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A warriors tale: Fighting fear

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This week has been a very difficult week to be me. I cant say that there is anything out of the ordinary physically that I am fighting this week, I will say that it is all in my head. Something I have struggled with since the night I was saved is my ability to get very easily rattled by things. They can be small, and they can be big, but my reaction goes way beyond the normal! I am a woman! What do you expect?

Well I expect better. As a christian, though I am also human and bound to make mistakes. I am called to make my mistakes and learn from them as to not make them again.

Fear is an emotion that is beyond difficult to control. I have come to a place now where I have been getting much better at giving my thoughts and pains to God. My fears are often silly so giving them to God was a lot easier. Now, however, I have been dealing with fears much greater than those I have grown accustomed to. I am fighting that emotion and how I act with everything I got. It just seems to get worse and worse.

Well today I received the obvious answer… or better yet “question”…. WHY?! WHY DO YOU FEAR?!

 

It was resounding, it was powerful, and it was strong. I was on the way home from a heart to heart talk with my sister about this very thing, and it didn’t hit me until I was halfway home and my toddler was screaming bloody murder in the back seat. My heart began to weep, and then my face eventually did too….

Then I remembered in full clarity a verse(s) that my grandmother drilled into me as a young child:

 

Psalm 91

91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a]
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

 

 

I cannot explain how strong, in that very moment, the holy spirit shook in me. I couldn’t stop crying, my heart was finally filled with peace that transcended all understanding…. and I was free. I won the battle when I stopped trying to fight, and I handed my helmet to the lord. He took up my sword and landed the final blow on my fear.

I was free.

 

 

This is why I needed God, I needed his word, and his peace. I would have made myself crazy, paranoid, and anxious. I was in too deep in my head and It just wouldnt stop. Though I had read my verses, I had prayed my prayers, I hadnt really given my fear to him. I did not trust him, I just was afraid. Its ok that I was afraid, but when it weakens my faith, there is a major problem. I was disappointed and weeping in that moment because I was letting my strong faith come tumbling down before then.

Thank you lord for picking up the pieces. That was a reminder that I am never strong enough to do it on my own, even when I think I got it all figured out. Without you I would be living in fear and hopelessness in this world of sin and doubt. I pray that you will give the same peace to those that read this who are worries, scared, or anxious about anything. I ask because you CAN lord, and I cannot!!!! I love you lord, in Jesus’s almighty name, AMEN.

 

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

 

 

 

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Why do good people suffer?

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My husband just blows me away sometimes. Mostly because he is usually so quiet and reserved. So when he talks, it makes a huge impact on me, others who know him, and even those who don’t.

Yesterday he came home with a great story from his new job about a guy had a chance to witness to. I wasn’t there for the conversation, but my husband told me that they were talking about God, Christianity, and his relationship with God. The man asked my husband why there are so many good people suffering in the world and so many bad people getting away with things. What my husband said in response made me so proud:

Matthew 5:44-45

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

This holds so much importance in my life. I have been asked many many times how I can love a God that allowed me to go through what I have gone through, and who “let” me be abused and hurt as a child. I have been asked and I never really knew how to answer other than to say “I am who I am today because of that”. While that was a great answer for ME, it wasnt much of an answer for those who didn’t take the path I did in breaking free from my past.

So its a big debate in the world right now. If there is a “god” why does he let good things happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people and the innocent? The answer to that is a lot simpler than I have made it in the past, and my husband helped me see that recently. LIFE, the good and the bad, happens to everyone! I say this as my family is poor and enduring many a storm right now. The answer is how WE deal with these storms. If we can push through a storm all while looking to God, he may not change your situation immediately, but I can say from personal experience that he will make it easier to endure. He will lift your spirits and give you the strength to handle what LIFE gives you, When you get through those storms, God will bless you immensely if you used the storm as a way to strengthen in him. I can tell you that from experience as well.

I was abused, hurt, and all sorts of broken from the things life threw at me as a teenager. When I finally looked to the real answer to my problems, GOD, things got a lot easier. I began to see blessings where most would see discouragement. I realized that despite my pain and sorrow, my father in heaven was there to comfort me.

If you were going through something at school as a child, your parents would do their best to help you through it even though they cant MAKE IT GO AWAY! Most times, they don’t WANT to make it go away because it will help you learn a lesson that you need to learn in life. Well that is the same concept with God. Instead of just taking away the pain every time you asked, he would ease your heart to make it easier to get through. If you think about it, we really are who we are based on our experiences and how we get through them. If God swooped in and pushed everything bad out of your path you would honestly be comparable to the rich and spoiled. If you watch any reality TV, or see any of the poor rich girls I have seen on the news, you would understand why it is better that we aren’t that way. They may look like they have it made, but if sex tapes and jail time aren’t enough to change your opinion of what their lives are like, then a good look at the newest celebrity gossip will. I consider those people poor, and myself and others who love God like I do, RICH!!!! We all know that what you endure makes you stronger, so why would you want to be weak in life, or in faith!!!!

JAMES 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

So my prayer today, is that we can all stop holding on to the “whys” and “its not fair”, and start holding fast to God. Even though it doesn’t look like he helps much from an outsiders view, you have to experience this peace to know what it is about, and it is worth EVERY SECOND of the pain we endure. Every second of that pain is what got me that much closer to feeling the fullness of Gods love. That is my prayer for you. Hold on my friends because there will be a day where pain is no longer in existence. We will be healed, and there will be celebration and happiness for eternity together, all of Gods people, in heaven!

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

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Forgiveness

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The hardest thing to give away, and the last thing on your mind today. It always goes to those who don’t deserve it….

That is one of my favorite songs. The music is beautiful and that guy has a voice like an angel…. but that is not why I love it so much…..

My entire life has been a rather difficult one. I’ve been abused, broken, used, passed around like I was nothing but a rag doll. My heart built up so many walls you would think I would be stone cold by now. My biggest struggle once I gave my heart to Jesus, was forgiveness.

I never heard an “I’m sorry” I never looked for one. My heart was pretty cold for a while there. I lived in hatred of the things that happened to me, and the people whose “fault” it was that I had to endure it. It sort of became me as I let that hatred and fear work its way into my marriage and my life. I couldn’t handle the little things of day to day life because I couldn’t get me pain and my past out of my head. Living in fear and anger was preventing me from moving on and experiencing my new and improved life in all of its fullness. It was also preventing ME from getting the forgiveness I needed for the things I had done out of hatred and anger.

The number one thing that caused me to start thinking this way was having a son. When I was a baby, I was taken advantage of, sexually, physically, and emotionally. I knew that statistics show that abuse is a cycle and it tends to repeat itself throughout generations. I also knew that I wanted something different for myself, and for my son. I wanted to break that cycle. I swore to myself over and over again I wouldn’t let myself hurt my son in any way. You know, I probably wouldn’t have, ever. Even if I didn’t give my life to God. I did notice that the cycle was still affecting me one day, when I found myself drinking at night after he went to bed. Not just a drink to take the edge off, I was drinking a LOT. I was nasty to my husband, I was not the best wife. I had known God at this point but I realized, thanks to him, that I was still letting my anger and lack of forgiveness get the best of me. I would dream obsessively about the things and people who have wronged me, I couldn’t let things go and it was eating me alive.

I’m not sure exactly when, but at some point, I had enough of it all. I looked to God.

Again, throwing myself into the word and praying devotedly began a chain of events that I will never ever forget. I will spare you the boring details and give you the ones that matter.

One by one I would deal with my memories. I would think back to how, as a child, I had no control over the things that happened. I realized that I have control NOW. I realized that in order to break free, I needed to stop letting THEM control ME. I found that by allowing my anger and lack of forgiveness to take over my heart and consciousness it put me in shackles.. I was forever shackled to the people who hurt me. When I realized that, I asked God to break me free. To forgive them, was to break the bonds of that anger and pain. The things they once did to me, no longer controlled me. One by one, I would go over it in my heart, and without receiving a single apology, I forgave them.

I prayed that one day God would touch their hearts and change them, and that I would be avenged simply by not holding on to the suffering I still endured. It sounds so much easier said than done, but it wasn’t. I really just needed to give up that hold they had on my heart. They still controlled me, and above all, I found that keeping that from happening was the best way to “get them back” .

Then I remembered what Jesus went through as told in the bible. I remembered what the apostles had to endure before the end, and I thought, “if they can say to their captors and abusers ‘forgive them father, they know not what they do” then how can I claim to be a christian, and a follower of Christ, and not forgive those who have wronged me?

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
It was one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn so far (right up there with “patience”) but it was the best lesson I have ever been blessed enough to learn. I’m free now, I am free to go where God calls me and to do what he calls me to do now that I am free of my shackles and free of the pain, doubt, despair, and worry. The life I lived before I learned forgiveness was no life at all, it was a tortured life filled with hate, regret, and distrust.
My prayer for you is that you, too, will be freed from the bonds of your past, and that you will allow God to redirect your heart to the path of forgiveness. My prayer is that you will live out the rest of your life in peace, resting in the heart and hands of the REAL father who made you, loves you, and to Christ who laid down his life for you. Allow yourself to be forgiven for your transgressions because nothing means more to God, then to have one of his children come to him in anguish and ask for forgiveness. Why? So he can make you WHOLE again!!! I pray you will be at peace with your past, and eager to live out your lives for the lord our God. In Jesus Christs great name, amen.

Colossians 1:13-14

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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Making time for family!

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Sure, we have busy busy lives!!!! Even moms need to make time for family! Oh, yes, I am a home maker, my JOB is family, and somehow, I still have to MAKE time for them!!!! Its a crazy demanding job to do, taking care of, organizing and cooking for your family, then cleaning up after all of the above!!! You still have to set aside time to actually DO  stuff WITH the family!!!!

So, what is it that YOU sacrifice in order to spend time with the family? I personally have to (well, I enjoy..) sacrificing the housework some times!!! Haha, there are very few women who can ‘do it all’ and I am definitely NOT one of them.

One other aspect, is HOW do you spend time with them? I am thinking recently, about doing a family bible study daily and a short song worship! One of the most important things you can do to pass on to your children, is to teach them about God every single day, and I definitely would love more opportunities to do that!

What are some of YOUR favorite things to do WITH the family?

 

Today’s post was short and sweet! Its Yard sale weekend!!!  I still keep you all in my prayers! God bless!

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All this STUFF!!!

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My husband and I recently decided to rid ourselves of most of our earthly “stuff” we have been keeping around for possible future use, and let me tell you, it is freeing!!!!

Not only do I get to finally lose all of this clutter, which makes me nuts, but we are finding out that all of that “stuff” isn’t as dear to us as we always made it out to be! I’m still working on all of that, its taken forever for us to do this but again, all of it is so worth it. In the process, it has gotten easier and easier to just LET THINGS GO!!!

I have always been a bit of a pack rat, keeping everything around for “when we move into a new house”, or “for when we finally have a baby girl (hahahahahah)” and a million other stupid, illogical reasons.

Something I didn’t think about, was that I am just letting this stuff collect dust in my house when there is someone out there who might actually NEED these things! In my transformation I have been trying to be more “like Christ”, so I ask myself….. would Jesus have kept this around? Would Jesus have been a hording pack rat? NO!!!! Jesus would have rid himself of the garbage and gave his possessions (if he had any) to those who are in need!

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I look a little closer at the moral part of all of this, and I think of this story:

Matthew 19:16-30

New International Version (NIV)

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’[a] and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[c] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

I like to think of this as my “renewal”. I kept things that we currently DO use and need, but everything else: JUST GONE!!!!! Thank you God for your grace. It allowed me to part from “things”.

My prayer for you is that you too will find a freedom in giving and living the simple life one day! It is rewarding and blessed to be rid of all of the distractions of earthly things. I pray that you will live for God in everything you do, and that if you do choose to give things up, that God will bring you many many blessings with every thing you let go of that isn’t  Jesus!

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Addictions and Transformation

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What is yours?

A few months back, I had quite a few of them! I was addicted to nicotine for about 5 years, I was definitely someone with an addictive personality. I would get glued to pretty much EVERYTHING, from TV shows, to alcohol, to nicotine. I was addicted to food and ate quite a bit more than I should and gained a good 40-50 lbs. I fortunately had the sense, or at least the luck to not be exposed to any of the harder drugs like cocaine or heroin, but if I were around others doing it, I probably would have. I had what some would call NO SELF CONTROL.

Years ago I struggled with sexual addiction. Nearly destroying my marriage God saved me from that, but in my folly, I allowed myself to fall into other patterns of addiction.

It was who I was, I couldn’t help it.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

So what changed? Well I call it ‘conviction of the holy spirit’. The first thing that happened, before I had quit anything, was that I began to listen to a sermon every day. Charles Stanley, Joseph prince, all those guys! Hearing those sermons are what encouraged me to start dipping into the bible. I started listening to the audio bible while I cleaned, while I sat around, and while I browsed Facebook. Then one day my husband and I were discussing finances and I decided to take a better look at our (not so much of a)  budget! I put together all of the numbers and realized that we were over paying and under earning.  There was one number that stood out to me though, and it was how much I was spending on those supposedly cheap e cigarettes. I immediately felt sick. Deeply deeply disgusted with myself! I mean, what good was nicotine REALLY doing for me? It was a habit, nothing more, just a meaningless and rather expensive habit. An addiction that was really costing me. Im not even going to GET into the physical cost, but the monetary cost was enough. Something in my spirit shook, and I reached down out of habit to take a hit of my Ecig, I got so sick in my stomach that I was able to throw it away from me. Its been over a month now, and not one hit. There just isn’t any reason for it!!! That was just the start of my battle with my addictive personality.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.

At the time I was eating a LOT. Especially once I quit my Ecig, and I noticed that a few days after I quit. I realized I was just over compensating for one addiction with another, and If you bought all organic and non GMO food, you would know what I mean when I say “cost”! So slowly I began to replace food, with a more spiritual ‘food’. I dove deeper and deeper into the word. I found that the release of my constant food and nicotine cravings was getting easier and easier, and the proverbial “monkey on my back” feeling was gone within days.  I even started losing weight!!! Like, a lot, it was falling off!!!!

Philippians 3:19

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Once I started getting better with food, I found that I had yet to address another issue. I wouldn’t call myself an alcoholic, but I could never JUST HAVE ONE drink. I was an all or nothing type girl! It was pointless to drink without getting drunk!!!! I mean, that is why alcohol exists right? Wrong. Wine, like many things, can be pretty good for you. IN MODERATION. So again, I dove in the word. I prayed for help. I needed to release this need to do more, to overindulge. It took a lot more strength than I am willing to admit, but that is why GOD was so important in this equation. He is made perfect in my weaknesses!!!! Why WOULDN’T GOD want to help me!!!! I wanted to be obedient to God in every way. When you are not obedient, you do not receive his blessings in full! Just like a parent withholding gifts from a misbehaving child! I finally could let up. I’m not sure how and when the transformation took place with this, but some how, and some way, the craving lessened and I no longer NEEDED more than one glass of wine, and liqueur was a thing of the past! It was a wonderfully freeing experience knowing I have control in an area where I once didn’t! My prayers of fear and defeat, soon became songs of praise! I was free…. or so I thought. Of course there was more!

Ephesians 5:18

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

In the end I realized there was something that I have slowly been letting go of thanks to God, but I still had a tight and worrisome grip. That grip was on my “self”. I realized I wasnt living for God, I was still living for myself in a way. I needed to totally put that sense of “mememe” in the back seat and let Jesus “take the wheel”.  I prayed about that, and I let go. Even after defeating those three mega addictions, I felt the freest I have ever felt. i was released from chains.

Most people think that becoming a christian is a way to just “tie yourself down”. That is the biggest misconception. Although, when you are still living in the world, you love those things… If anyone were to tell you to quit right now, you would probably laugh and say yeah… right…. or something of the sort. That was how I thought as well. Regardless, at some point, you may notice the effects those things take on your body, your livelihood, your spirit.

I realized at one point that those things PREVENTED me from having the relationship with my heavenly father that would save my eternal soul. God healed my body, my mind, and my spirit! I am FREE from the bindings of addiction forever. My only addiction now is a craving for the holy spirit! A craving I have to tell as many people as I can about this wondrous feeling in my spirit! Better than the finest wine, and the strongest drink. Far better than a giant hit off of a cigarette, and even better than my favorite cookies or even coffee! God gave me convictions that felt like torture at first, but soon I saw the light, a freedom. I can never go back, praise the lord.

James 1:12-15

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

 

My prayer for you is that you will call on the lord for help. My prayer is that he will release you from your own chains and free you from a suffering you may not even be aware of. That he will allow you to live out the rest of your life in his peace and freedom. God is too good to let go of for a simple addiction. I pray that you will find peace, in Jesus name, Amen.

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Where you cannot provide….

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God can!

This week has been rather difficult in our household. My husband had to leave his company because they weren’t making the money needed to pay their employees, so rather than sticking around, my husband made the smart move and went to find another job. He has one now, but can’t start until Monday. All the while waiting, I have noticed his fears and his worries playing out in the midst of all of this craziness. In addition to that, we are having a huge yard sale this weekend! My husband has been working his tail off trying to find computers to fix for friends and family and other odd jobs to get us through the week. He’s been making himself crazy, and it has begun to wear on the rest of us.

We were in a little tiff yesterday that pretty much blew out of proportion for two reasons: (1) I didn’t like his tone and I got defensive, and (2) there was a much, much deeper insecurity causing his momentary lapse in judgement during our argument. Both of those things together, along with us both being rather stressed, had caused a bigger than needed argument between us.

So I was wrong on those counts, and that I am working on with God, but what I would like to address is the sense I had that my husband was feeling badly about something. When it all came down to it, he admitted he was feeling unappreciated. At first he put that on me, but in the end, it was him feeling unappreciated by himself. He was having a hard time at the moment working out his role as a husband and father to provide for his family.

One thing I have learned is that a big argument is always caused by something much deeper than what has come out on the surface, and in this case, this can cause a lot of strife. Next thing you know, the person feeling the deep insecurity is saying something to take the heat off of them and the other person will spiral things based on their own insecurities! It happens everywhere, in marriages, friendships, and even relationships with your children and friends!

Now this is not the first instance in which I have seen this type of guilt, and not in my husband either. There are so many men out there today struggling to provide for their family. It often results in a loss of pride and it can drive wedges in marriages and home life because of that insecurity.

My initial reaction to hearing about my husbands insecurity was to hold back a giggle. Why? Because I see him every day busting his butt! I never in a million years would consider my husband lazy, unable to provide, or inadequate, and I show him daily.

So what would you do or say if this was your husband? I remember feeling inadequate once…. back when I was told I couldn’t have a child…. it is the one thing women are supposed to be able to do right? If present me could talk to past me, I would tell her that it is OK!!! You just need to get right with God and your husband and everything will fall into place. When you feel that insecurity though, it’s not that easy to just “get things right”. So what did I do for my husband? I knew that nothing I would say would help him feel any better. He knew I appreciated him, he knew I do everything I do for him.  Nothing was left to do, but to pray. In that sense, I was dealing with my own insecurity as well! I knew there was nothing I could do to make things better, except to pray! Turns out, that was the best thing I COULD do!

So you have insecurity or are dealing with someone who has a deep-seated issue with themselves what do you do?

Pray!!!! Get in the word, and take it to God. I know that this answer seems like “oh how is that going to work…. ” I’ll tell you why…. because once you come to the end of yourself and realize that you cannot do something, even something you are supposed to be able to do, God is the only one who can help you actually do it. Believe it or not, he’s been waiting his whole life for you to ask!!!!!

Matthew 7:11

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

I am proud to say that my husband didn’t take long to draw that conclusion, and I am also proud to say he is still doing whatever it takes for him to provide as he allows God to put him in the right places with the right people at the right time! I am so proud of my husband!

I pray that all of you who read this will do the same in those times in your life where you are not feeling adequate. God will equip you and assist you if you only let him, because lets face it: WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE!!!! We were not made to be alone!  Even the BIRDS don’t do it all alone!!!!

 

Luke 12:24

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

 

Let him take up your yoke when you can’t face the world, let him wash away your sins, your pain, and your insecurity. The lord will provide!!!!!

We are merely human! HE is all-powerful!!!

 

My prayer for you today is that you will never be alone! That you will walk in the lord your entire life so that he may be your strength when you feel weak, that he may catch you when you fall and lift you up so that you will not strike your foot on a stone. I pray that you will deal with your daily struggles in the confidence that the lord has his hands on you and you will be blessed throughout your days as you live in him and trust in him. In Jesus name, amen!

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Now for the children

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How does your child see you and your life. Can you look back over the past year or so and say you have been doing everything you can to make sure that they are raised right? Will they be kind to others, listen to correction, not act up in public, or bully other kids?

A better question to ask is; can you look back over the past year of so and say that YOU have been living and acting exactly how you want them to act?

 

There is a song that I love that starts out with a popular christian childs song: Be careful little feet where you go, be careful little feet where you go, for the father up above is looking down with love oh be careful little feet where you go.

Then they sing; Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

 

Ive never heard a truer tale. I cant even fit all of the times my mother or other parents have done things that she or they would never in a million years think that I would do simply because they did it, even unknowingly in front of children. Your every word, your every move makes a huge impact on those little eyes, ears, and mouths… They look up to adults as if we were kings and queens. They look at us as if we could do no wrong for a long time in the beginning of their years. If they see it from us, be rest assured that they will do it themselves.

 

Here are a couple of scenarios: (1) a child watches his father yell at his mom day after day for the first several years of his life. He may even see him hit her. There is  alcohol and drugs around, the music swears, the dad and mom swear. The little one grows up and goes to school. One day the parents get a call from the teacher that the child is yelling, swearing, and hitting his classmates and is out of control. “where did he learn that from?!” the parents will wonder.

The second scenario: (2) A child grows up watching his parents praying with him, singing worship songs on a daily basis, reading bible stories, going to church, and watching his parents show love and kindness to strangers, and even enemies. The parents look to God in every situation. What happens? no phone call from school, unless somehow in some way, he was the victim of that bully.

I will add one additional scenario, that could be possible if there were enough children from the second scenario in today’s world: The child raised in a godly household is still kind and loving to the child that bullied him. He still just wants to be his friend. Eventually, and yes it may cause some heart ache in the christian child, but it will be well worth it in the future. Why? Because that child planted a seed of kindness in a child’s heart that knows nothing of kindness.

 

What child do you want yours to be?

 

Yes I am aware that not every scenario is just like this, but I have a bit of experience under my belt on this one from my own childhood. Though my parents weren’t the best examples, my grandparents were. They taught me love and kindness and how Jesus even loved those who persecuted him. I was bullied so bad in school that I had to switch schools 3 times. I was afraid to go to recess most of my childhood. I was still always the girl to give my bullies a pencil when the teacher called them out for not having one, giving half my sandwich to the bully that had nothing.

Here is where the patience, and the waiting comes in. Through the awesome networking of Facebook, later on in my years, I began getting friend requests from said bullies. Some of them ended up saved. Saved by grace, repentant for the things they had done, and kind and loving from then on. Some of them were living lives that destroyed them. The total end result? they were still thinking about me. Not because I’m special or anything, but because of the kindness I showed them even when I was being kicked in the dirt every day by those same people.

 

 

Your child will be who you allow them to be, through influence, association, and prayer. Don’t let your children down. God would never do that to you if you looked up to him the way they do at you.

 

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 23:13

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

Deuteronomy 6:7

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Proverbs 13:24

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

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You are wasting TIME!

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Though I am still young, I am appalled at myself for the years of my life wasted in faithlessness and doubt. My heart grieves for the time lost that could have been full and peaceful. The things that could have been if I had only submitted myself to Gods will sooner!!!

Though I cannot take that time back, this is why I am so willing to fight for YOU. All of you who are still wasting your lives on the daily grind without looking to God and seeing what I see! Those of you who don’t feel what I feel or understand what I understand now!!!

I am not part of some elitist club that towers over everyone and puts myself on a pedestal, no, I am part of the body of Christ!!! The true body that ANYONE can join, that anyone can be a part of. There is power here… there is truth here. Jesus Christ, the lord’s ONLY BEGOTTEN SON died for us. These things we worship on a daily basis that you don’t even think that you are worshiping, did not. Some people “worship” television, their kids, their husbands, wives, some worship other gods, some worship celebrities! I used to be one of those people, but I was selfish, so I worshiped myself! Some even worship saints, and other authority figures!!!

1 Corinthians 1:13-17

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

In that sense, God did not send me to sit here and tell you all that it is OK to go about your daily life however you choose. He sent me here to tell you about what you are MISSING OUT ON!!!!!

I have learned over the years of my life that living for myself brings nothing but disappointment and pain. I was always eager to do things to live life the way I wanted, to go out as I pleased, work as I pleased, watch and listen to what I wanted, drink whatever I wanted for however long and however much I wanted. Everything I did was purely selfish in nature, and while I “loved” other people in my own way,  I never loved like I do now that I know Christs love, and Gods love!!!!

Christians, how much time do you spend in your bible? Is it as much time as you spend reading IN TOUCH WEEKLY, gossiping, watching TV, or talking on the phone? Do you spend as much time with God as you do with your iPhone and best friend? if you aren’t giving God the time of day, and you wonder why you aren’t getting an out pouring of blessings, then I hope this message speaks to you. GIVE IT ALL UP!!! LIVE FOR GOD!!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!????

So why do you waste YOUR years trying to live without him, and living for yourself? It is pointless, you take in all of these “things” and feelings that are “right” for you, you argue with others, you agree to disagree, then you live out your life feeling empty still. Nothing is ever enough.

Well that emptiness is what I call the great abyss. When you close your heart to God, you close your LIFE to the fullness of what could have been a wonderful God lead life. So in other words, you work your whole life trying to achieve selfish endeavors and accomplishments, then you die, and there is nothing left for you. Chances are, very few people will remember you, and in years to come after your death, you will be nothing but the dust of the earth.

OR, you could be the LIGHT of the earth. Here is what happens when you live for GOD. You stop thinking selfishly. Your mind is still your own, but it is led by the goodness and love of God so that you will not stumble. Your heart is full to the brim, and whatever life hands you, you will rejoice because you know that this life means nothing compared to what God has in mind after. You live your life with a new attitude, the attitude of someone who wants to save the world through delivering the word of God to every soul you meet. You are always enduring, always conquering, and always in peace, because that is how God wants us to be as humans!!! He doesn’t want us to waste our lives in sin.

WARNING: When you give your life to God, you will NEVER be the same again. You cannot ignore things, you cannot hold out on God. His love will fill you up and you will be happy no matter the things of life that will happen.

Most people don’t want to be Christians because they believe that it means you have to give up living. This is not true. When you become a christian, you are to give up living FOR THE WORLD, and you begin living for God. If you are not happy living for God, then you are not doing it right.

God can give you what the world can NOT. Peace of mind, physical health, and a love that transcends all understanding… not to mention a life after this one!!!! So what is the price we pay for living for yourself and for the world for all the years you have lived and will live? It is unrest, physical destruction, and bitterness, You will have given up your eternal love and rewards for nights of drunkenness and countless sins that have and probably will hurt those that you do care about.

Most people will scoff at this post. Why? Because they haven’t seen what I have seen, or experienced what I have experienced. You can, but you haven’t, and if you continue to scoff, you wont. Trust me, it is not worth the risk. At some point in your life whether it be sooner or later, you will wonder where God has been all this time. Remember that when you ask yourself that, God is asking YOU where YOU have been all this time! it is your own doing if you refuse to let God work in your life. He can either sit on the back burner where you are putting him now and weep as he watches his children waste their lives living for nothing, or you pan make him front and center in your life and feel, experience, and live all that he has to offer! Its your choice, and don’t wait as long as I did to make the right one!!!!! I plead with you…. because I know it isn’t worth the losses. All the things I have done, I thought they were fun too at the time…. but nothing compares to what God has for you. nothing. If you don’t want to take my word for it, it may be worth listening to what other Christians have to say on this. Go to church, read the gospels, because you will find the answers when you seek them.

Jeremiah 29:13

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

TRUST ME!!! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!!!! DON’T WASTE ANY MORE TIME!!!!

Does this country DESERVE GOD?

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No. No it doesn’t. Let me start with WHY!

 

Some score of years ago, our nation was founded, it was delivered from the hands of the British, and we became one nation, under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

So where do I begin to point out how we have shamed those fathers of our country.

We’ve changed our documents, our songs, and our pledges to remove Gods name

we have allowed the corrupt to rule once again

We idolize TV, RADIO, and MOVIE “stars”, more than the God who blessed this nation in the first place.

We have abused our freedoms.

Murder is common place, and accepted. Whether it be in defense, an unborn child that was unwanted, or if it was payback for racial violence.

The name of GOD isnt allowed a place in our schools next to the other religions that are free to be tought and teach in those same schools.

People are offended by a simple and friendly MERRY CHRISTMAS, or GOD BLESS YOU

Politics are an instrument of people who have money to pull them in one direction or the other.

We have lived for oil, war, and greed.

while we have accomplished great things, we fail to recognize the one at work behind ALL good things!

Women and men, of all colors creeds and races are NOT united, we are at each others throats, if not for one reason, then another, just so the bickering can continue.

This post will be highly disliked because many people feel as if God has no place in this country

This country is rampant with lawlessness…. and our lawmakers are equally as evil as those who break them.

 

THAT is why God has left this country, and for good reason. That is why we don’t deserve him.

2 Corinthians 4:4 

 

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

 

Isn’t it amazing though, that even though we have done these things, even though we do not deserve him, he will come back if we only call on him. Our God is a God of love, so why do you deny him! He wants to save you from the world, and from sin, and from death.

 

WAKE UP AMERICA!!! The great thing about our GOD, is that he is unchanging, and forgiving. If we repent, if we change things for him and make things the way they were meant to be… ONE GOD ABOVE ALL, this world can change, this country still has a chance, We are so close to the end, and God will reveal himself. You do not want to regret your decision to ignore me when you were given this chance… you may never get another chance to hear this again. When that day comes, and the lord is revealed, though I do not know the day, nor the hour, you will wish you had taken to heart what I have taken the time to say to you.

It is not too late, act before it is and repent. Give yourselves to God. Allow him to take this country by storm in the greatest revival of the century. A few more years down the road this country will more than likely have a huge wake up call, so remember what I say now: Repent of your sins, your idolatry, your murder, your hate, your disregard for life, and your refusal of love and light. Let God in, and see the wonders he can do in your life, and all around you.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 22:16

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Hebrews 10:26

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 13:3

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 10:13

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

1 John 3:4

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.