Greetings!

Today, it feels like spring is definitely on its way. We have struggled through another season of winter, and I can finally feel that newness in the air…like life about to burst forth. It’s like that in life too. We go through these seasons of change periodically. It helps us to move forward in faith knowing that downs will come up, sadness will become joy, and trials will become triumphs.  If we didn’t go through all of those seasons…there would be no growth. Believe me…I know trials are not pleasant.  But, they are necessary. God uses all of those trials to show us that depending on Him will always lead us to victory.

I have noticed that in my own life the seasons are not lasting as long as they used to. I believe that I have learned to expect the seasons of life, because I know a new beginning is on the way. And with that new beginning will come a deeper level of faith in the God who never fails. Knowing that makes it so much easier to let go. I know that what God has for me is so much better than anything I could ever come up with.

So, now I listen for His voice, because He is always near…and He always has the answer. I don’t have to waste time trying to figure things out on my own. I don’t need to know the why of things…I just need to know who. The Bible says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 125:1-2).This says that if I put my trust fully in God…He will cover me.

I pray that if you are going through a season of change, that you will keep your hand in the hand of the One who knows you better than you know yourself. There is a gift in your trial…one that you may not be able to see, but know that it is there. God is working it all out for your good. Trust Him. Our Father is a loving, caring, and faithful God, and He loves you. Period.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

 

Greetings!

Winter is deinitely not giving up without a fight…

I have a new appreciation for those workers who have to keep our streets, and parking lots clear. I have shoveled snow until I’m starting to see it in my sleep. But, even with all of the snow we are having, and as tired as my body is feeling right now…I am still so grateful for every single day God allows me to be on the face of this earth.

I woke up this morning feeling God’s hand holding me. I don’t know why…but, I just felt secure…safe. I know that He ministers to my spirit as I sleep (that’s probably the only time my mind is at rest). That’s one of the things I love about Him. He will never stop trying to reach us. So, I have to believe that whatever was on my mind when I went to bed last night is being taken care of by the Master. I have been striving to be as Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “… content whatever the circumstances.” (NIV) There is a beauty in being content. It says that I trust the providence of God.

When we believe that everything is in God’s hands it makes it easier to let go. I believe that as long as we hold on to “things” it blocks the flow of God’s plan in our lives. He wants to do big things through us. But, we oftentimes get in the way. In our little finite minds we still think we have control over certain situations…and I guess in a way we do. We control our destinies in that we have the power of choice… and we can choose to believe or not believe—to follow Him, or not follow Him. I want to follow Him. I want my life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in everything I do, and I pray the same for you.

I pray that each of us continues to walk in the newness that comes from a life that is sold out to God. I pray that His strength will help carry us through those times of trial…those times when we want to quit. And I pray that we all begin to appreciate the gift that is Jesus Christ.

Until next time…

Be blessed

Greetings!

This week, I am being stretched out of my comfort zone once again. I don’t know why I keep calling it a “comfort zone,” I haven’t had one in a long time. I guess it just makes me feel good to think that I do.

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to volunteer for an event at my church—not to help out—but, to lead it. Thank God, they did give me a co-chair (I guess they must have seen the look of terror in my eyes). The funny thing is…I knew it was coming. Not this particular event, but some event…somewhere. God has been preparing me for it for a long time.

He had been using the director of our Women’s Ministry group to stretch me to do things I normally never would have done. I remember dragging my feet whenever she would ask me to speak in front of a group, or teach a class. I tried to look self-assured, and in control, but I really felt exposed. Like, everyone could see my thoughts, and knew how terrified I really felt.

At first, I was so afraid that I would physically shake. I used to hold the mic against my chest so that no one would see my hand shake.  Then, as I became more comfortable with holding it, I would use it like a pointer. It was awful. But, I grew to trust God during those times. He made His presence real to me. God had to show me what I was capable of when I would let “self” get out of the way.

I think 1 Chronicles 16:11 sums it up nicely, “Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help” (NCV). Whenever I am afraid, or unsure about anything, I go to Him. I know that He holds my future in His hands, and He will give me the strength, and courage I need to do whatever it is He has called me to do. That’s His promise…and I believe Him.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”   –Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Until next time…

Be blessed!