you will NOT miss it!! I’m praying for you today wherever you are my friend!! 

He Said What?! 

13 Sunday Sep 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

enemies, faith, fruit of the spirit, hope, Jesus, love

  


So what is the definition of love? The Lord commands us to love one another {sounds fair}; to love our neighbor as ourselvelf {not so hard} and to love our enemies…What?! Now that is just cra cra!! The bible says love is…patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude; it does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

When I consider what the word of God says about love I find that I’m lacking in this area. Loving my enemies is not easy when the they are…my enemy! I want to be irritated! I want to be rude! I’m not kind or patient. It’s easy to love those who are for us but Jesus calls us to the extreme. He was extreme in his love for us to the point of death. I can honestly say I would die for very few people. Looks like I have some growing to do. I’ve only worked on the outside. You know smiling while inside I want to tear them apart; give them a piece of my mind. Faking it in other words but he’s been working on my inside. He wants my inside and outside to match. It’s gonna be a process because dealing with people Gods way is hard when our flesh rules. I want to be loving, patient, kind, and it be authentic. This kind of love is my goal and is only attainable through Jesus. I can’t go at this alone and thankfully he’s promised I don’t have to. He’s promised to be present to help me to do the impossible. I am willing are you?!  

Restored 

29 Saturday Aug 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

faith, family, football, obedience, promise, restoration

  

When the Lord called us out to Texas my family and I had to walk away from family, friends, church family, and our football family. One of the hardest things for my husband was having to give up coaching his football team. He literally cried {that NEVER happens ever}. Those kids were his heart. He loves coaching and we had built our family on faith, family, and football. Moving was NEVER on our radar and to some we seemed a little crazy {to most…a lot crazy} but to us this was our life. We knew the Lord was directing us to move. Our obedience to the Lord came at a price but God delights over us when we trust him especially when the cost seems to be too high. It’s been 4 years since my husband last coached football and this season he had an opportunity to coach again. Yahoo!! I love to see God restore to us the desires of our heart. He promises to give us far more than we ever gave up for his sake. He’s faithful like that. We don’t always see how or when but he will restore…eventually. Hold onto hope that restoration is in the plan for your life. Count on it. Depend on it. It WILL happen!!!

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Recent Posts

  • (no title)
  • Just In The Nick Of Time
  • Your Cave Season
  • He’ll Make It Happen!
  • God Has It All Figured Out

Archives

  • November 2025
  • October 2025
  • August 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • January 2024
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • May 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • May 2020
  • March 2019
  • April 2018
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2014
  • April 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • March 2012

Categories

  • Daily Truth
  • Encouraging
  • Faith
  • Hope
  • Jesus
  • Prayer
  • Self Reflection

Meta

  • Create account
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Prayer Requests

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Encouraging Em
    • Join 54 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Encouraging Em
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar