The bench

Recently I found myself looking at an old battered and bruised bench. It is not an ordinary bench by any means, this bench can move. It has waged through storms of great magnitude, been thrown over more than a few times and even been broken in a few pieces. Paint chips often can be found scattered around its surface and yet the amazing thing is, it still glides beautifully.

This bench was a wedding gift to my husband and I eleven years ago at our wedding shower. It has traveled with us from one home to another and now sits proudly on our front porch. The very place I always pictured it. Interesting thing is when I first sat in it all those years ago, opening lovely wrapped gifts. I had no idea what God really had in store for me. Even now I am often left pondering. 

Anyone who has torched through this life knows what I am talking about. Life is so often not about the pretty things. The fancy wrapped things are usually not the ones we see Him in. Oh no my friend, it is in the broken and bruised parts of our life that we witness our great God doing His majestic work.

There have been times I have sat on that bench back when it was pretty and painted and thought about nothing in particular. Then there have been the times I have sat and rocked and rocked, attempting to rock the pain away. The winds would again pick up and the storms would come and blow us over yet again. Rain would pound on us and even chip away at our pretty exterior, the one we worked so hard to keep together. We would eventually even break under the pressure.

Then something brilliant happened. In my brokenness, something amazing occurred. I walked past my bruised and beaten old bench and I witnessed how strong it really is. I feel its ability to still rock with the wind and withstand the worldly beatings. I no longer am focused on the exterior, I am witnessing the inner most part at work, the One that keeps it moving. I see me. I see the one God takes notice of when He looks down on His precious creation. I feel His Hand upon me.

Yes I may be worn, I may be battered. At times I may break under His pressure, even be blown over by the very winds of life God has allowed me to walk through. But in this moment, this sweet and precious moment I am reminded of the truth. The Heavenly Truth. It is during these seasons of my life, these not so pretty parts that I most experience my Heavenly Papa coming to be with me. Leaving His throne to scoop me up and put me back on His firm foundation. He is the Potter that not only puts me back together. He is the Potter that holds me together.

Not my way Lord, but the beautiful way You always imagined and intended for me."O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (Isaiah 64:8). "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:16).

A life long prayer...
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.

Growing in Grace

How do you glorify God? What is it in your life that you can do on a daily basis to give glory to the Lord? Have you ever really thought about those questions... really pondered what giving God glory looks like?


For a while now I have felt like my head is in the sand. As much as I want to have my head in the clouds I can not seem to get my head out of the mire and muck of this world. Consumed by constant affliction, wondering at times how my actions can be glorifying to God. Caught up in the "why me Lord" instead of the "thank You Jesus".


Have you ever been there?


The Lord has spoken to me just recently. He has spoke to me about how all that transpires in my life, all that He allows is growing me in grace. When I think of grace I often think of Christ and the richness of His love for me as He gave Himself as a ransom on my behalf to cover my multitudes of sin with His innocent blood. (Ephesians 2:5)


In that precious moment I see the truth. I may never be able to climb upon a cross and be crucified for another. But what I can do is die to myself. With every insult and hardened heart that crosses my path I can choose to love and forgive. Seeking to show grace rather that wrath. Allowing others to see me attempt to love as Jesus loves and pointing to Him as my Heavenly example. After all He is my strength (Philippians 4:13).


The road of life appears filled with endless hills and valleys at times, my body aches at the wounds this life often creates. Yet it is in those times of reflection with my Heavenly Father I realize. These are the moments when the crowd is watching me. Taunting me the enemy desires to have me to fail, to give up and quit trying. Yet the Lord picks me up and says, "now is your chance, show them ME!" "Show them grace until they can not help but see ME in you." Tear filled eyes I cry to my Papa "I can not do it!" HE reminds me He never asked me to. For with out Him nothing I do can be worthy of His glory. (Psalm 115: 1)


That is the amazing part. We give Him glory because it is HIM working through us. Do you understand that as you grow in grace... you are ultimately growing into obedience to accept that which you can not understand. The things that hurt the most, test your faith and bring you to your knees. It is when you make the choice to die to bitterness and choose instead to forgive that HE smiles and says... "well done my child, you are truly growing into MY grace".

"For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4: 15

Seeing through the fog... into the clouds

A grander plan? Some times I think we have all wondered what plan could possibly involve this? What Author could use such events to bring about good from these heartaches, mistakes, misfortunes? Romans 8:28 (NIV) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."


Have you ever been driving in a time of dense fog? Straining your eyes to see that which you know lies ahead? The question is are you looking for the worldly things you know will soon make their appearance known sooner or later? Or are you looking past those things on our road of life and straining your eyes to look towards the Heavens... into the clouds for the Savior who awaits your call?


The fog may never cease in this life but it is virtually unseen when looking at it from an aerial view... HIS view. Want to experience this picture perfect trust? Ask, Receive, Seek, Find and Open your heart to... Jesus.


For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:8 (NLT)

Groundhog day

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Or maybe we just turn the wrong way and God makes His will known? Either way the experience is anything but pleasant. Filled with pain and grief as well as a bunch of confusion about sums up the concoction of feelings.

The power comes when you begin to embrace the turns and stop trying to maneuver your way through His will. It won't work and believe me you do not always have to be intelligent enough to understand it. Even if you finally figure it out... it still takes obedience on your part to be willing to accept it.

Sitting there you may think well if it is God's will of course you accept it. How could you not? Well I need to be honest and share that although I may also think those thoughts, thinking and acting upon them are two completely different things.

Have you ever watched the movie Groundhog day with Bill Murray? It is a movie that as my life goes on I can actually begin to relate with. The whole process of living out each day again and again until you finally get it right is what we as Christians do on a daily basis. Maybe most people get it faster than me, I am not sure but I do know it continues to be a challenge to change the behavior or circumstance God continues to bring me through.

When I think about what I have seen others endure I feel selfish in my thoughts for their path and turns have been more bitter sweet than anything I have ever endured. We each have watched others suffer and often times tried our best to understand their pain and yet can not even come close to empathizing with it.

We have the best interests at heart but the question remains, is that God's interest? It appears I have learned the hard way often times it is not. Grief is a hard lesson to learn, the pain is intense and the idea and often times the prayer of please Lord let this be a dream ends with a bitter reality. It is not a dream. Life is really what is seems at this moment.

Finally embracing this is much harder than I ever conceived. It seems foolish to ever think a life change would some how be easy. But what I have found is that it is anything but easy. Often times it is the pain that brings you back to the only One who can take it away. Waiting on His perfect time to relieve it is often even harder. Here I am as a fellow Sister in Christ with arms lifted high, yet trembling at the thought of releasing it ALL to Him. Reminding myself that it is not the release that scares me but more my resistance to change. Here is to trying once again as a new day approaches. Can Groundhog day come to an end... only His time will tell.

God Sized Piggy Back Ride

Have you ever had the kind of day... week... year that appears to be filled with constant apprehension? When much seems uncertain it is hard to focus and enjoy the gifts given to us each and everyday. Instead you feel forced into the endless unknowns of your mind. The strange thing is that often times it is the same unknown we continue to have swirling around in our mind. Replaying the same scenarios over and over again, unable to grasp if and when these events will come to pass.

My friends I have been having one of those years. In all honesty I have spent a number of years filled with apprehension. Ever since I boldly said yes to God I have been under attack. As time continues on life only appears to get harder. Although the body can often times become numb to the mental abuse of the mind, our Spirit never does. The Holy Spirit grieves each and every time we fall victim to the abuse and lies of the enemy.

Over and over I have been reminded to take such thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:5. To rebuke the enemy away from my mind and thoughts and to pray for God's truth of scripture to fill the void that the captivity has left behind. The Bible is clear if you do not fill your mind and heart with God and His truth after you remove the sin and lies you will allow the enemy to come right back in. Most cases stronger than he was before, Matthew 12:43-45.

You see we can not do anything about our current state of attacks. The more we do for the Lord and His Kingdom, the more fierce the attacks from the enemy. The truth is that simple. Yet even with such a statement, we know that although it may be simply put... it is in no way easy. Unless we are going to attempt to go back to our old ways and sin filled life we should not expect the attacks to go away. The closer we are to God's will, the more fierce the beatings we receive from those of this world. Take a moment to think of Jesus and His last days. Think about the things that others said about him, the horrible and harsh way He was treated. Remember this when the words of others used to describe you are also cruel and their behavior toward you at times filled with contempt. Take heart and hold on to the hope found in 1 John 5:4 (NLT), "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."

Friends, I share with you today because I know I am not the only one being attacked. That there are many more of God's warriors being bombarded with lies and being whipped into a state of disillusionment. We must keep our focus on Heaven and we must persevere! God is not only leading us, He is walking with us. At times He has even carried us when the burdens have staggered our walk. Other times He races for us with us holding tightly on to Him, smiling with excitement and joy as He triumphantly carries us like a child on His back. Can you imagine this God sized piggy back ride?

Just recently I had the privilege of hearing a Brother in Christ share his hope and faith. Bryant and his wife Jennifer had just said goodbye to their 1 year old daughter. Mikayla fought the good fight before she was eventually called home. Bryant said boldly and courageously that the decision to let Mikayla go was much easier because he knew where she was going and that they would be together again... this time forever. Bryant imagined Mikayla receiving the most amazing piggy back ride up to Heaven. These are words I will not forget. Jennifer and Bryant's faith will be forever etched in my memory as will the picture of Mikayla getting a God sized piggy back ride into paradise.

The race has already begun friends and God is cheering us onward. He is enabling our falls to be used for His glory and His purpose, Romans 8:28. He will remain at our side until we reach the finish line. The next time you feel like giving up and begin to lose sight of your Heavenly prize, close your eyes and ask God to remove the distractions. Ask Him to peel back the curtains of Heaven and give you a sneak peek at what He has been preparing for you. Pray to embrace and cleave to His will and to do it with His strength, Philippians 4:13. Remind yourself of the truth that God spoke to me through Paul's sharing in The Message version of Galatians 5:7-10 "You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don't toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment."

Friends God will ultimately deal with those in our life who try time and time again to knock us off the track and have us eliminated. Take heart and remember that although we may not know all God has in store for us, or what lies ahead. We do know the most important part... how the story ends. Praise the Lord, come Lord Jesus come!

Busyness or IDOLness?

Where does the time go? Or should I say what do we waste so much of our time on? It seems like forever since I have been able to just sit down and write.

As a Mom I have been busy of course. In all honesty though I have found that I have wasted idle time just sitting at the computer becoming consumed. I probably don't have to tell you what I am being consumed with. If you know me well enough you know it starts with an F and ends with a K.

The interesting thing is that although Facebook is a great tool for connecting with others. It can also become quite addicting. For me personally, I have the privilege and feel a calling to share my faith with 700+ people a day through Facebook. It is a great tool to do just that but I believe it can also become a tool used by the enemy.

Have you ever timed yourself or taken time to jot down in a journal just how much time you spend on your computer, your cellphone? I am no longer just talking about Facebook; Emails, Instant Messaging, Games, EBay, Craig's List, the list can go on and on. We have so much to choose from. Even the beloved Blog, which I am writing right now. It is wonderful to share intimate portraits and stories with so many others through technology. The question has to be raised though, have we begun to do it at the expense of those we love? Even the One who calls to be our first love? Have we pushed aside our spouses, children, friends? Have we resorted to sending an email rather than dropping by for some face to face quality time? Are we becoming just like so many youths in our society... unable to make eye contact or not fully listening because we are texting or checking emails via our computer or even more popular these days, our cell phone?

From my own admissions I hope you understand that I am sharing from my own personal struggle as well as my own awakening. Technology is a constant in our lives that updates everyday. It is a gift and it has undoubtedly many blessings attached to it but it can also become an idol. An idol that can keep our minds so busy we are unable to move and thus become full of idleness.

So what are some things we can do to keep the technology in our lives from consuming us? Not sure what all the ideas may be but I personally have a few things I have done to try and help keep my passions at bay.

First I have made some major commitments. When I awake the Lord is first. I wake up talking to God and thanking Him and then I spend time in His word. Taking at least a few minutes to listen and wait on the Lord before I even get out of bed. I have asked God to not even allow me to get on the computer before I spend time with Him first. This commitment was set when I first signed up for Facebook. It was obvious how time consuming it could be and I was hoping to cover myself before I became completely consumed in technology. Second I only check emails and connect to the Internet via the computer. I have reluctantly and grudgingly at times had to walk away from the flashy cellphones that offer everything under the sun. It seems you can do just about anything from your cell phone. How strange many people must think I am for only using my cellphone for the purpose of conversation. I will admit to texting on occasion when the opportunity arises, but that is as far as I will go.

So how do you stay on top of the technology busyness that causes idleness? How do you create a heart not consumed by these technology Idols? Or are you just now realizing you have become consumed? I would love to hear your feedback. Please share your ideas and concerns and lets get to the bottom of the pit of technology and help each other out. We will all be better in the end for the energy we share then the time we waste.

From one woman to another...

As I sat here tonight pondering whether or not to go to bed or sit up and write... I was reminded that the quietness is a great tool to bring things to the surface. The sound of the keys on the keyboard is peaceful when you feel God is leading you to type the very words on the screen. Saying this with a small amount of hesitation. Many of times before, when God has allowed me to share, it was not with out judgment and a few harsh words being said. Whether to me or directed about me.

I have come to realize though that those times are no longer a moment of weakness for my fleshly beating heart but instead I have found comfort in the ability to pray through those challenging times. Now writing this and sharing it, all the while knowing that most of you reading this are more than likely Christians and more than likely women. If you are not I am putting out a disclaimer that what I am about to talk about is not some thing that would make a non believer run to church to check out first hand. BUT I am promising to end it with a great thought so please stay with me to the end.

Over the course of the 15 or so years that I have been a believer I have been amazed, utterly amazed at how God is in control. How He brings people into our lives... at just the right moment. How He ordains everything. Allowing it "all to work together for the greater good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose," Romans 8:28. I have met some amazing Sisters and Brothers in Christ and been blessed by many new friendships that have lead to great and incredible fellowship. The gift of Christ and others who believe is truly the only thing in life that comes free of charge and without a return policy. And yet I say that with some humor....

Why you might ask? Well I have also unfortunately over the years had to experience some ugliness, some unforgiveness, gossip, criticism, cruel and unusual treatment. The times it has hurt and surprised me most is when it came from those in my life who I know knew better. Friends let me just say before I go any farther I am here typing and raising my hand at the same time. I have been there and done each and every one of those things too. I do not say this proudly, only in honest sharing to my weaknesses as well.

The reason I am writing tonight is because I feel lead to bring some of this "stuff" this truly yucky stuff to the surface. Many of times God speaks to my heart and reminds me to be faithful to Him. To share the things He asks me to share and many of times I have... ignored Him. A few times I am grateful to say I did not ignore him but I have a long way to go on the obedient side before I will even become close to meeting in the middle.

Before I continue I would just like to say that I am not sharing from recent occurrences only but more so from a birds eye view of things that have happened around me. Unfortunately having had the opportunity to witness. What might these things be you may ask? Well they are the moments we as Christian Sisters forget who our Father is, who we are in Him and who He has created and called us to be.

Christians are marked by love, it is the only thing that makes us different from every one else. It is our mark just as a real bill has a watermark on it, it is the one thing that makes our believing bodies real in comparison to the counterfeits. It is the one thing He reminds all of us when we read 1 John 4:19 "We love each other because he loved us first."

Alright so here come the tough questions, are you ready? If you were to die today how would you be remembered? Would people remember you for the smile you always wore on your face or the kind words you always spoke of every one else. Would they hear your words replaying praise for others or would they hear you gossiping and critiquing another? Tough questions huh, I am not trying to make them easy?! Remember I need to hear what I am writing just as much as you who are reading. In a world that is so backwards, does it make any less sense that we as Christians would choose the easy route as well?

We have been disillusioned by the enemy ladies, completely fallen into his slimy trap and we seem to be unable to get out. We start to get our footing and we even think we have it down for a while and then boom we are right back in the mud... again. Unable to move anything it seems except our tongue.

The funny thing is, well in all honesty it is not very funny in the literal sense. It is quite astonishing and yet completely baffling. The thought I am asking you to consider is, do we not realize we are attacking are own body? We are after all Christ's body of believers and so when we criticize and slander each other we are really doing it all to.... here it goes, Jesus. Now that is a scary thought, a very humbling and embarrassing thought as well. We have forgotten ladies that our battle is not with each other or with flesh and bone. The scriptures teach that it is a full out war with the prince of darkness and his entourage. Ephesians 6:12 states; "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Our battle is not with another human!

So here is my challenge for you, will you pray harder to stop this vicious cycle? Will you challenge your Sisters in Christ to stop the gossip and start the praying as well? Can you be that bold for Christ, for yourself, for your Brothers and Sisters in Christ? I am believing that the more we bring this evil to the light the less women we will find depressed, scared and even worse pushed away from the very God we have been called to serve. Final thought, is it or is it not easier to work for a person who feels the same as you do, supports the same morals and agendas? Well if we want to work together as a Body of Christ, as Sisters in Christ, we need to set the right example. Be quick to forgive, slow to speak and quick to listen, reminding ourselves that those very qualities are the ones we need to be working on and furthering God's magnificent Kingdom with.

Now on to the positive I said I would share at the end. Friend if you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior I encourage you to seek Him now. He is the only friend you will ever need! I assure you He is not far away. He is right there next to you waiting patiently for you to invite Him into your life. If after reading this you have doubts, I tell you now that all relationships have difficult times. All friendships have times of disagreements and conflict. If your a woman you know this already! It is a part of our lives, has been since the fall in the Garden of Eden. But you are worth it. Your friends are worth it. The legacy you will leave is worth it. Jesus is worth it! All you need to do is just ask. Tell Jesus you need him and you desire to be forgiven, tell him you want him in your life. That you believe not only with these words but also in your heart that He died for you. Take a moment to let that thought sink in. Realize you and I were worth it all to Jesus.

If you have a relationship with Him but feel that it needs some tending to, I encourage you to tend to it. Just as a garden grows only after much effort and time. So it is with relationships as well. Even our personal relationship with Jesus takes time and effort. But what a joy it is to put forth effort into the relationship with the one who gave up His every thing for us. Who took on our sins, our gossip our offenses as His own and continued to say as He hung on our cross, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 Ladies that is what our life needs to be all about, that is what our relationships need to encompass. A love that knows no end, that sees past the person and into their heart. A woman who knows that we all make mistakes and bad choices but she chooses to be like Jesus and love regardless. After all how can we expect a loving Savior to forgive us our book of wrongs if we are unable to forgive another theirs? Love is not a choice sweet friend, it is a calling. Placed on us by a God that gives us life and desires for us to have it abundantly. Wanting to do more with our lives than we can even think or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

Are you a challenger?

Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

When I think about the fact that I call myself an Encourager for Christ I almost wonder if the title is misleading to some. Maybe what I should say is a challenger for Christ? In this day and age we are living in so many want to be told the good things, the positive things. They want to be all wrapped up in a pretty little package with a big bow on top hoping to never damage the wrapping paper by opening themselves up to examine what it inside. I feel that although I want to leave people feeling joy filled I have come to realize that true joy can only come from Him and can only be found in Him.

We can try all we want to replace God, our ultimate joy giver with other things in our lives. We can become comfortable with the place or position He is in regards to our list of priorities. Only problem is that if we did this that would mean we would be living complacent lives. Knowing He is coming back many of us wait idly by looking up to the Heavens waiting for the skies to part. Feeling as if there is no work to do. I feel a little like Paul these days in regards to the excuses he heard the Thessalonians make about not understanding Christs return. Or maybe I can just relate to Paul because I was once a Saul. Finally understanding that I have been created by God for some thing more than the life I used to live. Acts 9 goes into Saul's conversion into Paul more completely.

What ever this feeling is stemming from I know one thing for sure. God has called me to boldly go out into the world and tell others about Him. And you know what, He has called you to do the same. What the Thessalonians missed was the fact that being prepared for Christs coming was not an invitation to do nothing but the call of endurance to do more. To spread the gospel and reach out to those in need and in love. Remembering that every person is worth the energy. Not knocking one another down but building them up in Christ. Do we build each other up enough? Cheer another on, say enough encouraging things to help one another onward to finish the race? Or do we get so preoccupied in our lives and in our way of doing things that we forget He is the one in control? I can honestly say that at times I forget about His plan being so much greater than mine. Forgetting hat His thoughts are far above my own. My earthly brain can not even begin to comprehend all that God has planned.

All I know is that I want to work along side Him. Furthering His Kingdom, encouraging others in their walks and standing firm against anything that is not backed up with His word. Not just encouraging but challenging if need be. "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. "Acts 20:24 NLT

So my challenge to you in an encouraging and yet messing up the pretty package kind of way is to pray for boldness, perseverance, and a Spirit that will stand against every kind of evil. To encompass a deep burning desire to begin working along side the Spirit. Are you willing to challenge another in love so as to spur them onward? So what do you say, are you in? Will you be an encourager full of boldness and joy for Christ even when it is a challenge? May we all be able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

I leave you with a prayer Paul shared with the Thessalonians in the 2nd book chapter 1, verse 12, it is my prayer not only for myself but for all believers, "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Questions to ponder...

Do you ever under estimate the danger lurking inside of us?

The danger that can quickly turn into the sin of our outward perfectionism. Jesus knew all about this sin, he saw it daily in the lives of the Pharisees. They had become just as many of us, immune to our own sinful nature. Immune to the fact that our appearance receives more attention each day than our prayer and Bible study.

Very often many of us, even though we are busy Moms rarely leave the house with out some type of primping. Whether it be in the form of a showered appearance, clean clothes, or some mascara and lipstick, it is a regular ritual we perform each day. And yet many of us leave the house on a daily basis with out praying, with out opening God's word, with out even acknowledging that our Maker exists.

Let me ask you a question, as a Mom how would you feel if your child came to the breakfast table, happily ate all that you prepared, dressed in the nice outfit you picked out, left for the day and came back home to a warm clean bed you made, with out ever even looking in your direction? With out even the slightest smile or warm appreciation for the fact that you love them, adore them and work so hard to please them. That my friend is a very minimal version of how I believe God feels at out inability to make time for Him each day.

Our vast choices in our self absorbed world always seem to take precedence over His calling for our lives. Sure we are Moms and we are already called to be self less as we take care of others very often better than we take care of ourselves. But then something happens, we begin to hear the lie from the enemy, it goes something like this "but when it is going to be my time?" "When can I do what I want to do, watch what I want to watch and be my own person?"

Well the fact is, we will never be our own person again. We have become a new creation in Christ and we are no longer living for self we are now living for the Spirit and these two are constantly at war inside of us. Each day we need to make a gigantic effort in making the right choices, prioritizing God's way. Choosing to be in the world but not of the world. We can no longer live as if God is not watching. For we know He is near and we can be assured He is aware of all the temptations lurking in our lives. He wants us to give Him our day from the moment we awake. He wants and desires to be our first conversation and He longs to be our meditation through out our busy days.

Can you imagine the beauty and radiance others will see in our faces, in our lives if we choose to be in His presence first? Contemplating that thought I offer you another challenge ladies; Will you give up time you would normally spend on your self to nourish Your relationship with Him? "I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet." Psalm 27:4 The Message

Dear Lord, I often forget how very much You long to hear my voice and be a part of my day. Forgive me Father and strengthen me in this area of weakness so I can be more aware of You in my life. Help me to care more about this body being Your temple than attempting to be my own shrine. Thank You for loving me through and through and continuing to show Your mercy and grace daily in my life. It is only through You that I can do anything worthy of Your kingdom.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

"God... prioritize my day"

Who knew that 4 words could create such mundane days into magnificent awareness. Who would of thought that starting my day off with that short prayer would create such amazing testimonies in the short 24 hours that we refer to as a day. I am happy to report that although my days very often did not allow me to check many of my priorities off of my to-do-list they did make me sense God in a whole new way. His presence was unmistakable and His will was often found in a last minute thought or action that was carried out for no known reason in this earthly mind of mine. Yet... with in mere moments His will is seen, His blessing is felt and I am humbled knowing that my desire for this day could never compare to the desire my Heavenly Father has had in store for me.



Can I challenge you ladies, can I ask you if you are willing to take this dare and begin praying this prayer along side me? It does seem so simple and yet we know as we utter these words He will expect our selfish desires to be pushed aside. He will hold us accountable to being obedient to our prayer. Are you able to give up your plans, for His? Can our flesh be over ridden by our Spirit? I can tell you that although it is not easy, it is possible. Even better is the realization that you can feel complete joy and contentment in God's plan for your day... and life.



It is not only possible but attainable to train your body to pray first before you get out bed. To pray before you make that decision, because whether big or small in our eyes is of no importance. It is only God who knows that which He has planned, that which He will carry out. How this unfolds is ultimately up to us. I don't know about you but I don't have enough wisdom to know what is best for me or my loved ones. We live in a world that constantly shapes our thinking and behaviors all the while ignoring the will and desire of our Father. We are so often quick to choose something of Earthly value over that which has Heavenly power. We comment that it is to hard to read God's word, to sit and be still in His presence, to choose Godly things over secular ones. Yet we don't understand why our relationship with Him seems to be at a stand still, why our prayers seem to go unanswered and why He seems to not speak to us. Have you ever really wondered how our behavior makes Him feel, how it portrays accurately our priority of Him... in our life. I have unfortunately done this and realized how I have fallen short. How very much I needed to seek His forgiveness. Apologizing whole heartily for my selfishness and my desire of Him being so low on the totem pole.



Only One knows what is best and ultimately how much time remains. That is our great God, the author and perfecter of our life. Today and every day I will choose to seek Him first and ask Him to prioritize my day and ultimately the remainder of my life. For no other hands have the ability to hold me, carve me in their palms, no one that is but my God... to Him I offer my everything.
Isaiah 49:16-18 (The Message)
"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. Look up, look around, look well! See them all gathering, coming to you? As sure as I am the living God"—God's Decree— "you're going to put them on like so much jewelry, you're going to use them to dress up like a bride." May this verse speak to you in amazing ways and may His will bring you ultimate peace ~ Nicole

SEND

It is amazing how clicking that one little button can begin the start of a great debate...

Recently I was lead to share my heart with some of my believing Sisters in Christ. My sharing was then followed by a forwarded email I had received earlier in the day. It was astonishing to see how so few words could upset one of these Sisters. This sharing also made me aware of the fact that many times people seem to verify things on Snopes and yet so often forget to ever verify things in God's word. Why is that? Why are we so quick to send an email that states something is false and yet we never seem to do the same when in regards to God and His word? Think about this for a second, how many times have we heard people share things with us about God that we know aren't true? How many times have we failed to send or share with them an appropriate Bible verse or verses to show them proof of who God really is and what He says?

Now I am not saying Snopes isn't a great thing and all but why do we so easily believe a site on the internet and yet often find ourselves doubting or compromising God's word? I have heard a number of Christians comment on things and even state that God's word doesn't really relate to today or that it isn't to be taken literally. Or worse yet that it isn't completely true. Forgive me for being so bold but precious friends, YES IT IS! Something seems to be happening to us as believers. We are no longer holding fast to Biblical convictions but we are dropping them by the wayside the longer these "sins" are being thought of as normal by a world that has long forgotten their God. It is important to remember that just because something has become legalized by people does not mean God is for it. Only His word can confirm or deny what He is for and what He is against.

There was a time early in my walk that I also believed some of these lies. Today I want to encourage you that God's word is alive and prevalent to our generation just as it always has been. It is not to be picked apart but to be believed and trusted as a whole package deal. Many things we have been warned against in the Bible are still things we struggle with obeying today. And just as God punished our ancestors, He still punishes us for our blatant sin as well. That is why it is crucial that we grow in the knowledge of God's word and share what we have learned with others. Surrounding myself with other strong believers, thirsting for God's word, and devoting myself to prayer are all a necessity as I continue my walk down the narrow road that leads to eternity with Him. Hear me when I say this, it is not always easy, but it is always worth it!

Humbly I can admit to you though, that years ago if someone had shared their thoughts with me regarding my decisions being contrary to God's, I probably would of blown them off. This is not something I am proud of, but again, it was my lack of wisdom. Years later I am happy to report that after reading God's word front to back and following the Holy Spirits leading and prompting, life has become much different. It has not necessarily become easier as I stated but... life is much more meaningful now then it ever has been. I no longer live for this world or myself. I now live for Christ and seek to follow God's calling to share the Good News of salvation, the hope of resurrection and the future eternity that awaits all believers who put their trust in Jesus!

One of the things that was brought up in the midst of this debate was a stance for one political party over another. I personally am neither a democrat or a republican, I am a Christian, I am for those who hold God's standard to the greater degree. I encourage each of us to do the same. My prayer is that we would courageously share our faith and belief in Jesus as loudly and proudly as we do our political party. I also pray that after receiving an email, especially one that we feel led to check on Snoopes, God would lead us to do something else as well. That we would be led to ask ourselves if we have checked in to God's word lately to review our own choices against God's commands and Jesus' teachings. Remembering to also seek forgiveness when necessary and courage when needed.

Ultimately nothing else but God can stand the test of time. Our faith and belief should never have to be compromised if we are truly following God and taking Him at His word. Sharing this with you, I am reminded of a book I once read in which the author gave insight into how to discern choices. The author went on to ask these questions. Can what you are sharing or doing be backed up with God's word? Will your actions be glorifying to God? Would God be proud of what your doing or saying? Kind of makes you wonder what our world would be like if we all asked these questions first. If we really pondered those thoughts before we made the next move, said that one thing, or possibly worse, choosing to not say anything at all.

Worthy

"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)

Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.

It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.

As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.

I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!

One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.

Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.

Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.

New Years Resolutions?

"Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.
The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV emphasis mine

It's that time of year once again. Time to start re-thinking our priorities, standards, diets... the list can go on and on. Why is it that we always wait for the beginning of a new year to change our bad habits? Shouldn't we be striving each day to change our questionable ways?

As I think back on the 12 years I have spent since accepting Christ, it is amazing how things that were ok for me to do as a Christian then are far from being ok for me to do now. The farther I walk down the path of righteousness the harder it is to accept my old ways of thinking and behaving. You know the way we talk, maybe the little "Oh my God' or "Holy Cow" we heard as children that now radiates off of our tongues with out much thought. Words that become harder to say in those subtle ways when we read God's word reminding us that God's name is to be kept Holy, not taken in vain.

The topics we used to talk with our girlfriends about some how have become inappropriate. The desires of our conversations with unbelieving friends have began to change. We no longer want to just talk about the weather but we begin to quiver as we hold the phone, praying for the courage neccesary to share our love for Jesus with them. We become aware of the God incidents in our lives, we begin searching for the miracles, knowing they exist. We learn the power of prayer and begin to call upon it often. It is no longer something we have to do, it is something we are blessed to do!

The things we once thought were cute or the television show we used to be addicted to, it all begins to feel a little dirty. It is that moment when you realize how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life all along. You become more open to the promptings. More open to God's desire for your life and not so much your desire to do what ever you want to do.

The more I learn about my Father in Heaven the more I crave to know Him more. Time spent with others who love Him becomes critical to keeping me on track. Time alone with Him becomes a necessity in my life, something I seem to be lost with out. Church is no longer something I attend, it is my family. Serving is not a requirement it is a humbling privledge.

What a beautiful thought when in comparison to the usual disappointment in reflecting upon our previous year. We don't need to feel ashamed or bad that we are still not where we want to be. Jesus gives us the opportunity to come as we are. Broken, battered and yet.... beautiful. The beauty is not in our lives but in the life we have received when we accepted Christ as our Savior.

The amazing thing is, the closer we get to the Lords beauty the more we want to change about ourselves to radiate that beauty to others. Making new resolutions no longer needs to cause us grief or sadness as we say good bye to those old ways. The excitement is that we can be joy filled because we are finally getting it. God is molding us, we are becoming pliable no longer resisting, we are encouraged as His word reminds us "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us" Philippians 4:13. Even being content and excited about exchanging our old ways for God's ways!

Holiday or Holy day

Well I can happily report I have not let this blog consume me. As a few of you have already reminded me... it has been a few weeks since I posted. Glad to know you have missed me.

CHRISTmas it such an amazing time and although our intent is to celebrate Jesus' birth all year round, it is incredible how the month of December exalts the memories of a day that took place two thousand years ago. Hence the reason I have not blogged lately. I have been basking in my Jesus and loving Him, trying my best to sit at His feet and just be with Him like Mary did so long ago. Now I did have three little girls there basking in His glory with me as well, we have enjoyed celebrating His birthday and reminding each other just why we are so excited! It's all about You Jesus, what a incredible birth You gave us our King. May Your birthday bring us joy and awe inspired wonder every passing moment of our day!

Let us not just be excited about a Holiday as we celebrate His birth and Resurrection but let us remember and cherish the fact that God has made these days HOLY and all because He first loved us. It is incredible to realize, "We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:19

As 2009 approaches let us encourage each other to be bold for our Lord and Savior. Praying for each other as we tell to the ends of the earth why we have our blessed assurance of a future eternity with our Maker and Savior. For "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" Romans 1:16.

Want to give a FREE gift this CHRISTmas?

Free gift... I can imagine your eyes all getting big or at least you becoming slightly interested at the thought! What is ever FREE these days? Well I know of one thing that is free of charge, at least for us. It never grows old or broken. Never seizes to amaze me with it's results or blessings!
So what can this FREE gift be...?

Prayer....You may of not thought of it as a gift we could give or the fact that it is a free gift given to us all. But what better gift can we possibly give those we love than prayer? Everything else breaks, fades, disappoints or eventually looses it's excitement. Prayer never does!

In fact, I was just blessed with a great idea from another Mom. She happily shared with me how her family has started a new tradition. Each time they receive a CHRISTmas card they save it to open up as a family. The ideal time for this would be dinner time but due to the fact that many of us don't always get to sit down together for dinner I also wanted to give some other suggestions. Bedtime would also work and so would story time, breakfast and any other time your whole family is together.

Ok so here's what you do. After receiving the CHRISTmas card or cards you open them together, read the cards and extra inserts (if there are any) out loud. You share with each other thoughts or memories about this person or family who sent this wonderful card to you. Then you pray as a family for this family or individual. You do this each day you receive a CHRISTmas card or as often as possible.

What an immense gift this prayer will be to the receiver, what an intercessor you and you family can be for another. After all that is what prayer is, being an intercessor on someones behalf. You are entering God's throne room and taking the time to remember this person in your prayers... I can't think of a better gift I would like to receive!

We may never see half those we receive CHRISTmas cards from. We may not have a chance to catch up with them in the next days or weeks ahead but we can take the time to pray for them now. We may not know what some of their needs may be but I know some one who does. Matthew 6 verse 8 teaches us, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Well if He knows what we need, He most definitely knows what they need as well. All we need to do is bring our thoughts and prayers to Him and He will work out the rest. You never know He may just request us to call or visit this card giver... allowing the gift to go on.

What a beautiful CHRISTmas this can be! What an incredible tradition we can start in our own families. What an immeasurable gift we can teach and instill in our children and loved ones. I can only imagine what they may think and feel when watching us model this unselfish act. I feel love, joy, peace and all the fruits of the spirit emerging and celebrating!

Can you even begin to imagine the prayers that can be lifted this CHRISTmas? Can we even fathom the gates of hell we will storm on anothers behalf this CHRISTmas? With so much around us to make many sad, lonely and depressed, think of what our free gift can offer some one else this CHRISTmas! It just might be the gift they need at that very moment. It may very well be the only prayer said on their behalf this CHRISTmas but what a powerful one it can be!

So come on ladies lets make our CHRISTmas one Christ would be proud of, lets leave a legacy of love and give this free gift as often as possible!

"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25 NLT

Am I a blogger?

Well in all honesty I did not think I would be starting a blog up any time soon. I have been reluctant to even begin this process for a few reasons.

One being I am very unsavy when it comes to these type of technical things. Second I have always wondered if this type of hobby could consume more time than I am willing to give up. I am not willing nor am I even considering compromising my time with the Lord for another "new" fad. My time with my family and with my Maker is much more important than any of these nifty technologies! My prayer is that if I am to start blogging, each of you, would hold me accountable to not becoming too consumed by this "new" availability.

So I guess you might like to know why I have started this wonderful adventure up...

Well as many of you know I am currently in the process of writing a book, "Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary Prayer" I also am currently working on marketing myself for speaking engagements and the like. Needless to say it has come to my attention that to do either of those things a blog is almost a necessity. The publishers and such want to see if people are interested in hearing what I share.

That is by far not the only reason nor is it the most important. It is only one of the few. The other blessing and the more important reason that I am writing this blog is to encourage one another! Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
I pray that this site would bring God glory first and foremost and bring Christian women together in great fellowship! I pray that in sharing my Romans 8:28 moments with all of you I can be as Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 so beautifully stated "glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.'

To God be the glory!