Tag Archives: Jesus

Ride or Trust? 10/19/15 

19 Monday Oct 2015

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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!!  

Dysfunction 10/15/16 

15 Thursday Oct 2015

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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

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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!! 

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!! 

Insecure and Loved ~ Encouraging word 10/7/15 

07 Wednesday Oct 2015

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Good morning friends!! 

Ever have one of those days where you look at yourself and you don’t like what you see?! Yep, that’s been me the past few days. The enemy enjoys coming in and shining a BIG spot light on all my weaknesses and insecurities. What a jerk!! 

As I was driving this morning I was reminded of how much Jesus cares about what concerns us; how much he loves us. Yes, my freaking out over a sun spot concerns Jesus too. Why? When he died he not only cancelled the debt of sin on my life but he conquered over every lie the enemy would ever use against me. Self hatred is a lie! Criticism that makes me doubt myself…lie! Thinking I’m not good enough…lie! Wanting to look like so and so…lie! Truth is I have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Did you know that with all the hairs I lose in a day {a lot} Jesus still knows the number of them?! He looks at me with rose colored glasses and sees a beautiful princess clothed in robes of righteousness. When all I see is a 40 year old struggling to have perfect skin he sees me flawless. Oh to be able to see myself as he does. We try so hard to be this and that without ever realizing who we already are…chosen. Accepted. Forgiven. Loved. 

Lord, you know our struggle is real. You see us, hear us, and know us. Help us as we learn to accept who we are in you. Remind us of all the beauty you see when you look at us both inside and out. Cover us with your arms of assurance as we wrestle with our insecurities. We want to be confident. We want to believe all you see in us. Help our unbelief today. Squash it! Demolish it! In Jesus name!! Amen!! 

Honesty ~ Encouraging word 10/5/15

05 Monday Oct 2015

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Good morning friends!! 

Don’t you hate it when you are confronted with yourself?! Ugh! This past week I felt a tug at my heart to pray for certain things that I have not prayed for in awhile. Oh, I pray everyday for all sorts of things but I realized the reason I haven’t prayed about certain things is simple…I didn’t want to be disappointed if it didn’t happen…again. 

I was so sad to come to grips with how I really felt. I love God, I trust him but how could I not trust him enough? The thought broke my heart. The Lord was drawing me in so he could shine his love in the dark places of fear, doubt, and whatever kept me silent before him. He sees my orphan heart and has gone to great lengths to prove his love for me. His perfect love wants to cast out all my fears, one by one, till all the monsters are gone. 

It’s ok to be honest before God, truth is he already knows. Go boldly before God and let him know how you feel. He waits to unload you from all your cares and anxieties.

  Lord I pray that you show us tenderly our areas of fear. Take this orphan heart of ours and swallow us up in your loving arms. Show us that you’re a good Papa who longs to do good towards his babies. Amen!!


Not Today!! Encouraging Word 10/4/15 

04 Sunday Oct 2015

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There I sat getting ready to eat breakfast with my family when the phone vibrates…an angry text. Usually, my default reaction would be to respond quickly without a moments hesitation…not today. I whispered a silent prayer and left it there. 

I have come to a place where my peace is more important than someone’s piece of mind. I had a choice to either let it get me mad and ruin my breakfast or I could consider the source and enjoy my French toast {which by the way were delish}. 

I refuse to fight a battle that is not mine. I rely on the Holy Spirit to help me pick and choose wisely. So many times I’ve fallen prey to the trap of someone’s else anger and paid the price, dearly. I am so glad I have a friend, a helper, who guides me into all truth in every situation. Don’t neglect the still small voice. It is always in your best interest to pay attention and be obedient even if it is to…be quiet {ouch}! 

What a friend we have in Jesus all our sorrows and griefs to bear…oh what peace we often forfeit oh what needless pain we bear…all because we did not carry everything to God in prayer. 

“Not by might, nor by power, but my Spirit,” says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6 

Why?! Encouraging Word 9/30/15 

30 Wednesday Sep 2015

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There is a story in the bible {John 9} that talks about a blind man who was blind from birth. The disciples asked “who sinned, was it his mother or father?” Jesus clearly said neither,  but it was an opportunity to see the miracle working power of Jesus.

I wonder what we see today that leaves us asking “whose fault is this?” So many issues. So many hurts. Fact is people are hurting. The man was clearly blind. Did it matter how? I wonder if we stopped trying to find blame and found an opportunity for God to show up and display himself in front of a skeptical world, whose life would be changed? 

What have you looked at lately that bothers you? Maybe some injustice or problem that begs an answer of why. Are you in a position to help? Would you? We won’t always have an answer to the whys, but we can always apply Jesus to every situation. Ask the Lord to show you what part you can play in making this world a better place. Seek out opportunities to show the love and grace of God to hurting people. Don’t judge. Don’t ask questions that lead to pointing fingers, but point them to Jesus instead! 

Prayer for Today 9-27-15 

27 Sunday Sep 2015

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Good morning friends!!

From the moment I woke up I had the thought that I needed to call someone specific to pray with me and then the word “allies” immediately came to mind {I am learning to not dismiss the little things or the little movies that play out in my mind. This is a new concept that has set me free from thinking I am crazy or random}. Leviticus 26:8 said that…Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 

There is power in unity and joining forces with our allies {ally: to join yourself with another person, group, etc., in order to get or give support} is what the Lord is calling us to do, today. He never gives us a strategy that will fail. We must pray from a standpoint of victory and who we align ourselves with matters. We need people who will fight with us in prayer and not let go until victory has been manifested. Go and unite and see strongholds broken, captives set free, the sick be healed, our families be whole, financial stability and abundance to overflow and for God to invade our lives with his presence!!!  

I pray today that we become aware of who is with us and for us; that our allies will be evident and that we have the courage to join with them. I pray a spirit of boldness to overtake us as we pray in unity with one another for where two or more are gathered we know that You are in our midst. We thank you for strategies that lead us into victory at every turn. Open our ears to hear your voice and our eyes to see what you see. Lord let us walk out in the natural what already is in the spirit. In Jesus name we pray AMEN!! 

Detour to Destiny

20 Sunday Sep 2015

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Ever since I was a child I wanted to be a child psychologist. I wanted to sit next to a couch and listen to their troubles. I wanted to contribute to their healing. As time went on I started school and eventually had children and never finished. The desire to become a psychologist diminished and I no longer wanted to do it. Now what?! I was without passion or purpose. I loved being a mom and a wife but I knew there was more for me to do. 

One day I was asked to join a bible study at my church. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to join because it was for the older women. I felt like I didn’t belong but I went out of obligation to myself to be involved. Best decision ever!!! It was there that I was given the opportunity to lead prayer and teach a few lessons. It was there that I discovered my passion, my purpose…encourager and teacher. I found my mentor and dearest advocate. She saw me. She loved me. She pushed me. These older women were the perfect environment. It was their wisdom that encouraged me. I wanted to be like them. Mature and full of wisdom. They were unafraid and honest with me. It’s been a learning curve even though it was natural for me there was much to be done to ready me for my future. 

Since then the Lord has had me on a journey to perfect that which he started in me. I wanted to be a psychologist so that I could help heal those hurting including me. I figured helping them would help me. I still want to help people heal but now I’m taking them to the Healer…Jesus. The only way I could ever do that was to experience healing in myself first. You can’t lead people to a place where you’ve never been. Using my life, my story, and my pain has become my favorite thing to do. Sometimes we take a detour in life and it leads right where we were supposed to be all along. It was destined. Designed. Purposed! I pray the road you’re on leads you exactly where you need to be even if it’s the road you didn’t intend to take. I encourage you to stay the course and trust there is a bigger plan for your good at the end. Jesus promises to never lead you where he won’t go. Grab his hand and go…your destiny is waiting!!