Tag Archives: hope

Homesick 11/6/15 

06 Friday Nov 2015

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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

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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. 

Fight!! 10/29/15 

29 Thursday Oct 2015

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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 

Sticks and Stones 10/24/15 

24 Saturday Oct 2015

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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

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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!! 

Looking Back  10/14/15

14 Wednesday Oct 2015

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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!! 

Keep in Mind 10/11/15 

11 Sunday Oct 2015

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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

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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!! 

He Promised! 

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

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 Turning 40 was supposed to be a big deal. You know, the big bash with all your family and friends. A big affair! It wasn’t. It didn’t happen the way I wanted. I wanted the balloons and celebration but just like every other major shift I’ve ever had it was suttle and quiet. Our transformation, our purpose {becoming who he designed us to be} rarely looks like what we see on tv or dreamed in our mind…instant, glamorous, with cheers and a crowd. We don’t see behind the scenes…the process. In my late 20’s the Lord had showed me a vision of my future and much like turning 40 I wanted the lights, the party. I wanted the dream…now. I never considered the process but he did. He didn’t need my help planning {I tried}. He rarely does. He takes his time. He likes surprises. He adores our trust. He sees the end from the beginning and knows our potential. We do not. We see time. We see work. We see pain. We see limitations. We see us and he needs us to see him. 

Purpose takes time. Our purpose has a process. Don’t despair. God is too faithful to leave us in a season longer than we have to be there. He promised us a hope and a future. A good one! Believe him! It may not happen overnight but what beautiful flower blooms the moment it’s planted? Just like turning 40 was going to happen party or no party so will your purpose. Whether you see or feel anything happening it’s inevitable because he made a promise!! 

He Said What?! 

13 Sunday Sep 2015

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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?!